Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Episode: The Big Story: Blind Date with Murder (EP4907)
Host: Adam Graham
Original Broadcast Date (Radio Drama): September 22, 1948
Podcast Release Date: February 10, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode features a classic installment of The Big Story—titled "Blind Date with Murder." Host Adam Graham presents this tense mystery radio drama, originally aired in 1948, which follows crime reporter Harry Kandinsky as his night off turns into a harrowing investigation involving murder, gossip, and betrayal in a small Pennsylvania town. After airing the drama, Adam offers insightful commentary on the production, cast, historical background, and the real-life case that inspired the story.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Radio Drama Plot Breakdown

Main characters:

• Harry Kandinsky – Reporter, Pittsburgh Post Gazette
• Fred Moriarty – Local patrolman, “the friendly cop”
• Marilyn Baker and Her Father – Neighbors/witnesses
• Mrs. Agatha Norton and John (her son) – Victims
• Steve Lester – Local “hoodlum,” presumed threat
• Lola – Moriarty’s estranged wife
• Paul Whelan – Bar owner, alleged rival

The episode unfolds as follows:

• [02:51–05:13] Kandinsky is called away from his date to cover a shooting in Duquesne, PA.
• [05:13–11:04] He stumbles into a murder scene after meeting patrolman Moriarty and neighbor Baker. Two are dead: Mrs. Norton and her son John.
• [09:44–10:52] Young Marilyn claims another shot was fired at Steve Lester’s house; Kandinsky discovers Lester dead too.
• [11:04–14:26] At the deserted police station, Moriarty reveals himself as the killer at gunpoint and promises to tell Kandinsky everything.
• [14:26–26:55] In a chilling monologue, Moriarty unravels his descent: jealousy over his wife Lola, gossip from Mrs. Norton, instigation by Lester, and growing paranoia. He details how gossip and perceived betrayal led to his killing spree.
• [26:55–27:46] The police arrive, Moriarty surrenders his gun to Kandinsky, asks him to tell his story in the paper, and is led away in handcuffs.
• [25:38–26:55] Plot twist: Marilyn reveals she fabricated the initial gossip for fifty cents to see a movie, setting off the tragic chain reaction.

2. Notable Themes

• Danger of Gossip: The story squarely blames destructive rumors and small-town talk; a “little fib” spirals into lethal consequences.
• Mental Instability and Jealousy: Alongside gossip, the episode draws a portrait of a man unmoored by jealousy and insecurity.
• Tragic Irony: The murders were set in motion by a child’s innocent lie—innocence with catastrophic effects.

3. Host Commentary & Historical Context

Adam Graham provides post-show analysis:

• [28:49–30:21] This is a relatively newly-circulated audio, sourced from the collection of Jerry Hindigus, likely broadcast on the American Forces Network in the 1970s or 1980s.
• [30:22–31:28] Cast list highlights: James McCallion (Kandinsky), Larry Haynes, Ruth Shafer, Rita Ascot, Joan Alexander, Bill Smith, Mandel Kramer, and the announcer Bob Sloan.
• [31:29–32:28] Adam reflects on the episode’s message—warning against gossip—but notes that the main character’s psychological issues are deeper than community talk.
• [32:29–34:00] The true crime basis: The script was inspired by but significantly diverges from a real 1936 Pennsylvania murder case. The true killer, Martin Sullivan, was not a victim of gossip, but rather retaliated after being accused of molesting a child. He killed witnesses and was executed—the oldest person electrocuted in Pennsylvania.
• [34:00–34:37] Listeners’ comments and Adam’s thoughts: Engages with Spotify feedback, discussing how reporters and laymen in radio dramas seem more involved and physically brave than most people today.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

From the Drama

• Patrolman Moriarty’s Breakdown
  “I'm a killer three times over, Kandinsky. So what's one more? What difference does it make now, huh?”
  (Fred Moriarty, 13:28)

• Moriarty’s Confession—Root of His Actions
  “You know what they call me, Kandinsky? ... They call me Moriarity, the friendly cop. Everybody likes me, all right. ... Then one day last week when I was off duty, I stopped in at Whelan’s Bar and Grill. Lola. Fred. Well, hello, Moriarity. What are you doing here, Lola?”
  (Fred Moriarty, recounting his descent, 14:23)

• Marilyn’s Twist
  “I just made up that story I told Mrs. Norton—about Mr. Whelan coming to your house when you were away and all... I just wanted 50 cents to see that new scary picture at the Strand. So I told Mrs. Norton I’d tell her a secret if she gave me 50 cents to go to the movies. And she did.”
  (Marilyn, 26:02–26:55)

From Host’s Commentary

• Adam Graham on the Episode’s Message
  “Of course the episode does have a powerful message about why one shouldn't gossip. Although even within the context... putting the onus on the gossipers as the cause of the detective’s problem is a bit problematic because he clearly had some issues going on.”
  (Adam Graham, 31:29)

• Adam on the Real Case
  “The actual story is a bit more grim than what we got on the radio version. ... A 73-year-old policeman in Duquesne was accused of molesting a 10-year-old girl. He got so angry about this that he went and killed all of the witnesses...”
  (Adam Graham, 32:29)

Important Timestamps

• [02:51] – Start of the radio drama, scene-setting narration
• [05:13] – Kandinsky is sent to cover the shooting, meets Moriarty
• [09:44] – Discovery of a third shot, Marilyn’s involvement
• [11:04] – Confrontation in the police station, Moriarty reveals himself
• [14:26–26:55] – Moriarty’s long, detailed confession
• [25:38–26:55] – Twist: Marilyn’s “fib” confesses to starting the gossip
• [28:49] – Host Adam Graham returns for analysis, context, and listener feedback

Overall Tone and Language

The episode is classic golden-age radio—intense, intimate, using inner monologues and direct dialogue. Host Adam Graham maintains an accessible, insightful, slightly wry tone, blending reverence for old radio with thoughtful critique and modern sensibility.

For First-Time Listeners

"Blind Date with Murder” is a gripping morality tale about the lethal consequences of rumors—delivered in evocative, hard-boiled style. Adam Graham’s post-show analysis enriches the experience with historical depth and modern interpretation, making this episode a compelling blend of suspenseful fiction and media commentary.

Recommended for:
Fans of mystery, classic radio, crime drama, or anyone curious about how entertainment mythologized—and sometimes distorted—real-life events.