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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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 Rooftop Murder Case

    Philo Vance: The Rooftop Murder Case
    May 14 2026
    Original Release Date: June 1, 2023

    Today's Mystery:A man falls from a roof, leaving behind a suicide note. Vance suspects murder.

    Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 2, 1950

    Originated in: New York City

    Starred: Jackson Beck as Philo Vance, George Petrie as District Attorney Markham

    Today's program was provided by Radio Archives.

    Email detectives@radioarchives.com to get a free audiobook, a free ebook, and free old time radio collection.

    Listerners to the GDOTR can get 50% off on a subscription to receive 600 transcription transfers per month for the next five years through Radio Archives. You can try a sample month for $59.98 (proceeds go to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio) and support the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio at this link

    .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
    40 mins
  • Philo Vance: The Shower Bath Murder Case

    Philo Vance: The Shower Bath Murder Case
    May 8 2026
    Original Release Date: April 27, 2023

    Today's Mystery:Philo Vance investigates the case of a man who threw his bath brush out the window before being found murdered in his shower/bathtub.

    Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 25, 1950

    Originated in: New York CityStarred: Jackson Beck as Philo Vance, George Petrie as District Attorney Markham, Joan Alexander as Ellen Dearing

    Today's program was provided by Radio Archives. Email detectives@radioarchives.com to get a free audiobook, a free ebook, and free old time radio collection.

    Listerners to the GDOTR can get 50% off on a subscription to receive 600 transcription transfers per month for the next five years through Radio Archives. You can try a sample month for $59.98 (proceeds go to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio) and support the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio at this link.

    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
    35 mins
  • Philo Vance: The Golden Key Murder

    Philo Vance: The Golden Key Murder
    May 1 2026
    Original Release Date: April 20, 2023

    Today's Mystery:Philo Vance returns from a trip to find a golden key in the mail, and a dead body in his office - with the same key.

    Original Air Date: April 18, 1950

    Originated in: New York City

    Starred: Jackson Beck as Philo Vance, George Petrie as District Attorney Markham

    Today's program was provided by Radio Archives. Email detectives@radioarchives.com to get a free audiobook, a free ebook, and free old-time radio collection.

    Listerners to the GDOTR can get 50% off on a subscription to receive 600 transcription transfers per month for the next five years through Radio Archives at this link. (Affiliate link)

    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/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
    Show More Show Less
    32 mins
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