Philo Vance: The Blue Lady Murder Case 09/14/1948

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives: "Philo Vance: The Blue Lady Murder Case"

Original Broadcast: 09/14/1948
Podcast Release Date: May 2, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives features a riveting case for Philo Vance, as he investigates the murder of racketeer Danny Claxton. The main theme centers around the arrival of the enigmatic "Lady in Blue," a glamorous and dangerous woman rumored to bring chaos wherever she appears. Her presence quickly disrupts the city’s underworld, leading to murder and a tangled web of intrigue that Vance must unravel.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

The Threat of the Lady in Blue

• Informant’s Tip ([02:06]): Philo Vance is warned by an informant (Ricker/Mr. Smythe) about a formidable woman known as the "Lady in Blue" who’s about to take over the city's rackets:

  "There's a dame due to hit this town this week and she's going to start running things here the same as she ran them in the Midwest. And where she goes, trouble goes to big trouble. Killings, bank holdups, kidnappings, the works." – Mr. Smythe (02:06)

• Mystique and Reputation: The Lady in Blue is described as tall, dark, and always impeccably dressed in blue, with an air of danger and allure.

Power Moves in the Underworld ([03:47] – [09:35])

• First Encounter with Danny Claxton ([03:47]):
  The Lady in Blue attempts to convince Claxton to partner with her—asserting dominance and threatening force, exposing her willingness to employ violence.

• Brilliant Manipulation:
  She maneuvers herself into local businesses as a “legitimate” operator, demanding percentages from Madame Marie at the dress shop ([06:24]).

  "Everything which you purchase from manufacturers here and abroad must go through me. A service for which I charge 10%." – Lady in Blue (06:39)

• Seduction and Power Play:
  An attempt at flirtation and dominance between Lady in Blue and Danny escalates into rejected advances and open hostility. She slaps him, establishing herself as someone who won’t be manipulated or seduced ([10:04]):

  "I step on ants when they start to crawl. Danny, you affect me the same way." – Lady in Blue (10:11)

The Murder of Danny Claxton ([10:50] – [13:29])

• Discovery of the Crime ([10:50]):
  Danny Claxton is found murdered—stabbed with a knife. Philo Vance, District Attorney Markham, and Sergeant Heath examine the crime scene.

• Three Main Suspects:

  1. Lady in Blue
  2. Tony (her gunman)
  3. Smythe (disbarred lawyer and former advisor to Claxton)
     All are soon released on bail.

• Vance's Key Observation ([13:13]):
  In the darkness, Vance notices something on Claxton’s body—hinting at an unusual clue he’ll reveal later.

  "Heath and I did see something. Something very interesting." – Philo Vance (13:13)

Vance’s Investigation and Psychological Duel ([14:28] – [17:04])

• Interview with the Lady in Blue ([14:32] onward):
  Vance confronts her, admiring her poise and beauty while remaining vigilant. He subtly probes her motivations and hints at her involvement.

  • Notable Quote ([16:19]):

    "Nothing is wrong with you, lady. Therefore, something is wrong with you." – Philo Vance (16:19)

• Discussion of 'Stardust' ([16:29]):
  Lady in Blue describes her use of luminous stardust in her hair to create a sparkling effect in the light and darkness—a clue Vance latches onto.

The Climax: Trap and Confession ([21:05] – [23:44])

• Reenactment of the Murder ([21:10] – [23:15]):
  Vance stages a dramatic demonstration with all suspects present:

  • He hands Lady in Blue a replica of the murder weapon and has her act out the trajectory of the killing.
  • In a darkened room, Vance shows that his hand glows after touching her hair—the same way Claxton's did.
    • Key Moment ([23:13]):

      "Now, everybody, please look at my right hand. The hand that just touched the hair of the lady in blue." – Philo Vance
      "Vance, your hand is glowing." – Markham

• Revelation and Immediate Attack ([23:21]):
  With the trick exposed, Lady in Blue admits defeat and attempts to stab Vance but is subdued.

• Confession ([23:44]):
  Lady in Blue confesses in a moment of resignation:

  "You saw me stab Vance. I killed Claxton the same way... I've just killed the only man that ever interested me." – Lady in Blue (23:44)

The Explanation ([24:29] – [25:32])

• The Final Reveal ([24:57]):
  Vance explains his discovery to Markham and Heath—luminescent “stardust” from the Lady in Blue’s hair was the unique evidence tying her to the scene.

  "Claxton's right hand, Markham. It glowed in the dark because it had touched the hair of the lady in blue. And on her hair was a glamour accessory, a phosphorescent preparation known as stardust." – Philo Vance (24:57)

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Law and Crime:

  "Wonderful device, that business of bail." – Philo Vance (12:14)

• On the Femme Fatale:

  "As a woman, you're perfectly gowned, beautiful and exciting." – Philo Vance (15:26)
  "Exciting, Vance?" – Lady in Blue (15:36)

• Climactic Confession:

  "Nothing's very important anymore. I've just killed the only man that ever interested me." – Lady in Blue (23:44)

• Closing Reflection:

  "The lady in blue was a lovely woman, Vance." – Markham (25:13)
  "Lovely to look at, but hardly delightful to know." – Philo Vance (25:15)
  "But I wish the lady in blue had had a different beginning." – Philo Vance (25:32)

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Selected Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:06] – Informant describes the Lady in Blue and her reputation for trouble
• [03:47] – The Lady in Blue’s dramatic arrival and confrontation with Danny Claxton
• [06:39] – Lady in Blue strongarms into Madame Marie’s business
• [10:04] – Personal showdown: the Lady in Blue slaps Danny Claxton
• [10:50] – Claxton’s murder is discovered
• [13:13] – Vance notes an important clue in the darkness
• [14:32] – Vance’s tense and insightful interview with Lady in Blue
• [16:29] – Revelation about luminous ‘stardust’ in her hair
• [21:10] – Vance’s staged reenactment with suspects
• [23:13] – Proof revealed through glowing hand in the dark
• [23:44] – Lady in Blue confesses
• [24:57] – Vance explains the solution to Markham

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Summary

"Philo Vance: The Blue Lady Murder Case" delivers classic noir intrigue, pitting wits and psychology against deception and glamour. Philo Vance’s sharp observation and methodical reconstruction of the crime—in particular, his clever use of physical evidence (the phosphorescent stardust)—make this episode a standout for both longtime fans and newcomers. The tragic, layered character of the Lady in Blue, highlighted through tense, witty exchanges and her eventual downfall, underscores the blend of mystery, danger, and emotion that defines this radio era’s detective fiction.

Transcript

[Lady in Blue]

Welcome to Choice Classic Radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for [e-mail].

[District Attorney Markham]

Is that you, Vance?

[Philo Vance]

Yes, Markham. Well, the district attorney is behind a locked door. Most interesting, Markham. How do I get in?

[District Attorney Markham]

This way, Vance. Am I unlocking the door? Good evening, Vance.

[Philo Vance]

Hello, Markham. All this secrecy indicates an occasion I should enjoy. Am I correct?

[District Attorney Markham]

It's quite possible, Vance. Please sit down.

[Philo Vance]

Thank you. Well, you sent for me, Markham? I'm here. Shall we ask your other visitor to come in here from the next room so we can get started?

[District Attorney Markham]

You knew I had someone waiting next door.

[Philo Vance]

Certainly you wouldn't lock yourself in. Markham, as long as I've known you, I've never seen you display a single evidence of fear. You locked your door, therefore you are trying to protect someone.

[Lady in Blue]

Whom?

[District Attorney Markham]

My only surprise is that you didn't know that too. It's an informer, Vance. A stool pigeon. Come in.

[Sergeant Heath]

Ricker.

[Danny Claxton]

Yeah, da, here I am.

[District Attorney Markham]

Ricker, this is Philo Vance. I want you to tell him what you told me a while ago.

[Mr. Smythe]

Aw, gee, da, What I told you was personal, just between friends.

[Philo Vance]

Please include me among your friends then. Ricker.

[Mr. Smythe]

Do I have to tell this guy what I told you, Da?

[District Attorney Markham]

I wish you would.

[Mr. Smythe]

Okay, then. Okay. Listen, Vance, the DA and I has got a deal. When I hear something, he ought to know. Only nobody will tell him. I tell him, see?

[Philo Vance]

Nobody will tell him. So you tell him.

[Mr. Smythe]

Sure, sure. Listen, Vance, there's a dame due to hit this town this week and she's going to start running things here the same as she ran them in the Midwest. And where she goes, trouble goes to big trouble. Killings, bank holdups, kidnappings, the works. Yeah, that's what I was telling the

[Philo Vance]

da A woman is coming to town and that means trouble, eh? Well, that's not too strange an association.

[Mr. Smythe]

Well, I don't know about that. All I know is this town's gonna break wide open when she shows up and that's gonna be soon.

[Philo Vance]

Really, Ricker, Tomey, who is this woman?

[Mr. Smythe]

You mean what's her name? Search me. I don't know. All I know is she's tall and dark and terrific looking and she always wears dresses of one color only. Nobody knows her name. Everybody calls her the lady in blue. It would be my suggestion, Danny, not to let the lady in blue into this office.

[Danny Claxton]

Legal advice or friendly tip?

[Mr. Smythe]

A friendly tip, Danny, actuated by the fact that I wish to be retained by you as your lawyer for quite some time yet.

[Danny Claxton]

Meaning? I may not be around long, running things if I let the lady in blue in here. Well, we'll see. Davey, let her come in. Out. Mouthpiece. That door there. Call me with it.

[Mr. Smythe]

I hope you'll be able to answer the phone when I do.

[District Attorney Markham]

Bye.

[Danny Claxton]

Davey. I said to send that.

[Lady in Blue]

Hello, Danny. Well, aren't you going to ask me to sit down, Danny?

[Danny Claxton]

I am. As soon as I can breathe normal again. You're the lady in blue?

[Lady in Blue]

That's what I've been called. You knew I was coming to town.

[Danny Claxton]

Everybody knew it. What do you want with me?

[Lady in Blue]

I'd like to do business with you, Danny. Things are a little slow where I came from. I need activity. I can find things to do here. Things you're already doing.

[Danny Claxton]

All right, all right, I get that. But the way you look, the way you're dressed, the way you talk. What do you want with rackets?

[Lady in Blue]

Rackets, Danny? I'm not associated with any rackets. I do things more legitimately. My methods may be a little illegal, but my enterprises aren't. For instance, you're in a racket. I've suddenly decided to be your partner.

[Danny Claxton]

Nice deciding. What if I don't like? I know you brought a couple of your boys along, so don't think I'm being tough.

[Lady in Blue]

No, you're too smart to play that way. Danny. You have a bodyguard in the next room. I have one of my boys watching him. I don't know about yours, but mine shoots straight and often. Do we talk business?

[Danny Claxton]

Take that hood of yours out of here, lady. And you go with him. We don't have nothing to talk about.

[Lady in Blue]

No,

[Danny Claxton]

Tony, don't let him come in.

[Sergeant Heath]

Davey.

[Danny Claxton]

You call me lady. Davey here is giving me some trouble.

[Lady in Blue]

Davey?

[Danny Claxton]

He shot Davey? Only in his arm. I don't like guys that pull guns. You call me lady?

[Lady in Blue]

Yes, Tony. Just as a protective measure. Danny, we'll drop our business discussion for the day. But we'll meet again.

[Danny Claxton]

We'll meet again, lady. I promise you that. I'll find out what your game is.

[Lady in Blue]

I'm sure you will. Only as a glance in the next room will tell you. We're both playing the same game. But the score is one to nothing in my favor.

[Madame Marie]

How do you do, madame? May I help you with your selection?

[Lady in Blue]

It's quite possible you own this shop.

[Madame Marie]

Yes, I am Madame Marie. Madame, you have a beautiful figure. And I have the creation that will set off the blue of your eyes. Please come with me.

[Lady in Blue]

We can do business here. Madame. Marie, I'm not interested in gowns. I'm interested in working for you. Working?

[Madame Marie]

A woman like you is looking for a position?

[Lady in Blue]

Not exactly, Madame Marie, effective today, everything which you purchase from manufacturers here and abroad must go through me. A service for which I charge 10%. You understand?

[Madame Marie]

No. No, I do not.

[Lady in Blue]

You will. Oh, now, there's a beautiful gown. That blue evening model. An import, of course. How much is it?

[Madame Marie]

$400. But I still do not know what you're trying to do. I need no one to buy for me.

[Lady in Blue]

You'll change your mind. I'll take that gown. Send it to me at the ritz. More sweet. Nine, 28. Oh, 400, you said.

[Mr. Smythe]

Very well.

[Madame Marie]

Here you are.

[Lady in Blue]

Good day, Madame Marie. Oh, you'll be hearing from me.

[Madame Marie]

Mon Dieu, what does this mean? Evelyn, I'm not to be disturbed. I'm going into my office. A thing like this cannot happen.

[Danny Claxton]

Yeah?

[Madame Marie]

Monsieur Danny.

[Danny Claxton]

Never mind the monsieur business. I got trouble enough.

[Madame Marie]

Danny, this is Marie from the dress shop. Six months ago I joined your. Your association. You promised me I'd never be disturbed by anyone. Just now I was disturbed by a

[Danny Claxton]

tall, good looking doll dressed in blue.

[Madame Marie]

Yes. She didn't know I was already a member of your association, did she? I mean, that must be it. She just didn't know.

[Danny Claxton]

Jane know all right. Only she told me she's moving in and she's doing it. I'm gonna see her. Something tells me she's gonna be moving right out again.

[Lady in Blue]

Sit down, Danny. We're quite alone and there's nothing for you to be afraid of. Do you like my new gown? I bought it today.

[Danny Claxton]

I like the gown, lady. It's your ideas on doing business I don't like. You're cutting in on Madame Marie. I understand.

[Lady in Blue]

Well, as long as you understand, I see no need to discuss it further. Do you like the gown? Really, Danny?

[Danny Claxton]

Listen, lady, I don't like what's going on here. I was doing all right. I was doing fine. You cut yourself in. I'm not taking it, lady. I'm telling you now. I'm not taking it.

[Lady in Blue]

But, Danny, there isn't really anything you can do. Look, would you care to take me to the theater tonight? I'll wear this new blue gown. I've some wonderful blue eyeshadow that matches. And luminous stardust for my hair. You'll be very proud of me, Danny.

[Danny Claxton]

You want me to take you to the theater? Hey, lady, you go for me a little.

[Lady in Blue]

Why?

[Danny Claxton]

Why? On account of you're only the most terrific dame I've ever seen, that's why. So you want me to take you to the theater?

[Lady in Blue]

Is it a date, Danny?

[Danny Claxton]

Oh, could be, lady. Could be. So you like me a little, huh? Well, I like you a lot, lady. You got what I ain't got. Class.

[Lady in Blue]

Thank you.

[Danny Claxton]

You're welcome, lady. Come here a minute. I always wanted to know what it would feel like to have a swell dame like you on my arms. Come here, lady. Come on.

[Lady in Blue]

You want me closer? Real close, like this.

[Danny Claxton]

Oh, lady. Oh, lady, this is living. Hey, what did you clip me for?

[Lady in Blue]

I step on ants when they start to crawl. Danny, you affect me the same way.

[Danny Claxton]

Oh, I do, huh? You don't want to play then, do you? Except ruff. Okay, if that's the way you want it, that's the way you're gonna get it, lady. You're gonna be sorry you slapped me in a kisser. Take my word for it.

[Lady in Blue]

Really? What are you going to do?

[Danny Claxton]

Plenty. I'll fix you for this, lady. Beginning now. You know that date we had for the theater? Well, it's off, fool.

[Sergeant Heath]

Well, Mr. Markham, we got another murder.

[District Attorney Markham]

So I see. Sergeant Heath. Danny Claxton, isn't it?

[Sergeant Heath]

It was. That's the way we found him. Lying face up here in his apartment, knife in his heart.

[District Attorney Markham]

Vance will be interested in that when he gets here. Heath? Coincidentally, I had to wake him up. After all, only homicide detectives and district attorneys stay awake all night.

[Sergeant Heath]

Call him back and tell him to stay away. Da. We can solve this murder without him. I'll have the guy who knocked off Claxton within a week.

[District Attorney Markham]

You know, Heath, I was living in hopes that you'd bring Claxton in one of these days so we could send him up the river where he belongs.

[Philo Vance]

Someone sent him down the river. Hello, Markham.

[District Attorney Markham]

Hello, Vance. Sorry to get you out of bed.

[Sergeant Heath]

I'm sorry you got out of bed, too.

[Philo Vance]

Good evening, Sergeant Heath.

[District Attorney Markham]

Mm.

[Philo Vance]

So this is a big time racketeer's apartment. And that a big time racketeer's corpse.

[District Attorney Markham]

We're waiting for some men from the morgue to remove the body. Vance, Sergeant Heath has had the knife that killed Klaxon taken to headquarters.

[Sergeant Heath]

Sure did. It's being checked for fingerprints right now.

[Philo Vance]

I hope you find some. A knife killed Claxton, eh, Markham?

[District Attorney Markham]

Yes, Vance, a knife. And now we have a corpse. And so far, three suspects.

[Philo Vance]

Really? Who are they?

[District Attorney Markham]

Well, there's a lady in blue whom we were warned about last night, remember? By my personal informer.

[Philo Vance]

Yes, of course.

[District Attorney Markham]

And there's a cold Blooded killer named Tony who works for the lady. We got him right away, but he's out on bail.

[Philo Vance]

Wonderful device, that business of bail. Who's the third?

[District Attorney Markham]

A former attorney who was Danny's business advisor. A man named Smythe.

[Philo Vance]

Also out on bail, I suppose.

[Danny Claxton]

Mm.

[Philo Vance]

Oh, Heath.

[Sergeant Heath]

Yeah, Vance. What can't I do for you?

[Philo Vance]

Find anything in the room that might be a clue?

[Sergeant Heath]

Not a thing. But maybe you will. You generally do. But look. Don't bother me, Vance. I'm busy.

[District Attorney Markham]

Vance, do you want to look around or shall we go?

[Philo Vance]

We might just as well go. Apparently there are no clues to be uncovered. Coming, Sergeant Heath?

[Sergeant Heath]

Sure, I'm coming. I'll leave a man outside the door to wait for those guys from morgue. Turn off the light, will you, Da?

[District Attorney Markham]

Certainly.

[Sergeant Heath]

Holy mackerel, it's dark in here. Open the door, will you, Da? It's right next to the switch.

[District Attorney Markham]

Certainly. I've got it right here.

[Philo Vance]

Don't open that door, Markham. Don't do it for a second, anyhow.

[Sergeant Heath]

Hey, Vance, what are you staring into a dark room for? You can't see anything. Hey, where'd you go?

[Philo Vance]

I'm over here by the body. Heath and I did see something. Something very interesting.

[District Attorney Markham]

In the dark?

[Philo Vance]

Yes, you can open that door now if you like, Markham.

[Sergeant Heath]

Hey, Vance, what could you possibly see on that corpse in a dark room?

[Philo Vance]

I'll tell you about it sometime, Sergeant Heath. At about the same time that I tell it to the murderer.

[District Attorney Markham]

This is District Attorney Markham. The Blue lady murder case developed as a result of the knifing of Danny Claxton, whose reign as racket king has been challenged by a glamorous woman known as the lady in Blue. As Vance had anticipated, there were no fingerprints on the knife. Suspects include the lady, her favorite gunman, Tony, and a disbarred lawyer named Smythe, who might well inherit Claxton's racket empire. With him dead. Vance found some sort of clue in Claxton's darkened apartment after I'd asked him there. And since all suspects are out on bail, he phoned to tell me he was going to the Ritzmoor Hotel to see the lady in blue.

[Philo Vance]

He should be there about.

[Lady in Blue]

Please sit down, Mr. Vance. I've been waiting to meet you. And it's been worth waiting for.

[Philo Vance]

Thank you. You know, if there should be a mental contest between us, one of us must lose. In view of that and my self confidence, I appreciate your hospitality.

[Lady in Blue]

You mean if there is a contest, I won't win? If you knew as much about me As I about you. You might not be so certain. We're very much alike.

[Philo Vance]

I'd hate to believe that you and Danny Claxton didn't like each other, did you?

[Lady in Blue]

Oh, I wouldn't say that exactly. He was quite fond of me.

[Philo Vance]

That's not difficult to understand,

[Lady in Blue]

you know, Vance, I'd like you to tell me something. Something about me.

[Philo Vance]

Yes.

[Lady in Blue]

What do you think of me?

[Philo Vance]

Are you quite sure you want me to tell you? Quite well, as a woman, you're perfectly gowned, beautiful and exciting.

[Lady in Blue]

Exciting, Vance?

[Philo Vance]

Very much so. Many men must have fallen in love with you.

[Lady in Blue]

Many men? Yes. The one man, no.

[Philo Vance]

Is there something else I might tell you about yourself?

[Lady in Blue]

You've told me what I wanted to hear.

[Philo Vance]

There's no question about that. Of course, I could go further. Let's take the surface. You. The gown you're wearing is startling, but it's right for you. Your jewelry is exquisite. Your hair becoming fashionable, but too perfectly groomed. Nothing is wrong with you, lady. Therefore, something is wrong with you.

[Lady in Blue]

Oh, please don't stop, Vance.

[Philo Vance]

If I were you, I don't think I'd strive so for effect. That hairdo of yours, for instance. What are those little things that glisten on top of it?

[Lady in Blue]

Oh, that stardust. When lights hit it, it has the effect of sparkling.

[Philo Vance]

You couldn't possibly be content to not stand out when there are no lights. A theater, for example.

[Lady in Blue]

No, you're quite right. For occasions like that, there's a luminous stardust I use.

[Philo Vance]

Sounds wonderful.

[Lady in Blue]

Oh, Vance. Vance, I like you. You're the man I never met in my life. Do you understand what I mean?

[Philo Vance]

I think so. And under other circumstances, something might be done about that.

[Lady in Blue]

Not under these.

[Philo Vance]

I'm afraid not. I'm engaged in a murder investigation. Though I must admit that for the last few moments I've neglected it a bit. Will you tell me something?

[Lady in Blue]

Anything, within reason.

[Philo Vance]

Danny Claxton was murdered in his apartment last night. Were you ever in that apartment?

[Lady in Blue]

No.

[Philo Vance]

So the contest commences.

[Lady in Blue]

The gauntlet has been hurled and the challenge accepted.

[Philo Vance]

Expecting company?

[Lady in Blue]

Not that I know of.

[Philo Vance]

I was just leaving. I'll answer the door. Lady, may I say that this has been one of the most pleasant interviews I've ever had.

[Lady in Blue]

Just a moment. I'm glad you said that, Vance. No matter what happens from here in, I'll remember that you did something to me. I shouldn't like what you did, but I do. Goodbye.

[Philo Vance]

Goodbye. Oh, Mr. Smile. Go right in.

[Mr. Smythe]

Yes, Lady, I've got to talk to you.

[Philo Vance]

What?

[Mr. Smythe]

What did Vance Want here?

[Lady in Blue]

What is it you want here, lady?

[Mr. Smythe]

I worked for Danny Claxton. I know everything he did, how he operated, who paid him and whom he paid. I. I imagine you're taking over here. I could be valuable to you.

[Lady in Blue]

My intention in coming here was to take over. Now I'm not so sure.

[Mr. Smythe]

I beg your pardon?

[Lady in Blue]

Nothing. So you want to transfer your allegiance from the dead to the living, Mr. Smyth.

[Mr. Smythe]

You want to serve me with Danny out of the way? Why not?

[Lady in Blue]

Was it you who saw to it that Danny was out of the way?

[Mr. Smythe]

Did I kill him? Why, lady, what difference does that make? The king is dead. Long live the queen.

[Sergeant Heath]

Wait a minute, Mr. Markham. Let me go to work on this. Tony here I talk a language you can understand. Tony, sit up in that chair.

[Danny Claxton]

Don't bother me.

[District Attorney Markham]

He's all yours, Sergeant Heath. I hope you get something out of him. You have my best wishes, but also my gravest doubts.

[Sergeant Heath]

You talk da. Tony, listen.

[Danny Claxton]

You bore me, copper.

[Philo Vance]

I'll bore you.

[Sergeant Heath]

Bore you? I'll do something to you. But you leave me. Look, you worked for the lady in blue. She told you to knock off Danny Claxton.

[Philo Vance]

So you knocked him off with a knife.

[Sergeant Heath]

Sure, with a knife. Oh, I know all about how you're a gun toter. I know your reputation. But you pulled a switch to toss us off. You hoped you killed Claxton, didn't you? Well, did you or didn't you?

[Danny Claxton]

Didn't I? Go away, Heath. Go far away. I guarantee nobody will look for you.

[Sergeant Heath]

You start talking or nobody will ever find you. Tony, get this. Hold it.

[District Attorney Markham]

Who is it?

[Philo Vance]

It's I, Markham. Vance.

[District Attorney Markham]

Wait a second, Vance. I'll be right out.

[Sergeant Heath]

Tony. You killed Danny Claxton and I'm gonna.

[District Attorney Markham]

Hello, Vance.

[Philo Vance]

Glad I found you, Markham.

[District Attorney Markham]

It sounds like you've got news on the Claxton killing, Vance.

[Philo Vance]

Oh, that I suspected last night. Who killed Claxton? You did? Certainly. This afternoon I visited the lady in blue. Just as I was leaving, Claxton's former employee, Mr. Smythe, came in. My appearance there was very fortunate. You see, I thought I'd known who killed Claxton. But now I have proof.

[District Attorney Markham]

Man, don't just stand there as if you told me it looked like it might rain tomorrow. Who killed Claxton?

[Philo Vance]

I know, Markham, but I have no evidence that would satisfy a jury. Ask the lady in blue, her friend Tony and Mr. Smythe up to my apartment at 9 tonight. You and Heath be there too? I think I'll supply the proof we need at that time. May I take the liberty of using a moment or two to describe this knife I'm holding?

[Sergeant Heath]

Come on, Vance. I've wasted enough time getting these three people up to your apartment.

[Philo Vance]

A moment more won't hurt, Heath. Now, please, everyone, look at this knife. It's Arabian. The handle is of ivory and the blade solid steel. I've selected this knife because it closely resembles the one used to kill Danny Claxton. Now, for the purpose of this experiment, I need an assistant. Someone to pose as the murderer. May I ask the lady in blue?

[Lady in Blue]

Why, certainly, Vance. What is it you'd like me to do?

[Philo Vance]

For one thing, I'd like you to look slightly less glamorous. It's completely demoralizing, distracting, and downright inconsiderate.

[Lady in Blue]

Really, I was hoping you'd like this gown. That's why I wore it.

[Philo Vance]

Will you take this knife, please, lady, and hold it in your right hand like this? That's fine. Thank you. Markham.

[District Attorney Markham]

Yes?

[Philo Vance]

Please stand over by the door next to the light switch, will you?

[District Attorney Markham]

Of course. I'll be right over here.

[Philo Vance]

Now, Tony, please don't fall asleep. This might be interesting to you.

[Danny Claxton]

Yeah, I know.

[Philo Vance]

And, Mr. Smythe, I'd like you in particular to watch and see how close I come to showing exactly how Danny Claxton was killed. First, let me ask all three of you. Were any of you ever in Mr. Claxton's apartment?

[Lady in Blue]

I never was.

[Danny Claxton]

That may.

[Mr. Smythe]

Well, I'd been there, but not in the past week.

[Philo Vance]

Very well. Now, my very intriguing lady in blue, you have the knife. I'm going to show everyone what happened the other night. You, lady, will pretend to be the murderer. I'll be Claxton. Now, you slip up behind me. Please get behind me. Throw your left arm around my neck. As you do that, I try to reach back with my hand to seize the knife. Like this.

[Lady in Blue]

Vance, be careful. You're ruining my hairdo with your hands.

[Philo Vance]

I'm sorry. Markham, will you turn out the lights, please?

[Sergeant Heath]

All of them, turn out the lights.

[District Attorney Markham]

I don't know why either, Heath, but maybe I better turn them off.

[Sergeant Heath]

Okay. Only I don't see a thing. Neither does anybody.

[Philo Vance]

I think you will. Now, everybody, please look at my right hand. The hand that just touched the hair of the lady in blue.

[District Attorney Markham]

Vance, your hand is glowing.

[Sergeant Heath]

Hey, what have you got on your hand, Vance? Radium?

[Philo Vance]

Not exactly. It's just proof that the lady in blue stabbed Claxton.

[Lady in Blue]

You were too clever, Vance. But you'll never live to prove what you think. I'll see to it man, she's got that knife.

[Philo Vance]

Look out, he likes. Turn on those lights. She stabbed Vance. Heath, do something. Do something.

[Sergeant Heath]

Don't do something. All right, Da. I'll open that door. Let my cops in. We'll drag her downtown.

[Lady in Blue]

That isn't necessary. You want me at headquarters? I'll go. Mr. Markham.

[District Attorney Markham]

Yes?

[Lady in Blue]

You saw me stab Vance. I killed Claxton the same way. I don't know how Vance figured it, and we'll never know now, but he was right. I'm ready, Mr. Markham. Nothing's very important anymore. I've just killed the only man that ever interested me.

[Philo Vance]

Come in, Markham. Come in.

[District Attorney Markham]

Hi, Vance.

[Sergeant Heath]

Sleep well?

[Philo Vance]

Wonderfully. Sorry I had to put on that act last night. Did it scare you?

[District Attorney Markham]

Definitely. Let's see that trick knife of yours, Vance.

[Philo Vance]

Nothing much to it, Markham. Here it is. The blade disappears into the handle when you touch the point, see?

[District Attorney Markham]

Why, yes, of course. Had me worried for a while last night, though. Vance. I know now that she killed Claxton. But you knew before. Was it whatever you found when we turned out the lights in Claxton's apartment that told you the lady in blue had killed him?

[Philo Vance]

Yes, it was. It was Claxton's right hand, Markham. It glowed in the dark because it had touched the hair of the lady in blue. And on her hair was a glamour accessory, a phosphorescent preparation known as stardust.

[District Attorney Markham]

I see.

[Philo Vance]

As soon as I found the lady in blue wore stardust, I knew it was she who'd been at Claxton's apartment.

[District Attorney Markham]

Ah, the lady in blue was a lovely woman, Vance.

[Philo Vance]

Lovely to look at, but hardly delightful to know. Though for a moment at her apartment yesterday afternoon, I was beginning to find it hard to believe that.

[District Attorney Markham]

Well, Vance, you did it again.

[Philo Vance]

Yes, Markham. I guess this is the end of the Blue lady murder case. But I wish the lady in blue

[Lady in Blue]

had had a different beginning.

[Philo Vance]

It's sa.

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