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Announcer
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 donating@ChoiceClassicRadio.com.
Narrator
The Adventures of the Saints. 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's brilliant and talented actor, Vincent Price as the Saint.
Carl
Will there be anything for dessert, Mr. Templar?
Simon Templar
No, I think not. Carl. Just some more Coffee, please.
Carl
Certainly, Mr. Templeton.
Simon Templar
Thank you.
Alice Parks
Excuse me. Do you mind if I sit down here with you?
Simon Templar
Why, I'd be happy if you.
Alice Parks
Oh, thank you. I hope you realize I wouldn't approach a perfect stranger if it wasn't a matter of life or death. Oh, I'm sure it is a matter of life or death. That's why I had to sit down with the handsomest man in the room. You?
Simon Templar
Well, I.
Alice Parks
But you certainly aren't much of a conversationalist.
Simon Templar
Well, happily you fill the gap. Now, how may I be of service in this matter of life or death?
Alice Parks
Do you think you could gaze into my eyes as if I was the only woman in the entire world? But don't make it anything personal.
Simon Templar
Well, I consider it a thespic challenge.
Alice Parks
I want you to hug me with your eyes while I spurn you proudly.
Simon Templar
La belle dame sans merci. Well now, how's this for an ardent yet humble gaze?
Alice Parks
Not now. He's not watching.
Simon Templar
Sorry, I didn't mean to be fresh. Who's he?
Alice Parks
Marvin. He's over there with that. That woman. He's looking at her the way I want you to look at me.
Simon Templar
This I shall have to see.
Alice Parks
Don't turn around. They're leaving. They'll see you.
Simon Templar
Well, shall I start hugging you now? I'm sure it will be good for the muscles in my eyes.
Alice Parks
Yes. Hurry up.
Simon Templar
I'm hugging.
Alice Parks
Stop. Why, he never even noticed me. He walked right on out. Oh, man, you are Mr. Templer.
Simon Templar
Oh, I'm sorry. Carl. Would you mind changing that coffee to a double brandy?
Carl
Right away, sir.
Alice Parks
But I never drink.
Simon Templar
Not for you. Dear me.
Alice Parks
Oh, did he say Mr. Templer? Not Simon Templar.
Simon Templar
Simon Templar, the saint.
Alice Parks
The Robin Hood of modern crime. Fate has led you to me.
Simon Templar
I must have a word with fate and before fate entangles us further. What's your name?
Alice Parks
Alice. Alice Parks. But you can call me Alice.
Simon Templar
Thank you. Alice. Could you give me an explanation of this in a few thousand well chosen words?
Alice Parks
You mean to say you haven't figured it out? And you a perfectly marvelous detective.
Simon Templar
Well, I'm a little slow, Alice. A heavy meal.
Alice Parks
Well, that was Marvin. Marvin Hickerson. We were engaged practically. And, and then he came to the city. He's a scientific farmer, but he sold his farm.
Simon Templar
For how much, may I ask?
Alice Parks
$50,000.
Simon Templar
How scientific can you get?
Alice Parks
He said he had to come here to pursue his new vocation. To the city, I mean.
Simon Templar
And what is his new vocation?
Alice Parks
He's a private eye.
Simon Templar
Well, I guess there's always room for one more.
Alice Parks
You do see, don't you?
Simon Templar
Yes, of course. See what?
Alice Parks
How horrible the whole thing is. Marvin has met this, this woman. And I found out he's drawn out his whole $50,000 out of the bank this morning. And, well, he's carrying it around with him. Now nobody will help me. I don't know what to do.
Simon Templar
Alice, tell me, are you worried about Marvin or are you worried about the money?
Alice Parks
Oh, I'm only worried about Marvin, Mr. Templer. He's an awful dope, but I love him.
Simon Templar
I see.
Alice Parks
If you would go to him and tell him. Well, the facts. The facts you know, about life.
Simon Templar
Well, frankly, I'm not feeling very fatherly at the moment, but I'll try.
Alice Parks
You will you really? Will you swear it by something sacred?
Simon Templar
I swear it by something sacred.
Alice Parks
Oh, Mr. Templer. You're the nicest detective a girl ever had for a detective.
Marvin Hickerson
Come in.
Simon Templar
Mr. Hickerson.
Marvin Hickerson
Marvin Hickerson, private eye. Come in, Come in.
Simon Templar
Oh, thank you.
Marvin Hickerson
Now, what's your problem, Mr. Templer?
Simon Templar
I wanted to talk to you about a girl, Marvin.
Marvin Hickerson
A girl? You were in your apartment alone, and then she walked in.
Simon Templar
Well, not exactly. It was more in the make.
Marvin Hickerson
Around her shoulders meant money and her smoldering eyes meant trouble. Marvin, a tiny pulse started to beat in your temple as she swayed closer. And it became a tom tom as she threw herself into your arms, murmuring words of passion, of fear, of.
Simon Templar
Marvin, get a grip on yourself.
Marvin Hickerson
Oh, girl.
Simon Templar
Yes, there is a girl, Marvin. But you are not Sam Spade.
Marvin Hickerson
I noticed.
Simon Templar
Huh?
Marvin Hickerson
Well, we've all got to start somewhere.
Simon Templar
True.
Marvin Hickerson
And I can't take your case anyway. I'm involved in a big deal.
Simon Templar
Marvin, Alice is worried about you.
Marvin Hickerson
Alice? Mr. Templar, Alice Parks has got to learn that I am not a child. I, I, I'm a, a man. I'll accept that. And the sooner she stops interfering in my affairs, the better it'll be for everybody. Just because I now happen to be going around with her.
Simon Templar
A woman.
Marvin Hickerson
Definitely a woman who is going to put me in way of making a great deal of money.
Narrator
Hello, Marvin.
Marvin Hickerson
How are you? Oh, hello, Mr. Dorgan.
Narrator
Who's your friend?
Marvin Hickerson
Marvin, this is Mr. Templar. Mr. Templar, this is Mr. Dorgan. Honest Jack Dorgan. He trains horses. He's from Kentucky.
Narrator
Kentucky?
Simon Templar
Yeah. Glad to meet you, Mr. Dorgan. So you're from the bluegrass country, huh? The bluegrass country. The home of fast horses and beautiful women. Where's that? Kentucky.
Marvin Hickerson
Oh.
Simon Templar
Oh, yeah, yeah, sure.
Narrator
Come on, marvin.
Marvin Hickerson
Ah, sure.
Simon Templar
Mr. Dargan, would you excuse us?
Narrator
We got a very important appointment.
Simon Templar
And Marvin has also got $50,000.
Narrator
Who is this guy, Marvin? He's got nose trouble.
Marvin Hickerson
Mr. Templer. If Alice Parks thinks I need someone to protect me, she's mistaken. My experience as a private investigator has made me a pretty shrewd judge of character. And my faith in the integrity of Honest Jack Dorgan is unbounded.
Simon Templar
Thank you, Marvin. Hickerson.
Marvin Hickerson
Right.
Narrator
Come on, Marvin. The Colonel and Carley are waiting. So long, friend.
Simon Templar
So long, Honest Jack. See you at Churchill down sometime. Where's that? Why, in your old home state. Kentucky. Oh, Kentucky. Kentucky.
Alice Parks
Mr. Templer, I'm worried about Marvin. Why doesn't he count?
Simon Templar
I'm a little worried about him myself, Alice. I didn't have quite the same faith in Honest Jack as Marvin did in this penthouse.
Alice Parks
Marvin never had expensive tastes. Never in his life. And her picture on the piano.
Simon Templar
All my love, Marvy. Honey. You're Coralee. It's rather sultry looking, isn't it?
Alice Parks
Oh, I suppose she's pretty.
Coralie Carstairs
If you happen to care for that type.
Simon Templar
Who doesn't?
Alice Parks
Oh, you men are all alike.
Simon Templar
It's a convenient arrangement.
Alice Parks
Oh, he's. He's just an absolute. An absolute beast. Don't you dare call Marvin a beast. Why doesn't he come? Mr. Templar?
Simon Templar
Yeah, I think I heard the elevator.
Colonel Carstairs
Alice.
Alice Parks
That may be Marvin.
Marvin Hickerson
Hello, Alice.
Simon Templar
You better let me have that gun, Marvin.
Marvin Hickerson
No, no. I'll need it. I'll need it when they hunt me down in the inevitable end.
Alice Parks
Marvin, what's happened? Tell me.
Marvin Hickerson
Alice. Mr. Templer, you see before you an outlaw. A criminal.
Simon Templar
Give me the gun, Marvin. No.
Marvin Hickerson
I have lived by the gun. And in days, hours, minutes. I shall die by the gun.
Alice Parks
What did you do, Marvin?
Marvin Hickerson
Alice, I. I killed a man.
Alice Parks
Oh, you didn't.
Marvin Hickerson
I did.
Simon Templar
Or I think I did.
Marvin Hickerson
It's all so confused.
Simon Templar
Sit down, Marvin.
Marvin Hickerson
There isn't time. The police will be after me. Maybe with bloodhounds.
Simon Templar
Oh, I doubt if they could Track you up elevator shaft. Now, look, where was this killing? And who got killed, Mr. Dorgan?
Marvin Hickerson
In the hotel. Here in suite A on the seventh floor.
Alice Parks
But you didn't do it. You couldn't have. Tell him he didn't do it, Mr. Templer.
Simon Templar
Let him tell it, Alice. What happened, Marvin?
Marvin Hickerson
It all mixed up. There were a lot of people there, all betting a lot of money on the horses. And I was there with the Colonel and Coral Lee and Carly.
Alice Parks
I knew she was mixed up in this.
Simon Templar
Go on.
Marvin Hickerson
And I bet my 50,000 on a tip Mr. Dorgan gave us. Because he knew the race was fixed. And I won. 200,000.
Simon Templar
Yes.
Marvin Hickerson
And then Mr. Dorgan told me to bet it all on another race that was fixed. But the horse lost. And there was a big argument. And somebody put a gun in my hand. And it seemed to go off. And Mr. Dorgan fell down. And there was. There was blood. Blood all over. It was awful.
Simon Templar
Did anyone call the police?
Marvin Hickerson
I don't know. I guess somebody did. Everybody saw it. I'm a murderer.
Alice Parks
You are not, Marvin. Just because you killed someone, that doesn't make you a murderer, does it, Mr. Templer?
Simon Templar
I think I'd better investigate this. Marvin. You wait here with Alice.
Alice Parks
No.
Marvin Hickerson
I'll never. Take me alive.
Alice Parks
Marvin. Come back here.
Marvin Hickerson
It's better this way, Alice. Forget me. Forget that somewhere in the night there's a pale, hunted, penniless fugitive from justice. Find someone to take my place in your heart.
Alice Parks
Farewell, Marvin. Oh, Mr. Templer, didn't you.
Simon Templar
No, Alice, I didn't. He was already in the elevator.
Alice Parks
Oh, what are we going to do? Did he really murder someone?
Simon Templar
I. I think we'd better go find out. Come on, Alice.
Alice Parks
Where are we going?
Simon Templar
To sweet A seventh floor. See whether Honest Jack Dorgan has really gone to his old Kentucky home. No answer.
Alice Parks
But there must be someone in there. Marvin said the room was filled with people.
Simon Templar
And. Let's try the door. It's open. Dark in here. Wait till I find the light switch.
Alice Parks
Do you have to turn on the light? Can't we just leave?
Simon Templar
We have to find out, Alice. There.
Alice Parks
But it's just a perfectly bare room.
Simon Templar
Doesn't look much like a gambling den, does it?
Alice Parks
You don't see any body?
Simon Templar
I don't see a sign of anything.
Alice Parks
Well, and it didn't happen. Marvin was just imagining things. There wasn't any murder at all.
Simon Templar
This doesn't look much like a room. A murder was committed in ten minutes before.
Alice Parks
Oh. Let's go, Mr. Templer. Let's find Marvin. And Mr. Templer, what are you looking at?
Simon Templar
That spot on the floor. Alice. That stain.
Alice Parks
Oh, Mr. Templer.
Simon Templar
It isn't, I'm afraid it is blood. I'm coming.
Colonel Carstairs
Coming.
Simon Templar
Oh, Alice, come in.
Alice Parks
Oh, Mr. Templer, how could you sleep so late with poor Marvin roaming the streets, a hunted fugitive.
Simon Templar
What time is it?
Alice Parks
7:30.
Simon Templar
Well, I. I forced myself. And how do we know Marvin is a hunted fugitive? Was there anything in the papers about a killing?
Alice Parks
No, but the body will turn up, won't it? I mean, they always do.
Simon Templar
Usually.
Alice Parks
What are you going to do to find Marvin?
Simon Templar
I think I'll go out and make a few bets on the horses.
Alice Parks
What? You're going to spend the day in carefree abandonment while poor Marvin is roaming the streets, a hunted fugitive?
Simon Templar
I'd like to find out more about Marvin's friends, Coralie and the Colonel. Talking about horses in the bar of the Croydon. Well, it might be a way of getting acquainted.
Alice Parks
You're going to get acquainted with her? Well, I'll go along to protect you.
Simon Templar
Thank you, but no.
Alice Parks
You won't turn into putty in her hands. She won't mold you as she wills. Maybe even a fate worse than death.
Simon Templar
It's a pleasant way to go.
Alice Parks
Well, all right. I trust you.
Simon Templar
Thank you.
Alice Parks
You're nice, Mr. Templer. And I want you to know that if it wasn't for Marvin, why might seriously consider you.
Simon Templar
No.
Alice Parks
And here you are working to save your rival. Why, it's. It's like Sidney Carton.
Simon Templar
It is a far, far better thing I do than I have ever done before. This is. Goodbye, Alice.
Alice Parks
Goodbye, Sy.
Simon Templar
Another scotch over ice, bartender?
Narrator
Yes, sir.
Marvin Hickerson
I. I seen you studying the form. Got anything good going today?
Simon Templar
Not a thing. But my luck generally is bad. Anyway.
Marvin Hickerson
You and me going out to the track today?
Simon Templar
Well, I generally like to place my bets elsewhere. I bet fairly large amounts. And at the track. This brings down the odds.
Marvin Hickerson
Brings down the. You kidding?
Simon Templar
Oh, I generally lose. But then everyone has to have a hobby.
Marvin Hickerson
Yeah, everyone has to have a hobby. Doesn't he, Miss Carstairs?
Coralie Carstairs
Yes, indeed, Jeff. Excuse me. Would you all think I was just terrible if I started up a conversation with you just as bold as that?
Simon Templar
I would think it was terrible if you didn't. You all, that is.
Coralie Carstairs
You're making fun of my accent. I'm from Kentucky. The horse country. That's why I couldn't resist when you started talking horses.
Simon Templar
The fraternity of horseplayer. You wouldn't be going out to the track today, Miss Carstairs.
Coralie Carstairs
Coralie Carstairs. And your name?
Simon Templar
My name is Heathcliff. Coralie. Simon Heathcliff.
Coralie Carstairs
I'm delighted to know you.
Simon Templar
Thank you. Are you going to the track?
Coralie Carstairs
I'd love to, but I have to ask Daddy. He's awful smart about the races.
Alice Parks
He wins all the time.
Coralie Carstairs
Just scared the money.
Simon Templar
This sounds like a gentleman should meet. Are you staying here in the hotel?
Coralie Carstairs
We have rooms on the seventh floor.
Alice Parks
Would you all care to come up?
Simon Templar
Wow.
Narrator
Would just love to.
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Coralie Carstairs
Daddy, I'd like to make you acquainted with a friend of mine, Mr. Heathcliff. Simon, my father, Colonel Carstairs.
Simon Templar
How do you do, sir?
Colonel Carstairs
Well, pleasure. Real pleasure. Oh, sit down, sir.
Simon Templar
Oh, thank you, Ken.
Coralie Carstairs
Ah, Simon's a horseplayer too, Daddy. I told him about you making simply scads of money on the races.
Colonel Carstairs
You what? Coralie, I've asked you time and again not to mention my business to strangers.
Coralie Carstairs
But, Daddy, all I said was you made scads of money.
Colonel Carstairs
I must apologize, sir. You see, the fact is, you look like a gentleman I can trust. The fact is that I bet on races only when I have definite information.
Simon Templar
You mean fixed races?
Colonel Carstairs
Well, you might put it that way, yes. Sad that the sport of kings should have fallen into such low estate. But as long as it has, there's a profit to be made by knowledge, handsome. Profit. And don't mind saying I have such knowledge.
Coralie Carstairs
Could you give him a tip, Daddy?
Simon Templar
Oh, I. I couldn't ask anything like that.
Colonel Carstairs
Oh, well, perhaps you can do me a favor, sir. I have a horse going in just a few minutes. But the horse parlor down the hall here has been refusing my bet.
Carl
You see, I'm.
Colonel Carstairs
I'm too heavy a winner for them. If you would care to place the
Simon Templar
bet for me, why, I'd be delighted.
Alice Parks
Good.
Colonel Carstairs
And Ghost, little something for yourself. Just down the hall. Just down the hall. Sweet egg. Shall we go?
Simon Templar
Oh, by all means. After you, sir.
Colonel Carstairs
After you. Come, Carlene.
Coralie Carstairs
Coming, Daddy.
Colonel Carstairs
I'll give you the money before we go in. 40,000 on brave fox and whatever you want to add of your own.
Simon Templar
40,000? Oh, that's a lot of money.
Alice Parks
Kirk.
Colonel Carstairs
Chicken feeding. Boy, millions in this thing. Millions. Oh, here we are. Remember the knock in case you come back by yourself. 20 across, south turret. Okay, you're in.
Simon Templar
Well, this is quite a place.
Colonel Carstairs
Good afternoon, Fred. Fifth. Three so fit? Yeah, just about, Colonel. Oh, I'm not betting, Fred. No cause for long. Mr. Heathcliff here would like the wager.
Narrator
Certainly, sir.
Colonel Carstairs
The cashier's booth right over there.
Simon Templar
Thank you.
Colonel Carstairs
Brave Fox to win.
Narrator
Hurry.
Simon Templar
I'd like to place 40,500 on Brave Fox to win.
Narrator
You're just in time, sir. 40,500 to win.
Coralie Carstairs
Did you make the best time?
Simon Templar
Right. And I bet 500 for myself. It's all I had with me.
Colonel Carstairs
Well, small dividends first. Big ones will come later. Okay. Okay, fellas, quiet down. The books are closed.
Carl
And there they go.
Alice Parks
Oh, Simon isn't. He has the rain.
Simon Templar
Oh, how exciting.
Carl
At the half, it soon is traced by a head. See Me Face the Bull Race Zack in Top Curry by two lengths and break back.
Simon Templar
You're sure of your information, Colonel?
Colonel Carstairs
Nothing to worry about, my boy. Not a thing.
Carl
At 3/4. Still owner's choice by a head. A Bully Zach by one. See Me Faced. And Top Turret by half the length. And Blake Fox is trailing.
Coralie Carstairs
Daddy, what's the matter with that little old horse?
Marvin Hickerson
I don't know.
Carl
Bull Ray Zack is taking command by two links on his choice is second and the Top Turret. And the Bray Fox is beginning to close ground on the outside.
Alice Parks
Come on, Bray Fox.
Simon Templar
Can he do it?
Colonel Carstairs
He better.
Carl
Coming down to the line of finish, it's Blue Ray Zack and Top Turret with Brave Fox on the outside. And now it's a Bull rack and Brave Fox. A Bull Ray Zack and Bray Fox. And the Brave Fox gets up to win it by a nose.
Alice Parks
Charming. We won.
Simon Templar
I certainly have to hand it to you, Colonel.
Colonel Carstairs
Let's. Let's step outside the hole for a minute.
Carl
Sir,
Colonel Carstairs
I just didn't want the boys to hear. Well, sir, my information is always correct, my boy. Always.
Coralie Carstairs
How much did we win?
Colonel Carstairs
Well, let's see. At 2 to 1, I get back 120,000. And Mr. Heathcliff, you get back 1500.
Marvin Hickerson
Sir.
Colonel Carstairs
Pity you didn't have more with you.
Simon Templar
I don't want to appear greedy, Colonel, but do you have anything else running today?
Colonel Carstairs
Not today, my boy. Nothing. Sure. And of course, I never bet unless it's sure tomorrow. Well, well, you have the fever, don't you?
Marvin Hickerson
Yes.
Colonel Carstairs
Yes, I have something tomorrow or will have. Meet me back here at the same time if you. If you want to get in on it.
Simon Templar
Could I draw some real money out of the bank to bet on it?
Colonel Carstairs
Much as you like, my boy. Of course, that's purely up to you. Of course, I make no guarantees.
Simon Templar
Certainly. It's a pretty risky business, eh, Colonel? Why, I might lose my shirt.
Colonel Carstairs
Yeah. Yes, indeed, sir.
Alice Parks
But I don't understand, Mr. Temple. You actually won a thousand dollars?
Simon Templar
Come on. Money, Alice. The whole place is working with the Colonel. The race was actually over before I bet. They let me win the money.
Alice Parks
But why?
Simon Templar
So I would go to the bank Tomorrow, draw out 30 or 40,000 and come back and bet it. And then I'd lose.
Alice Parks
Oh, was she very pretty?
Simon Templar
Who?
Alice Parks
Coralie?
Simon Templar
Well, if you care for that type, Marvin did. Yeah, it's a sure sign of 2020 vision.
Alice Parks
He hasn't come, Marvin. When I think of him out there. A poor, lonely, hunted fugitive.
Simon Templar
I know, I know.
Alice Parks
And here we are. The two of us, safe, alone in your apartment. The two of us alone in your apartment.
Simon Templar
Alice.
Alice Parks
What's that?
Simon Templar
Somebody outside the window. I'll open it,
Alice Parks
Marvin.
Marvin Hickerson
Gee, how'd you recognize me? I was wearing dark glasses and a mustache.
Simon Templar
Come in, Marvin.
Carl
We.
Simon Templar
We recognized your voice.
Marvin Hickerson
I didn't say anything.
Alice Parks
Where have you been, Marvin?
Marvin Hickerson
Skid row.
Alice Parks
How awful.
Marvin Hickerson
That's where I belong. I'm a human derelict. A hunted criminal.
Alice Parks
Are you hungry?
Marvin Hickerson
No. I ate at the Sunshine Mission. They wanted me to stay and sing tenor in the choir. But then I read the paper and came here.
Simon Templar
Is there any hope, Marvin? Look, I want you to stay here tonight. Tomorrow you're going to the police and give yourself up.
Marvin Hickerson
Never.
Simon Templar
It may not be as bad as you think. You're going to give yourself up and then send the police over to Suite A, the seventh floor of the Croydon, where I will have just been swindled out of my money, just as you were.
Marvin Hickerson
I was swindled. Gee, they had a nerve, swindling a private eye.
Simon Templar
Yeah, some crooks just have no decency.
Marvin Hickerson
But Cora Lee wasn't a crook, was she?
Simon Templar
I'm afraid so.
Alice Parks
Gee, Marvin.
Marvin Hickerson
Oh, I suspected her, of course, all along.
Simon Templar
Now look, here's the plan, Marvin. I'll be there at 2 o'.
Coralie Carstairs
Clock.
Simon Templar
You walk into the police station at 2 and send them over. That would give me enough time to lose the money. Have you got that?
Colonel Carstairs
Sure.
Marvin Hickerson
I'll. I'll give myself up.
Alice Parks
Well, I'll go with you, Marvin.
Marvin Hickerson
No, Alice. A woman's place is in the home. You wait here until I get back.
Alice Parks
How long will you be?
Marvin Hickerson
If I'm lucky 10 years.
Alice Parks
Oh, Marvin.
Marvin Hickerson
Alice.
Simon Templar
Oh, brother. Hello, Colonel.
Colonel Carstairs
Come in, sir. Come in.
Simon Templar
I. I don't quite understand, Colonel. Where is everybody? Where is Fred the cashier? All the betters.
Colonel Carstairs
Well, it's just a family party today, sir. Just Coral E and myself. Say hello to the gentleman, Coral E. Honey.
Coralie Carstairs
Hi, stupid.
Simon Templar
Yeah, Coralie seems to have lost her Southern charm and refinement, Colonel.
Colonel Carstairs
Yes. Yeah. It's a pity I constantly try to impress on our cast. Of course, we are all actors in a way that to be successful, you must live your part 24 hours a day. But there's not the same pride and craftsmanship there was in my day. Sit down, sir. Sit down.
Simon Templar
Thank you. What gave me away?
Colonel Carstairs
Simple thing, really. One of our personnel saw you with young Marvin Hickerson the other day. Come in, Doggin.
Narrator
Hi, nosy.
Simon Templar
Well, honest Jack Dorgan from Kentucky. Then you really weren't shot, Mr. Dorgan.
Colonel Carstairs
Ah, the gun held blanks. The blood was catching. Merely a convenient way of getting rid of a sheared lamb.
Simon Templar
I thought as much. Now what happens?
Colonel Carstairs
Nothing. Nothing at all, Mr. Templer. No doubt you have the police outside waiting to pounce after we take your money. How much did you bring, by the way?
Simon Templar
30,000.
Colonel Carstairs
Oh, shame. I have to pass it up.
Coralie Carstairs
We're gonna pass up 30 grand.
Colonel Carstairs
Necessity, Carly.
Narrator
Let me at least beat the thousand out of me. One from us, Colonel. Him and his Kentucky.
Colonel Carstairs
Ah, that would be the police. Little early, aren't they, Mr. Templar?
Marvin Hickerson
Come in. Reach for the sky. I got you covered, Marvin. I didn't go to the police, Mr. Templer. I thought if I brought the gang in myself, I might get a lighter sentence.
Narrator
Lighter sentence for What?
Marvin Hickerson
Wiper.
Simon Templar
Sh.
Alice Parks
Mr. Dorgan.
Simon Templar
Yes, Mr. Dorgan. Made a quick recovery, Marvin.
Narrator
Yeah, and I got a gun too.
Colonel Carstairs
You see it. Well, well, well, well, this is convenient. The police aren't coming. Then we can take Mr. Templar's 30,000. Although, of course, I deplore violence. Offends my sense of Southern hospitality.
Narrator
Stand up, Templar.
Simon Templar
My feet hurt.
Marvin Hickerson
Stand up. You forget I've got a pistol here. Don't anyone move.
Narrator
What pistol, Marvi?
Marvin Hickerson
The same pistol I shot you with, that's what.
Simon Templar
Marvin, look, the cartridges are blanks.
Marvin Hickerson
Blanks? I don't believe it.
Narrator
Oh, you don't, huh?
Simon Templar
Stay away from him, Dorgan.
Marvin Hickerson
Yeah, you stay away from me or I'll shoot.
Narrator
Go ahead. Have fun.
Marvin Hickerson
I. I will
Narrator
shoot some more, Marvy.
Simon Templar
It tickles.
Alice Parks
Marvin. Marvin.
Narrator
Well, they're coming in like flies.
Marvin Hickerson
You shouldn't have come, Alice. These men are Trying to kill us?
Colonel Carstairs
No.
Marvin Hickerson
I've got her. Blank cartridges, are they?
Simon Templar
Take a look at the hole in the wall, Mr. Dorgan. It's lucky that Marvin missed you.
Narrator
Yeah, sure. All in it.
Colonel Carstairs
Hey, that's a bullet hole.
Simon Templar
Yes, it is, isn't it?
Narrator
Put that thing down, kid. Somebody could get hurt.
Simon Templar
Alice, did you change the bullet?
Alice Parks
Yes, I did. I know Martin a little better than you, Mr. Templar. I checked his gun before he went out to give himself up to the police. Just in case.
Marvin Hickerson
Yeah. Get back, you rats. You're dealing with Marvin Hickerson, private eye.
Coralie Carstairs
Me too, Marvy, honey.
Alice Parks
Well, you too, Coralie, honey.
Marvin Hickerson
Yes, you too. And I'll take my 50,000 back, too.
Colonel Carstairs
Oh, such a pity. You seldom meet a young man so willing to part with money.
Simon Templar
Stay right where you are, colonel.
Marvin Hickerson
Don't worry, Mr. Templar. I can handle him. This is only the start of a long and successful career as a private eye.
Simon Templar
Marvin, I think Alice might have something to say about your career.
Marvin Hickerson
Alice? Alice, do you still, you know.
Alice Parks
Yes, Marvin, very much ecstatically so.
Marvin Hickerson
Get back, you rats. You're dealing with Marvin Hickerson, scientific farmer.
Simon Templar
You mean this is goodbye, Alice?
Alice Parks
Marvin's waiting outside, Mr. Templer. I guess that. Well, it just wasn't meant to be. You and me, that is.
Simon Templar
C' est la vie, I agree.
Alice Parks
But I want you to know that I'll always remember you, Mr. Templer. From the first moment in that restaurant when you hugged me with your eyes.
Simon Templar
That was a moment, wasn't it?
Alice Parks
Golden. And when. When the first child comes, we'll name it Simon after you.
Simon Templar
No.
Alice Parks
Yes, Simon. Forever and ever.
Simon Templar
I'll be very honored.
Alice Parks
Just think, by Tomorrow I'll be Mrs. Marvin Hickerson.
Simon Templar
I wish you'd promise me one thing, Alice.
Alice Parks
What, Simon?
Simon Templar
Don't ever take the hick out of Hickerson.
Narrator
You have been listening to another transcribed Adventure of the Saint. The Robin Hood of modern crime. And now, here is our star.
Simon Templar
Ladies and gentlemen, 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
This story of the Saint was written by Dick Powell. Our cast included Leslie Banning, Maggie Morley, Victor Rodman, Edmund McDonald, Herb Vigram, Bill Tracy and Barney Phillips. The Saint, based on characters created by Leslie Charteris, is a James L. Safier production and is directed by Helen Mack. Vincent Price is soon to be seen co starring with Errol Flynn and Michael and Prell in William Marshall's production of Bloodline. Your announcer, Don Stanley. Three chimes mean good times on NBC Tonight, the Big Show. Your hour and a half of comedy, music and drama includes Tallulah, Margaret Truman, Fred Allen, Danny Thomas, Douglas Fairbanks, Mindy Carson and many, many more. And Theater Guild on the Air Tonight brings you Carousel, starring Patrice Munsell and Cornell Wilde. Remember Margaret Truman and Doug Fairbanks. Join the Big show today on NBC.
Announcer
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Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: The Saint: Martin Hickerson, Private Eye
Original Air Date: December 3, 1950
Release Date (on podcast): May 17, 2026
Starring: Vincent Price as Simon Templar ("The Saint")
Duration (excluding ads): ~28 minutes
This classic episode features Vincent Price as Simon Templar, known as "The Saint." The story centers around Martin Hickerson, a naïve former farmer turned self-styled private detective, who finds himself the target of a devious gambling scam. Simon Templar, with his characteristic wit and charm, is recruited by Alice Parks to rescue her hapless fiancé, Marvin, from the clutches of con artists and to unravel a supposed murder, leading to a blend of comedy, romance, and detective sleuthing.
The episode delivers clever banter, satirical twists on detective tropes, and a mix of suspense and humor, capturing the golden age of radio's charm.
This episode of The Saint combines clever comedic writing, sharp genre parody, and a suspenseful detective plot. Simon Templar’s efforts save hapless Marvin from both legal peril and financial ruin, while Alice’s loyalty and quick thinking help turn the tables on the swindlers. Classic performances and delightful dialogue cement this as a golden example of old-time radio detective storytelling.
Listeners are left with a smile and a reminder: "Don’t ever take the hick out of Hickerson."