The Saint: Martin Hickerson, Private Eye 12/03/1950

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Saint – "Martin Hickerson, Private Eye" (12/03/1950)

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

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Episode Overview

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.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. The Plea for Help (01:14–04:14)

• Alice Parks approaches Simon Templar in a restaurant, claiming she is in a “matter of life or death” situation involving her fiancé, Marvin Hickerson.
• Marvin, a former farmer, has sold his farm for $50,000 and become a private eye. Alice suspects he’s fallen under the sway of a dangerous woman and fears for both Marvin and his money.
• Memorable banter establishes the comedic, romantic tone:
  • Alice: “I hope you realize I wouldn't approach a perfect stranger if it wasn't a matter of life or death... I had to sit down with the handsomest man in the room.” (01:16)
  • Simon: “Well, I consider it a thespic challenge... How’s this for an ardent yet humble gaze?” (01:44)

2. Meeting Marvin and the Conspirators (04:30–07:01)

• Simon visits Marvin, who portrays himself as a noir private eye obsessed with hardboiled fantasies and declares he’s involved in a “big deal.”
• Marvin introduces Honest Jack Dorgan, supposedly a Kentucky racehorse trainer, and expresses faith in his integrity, neglecting Simon’s warnings.
• Marvin: “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.” (06:23)
• The scene establishes Marvin’s naïveté and his entanglement with a syndicate.

3. The "Murder" and Marvin's Breakdown (07:04–09:59)

• Alice and Simon discuss Marvin’s change in habits, and together they find Marvin distraught and armed.
• Marvin claims he’s killed Honest Jack Dorgan during a fixed horse race betting dispute:
  • Marvin: “I have lived by the gun. And in days, hours, minutes. I shall die by the gun.” (08:04)
  • Alice: “Just because you killed someone, that doesn't make you a murderer, does it, Mr. Templer?” (09:30)
• Marvin flees, convinced he’s a wanted criminal.

4. Investigating the Scene & Unraveling the Scam (10:14–13:13)

• Simon and Alice investigate Suite A, where the alleged “murder” occurred. The room is spotless except for a “blood” stain—no sign of violence or a body.
  • Alice: “Marvin was just imagining things. There wasn’t any murder at all.” (11:06)
  • Simon: “That spot on the floor… I'm afraid it is blood.” (11:21)
• Simon concludes something is amiss and resolves to dig deeper, beginning with Marvin’s new acquaintances.

5. Getting Close to the Con Artists (13:13–20:16)

• Simon, under the alias "Simon Heathcliff," poses as a high-stakes gambler to earn the trust of Coralie Carstairs (the femme fatale) and her father, Colonel Carstairs.
• They invite Simon to their private betting room, where the Colonel demonstrates his “inside tip” on the horse Brave Fox, arranging for Simon to win and encouraging him to bet larger sums next time—a classic con.
  • Colonel Carstairs: “My information is always correct, my boy. Always.” (19:18)
  • Simon (to Alice): “The whole place is working with the Colonel. The race was actually over before I bet. They let me win the money. 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.” (20:32)

6. The Scam Exposed – Final Confrontation (22:07–26:52)

• Simon arranges a sting with Marvin. The goal: catch the con artists red-handed when he returns the next day with $30,000.
• At the meeting, the con artists reveal they’re wise to Simon and threaten violence, only to be surprised by Marvin, who reappears with a gun.
• The supposed murder was an elaborate ruse with blanks and fake blood; Honest Jack is alive. Tension peaks as a real bullet hole appears—thanks to Alice, who switched the gun’s blanks for live ammunition.
  • Simon: “Take a look at the hole in the wall, Mr. Dorgan. It's lucky that Marvin missed you.” (25:35)
  • Alice: “I checked his gun before he went out to give himself up to the police. Just in case.” (25:46)
• Marvin regains his dignity (and money) with the support of Alice.

7. Resolution and Afterglow (26:52–27:45)

• Alice and Simon part on warm terms, with sparks of affection and playful closure:
  • Alice: “When the first child comes, we'll name it Simon after you.” (27:13)
  • Simon: “I wish you'd promise me one thing, Alice… Don’t ever take the hick out of Hickerson.” (27:29)
• Marvin and Alice's romance is reaffirmed, and Simon returns to his role as The Saint, reflecting on the case with signature wit.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Playful banter: “You’re the nicest detective a girl ever had for a detective.” – Alice (04:14)
• Satire of detective genre: “You are not Sam Spade.” – Simon, to Marvin (05:08)
• Comedic melodrama: “I have lived by the gun... I shall die by the gun.” – Marvin (08:04)
• Twist on violence: “Take a look at the hole in the wall, Mr. Dorgan. It’s lucky that Marvin missed you.” – Simon (25:35)
• Lady’s loyalty: “Just because you killed someone, that doesn't make you a murderer, does it, Mr. Templer?” – Alice (09:30)
• Tender farewell: “From the first moment in that restaurant when you hugged me with your eyes...” – Alice (27:11)

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Key Timestamps

• 01:14 – Alice approaches Simon in the restaurant
• 04:30 – Simon meets Marvin Hickerson
• 07:01 – Introduction of Honest Jack Dorgan
• 08:02 – Marvin’s confession of “murder”
• 10:38 – Investigation of the alleged crime scene
• 13:13 – Simon infiltrates the scam, meets Coralie and Colonel Carstairs
• 17:02–18:15 – Betting scene: Simon bets on Brave Fox, “wins” $1,500
• 20:45 – Simon explains the scam to Alice
• 22:07 – Simon and Marvin plan the sting operation
• 23:02–26:52 – The sting: con artists confronted, scam exposed, gun fired
• 27:13–27:45 – Emotional farewell between Alice and Simon

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Tone and Language

• Witty and Playful: Vincent Price’s Simon Templar delivers lines with a light, sardonic tone. The detective’s banter with Alice and Marvin is filled with romantic and comedic undertones.
• Satirical: The episode pokes gentle fun at hardboiled detective tropes, with Marvin’s overblown sense of drama and Simon’s dry commentary.
• Romantic: The subplot between Alice, Marvin, and Simon adds warmth and gentle humor.

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Conclusion

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."

Transcript

[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 [e-mail].

[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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