Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode Summary: The Adventures of Sam Spade: Edith Hamilton

Release Date: January 25, 2025
Original Air Date: April 17, 1949
Host/Author: Choice Classic Radio

1. Episode Introduction

The episode opens with Choice Classic Radio’s standard introduction, welcoming listeners to the world of old-time radio’s greatest detectives. The host encourages fans to engage via Facebook, subscribe on YouTube, and support the show through donations.

2. Presenting the Case: A Mysterious Past

[00:41]
Sam Spade:
“Spade Detective Dr. Ludwig Zoya, 124111 San Francisco. From Samuel Spade, license number 137596. Subject Edith Hamilton.”

Sam Spade, the iconic private detective, is introduced as he receives a visit from Dr. Ludwig Zoya. Dr. Zoya presents a complex case involving Edith Hamilton, bringing to light the intertwining of psychoanalysis and detective work.

[01:04]
Dr. Sawyer (Dr. Zoya):
“No caper.”

Dr. Zoya explains that while their professions share similarities in probing and uncovering hidden truths, his current case transcends typical boundaries, necessitating Spade’s expertise.

3. Delving into the Hamilton Case

Dr. Zoya details the mysterious death of Carter Hamilton, Edith’s husband, three years prior. The case was initially suspected to be a murder orchestrated by Edith, but lack of concrete evidence led to its dismissal.

[02:42]
Sam Spade:
“What makes me think I need a detective?”

[02:55]
Dr. Sawyer:
“...perhaps you remember it. Carter Hamilton.”

Sam recalls the Denoff case and expresses his familiarity with the Hamilton case, indicating its significance and unresolved nature.

4. Investigating Edith Hamilton’s Connection

Dr. Zoya introduces Mrs. Hamilton, Carter’s mother, who reveals her suspicions and emotional turmoil over her son’s death.

[04:06]
Mrs. Hamilton:
“Yes, you do. You look like the other one.”

The interaction between Mrs. Hamilton and Sam is tense, highlighting Edith’s troubled past and the family’s deep-seated issues.

5. Entering Edith Hamilton’s World

Sam Spade moves to Edith Hamilton’s residence to deliver legal papers, posing as a lawyer. His meticulous investigation uncovers discrepancies in Edith’s behavior and past, particularly her relationships and potential motives.

[07:31]
Edith Hamilton:
“Yes. You must be from the attorney's. They wired me you were coming. Come in.”

Their conversation reveals Edith’s guarded nature and hints at underlying secrets.

6. Unveiling Deception and Emotional Turmoil

As Sam delves deeper, he observes Edith’s complex emotions and interactions, particularly her affection towards him, which complicates the investigation.

[09:05]
Edith Hamilton:
“You remind me of someone.”

Sam begins to sense a manipulation of emotions, questioning the authenticity of Edith’s feelings and the validity of her confession.

7. The Climactic Revelation

Conflict escalates when Mrs. Hamilton confronts Edith, leading to a dramatic scene where Edith attempts to eliminate perceived threats.

[17:05]
Mrs. Hamilton:
“Yes, now I can rest. I've killed her.”

Sam intervenes, saving Edith but uncovering critical evidence that shifts the case’s direction.

8. Confrontation and Confession

Sam pieces together the fragmented confession Edith provided, realizing the depth of her guilt and the distorted reality crafted by those around her.

[18:25]
Sam Spade:
“I rode in the ambulance with her. She was still unconscious when they carried her into surgery... It took me nearly an hour to put the jigsaw together.”

This revelation underscores the complexities of human psychology intertwined with criminal investigation.

9. The Final Showdown

In a tense exchange, Sam confronts Edith about her true feelings and the orchestrated nature of the confession, leading to a poignant resolution.

[21:31]
Edith Hamilton:
“I remember now.”

[22:50]
Sam Spade:
“And that, Dr. Zoya, is why I never heard her confession. It turned into a lover's quarrel.”

Their interaction highlights the blurred lines between professional duty and personal emotions.

10. Conclusion and Reflection

Sam reflects on the case’s complexities and Dr. Zoya’s role, emphasizing the thin line between delusion and reality in unraveling truths.

[23:34]
Dr. Ludwig Zoya:
“Oh, Sam. Sacrificing yourself so self. Sacrificingly rather than shatter a mother's delusion.”

Sam acknowledges the emotional toll of the case, hinting at future challenges and unresolved tensions.

Notable Quotes

• Sam Spade at [01:03]:
  “Dear Doctor, if I owe you an apology for not keeping you informed on the progress of the assignment...”

• Dr. Sawyer at [01:40]:
  “We probe, we question, we follow up clues in order to find out what is the dark secret which has nervously disturbed a human mind.”

• Mrs. Hamilton at [04:39]:
  “I had a dream last night. I dreamed that Edith was dead. Stabbed with the same bone handled hunting knife she used to kill my son.”

• Sam Spade at [12:56]:
  “I'm supposed to pose as a lawyer. While I'm there, I'm supposed to shake a confession out of her.”

• Edith Hamilton at [09:10]:
  “And sadly, too, your husband."

• Sam Spade at [15:37]:
  “Well, then, let's don't go on with it.”

• Edith Hamilton at [21:29]:
  “I remember now.”

• Sam Spade at [22:31]:
  “How can you be so smug and so self satisfied? And so whatever made me think I was in love with you?”

Insights and Themes

• Psychological Manipulation: The episode delves into how emotions and psychological states can be manipulated to obscure the truth.

• Moral Ambiguity: Sam Spade grapples with personal feelings interfering with professional obligations, highlighting the complex nature of justice.

• Truth vs. Perception: The narrative explores how perceptions can distort reality, emphasizing the detective’s role in uncovering the genuine truth.

Conclusion

"The Adventures of Sam Spade: Edith Hamilton" masterfully intertwines psychological depth with classic detective narrative, showcasing Sam Spade’s relentless pursuit of truth amidst emotional and moral complexities. The episode underscores the enduring appeal of old-time radio detectives in unraveling intricate human dramas.

Produced and Directed by William Spear
Sam Spade is played by Howard Dove
Lorraine Tuttle is Edith Hamilton