The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Episode: Broadway’s My Beat: The David Blaine Murder Case (EP4893)
Original Air Date: January 21, 2026 (podcast); July 22, 1951 (original episode)
Host: Adam Graham

Episode Overview

In this installment of Broadway's My Beat, Detective Danny Clover investigates the suspicious death of David Blaine, initially ruled a suicide. As Clover digs deeper, inconsistencies around the scene and the people linked to Blaine unravel a layered tale of pride, heartbreak, and deception on the mean streets of Broadway. The unfolding case is complicated by lost love, social expectations, and a second murder, culminating in an emotionally charged confrontation with the real killer.

Key Discussion Points & Case Progression

1. Opening Atmosphere and Setup

• The episode opens with a poetic, noir-infused narration, setting Broadway at night as "the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world." (02:00)
• Danny Clover receives a call regarding David Blaine, whose fiancée claims he’s threatening suicide.

2. Discovery of the Apparent Suicide

• Clover and Detective Mugavan arrive at Blaine’s apartment to find him dead by gunshot, surrounded by his extensive gun collection.
• Blaine’s fiancée, Regina Carroll, is distraught on the scene, repeating, "He loved me. He was going to marry me." (07:40)

3. Early Investigation & Interviews

• Carroll tells Clover: "A man I loved, who loved me, is dead. By his own hand, by his own will. He could have lifted his burden onto me, whatever it was. But he didn't." (09:20)
• Coroner Dr. Sinski notes suspicious details: Blaine’s body showed signs of a spasmodic death, but the gun wasn’t found in his hand, implying suicide was staged.
  • “Except when a man who dies in shock spasm… how is it the gun was not found in his hand but on the floor?” (11:35)

4. Introducing Suspects & Red Herrings

• The case details are recapped: Blaine recently lost $50,000 in the stock market, giving him a motive for suicide—but others aren't so sure.
  • “50 grand in 30 days—for this guys kill themselves, Danny. For a lot less, sometimes.” (17:20)
• Clover is contacted by Blanche Hemby (an acquaintance of Blaine) claiming Blaine was murdered, but when Clover arrives at her residence, he finds her dead as well. (19:40)

5. The Curious Case of the Watch

• A key clue: Richard Fallon, a neighbor, is caught with a watch identical to Regina Carroll’s engagement gift from Blaine.
  • Fallon claims: “I held out my hand and I begged. And a kindly person dropped it right into my begging hand… I didn't steal it.” (26:11)
• Investigation reveals Carroll bought a duplicate watch—later explained she did so to maintain appearances after breaking up with Blaine.
  • Jeweler: “We rarely sell more than one a year… but we sold two in the last few months. Both for Ms. Carroll.” (28:40)

6. Regina Carroll’s Pattern & Motive

• Pete Mason, a former fiancée, provides insight into Carroll's psyche and history of broken engagements:
  • “Regina was a girl just like the girl that married dear old dad… I broke it off.” (33:00)
• Carroll is revealed to have left multiple engagements, often buying memento gifts for herself to maintain a façade.

7. Forensic Breakthrough

• Technical analysis shows that the gun which killed Blaine had faint scratch marks indicating use of a silencer.
  • “The man killed himself with a silencer on his weapon. That’s what I call ‘taking quiet, please’ a shade too far, Danny.” (36:09)
• This points to murder rather than suicide.

8. The Emotional Confrontation

• Clover confronts Regina Carroll with forensic evidence and the duplicate watch.
  • Clover: “You couldn't live with the thought of another man walking out on you like the other three. That's why you bought the watch. So your friends would think you were still engaged.” (39:30)
• Carroll's motive: Unable to face social shame of another failed engagement, she murdered Blaine and framed it as suicide.

9. Closing Reflection

• The episode closes with another moody reflection on Broadway: “It’s a street that’ll give you anything you want, any way you want it. Broadway, my beat.” (41:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "A man I loved, who loved me, is dead. By his own hand, by his own will. He could have lifted his burden onto me, whatever it was. But he didn't."
  — Regina Carroll to Clover (09:20)

• “Except when a man who dies in shock spasm… how is it the gun was not found in his hand but on the floor?”
  — Dr. Sinski voicing doubts on the suicide (11:35)

• "You couldn't live with the thought of another man's walking out on you like the other three. That's why you bought the watch. So your friends would think you were still engaged."
  — Clover, pressing Carroll for a confession (39:30)

• "Those men didn't turn me down. I turned them down. College boys. Grocer. Not good enough. It isn't true. It isn't true. They did walk out. Why? Why? Take me away. Put me someplace I don't have to look at anyone."
  — Regina Carroll, finally breaking down (40:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Setup & narration: 02:00–05:00
• Blaine’s suicide scene discovered: 06:00–09:00
• Interview with Regina Carroll: 09:00–12:00
• Doubts about suicide raised: 11:30–14:00
• Blanche Hemby claims murder; found dead: 19:40–22:00
• Discovery of the watch as major clue: 25:00–28:00
• Background: Carroll’s past engagements: 33:00–35:00
• Forensic evidence—silencer: 36:09–37:30
• Final confrontation and confession: 39:00–41:00
• Noir reflection ending: 41:30

Host Commentary (Adam Graham)

• Graham notes the realistic, if “hurried up,” solution: “There would have been a few more tests you would have to run to make that leap to… a silencer.”
• He ties this episode’s social status motive to a prior (now-lost) episode, observing: “Both were undertaken to maintain social status… It does make a nice change even if back-to-back, it might be a risk.”
• A light-hearted thank you to Patreon supporter Charlie concludes the commentary.

Summary

A classic blend of noir poetry, human frailty, and methodical detection, “The David Blaine Murder Case” explores the tragic lengths one can go to in maintaining pride and reputation. Through forensic rigor, insight into damaged hearts, and the melancholy streets of Broadway, Detective Danny Clover exposes the fragile dignity—and dangerous desperation—underneath the city's glamour.