Choice Classic Radio Detectives: The Saint – "Schizophrenic Psychiatrist" (09/18/1949)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: The Saint: Schizophrenic Psychiatrist
Original Air Date: September 18, 1949
Podcast Release Date: December 7, 2025
Star: Vincent Price as Simon Templar ("The Saint")

Episode Overview

This episode of The Saint, titled “Schizophrenic Psychiatrist,” features Simon Templar—also known as the Robin Hood of modern crime—embroiled in a mysterious and deadly voyage at sea. As fog envelops the ship, Hollywood starlet Barbara Brooks becomes the victim of an apparent accident, but Templar suspects foul play. The investigation reveals a web of murder, mistaken identity, blackmail schemes, and a culprit haunted by a fractured psyche.

Key Discussion Points and Plot Breakdown

1. A Foggy Night and a Frightened Starlet

• Setting: The episode opens with Simon Templar (Vincent Price) on the ship's deck, engaging in witty banter with Barbara Brooks, a celebrated actress who confides she's retiring from the film industry.
• Tension: Simon quickly discerns that Barbara is not just tired—she’s deeply frightened ([03:41]).
• Dramatic Turn: The fog grows thick, and as Simon steps away to fetch Barbara’s wrap, tragedy strikes: Barbara goes overboard ([04:16]). Templar is knocked out by an unknown assailant.

2. Waking in the Infirmary: Dr. Norman Enters

• Aftermath: Simon awakens in the ship’s infirmary, tended by Dr. Norman, a renowned psychiatrist standing in for the ailing ship’s doctor. Simon is skeptical of the “accident” ([04:55]).
• Motivation: Templar asserts, “Horrible, yes. Accident, no,” revealing his belief that Barbara was murdered ([05:49]).

3. Flashbacks and Intrigue: The Shipboard Cast

• Meeting Barbara: Simon narrates how he met Barbara as the voyage began, sensing her anxiety and vulnerability ([07:11]).
• Phil Rader: Simon identifies the presence of Phil Rader, a notorious criminal, which only intensifies the sense of danger.
• Lil Miller: A secondary character, Lil Miller, emerges as a mysterious and dangerous figure.
• Hidden Dangers: Rader threatens Simon with violence if he interferes ([10:58], [11:15]).

4. Murder at the Costume Ball

• Costume Ball: At a lively masquerade, attempts on Simon’s life and the murder of Lil Miller escalate the stakes ([13:00]-[14:19]).
• Mistaken Identities: Lil Miller, in a harlequin costume, is mistakenly killed; her death offers a vital clue.

5. Blackmail and Schemes Revealed

• Card Sharp Ring: Through conversations with Miller and Rader, Templar uncovers a plot involving blackmail and card cheating, meant to fleece a wealthy, unsuspecting passenger ([15:40]-[20:16]).
• Barbara’s Plight: Barbara’s connection to the schemes—and her looming danger—grows clearer.

6. The Culprit Unmasked: A Psychiatric Twist

• Colorblind Killer: Phil Rader is fatally shot before he can fully reveal the person who hired him to kill Barbara, but not before muttering, “brown tie, blue shirt” ([21:14], [21:54]).
• Crucial Clue: Simon realizes the killer must be colorblind, as such color combinations are unlikely ([22:04]).
• Dr. Norman Exposed: The pieces fall into place—Dr. Norman, suffering from a split personality and colorblindness, is the murderer, driven by a pathological love-hate obsession with Barbara ([23:14]-[24:35]).
• Showdown: Templar cleverly avoids drinking a poisoned sedative and subdues the unhinged doctor in a tense final confrontation ([24:30]-[25:19]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Barbara’s Fear:
  • “There’s nothing to tell. I’m… I’m tired. I need a rest. Please, Simon, don’t make me talk about it.” – Barbara Brooks ([03:45])
• Templar the Detective:
  • “Horrible, yes. Accident, no.” – Simon Templar ([05:49])
• On Justice:
  • “There’s only one cure. The lady with the scales known as Madame Justice.” – Simon Templar ([06:09])
• The Menacing Phil Rader:
  • “Just so there’s no misunderstanding… you butt in where you ain’t welcome on this cruise and… I’ll kill you.” – Phil Rader ([10:58])
• Colorblind Clue:
  • “Well, it means that either the man for whom I search isn’t a very fastidious dresser, Doctor. Or else he’s colorblind.” – Simon Templar ([21:58])
• The Psychiatrist’s Psychosis:
  • “A fan who loved her very much and hated her in equal proportions. Who was so torn between love and hate he had to kill her.” – Simon Templar ([23:15])
• Final Showdown:
  • “What a pretty purple gun you’re wearing. Or is it pink?" – Simon Templar, goading Dr. Norman ([24:26])
  • “Drink up, Templar. You’ll hardly feel it. It’s just a dash of prussic acid.” – Dr. Norman ([24:30])
• Justice Served:
  • “It was a question of your eyes or my stomach, Doctor.” – Simon Templar, after disarming Dr. Norman ([24:55])

Key Segment Timestamps

• [02:39] Introduction: Vincent Price as “The Saint.”
• [03:00-04:21] Simon and Barbara’s tense conversation on deck; Barbara goes overboard.
• [04:45-06:28] Simon awakes in the infirmary, suspects murder.
• [07:11-08:25] Flashback: Simon and Barbara’s first meeting.
• [10:58-11:14] Rader threatens Templar.
• [13:00-14:19] The costume ball: murder of Lil Miller.
• [15:40-17:15] Confrontation with Miller; Rader’s further threats.
• [21:14-21:58] Rader’s cryptic dying clue: “brown tie, blue shirt.”
• [23:14-24:35] Simon connects the clues—schizophrenia and colorblindness.
• [24:26-25:19] Showdown with Dr. Norman; the case is solved.

Episode Tone and Style

Vincent Price delivers the character of Simon Templar with his signature sardonic wit and suave menace. The script blends suspense, noir-tinted banter, and psychological intrigue, enhanced by a rich supporting cast and classic 1940s radio music cues. Dialogue is brisk, with Templar’s dry humor and moral clarity shining throughout—a fitting showcase for the Golden Age of Radio detective genre.

Summary

“Schizophrenic Psychiatrist” is a quintessential Saint episode: a brooding shipboard mystery, filled with glamour, deception, and a psychological twist. Simon Templar’s relentless sleuthing unmasks a killer hiding in plain sight, driven not by ordinary greed but by fractured identity and obsession—a story told with wit, suspense, and style.

For fans of classic radio mysteries, this episode is a strong illustration of period storytelling, snappy detective work, and Vincent Price’s magnetic performance as The Saint.