Bail Bond Caper: The Adventures of Sam Spade (June 27, 1948)

“Bail Bond Caper” is an episode of The Adventures of Sam Spade, the old-time radio show, first broadcast June 27, 1948. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

Sam Spade is visited by Vivian, a woman from his past who is now married to Leo, a reformed criminal turned bail bond broker. Vivian tells Sam that Leo received a phone call from Charlie Holiday, a paroled criminal who once took the rap for Leo, and now Leo seems frightened and armed. Spade agrees to investigate what Leo is up to when he meets Charlie at 10 that night.

Sam Spade's detective office, the Sweet Laylani cocktail bar, and the streets of the city

Characters: Sam Spade, Vivian, Leo, Charlie Holiday, Bernadine

Listen for: The mystery of what Charlie Holiday wants from Leo and why Leo is so frightened about their meeting; details about Leo's criminal past and his attempt to go straight

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.