Podcast Summary: Private Files of Rex Saunders 51-05-16 (03) Done to Death

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Air Date: September 11, 2025
Original Broadcast Date: May 16, 1951
Show: The Private Files of Rex Saunders
Episode Title: Done to Death

Episode Overview

This episode of "The Private Files of Rex Saunders," titled "Done to Death," is a classic detective tale set in the Golden Age of Radio. Rex Saunders, the suave detective, delves into a complex web of deception and crime that initially appears to be about stolen diamonds—but soon reveals a far more dangerous international plot involving murder, intrigue, and counterfeiting. The episode stands as an exemplary piece of vintage mystery storytelling, filled with sharp repartee, suspenseful turns, and memorable characters.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening Mystery: The Mysterious Courier (00:22 – 05:44)

• The Setup: Rex Saunders and his loyal associate Alec wait on a pier to meet "Allison," who has sent Rex an urgent radio message for help.
  • Quote [00:22], Rex Saunders: "Diamonds may be a girl's best friend, but like any other precious ornament, they can be done to death."
• Unexpected Identity: "Allison" is revealed to be a slim, attractive brunette (Vivian Sears), not the man Saunders expected.
  • She's a diamond courier who claims to be hunted by killers for $200,000 in South African diamonds [03:12].
• The Switch: Under the guise of protection, Saunders takes Allison's bag—only to be strong-armed by a thug in a taxi and relieved of it [05:44]. However, the bag is empty; Saunders realizes he and Alec have been played.

Early Revelations: False Leads and a Stolen Identity (05:44 – 11:13)

• Saunders checks the Trigania's passenger list and discovers there is only one "Stephen Allison," and the mysterious woman is lying about her identity.
• Alec discovers from the ship's staff that Allison never left his room, had frequent young female visitors, and is described as a "medium height, baldish" man [07:58].
  • Quote [07:55], Rex Saunders: "Alec, remind me never to trust a handsome woman again, will you?"
• The pursuit leads Saunders and Alec to a rooming house on 20th Street, where they find Stephen Allison murdered and no sign of diamonds [10:36].
  • Quote [10:15], Alec: "Here we are left holding an empty bag again."

The Web Expands: Clues, Counterfeits, and Murder (12:27 – 17:24)

• Clues at the crime scene include odd cigarette butts (not matching Allison's), a matchbook from the "Holly Inn" (a Long Island roadhouse), and metal filings under Allison's fingernails (suspected to be copper).
  • Quote [13:38], Rex Saunders: "There was no lip rouge traces on the cigarettes... And here's something else. An empty book of matches... called Holly Inn."
• Saunders visits Johnson & Sons, who was to receive the diamonds. Mr. Johnson reports the diamonds have been found after an "accident" involving Vivian Sears, who is now dead [15:24].
  • Quote [16:41], Alec: "But the police reported her death due to accidental causes."
• Rex suspects the "accident" was actually murder and posits that diamonds may be a red herring. The real story is likely tied to Allison's former life as an engraver and the mysterious metal filings.

The Deception Unraveled: The Counterfeit Plot (17:24 – 23:32)

• Saunders suspects the real motive involves expertly engraved counterfeit British banknotes.
  • Quote [17:33], Rex Saunders: “Scotland Yard’s reply to my inquiry on Allison told us that Allison at one time was an engraver. Now, that fact fits in with the metal filings...”
• The Holly Inn clue leads Saunders to Evelyn Gaines (previously introduced as Johnson’s secretary), who is revealed to be complicit.
• Saunders is confronted and kidnapped by Al (the earlier thug) for another "accident," but fights back in a tense car struggle, causing a car crash that results in Al's death [21:48].

Finale: The Mastermind Exposed (23:32 – End)

• Dramatic Confession: Gaines and Johnson are overheard toasting their successful counterfeiting operation—using expertly forged notes hidden in car tire tubes, to be shipped to England.
  • Quote [24:23], Alison/Evelyn: “Let’s drink to the pound note.”
  • Quote [24:33], Johnson: “Oh, who’d ever think of looking inside the tire tubes of your car for counterfeit money?”
• Saunders and Alec interrupt, revealing they faked Saunders' death to flush out the conspirators. Alec and Rex arrange their arrest as the police close in.
  • Quote [25:03], Rex Saunders: “I permitted you to get this far, Johnson, so that I would be sure to stop the counterfeit from being circulated in England... But murder always upsets the neatest plan.”
• Gaines quickly turns on Johnson, confessing all in hopes for leniency; her desperate betrayal underscores the high stakes and moral decay at the heart of the plot.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Being Played for Fools:
  • [07:38], Rex Saunders: “Well, the joke happens to be on us, huh? And. And it was played by the deceptive young lady. When I opened the bag, it was empty. Empty as a punctured water bucket.”
• Classic Noir Banter:
  • [00:49], Alec (upon seeing “Allison”): “I imagined that Allison was a man.”
  • [03:00], Alison/Vivian Sears: “It's rather an urgent matter. Here, look at this, Mr. Saunders. This bandage on my arm, it covers a wound. Bullet graze.”
• Detective Professionalism:
  • [14:57], Rex Saunders (to Evelyn Gaines): “By the way, mind if I borrow your matches for a light?”
  • [15:02], Alison/Evelyn: “Keep them.”
  • [15:07], Rex Saunders: “I also make a point of remembering telephone numbers.”
• Twist Ending Confession:
  • [25:27], Alison/Evelyn: “I'm not gonna die for you. He did it. He had Al kill Allison because he was finished with him... It was all Johnson's idea. I had nothing to do with it.”
  • [25:03], Rex Saunders: “But murder always upsets the neatest plan.”

Key Timestamps

• 00:22 – Rex Saunders’ opening monologue about diamonds and danger.
• 03:00 – “Allison” reveals her wound and the diamond plot.
• 05:44 – Rex is forced out of his taxi and loses the brown bag.
• 07:58 – Alec reports on real Allison’s identity and state.
• 10:36 – Discovery of Allison’s murdered body.
• 13:38 – Saunders discusses crucial crime scene evidence.
• 15:24 – Johnson reveals the “recovered” diamonds and Sears’ death.
• 17:33 – Rex links the case to Allison’s engraving skills.
• 18:53 – Saunders meets Evelyn Gaines at the Holly Inn.
• 21:48 – Car struggle climax between Saunders and Al.
• 23:32 – Johnson and Gaines toast their scheme; confession ensues.
• 25:03 – Saunders and Alec reveal their sting, arrange arrests.

Episode Tone & Style

The episode seamlessly blends wry wit, suspense, and the classic style of hardboiled detective fiction. Rex Saunders' sardonic narration and sharp banter with Alec provide levity and charm, while the shadowy plot, double-crosses, and betrayals evoke the noir tradition. The language is crisp, with plenty of double meanings and period flair.

Conclusion

"Done to Death" is a classic radio mystery packed with twists: what seems a diamond heist is actually a sophisticated counterfeiting ring, with double-crosses at every turn. Rex Saunders outsmarts the criminals not only through clever deduction but also by setting a trap, using his own rumored death as bait. The episode stands out for its clever plotting, atmospheric production, and the interplay between memorable characters.