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 Sterling Murder Case

    Philo Vance: The Sterling Murder Case
    Feb 16 2023
    Original Release Date: February 16, 2023

    Today's Mystery:A political boss is murdered before a big election.

    Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 31, 1950

    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
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Philo Vance: The Music Box Murder Case

    Philo Vance: The Music Box Murder Case
    Feb 20 2026
    Original Release Date: February 9, 2023

    Today's Mystery:Wealthy men who own rare music boxes are being murdered.

    Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 24, 1950

    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
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Philo Vance: The Talking Corpse Murder Case

    Philo Vance: The Talking Corpse Murder Case
    Feb 13 2026
    Original Release Date: February 2, 2023

    Today's Mystery:A woman comes to Vance after seeing her husband walking down the street talking - even though he's been dead for ten months.

    Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 17, 1950

    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 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives

    Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
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