Escape's "Figure a Dame" is based on the short story by Richard Sale, which was first published in 1937. It can be found in the Fireside Mystery Book by Lantern Press, Inc. (1947).
In their adaptation, Escape made a few changes to "Figure a Dame" and to the main character of Joe Harriman, who becomes more treacherous and condescending. In the original story, his actions come out as a surprise at the end.
The episode opens in a town called Raj Jehore in India. Mrs. Bankner has arrived to purchase a fabulous emerald called the "Star of Kilimanjo" from Mr. Semeri Dal. To guard the emerald on the return trip to Paris, she has brought along Mr. Joe Harriman, a detective with the Magnum insurance Company.
After the purchase, they board a train to Calcutta, and Joe knows that they are being followed by more than one thief. Wiill they get to the emerald back to Paris without it being stolen from them?
"Figure a Dame" was adapted for radio by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. William N. Robson produced and directed. Frank Lovejoy played Joe, Joan Banks played Marian, Sara Selby played Mrs. Bankner, and Ben Wright played Rafferty. Also appearing were Paul Frees, Harry Bartell, and Gary Merrill. This episode aired on December 20, 1949.
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Please, somebody, please solve still another mystery. I have listened to "Figure a Dame" and could not understand Marian's final words to Joe after he admits to murdering Mrs Bankner. The sound on my CD was distorted.
Posted by: John Baumgardner | March 08, 2013 at 04:19 AM
Hi John,
Sorry for the delay. I changed the file here to a HQ file. So, the audio clarity is better, but it is a much larger file. (It will take longer to download.) Anyhow, I won't give away the ending here for those who haven't heard the story. You should be able to discern what she says from this version. Best, Christine
Posted by: Christine A. Miller | March 09, 2013 at 06:57 PM