The Quiet Magpie: The Adventures of Philip Marlowe (August 11, 1950)

“The Quiet Magpie” is an episode of The Adventures of Philip Marlowe, the old-time radio show, first broadcast August 11, 1950. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

Vincent Callaway stands trial for murdering his father, Homer Callaway, with the prosecution building a case based on motive—Vincent's extravagant lifestyle, his recent marriage to a showgirl against his father's wishes, and Homer's plan to change his will. Philip Marlowe is hired by Felix Lohman, Homer's old friend, to investigate, as Felix believes Vincent is innocent and suspects something far more complicated involving blackmail and a mysterious man named Stonor.

Los Angeles—a courtroom during Vincent Callaway's murder trial, and later the streets and homes of the city as Marlowe begins his investigation.

Characters: Philip Marlowe, Vincent Callaway, Homer Callaway, Felix Lohman, Joyce, Stonor, The District Attorney

Listen for: Felix Lohman's sudden collapse in the courtroom and his equally sudden recovery; his cryptic hints about blackmail and a suspicious man with gold teeth; Marlowe's first glimpse of the mysterious Stonor outside Joyce's home.

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.