Podcast Summary: The Saint – “A Sonata for Slayers” (06/18/1950)
Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: The Saint: A Sonata for Slayers
Air Date: January 18, 2026 (original 1950 broadcast)
Host: Choice Classic Radio
Episode Overview
In this episode of “The Saint,” Simon Templar (voiced by Vincent Price) is drawn into the world of classical music, forgery, and murder. The adventure begins in a nightclub and unfolds through intrigue about a supposed lost Beethoven manuscript, resulting in the murder of a renowned pianist. Simon navigates deceit, multiple suspects, and musical clues to unmask the killer. The episode blends witty banter, suspense, and clever deduction, offering listeners a classic detective tale set to a musical backdrop.
Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression
1. Meeting Lauritz Opdahl and the Musical Premise
[03:12]
- Simon Templar attends a nightclub called The Birdcage to hear pianist Johnny Crawford.
- Lauritz Opdahl, a famous concert pianist, joins Simon and expresses concern for Johnny’s life, cryptically linking a future murder to Beethoven:
- “I can give you the name of the person who will be responsible… a musical composer who has been dead for over a hundred years. Ludwig van Beethoven.” – Opdahl [05:42]
- Opdahl invites Simon to his home to discuss further.
2. Murder at Opdahl’s Home
[06:14 – 08:25]
- Simon arrives at Opdahl’s house, greeted by secretary Mickey Clark.
- Shots are fired; Simon & Mickey discover Opdahl mortally wounded at the piano.
- In his last moments, Opdahl attempts to play a piano phrase rather than speak; Simon finds a torn music manuscript with Beethoven’s signature.
3. The Beethoven Manuscript and Suspects
[10:10 – 12:43]
- Paul de Gage (Opdahl’s manager) claims he owns a newly surfaced, unpublished Beethoven sonata manuscript, which he plans to auction that night.
- Simon inspects the manuscript and notes a discrepancy with the torn piece found by Opdahl; de Gage’s copy seems undamaged, raising suspicions.
4. Encounters with Danger
[13:33 – 15:41]
- Back at Opdahl’s home, Simon and Mickey are threatened by a thug (“Jensen”) seeking the torn manuscript. Simon is injured, and the assailant escapes with the evidence.
- Simon revives, reflecting on clues and connecting the attempt to cover up the forgery.
5. Pursuit to Coronado
[16:24 – 19:14]
- Simon and Mickey take a foggy ferry ride to Coronado, where the manuscript is being auctioned.
- They overhear Johnny Crawford and Jensen discussing the forged signature, confirming their involvement.
6. Musical Clues and Investigation
[20:31 – 24:31]
- Onboard, Simon deciphers the piano phrase Opdahl played as a musical code.
- He researches Beethoven’s works and connections, linking Johnny Crawford to the forgery—a “poor authority on Beethoven” who authored a previously noted book.
7. Dramatic Revelation & Denouement
[25:34 – 28:45]
- At the auction, Simon exposes the manuscript as a forgery in front of the audience:
- “That manuscript is a fake. No such piano sonata was ever written by Beethoven or lost on its way to the publishers.” – Simon [27:11]
- He explains the authentic sonata was a four-hand piece, not two, contradicting the forged manuscript.
- The musical phrase played by Opdahl spelled “De Gage,” identifying Paul as the murderer.
- Paul de Gage attempts violence, but is subdued.
8. Resolution and Romantic Overtones
[29:05 – 30:28]
- Simon and Mickey reflect on the case: Johnny Crawford forged the manuscript; Paul de Gage orchestrated the crime and murder; Opdahl discovered the truth and paid with his life.
- The episode closes with Mickey finally dropping her logical reserve, hinting at romance.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Murder is always macabre, Mr. Templar.” – Lauritz Opdahl [04:57]
- “He was trying to play something. He’s trying to… tell us the name of the murderer.” – Mickey Clark [07:47]
- “He departed with your prize autograph after creasing your skull with a bullet… My only consolation is that his aim is far worse than even his intentions.” – Simon Templar [15:41]
- “Those notes spell the name of the murderer. A name that will be verified by his accomplices when they're picked up by the police. For the edification of those who never studied under Professor Heinrich Wurtzel, the notes… De Gage.” – Simon Templar [28:16]
- “You never hang this on me, Templar.” – Paul de Gage, before being subdued [28:23]
Key Timestamps
- [03:12] – The musical motive and Opdahl’s warning
- [06:14] – At Opdahl’s, the catalyst murder
- [10:10] – Introduction of the rare Beethoven manuscript
- [13:33] – Entrapment and threat from “Jensen”
- [16:24] – Ferry crossing to Coronado, overheard conversation
- [20:31] – Simon’s musical deduction and library research
- [25:34] – Auction confrontation and climax
- [28:16] – Simon publicly reveals the code and unmasks De Gage
- [29:05] – Final wrap-up between Simon and Mickey
Tone and Style
The episode features witty repartee, dry humor, and a playful but suspenseful tone typical of Vincent Price’s portrayal of Simon Templar. Musical motifs are cleverly interwoven as clues, with puns and wordplay (“my halo wouldn’t look too well on top of a shroud”) balanced against classic detective deduction.
Summary
“A Sonata for Slayers” is a classic detective tale with a musical twist. Simon Templar navigates red herrings, forgery, murder, and coded clues, ultimately exposing the villain through a unique blend of musicianship and logic. The episode stands out for its smart integration of classical music as both setting and plot device, and for Vincent Price’s signature charm as The Saint.