The Abbott Painting: Boston Blackie (September 24, 1946)

“The Abbott Painting” is an episode of Boston Blackie, the old-time radio show, first broadcast September 24, 1946. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

Boston Blackie's friend Shorty is framed for murder by gang leader Henry Rice, who has planted false evidence including a cigarette lighter. To obtain the evidence and clear Shorty, Blackie agrees to steal the heavily guarded Abbott painting from the city art gallery. After successfully taking the painting, Blackie uses a clever scheme involving a decoy artwork to outwit Rice and ensure both Shorty's freedom and the painting's recovery.

The city art gallery, Henry Rice's office, and a warehouse in the city.

Characters: Boston Blackie, Shorty, Henry Rice, Inspector Faraday, Mary, Mr. Lawrence, Max

Listen for: A thrilling tale of art theft and clever deception as Blackie orchestrates an elaborate plan to both steal a priceless painting and expose a criminal's frame-up, with multiple twists involving hidden artwork and hidden locations.

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.