The Poetic Murder Case

Originally Aired: August 24, 1948Philo Vance #7, "The Poetic Murder Case," finds Commissioner and Sergeant Heath under intense pressure as two dramatic critics are murdered within twelve hours of each other. Each victim is found with a mocking poem pinned to his chest with a knife. The first victim, Robert Carnes, has a verse declaring him first on a killer's list, while Roger Dakon's body bears a poem noting he rates as "the second to die." With no solid clues and the newspapers demanding results, Heath reluctantly turns to District Attorney Markham, who calls in amateur detective Philo Vance to assist.Vance quickly focuses his investigation on the first victim's personal life, discovering that Carnes was married to Edna Boley, a dancer who was once sponsored by racketeer Mike Wilcox. Despite the poetic nature of the crimes seeming inconsistent with Wilcox's character, Vance pays the gangster a visit. Meanwhile, the mysterious Longfellow summons Mrs. Carnes to meet privately with Wilcox, suggesting unfinished business between the widow and her former sponsor. As Vance directs his secretary Ellen to meet him at the Rex Theater where a new play recently opened, the amateur sleuth begins connecting the theatrical world to these peculiar murders.