The Prodigal Daughter Caper

Dashiell Hammett's classic detective burst out of the pages of The Maltese Falcon and into his own radio series on July 12, 1946. Featuring Howard Duff as Spade and Lureen Tuttle as his faithful secretary, Effie, the series appeared on three different radio networks: ABC (1946), CBS (1946-49), and NBC (1949-51). Toward the end of the series' run, Steve Dunne replaced Howard Duff in the title role. The program won a 1947 Edgar Award for Best Radio Drama.