Terrified Turkey Caper: The Adventures of Sam Spade (November 24, 1950)

“Terrified Turkey Caper” is an episode of The Adventures of Sam Spade, the old-time radio show, first broadcast November 24, 1950. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

Private detective Sam Spade is hired by Tom Turkey, a nervous man claiming his own name, to investigate attempts on his life. Spade's investigation reveals that Turkey disappeared seven years ago on Thanksgiving, leaving behind a wife named Henrietta who has since reclaimed her maiden name Black. As the attempts to kill Turkey escalate, Spade must uncover who wants him dead and why.

San Francisco, including Spade's office, the old Colony Hotel, Henrietta Black's home in the high rent district, a truck rental garage, and the Helping Hand Rescue Mission.

Characters: Sam Spade, Tom Turkey, Henrietta Black, Leander Loose, Al Kuchel, Captain John Smith, Detective Lieutenant I.C. Kelsey, Effie

Listen for: The humorous interplay between Spade and the various characters, including a pilgrim character who appears partway through; the running joke about Tom Turkey's unfortunate name and the Thanksgiving timing; the comedic dialogue between Spade and Lieutenant Kelsey; and the explanation of how insurance and the seven-year legal death rule drive the mystery.

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.