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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