Podcast Summary: “The Saint: It’s Snow Use” (10/29/1950)
Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Starring Vincent Price as Simon Templar
Aired: April 12, 2026 (rebroadcast)

Episode Overview

In this classic episode of “The Saint,” listeners follow Simon Templar (Vincent Price) aboard a ski train headed to the Snow Top Hotel. Simon finds himself entwined in a complicated web of ex-spouses, threats, and murder, where snowy antics and witty banter mask a darker crime. The episode is a perfect blend of old-time radio charm, sharp humor, and detective intrigue, showcasing why “The Saint” remains a Golden Age radio favorite.

Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. The Train Encounter and a Peculiar Proposition

[00:01 – 03:47]

• Simon Templar meets Peggy, a beautiful and self-deprecating woman who asks him to pretend to be her husband.
• Peggy believes her life is in danger from her ex, Charlie, and thinks only “the Saint” can deter him.
• Peggy humorously references her multiple past marriages and the complicated connections between her, Charlie, and his new wife, Vicki.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Peggy (02:02): “None of my husbands was ever able to say I outstayed my welcome.”

2. Arrival at the Snow Top Hotel and a Gallery of Suspects

[03:51 – 11:18]

• Simon and Peggy arrive at the hotel, decide to get separate rooms, and meet eccentric characters such as Sergey Popoff, a boisterous Bulgarian sculptor obsessed with Charlie’s wives.
• Humorous misunderstandings and flirtations continue as the group interacts in the hotel lobby and dining room.
• Vicki, Charlie’s current wife, appears visibly shaken when Charlie’s name is mentioned.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Peggy (06:29): “You must have [heard of Sergey]. He’s a very famous chiseler.”
    • Simon (10:14): “She turned pale as soon as I mentioned Charlie to her.”

3. A Knock on the Head and Growing Mystery

[07:32 – 13:36]

• Peggy is knocked unconscious in her room, but nothing of value is stolen; her paranoia intensifies.
• Simon proves protective yet maintains his signature wit.
• Charlie is nowhere to be found; concern grows among the guests.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Peggy (08:17): “Do you want to boom him back?”

4. The Vanishing Snowman and Chilling Discovery

[13:36 – 15:27]

• Simon and Peggy search the snowy hotel grounds for a mysterious missing snowman that was recently seen.
• They find the snowman in a new location. Simon builds a fire to melt it, revealing Charlie’s corpse hidden inside.
  • Notable Quote:
    • Simon (15:12): “I’m waiting for it to melt… Now we know why the snowman was moved.”

5. The Sleigh Ride, Studio Search, and Ski Escape

[16:28 – 20:50]

• Suspecting the sculptor, Simon and Peggy visit Sergey’s remote studio, where they discover Charlie’s empty wallet.
• Marooned in the snow, Simon and Peggy brave a downhill ski escape amid gunfire from a would-be murderer.
• Simon uses humor and quick thinking to protect Peggy.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • Simon (18:51): “Don’t look at me. I ain’t getting on them wooden death traps.”
    • Peggy (19:32): “I once read a book, Simon, they said skiing is really very simple.”

6. The Culprit Revealed: A Colorful Clue

[20:50 – 24:54]

• Back at the hotel, Simon deduces the colorblind hotel clerk is the murderer after a clever test involving mistaking red holly berries for green ones.
• Simon’s logic: Charlie’s mismatched socks (one red, one green) point to a colorblind killer who mishandled dressing the corpse.
  • Notable Quotes:
    • Simon (23:41): “It meant whoever had dressed him was colorblind.”
    • Simon (24:08): “You would never have left Thompson’s empty wallet in your own studio. It was the clerk Peggy and I surprised planting it there.”

7. Resolution and Lighthearted Close

[24:54 – 25:20]

• With the mystery solved and justice served, Simon and Peggy share a tender, humorous moment.
• Peggy suggests they kiss, only for Simon to quip about mispronounced “skis.”
  • Notable Quote:
    • Peggy (25:06): “Simon, we’re not really married. But you could kiss me anyway…Nice, Simon.”
    • Simon (25:08): “There must be a moral in that someplace.”

Memorable Moments and Quotes

• Simon’s Wit on Skiing:
  • (18:51) “Don’t look at me. I ain’t getting on them wooden death traps.”
• On Marital Status:
  • (02:09) “None of my husbands was ever able to say I outstayed my welcome.”
• Deductive Genius:
  • (23:41) “It meant whoever had dressed him was colorblind.”
• Cozy Closer:
  • (25:06) “Simon, we’re not really married. But you could kiss me anyway…Nice, Simon.”

Important Timestamps

• [01:45] – Peggy asks Simon to pretend to be her husband.
• [06:29] – Introduction of Sergey, the “famous chiseler.”
• [07:32] – Peggy is found knocked out.
• [13:36] – Simon and Peggy head out to find the snowman.
• [15:27] – Charlie’s body is discovered inside the snowman.
• [18:51] – Debates and jokes about skiing.
• [22:54] – Simon tests the clerk on holly berry colors.
• [23:41] – Simon explains how he deduced the killer's colorblindness.
• [25:06] – Episode’s romantic sign-off.

Tone and Style

The episode is rich with banter, light sarcasm, and tongue-in-cheek humor, even as the stakes (and the body count) rise. Vincent Price, as Simon Templar, blends detective intuition with charming irreverence. Peggy serves as both sidekick and comic relief, while the supporting cast mix quirky eccentricity with potential menace.

Summary

This “Saint” episode is a snowy, small-town whodunit with clever dialogue and classic radio flair. Engaging from start to finish, it’s the perfect listen for mystery fans who appreciate wit, character chemistry, and satisfying puzzle-solving with a smile.