Podcast Summary: "The Saint: Greed Causes Murder"

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: The Saint: Greed Causes Murder (Original Airdate: 10/29/1947)
Star: Vincent Price as Simon Templar, The Saint
Release Date (Podcast): November 16, 2025

Episode Overview

This classic detective radio episode features Vincent Price as Simon Templar, “The Saint,” in a tangled web of old crimes and fresh murders triggered by the greed for missing stolen money. The story begins with a scuffle over a seemingly worthless old car—and unravels into a hunt for $400,000 vanished seven years prior. The Saint’s investigation uncovers double-crosses, murder, and a clever method of hiding secrets, culminating in a climactic showdown that brings justice to those corrupted by avarice.

Key Plot Points & Discussion

1. The Mystery Begins: A Car Everyone Wants

• (02:02-03:34)
  Simon Templar witnesses thugs, Mac and an accomplice, attempting to steal an old car from Mr. Collins, a stubborn old man. Templar intervenes but is brushed off by the thugs.
  • Saint: “There’s nothing like a .32 in the pocket of a known thug for winning an argument.” (03:06)
  • Collins tells Templar about failed attempts to buy his car, fueling Templar's curiosity.

2. Enter the Criminal Underworld

• (03:34-08:13)
  Templar tracks Mac to a shady pool hall, confronting both Mac and the slick operator Fancy Dan Turner.
  • Templar questions why Turner is after Collins’ junk car. Turner cryptically implies the car's value is much greater, warning Templar to keep out.
  • Turner: “So big I wouldn’t hesitate to shoot at the slightest move. Am I clear?” (07:06)
  • Turner insinuates imminent violence, but Templar outsmarts him, escaping with only a threat.

3. A Gruesome Discovery

• (08:54-10:23)
  At Collins’ home, Templar finds Collins murdered—beaten, stabbed, and tortured. O’Brien, another crook, is already on the scene, searching for "swag"—specifically, the missing $400,000.
  • O'Brien: “When a job is pulled and the police go after the boys who pull it, I make an end run and go after the swag. Or at least part of it.” (09:27)
  • Before O’Brien can say more, he is fatally shot by an unseen third party.

4. The Backstory Unfolds: A Seven-Year-Old Heist

• (11:26-13:34)
  Templar investigates Mr. Ritchie, a wealthy industrialist whose firm lost $400,000 in a theft by his accountant, John Qualey, seven years ago. The money was never recovered, and Qualey died in prison two weeks ago.
  • Saint: “If he knew he were dying in prison, it’s quite possible he made an attempt to get word to her to tell her where the money was hidden.” (12:41)
  • Ritchie claims Qualey was watched too closely to pass any message.

5. The Widow, Hidden Clues, and Increasing Danger

• (13:52-14:49)
  Templar corners Mrs. Qualey (the dead accountant’s wife). Her connection to the murder and the car is suspicious. She bought Collins’ car at great cost, found with tools for breaking into hidden compartments and fresh license plates.
  • Saint: “I know that Collins’ car is worth about $20. But it’s something else. It’s worth in the neighborhood of $400,000. And you know, that’s an awfully nice neighborhood.” (14:40)
  • Mrs. Qualey is soon shot and mortally wounded by the unseen killer.

6. The Web Tightens: Who’s the Real Mastermind?

• (17:09-20:26)
  Templar is kidnapped by Mac and delivered to Turner, but Turner reveals his group is not responsible for the recent murders—he has airtight alibis for the crucial hours.
  • Templar deduces that Smitty, a mutual contact, sold Qualey’s secret to several parties, leading to a lethal competition.
  • Saint: “Your pal Smitty is the sort of rat that even rats on rats. He sold Quaily's secret three times. That we know of.” (20:17)

7. The Final Showdown: Elevator Shaft Treasure

• (21:23-24:37)
  The real killer/mastermind is revealed to be Mr. Ritchie. Together with Templar, he stands atop the elevator shaft, using an acetylene torch to open a hidden compartment containing the stolen cash.
  • The instructions had been hidden by Qualey in a license plate, smuggled out from prison as part of his workshop job.
  • Ritchie: “There’s an extra piece of thin metal in this particular plate, forming a sort of pocket. And inside the pocket, a note on cigarette paper telling poor Mrs. Qualy how to get the money.” (22:09)
  • As the elevator powers on, Templar jumps to safety, but Ritchie—blinded by greed—stays behind and is crushed, dying atop his ill-gotten fortune.
  • Saint: “You think of it, Richie. And also think of how much blood was spilled on it.” (23:48)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Simon Templar's Wit:
  “It’s euphonic, but slightly ungrammatical, Mac. Now, what’s the disturbance?” (02:17)
• On Greed:
  "Nor is there any juster law than that the contrivers of death should perish by their own contrivances." — Vincent Price as Simon Templar, quoting Ovid at episode’s end (24:44)
• Cynicism on Value:
  "Yes. You could almost buy a secondhand car with it." (12:56)
• Classic Saint Irony:
  “I’ve never been astride the top of an elevator before, Richie. And we’re right near the top of the shaft.” (23:04)
• Final Justice:
  “Yes, Richie, you saved your money. And you saved the state some money, too. I’m sure you didn’t plan on saving the cost of your…” (24:24)

Important Timestamps

• 02:02: The initial attempted car theft and character introductions
• 03:34: Templar’s first confrontation with Mac and Smitty
• 06:13: Templar meets Fancy Dan Turner
• 08:54: Collins found murdered; O’Brien appears
• 11:26: Templar's questioning of Mr. Ritchie about the original theft
• 13:52: Templar's tense encounter with Mrs. Qualey
• 17:09: Mac kidnaps Templar on Turner’s orders
• 21:23: The final confrontation and the reveal of Ritchie as the mastermind
• 22:09: The secret of the license plate revealed
• 23:47: The treasure is found; Ritchie’s downfall
• 24:44: Saint’s closing words and summary of the episode’s moral

Tone and Style

• The episode is filled with hardboiled detective banter, puns, and sardonic humor, typical of "The Saint."
• Vincent Price’s delivery mixes dry wit, moral outrage, and cool under pressure, giving the story both levity and gravitas.

Conclusion

This episode exemplifies the golden age of radio mysteries with its labyrinth plot, sharp dialog, and a classic reminder: greed consumes all, even the schemer. The clever hiding of the loot, the layers of criminal conspiracy, and the unexpected final twist elevate "Greed Causes Murder" to a standout entry in The Saint’s adventures.