Stars on Suspense, Episode 440 – Stars of "The Thin Man"

Podcast: Stars on Suspense (Old Time Radio)
Host: Mean Streets Podcasts
Date: February 19, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Stars on Suspense celebrates the legendary Hollywood pairing of William Powell and Myrna Loy—classic stars of the beloved "The Thin Man" films—bringing them together again in performances from radio's "Suspense" and a special Lux Radio Theater adaptation. The host sets the mood for a month-long look at Hollywood romance by highlighting the sophisticated banter and chemistry of Nick and Nora Charles (Powell and Loy), alongside other performances by co-star Maureen O'Sullivan.

Listeners are treated to three riveting “Suspense” dramas featuring the trio, followed by the famed radio presentation of The Thin Man—infusing thrill, wit, and mystery, all laced with vintage broadcast charm.

Key Discussion Points & Summarized Stories

1. Introduction: Hollywood Romance & The Thin Man Legacy (00:51–03:42)

• Host introduces the episode's theme: Powell & Loy's partnership, their iconic roles as Nick and Nora Charles, and the overall appeal of "The Thin Man" series as both romantic comedy and detective story.
  • "It's martinis and mystery with Nick and Nora." (02:12, Host)
• The episode features:
  • Maureen O'Sullivan in "The Black Shawl" (Suspense, July 27, 1944)
  • Myrna Loy in "Library Book" (Suspense, Sept 20, 1945)
  • William Powell in "Give Me Liberty" (Suspense, Oct 21, 1948)
  • The Lux Radio Theater presentation of The Thin Man (June 8, 1936)

2. "The Black Shawl" – Psychological Thriller (06:54–33:03)

Starring: Maureen O'Sullivan (Susan Appleby) & Dame May Whitty (Mrs. Masters)

• Plot Summary:
  Young Susan Appleby is hired as a companion by the enigmatic Mrs. Masters, eventually realizing she's a prisoner in a house haunted by loss and madness.
• Key Tension: Susan's mounting fear as she discovers she cannot leave, and the house's oppressive, prison-like nature (barred windows, locked doors).
• Atmospheric Exchange:
  • "I say I'm about to be murdered. I'm not certain—no one's even threatened me. But I say I am going to be murdered." (06:54, Maureen O'Sullivan)
  • "I'd much rather—settled. Let me have it. It'll be sent early tomorrow." (20:46, Dame May Whitty; Susan is denied any chance to communicate.)
• Creeping Menace: Introduction of John, Mrs. Masters’ mentally disturbed son.
• Resolution (32:10–33:03):
  Susan is rescued just as the unstable Masters family attempts to murder her—Mrs. Masters hangs herself as her crimes are uncovered.
• Notable Moment:
  • "You're an awfully stubborn fellow, darling." (11:09, Announcer/Rob, illustrating vintage courtship banter)
  • "The shawl—The black shawl." (32:43, Maureen O'Sullivan; image of death—shawl as motif.)

3. "Library Book" – Mystery with Wit (36:03–62:23)

Starring: Myrna Loy (Prudence Roberts) & William Powell (Lt. Murphy)

• Plot Summary:
  Librarian Prudence Roberts becomes embroiled in a kidnapping case after discovering a ransom note constructed from missing pages in "Gone with the Wind."
• Comedic Moments:
  • Myrna Loy’s dry wit dealing with oddball patrons:
    • "I personally very seldom read best sellers." (36:48, Myrna Loy)
    • "Men never make passes at girls who wear...—please, will you confine yourself to your driving?" (53:17, Myrna Loy, sparring with the cabbie)
• Building Suspense:
  Prudence investigates previous borrowers, ends up renting a suspicious room, and follows a man to a remote house—uncovering the captive, Melanie.
• Climactic Sequence (58:12–60:08):
  The captors set the house on fire; Prudence and Melanie barely escape as Lt. Murphy arrives in the nick of time.
• Resolution:
  Melodramatic banter as the case wraps, with Lt. Murphy suggesting a date.
  • "From now on, call me Toots." (62:23, Myrna Loy—Prudence throws away her glasses, embracing adventure.)

4. "Give Me Liberty" – Crime & Moral Descent (65:59–91:35)

Starring: William Powell (Earl French), with voices by Maureen O’Sullivan & Myrna Loy

• Plot Summary:
  Earl French, a convicted embezzler, survives a train wreck while in custody, escaping with $250,000 hidden somewhere. Shackled in handcuffs, he’s betrayed by both his own greed and a clever, ruthless hobo who realizes who he is.
• Moral Undertones:
  French’s growing desperation, humiliation, and moral collapse as he’s unable to enjoy his loot—ultimately killing his accomplice in a feverish bid for freedom.
  • "Do you know what it means to see food all about you and not be able to buy it?...I couldn't buy a ten-cent file." (74:47, William Powell)
  • "My hands—my hands covered with blood. Her blood. Mine..." (89:14, William Powell—crisis point.)
• End:
  French is found, insane, next to the corpse and his untouched fortune—his liberty meaningless.

5. The Thin Man – Lux Radio Theater Adaptation (98:00–150:32)

Stars:

• William Powell as Nick Charles

• Myrna Loy as Nora Charles

• Supporting: Maureen O'Sullivan (Dorothy Wynant), Dame May Whitty, and more

• Plot Summary:
  Nick & Nora Charles are drawn out of retirement to investigate a complex web of murder and disappearance centered on the Wynant family. Sparkling repartee, upper-class parties, and clever deductions ensue.

• Highlights:

  • Nick and Nora’s Dynamic:
    Their witty marital banter brings levity—“Charming. What's the matter now?” (101:51, Nick to Nora)
  • Complex Plot:
    Multiple suspects (family, secretaries, lovers), red herrings, and a dramatic dinner-party reveal—classic detective story but with romance and humor.
  • Classic Scene (139:00–145:23):
    All suspects gathered for a climactic dinner where Nick unveils the killer. The murderer, McCauley, is dramatically unmasked.
  • Memorable Quotes:
    • "It's martinis and mystery with Nick and Nora." (Host, 02:12)
    • “I give you three murders and you aren't satisfied.” (137:47, Nick)

• Vintage Hollywood Cameos:
  Meta moments with the original film’s director W.S. Van Dyke and screenwriter James Seymour, plus Theda Bara—a rare treat for old-time radio buffs.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• “I say I'm about to be murdered. I'm not certain—no one's even threatened me. But I say I am going to be murdered.”
  — Maureen O'Sullivan, "The Black Shawl" (06:54)

• “From now on, call me Toots.”
  — Myrna Loy, "Library Book" (62:23)

• “Do you know what it means to see food all about you and not be able to buy it? ...I couldn't buy a ten-cent file.”
  — William Powell, "Give Me Liberty" (74:47)

• “I give you three murders and you aren't satisfied.”
  — Nick Charles (William Powell), "The Thin Man" (137:47)

• "I'm going to have a party, a dinner party—everything from Russian caviar to Camembert cheese...And I'm going to invite all the suspects."
  — Nick Charles (Announcer), "The Thin Man" (138:52–139:00)

Segment Timestamps

| Segment / Story | Timestamps | |-----------------------------------------------------|-------------------| | Host Introduction / Thin Man Legacy | 00:51–03:42 | | "The Black Shawl" (Suspense) | 06:54–33:03 | | "Library Book" (Suspense) | 36:03–62:23 | | "Give Me Liberty" (Suspense) | 65:59–91:35 | | "The Thin Man" (Lux Radio Theater) | 98:00–150:32 |

Tone & Style

Throughout the episode, the banter is sparkling, gently sardonic, and rich with golden-age Hollywood sensibility. The thrillers veer from atmospheric and gothic ("The Black Shawl") to lightly comic (Loy’s librarian in "Library Book") to hardboiled noir ("Give Me Liberty"), culminating in the urbane, playful sophistication of Powell and Loy as Nick and Nora.

Final Thoughts

This episode is a masterclass in vintage Hollywood radio—delightfully blending suspense with wit and romance. From atmospheric chills to effervescent banter, Powell, Loy, and O’Sullivan (plus Dame May Whitty) offer a showcase of why their chemistry, comedic timing, and skill made "The Thin Man" a classic and their appearances on radio a continual treat for fans old and new.