Brett's Old Time Radio Show Episode 860, Philo Vance, The Girl Who Came Back

Good evening and a huge welcome back to the show, I hope you’ve had a great day and you’re ready to kick back and relax with another episode of Brett’s old time radio show.

Hello, I’m Brett your host for this evening and welcome to my home in beautiful Lyme Bay where it’s lovely December night.

I hope it’s just as nice where you are.

You'll find all of my links at www.linktr.ee/brettsoldtimeradioshow

A huge thankyou for joining me once again for our regular late night visit to those dusty studio archives of Old Time radio shows right here at my home in the united kingdom.

Don’t forget I have an Instagram page and YouTube channel both called Brett’s old time radio show and I’d love it if you could follow me.

Feel free to send me some feedback on this and the other shows if you get a moment, brett@tourdate.co.uk

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Philo Vance: The Aristocratic Sleuth of the Airwaves

Step into the world of high society, intricate mysteries, and razor-sharp deductions with Philo Vance, the brilliant and erudite detective who captivated radio audiences with his refined intellect and unrelenting pursuit of justice.

Created by S.S. Van Dine, Philo Vance first appeared in The Benson Murder Case (1925) as a wealthy dilettante whose keen mind and extensive knowledge made him an indispensable crime solver. His friend, District Attorney Markham, relied on his unconventional methods, while the gruff Sergeant Heath barely concealed his exasperation. Vance was equal parts scholar, art connoisseur, and detective—a man whose cultured demeanor masked an unyielding resolve to untangle the most perplexing crimes.

Vance’s popularity surged on the silver screen, where he was played by luminaries such as William Powell, Basil Rathbone, and Warren William. But it was on radio that his voice truly came to life. From 1943 to 1945, John Emery first gave voice to the suave sleuth. In 1945, the legendary José Ferrer brought his commanding presence to the role in an NBC summer series. Then, beginning in 1946, the masterful Jackson Beck took over, starring in over 100 syndicated episodes produced by Frederic Ziv, ensuring Vance’s legacy endured on the airwaves.

The Voices Behind the Mystery
🎭 José Ferrer (1912–1992) – A titan of stage and screen, Ferrer’s performance as Cyrano de Bergerac earned him a Tony Award (1947) and an Oscar (1950), making him the first Hispanic actor to win an Academy Award. He was a commanding presence in films like The Caine Mutiny and Lawrence of Arabia and left an indelible mark on radio with his portrayal of Philo Vance.

🎙 Jackson Beck (1912–2004) – One of radio’s most recognizable voices, Beck’s rich baritone brought gravitas to Vance. He was best known as the announcer for Adventures of Superman, delivering the iconic introduction, and was the first voice of Batman’s butler, Alfred Pennyworth. His prolific career spanned decades, with appearances on Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar, The CBS Mystery Theater, and many other radio dramas.

With its mix of sophisticated deduction, high-stakes intrigue, and stellar performances, Philo Vance remains a golden-age radio treasure—an enduring symbol of intellect triumphing over crime.