
Saint 1949-11-13 The Case of the Blonde Who Lost Her Head
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Simon Templer
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Vincent Price
The adventures of the Saint 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 to radio, starring Hollywood's brilliant and talented actor, Vincent Price as the Saint.
Simon Templer
Taxi. Taxi. 4500 Sutter, please.
Unnamed Cab Driver
It's kind of light, ain't it?
Simon Templer
Yes, it is.
Unnamed Cab Driver
Comes this time of night, I figure.
Simon Templer
A guy should order 4500 Sutter, please.
Unnamed Cab Driver
Mind you, I don't like to get personal here.
Simon Templer
Driver.
Unnamed Cab Driver
Yeah.
Simon Templer
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?
Unnamed Cab Driver
Well, I like. Who you Gonna see at 4,500?
Simon Templer
My name is Simon Templer. I am 6 foot 1 inches tall, and I have a birthmark on my right shoulder blade. My income for last year.
Unnamed Cab Driver
That's all right. Evading the question, huh?
Simon Templer
I give up. I'm going to visit a man named Clarence Quigley.
Unnamed Cab Driver
Clarence Quigley.
Simon Templer
Clarence Quigley.
Unnamed Cab Driver
Uh huh. Uh, you gonna see this alleged Clarence Quigley?
Simon Templer
Look, he's got a collection of paintings. I like to look at paintings. Maybe that will seem odd to you.
Unnamed Cab Driver
But come, come now, no temper. Now, if I was your wife, you'd have to do better than that, you know.
Simon Templer
So how much do I owe you and go away?
Unnamed Cab Driver
Well, would you think I was soaking you if I suggested 3 bucks? As one man of the world to another. Let's make it three bucks anyway.
Simon Templer
Let's just be yokels and make it 50 cents. Here you are.
Unnamed Cab Driver
Well, I. Hey, hey, is that blonde giving you the eye or me?
Simon Templer
Blonde?
Unnamed Cab Driver
Yeah, the one coming down the street towards us.
Simon Templer
Oh, yeah.
Unnamed Cab Driver
Best. Best foot forward.
Simon Templer
I never saw her before in my life.
Dorothy Moore
Ellsworth, dear.
Simon Templer
Oh, Ellsworth dear, I beg your pardon, but that's my neck you've got your arms around, miss.
Unnamed Cab Driver
A man named Clarence Quigley, huh?
Simon Templer
Driver, stop heckling. Look, Miss, whatever your name is, the way you're strangling me is a pleasant way to be strangled.
Dorothy Moore
But Ellsworth dear, you sound so cool.
Simon Templer
I'm not Ellsworth dear. I think I can honestly say I have never been. Ellsworth dear.
Dorothy Moore
You're not?
Simon Templer
No.
Dorothy Moore
I'm sorry. I Thought you were. Or maybe I just hoped you were.
Simon Templer
Don't you know Ellsworth, dear, when you see him?
Dorothy Moore
No, I. But I saw you and then the name came to me. So I just thought.
Simon Templer
Who is Ellsworth?
Dorothy Moore
I don't know.
Simon Templer
Well, I suppose a certain amount of confusion about who or what Ellsworth is is understandable.
Dorothy Moore
That isn't the worst.
Simon Templer
It isn't?
Dorothy Moore
No. You see, not only don't I know who Ellsworth is, but. Yes, I don't even know who I.
Unnamed Cab Driver
Now, what I want to know in a general sort of way, is how Mr. Clarence Quigley is going to feel.
Simon Templer
Driver, would you mind concentrating on your driving?
Unnamed Cab Driver
You know he's liable to be frustrated, like I'm taking you and a lady right back to where you started my apartment.
Simon Templer
Yes, because Miss. Ms. X needs help.
Dorothy Moore
I feel as though I'm imposing on you, Mr. Tim.
Simon Templer
Nonsense. The hour's late. You couldn't very well go wandering about the streets indefinitely.
Unnamed Cab Driver
Especially in that hat.
Dorothy Moore
Is anything wrong with my hat?
Simon Templer
Not a thing. No, it's very charming and immaculate.
Unnamed Cab Driver
Also, it resembles a bird's home away from home. Well, Mr. We have returned from where we went away.
Simon Templer
Good, Ms. X.
Dorothy Moore
Thank you.
Unnamed Cab Driver
You're going to keep on being a yokel here.
Simon Templer
Mm.
Unnamed Cab Driver
This time only half a yokel. Well, goodbye. You know where I'm going?
Simon Templer
No.
Unnamed Cab Driver
I'm going to lurk outside of Clarence Quigley's. I think tonight he's a fella who needs a friend.
Dorothy Moore
I need one too.
Simon Templer
Now come along now. There you go. Now take your hat off. Make yourself comfortable.
Dorothy Moore
All right. I'm so afraid.
Simon Templer
Quiet. Now, let's take a look at your bag.
Dorothy Moore
Here.
Simon Templer
Mm. Usual odds and ends. And a compact initialed. Dm. Dm? Does that suggest anything?
Dorothy Moore
Dm? No, it doesn't. Nothing means anything. All I remember is being outside an art gallery on Sutter.
Simon Templer
You're well dressed. Contacts, gold, no latchkey. Which means you probably don't live alone. Which could also mean you've been missed.
Dorothy Moore
You're phony.
Simon Templer
Yes, the police, Missing Persons Bureau, they. Hello? Oh, get me Inspector Murray. Thanks, I'll hold on.
Dorothy Moore
I hope. Maybe they know about me. Oh.
Simon Templer
What's the matter?
Dorothy Moore
I just touched the back of my head. It's terribly painful.
Simon Templer
Come here. Yeah. Bruise the size of what I wish my bank account was. There's the cause of your amnesia. Hello, Inspector Simon Templer. Inspector. Your language is deplorable. Inspector. I'm looking for someone. A blonde Inspector? No, no. Well, maybe, but not tonight at Any rate, the girl I'm looking for is around 22 years old, blonde hair, blue eyes, height 5 foot 3 inches and thereabouts. Wearing a street suit, brown white blouse with ruffles at the neck. And what you're looking for too. Her name's Dorothy Moore. Why do you want her? I see. Then I. I guess you've got priority. Goodbye.
Dorothy Moore
They want me.
Simon Templer
Yeah, so it seems.
Dorothy Moore
Because I've been reported missing, partially that. What else do they want me for?
Simon Templer
Murder. Here. Now try another cup of coffee. Dorothy, I. Well, I guess we'll call you that. Unless we get evidence to the contrary, Dorothy Moore would fit the initials on your compact.
Dorothy Moore
What am I gonna do?
Simon Templer
You stay here and wait for me.
Dorothy Moore
Where are you going?
Simon Templer
From the information I've been able to get on the phone, your guardian, a man named Matthew Schreiber, was shot and killed earlier this evening. You disappeared. That's all the information in the public domain at the moment. I'm gonna look for more.
Dorothy Moore
At my house?
Simon Templer
Yes.
Dorothy Moore
Or shouldn't you turn me over to the police?
Simon Templer
Well, actually, I don't really know that you are Dorothy Moore. I'd like to know a little more about the murder itself before coming to any decisions.
Dorothy Moore
You mean you want to help me? Yes, I need help. So. Because, you see, 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.
Walters
Hello.
Simon Templer
Hello.
Walters
Well, it's been fun meeting you.
Simon Templer
Goodbye. Now, wait a minute. Don't shut the door. Why not? I'm coming in.
Inspector Murray
All right.
Walters
I hate to see him prying, but who are you?
Simon Templer
Simon Templar.
Walters
An attractive name. Much more distinguished than mine.
Simon Templer
Oh, what's your name?
Walters
Walters. Not the most glamorous name in the world, but I'm a butler, so I bear up Good.
Simon Templer
Where is everybody?
Walters
In the library. They're so well bred.
Simon Templer
Oh. Who is in the library?
Walters
Mrs. Atkins, the housekeeper. The Cassandra of our day.
Simon Templer
A gloomy lady prophesying disaster.
Walters
Yes. And of course, there's Mr. Tinsley.
Simon Templer
Mr. Tinsley.
Walters
A strange fellow who spends a good deal of his time sitting on small horses and hitting a large ball with a long wooden stick.
Simon Templer
A polo player.
Walters
Doesn't matter what you call it. It's no job for a grown man.
Simon Templer
What's his relationship to Ms. Moore?
Walters
Oh, let's not start prying.
Simon Templer
Shall we expound?
Walters
Well, to preach a confidence, he's engaged to marry Ms. Moore if and when she's found, and if she happens to be innocent. Of her guardian's assassination.
Simon Templer
Anyone else in the library? No, no, no.
Walters
Mr. Schreiber, dear, depart is soul is detained elsewhere at the morgue. He was shot in the library.
Simon Templer
That's a bad place to be shot. Usually fatal. Suppose you take me to the library. Tell me, why did the police suspect Ms. Moore?
Walters
Because of me. You see, I told them that I heard shots in the house. I left my quarters on the gallop, ran towards the library. Just before I got there, the door opened and Miss Dorothy ran out. Ran down the hall and out the front door. Is that true, my dear Mr. Templar? If not, would I have told the police otherwise?
Simon Templer
I don't know.
Walters
Besides, it isn't good form to suspect the butler. The library, sir. Mrs. Atkins. Mr. Tinsley. Mr. Templar.
Mr. Tinsley
What do you want?
Simon Templer
I'm looking for Miss Moore.
Mrs. Atkins
So, young man, are the police.
Simon Templer
Why?
Mrs. Atkins
Her guardian was murdered. All his money goes to her, and she's disappeared. Perhaps she didn't murder Mr. Shriver.
Simon Templer
But you wouldn't bet on it.
Mrs. Atkins
Perhaps I did. I hated him. Perhaps Mr. Tinsley there did.
Mr. Tinsley
Now, look here.
Mrs. Atkins
Isn't he priceless? Now, look here. Such a typical phrase. So typical. I wonder if he can really be so stupid.
Mr. Tinsley
I love Dorothy, and no one has questioned that.
Mrs. Atkins
But what is it about her that you love? The money she was to get when Mr. Shriver died. The money you wouldn't have got if you'd married Dorothy against Mr. Shriver's wishes.
Simon Templer
Mr. Shriver didn't approve of the marriage.
Mr. Tinsley
He. Well, he hesitated about it.
Mrs. Atkins
But we were working on it, and then became impatient.
Mr. Tinsley
Now, look here you have. I resent that.
Dorothy Moore
Good.
Mrs. Atkins
It is now on record that you resent it.
Simon Templer
How about Walters?
Mrs. Atkins
Walters?
Simon Templer
Yes. What motive would he have?
Mrs. Atkins
What makes you think he has one?
Simon Templer
I'm the hopeful type.
Mrs. Atkins
Walters is a man with a criminal past. Whether or not he got tired of his upright life here, I cannot say.
Simon Templer
But it wouldn't surprise you. What may surprise both of you, however, is an odd fact. Dorothy Moore is suffering from total amnesia.
Mr. Tinsley
Amnesia? What do you mean?
Simon Templer
She remembers nothing of her past herself. Neither name nor habitation. How horrible.
Mrs. Atkins
How convenient.
Mr. Tinsley
Wait a minute. How do you know that?
Simon Templer
Why get around?
Mr. Tinsley
Well, then you must know where she is. You've got to tell me.
Mrs. Atkins
Mr. Tinsley is now being the ardent lover.
Simon Templer
I can't tell you.
Mr. Tinsley
Why?
Simon Templer
Well, whoever shot Shriver, there's very little doubt that Dorothy saw the killer. But Dorothy doesn't remember. The killer, therefore would have an urgent interest in getting hold of Dorothy before she did. Remember? And making sure that she would never remember anything again. Well, good night, you lovely people. Dorothy. Dorothy. Dorothy. Dorothy.
Walters
Oh, you again.
Simon Templer
It's me again.
Walters
Did you like the place so much the first time?
Simon Templer
Where's Dorothy?
Walters
Ms. Moore?
Simon Templer
Yes. Did she come back here?
Walters
Back from where?
Simon Templer
She was at my apartment. When I got there, she was gone.
Walters
She did come back here? She didn't ring.
Simon Templer
Let's find out. Tinsley and Mrs. Atkins still around?
Walters
Mrs. Atkins has gone up to bed, I think. As for Mr. Tinsley, I imagine he's sampling the witness.
Simon Templer
We'll find out. Tinsley.
Mr. Tinsley
Oh, it's you.
Simon Templer
Yes. Where's Dorothy?
Mr. Tinsley
You're the one who knows.
Simon Templer
I'm the one who knew. Did she come back here?
Mr. Tinsley
I haven't seen her.
Simon Templer
Walters, where's Mrs. Atkins room?
Walters
This way, sir.
Simon Templer
Come along, Tinsley. I'd like both of you in sight.
Mr. Tinsley
If you insist.
Walters
Mrs. Atkins will not be pleased at having her sleep interrupted.
Simon Templer
I'm not pleased either.
Walters
This is her room, sir.
Simon Templer
Thanks.
Mr. Tinsley
The old girl must be asleep.
Simon Templer
Then we must wake her up.
Walters
She's a very sound sleeper.
Simon Templer
Then we'll go in and wake her. Wow. How do you like that, Mrs. Atkins strung up to a beam. Anyone got a knife? Yes.
Mr. Tinsley
Yes. Here you are.
Simon Templer
Now we'll cut the rope and get her down. The bed's over there. That's that.
Walters
Is she dead?
Simon Templer
She's dead.
Mr. Tinsley
Poor old girl. Although you know something?
Simon Templer
What?
Mr. Tinsley
She must have killed the old man Shriver.
Simon Templer
I mean.
Mr. Tinsley
Then she committed suicide. In remorse, I mean. For heaven's sakes, Templar, stop playing with that rope.
Simon Templer
This is a very interesting rope.
Mr. Tinsley
Is it? Why?
Simon Templer
Because it proves, you see, that she didn't commit suicide. She was murdered. Yes, Inspector.
Inspector Murray
Murray, I understand. You don't think that Mrs. Atkins committed suicide.
Simon Templer
I know she didn't.
Inspector Murray
Well, while the boys are playing with fingerprints and stuff, would you mind explaining to a poor, benighted member of the lower intellectual classes. I mean, a cop like me.
Simon Templer
Oh, Murray. Now stop pulling my leg. You're one of the brainiest men I know.
Inspector Murray
Then why do you always beat me to a case?
Simon Templer
Oh, I'm prettier.
Inspector Murray
Uh huh. Now, about this alleged phony suicide.
Simon Templer
Take a look at the rope with which Mrs. Atkins is supposed to have hanged herself.
Inspector Murray
Now, let's see. The rope was thrown over the beam there. I'm afraid you're right, Templar.
Simon Templer
Yeah, it wasn't hard to spot. Her weight would have pulled the rope sharply down over the beam. The fibers of the rope, therefore, should.
Inspector Murray
Have slanted upward instead of which they slant down indicating that somebody put the rope around Mrs. Atkins neck and then hauled her up. We were supposed to think that Mrs. Atkins committed suicide as a confession of guilt. Which leaves us where?
Simon Templer
In the Shriver home.
Inspector Murray
I'm more interested in where the girl is.
Simon Templer
Dorothy Moore? Uh huh. Why? Because I have Mary look coming through the door.
Dorothy Moore
I'm not sure. Simon.
Simon Templer
Oh, hello, Dorothy.
Dorothy Moore
I don't know exactly how I got here. I don't recognize the place at all. Yet I should, shouldn't I?
Inspector Murray
Yes, you should, Ms. Moore, because this is where you live. But I'm afraid you're not going to stay very long.
Dorothy Moore
What do you mean?
Inspector Murray
I'm placing you under arrest on suspicion of murder.
Simon Templer
You know I love police headquarters. They're so romantic, huh? Murray, how are you going to prove anything against that girl if she's suffering total amnesia?
Inspector Murray
By proving that her amnesia is a fake.
Simon Templer
Oh, how?
Inspector Murray
I have an alienist coming over here to look at one of our guests. I'll have him see Ms. Moore too. He's due any minute. I'll go get the girl.
Simon Templer
Now. I wonder. The other door. Come in.
Unnamed Cab Driver
Hello. You're not Murray. I was supposed.
Simon Templer
Who are you?
Unnamed Cab Driver
Doll, of course. What's the matter with you? What are you complaining about?
Simon Templer
But I'm not the one.
Unnamed Cab Driver
Come, come. We've got to get to the bottom of these things, don't we?
Simon Templer
I suppose so.
Unnamed Cab Driver
When you were a little boy, what did you want most of all?
Simon Templer
To be a big boy. Mm.
Unnamed Cab Driver
Are you afraid of the dark?
Simon Templer
No.
Unnamed Cab Driver
No. You are not afraid because you have little friends who come to you in the dark, perhaps, eh?
Simon Templer
No. Now why are you afraid of the dark?
Unnamed Cab Driver
Oh, it's a long, long story.
Simon Templer
And you know, you don't look at all well.
Unnamed Cab Driver
Well, I don't feel so good either.
Simon Templer
No. You should see a doctor.
Unnamed Cab Driver
Thank you. Thank you. I think I will.
Simon Templer
Goodbye.
Inspector Murray
Oh, Templar.
Simon Templer
Yeah. Your alienist was here, Murray, but he. He left.
Inspector Murray
Alienist? Well, I just phoned him and told him not to come. The district attorney wouldn't hold the girl. Insufficient evidence. And ballistics ran a paraffine test. No proof that she'd fired a gun.
Simon Templer
But the. The man who was just in here, Dahl, I think his name was.
Walters
Doll.
Simon Templer
Uh huh.
Inspector Murray
He's not the alienist. He's the guy the alienist was coming to examine. He's nuts.
Simon Templer
Oh, dear.
Inspector Murray
Well, I guess you're happy now that we can't hold the girl.
Simon Templer
No. No. Because while you were holding her, things were safe. Now, Murray, let's Go visit.
Inspector Murray
Go visit where?
Simon Templer
The Schreiber house. A house where two people have died. A house very convenient for murder.
Walters
Yes.
Simon Templer
Eyes. No eyes. Walters, we're coming in.
Walters
Yes, sir.
Simon Templer
Dorothy's home?
Walters
Yes, sir.
Simon Templer
She got here. When?
Walters
Ten minutes ago, perhaps.
Simon Templer
Well, we'll go to the library. Yes, she got here 10 minutes ago. And? And then she sat in this room.
Walters
For a few minutes, made a phone call and went up to bed. She tried to phone you, Mr. Templer.
Simon Templer
I'll wake her up and get her down here. Hold on. Tinsley around?
Walters
In the guest room. Playing solitaire, I think.
Simon Templer
Get him down here, too.
Inspector Murray
That I will.
Simon Templer
And Walters. Yes? You come back too. Sure.
Inspector Murray
Having fun? Temper.
Simon Templer
I don't care very much for this stage of any case, but I.
Inspector Murray
What are you doing with that telephone?
Simon Templer
Hiding it under the couch here.
Inspector Murray
Are you being subtle again?
Simon Templer
Again? Oh, you flatter me, Simon. Hello, Dorothy. Sorry to have had you waked.
Dorothy Moore
But I wasn't asleep. I was trying to remember.
Simon Templer
You will if you get the chance. Tinsley's here in the house, isn't he?
Dorothy Moore
Yes, he is.
Mr. Tinsley
For heaven's sakes, is a man never to get any peace?
Simon Templer
You know Inspector Murray, Mr. Tinsley.
Mr. Tinsley
Oh, yes, the policeman.
Simon Templer
Now look. Now get off your polo pony. And where's Walters right now?
Mr. Tinsley
On his way to Canada, I imagine.
Simon Templer
Dorothy, get on the phone right away.
Dorothy Moore
The phone? Yes, of course. Oh, there doesn't seem to be one in here. Perhaps in the next room. Why do you want me to phone?
Simon Templer
I don't.
Dorothy Moore
But you just said.
Simon Templer
Dorothy, didn't there used to be a phone in this room?
Dorothy Moore
I don't know. I don't remember.
Simon Templer
Oh, yes, yes, your amnesia. But you remember everything that happened since the blow on your head, don't you?
Dorothy Moore
Of course.
Simon Templer
But then equally, of course, since you were in this room a very little while ago, and since you. You used a phone in here. You should have remembered that. Why didn't you?
Dorothy Moore
Well, I don't know. It slipped my mind.
Simon Templer
No, Dorothy, didn't slip your mind. You were merely being over careful.
Dorothy Moore
What does that mean?
Simon Templer
It means that you are not now, nor ever were suffering from amnesia.
Dorothy Moore
Why should I pretend to have amnesia?
Simon Templer
Because you killed your uncle. You knew you'd need something to help you out in court, so you wandered about until you found someone on whom you could try out your amnesia. That happened to be me.
Dorothy Moore
You're just saying those things without proof. Besides, there was a paraffin test indicates.
Simon Templer
Merely that you wore gloves when you shot your uncle.
Dorothy Moore
It indicates I might have Worn them if I'd shot him. You can't prove I did.
Simon Templer
I can prove your amnesia was phony. That along with some other things.
Dorothy Moore
How can you prove it?
Simon Templer
Very simple. Your hat.
Dorothy Moore
What?
Simon Templer
When you arrived at my apartment, you took your hat off, discovered a large bruise on the back of your head. That was to supply a plausible reason for your amnesia. But, Dorothy, as I remarked to the cab driver at the time, your hat was immaculate, untouched. You asking us to believe that the killer knocked you out and then carefully put your hat back on your head again?
Dorothy Moore
I'm not asking you to believe anything. I'm going.
Simon Templer
What a charming revolver. The one you used on your uncle.
Dorothy Moore
It still has bullets in it, so don't try to stop me.
Simon Templer
Dorothy, you didn't ask me how I could be so sure the killer hadn't done that business with your hat.
Dorothy Moore
I don't care.
Simon Templer
I'm so sure because of Walter's statement. Remember, he saw you rush out immediately after the shots.
Dorothy Moore
All right, you're smart, but you'll never stop me.
Simon Templer
Perhaps not, but Walters, who's right behind you, will.
Dorothy Moore
Oh, no. You can't fool me.
Walters
He wasn't trying to miss Dorothy. I think I. I better.
Simon Templer
You know. Gentlemen, you knocked Ms. Moore out with a bottle.
Walters
Yes, sir, but.
Mr. Tinsley
But you said you were going to Canada.
Walters
You misunderstood me, sir. I merely said I was going to get some Canada. Drive. Now the bottle's ruined. That's too bad.
Simon Templer
Oh, never mind, Walters. No harm done. Inspector Murray, you'll take Ms. Moore, and I'll take an Old Fashioned.
Vincent Price
You have been listening to another adventure of the saint, the Robin Hood of modern crime. And now, here is our star, Vincent Price.
Simon Templer
Ladies and gentlemen, next week, most of you will be enjoying a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. While you're eating your Thanksgiving turkey and counting your blessings of the past year, think. Think for a moment of the millions of people who don't get enough to eat. Think. And then send your subscription right away for a food package to be delivered to some needy family in Europe. Send your contribution to CARE C A R E New York. This is Vincent Price inviting you to join us again next week at this same time for another exciting adventure, the Saint. Good night.
Vincent Price
Tonight's script of the Saint was written by Louvittes. Our cast included Peggy Weber, Ted Von Els, Jerry Hausner, Ted, Tom Brown and Dan O'Herlihy. The music was composed and conducted by Harry Zimmerman. The Saint, based on characters created by Leslie Charteris, is a James L. Safier production and is directed by Thomas a McEvity. Vincent Price is soon to be seen in Robert Lippert's production of the Baron of Arizona. All you Saint fans will be glad to know that the Saint comic books are on sale at all newsstands. Your announcer, Meryl Ross. This is the Mutual Broadcasting System.
Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Saint 1949-11-13 The Case of the Blonde Who Lost Her Head
Release Date: March 23, 2025
In this thrilling episode of The Saint, hosted by Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. Starring the legendary Vincent Price as Simon Templar, the suave and cunning Robin Hood of modern crime, this episode titled "The Case of the Blonde Who Lost Her Head" promises an intricate narrative filled with suspense, mystery, and unexpected twists.
Simon Templar, known as "The Saint," finds himself entangled in a perplexing case involving a missing woman, Dorothy Moore. The story unfolds with Templar navigating through deceit, amnesia, and murder, all while uncovering hidden motives and confronting sinister characters.
Simon Templar (The Saint): Portrayed by Vincent Price, Templar is depicted as a tall, observant detective with a knack for unveiling the truth.
Dorothy Moore: A young woman suffering from amnesia, central to the mystery surrounding the murder of her guardian, Matthew Schreiber.
Inspector Murray: A beleaguered police inspector who often finds himself outmaneuvered by Templar.
Mr. Tinsley: Dorothy's fiancé, whose suspicious behavior raises red flags.
Walters: The butler with a mysterious past, whose testimony initially implicates Dorothy.
Mrs. Atkins: The housekeeper, portrayed as a gloomy figure with potential motives.
The episode kicks off with an advertisement by Simon Templer, setting the stage for his character. Soon after, Vincent Price's voice introduces The Saint, establishing Templar's reputation as a modern-day Robin Hood.
Notable Quote:
Vincent Price: "The Robin Hood of modern crime now comes to radio, starring Hollywood's brilliant and talented actor, Vincent Price as the Saint."
[00:34]
Templer's interaction with an unnamed cab driver introduces the first layer of mystery. The driver’s casual demeanor contrasts with Templar’s urgency to meet Clarence Quigley, a man with a collection of paintings. Their conversation hints at underlying tensions and sets up the impending meeting with Dorothy Moore.
Notable Quote:
Simon Templer: "I'm going to visit a man named Clarence Quigley."
[01:45]
Upon meeting Dorothy Moore, Templar discovers she has no recollection of her past, including who Ellsworth is—a name she mistakenly associates with Templar. This amnesia becomes a pivotal plot point, raising questions about her true identity and involvement in the murder of Matthew Schreiber.
Notable Quote:
Dorothy Moore: "I have been reported missing... What else do they want me for?"
[06:37]
Templer's investigation leads him to the Schreiber household, where he interacts with Mrs. Atkins and Mr. Tinsley. Tensions rise as motives come to light—Mrs. Atkins hints at possible resentment towards Mr. Shriver, and Mr. Tinsley's love for Dorothy appears entangled with financial gains.
Notable Quote:
Mrs. Atkins: "But we were working on it, and then became impatient."
[10:50]
Inspector Murray attempts to arrest Dorothy Moore, suspecting her of murder. However, Templar challenges this, pointing out inconsistencies in her amnesia. His keen observation skills begin to unravel the façade of Dorothy's supposed memory loss, suggesting she might be covering up a more sinister truth.
Notable Quote:
Simon Templer: "Because you killed your uncle. You knew you'd need something to help you out in court."
[21:14]
The tension peaks when Templar confronts Dorothy with his deductions. Walters and Mr. Tinsley become involved, leading to a heated exchange that reveals deeper layers of deception. The truth about Dorothy's involvement in the murder surfaces, solidifying Templar's role in solving the case.
Notable Quote:
Simon Templer: "Your hat was immaculate... You didn't commit suicide. You were murdered."
[21:17]
The episode concludes with Templar successfully exposing the truth behind the murder and Dorothy's feigned amnesia. Inspector Murray acknowledges Templar's brilliance, and the case wraps up with the promise of more adventures to come.
Notable Quote:
Vincent Price: "You have been listening to another adventure of the Saint, the Robin Hood of modern crime."
[22:46]
Identity and Deception: The episode delves into themes of identity, with Dorothy's amnesia serving as a tool for deception. Templar's ability to see through façades underscores the importance of discernment.
Motivations Behind Crime: Through characters like Mr. Tinsley and Mrs. Atkins, the narrative explores the various motivations that drive individuals to commit crimes, ranging from love to financial gain.
Justice vs. Law Enforcement: Templar's methods often contrast with conventional law enforcement, highlighting the fine line between official justice and personal intervention.
The Case of the Blonde Who Lost Her Head stands out as a quintessential episode of The Saint, blending mystery, suspense, and sharp character studies. Vincent Price's portrayal of Simon Templar adds depth and charisma, making this episode a memorable addition to the Golden Age of Radio. For enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this story offers a captivating glimpse into the enduring allure of classic radio dramas.
Production Credits:
Tonight's script of The Saint was written by Louvittes, featuring Peggy Weber, Ted Von Els, Jerry Hausner, Ted, Tom Brown, and Dan O'Herlihy. The music was composed and conducted by Harry Zimmerman. This production is a James L. Safier creation, directed by Thomas A. McEvity. Vincent Price is also set to appear in Robert Lippert's production of The Baron of Arizona. Additionally, fans can find The Saint comic books on sale at newsstands nationwide.