Podcast Summary: The Relic Radio Show – "The Saint and Escape"

Release Date: April 8, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of The Relic Radio Show, hosted by RelicRadio.com, listeners are transported back to the golden age of radio through two enthralling segments. The episode features Vincent Price as the charismatic detective Simon Templar in The Saint episode titled "Ladies Never Lie," followed by a dramatic adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's renowned short story, "The Diamond as Big as the Ritz," presented under the Escape series. This summary delves into both narratives, highlighting key plot points, character dynamics, and memorable exchanges that encapsulate the essence of old-time radio storytelling.

Section 1: The Saint – "Ladies Never Lie"

Overview

The Saint segment introduces audiences to Simon Templar, the suave and cunning protagonist known as the Robin Hood of modern crime, originally created by Leslie Charteris. In "Ladies Never Lie," Templar encounters Claire Gordon, a woman desperate to confess a murder she claims to have committed.

Key Characters

• Simon Templar (Vincent Price): A clever and resourceful detective who navigates complex criminal cases with charm and intellect.
• Claire Gordon (Joan Banks): A distressed woman who approaches Templar with a confession of murdering her husband.
• James Gordon (Peter Leeds): Claire's husband, whose mysterious activities and untimely death become central to the plot.
• Louie (Larry Dobkin): Templar's butler, who provides assistance and occasional comic relief throughout the episode.
• Timothy Kerrigan (Jim Nusser): A lawyer involved in the Gordon family's affairs, whose true intentions are pivotal to the unfolding mystery.

Plot Summary

The episode opens with Claire Gordon seeking out Simon Templar to confess her husband's murder, despite having no direct evidence or clear reason to believe Templar is the right person for such a confession. As Templar converses with Claire, he remains skeptical, probing deeper into her motives and the circumstances surrounding her husband's death.

Timestamps & Notable Quotes:

• [02:08] Simon Templar: "Mrs. Gordon, I can think of many reasons why a woman might want to kill her husband. In some instances, she actually does. But I can think of no reason why she should come to me and tell me about it."

• [04:05] Simon Templar: "If what you're getting is it that the only way I can be sure is by killing you. Then how much was Mr. Gordon's life insured for? A hundred grand."

As the narrative progresses, James Gordon confronts Templar, revealing conflicting information about his wife's confession and his own knowledge of her presence. This confrontation leads to a deeper investigation, wherein Templar uncovers that the confession was strategically made to establish an alibi for Claire, positioning her to appear innocent after the murder.

The plot thickens with the involvement of Timothy Kerrigan, the family lawyer, who is implicated as having ulterior motives tied to the Gordon family's financial affairs. Templar deduces that Kerrigan orchestrated events to manipulate insurance and inheritance, ultimately leading to the confirmation of Kerrigan's guilt.

Further Notable Quotes:

• [24:27] Claire Gordon: "Our investments, they were unfortunate."

• [26:07] Simon Templar: "It was Kerrigan. Uh huh. I thought it would be. He didn't see me."

Conclusion

In a masterful display of deduction and confrontation, Simon Templar exposes Kerrigan's scheme to defraud the Gordon family, ensuring justice is served. The episode concludes with the unraveling of multiple layers of deceit, highlighting Templar's unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth.

Section 2: Escape – "The Diamond as Big as the Ritz"

Overview

Transitioning from detective drama, the Escape segment presents an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Diamond as Big as the Ritz." This narrative explores themes of wealth, secrecy, and the intoxicating allure of immense riches through the eyes of John Unger, a young man who becomes entangled in a family's guarded empire centered around a colossal diamond.

Key Characters

• John Unger (Jack Edwards, Jr.): The impressionable protagonist who discovers the hidden wealth of his wealthy friend.
• Percy Washington (Danny Merrill): John's affluent friend who invites him to spend the summer at his secluded Montana estate.
• Kizmine (Linda Mason): Percy's enchanting sister, whose beauty captivates John and complicates the unfolding events.
• Timothy Kerrigan (James Gordon): The family's manipulative lawyer, whose sinister control over the estate's secrets is revealed.
• Louie (Larry Dobkin): The family's charming butler, who harbors his own affections and plays a pivotal role in the narrative.

Plot Summary

John Unger recounts his summer vacation at Percy Washington's remote Montana estate, initially unaware of the family's extraordinary secret: a mountain-sized diamond concealed within their property. The grandeur of the estate, with its opulent decor and lavish amenities, masks the dark reality of how the Washington family maintains and protects their wealth.

Timestamps & Notable Quotes:

• [32:02] Co-Host: "I sure do appreciate you not making jokes about it. You know, the way some of the fellows do when I say I come from Hades."

• [34:07] Co-Host: "What are we stopping for? This is just a deserted canyon."

As John grows closer to Kizmine, their budding romance deepens, adding emotional stakes to the unfolding mystery. Suspicious activities, such as the enigmatic "cage" housing countless enslaved aviators, hint at the sinister lengths the Washington family will go to protect their empire.

Further Notable Quotes:

• [44:12] Timothy Kerrigan: "We've shot down wandering prospectors, men of that sort."

• [50:36] Co-Host: "Oh, yeah? Well, where is it? Where do you keep this diamond that's caused so cockeyed much trouble?"

As the story climaxes, the protagonist witnesses an attempted takeover orchestrated by new antagonist, Mr. Washington, who seeks to expand the family's dominance through sheer force and manipulation. The revelation of an atomic bomb planted within the mountain as a fail-safe measures the family's power and secrecy.

The narrative crescendos with an intense confrontation over the diamond, leading to the destruction of the estate and the dispersal of the Washington family's wealth, highlighting the destructive nature of unbridled greed and the illusion of security that immense wealth can provide.

Climactic Quotes:

• [54:37] Timothy Kerrigan: "I want you to understand this is only a sample. I'll give you a thousand cut as fine, set in pedestals of platinum..."

• [57:00] Co-Host: "Atom? Atomic bomb."

Conclusion

"The Diamond as Big as the Ritz" adaptation culminates in the fall of the Washington family's utopian dream, serving as a poignant critique of the corrupting influence of wealth and the lengths to which individuals will go to preserve their status. The story reinforces the timeless message that true value lies not in material riches but in genuine human connections and moral integrity.

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Relic Radio Show masterfully showcases the enduring appeal of old-time radio through its engaging storytelling and memorable performances. Vincent Price's portrayal of Simon Templar adds a layer of sophistication and intrigue to The Saint segment, while the Escape adaptation of Fitzgerald's work delivers a riveting narrative that captivates listeners with its blend of luxury, mystery, and moral lessons. Whether delving into the detective prowess of Templar or exploring the gilded cages of unimaginable wealth, this episode stands as a testament to the rich heritage of radio entertainment.

Notable Quotes Compilation

• Simon Templar: "[02:08] 'Mrs. Gordon, I can think of many reasons why a woman might want to kill her husband. In some instances, she actually does.'"

• Simon Templar: "[04:05] 'If what you're getting is it that the only way I can be sure is by killing you. Then how much was Mr. Gordon's life insured for? A hundred grand.'"

• Timothy Kerrigan: "[44:12] 'We've shot down wandering prospectors, men of that sort.'"

• Co-Host: "[50:36] 'Oh, yeah? Well, where is it? Where do you keep this diamond that's caused so cockeyed much trouble?'"

• Simon Templar: "[57:00] 'Atom? Atomic bomb.'"

Conclusion

The Relic Radio Show continues to honor and preserve the magic of old-time radio, offering both nostalgia for seasoned listeners and intriguing narratives for new audiences. With its meticulous adaptations and stellar performances, the show remains a cherished portal to a bygone era of storytelling excellence.