The Cover Girl Murder Case

Originally Aired: October 12, 1948Philo Vance #14, "The Cover Girl Murder Case,"In the cutthroat world of high fashion modeling, tensions reach a boiling point when jealousy and blackmail collide. Sugar Keene, the top photography and fashion model in the country, discovers that her boyfriend, prizefighter Slugger Davis, has been seeing fellow model Betty Downs. Meanwhile, photographer Stevens is being blackmailed by Sugar, who holds compromising letters that could destroy his marriage. As modeling agent Al Bennett arranges assignments for his stable of girls, including a crucial Hollywood department store shoot and an evening fashion show for Mr. Douglas, the personal conflicts threaten to explode.When Sugar and Betty arrive for their photography session with Stevens, the atmosphere crackles with hostility. Sugar helps Betty with her makeup despite their rivalry, insisting that business is business. But when Slugger shows up to see Betty, Sugar issues a chilling warning to both her romantic rival and her wayward boyfriend. As Stevens prepares to photograph the models, Sugar coldly collects her weekly blackmail payment, threatening to expose his secrets. The volatile mix of jealousy, extortion, and ambition creates a deadly situation that will soon require District Attorney Markham to call in Philo Vance.