The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective | Old Time Radio

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents “Sure Thing Caper,” originally broadcast February 9, 1951. This late-run NBC episode is episode 234 overall and stars Steve Dunne as Sam Spade, with Lurene Tuttle as Effie Perrine.

Horse-racing regular Five-Dollar Frankie turns to Spade after track-world figure Gentle Joe Higgins takes money tied to a supposed sure thing. Sam follows the leads into a wary, comic hard-boiled mystery among bettors, cash, and racetrack characters. The episode was written by John Michael Hayes and produced and directed by William Spier.

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:47 Original Broadcast
30:18 Closing

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents “Civic Pride Caper,” originally broadcast April 13, 1951. This installment is episode 243 of the series, and the 22nd episode of the 1950–51 NBC revival season, starring Stephen Dunne as Sam Spade and Lurene Tuttle as Effie Perrine.

When an architect is blamed for the collapse of Westover’s civic auditorium, Sam is hired to clear his name. The case draws Spade into a tense inquiry involving a troubled public-building project and possible corruption. Written by John Michael Hayes and directed by William Spier, this was an NBC sustaining broadcast.

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:55 Original Broadcast
30:37 Closing

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents “Kimberly Cross Caper,” originally broadcast March 23, 1951. This late-run NBC episode stars Stephen Dunne as Sam Spade, with Lurene Tuttle as Effie Perrine, and was written by Harold Swanton and directed by William Spier.

Hired by Sunset Indemnity to guard an extraordinarily valuable jeweled cross at San Francisco’s Bergendorf Gallery, Sam finds a routine protection assignment complicated by an anonymous warning, a watchful insurance investigator, and a nervous young woman with a questionable name. The case unfolds amid the gallery and the streets of San Francisco.

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:42 Original Broadcast
30:25 Closing

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents “Crab Louie Caper,” originally broadcast on March 2, 1951. Cataloged as episode 237 in a full-series log and C016 in the 1950–51 NBC season, this sustaining final-season broadcast stars Stephen Dunne as Sam Spade, with Lurene Tuttle as Effie Perrine.

When a San Francisco crab fisherman is reported lost near Seal Rocks, his friends suspect there may be more to the story than an accident at sea. Sam follows conflicting accounts through North Beach and Fisherman’s Wharf, where old rivalries, waterfront secrets, and the hazards of the crab boats complicate the case. Written by Harold Swanton and directed by William Spier.

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned and mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:43 Original Broadcast
30:05 Closing

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents “Vendetta Caper,” originally broadcast March 30, 1951. Also known as “The Revenge of Monty Christoff,” this is overall episode 241 of the series and episode C020 of its 1950–51 NBC season.

San Francisco detective Sam Spade is hired by electrical-company owner Chandler Gosden, who believes his newly arrived, wealthy Peninsula neighbor is systematically undermining his business and personal life. As society parties, private estates, and corporate pressures complicate the case, Spade follows a revenge-tinged trail with a distinctly Count of Monte Cristo flavor. Stephen Dunne stars as Spade, with Lurene Tuttle as Effie Perrine; the script is by John Michael Hayes and William Spier directs.

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:53 Original Broadcast
30:49 Closing

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents “The Vaphio Cup Caper,” originally broadcast on August 22, 1948. Episode 113 stars Howard Duff as San Francisco private detective Sam Spade, with Lurene Tuttle as his secretary, Effie Perrine.

Hired by importer Chester A. Brody to escort a fragile ancient Greek gold cup to a prospective buyer in Los Angeles, Spade finds that a simple train delivery can draw plenty of unwanted attention. Produced and directed by William Spier for CBS, this case unfolds in the series’ signature wisecracking case-report style.

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:42 Original Broadcast
30:27 Closing

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents “Cloak and Dagger Caper,” originally broadcast January 19, 1951. This NBC-era episode, number 231, stars Steve Dunne as Sam Spade and Lurene Tuttle as Effie Perrine, with a script by Harold Swanton.

A rainy-day break turns into apparent international intrigue when the veiled dancer Shalimar arrives at Sam’s apartment. A Kashmir medallion, the Veil of Kashmir restaurant, and concern for visiting political figure Jawara Hal lead Sam and Effie into a comic hard-boiled San Francisco mystery.

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:43 Original Broadcast
29:35 Closing

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents “Lazarus Caper,” originally broadcast on CBS on September 12, 1948. Howard Duff stars as private detective Sam Spade, with Lurene Tuttle as Effie Perrine.

A dusty, gray-faced visitor named Timothy R. Lazarus arrives at Spade’s office with an extraordinary problem: he has been legally declared dead and needs Sam to prove he is alive. His story reaches from a failed life-insurance scheme to a long absence and a Mexican hideaway, launching a case no one seems ready to believe.

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:47 Original Broadcast
30:08 Closing

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents “Dry Gulch Caper,” originally broadcast on NBC on December 8, 1950. Episode 225 stars Steve Dunne as Sam Spade, with Lurene Tuttle as Effie Perrine; William Spier produced and directed.

When Penny Bruce asks Sam to indulge her grandfather’s Old West fantasy, the detective becomes “Marshal Spade” and heads north from San Francisco for Dry Gulch. The apparently deserted frontier town, complete with the Red Dog Saloon and a suspiciously modern touch or two, gives Sam a case that is anything but routine.

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:48 Original Broadcast
29:51 Closing

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents “Red Star Caper,” originally broadcast January 12, 1951. This late NBC-era installment stars Steve Dunne as Sam Spade, with Lurene Tuttle as Effie Perrine, and was written by John Michael Hayes and produced and directed by William Spier.

Foreign-news editor Dick Davis hires Spade to protect celebrated correspondent Cyrus Manning, whose forthcoming San Francisco lecture has drawn threats. When trouble erupts at the Central Municipal Auditorium, Sam’s bodyguard job leads into a tense Cold War-era mystery with a newspaper connection and an international backdrop.

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:51 Original Broadcast
30:19 Closing

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents “The Sinister Siren Caper,” originally broadcast on NBC on March 16, 1951. Episode 239 features Stephen Dunne as private detective Sam Spade.

A frightened client brings Spade an ominous warning involving a dangerous red-haired woman and a troubling pattern among men with surnames beginning “St.” Written by Harold Swanton and directed by William Spier, this late-series mystery also features Lurene Tuttle and Junius Matthews.

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned and mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:46 Original Broadcast
29:46 Closing

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents “Love Letter Caper,” originally broadcast March 27, 1949. This archival CBS episode stars Howard Duff as private detective Sam Spade, with Lurene Tuttle as Effie Perrine.

An unexpectedly ardent letter from young heiress Ella Comstock draws Spade to the Comstock estate, where a supposed romance conceals a plea for help. Before long, a suitcase of valuables, suspicious correspondence, and a blackmail accusation complicate the case.

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:52 Original Broadcast
26:53 Closing

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents “String of Death Caper,” originally broadcast on NBC on February 2, 1951. This late-run Steve Dunne-era episode was written by John Michael Hayes and is commonly cataloged as series episode 233.

In San Francisco, Sam Spade is hired to find a missing sea captain, but the routine-looking errand soon draws him into a dangerous dispute involving valuable rose-colored pearls and uneasy waterfront contacts. Steve Dunne stars as Spade, with Lurene Tuttle as Effie Perrine; guest performers include William Conrad and Shirley Mitchell.

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:41 Original Broadcast
30:24 Closing

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents “Battles of Belvedere,” episode 149, originally broadcast May 14, 1949. Howard Duff stars as Sam Spade, with Lurene Tuttle as Effie Perrine.

When eccentric artist Jonathan Battle asks Spade to visit his secluded Belvedere Island studio, the detective finds old grudges, guarded secrets, and a strange work of art waiting across the bay from San Francisco. A death in a locked room turns Battle’s isolated household into a comic-tinged mystery. Written by Jason James and Robert Tallman and directed by William Spier, the episode draws on the Sam Spade character created by Dashiell Hammett.

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:47 Original Broadcast
24:38 Closing

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents “Sqp Caper,” originally broadcast November 7, 1948. Commonly cataloged as episode 124, this CBS mystery stars Howard Duff as San Francisco private detective Sam Spade, with Lurene Tuttle as Effie Perrine.

When Patricia Pierce asks Spade to document her husband’s suspected affair at the Belvedere Hotel, he steers the job toward the hotel’s house detective. But the case soon draws Spade into a more dangerous mystery involving the cryptic initials “S.Q.P.”

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:46 Original Broadcast
25:09 Closing

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents “Wheel of Life Caper,” originally broadcast on CBS on July 11, 1948. Episode 107 stars Howard Duff as San Francisco private detective Sam Spade, with Sandra Gould temporarily appearing as Effie Perrine.

A frightened young woman calling herself Poppy O’Farrell comes to Spade with no memory of who she is or how she arrived in her predicament. With only scattered clues—including a cable-car encounter, odd items in her purse, and the sense that someone is searching for her—Spade follows the trail through San Francisco. The episode was written by Gil Doud and Robert Tallman and directed by William Spier.

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:41 Original Broadcast
30:17 Closing

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents “Hot Hundred Grand Caper,” originally broadcast on CBS on September 19, 1948. Episode 104 (also cataloged B104) stars Howard Duff as San Francisco private detective Sam Spade, with Lurene Tuttle as Effie Perine.

When Lorraine Kilcourse fears her wealthy new husband is being blackmailed, Spade follows a trail across the Golden Gate Bridge to Ernie Nogales’ Marin County Racket Club. A reckless $100,000 roulette wager pulls him into a sharp, comic hard-boiled case of gambling, suspicion, and shifting loyalties. The episode was written by Robert Tallman and Gil Doud and directed by William Spier.

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:47 Original Broadcast
30:18 Closing

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents “Bail Bond Caper,” originally broadcast on CBS on June 27, 1948. Commonly cataloged as episode 105, this installment stars Howard Duff as Dashiell Hammett’s San Francisco private eye, Sam Spade, and was written by Gil Doud.

When Vivian, a woman from Sam’s past, worries that her reform-minded bail-bondsman husband is being drawn back toward dangerous associates, Spade takes the case. His investigation reaches into the fallout from a major armored-car robbery, where old loyalties, financial pressure, and divided allegiances make bail a very personal matter. Sandra Gould appears as Bernardine, temporarily filling in for Effie Perrine.

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:53 Original Broadcast
30:29 Closing

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents “Chateau Mccloud Caper,” originally broadcast on NBC on January 26, 1951. Episode 232 stars Stephen Dunne as private detective Sam Spade, with Lurene Tuttle as Effie Perrine; John Michael Hayes wrote the script and William Spier directed.

Spade is called to Rufus McLeod’s lavish, snowbound Sierra chalet after an anonymous warning threatens a tense ski weekend. With estranged spouses, apparent romances, and conflicting stories gathering beneath one roof, Sam must navigate the uneasy atmosphere before the danger grows more serious.

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:47 Original Broadcast
30:30 Closing

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents “Adam Figg Caper,” originally broadcast on CBS on October 5, 1947. This is episode 67 of the Howard Duff and Lurene Tuttle run, based on the detective created by Dashiell Hammett.

When butler Adam Figg seeks Sam Spade’s help for an elderly millionaire who fears for his life, a protective assignment leads into a household shadowed by gunfire, nighttime screams, and mounting unease. Howard Duff stars as Spade, with Lurene Tuttle as Effie Perrine; the episode also features a lighter office-side complication involving a malfunctioning “office robot.”

The Adventures of Sam Spade Detective presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
00:49 Original Broadcast
25:19 Closing

Support Old Time Retro Radio at https://www.patreon.com/oldtimeretroradio