The Casebook of Gregory Hood: "The Double Diamond" (Encore)

Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham
Date: December 28, 2025
Episode: EP4875e

Episode Overview

This Sunday Encore episode features a classic mystery from The Casebook of Gregory Hood titled "The Double Diamond." Host Adam Graham introduces the episode as the final appearance of Gale Gordon as Gregory Hood in the series, highlighting a fun surprise crossover with another famous radio detective character. The drama unfolds in typical Golden Age style, blending witty banter, suspicious characters, and a twist-filled jewel theft aboard an airplane. After the drama, Adam delivers insightful commentary, addresses listener feedback, and offers historical context for new and longtime fans.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Introduction & Context

• Adam Graham welcomes listeners and notes the special nature of this encore episode and Gale Gordon's last portrayal of Gregory Hood.
  • “This is actually our last episode of the Casebook of Gregory Hood that features Gale Gordon. There are five more episodes with other actors and we'll talk about that a little more next week...” (01:42)

2. Dramatic Plot Summary

• Opening Scene - Fisherman’s Wharf Rendezvous
  • Gregory Hood and legal friend Sanderson "Sandy" Taylor dine by the San Francisco waterfront, discussing food and adventure.
  • Talk shifts toward their recent escapades and the anticipation of a new one (04:01–04:52).
• Airport Mystery Begins
  • At the airport bar, Gregory and Sandy find a lipstick-marked napkin with a mysterious drawing and message (05:00–06:00).
  • Their attention is drawn to a "Colonel" and a striking woman with a diamond pendant.
• On the Plane — The Diamond Disappears
  • In flight, Gregory observes interactions between the "Colonel," the woman (Ms. Shaw), and a stewardess named Jane.
  • Ms. Shaw’s diamond is reported stolen mid-flight.
  • Gregory begins interrogating suspects, starting with the faux Colonel, and using deductive reasoning about the lipstick clue and suspect behaviors (10:14–11:50).
• Confrontation and Recovery
  • Gregory confronts the "Colonel," physically subdues him, and retrieves what appears to be the missing diamond from his vest pocket (13:00–14:43).
• A Second Mystery Unfolds
  • Gregory realizes the retrieved diamond is not the original and suspects further intrigue. The flight stops in Chicago, but Ms. Shaw’s bag (and the diamond) are snatched by the "Colonel" as he flees (16:07–19:08).
• Chase and Crossover Cameo
  • Gregory and Sandy pursue leads in Chicago. Sandy enlists help from lawyer John J. Malone—a character crossover from another radio show—for information about the "Colonel" (19:30–21:29).
  • They track "Ice Peter," aka the Colonel, to his hideout, apprehend him, and retrieve the stolen goods before reboarding their flight (21:30–23:20).
• Final Twist and Solution
  • Back at the airport bar, Ms. Shaw thanks Gregory; during a gracious kiss, she tries to retrieve something from Gregory’s pipe.
  • Gregory reveals the original diamond was cunningly hidden in his pipe bowl by Ms. Shaw herself while he slept—she orchestrated the entire theft and misdirection (24:05–25:53).
  • He praises her ingenuity but warns that if she continues in crime, he’ll be there to stop her, declaring a sort of mutual respect between detective and adversary (25:53–26:37).

3. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

The Diamond Switcheroo

• Gregory Hood (revealing the true culprit):

  “This cunning young lady…hid it in the bowl of my pipe while I was sleeping and then thought of it as stolen. You must admit it was clever, girl.” (24:44)

On Crafty Adversaries

• Sanderson Taylor:

  “In all my experience in law, I’ve never met a complete self-perfection. Or you’re a little deceased. Have you no conscience?” (25:35)

The Guest Star Crossover

• John J. Malone:

  “If you catch him, he’ll be sure to hire me and that blonde hatchet girl at the casino has such expensive taste.” (21:29)

Witty Banter

• Gregory Hood (on air travel):

  “There are only two things I dislike about airplane travel: First, they allow you to smoke nothing but cigarettes. This is the last chance I’ll have to enjoy this magnificent outsized hunk of dryer until we land its cargo.” (04:32)

• Sanderson Taylor:

  “That could make the other passengers very happy.” (04:36)

Major Segments & Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Key Content | |------------|---------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:42 | Adam Graham Intro & Show Announcements | Series context, Gale Gordon's last episode as Hood | | 04:01 | Episode Begins (Drama Starts) | Met at Fisherman’s Wharf, foreshadows the case | | 05:00–06:00| Airport Bar & The Mysterious Note | Lipstick clue, introduction of the “Colonel” and Ms. Shaw | | 10:14 | The Theft is Revealed | Ms. Shaw discovers her diamond gone | | 13:00 | Physical Confrontation with “Colonel” | Gregory recovers a (fake) diamond | | 16:07 | Realization of a Swap/Double Cross | Gregory suspects there are two diamonds | | 19:30–21:29| Crossover with John J. Malone | Malone supplies local criminal info; a nod to radio crossover | | 23:26 | Confrontation at the Hideout | Apprehension of “Ice Peter” and recovery of loot | | 24:05 | The Big Reveal | Ms. Shaw tries to retrieve the diamond from Gregory's pipe | | 25:13 | Ms. Shaw’s Confession | She admits her cleverness; mutual respect for her ingenuity | | 26:37 | Epilogue & Banter | Toast to criminal adversary; wrap-up between Hood & Taylor | | 30:47 | Host’s Post-Episode Commentary | Analysis, background, and listener feedback |

Adam Graham’s Commentary (30:47–32:37)

• John J. Malone’s Cameo:
  • Adam observes the appearance of John J. Malone, referencing his own show and significance in radio and literature history.
  • “When John J. Malone...came in, I was like, what? But it’s not all that far-fetched given that Anthony Boucher was a very noted mystery critic...”
• Historical Context:
  • Comments on the smoking scene aboard the plane, drawing contrasts to modern air travel.
  • Reflects humorously: “I don't know if I could travel on a plane with smoking myself, so I'm not nostalgic for those particular days...”

Listener Feedback Highlights (32:38–35:33)

• Diane:
  • Shares perspective on listening to old-time radio through a modern lens and recalls cultural norms regarding cigarette commercials.
• Host’s Response:
  • Adam agrees, stating:

    “Anytime we listen to these programs we have to kind of as much as we can maintain that perspective. When we do tune in to these programs, we’re guests in another time.”

• Jennifer & Craig:
  • Express deep appreciation for the show.
  • Jennifer:

    “Please keep doing your wonderful shows. Listening is one of my favorite parts of my day.”

Notable Elements & Tone

• Classic Golden Age wit: The episode is filled with fast-paced dialogue, wordplay, and playful flirtation—especially between Gregory and Ms. Shaw.
• Clever plotting: The story leverages misdirection and double-crosses, with the detective mildly outsmarted by the femme fatale but ultimately regaining the upper hand.
• Homage & crossover: The guest appearance of John J. Malone highlights the interconnectedness and popularity of radio detectives in the era.
• Flexible Morality: Neither Gregory nor Ms. Shaw are strictly bound by law, making their interactions more about personal codes and charm than strict justice.
• Host’s warmth: Adam’s post-show remarks carry a tone of appreciation, inviting nostalgia but urging listeners to respect historical context.

Conclusion

"The Double Diamond" is a quintessential Gregory Hood adventure: witty, twisty, and brimming with charm. This episode cleverly plays with classic tropes—fake identities, stolen gems, and an ingenious femme fatale—while offering listeners a rare crossover and plenty of period character. Adam Graham’s contextualization and listener interaction round out a rich experience for both detectives and nostalgia lovers.