The Adventures of Philip Marlowe: The Glass Donkey (07-28-1950)

A murder victim, a glass donkey, and a private eye who knows a fake clue when he sees one - Philip Marlowe is pulled into a case where every answer only opens a bigger lie. If you love hardboiled noir with razor-sharp dialogue, this one turns a tiny souvenir into a deadly breadcrumb trail.A friend of the dead woman, Helen Lofton, sends Marlowe after the truth, but the trail quickly splits into two bodies, a jealous husband, a suspicious ex, and a mysterious man named Victor Samara. What looks like a simple workplace murder becomes a twisty hunt through alibis, blackmail, a long-separated marriage, and a piece of wrapping paper that may be the key to everything.You'll discover:Why a cheap glass donkey becomes the clue that links Helen Lofton’s death to another killingHow Marlowe presses Norman Matthews on his marriage, his whereabouts, and his connection to HelenWhy the name Victor Samara changes the direction of the investigationHow Marlowe follows the trail from Los Angeles to Tijuana and back againWhat Lila Hughes has to do with the murders, the gift, and the deadly jealousy at the center of the storyThis is classic Philip Marlowe storytelling at full speed - smoky, suspicious, and packed with the kind of reveals that make every scene feel like a trap closing in. The tension keeps tightening as Marlowe realizes the murders may be driven less by logic than by obsession.Speaker coverage: Philip Marlowe is voiced by the episode's lead narrator and detective protagonist, guiding the investigation with dry confidence and hardboiled instinct. Lieutenant Matthews represents the police angle and the official case file, while Norman Matthews and Lila Hughes carry the private motives, secrets, and emotional fallout that keep the mystery alive.Perfect for noir fans, old-time radio listeners, and anyone who wants a fast-moving detective story built around one unforgettable clue.