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
  • EP3876: Philo Vance: The Johnny A Murder Case

    EP3876: Philo Vance: The Johnny A Murder Case
    Sep 22 2022
    Today's Mystery:

    A local crime boss commits murder and disappears and both the police and his rivals shows up at his girlfriend's house in hopes of capturing him. Then, the house explodes.

    Original Air Date: August 16, 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…http://survey.greatdetectives.net

    Give us a call 208-991-4783

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    Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • Philo Vance: The Deep Sea Murder Case

    Philo Vance: The Deep Sea Murder Case
    Sep 26 2025
    Original Release Date: September 15, 2022

    A wealthy eccentric man disappears while going fishing.

    Original Air Date: August 9, 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
    34 mins
  • Philo Vance: The Tick-Tock Murder Case

    Philo Vance: The Tick-Tock Murder Case
    Sep 18 2025
    Original Release Date: September 8, 2022

    A mobster is murdered. His partner is the prime suspect, but he has an airtight alibi.

    Original Air Date: August 2, 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
    34 mins
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