The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Episode: Bill Lance – “Death Wears a New Dress” (Encore) (EP4880e)

Air Date (Original): October 12, 1947

Podcast Release: January 4, 2026

Host: Adam Graham

Episode Overview

This episode features an intriguing Bill Lance mystery, “Death Wears a New Dress,” showcasing detective Bill Lance’s blend of psychology, wit, and classical music as he investigates the mysterious death of fashion model Joan Adams at a Beverly Hills salon. The episode also celebrates Howard McNear Week, with McNear in his recurring sidekick role as Professor Ulysses Higgins, delighting listeners with his signature eccentricity.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene: A Night at Aries Salon (04:22–10:31)

• Bill Lance, a composer and criminologist, introduces his investigative approach: watching not just for physical evidence but for emotional "imprints" on those involved.
• Introductory Quip:
  "You know, I believe that crime is the result of a delinquent society, that the criminal mind is a sick mind, and that the symptoms of that sickness are always apparent in the behavior of the criminal." – Bill Lance (04:22)
• Fashion Show: Professor Higgins and Bill Lance attend the Aries salon fashion show, showcasing “the cocoon,” “the triangle,” and “the wasp” dresses, led by designer Henri.
• Higgins humorously heckles the new designs:
  "No accentuations at all. In fact, no good." – Higgins (09:25)

2. The Sudden Tragedy (10:06–11:12)

• Joan Adams, a model and old friend of Bill’s, collapses and dies mid-fashion show.
• Initial confusion as to whether her death was due to illness, suicide, or foul play.

3. The Investigation Begins (11:12–13:47)

• Inspector Holland joins Lance at the scene. Discussion of possible motives and the collection of physical evidence (aspirin, vitamin pills).
• “You think it may be suicide?” – Inspector
  “Maybe murder.” – Bill Lance (12:04)
• Toxicology reveals Joan had poison in her system, but the aspirin and vitamins are clean.

4. A Web of Relationships (14:00–17:34)

• George Kincaid, Beverly Hills jeweler, drunkenly confides to Lance about Mr. Bruce Randolph's affair with Joan and a misplaced bracelet meant for Randolph's wife.
• “But I do. Evil eye. Look. Diamonds and rubies.” – Bill Lance (17:06)

5. Interviews & Red Herrings (18:15–22:41)

• Sandra Weston, another model, is questioned. She admits to sharing a dressing room with Joan, hints at underlying romantic rivalries, and reveals that Mrs. Randolph met with Joan on the day she died.
• Sandra implies there have been previous affairs between models and Mr. Randolph, sewing seeds of suspicion.

6. The Randolphs & Guilty Consciences (23:03–25:47)

• Bill interviews Mrs. Randolph, who confesses to being aware of her husband's infidelities and her own meeting with Joan, where she tried to reason with her. Both Mr. and Mrs. Randolph sequentially confess to the murder in a bid to protect the other.
• “You think my husband killed her? … No, Mr. Lance. I was the one who had to get rid of her.” – Mrs. Randolph (25:31)

7. Truth Revealed: The Real Murderer (29:01–31:08)

• Sandra Weston is confronted and gives a guilt-ridden confession:
  “Inspector, would you like another confession?” – Sandra (30:57)
• Lance deduces her motive: jealousy and a past affair with Randolph, mirroring Joan’s fate. He identifies her through her knowledge of voices, the bracelet, and her proximity to Joan.

8. The Final Explanation & Analysis (31:28–32:22)

• Lance explains to Higgins how the confession and circumstantial clues cleared the Randolphs, pointing the motive and opportunity squarely at Sandra.
• “If either one of them had murdered Joan, they wouldn't have left that bracelet on her arm. That dazzling bit of evidence would have inevitably committed one or both of them with a murder.” – Bill Lance (31:46)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Crime and Psychology (04:22):

  “If you would expose a criminal, look for fingerprints on the doorknob, but also look for imprints on the human mind. In short, human emotions are my clues.”
  – Bill Lance

• Comedy amid Investigation (09:25):

  “No accentuations of the waistline. In fact, no accentuations at all.”
  – Henri (via Higgins' paraphrase), mocked by Higgins: “In fact, no good.”

• Twists in Confession (25:31, 29:35, 30:57):

  "No, Mr. Lance. I was the one who had to get rid of her."
  – Mrs. Randolph
  "I've already told you that I did it..."
  – Mr. Randolph
  "Inspector, would you like another confession?"
  – Sandra Weston

• Wry Detective Wisdom (31:46):

  “If either one of them had murdered Joan, they wouldn't have left that bracelet on her arm.”
  – Bill Lance

• Poignant Epithet (32:22):

  “Too bad your dream girl turned out to be Lucretia Borgia.”
  – Bill Lance to Higgins

Important Timestamps

• 04:22: Mystery setup and Bill Lance's philosophy
• 10:06: Joan Adams collapses on runway
• 12:04: Initial suicide/murder theories discussed
• 14:00: George Kincaid’s drunk confession, the origins of the bracelet
• 17:06: Bracelet is found—key evidence
• 18:15: Sandra Weston questioned, fashion world dynamics exposed
• 23:03: Interview of Mrs. Randolph, her poignant confession
• 29:01: All main suspects and confessions converge—Sandra’s guilt is revealed
• 31:28: Post-case wrap up with Professor Higgins
• 32:22: Final wisecrack as the characters exit scene

Host Adam Graham’s Closing Remarks (34:20)

Adam Graham analyzes Lance's deduction regarding the bracelet and discusses the plausibility of such a narrative device:

"It's kind of making a big bet on people thinking clearly in a very emotional situation. Criminals do make mistakes in real life. I think it's tricky in fiction because you don't want to rely too much on your criminal being stupid ... But other than that, this episode was a lot of fun." (34:20)

Graham praises the chemistry between Bill Lance and Higgins (Howard McNear), and notes the show's charming approach to psychological detective work, distinguishing it from other Golden Age programs. He thanks a Patreon supporter and previews upcoming detective series.

Summary of Themes

• Detective as Psychologist: Lance’s reliance on reading emotions and motive, not just physical evidence, sets a modern tone for his investigative style.
• A Web of Romantic Entanglements: The murder is motivated by envy and previous romantic rivalries within the rarefied world of high fashion.
• Comedy in Drama: Professor Higgins provides humor, balancing the story’s darker elements.

For New Listeners

This episode offers a quintessential “Golden Age radio mystery” experience, complete with layered suspects, witty banter, and a clever, emotionally-driven resolution. Some of the best lines come from the supporting characters, and Howard McNear's comedic interplay as Professor Higgins is a highlight. An essential listen for fans of psychological crime drama with a classic, stylish twist.