Podcast Summary: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | The Saint: "The Blond Who Lost Her Head" (Original Air Date: 11/13/1949)

Episode Overview

In this classic detective story, Simon Templar – a.k.a. The Saint, portrayed by Vincent Price – finds himself entwined in a noirish web involving a mysterious blond woman who suffers from amnesia, a murdered guardian, and a household full of dubious suspects. Drawing on his signature blend of wit and deductive reasoning, The Saint unravels a case marked by psychological intrigue and clever twists.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

A Chance Encounter with Mystery (01:02–03:35)

• Simon Templar’s Taxi Ride: The Saint hops into a taxi bound for an art gallery but soon becomes the target of the driver’s nosiness and wit.
• Notable Exchange:
  • Simon Templar: “Of all the cabs in San Francisco, most of them operated by drivers who mind their own business. Why did I have to get your cab?” (01:25)
• Introduction of the Blonde: A blonde woman suddenly clings to Templar, calling him “Ellsworth dear.” She’s in distress, claims confusion, and ultimately admits, “I don’t even know who I am.” (03:35)

The Amnesiac and a Murder Suspect (05:00–08:08)

• At Templar’s Apartment: Simon tries to comfort and help the mysterious woman, discovering her compact is initialed D.M.
• Revelation: According to the police, the woman is likely Dorothy Moore, wanted in connection with her guardian Matthew Schreiber’s murder.
• Dorothy’s Plea: “What’s so terrible about it all is that I don’t remember anything at all. So I can’t even say I didn’t murder anyone.” (07:36)

Suspects and Suspicion at the Schreiber Home (08:09–12:47)

• Exploring the Household: Simon meets Walters the witty butler, the sarcastic Mr. Tinsley, and Mrs. Atkins, the housekeeper.
• Establishing Motives: Money, jealousy, and romantic complications are revealed as Simon questions the household.
• Memorable Dialogue:
  • Walters (Butler) on polo: “It’s no job for a grown man.” (08:55)
• Critical Information: Walters claims to have seen Dorothy run from the murder scene—it’s his testimony that made her the prime suspect.

Escalating Stakes: Another Murder (14:00–16:22)

• Mrs. Atkins Found Dead: The housekeeper is found hanged in her room, initially ruled a suicide.
• Templar’s Insight: “This is a very interesting rope... it proves she didn’t commit suicide. She was murdered.” (15:06)
• Evidence: Fibers on the rope show she was hanged by someone else, not herself.

Police and Psychological Games (17:05–18:44)

• At Police Headquarters: Inspector Murray aims to prove Dorothy is faking amnesia.
• Comic Relief: A confusing encounter with a cabbie mistaken for an alienist (psychiatrist), highlighting Murray and Templar’s playful rapport.
  • Templar: "Your alienist was here, Murray. But he left." Inspector Murray: "Alienist? Well, I just phoned him and told him not to come… That guy’s nuts." (18:24–18:42)

The Saint Sets a Trap (19:20–22:30)

• Returning to the Schreiber House: Templar reconstructs the crime, inviting all suspects together and setting out to expose Dorothy.
• The Reveal of the Ruse: Simon slyly hides the library phone to test Dorothy’s memory, catching her in a lie and proving she doesn’t have amnesia.
• Crucial Denouement:
  • Simon: “It means that you are not now nor ever were suffering from amnesia.” (21:10)
  • As Dorothy pulls a gun, Templar reveals the key evidence: her hat was “immaculate, untouched,” making her story of being knocked out implausible. (21:43)
  • Walters disables Dorothy just in time with a bottle: “You knocked Ms. Moore out with a bottle.” (22:45)

Justice and Aftermath (22:54–23:14)

• Order Restored: Dorothy is apprehended; Walters provides comic relief over the “ruined” bottle.
• Simon Quips: “Inspector Murray, you’ll take Ms. Moore, and I’ll take an Old Fashioned.” (22:54)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Dorothy’s Despair:
  “What’s so terrible about it all is that I don’t remember anything at all. So I can’t even say I didn’t murder anyone.” – Dorothy Moore (07:36)
• The Butler’s Wit:
  Walters: “It’s no job for a grown man.” (08:55)
• The Saint’s Deduction:
  “This is a very interesting rope. Because it proves, you see, that she didn’t commit suicide. She was murdered.” – Simon Templar (15:06)
• The Final Clue:
  “Your hat was immaculate, untouched… You’re asking us to believe the killer knocked you out and then carefully put your hat back on your head?” – Simon Templar (21:43)
• The Last Word:
  Walters: “You misunderstood me, sir. I merely said I was going to get some Canada Dry. Now the bottle’s ruined.” (22:47)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 01:02 – Simon meets the mysterious blonde.
• 05:00 – Dorothy confesses confusion and fear.
• 08:09 – Inside the Schreiber home; suspects and motives.
• 14:31 – Mrs. Atkins’ death discovered.
• 17:05 – Police headquarters; amnesia plot tested.
• 19:20 – Templar returns to the Schreiber house to confront Dorothy.
• 21:10 – The amnesia is exposed as a ruse.
• 22:30 – Dorothy’s attempted escape foiled.

Tone & Style

The episode embodies classic noir detective drama: quick-witted, sardonic, and suspenseful. Vincent Price’s Simon Templar is urbane and dryly humorous, often playing off the equally sharp butler, Walters, and the gruff, world-weary Inspector Murray. The dialogue crackles with period slang and clever banter, lightening the otherwise tense atmosphere of murder investigation.

For lovers of classic mystery and golden age radio, this episode delivers all the twists, wit, and character interplay expected from The Saint – with Vincent Price’s inimitable style at the forefront.