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 Meanest Man Murder Case

    Philo Vance: The Meanest Man Murder Case
    Jun 9 2022
    Original Release Date: June 9, 2022

    A man who is cruel to everyone in his life shows up at police headquarters, announces he's been murdered, and drops dead.

    Original Air Date: May 10, 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
    41 mins
  • Philo Vance: The Masters Murder Case

    Philo Vance: The Masters Murder Case
    Jun 20 2025
    Original Release Date: June 2, 2022

    In the middle of trying a man for murdering a young political reformer, District Attorney Markham has doubts about his case and asks Vance to investigate.

    Original Air Date: May 3, 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
    37 mins
  • Philo Vance: The Cipher Murder Case

    Philo Vance: The Cipher Murder Case
    Jun 13 2025
    Original Release Date: May 26, 2022

    A band of thieves are robbing private residences. When one of them kills an injured comrade to stop them from talking, Vance goes to work.

    Original Air Date: April 26, 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
    36 mins

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