Murder On The Trapeze: Boston Blackie (April 2, 1946)

“Murder On The Trapeze” is an episode of Boston Blackie, the old-time radio show, first broadcast April 2, 1946. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

At a circus, trapeze artist Valerie Gunan plunges to her death during her act. Before performing, she gave Mary Westby a letter expressing her fear that she would be murdered, though she didn't know who might do it. Boston Blackie investigates whether her death was truly an accident or foul play, questioning her husband and uncovering tensions within the act.

A circus, with scenes at the trapeze platform, animal cages, and the performer's dressing area.

Characters: Boston Blackie, Mary Westby, Valerie Gunan, Mr. Johnson (Valerie's husband), Inspector Farday, Jolaine

Listen for: The tense confrontation between Blackie and Johnson about whether Valerie's death was accidental or deliberate murder; Valerie's ominous letter predicting her own death.

Written from the episode itself; it never gives away the ending. Every recording is remastered for the stream: cleaned of rumble, hiss and mains hum (and the old TV whine where we found it), then levelled in two passes to steady broadcast loudness, so one show is never quieter than the next.