The Saint: Baseball Murder 09/03/1950

Summary

Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives — "The Saint: Baseball Murder" (Original Air Date: 09/03/1950)

Episode Overview

In this thrilling installment of "The Saint," starring Vincent Price as Simon Templar, audiences are immersed into postwar America's love for both baseball and classic detective tales. This episode, originally aired in 1950, follows Simon Templar as he investigates corruption surrounding the minor league Blue Sox baseball team, facing dangers, deception, and murder. The central case: a possible game-fixing scheme that ensnares an aging baseball legend, his son, and a mysterious woman—with repercussions that turn deadly.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Structure

1. Setting the Stage: Baseball and Rumors ([01:39]–[03:48])

• Louie, Simon Templar’s humorous cabbie sidekick, sets the tone discussing the Blue Sox baseball team and circulating rumors about a potential fixed game.

• Simon Templar expresses skepticism about corruption in baseball—a seemingly pure American institution.

  “Baseball is honest. You know that.”
  — Simon Templar ([03:03])

2. Lefty Miller’s Fears ([03:54]–[06:18])

• Simon meets Lefty Miller, an ex-major leaguer now playing for the Blue Sox, worried about his son Phil falling under the influence of "dirty money."

• Lefty confides in Simon about Phil’s rumored involvement with an enigmatic woman, Diane Courtney, and game-fixing pressures.

  “There’s only one thing in baseball I care about...my son.”
  — Lefty Miller ([04:35])

3. Sizing Up Diane Courtney ([07:09]–[08:17])

• Simon approaches Diane Courtney at the hotel bar, testing her honesty about her interest in Phil and her role in the scheme.

• Diane hints she needs help, asking Simon to meet privately in her room—raising Simon’s suspicions.

  “I saw you at the ball game today.”
  — Simon Templar ([07:33])

4. The First Confrontation: Frankie the Thug ([09:53]–[12:55])

• Simon is ambushed in Diane’s room by Frankie, a muscleman, and beaten as a warning to stop investigating.

• Frankie leaves a business card: “The Fixer. I fix anything.”

• Louie finds Simon and helps him recover, showing the danger they’re truly facing.

  “Got myself worked over, Louie, by a psychoanalytical muscle boy...”
  — Simon Templar ([12:15])

5. The First Murder: Lefty Miller’s Death ([13:13]–[15:01])

• Lefty phones Simon, saying he’s uncovered more about “the Fixer” and asks to meet.

• Phil Miller confronts Simon, angry at the investigation, and together they find Lefty dead—an apparent suicide, but Simon suspects murder.

  “He’s dead, Phil, and there’s a gun in his hand. But he didn’t pull the trigger.”
  — Simon Templar ([15:02])

6. Digging Deeper: The Investigation ([16:28]–[17:13])

• Simon and Louie search Diane’s hotel room for clues, suspecting more is hidden.

• Diane is questioned but claims ignorance and fear, refusing to reveal the fixer's identity.

  “Look, I don’t care how frightened you are. A man’s been killed.”
  — Simon Templar ([17:48])

7. Gathering the Threads: Interviews & Hunches ([18:16]–[21:22])

• Simon talks to Mr. Bush, the Blue Sox manager, and Sam the Spender, a local bookmaker.

• Sam describes a suspicious bet placed against the Blue Sox by someone resembling Frankie, with a payoff arranged in Diane’s hotel room—confirming a larger plot.

  “Dirty money has a smell to it. And I’m beginning to smell it.”
  — Simon Templar ([21:15])

8. The Final Showdown: Unmasking the Fixer ([21:43]–[25:59])

• Simon returns to Diane’s room, confronting Frankie and Diane as the game ends.

• Phil arrives, confessing he threw the game under duress to protect Diane.

• Simon methodically exposes Diane as the true Fixer, not just an accomplice.

  “The Fixer is a very beautiful woman, Diane. The Fixer is you.”
  — Simon Templar ([24:29])

• In a struggle, Frankie tries to kill Simon; Phil intervenes, saving Simon and proving his own courage.

• Diane and Frankie are arrested; Phil’s innocence and character are reestablished.

9. Epilogue: Justice and Reflection ([26:49]–[27:33])

• Simon reflects with Louie about Diane’s motivations and the toll of corruption.

• Phil is absolved, noting he pitched a shutout instead of throwing the game, honoring his father’s memory.

  “I pitched a three hit shutout. I figured it was the least I could do for Lefty.”
  — Phil Miller ([26:31])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Simon’s wit on cynicism and honesty in baseball:
  “My silence, friend Louie, is purely comparative.” ([02:15])

• On familial love and regret:
  “He’s sitting across the field in the dugout...my son.”
  — Lefty Miller ([04:35])

• On crime detection:
  “As my friend Philip Marlow would say, crime detection is an adventure. In search of the hidden truth.”
  — Simon Templar ([16:53])

• Memorable twist:
  “You mean who is she? The Fixer is a very beautiful woman, Diane. The Fixer is you.”
  — Simon Templar ([24:29])

• Louie’s closing humor:
  “Should have seen what it’s done to my wife. And she was no prize to begin with.”
  — Louie ([27:04])

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Important Timestamps

• [01:39] — Louie & Simon discuss baseball and rumors of a fix
• [03:54] — Lefty Miller reveals worries about his son and Diane
• [07:09] — Simon confronts Diane at the hotel bar
• [09:53] — Simon is beaten by Frankie, warned to back off
• [13:13] — Lefty phones Simon, setting up their final meeting
• [14:43] — Simon and Phil discover Lefty's murder
• [17:15] — Diane refuses to talk; Simon and Louie look for more clues
• [18:16] — Simon interviews team manager and bookmaker; the betting scheme is revealed
• [21:43] — Simon faces Diane and Frankie for the final reveal
• [24:29] — Big reveal: Diane is the Fixer
• [26:31] — Phil’s redemption: he threw a shutout, not the game
• [27:10] — Simon philosophizes about Diane’s motives and corruption

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Tone and Atmosphere

The episode’s tone blends hard-boiled detective with warm-hearted humor, featuring Simon’s quick wit and Louie’s banter. The tension builds steadily, climaxing in the final confrontation. Motifs of regret, the cost of corruption, and the redemptive power of courage and love come through clearly.

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For Listeners

This classic episode is a perfect blend of suspense, character depth, and postwar American values. Whether you're a fan of old-time radio, baseball, or just a good whodunnit—as Simon Templar says, “Crime detection is an adventure. In search of the hidden truth.”

Transcript

[Announcer]

The Bleacher report app is your destination for sports right now. The NBA is heating up, March madness is here, and MLB is almost back. Every day there's a new headline, a new highlight, a new moment you've got to see for yourself. That's why I stay locked in with the Bleacher report app. For me, it's about staying connected to my sports. I can follow the teams I care about, get real time scores, breaking news and highlights all in one place. Download the Bleacher report app today so you never miss a moment. 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].

[Narrator]

The Adventures of the Saint Starring Vincent Price. The Saint. Based on characters created by Leslie Charteris and known to millions from books, magazines and motion pictures, the Robin Hood of modern crime now comes transcribed to radio starring Hollywood brilliant and talented actor Vincent price as the saint.

[Louie]

Going to the ball game, huh, Mr. Templer? It's a great day for it. Didn't know you always found the baseball. You found the baseball, Mr. Templar?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Yes, indeed, Louis.

[Louie]

You know, I should have gone in for baseball instead of becoming a cab jockey. Grown men getting paid thousands of dollars for tossing a little ball around two hours a day.

[Sam the Spender]

Can you beat it?

[Louie]

Can you met the Templar? I'm asking you, can you beat it?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Louie, I.

[Louie]

Baseball? You can't beat it. No, I'd like to live in a town where they got major league ball. The Blue Sox here is all right, but it's minor league. You think we'll ever get a big league ball in this town, Mr. Templer?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

I see.

[Louie]

You think we'll ever get big league ball, Mr. Templer? You're kind of quiet today, Mr. Templar.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

My silence, friend Louie, is purely comparative.

[Louie]

Oh, well, since you're not feeling well, it's good you're taking the afternoon off.

[Narrator]

Been reading about that.

[Louie]

Father and son of the Blue Sox, Lefty and Phil Miller.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

They're rather interesting. Supposedly the first time in baseball father and son have played on the same team.

[Louie]

Yeah?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Yeah.

[Louie]

The old man just down from the majors and the kid on his way up. Old Lefty was great in his day, though. And the kid will be great too.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

They both playing today, Louie?

[Louie]

Neither one. Phil ain't due to pitch till tomorrow, and the old man's got a game leg. Won't even be a uniform. That's what goes first in baseball, Mr. Templar. The legs in my line of work, I know?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

I know, Mr. Temple.

[Louie]

You know something funny? There's rumors out about the Blue Socks.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

What kind of rumors, Louie?

[Louie]

The rumors say the Socks are gonna do business. Lose a ball game that maybe they should win.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Oh, nonsense, Louie. Baseball is honest. You know that.

[Louie]

Maybe so, but it's still gotta be played by humans.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

You better step on it, my cynical friend. We're late.

[Louie]

Sure, Mr. Templar. Most likely. Nothing to the rumors anyway. You know how it is driving a cab. You pick up all sorts of things. Me? It don't do no good to pick nothing up. I'm married. Hey, did you hear that, Mr. Templar? I said me. It don't do no good to pick nothing up.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

I heard, Louie. I heard. Pretty funny, huh, Louie? Take me out to the ball game.

[Louie]

And get your cold drinks here. And your ice cream.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Hello, Lefty.

[Lefty Miller]

Thanks for coming, Saint. Sit down, Sit down.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Thanks. I hope I'm not late.

[Lefty Miller]

No, the game won't start for another 10 minutes.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Oh. How's the leg, Lefty?

[Lefty Miller]

That's improving, Saint. How's crime?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

It stays about the same always with us. Yeah, that it is, that it is. Blue Socks gonna win today?

[Lefty Miller]

You know something, Saint? I don't much care. Oh, don't get me wrong. When I'm in there myself, I play to win. That's the only way I know. But after the majors, you don't get very excited over the Blue Socks.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

I guess not.

[Lefty Miller]

I'm just playing out the string. What comes after that? I don't know.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

A manager's job?

[Lefty Miller]

No chance. I was too busy spending my money while the smart boys were learning the inside of the game. But I had fun, I guess.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Did you?

[Lefty Miller]

Nah, Saint, there's only one thing in baseball I care about. There's only one thing in the world I care about. He's sitting across the field in the dugout wearing number 33. My son.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

I hear Phil's a great pitcher, Lefty.

[Lefty Miller]

He's good.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

He'll be great.

[Lefty Miller]

He's going up next year. Maybe this.

[Louie]

Here.

[Lefty Miller]

Take a look at him through the binoculars.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Yes, he looks like you, Lefty.

[Lefty Miller]

You really think so? Yeah, Saint, I'm worried sick about him. That's why I asked you.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

I know. That's why I'm here. What are you worried about?

[Lefty Miller]

I think they're after him, Saint. The crowd with the dirty monies after him. I never handle any dirty money, but I've been around it and I can smell it. I can smell it now.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

What does Phil say? Have you talked to him?

[Lefty Miller]

I can't talk to him. Maybe you've read in the papers about our wonderful father and son relationship, huh? The kid hates me.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

How come? Laughing.

[Lefty Miller]

He was brought up by his mother and he was brought up to hate me. I got a divorce from her when the kid was two years old. I gave her a raw deal. He should hate me.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

You say you smell dirty money. You have anything else to go on, Lefty?

[Lefty Miller]

Rumors.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

And a girl.

[Lefty Miller]

No, I take that back.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

A woman.

[Lefty Miller]

Take another look through the glasses, Saint. She's sitting in the box behind Phil, bending over to talk to him. She's there every day.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Yeah. Yes, indeed. Perhaps I should have taken up baseball.

[Lefty Miller]

That's just it. There's a woman who's got what she has go for a 21 year old

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

kid just because he plays baseball good ordinarily.

[Lefty Miller]

Now she's got Phil hooked so hard and so deep. I heard all over for him. He thinks it's romance.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

What do you think it is? I don't know.

[Lefty Miller]

Not exactly. Saint, could you. Could you see if you could find out? I can try.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

What's her name, Lefty?

[Lefty Miller]

Diane Courtney. She's staying at the Regent, same hotel the ball club puts up at. I happen to hear the kid making a cocktail date with her there for six this evening.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Good. You see if you can get him delayed a few minutes. I will.

[Lefty Miller]

Find out what she's trying to do, Saint. Find out who's in back of her if they spoil that kid.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

They won't. They won't, Lefty.

[Lefty Miller]

Thanks, Saint. And if there's anything I can ever

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

do, don't worry about it. In fact, I'm looking forward to meeting Ms. Courtney. I'm sure we'll have a lot in common. Baseball and. Well, we'll find something. Do you mind if I sit down here? The bar seems to be rather crowded.

[Diane Courtney]

Is it that crowded?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Matter of fact, it was crowded the minute you walked in.

[Diane Courtney]

Sit down. Thank you, but I am waiting for someone.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

He might be late.

[Diane Courtney]

That's very true, but he won't be.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

What are we drinking?

[Diane Courtney]

Martinis, you say so.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Wait a. Two martinis, extra dry. Yes. I see that you're a devotee of the national pastime.

[Diane Courtney]

That could very well be. Which national pastime?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

I saw you at the ball game today.

[Diane Courtney]

Yes, I go every day.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Business? A pleasure.

[Diane Courtney]

What's that supposed to mean?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Baseball is a business for some. Yes, sir. Oh, thank you. Waiter. Let's drink to pleasure.

[Diane Courtney]

Let's just drink. I found that you run out of toast long before you run out of drink.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

A comment on human frailty.

[Diane Courtney]

Well, what is it you want, friend?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

I appreciate your frankness. It's one of your concealed assets. I'd like some answers about Phil Miller. Who are you? Don't you know? No, I'm the man who wants the answers about Phil Miller. Shall I start asking questions?

[Diane Courtney]

Phil just came in. We can't talk now. Come up to my room in 15 minutes. 8:08, will you? I need help. Believe me, I need help.

[Louie]

Hey, I thought we had a date. Diana, was I wrong?

[Diane Courtney]

My friend's just leaving, Phil, and I don't care for your tone.

[Louie]

Oh, I'm sorry, Diane.

[Narrator]

I just thought that.

[Diane Courtney]

Well, don't. Remember. I don't care for the jealousy routine. You're too young for it.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Yeah, okay, Diane. Well, it's been charming, but I have a cab waiting.

[Diane Courtney]

Thought I'll see you again.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Definitely. Yes, definitely, Diane. Call you a capture? Oh, thank you. I have one waiting. Here he is.

[Louie]

Waito, Mr. Templar.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Nowhere, Louis. I have a date in the hotel here in 15 minutes.

[Louie]

You got a friend?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

I'm afraid not.

[Louie]

Just dreaming.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Louis, I'm not absolutely convinced about the purity of the lady's intentions.

[Louie]

This is a cause for complaint.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

You misinterpret. Come up to room 80810 minutes or so after I go up and knock on the door.

[Lefty Miller]

I get you.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

But if I shouldn't happen to need a cab at that particular time.

[Louie]

I'm ahead of you. There's times in everybody's life when the least thing he needs is a taxi.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Louis had spoken like a philosopher. 806. 808. Come in.

[Diane Courtney]

Come in quickly. Someone may see.

[Frankie]

Someone's already seen him, Frank. Go ahead in, Jack. And I'm right behind you with something that resents any quick moves.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

You sneak up behind people pretty quietly.

[Frankie]

Frank used to be in a Girl Guides.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Shut the door, Diane.

[Frankie]

Shut it. Now, my nosy friend here and me has business.

[Diane Courtney]

I didn't tell the Saint anything, Frank. I just.

[Frankie]

Boss don't like nosy guys like the Saint. I don't like nosy guys like the Saint.

[Diane Courtney]

Let him alone, Frankie.

[Narrator]

What good'll beating him up to the boss's orders?

[Frankie]

Besides, my analyst tells me beating up nosy guys I don't like is a good way of waking up my aggressions.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Your analyst.

[Frankie]

What's the matter? I can't get analyzed?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

What does your analyst say about you carrying a gun? Didn't he point out this is an artificial prop to your otherwise charming personality?

[Frankie]

Oh, you Cooper.

[Howie Mandel]

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[Frankie]

My analyst says I shouldn't get insulted at remarks by neurotics.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

You think I'm a neurotic?

[Frankie]

If you ain't now, Jack, you will be when I finish.

[Louie]

Don't fall down yet. I got roar for you before I let go.

[Diane Courtney]

How do you work that?

[Louie]

Oh, stop it. Fr. Stop it.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Okay.

[Frankie]

Darn it. I shouldn't have got mad. My Alice says I should have let my emotions color my business life.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Mr. Templar? Mr. Templer. Oh. Oh, Louie.

[Louie]

Mr. Templar, you all right?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Should I call a doctor? Oh, no, no, I'm all right. I. I guess. What happened, Mr. Templar?

[Louie]

I knocked on the door, just like you said. When nobody answered, I come in.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

You was on the floor.

[Louie]

You're still on the floor.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Yeah, and I think I'll stay here. Ooh. Ooh. Got myself worked over, Louie, by a psychoanalytical muscle. Boy, oh, he sure gave you some beautiful lumps. Yeah. Real neat.

[Louie]

Professional job. What's this business card in your chest?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Yours? No. Let's see. Frankie must have put it there. This is part of the warning, I guess. What's it say? It says the. The fixer. I fix anything. Yeah. What you'd call modest. Is he? No. But fixes rarely are. Look, I think we better have a doctor spray you with some Mercur chrome. No, Louie. I'm gonna be too busy.

[Louie]

Doing what?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Sleeping.

[Lefty Miller]

Hello, Saint, this is Lefty Miller.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Oh, hello, Lefty. What time is it?

[Diane Courtney]

Midnight.

[Lefty Miller]

Are you asleep?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

I went to bed early tonight. Had a rather trying evening.

[Lefty Miller]

Look, I've been finding out things. Things about the crowd with the dirty money, who the head of it is.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

You mean who the fixer is?

[Sam the Spender]

Yeah.

[Lefty Miller]

I found out what they're trying to get from the kid from. Phil. Can you meet me here at the hotel?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Half an hour.

[Lefty Miller]

Good. In the bar. I'm going after some more dope now.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

You better wait until I get there, Lefty. They're rough boys.

[Lefty Miller]

I know, but don't worry about me. See you in half an hour.

[Louie]

Waiter.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Another Johnny Walker over ice, please. Yes. Thanks.

[Louie]

Look, you're Simon Temple, aren't you? The one they call the Saint.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Sit down, Phil.

[Louie]

I'm not sitting down. Got some things to tell you. I've heard that you've been asking questions about me, and I can guess who sent you.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

It was my father. Look, isn't it kind of late for you, Phil? You're supposed to pitch tomorrow.

[Louie]

I don't need anybody to run my life for me. You or my father, either.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Where is he? Well, I was to meet him here, but he hasn't shown up yet.

[Louie]

Most likely up in his room. All right, come on, let's go up and see him. I want to straighten you both out together.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

You know what room he's in? Sure.

[Louie]

908.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Right with you, Phil. All right. A waiter. Yes. Hold that drink for me. I'll be back for it sooner or later.

[Louie]

Hey, dad, open up. I want to talk to you.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Doesn't look like your father is in. Try the door. It's open, the lights on, but there's no dad. No.

[Mr. Bush]

Look.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

I told you not to look. He shot himself. Why?

[Diane Courtney]

Why?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

He's dead, Phil, and there's a gun in his hand. But he didn't pull the trigger.

[Louie]

What are you trying to prove?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Who did?

[Louie]

Where to, Mr. Templer?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Regent Hotel, Louie. And good morning.

[Louie]

Good morning. Say, I read in the papers this morning about Lefty Miller.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Oh, tough.

[Louie]

Why do you think he did it, Mr. Templar?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

He didn't. The police can buy the suicide theory for the time being. But it was murdered, Louie. A friend of mine was murdered last night. And today things are going to be done about us.

[Louie]

What are you going to do with the region?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

I'm going back to the young lady's room where I had such an interesting time last evening.

[Louie]

This time I better go with you.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Yeah, perhaps you'd better, Louie. And I'm hiring you for the whole afternoon. We've got a lot of ground to cover.

[Louie]

Lefty was a great ball player, Mr. Templar. Seen him in the World Series once at Yankee Stadium. Hard to believe he's dead.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

A man can be killed in a lot of ways, Louie. He can be killed fast or he can be killed through what happens to his son. I'm glad at least that didn't happen to Lefty.

[Louie]

You sure nobody is in?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

He called on the house phone before we came up. I think this key will fit.

[Louie]

Hey, how did you get a key?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

I remember to make an impression of the lock after that beating last evening. There. We're in.

[Louie]

Nobody here all right.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Shut the door, Louis, and lock it. Okay.

[Louie]

What are you looking for, Mr. Templer?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

The truth, Louie. As my friend Philip Marlow would say, crime detection is an adventure. In search of the hidden truth.

[Louie]

Gonna find the hidden truth Looking out that window on the fire escape perhaps, Louie.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Perhaps.

[Louie]

Mr. Templer, somebody's at the door.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

I'll handle this. If I need help.

[Louie]

If you need help, we're in trouble.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Good morning, Ms. Courtney.

[Diane Courtney]

What are you doing?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Come in, Diane. Ms. Courtney, my good friend, Louis.

[Louie]

Oh, chum. You want I should leave, Mr. Temple?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

No. We'll both be leaving in a minute, Louis. Just as soon as we ask Ms. Courtney some questions she probably won't answer.

[Diane Courtney]

What questions?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Like who killed Lefty Miller?

[Diane Courtney]

I don't know. I thought it was suicide.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

You see, Louie, who's the fixer?

[Louie]

Diane, I. I can't tell you.

[Diane Courtney]

I. I'm afraid. Saint, if you believe me, if you'd help me.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Why are you working on Phil Miller to throw a ball game? Why?

[Diane Courtney]

I can't tell you that.

[Louie]

I'm frightened.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Look, I don't care how frightened you are. A man's been killed.

[Sam the Spender]

Why, I can't.

[Diane Courtney]

I'm afraid.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

The lady's afraid. Come on, Louie. Let's go back to the ballpark and see if we can throw a few curbs. Mr. Bush, as manager of the Blue Sox, you must have known Lefty Miller fairly well.

[Mr. Bush]

Not well, no. I manage the team. But you don't manage an old pro like Lefty. You just tell him what time the game is and he does the rest.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Yes.

[Mr. Bush]

From what I saw of him, though, he. He was a good guy. I'm sorry.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

How's Phil taking it?

[Mr. Bush]

It's hard to tell about kids. He and Lefty weren't close. Maybe you knew that.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Yes, I knew that.

[Mr. Bush]

But it's hard to tell just how he was taking it. Tonight's his turn to pitch, and I told him, of course, I'd start somebody

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

else, but no, he's going to pitch tonight.

[Mr. Bush]

Insisted on it. Said he had it. So he'll pitch.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

You think he should?

[Mr. Bush]

Well, he's the best we got. And I might get a phone call tomorrow telling me he's sold to the major leagues. Anytime he wants to pitch, he'll pitch.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Mr. Bush, have you heard any rumors about a fix on your ball club?

[Mr. Bush]

Oh, Mr. Templer, there's always rumors around any kind of sport. I've never been in a phony ball game, and as far as I know, I never seen one, so I don't listen to rooms.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Thanks, Mr. Bush. And good luck tonight to you and Phil both.

[Louie]

We have to now, Mr. Templer.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

I want to go see a bookmaker, Louie. Sam the Spender. Do you know him?

[Louie]

Sure, I know him. Biggest bookie in town. Place down on State Street. Only a block or two down the street. Got something good in Hollywood Park?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

No, Louis.

[Louie]

You want something good?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Thanks, but no. This is different. I did a favor for Sam once. He might be able to return it.

[Louie]

Sam retains anything but money. One time I had a three horse parley going against him. First two come in, the third is leading into the street.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Hey, Roy, isn't this the place?

[Louie]

What? Oh, yeah.

[Narrator]

You're sure.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Wait for me here, Louie. It won't be long.

[Louie]

Sure, Mr. Sam.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Hello, Sam. How's business?

[Sam the Spender]

Simon Templar.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Glad to see you.

[Sam the Spender]

What can I do for you?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Information, Sam, which will go no further than Simon Templer.

[Sam the Spender]

We in business?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Say, do you handle any baseball money, Sam?

[Louie]

Nah.

[Sam the Spender]

Nah. In the east, it's big business. All bet on the major leagues out here. Peanuts.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Have you handled or heard of any bets lately? On the Blue Socks or against them?

[Sam the Spender]

Against them?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Yeah.

[Sam the Spender]

Only yesterday. Funny deal, too.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Care to tell me about it? Sure.

[Sam the Spender]

A big creep comes in with $200 to bet against the Sox in the game tonight. I don't like the smell of it. Nah. I tell him nah. Then the creep tells me what's wrong with me is that I had an emotionally insecure childhood. Honestly.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Go on, Sam.

[Sam the Spender]

Then he does a funny thing. He give me an extra 200 to pay you off if he win the bet. Imagine that. And if the Sox win, I get to keep the whole 400. The guy's nuts. I can't lose. The best he can do is break even.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Where's the payoff, Sam, if the stocks

[Sam the Spender]

lose in room 808 the region, tonight, after the game. Do you get it, Saint?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

I'm beginning to. Lefty Miller was right. Dirty money has a smell to it. And I'm beginning to smell it. Thanks, Sam.

[Sam the Spender]

Anytime, Saint. See you soon.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Maybe tonight.

[Sam the Spender]

Tonight? I hope so, Saint.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Nothing personal, Sam, but I hope not.

[Diane Courtney]

Who is it?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Good evening, Diane.

[Frankie]

Well, it's our old friend Jack.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

How are you, Frankie?

[Diane Courtney]

What is this room, Mr. Templer?

[Narrator]

Your home away from home, Diane.

[Frankie]

Let me throw the bum out.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Easy, Frankie. Your aggressions are showing.

[Diane Courtney]

Anything in particular you wanted, Saint? Frankie and I are busy.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

See that? Busy packing. Too busy to go to the ball game tonight. Did you know beforehand how it would come out?

[Frankie]

Let me throw the bum out.

[Lefty Miller]

I hate schizophrenics but he looks like

[Diane Courtney]

such an interesting one, Frankie. And he's handsome too, my Diane.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

You're not so frightened as you were. Well, I. It's all right. I won't tell the boss.

[Frankie]

Jack, you better get out of here. It ain't healthy. What's your trouble? You got a compulsion or something?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

No, it's just that when I start out on something, I like to be in on the payoff. And tonight's the payoff. The game should be over by now and the people will be arriving. I'll be the host of our little party.

[Frankie]

You'll be host for a party of one in a wood box. Jack, Diane should like to.

[Louie]

Diane, it's a kid.

[Diane Courtney]

Don't let him in. Frankie.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Come in, Phil.

[Diane Courtney]

Hello, sweetie.

[Louie]

Hello, Diane.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Frankie. Yeah. Hello, Mr. Templer.

[Frankie]

Hello, Phil.

[Diane Courtney]

Ball game over, honey?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Yeah, it's over.

[Diane Courtney]

How do you feel?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Dirty.

[Diane Courtney]

Aw, don't feel bad about it, sweetie. In a week or two, you'll forget all about it.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Sit down, Phil. I've taken over the party. Let's all find out what games we've been playing.

[Frankie]

Diane, I'm getting an awful frustration listening to him.

[Diane Courtney]

Let him talk.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Thank you, Phil. Yes, Mr. Templar? What line did Diane use to get you to throw the game tonight? The fixer had something on her. She was afraid of him. Something would happen to her if you didn't do as he wanted. It doesn't matter. You know the real reason.

[Frankie]

Go on, tell him, Jack.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

I will, Frankie. It was a trap for you, Phil. This outfit is big and smart. They're willing to make an investment and wait a while to cash in. It's too tough to get next to a major league player. You'll be up there this year and next. And when you get there, you'll do what the fixer tells you because there's a club over your head. Yeah? Yeah. A certain payoff you took in a hotel room at the region for throwing a game with the blue socks. You understand that? I understand your father found out about it. He had the room right over this one. 908. And he listened on the fire escape. He was seen from in here and he was killed. Then they took him back up the fire escape to his room and rigged the suicide. But they forgot to wash all the blood off the iron outside this window.

[Frankie]

You're gonna listen to him, kid. He's a neurotic.

[Louie]

Diane, aren't you gonna say something?

[Diane Courtney]

I didn't have anything to do with it, honey. It was the Fixer who did it.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Yeah. I believed in the Fixer too, at first, Diane. Until I came to your room the first time. Down the bar. You said you didn't know me up here. You told Frankie I was the Saint. You made other slips tonight?

[Louie]

No.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

So I know who the Fixer is.

[Diane Courtney]

Who is he?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

You mean who is she? Fixer is a very beautiful woman, Diane. The Fixer is you.

[Frankie]

What is this, a filibuster or something?

[Diane Courtney]

Let's assume you're right, Mr. Templer. Where does it get you? Where does it change things?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

I'm turning you over to the police. And Frankie can hardly shoot both Phil and myself.

[Diane Courtney]

He won't have to. Just you. You underestimate me, Saint. We should have had more time alone together. Phil will do whatever I tell him, in spite of what's happened. Won't you, sweetie?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Will you feel, Diane?

[Diane Courtney]

See, I made sure of Phil, Saint. I made sure of him first. And he'll crawl on his hands and knees if I tell him to. Because if he doesn't, I might stop being nice to him. And he couldn't stand that.

[Frankie]

You should have thought of that, Saint. You got a mental block or something?

[Diane Courtney]

Finish with Mr. Templar, Frank. We've got to finish packing.

[Frankie]

This gun says get over to the windows, Saint. This time there won't be no blood in the fire escape. Just a lot on the sidewalk.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Pretty messy that way. Frankie. Your subconscious will hate you.

[Frankie]

I won't look down.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Now.

[Frankie]

You're going over to the window. Quiet, Phil.

[Diane Courtney]

Sit down.

[Frankie]

Stand back, kid. I ain't playing with this thing. Phil.

[Louie]

I told you, keep back.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Watch out, Phil. He's going to kill me.

[Louie]

You killed my father.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Give me that gun, Frankie, or I'll break your wrist.

[Louie]

I'll kill you.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

No, you won't, Cranky. Think what your analyst would say. And this makes us even.

[Louie]

Oh, Frankie. Cranky.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Phil. How. How bad is it?

[Louie]

Not, not bad. Just my arm. But not my pitching arm.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Good.

[Diane Courtney]

Why you.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Diane. Stand still. Better go for the police, Phil. Can you make it?

[Lefty Miller]

Yeah.

[Louie]

Yeah, I can make it.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

And Phil, Thanks. What you did makes up for the game. We'll figure out that later about dad.

[Lefty Miller]

Saint.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

He did all he could to protect you, Phil. Yeah, he did like me then. More than anything else. He told me you better leave. I want you out of here before that bookie shows up to pay off Mr. Templar.

[Louie]

He won't be showing up. I didn't lose the game tonight.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Tell me more, Phil.

[Narrator]

I pitched a three hit shutout.

[Louie]

I figured it was the least I

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

could do for Lefty.

[Louie]

The Kid's gonna be all right, Mr. Temple.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Bill will be all right. Definitely.

[Louie]

You know, I can't blame him for getting tangled up with that Diane. Now there is real aged in the woods stuff.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

She won't be quite as attractive when she gets out, Louie. 20 years does something to a woman.

[Louie]

Should have seen what had done to my wife. And she was no prize to begin with. What do you think was wrong with Diane, Mr.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Temper?

[Louie]

An emotionally insecure childhood.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

You've been talking to Frankie. I think Diane felt an urge to corrupt, Louie. To feel power, revenge, perhaps for something hidden in her past. It might have been her childhood. Might have been society. Though now society exacts further toll. 20 years. I feel like a drink, Louie.

[Louie]

Where to, Mr. Templar?

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Back to the Regent. I've got a scotch waiting for me at the bar.

[Narrator]

You have been listening to another transcribed Adventure of the Saint, the Robin Hood of modern crime. And now, here is our star, Vincent Price.

[Simon Templar (The Saint)]

Ladies and gentlemen, the most priceless gift which a community can give its children is a fine education. Here in America. Your parents have been able to take that education pretty well for granted. But that won't be true of the future unless we plan now to cope with the educational problems of the future. There are going to be lots of them. We know that for sure. Because of the increased birth rate during and since the war, an extra 7 million children are going to be enrolling in our public schools. And the way things stand, our schools just aren't ready to handle them. The problem varies from district to district, but it's always a problem of shortages. In some localities, there aren't enough classrooms, and in others, not enough books and equipment. And overall, we're suffering from a shortage of teachers. In order to meet the challenge and make sure that our youngsters will get the education they deserve, will have to lay down an educational blueprint for the years ahead. Our local school boards are doing that right now, but they can't do it alone. They need everyone's efforts to build a stronger educational system. If you wish to help, simply contact your local school board. And for further information, write to the National Citizens Commission for the Public Schools, New York, New York. That's the National Citizens Commission for the Public Schools, New York, New York. Good citizens everywhere are helping, for they know that better schools make better communities. This is Vincent Price inviting you to join us again next week at this same time for another exciting adventure of the Saint. Good night.

[Narrator]

Tonight's script of the Saint was written by Dick Powell. Our cast tonight included Gloria Blanca, Jack Moyles, Hal March, Ed Max, Bob Clark and Larry Dobkin. The music was composed and conducted by Von Dexter. The Saint, based on characters created by Leslie Charteris, is a James L. Safier production and is directed by Helen Knapp. Vincent Price is soon to be seen co starring in RKO's production of his Kind of Woman. All you Saint fans will be glad to know that the Saint comic books are on sale at all newsstands. Your announcer, Val Brown. Three chimes mean good times on NBC. There's fine entertainment on Theater Guild on the air. Returning next Sunday on NBC. This weekend, 400Americans have a holiday date with death.

[Louie]

Stay off the list.

[Narrator]

Be careful. Next Sam Spade. Then hear Katherine Grayson on NBC.

[Howie Mandel]

The Global Gaming League is presented by Atlas Earth, the fun cashback app. Hey, it's Howie Mandel and I am inviting you to witness history as me and my Howie do it gaming team take on Gilly the king and wallow. $267 million gaming in an epic Global Gaming league video game showdown. Plus a halftime performance by multi platinum artist Travy McCoy. Watch all the action and see who wins in advances to the championship match right [e-mail] that's globalgamingleague.com in partnership with Level Up Expo.