
Today's Mystery: The Saint meets a fightened actress on a cruise ship who fears her for her life with good reason. Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 18, 1949 Originating from Hollywood Starred: Vincent Price as Simon Templar, William Conrad,...
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Julian Edelman
This is Julian Edelman from Games With Names. I want to take a second to talk about something that's personal to me. I've had the privilege of working closely with Robert Kraft for a long time, and one thing I've always respected is how seriously he takes up standing up to hate. As a Jewish athlete, my identity is something I am proud of, but I also know what it feels like to be singled out for it. That's why this new commercial for the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate that aired during the Big Game really hit home. It's about showing up for someone when they're targeted, even if you don't have the perfect words. And sometimes standing next to someone is enough. And you can show support by sharing the Blue Square.
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Adam Graham
Welcome to the Great detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of the Saint. But first, I do want to encourage you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel and mark the notification bell. All those great things that help YouTube channels to grow. Today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can support the show on a one time basis, support.greatdetectives.net and become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month. Just go to patreon.greatdetectives.net but here from September 18, 1949, here is an episode and I'm going to admit I'm going to use an alternate title. I will tell you the other titles that this circulates around after the podcast, but we're going to call this Murder on the High Seas.
Narrator/Announcer
Listen one hour from now for a special broadcast over most of these stations in which Sir Stafford Cripps, British Chancellor of the Exchequer, announces and explains his Government's decision to. To devalue the British pound sterling. That's one hour from now. The Adventures of the Saint, starring Vincent Price. The Saint. Based on characters created by Leslie Chartres and known to millions from books, magazines and motion pictures, the Robin Hood of modern crime now comes to radio starring Hollywood's brilliant and talented actor, Vincent Price as the Saint.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Well, hello.
Barbara Brooks
Who is.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Oh, how is my favorite shipboard acquaintance this evening?
Barbara Brooks
Oh, Simon, you startled me. I could hardly see you through the fog here on deck.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Oh, yes, it is getting thicker, isn't it? But I suppose it's to be expected. Last night nature went on a binge of moonshine and this is her foggy morning after.
Barbara Brooks
Only it's evening.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
How can you tell through the fog? You know, you have a very pretty laugh, Barbara. I'll listen for it in all of your pictures from now on.
Barbara Brooks
Thank you, Simon, but I'm. I'm not going to make any more pictures. I'm retiring.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Retiring? At the peak of your career?
Barbara Brooks
I'm just tired of pictures, that's all.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Barbara, you'll never be able to run away from it.
Barbara Brooks
What do you mean?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
I'm referring to whatever it is that frightens you. Why don't you tell me about it, Barbara?
Barbara Brooks
There's nothing to tell. I'm. I'm tired. I need a rest. Please, Simon, don't make me talk about it. Some things that I. Simon, is that someone standing there?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
No, no, I don't see anyone. You are nervous, Simon.
Barbara Brooks
If only I could confide in someone. If I could tell you what I.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Perhaps I already know more than you think I do. You're cold. Where's your rat?
Barbara Brooks
It's over there someplace on one of those deck chairs.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
I'll find it. I don't see it here. Barbara, are you sure you. Barbara. Behind you. Look out.
Dr. Norman
Barbara.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Barbara. Man overboard. Man overboard.
Phil Rader
Maybe you'd like a swim too. Saint What?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Oh, Mr. Templar.
Dr. Norman
Mr. Templer.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Oh, hello. I suppose the usual question is where am I?
Dr. Norman
Sometimes they awaken from your type of custom made coma asking who am I?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Evidently, I wasn't hit quite that hard. I even remember who you are. Dr. Norman. It is Dr. Norman, the celebrated psychiatrist, isn't it?
Dr. Norman
That is very good, Templar. But I'm afraid I must still confine you here to the ship's infirmary for a while. Possible concussion, you know.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Tell me, what makes a famous neurologist like you pose as a mere ship's doctor?
Dr. Norman
I'm really not posing, Partridge. The ship's physician is ill. I was within Earshot when I heard the familiar call. Is there a doctor in the house? And no, Simon, don't try to get up. I have a flask here if a drink will make you happy.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Oh, not right now, thank you. As I recall, I have some unfinished business to attend to.
Dr. Norman
Barbara?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Yes. What? She.
Dr. Norman
They couldn't find her in the fog. She's gone.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Poor Barbara.
Dr. Norman
Yes, it was a horrible accident.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Horrible, yes. Accident, no.
Dr. Norman
You mean to say she didn't fall overboard?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
She was murdered.
Dr. Norman
Murdered? But who?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
I think I know who. Oh, my head. It feels like the Aberdeen Proving Grounds.
Dr. Norman
I will mix you a sedative. You know, you're not looking very well.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
I always look like this when I'm angry. There's only one cure.
Dr. Norman
Yes, I know. The lady with the scales known as Madame Justice. You know, Templar, I've been curious about what makes a man like you tick.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Well, I'll tell you. Every eight days or so, someone winds me up. Right now I'm wound up tight. Tight with fury.
Dr. Norman
Well, as a psychiatrist, I would advise you to unwind a bit.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Here we are.
Dr. Norman
Now, drink this. It will put you to sleep after a while.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Thank you.
Dr. Norman
You say you think you know who killed Barbara?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Simon, I was wrong. I do know.
Dr. Norman
Well, I think you ought to talk to me. Unwind yourself.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
You think I need psychiatry, Doctor?
Dr. Norman
Well, I think you're too taut at the moment. That, plus your concussion, it might be dangerous.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Very well, Doctor. I'll unwind. I'll tell you the entire story, if
Dr. Norman
you don't mind, Simon. Here, this will help the rhythm. A metronome. Psychiatrists often use them. But if you'd rather.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
No, no, I don't mind. I'd never met Barbara Brooks, although I doubt if there's a human being alive who hasn't heard of her or seen her in the movies. I first saw her the day we boarded ship. There was something in her expression, in the way she walked and talked and smiled that immediately told me here was someone I should know. Her entire demeanor was an attitude of invitation, romance, fear. Doctor, she was a frightened lady. She wanted someone near her. I walked over to her there on deck and immediately made myself useful. Her steward evidently had become busy elsewhere. So I tipped my hat and said, somewhat idiotically, get your program here, lady. You can't tell the staterooms without the numbers.
Barbara Brooks
I beg your pardon?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Your stewardsy deserted you. I've sailed this scow before, so if it's the direction to your stateroom you're
Barbara Brooks
looking for, well, I would like to know.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
I would too. Number please.
Barbara Brooks
A36, main deck.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Thank you very, very much. It's this way. My, My name's Templar. Simon for short. And of course your Barbara Brooks. You know, we passed the bar en route to a 36 main deck. There's an old Fashioned with a new acquaintance. Sound inviting?
Barbara Brooks
It will, a little later. After he's here on the ship.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Ooh, there are several. Oh, I see he's gone now.
Raider
Turn the corner.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Yeah, I think I saw the man you meant. Certain off center gentleman named Rader.
Barbara Brooks
Raider?
Raider
I don't know that name.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
No? Surely you've heard of Phil Rader. He's just as big a star in his line of work as you are in yours.
Raider
What?
Barbara Brooks
What is his line of work?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Well, he's an exterminator of human beings, Mr. Templar. I'm afraid that was obvious from the moment I first saw you. Why don't you tell me about it?
Raider
No, I can. No.
Barbara Brooks
I'd be killed.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
That's as good a reason as any for not telling me. But I must warn you, I have a peculiar talent for finding things out for myself.
Barbara Brooks
Oh no, you mustn't do anything.
Dr. Norman
Please.
Miller
Please.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Hello, Raider.
Miller
Well, Miss Saint. World's getting smaller.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Yes, yes, but I understand you're doing your share to see that it doesn't get overcrowded. Traveling for your health again or just traveling?
Miller
Just traveling.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Raider, why does the mere glimpse of you rounding a corner start a lady's teeth to chattering?
Phil Rader
Lady?
Miller
I don't know any ladies.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Obviously.
Miller
Maybe she thought I was someone else.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Maybe. And if you're of a mind to annoy her, you'll wish you were.
Miller
Look, Saint, just soak up sunshine on this cruise. Don't go poking in any dark places. Might be bad for you.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Oh, what sort of bad, Raider?
Miller
Look, big shot, just so there's no misunderstanding. You butt in where you ain't welcome on this cruise and.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Yes, and I'll kill you.
Dr. Norman
How is your head, sir?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
It feels as if a regimental crap game was going on inside of it with jet propelled dice.
Dr. Norman
You haven't drunk your sedative yet. Here.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Oh, thank you. Shall I go on taking the load off of my concussion?
Dr. Norman
Yes, by all means. I think I was present at the next sequence.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Yes, Doctor, you were. It was the night of that ridiculous costume ball ship's captains are so fond of arranging.
Dr. Norman
Yes, I remember. We were at the bar together. You were a pirate, I recall.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Yes, and you were a clown. The ball was loaded with clowns. Some of them not even aware of their clownishness but it was gay and sprightly and the music was good. I remember our conversation, Doctor. You suddenly appeared at my elbow and said in the most shivery, sinister manner,
Dr. Norman
you know, Templar, I have a confession to make to you.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Well, I'm always interested in confessions, Doctor.
Dr. Norman
I've had a schoolboy crush on the beautiful Barbara ever since I saw her in pictures. First tell me, what does one do about it?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Well, I know exactly what I would do if I were you, Doctor. Yes, I'd consult the nearest psychiatrist.
Dr. Norman
At the prices we charged. Nothing. I was hoping you'd cut a fellow in on your acquaintanceship, Templar. But if you won't introduce me, won't you at least show me which mask she's hiding under? I think I might be able to make my own introduction.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Oh, very well, Doctor. Look for a sylph like figure in a blue and yellow harlequin costume.
Dr. Norman
Thank you, Templar, thank you. And if you should ever need a
Simon Templar (The Saint)
good psychiatrist at the prices you charge,
Dr. Norman
I will be seeing you.
Raider
Don't turn around, Mr. Templar. I have a pistol in the small of your back.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Now really, is that any way to enjoy a walk?
Raider
Listen, Sade, and listen hard.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
I'm all ears. Except for the small of my back, which feels abnormally large at the moment.
Raider
Certain arrangements have been made, Saint. It means a big head of lettuce if they go through. So all the signs say. Keep out. See that you do. Now don't turn around. This costume's so pretty. I'd hate to have to put a hole through my pocket.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Well, it's probably just a coincidence, but I've acquired the same regard for the small of my back.
Raider
Keep regarding it that way. Satisfaction. Don't let your nose wander where it doesn't belong. And you might begin by forgetting you saw certain people aboard this boat.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
See? Just tell me how you're going to swing it, Mrs. Miller. Oh, don't be surprised. I'd recognize the notorious Lil Miller's voice on a party line. How are you gonna take him, Lil?
Miller
A palm vase?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Or perhaps a marked deck?
Raider
This rod has a hair trigger, Saint. Just a touch.
Barbara Brooks
And you're Lil.
Phil Rader
Lil.
Raider
What's the matter?
Phil Rader
That girl there.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
One of the holidays. Lil.
Nick Oliver
Lil.
Barbara Brooks
Thank you.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
You're lucky.
Dr. Norman
Sing.
Barbara Brooks
I'd have shot.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Give her ear. Give her ear. Don't crowd. Crowd her all you want to. She won't mind now, is she? Yes. A stiletto in the back leaves very little doubt. She's dead.
Dr. Norman
You know, Simon, I would never have paid the late Mrs. Miller for a Professional card shop. She was anything but the type of professional.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Card sharps are always anything but the type, doctor.
Dr. Norman
Yeah, and to think I actually played bridge with her myself. With a crook and a hot headed one had said.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Well, as my old grandmother used to say, Doctor, beware of lady thieves with red hair.
Dr. Norman
I guess the lady's red hair accounted for the lack of insulation in her temperament. How does your head feel, Simon?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Better, doctor. Much better.
Dr. Norman
You still haven't touched your sedative, you know.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Haven't I?
Dr. Norman
I think you'll find that it helps, Simon. Here.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Oh, thank you. Well, you know, shortly after the murder of Mrs. Miller, doctor, I called on her bereaved husband and partner in crime. A very interesting visit it was too.
Dr. Norman
You have the knack for making all of your visits interesting, Simon. Tell me about it.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Well, I found Miller in the bar. Quenching his sorrow with the merry waters of the river of forgetfulness.
Phil Rader
Fifty grand in the palm of our hands and beep no more lil no more lil no more sucker no more sucker. Beep no more. 50 grand.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
I see you valued your wife highly. Who was the sucker?
Nick Oliver
Miller.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Ha ha.
Phil Rader
You're funny.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Tell me, what's Phil Rader cruising for, Miller? And don't tell me it's a coincidence he's on board the same ship.
Phil Rader
You get funnier and funnier.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Why is Barbara Brooks so afraid of Raider?
Phil Rader
You ain't even warm, Saint. You're a mile wide of the target.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
And I'd better use a different kind of ammunition then, Miller.
Phil Rader
Yeah? Like what?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Like a little murder performed on an unwilling sucker in Reno, huh?
Phil Rader
What do you know about that?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
You won't like going back to Reno, Miller. It gets hot in the summertime. Especially in the penitentiary.
Phil Rader
Raider was with Little me on the steel.
Narrator/Announcer
He put the zipper on Raider.
Phil Rader
I wasn't going to say anything, Phil. Honest I was.
Narrator/Announcer
Just skip it, Miller.
Miller
I always knew someday you'd show Canary yellow. I thought you and I had a little understanding, Saint.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
You've got a reputation for wrong thoughts, Raider.
Miller
Yeah, but right or wrong, I back my ideas up to the hilt.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Keep that frog sticker undercover, Raider, or I might take it away from you and the Dutch courage that rides with it, too.
Miller
I'll keep it hidden for now. You just be careful of the places where the lights don't shine, Saint.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Come on, Miller.
Miller
I want to talk with you.
Phil Rader
Well, I'll be out in a little while, Phil. I want a drink.
Miller
You're drunk enough, Canary. Come on.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
You'd better go, Miller. And if you can't talk your way out of it. My regards to the fishes.
Dr. Norman
And I recall it was shortly after Mr. Leader passed on his second warning that you and I met for the first time. Professional?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Yes, Doctor. The very next night.
Dr. Norman
Well, I am very surprised at you. He had warned you to stay away from Doc Platers.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Yes, Doctor. So he had. But I'm perverse by nature and I like to poke around. I was strolling around the deck with Barbara, getting moon burned and trying desperately to get some more information.
Barbara Brooks
So wonderful having you near, Simon. I feel safe.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Safe? I refuse to accept the compliment, particularly on a moonlit night at sea.
Barbara Brooks
I'm referring to danger, Simon, not romance.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
They're often the very same thing. I'd like to join the team, Barbara. Why don't you confide in me?
Barbara Brooks
Because if I did, we'd both be dead by morning.
Raider
I must go now.
Barbara Brooks
Good night, Simon.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Good night.
Phil Rader
Don't turn around, Templar.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
I've got a. I know. A gun pointed at the small of my back.
Phil Rader
That's it. Now keep away from Barbara Brooks. Am I clear?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Clear enough. Anything else?
Phil Rader
Yeah, just so it sinks in, Saint. Take this along to remember me.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Once again you enter the picture, Dr. Norman. You found me there, lying on the deck, basking in moonlight and blood.
Dr. Norman
Go on, Simon, tell me the rest of it.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Well, after your neat job of vulcanizing me, thus saving me a trip to the ship's doctor and innumerable words of explanation, I hit upon a strategy. And my next visit found me calling in the lion's den. I tell you, you're being made a patsy, Raider. You're on the verge of being demoted back to second class hoodlum.
Miller
I can take care of myself.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Well, I admit a minor sandbagging committed in your good name doesn't amount to much, Raider. But what if the same someone likes your name and decides to use it in other ways?
Miller
What do you mean?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
I mean murder. You're a lead pipe cinch to pay for one of your own someday, Raider. But meanwhile, how would you feel getting hung for somebody else's shenanigans?
Miller
I'd be annoyed. You sure would. Look, I'm not rigged up with no murder. St. Lil meant 50 grand to us alive. That's what we figured the sucker was good for.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
That's a good enough reason for wanting Lil among the present instead of the late Raider. Tell me, what was the angle? Blackmail?
Miller
Nah, nah, nothing so crude, Saint. I sponsor the party, spot em, finger em and oil em and the Millers squeeze em through a deck of cards. The guy's a sucker for good looking dames and card games, that's all.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
That sounds very uncomplicated. Easy picking.
Miller
The guy ain't had the coin long enough to be smart about it.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Who's the guy?
Miller
He makes water heaters.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
The fat man with the diamonds from Passaic. That's a sucker I should have tumbled.
Miller
Looks like you did. I thought you were out for a bust up. 50G is a lot of money, Saint. I figured if I could scare you, it'd be insurance.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
How about Barbara Brooks?
Miller
Ah, deal me out. I'm not in on whatever the caper is.
Narrator/Announcer
There.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
She saw you the day we sailed and she got scared.
Miller
Maybe it's because I ain't exactly pretty, but if you really want to know something, Saint, I'll tell you. I was propositioned on a stunt against that dame a few weeks before we sailed. I turned her down. A big doe too.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
A murder deal?
Miller
Yeah, big doe to bump her up. Not for me though. Nah, she's too prominent. Too much heat on those jobs.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Who made the offer? Raider.
Miller
He wasn't exactly interested in leaving his calling card st. Just a John Smith as far as I'm concerned.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
But he had a description, didn't he? Everybody has a description.
Miller
Well, sure, sure. He was a medium sized guy with. Hey, the lights.
Narrator/Announcer
Who turned them off?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Get down.
Phil Rader
Raider.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Raider. Raider. Are you brown? Brown tie, Blue shirt.
Dr. Norman
Brown tie, blue shirt.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Brown tie, blue shirt. Not a very harmonious color scheme, is it? Thank you, Raider. At least your last earthly utterance was in the direction of. Good. Thank you.
Dr. Norman
Brown tie, blue shirt. What does he mean, Simon?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Well, it means that either the man for whom I search isn't a very fastidious dresser, Doctor. Or else.
Dr. Norman
Or else?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Or else he's colorblind. Blue and brown just aren't worn together.
Dr. Norman
Well, no, they.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
I'll take that drink now, Doctor.
Dr. Norman
Oh, and the sedative I mixed for you. Your concussion.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Later, Doctor, later.
Dr. Norman
Very well. I can see that you're going to be a very difficult patient. I hope you don't mind drinking out of another medicine glass.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
No, right now I prefer it.
Dr. Norman
Say when.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
A little more, Doctor. That's fine. Has such a beautiful color, hasn't it, doctor?
Dr. Norman
Yeah, hasn't it? So, aren't you going to drink it, Simon?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
In a moment, Doctor, when I finish my story.
Dr. Norman
Oh, yes, of course, this story. Barbara's murder was next.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Yes, Barbara was next. But immediately before our last meeting on deck in the fog, Doctor, I found out what she was afraid of.
Dr. Norman
You did? But how?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
It Was easy. The steward had some keys, I had some money. The steward has enough now for that chicken ranch he's always dreamed of.
Dr. Norman
You broke into Barbara estate's room?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Yes.
Dr. Norman
Well, what did you find, Simon?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Lingerie, perfume, stockings. And some letters, Doctor. Peculiar letters, huh?
Dr. Norman
Fan made.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Yes, yes. And all from the same fan. A fan she was once engaged to marry, Doctor. A fan who loved her very much and hated her in equal proportions. Who was so torn between love and hate he had to kill her.
Dr. Norman
Ah, schizophrenic.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
You should know.
Dr. Norman
What do you mean?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Well, you know the classifications. You're the doctor. Oh.
Dr. Norman
Drink your sedative, Simon.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
A colorblind schizophrenic. I don't believe I've ever met one before, Dr. Norman. So colorblind. He mistook the green and orange harlequin costume worn by Lil Miller for the blue and yellow one worn by Barbara.
Dr. Norman
That is very interesting, Simon.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Poor Lil. If she'd come to the ball as anything but a harlequin, she'd have lived to take in $50,000.
Dr. Norman
Your sedative.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
You know, you were wrong about Lil's hair, doctor. It wasn't red. It was brown.
Dr. Norman
You said it was red.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
I wanted to see if you'd agree.
Dr. Norman
Your sedative.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Yes, of course. Hand it to me, would you, Doctor? It's there alongside the drink.
Raider
No, no.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Don't try to tell them apart by their aromas, Doctor. It's obvious that they're different colors. Or can't you tell?
Dr. Norman
You find it saint. I like very much for you to drink it, my doctor.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
What a pretty purple gun you're wearing. Or is it pink?
Dr. Norman
Drink up, Templer. You hardly feel it. It's just a dash of prussic acid, Dr. Norman.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
When you give a sedative, you go overboard.
Dr. Norman
Drink it, Templar.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Well, you're the doctor. A Toast to you, Dr. Norman. To your green shirt, blue tie and gray handkerchief. None of which match. Here's how.
Dr. Norman
My eyes. You threw it in my eyes.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
It was a question of your eyes or my stom, Doctor.
Dr. Norman
My eyes are blind.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Get over it, Doctor. Which is more than can be said of me if one of those wild shots of yours should hit me. I know I shouldn't practice medicine without a licensed doctor any more than you should. But here's a sedative from me to you. Pleased nightmares, Dr. Norman.
Narrator/Announcer
You have been listening to another adventure of the saint. The Robin Hood of modern crime. And now here is our star, Vincent Price.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Ladies and gentlemen, in a prejudice filled America, no one would be Secure in his job, his business, his church or his home. Yet racial and religious antagonisms are expressed, exploited daily by quacks and adventurers whose followers make up the irresponsible lunatic fringe of American life. Refuse to listen to or spread rumors against any race or religion. Help to stamp out prejudice in our country. Let's judge our neighbors by the character of their lives alone and not on the basis of their religion or origin. This is Vincent Price inviting you to join us again next week at the same time for another exciting adventure of the Saint. Good night.
Narrator/Announcer
The light script of the Saint was written by Michael Cramoy. Our cast included Betty Lou Gerson, Gene Bates, Frank Gerstel, Bill Conrad and Barney Phillips. The music was composed and conducted by Harry Zimmerman. The Saint, based on characters created by Leslie Charteris, is a James L. Safier production and it's direct directed by Thomas A. McEvitty. Vincent Price is soon to be seen in Harry and Popkins production of Champagne for Caesar, co starring Ronald Coleman. All you Saint fans will be glad to know that the Saint comic books are on sale at all newsstands. Your announcer, Meryl Ross. This is the mutual broadcasting system.
Geico Commercial Host
I'm here on the job site with Dale, who's a framing contractor.
Miller
Hey, good morning.
Geico Commercial Host
Dale traded up to Geico Commercial Auto Insurance for all his business vehicles. We're here where he needs us most.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Yep, they sure are.
Geico Commercial Host
We make it easy for him to save on all his insurance needs, all in one place with coverage that fits his business and bottom line. Oh, I shouldn't have looked down.
Adam Graham
It's all right.
Geico Commercial Host
We're so far up here.
Miller
Look at me.
Adam Graham
Take a deep breath.
Geico Commercial Host
I'm good. So good.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Get a commercial auto insurance quote today@geico.com and see how much you could save. It feels good. To Geico.
Adam Graham
Welcome back. An enjoyable episode. And I really love the idea of this being told and us learning that it was actually being told to the killer at his own designs on Simon. And of course, you have to love the interplay of two great actors, Vincent Price and William Conrad. And there's something about Price where when he gets a lot of scenes with the same performer, I think of the suspense episode of the hands of Mr. Audermore, which he played with Claude Rains, that you really can have just this great energy going on. Now, what are the titles of this program that are listed typically on the Internet? The Schizophrenic Psychiatrist. I hope people see the problem with that title. It gives away the entire plot. So does the second most popular title that you'll see on the Internet for this episode, the Colorblind Killer. Murder on the High Seas is generic, but it is a title that has been used for this episode, and it's the only title that's been used for this episode that doesn't ruin the ending. On the Toddling issues, you do have to say that the portrayal of colorblindness is ridiculously broad. Now, to be fair, a lot of Golden Age media, when it came to mysteries, portrayed colorblindness in this way. Without getting too much into the weeds on this. Generally, colorblindness comes across a spectrum of a few different colors that you're not able to distinguish. But even more than that is just the fact that this guy is a prominent man in a profession that relies on credibility. And the way Simon describes it, he walks around dressed in a way that others would say, oh, look, there's a clown in that situation. Particularly in this era, if you had a disability that was not immediately visible, you would want to camouflage that. And prominent people who have colorblindness, they tend to work things out. Assistants or tailors or someone else who will go ahead and say, okay, well, you need to go ahead and plan these outfits. This, these shirts go with this pair of pants and this tie goes with this shirt and put maybe little labels on them that are written so he knows what to do. And so where some of the subtlety might come in is a situation where things are not carefully planned or the person with colorblindness doesn't have an opportunity to follow their typical process. Listener comments and feedback. Now we go to YouTube where Joe comments regarding the episode Mr.
Geico Commercial Host
Important.
Adam Graham
Thanks Adam. You are the best. I love your comments. I learned so much from you. Well, thanks so much. Appreciate your comment, Joe. Well, now it is time to thank our Patreon Supporter of the day and I want to go ahead and and thank Bernie. Patreon supporter since June of 2024, currently supporting the podcast at the Shalmas level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Bernie. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software and be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. We'll be back next Monday with another episode of the Saint, but join us back here tomorrow for the big stream
Nick Oliver
story where and now you stand with
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Special investigator Nick Oliver. Both of you shaking your head at the dead man lying on the cot
Nick Oliver
just off Route 66 near Clinton.
Dr. Norman
No possible way of identification, Nick?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Nothing.
Nick Oliver
I'll get Haynes of the Fingerprint Bureau and see if his prints tell us anything. I don't think even a mother would recognize his face. Hey, where you going? Looking around. I wish that ambulance would get here. What are you looking for?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Something in the grass.
Nick Oliver
Nick. Hey, what do you know?
Simon Templar (The Saint)
It's a coin.
Nick Oliver
Here's another one. Let me see. Those are Mexican coins, right? That's what they are.
Simon Templar (The Saint)
Well, what are they doing here? How do I know?
Nick Oliver
Well, we've got something anyhow. It's not much more than nothing, but it's something.
Adam Graham
I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box13greatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at Radio Detectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com Great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.
In this suspenseful slice of Golden Age radio drama, Simon Templar (“The Saint”), played by Vincent Price, investigates a complex murder case aboard a fog-shrouded ocean liner. As danger circles a fading film star, Barbara Brooks, and a cadre of criminal characters, the episode unfolds with wit, noir atmosphere, and a classic fair-play puzzle for armchair detectives.
Host Adam Graham sandwiches the audio drama between insightful commentary, focusing on the storytelling devices and intricacies of old radio mysteries. Fans of vintage detective fiction will find both the episode and Graham's observations engaging and informative.
“Barbara, you'll never be able to run away from it.”
— Simon Templar (04:42)
“Horrible, yes. Accident, no.”
— Simon Templar (06:55)
“A stiletto in the back leaves very little doubt. She’s dead.”
— Simon Templar (14:08)
“I was propositioned on a stunt against that dame a few weeks before we sailed. I turned her down. Big dough, too.”
— Miller (20:22)
“A colorblind schizophrenic. I don't believe I've ever met one before, Dr. Norman. So colorblind, he mistook the green and orange harlequin costume worn by Lil Miller for the blue and yellow one worn by Barbara.”
— Simon Templar (23:18)
On Barbara’s predicament:
“If only I could confide in someone. If I could tell you what I—”
— Barbara Brooks (05:05)
On the murderer’s psychology:
“A fan she was once engaged to marry, Doctor. A fan who loved her very much and hated her in equal proportions. Who was so torn between love and hate, he had to kill her.”
— Simon Templar (22:45)
On colorblindness as a clue:
“Blue and brown just aren’t worn together.”
— Simon Templar (21:43)
Climactic standoff:
“What a pretty purple gun you’re wearing. Or is it pink?”
— Simon Templar (24:04)
“You’ll hardly feel it. It’s just a dash of prussic acid.”
— Dr. Norman (24:08)
“The portrayal of colorblindness is ridiculously broad...Prominent people who have colorblindness, they tend to work things out...assistants or tailors or someone else...”
— Adam Graham (29:15)
“Let’s judge our neighbors by the character of their lives alone and not on the basis of their religion or origin.”
— Vincent Price (25:18)