Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

This episode of 'This is Your FBI' presents a dramatic story involving a family-run farm caught in a whiskey hijacking scheme. While the parents attempt to outsmart two young criminals by drugging and tying up one of them, the situation turns fatal when the captive criminal is found dead. The investigation follows the aftermath of Jack Brown's death and the subsequent apprehension of Chuck Parker. The episode also features an analysis of the case and advertisements for the Equitable Life Assurance Society.

During a baseball game, player Mike Allen is shot and killed while sliding into second base. While Inspector Faraday suspects Boston Blackie, Blackie investigates the scoreboard area and discovers that the shot actually originated from behind it, where he also finds a murdered scoreboard boy. Blackie's investigation leads him to a hotel, where he suspects the clerk, French, of being the killer due to a mistaken identity involving a baseball lineup change. After Blackie uses a fake blackmail scheme to lure French into a trap, the porter confesses to the murders while attempting to extort money.

The investigation begins with the exposure of a fraudulent 'Consolidated Charities' scheme and the murder of its leader, Michael Miller. Detective Philo Vance investigates the crime, noting a specific clue regarding a suspect with a bruised face, while navigating an intense encounter with Morton Gary. Following an assassination attempt on Vance, he uses forensic deduction involving a makeup stain to identify the culprits. Vance ultimately reveals that Donald Stone was the shooter and accuses Morton Gary of being the murderer of Michael Miller.

In this Sherlock Holmes radio drama, Dr. Watson recounts the mysterious death of Lady Blenkinsop, who was found dead in a room bolted from the inside. While initial theories suggested an accidental overdose or suicide involving poisoned birthday brandy, Holmes reveals a much darker truth. Through careful investigation of clues like the behavior of a dog and physical evidence, Holmes proves that Dr. Tillinghurst murdered Lady Blenkinsop by strangulation to steal her genuine pearls. The case concludes with the exposure of the doctor's crime and the recovery of the stolen jewels.

In this episode of Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson and Holmes visit Nuremberg, where they encounter Ferdinand Langer, the keeper of a torture museum, who is being threatened by anonymous letters. While touring the Five-Cornered Tower, the group discovers the body of a woman inside the infamous Iron Maiden statue. Holmes observes that the corpse shows no signs of rigor mortis, suggesting the death occurred long before the body was placed in the device. Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson successfully execute a trap in a castle's torture room to expose the madness of Mr. Langner, resulting in his injury and capture. Following the resolution, the group encounters Miss Simpson on their upcoming trip, while Holmes secretly plans an early departure from Germany.

In this episode of The Shadow, Lamont Cranston and Margot Lane visit a plantation in Haiti where they encounter the lingering dread of voodoo rituals. As tensions rise during the eve of the Festival of the Blood Moon, Margot attempts to find the missing boy Juan by meeting a mysterious woman in the jungle, leading them directly into a confrontation with the high priest Keon. In a dramatic confrontation, Margot uses the power of suggestion and hypnosis to pose as a powerful priestess, successfully challenging the voodoo leader Keon and preventing human sacrifice. Following the chaos in the grotto, Margot and Lamont reflect on their journey from a plane over Haiti, contemplating the enduring nature of belief and ignorance.

Unemployed man Rocky Fortune accepts a high-paying, mysterious job at the Zenith Foundation in the Utah desert to pilot a prototype rocket. However, he soon discovers that the ship is actually a fraudulent construction made of cheap materials and filled with dynamite. Designed by Milton and the Professor to swindle the Colonel out of five million dollars, the scheme involves staging a fake accident. After nearly dying in a suffocating spacesuit, Rocky manages to incapacitate Milton and expose the scam to the Colonel.

Agent Steve Mitchell travels to Madrid to investigate the disappearance of Dr. Wicek, a scientist whose vital research on radio tubes is at risk. His investigation leads him from a tense encounter with bullfighter La Avispa to a confrontation with a suspicious hotel employee, Enrique. After tracking Enrique to a house, Mitchell discovers Dr. Wicek is being coerced into leaving the country. Following a high-speed chase and the rescue of Maria Wiecek, Mitchell confronts Consuela and Manescu. The investigation culminates in a dramatic revelation during a celebratory toast, where Mitchell exposes Manescu's plot to poison him.

Detective Danny Clover investigates the brutal beating of 19-year-old Jimmy Barton, a young man struggling with unemployment following a car accident involving Charles Ralston. The investigation takes a dark turn when Ralston is found shot to death in an alley, linking the two men through their shared history of injury. As the investigation deepens, Clover uncovers a web of deception involving Mrs. Ralston, who has been using Jimmy Barton as a surrogate for her deceased son. The truth emerges during a confrontation at Mrs. Ralston's apartment, revealing that Jimmy was being compensated with gifts to lie to the police.

Dr. Grant reveals she is being blackmailed by John F. Hunt, a man from her past who resurfaces in San Francisco. During a social gathering at the Grant residence, Hunt is found dead from a gunshot wound, triggering an investigation by police and private investigators Mike Shane and Phyllis Knight. The investigation uncovers that Hunt was an ex-convict blackmailing his sister, Dr. Mary Allen, and reveals a conspiracy involving the butler, Collins. Through careful deduction, Mike proves the fatal shot was fired from outside the house via a pantry window to manipulate the sound of the crime. The mystery concludes with the discovery of Hunt's motive—a complex web of blackmail affecting several individuals—and the revelation that his greed in cheating his partners led to his downfall.

This episode of Dragnet follows the investigation into a grocery store robbery involving suspect Thomas Stanford. After an initial interrogation and a crime scene reconstruction where the victim disputes the suspect's version of events, detectives encounter a complex web of conflicting stories. While Stanford initially confesses to the crime, he later provides an alibi placing him at Mrs. Howard's house gardening during the robbery, an account supported by neighbors. The investigation takes a dramatic turn when Stanford recants his confession, claiming he only admitted to the crime to gain notoriety. The episode concludes with a post-script revealing that the actual perpetrator was apprehended ten months later, leading to Stanford's release from custody.

Private detective Richard Diamond is approached by Diana Campbell after her aunt, Martha Campbell, is kidnapped for a $50,000 ransom. A botched ransom exchange in Central Park leads to a tragic discovery where the detective finds that the kidnapping was actually a cover for a murder that had occurred 24 hours prior. The investigation reveals that Stuart orchestrated the fake kidnapping to steal the ransom money. Following a dramatic chase through the zoo that ends in a polar bear pit, the episode concludes with a cast party and musical performance.

Johnny Dollar is sent to investigate a life insurance policy change for Orson Terwilliger, only to discover the man has died in a car accident. While investigating the scene, Johnny notices a suspicious wound on the deceased and encounters the widow, Blanche, who invites him to stay at her estate. Johnny suspects that Blanche may have murdered her husband to secure the double indemnity payout before he could change his beneficiary. The investigation leads Johnny to discover an arrow with a stone head at the crash site. After revealing that her calluses prove she is an archer, Blanche confesses to the murder for insurance money, leading to Johnny's final report on his expenses.

In this episode of The Adventures of The Saint, Simon Templar discovers a mysterious nuclear physics formula hidden inside a new suit. As he navigates confrontations with Roland P. Archibald and an assassin named Gus, he traces the origin of the document to Vargas Research Laboratories. Templar confronts Dr. Vargas regarding the stolen formula and meets Jean Fernandez, who reveals her brother was coerced into stealing a fake version of the document. The tension escalates as Archibald and Finley are implicated in a web of espionage, leading to a physical confrontation where Templar disarms an assailant.

In this episode of 'This is Your FBI,' titled 'The Frightened Fugitive,' the narrative follows two teenagers, Jack and Smitty, as they flee a crime scene following a hit-and-run accident. The drama explores the pursuit of the young fugitives by FBI Agent Jim Taylor and concludes with a tense standoff involving the boys' siblings. The episode also features an advertisement for the Equitable Life Assurance Society and includes a recorded message from J. Edgar Hoover regarding the importance of supporting teachers as a strategy to reduce national crime.

An anonymous caller orchestrates a fake meeting that leads to the discovery of a dead woman at 111 Cedar Street, occurring simultaneously with a bank robbery carried out by Jameson and Harlow. Boston Blackie and Mary Wesley investigate the victim's references, eventually tracing the investigation to a farm. After realizing a man they interviewed was an imposter due to his misidentification of cattle breeds, Blackie confronts the murderer and his accomplice, Harlow, just as Inspector Faraday arrives to make the arrests.

District Attorney Markham and Philo Vance investigate the death of Edith Payne, a dress shop owner who was pushed under a truck. The investigation explores clues including a mysterious shorthand note in a calendar and potential suspects such as Sidney Taylor and Tom Henderson. Vance ultimately solves the 'Herringbone Murder Case' by identifying Claire Collins as the killer. Through a reconstruction at the crime scene involving a double-breasted herringbone suit, he proves that the person captured in a photograph was a woman, revealing that the motive was to cover up an embezzlement scheme.

This episode explores 'The Adventure of the Innocent Murderess,' which begins when Igor Priscope, a political refugee from Grosnia, seeks sanctuary at Baker Street only to be shot by a woman. The subsequent trial of Lavra Mikotsov leads to an acquittal after evidence suggests the victim had already been poisoned. Sherlock Holmes investigates further and discovers that Mikotsov switched wine bottles to commit the murder. By utilizing the extraterritoriality of the Grosnian embassy, Holmes bypasses double jeopardy laws to expose her crime, concluding with the personal aftermath of the scandal.

Dr. Watson recounts the mysterious case of 'The Adventure of the Speckled Band,' which begins when a terrified Helen Stoner seeks help regarding the death of her sister, Julia. The investigation leads Holmes and Watson to Stoke Moran, where they encounter the intimidating Dr. Roylott. Upon investigating the circumstances surrounding Miss Stoner's safety, Holmes and Watson discover a deadly swamp adder used by Dr. Roylott. The episode concludes with the revelation of the doctor's death.

Following an introduction to The Shadow and a Blue Coal commercial, Captain Joe's crew uses fire to lure a ship into a trap. After the pirate captain murders Sir John and Captain Nielsen, Lamont Cranston and Margot Lane are taken to a mysterious, luxurious island where Lamont suspects a larger conspiracy is at play. In a dramatic conclusion, The Shadow uses hypnosis to manipulate a pirate captain into releasing Margot Lane and escaping an island depot filled with explosives. After the island is destroyed by a bomb detonated by Mr. Cranston, Lamont reflects on the justice of the event.

Acting on behalf of lawyer Perry Shane, Rocky Fortune visits the Bigelow estate to monitor Mrs. Bigelow, who fears she may murder her husband due to hereditary insanity. During his stay, Mrs. Bigelow confesses to a violent sleepwalking episode involving an axe, while Mr. Bigelow reveals he is actually a psychologist secretly treating the family. Rocky eventually confronts Dr. Thomas Bigelow, uncovering a plot where the psychologist used psychological manipulation and a hidden voice to drive his wife into insanity for financial gain. After a tense standoff involving a gun, Rocky exposes the scheme to kill him under the guise of self-defense.

Government agent Steve Mitchell is assigned to Haiti to recover stolen scientific data regarding anti-submarine warfare after a pilot's flight jacket is spotted in a magazine photo. While investigating, Mitchell encounters a sniper attempt and discovers that his guide, Lubo, may be intentionally leading him and Virginia Collins in the wrong direction. As they navigate the jungle toward a village, the group uncovers layers of deception involving Brissac and Professor Dalrymple. After discovering a wounded pilot named Carlson who holds secret data, Steve confronts Dalrymple during a voodoo ceremony. The mission concludes with the revelation that Virginia's identity was part of a professional cover.

In this episode of 'Broadway's My Beat,' Detective Danny Clover investigates a series of sniper attacks targeting women in the city during the Christmas season. While an initial investigation leads to a young boy caught with a plastic toy gun, a real sniper strike claims the life of Mrs. Blanche Dermott. Detectives Clover and Muggerman uncover a chilling pattern: previous 'near misses' were actually intentional misses by a highly skilled marksman. The investigation shifts focus to Mrs. Dermott's husband, Mr. Dermott, as detectives suspect he may have orchestrated the attacks to escape his stifling marriage.

Private detective Mike Shane, his associate Phyllis, and a police inspector investigate the mysterious disappearance of a corpse from Mr. Beattie's apartment. The investigation leads them through threatening letters and financial disputes involving Reynolds and Weaver, eventually uncovering J.J. Beattie's body hidden in warehouse rafters. The Inspector reveals that the witness, Mr. Porter, staged the crime scene to hide the fact that the body was never in the apartment. As the investigators examine the deceased's belongings, they note the suspicious absence of his keys and suspect a potential connection between Porter and a criminal from Beattie's past.

Detectives Friday and Joe investigate a series of robberies following a tip from former criminal Rod Nealon regarding suspects seen at a local bar. The investigation intensifies as the detectives track a vehicle to Dolly Keene's apartment, leading to a tense stakeout, a shootout, and a subsequent raid on an apartment that results in the apprehension of Chester Rayburn and Dolly Keene. The episode concludes with the trial and conviction of Rayburn and Miss Keen for robbery. The program also features period-accurate advertisements for Chesterfield, Fatima cigarettes, and the Red Cross.

Private investigator Richard Diamond investigates the suspicious death of truck driver Mike Burton, initially appearing to be a hit-and-run. After discovering a hollow baseball bat at the Cross State Trucking warehouse, Diamond follows a trail that leads him to Harry Fenner and a smuggling ring involving stolen diamonds. The investigation culminates in a violent confrontation at Fenner's home involving the wrestler Toby, eventually revealing the truth behind Burton's murder. The episode concludes with the resolution of the case and closing announcements.

Insurance investigator Johnny Dollar attempts to enjoy a fishing vacation, but finds himself pursued by Pat McCracken and shadowed by a mysterious man across several flights and in Las Vegas. The tension escalates with the news that dangerous criminal Scarface Maloney has escaped from prison. While fishing at Lake Mojave, Johnny and Pat realize they are being watched by an armed individual. However, the confrontation reveals the man is actually Malloy, an admirer spying to learn fishing secrets. The episode concludes with the news that Scarface Maloney has been recaptured.

In this episode of The Adventures of The Saint, Simon Templer investigates a mysterious pattern involving the frequent rental of a specific book titled 'The Birds and Bees of East Orange'. After discovering a man murdered in May Owen's bookstore, Templer follows a trail of suspects including Wendy Willikens and Peter Piper. Using the book as bait to lure Mr. Bieber, Simon discovers that Bieber has also been murdered alongside Dugan. Through deduction, Simon reveals that a gambling ring was using the book as a coded communication method, eventually leading to the confrontation of Piper, who killed the others to seize the payoff money.

In 'Blueprint for Murder,' a confrontation over faulty bridge construction materials leads to a dramatic escalation between Frank Madison and the corrupt Walter Douglas. After Douglas orchestrates a kidnapping using a fake telegram to lure Madison into a trap, Special Agent Jim Taylor launches an investigation. By tracking red clay from a driveway to Mount Bell, Agent Taylor successfully rescues Madison and apprehends the kidnappers. The episode concludes with a reflection on the FBI's role in protecting civil liberties.

In this episode of Boston Blackie, the death of trapeze artist Valerie Johnson during a circus performance is investigated by Blackie and Inspector Faraday. While a warning note suggests murder, initial evidence points toward tampering with the trapeze equipment and suspects including the ringmaster, Smithfield, and Valerie's husband, Joe Lane. The investigation reveals that while Smithfield did tamper with the equipment to frame Lane, the true killer was Lane himself, who manipulated the timing of the performance's drum roll. The episode concludes with Lane meeting an accidental death when he is kicked by a horse while fleeing.

Johnny Taylor threatens Greg Allen with exposure regarding an affair to force him to stop seeing Sue Gordon. Following the sudden death of Greg Allen in a pilot's room, investigator Philo Vance examines the scene and interrogates suspects including Johnny Taylor, Sue Gordon, and Millard Crane. Vance confronts the suspects and Millard Crane at the airport, eventually leading them to the pilot's reading room. By observing Crane's ability to instantly locate the light switch in a pitch-black room, Vance proves that Crane had been inside the crime scene previously, ultimately leading to Crane's confession.

Mrs. Edith Fairmont visits Sherlock Holmes and Watson to plead for the innocence of Charles Rossiter, who has been accused of murdering her husband, Augustus, on a boat. The case involves missing diamonds and seemingly overwhelming evidence leading up to a trial at the Old Bailey. Holmes ultimately presents evidence proving that Augustus Fairmont committed suicide to frame his rival, Rossiter. Following the acquittal, the episode concludes with a promotional segment and a preview of next week's adventure, 'The Adventure of the Speckled Band'.

In 'Murder in the Locked Room,' writer Chudley Stoner visits Sherlock Holmes to discuss a fictional murder mystery, only for Holmes to realize the plot is based on real events. The situation turns tragic when Stoner is found dead in a similar locked-room scenario, initially appearing to be a suicide. Holmes, Watson, and Inspector Lestrade investigate the suspicious death, with Holmes deducing that it was actually a murder. By examining clues such as wax traces and a dying message, Holmes identifies the secretary, Andre LaRue, as the killer through linguistic and forensic evidence.

The episode 'Night Without End' follows a city plunged into three days of total darkness caused by a stolen smoke screen device. As panic and looting rise, criminals demand $5 million to prevent the release of a deadly gas. The Shadow intervenes, intercepting Dr. Heath during his ransom delivery to confront the villain Zarooff. During the delivery on a freighter, Dr. Heath discovers Zarooff's true intent is to use the fog machine to release lethal gas over the city. This leads to a desperate plan by Dr. Heath to blow up the ship's gas tanks to prevent mass poisoning, concluding with an explosion and Lamont Cranston reflecting on the resolution with Margo Lane.

Rocky Fortune and his friend Sammy Murkinson encounter a detective in a bar, leading to an investigation into a purported murder confessed by executive Arthur Crispy. After being knocked unconscious at Paramount Insurance, Rocky discovers the corpse of Ethel Hawkins hidden on top of an elevator car. The mystery concludes with the revelation that while Arthur Crispy choked the victim, his wife Helen moved the body in an attempt to cover up the crime. The tension peaks when Rocky's fiancée confesses to stabbing the woman after witnessing the struggle, only to be shot during an escape attempt.

Agent Steve Mitchell is tasked by his commissioner to intercept Dr. Corvell, a man whose return to his home country is vital for democratic stability, before an organized minority can harm him. While searching for the contact Dravik in Risma, Mitchell encounters various obstacles, including the agent Marzak and a frame-up involving a jewel theft. He eventually discovers that his contact is actually Sari, a smuggler who has already helped Corvell cross the border. Mitchell and Sari engage in a high-speed pursuit to prevent Dr. Corvell from falling into a trap set by Miklos. After surviving various ambushes and car chases, Mitchell intercepts Corvell at a house just before the betrayal occurs. The mission concludes with Mitchell safely escorting Corvell to the legislature while avoiding further plots by Bisco.

Detective Danny Clover investigates a series of connected crimes, beginning with the shooting of an unidentified boy in a library and progressing to the murder of Frank Grunner in a luxury hotel. Through interviews with a grieving widow, a boarding house owner, and a probation officer, the detective uncovers a web of theft and potential betrayal involving individuals linked to the deceased. The investigation leads Clover to examine the suspicious wealth of shoe salesman Frank Grummer, tracing a connection to Mrs. Cora Barker and her husband Eddie. The inquiry reveals that the Barkers provided funds for Grummer through safe robberies, culminating in a tense confrontation where Eddie admits to killing Grummer and Cora hands a gun to the detective.

Private Detective Mike Shane and his assistant Phyllis Knight investigate a series of museum thefts that escalate into a murder investigation following the discovery of Dr. Wakeman's body. The detectives pursue leads involving wealthy art collector Richard Bradley and art dealer Francois Lise, utilizing a sting operation with a planted vase to expose criminal activity. Despite a violent shootout during the investigation, Mike Shane ultimately identifies Professor Barron as the true murderer of Dr. Wakeman. The detective solves the case by connecting rain spots on a papyrus cylinder to the professor's coat, revealing the motive behind the crime.

Detectives Friday and Smith investigate a large-scale supermarket robbery in Los Angeles. While the primary suspect, Bernard R. Hanson, appears to have an alibi due to medical records suggesting he was bedridden, a subsequent robbery with an identical description forces the detectives to dig deeper into the true identity of the perpetrators. The investigation leads police to a hospital room where they discover evidence of a robbery plot and find that a doctor was complicit in hiding Hanson. After tracking down Hanson's accomplice, Marty Peterson, and interviewing his girlfriend, Lily Edwards, the detectives successfully orchestrate the arrest of Hanson, Peterson, and Dr. Corby.

Private investigator Richard Diamond is hired by attorney Raymond R. Waldron to investigate a case involving showgirl Mary Bellman, only to find himself caught in a violent ambush that leaves him unconscious and his gun stolen. After discovering Mary Bellman has been murdered, Diamond tracks down Jean Willis and suspects a connection to John Webb. The police orchestrate a sting operation at Bellevue hospital using a fake patient to lure the killer. The resulting chaotic confrontation leads to the death of the man believed to be Webb, ultimately revealing that Webb killed Bellman to prevent blackmail and targeted the investigators due to their past actions.

Freelance insurance investigator Johnny Dollar is tasked with locating Nancy Everly, the sole heir to a wealthy estate. Following clues from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, Johnny discovers Nancy has traveled to Las Vegas to marry a charming young man. The episode concludes with Johnny preventing a fraudulent marriage in Las Vegas as he exposes Alfred Harker's scheme to seize the Everly fortune. The program also features advertisements for Fritos and Kellogg's, a preview of next week's episode, 'The Flask of Death Matter,' and a brief comedic hypnosis sketch.

The Saint, played by Vincent Price, investigates the disappearance of valuable paintings and the distress of art collector Orlando Button. Through a series of confrontations involving characters like George, Kasach, and Dr. Weber, he uncovers clues involving the S.S. Tuscany. The investigation reveals that a mysterious shipment from Genoa contained stolen Renaissance masterpieces hidden under over-paintings. The case culminates in the discovery of Mr. Button's body hidden in the trunk of George's car.

In this episode of 'This is Your FBI,' titled 'The Honest Embezzler,' Special Agent Jim Taylor tracks down Earl Corey, a former bank teller who fled after embezzling $9,000. The investigation leads from a carnival to a train, where Corey reveals he used the funds for his late wife's medical bills and intends to surrender. The episode also covers the conclusion of an FBI case involving the murder of an embezzler, resulting in the arrest of suspect Martin Burns following a confrontation with Princess Lily.

Following a robbery at Roger Olsen's office and the mysterious death of fashion designer Pierre, Inspector Faraday accuses Boston Blackie of being the only person capable of the crime. As Blackie attempts to clear his name, he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding Pierre's death. Blackie discovers that what appeared to be a suicide note was actually a forgery. Through deduction regarding mail pickup times and medical testimony concerning prescription poison, Blackie reveals that Roger Olsen and Marion Thompson conspired to murder Pierre for insurance money, leading to their arrest.

A fortune teller named Roger reveals to Miss Stone that her guardian, Peter Golden, is embezzling her funds. This revelation leads to a confrontation between Dick Novus and Golden, which ends with the discovery of Golden's murder by gunshot. Private investigator Philo Vance begins investigating the crime, suspecting that two people are involved in the murder. Philo Vance uses a staged crystal ball reading to reveal the truth behind the murder of Peter Golden, ultimately identifying Kay Stone as the killer. He explains how Raja Ramoy attempted to create an alibi using a blank cartridge gun, but the physical evidence on the wall led back to the crime. The segment concludes with Miss Stone's confession and the resolution of the case.

This episode explores the mystery of 'The Red-Headed League,' beginning with Dr. Watson's account of Mr. Jabez Wilson's visit to Sherlock Holmes regarding a mysterious club for red-headed men. After investigating Saxe-Coburg Square, Holmes and Watson stake out a bank vault to intercept the criminal John Clay. The investigation culminates in a tense confrontation as Clay emerges from a tunnel beneath the bank. Holmes concludes the case by revealing how his keen observations of physical evidence and the timing of the league's dissolution allowed him to deduce the elaborate criminal plot.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson recount the investigation into the death of Lord Hollis, whom they attempted to rescue from drowning during a boat trip. Upon examining footprints on the beach, Holmes suspects that Lady Diana and Miss Cartwright were actually carrying the deceased man's body. To expose the truth, Holmes orchestrates a plan using a lifelike waxwork figure of the late Lord Hollis to induce a confession from the suspects. After successfully revealing the staged drowning, the episode concludes with a preview of next week's adventure, 'The Red-Headed League'.

Following the execution of Dan Malley, a dying confession reveals that lawyer Peter Murdoch is orchestrating a massive insurance fraud scheme involving a planned slum fire. As The Shadow investigates a lead at 5 South Street, he discovers the murdered Dopey Jake and a direct challenge from Murdoch. Murdoch attempts to trap The Shadow in a high-tech 'lion's cage' using photoelectric rays, electrified doors, and poison gas. However, The Shadow manages to short the circuit, leading to a confrontation where Murdoch's crimes are exposed to Commissioner Weston.

Rocky Fortune investigates a theft involving Dr. Jonas, whose son, Stanley, has been stealing and forging narcotics records. The investigation reveals Stanley's heroin addiction and potential involvement with the doctor's nurse, Miss Carol. Rocky and Dr. Jonas execute a sting operation to expose Miss Carol, who is also acting as a blackmailer using photos of Stanley for extortion. The plan succeeds when she attempts to take blame for the narcotics theft in exchange for money, leading to her arrest and a resolution to the legal crisis.