Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives
Episode: The Saint — "Cupid and the Corpse"
Release Date: March 15, 2026
Host: Choice Classic Radio
Starring: Vincent Price as Simon Templar (“The Saint”)
Overview
In this classic radio detective episode, Simon Templar, aka “The Saint,” is drawn into a web of murder, gambling debts, and forged bonds. What begins as a date night with Anne quickly turns into a dangerous investigation involving rival mobsters, a mysterious woman, and a deadly surprise party. The plot is packed with intrigue, witty banter, and classic noir suspense, showcasing Simon Templar’s signature blend of charm, deduction, and moral ambiguity.
Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown
1. Interrupted Romance and a Murder [01:04–03:56]
- Simon and Anne’s night out turns dramatic:
Anne teases Simon about being a distraction after her trip, hinting at a rekindled romance. - Murder at the cigar shop:
Their quest for football tickets at Tony Cartego’s cigar store is cut short when they discover Tony near death, shot but alive enough to gasp out a cryptic clue.
Quote:- Tony (dying): “Don’t know... Bon’s effect...” [03:51]
- Immediate danger:
Simon attempts to call police, but two gunmen enter. Simon is knocked unconscious.
2. Hostages, Escape, and Revelations [05:26–08:06]
- Simon and Anne tied up:
Anne’s quick thinking (and charm) allow her to free herself and eventually Simon.
Quote:- Simon: “Never again will I underestimate the persuasive powers of women.” [06:32]
- Identity of a mysterious woman revealed:
Anne realizes the woman fleeing Tony’s was Betty Streeter, engaged to her old flame, Jack Landers.
3. The Streeter Family and an Attempted Hit [09:40–11:50]
- Visit to the Streeter home:
Simon and Anne meet Jack and Betty Streeter. - Shootout:
A gunman fires into the house, injuring Mr. Streeter.
Quote:- Simon: “Well, now that quiet has descended... it might be pertinent to inquire as to the state of Mr. Streeter’s health.” [10:59]
- Rival gangster named:
Duke Raymond is accused of trying to take over Streeter’s warehouse. Templar is hired to “clear Duke Raymond out of the way.”
Quote:- Streeter: “$10,000 if you get Duke Raymond out of the way. Nothing if you don’t.” [12:10]
4. A Gambler's Boat and a Deadly Intercept [12:56–16:13]
- Out to sea:
Simon and Anne are forced at gunpoint to take a speedboat to the gambling ship “Black Deuce,” run by Duke Raymond. - Sabotage & a narrow escape:
Another boat tries to ram them; Simon and Anne barely survive.
Quote:- Simon: “Imagine that, Duke Raymond sleeping during business hours. You’ll never get ahead that way, old boy.” [18:32]
5. The Printing Press Clue [19:18–22:28]
- Back to town, an overlooked clue:
Simon investigates a warehouse next to a printing company—guided by Tony's dying words. - Grim discovery:
Inside the darkened print shop, they find the body of the man who tried to kill Mr. Streeter—identified by a gunshot wound to the leg.
Quote:- Simon: “He’s been tied up, gagged, strangled, and shot in the leg.” [20:36]
- Clues to the motive:
Simon finds engraved plates for forged bonds, realizing forgery was central to the motive.
6. The Surprise Party Trap [23:11–26:41]
- Gathering the suspects:
Simon lures all involved to Tony’s cigar shop with cryptic phone calls about “bonds.” - Revelations:
The trail leads back to Jack Landers, who tried to clear his gambling debt to Duke Raymond with forged bonds. - Showdown:
- Jack pulls a gun: “Pretty sharp, aren’t you, Templar? Got it all figured out.” [25:58]
- Pete the thug shoots Jack before he can act.
- Duke is subdued and arrested.
- Simon’s fee:
Simon playfully requests a $10,000 check for charity from a relieved Mr. Streeter.
7. Case Closed — Tying Up the Loose Ends [27:04–28:45]
- Explanations:
Simon explains that Jack, desperate to pay his gambling debt, masterminded the forgery plot and killed to silence those who knew. - Key deduction:
Simon realized Jack was guilty because the same lipstick mark Anne left on Jack was found on the handkerchief used to gag a victim.
Quote:- Simon: “Because he kissed lipstick, Anne... The handkerchief that gagged Travers had lipstick on it, too.” [28:11]
- Classic Saint ending:
Flirtation resumes between Simon and Anne, ending with a playful kiss to prove her kisses aren’t deadly.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Simon’s wit:
- “Never again will I underestimate the persuasive powers of women.” [06:32]
- “Now, that's a rather silly question, Duke. You came here looking for bonds didn’t you?” [24:03]
- On forgeries:
- “If you tried to sell those bonds, you'd have been arrested. They were forgeries. Follies. You sure about that?” [25:39]
- The lipstick clue:
- “When I called [the lipstick] to his attention, he wiped it off with his handkerchief. And the handkerchief that gagged Travers had lipstick on it, too.” [28:11]
- Closing banter:
- Anne: “And to think that just because he kissed me, he’s dead.”
Simon: “I wouldn’t feel that way about it if I were you. Your kisses wouldn’t kill anyone, and I can prove it.” [28:31]
- Anne: “And to think that just because he kissed me, he’s dead.”
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Tony’s Murder and Dying Clue: [03:03–03:51]
- Anne’s Great Escape: [05:26–06:32]
- Meeting the Streeters & Shooting: [09:40–11:09]
- Duke Raymond Revealed as Antagonist: [11:23–12:10]
- Boat Ambush and Escape: [15:00–16:13]
- Printing Press Discovery: [19:18–22:28]
- Trap Set at Cigar Store: [23:11–25:53]
- Jack’s Confession and Death: [25:54–26:21]
- Simon Explains the Lipstick Clue: [28:11–28:45]
Tone & Style
- The episode blends suspenseful detective noir with frequent witty, flirtatious banter—especially between Simon and Anne.
- The storytelling remains brisk, clever, and peppered with classic 1940s-style crime drama repartee.
For Listeners
You don’t need to have heard previous episodes to enjoy this one—“Cupid and the Corpse” is a stand-alone tale packed with all the twists and vintage radio charm that make The Saint such an enduring character. If you love criminal puzzles, classic detectivism, and sharp dialogue, this episode is a Golden Age treat.