Boston Blackie - Volume 6

The character of Boston Blackie, legendary safecracker-turned-sleuth, first appeared in popular short stories penned by author Jack Boyle as early as 1914. He was then portrayed in several silent movies of the era, followed by a Columbia Boston Blackie film series and two separate radio series during the 1940s. Blackie eventually made his television debut in this 1950s TV series starring Kent Taylor, with Lois Collier as his girlfriend Mary Wesley and Frank Orth as the eternally befuddled Inspector Faraday. Despite being taken out of reruns decades ago, Boston Blackie is a favorite of many to this day, who fondly remember the sexy Miss Wesley (known to rightly boast about her "good figure") Whitey the Dog, and Blackie's Muntz Jet car.

THE DEADLY PAYOFF: An aging millionaire is forced to pay a king's ransom after his much younger wife is kidnapped - unaware that his philandering spouse set up the payoff with her lover.

TIMELY HOUR: While on vacation, Blackie is approached by a desperate actor who thinks a jealous director is out to ruin his career.

THE 13TH DUMMY: Mary is thrilled when Blackie's latest investigation involves her favorite fashion designer - but less so when she becomes bait for a killer.

STUDIO MURDER: A series of accidents on a movie studio set are the work of an understudy with a fatal obsession for the lead actress.

• television