Philo Vance Presented by the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio cover art

Philo Vance Presented by the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Philo Vance Presented by the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

By: Adam Graham
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About this listen

 Philo Vance was created by S.S. Van Dine (the pen name of Willard Huntington Wright). Vance first appeared in the novel The Benson Murder Case, which was published in 1925. Twelve novels were published over fourteen years. He was introduced as a wealthy young dabbler in many fields who added solving crime to his many other interests. His friend, District Attorney Markham came to rely on him to solve difficult murders, while Sergeant Heath of the Homicide Squad had little choice but to tolerate him.

The character gained new life and popularity in film. William Powell played Vance in four films, but the character was portrayed by a variety of actors including Basil Rathbone, Paul Lukas, and Warren William. Philo Vance came to radio starring John Emery from 1943-45. In the Summer of 1945, NBC released a Summer replacement series starring Jose Ferrer as Vance. In 1946, radio and television syndication king Frederic Ziv began producing a series starring radio veteran Jackson Beck as Vance that produced more than 100 episodes.

Adam Graham is your guide through all circulating episodes of Philo Vance including the single circulating episode of the Emery series, two episodes of the Ferrer series, and more than 90 episodes of the Ziv series. This series is part of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio podcast which features a different detective program each day.Commentary Copyright 2021-23 Art Entertainment & Performing Arts
Episodes
  • Philo Vance: The Chop Suey Murder

    Philo Vance: The Chop Suey Murder
    Jan 5 2023
    Original Release Date: January 5, 2023

    Today's Mystery: Philo Vance investigates a series of robberies in Chinatown that have led to one murder.

    Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 20, 1949

    Check out our Sponsor: The Art of Crime Podcast at https://www.artofcrimepodcast.com/

    Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net

    Give us a call at 208-991-4783

    Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives

    Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • Philo Vance: The Grey Glove Murder Case

    Philo Vance: The Grey Glove Murder Case
    Jan 9 2026
    Original Release Date: December 29, 2022

    Today's Mystery:Philo Vance is called to investigate the report of a man strangled by a grey glove in mid-air.

    Original Radio Broadcast Date: Decemmber 13, 1949

    Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net

    Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.

    Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

    Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net

    Give us a call at 208-991-4783

    Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives

    Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives

    Join us back here tomorrow for another old time radio detective drama.
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
  • Philo Vance: The Birdcage Murder Case

    Philo Vance: The Birdcage Murder Case
    Dec 15 2022
    Original Release Date: December 15, 2022

    Today's Mystery:

    A woman warns Vance that her fiancé will be murdered, and Vance is present when he's murdered at a party.

    Original Radio Broadcast Date:December 6, 1949


    Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net

    Support the show on a one-time basis at https://support.greatdetectives.net

    Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

    Give us a call at 208-991-4783

    Take the listener survey at https://survey.greatdetectives.net

    Check out our social media at https://www.greatdetectives.net
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
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