The Saint: Murder on the High Seas (EP4946)

In this episode of *The Saint*, Vincent Price stars as Simon Templar, the roguish gentleman detective, aboard a luxury ocean liner where a series of murders unfolds. The story begins with the mysterious death of actress Barbara Brooks, who was terrified of someone on board—Phil Rader, a dangerous exterminator of human beings. As Templar investigates, he uncovers a web of deception involving blackmail, a rigged card game, and a murder plot orchestrated by Rader and his partner, Miller. The twist comes when Templar reveals he’s been narrating the entire story to the killer himself, using psychological manipulation to expose him. The key clue lies in a colorblind killer who mistakes a green-and-orange harlequin costume for a blue-and-yellow one, a detail that only becomes clear when Templar reveals the killer’s fashion incompetence. The episode culminates in a tense confrontation where Templar outwits the psychiatrist-turned-killer, Dr. Norman, by exposing his sedative as poison and blinding him with a flash of light. The episode is a masterclass in suspense and narrative trickery, blending classic noir elements with psychological intrigue. Host Adam Graham provides insightful commentary, praising the dynamic between Vincent Price and William Conrad, while also critiquing the outdated portrayal of color blindness. He highlights the importance of preserving mystery in titles, noting that misleading names like "The Schizophrenic Psychiatrist" or "The Colorblind Killer" spoil the twist. The episode also features a strong moral message against prejudice, delivered by Vincent Price at the end, urging listeners to judge people by character, not race or religion. The production values, including music by Harry Zimmerman and a stellar cast, elevate the drama to a pinnacle of old-time radio storytelling.