Richard Diamond, Private Detective

Playing Philip Marlowe in the film Murder was the role that bridged Dick Powell's career from juvenile baby-faced roles into dramatic works that he so craved.  He new career specialty was playing a detective and succeeded in landing the role of Richard Rogue in Rogue's Gallery.  Richard Diamond, though humorous and fun detective radio show, dealt with tough issue like murder and mystery. 

Played straight or suddenly for laughs, tough characters and abrupt dialogue guns the plot: Orchestra and sound effects sting like uppercuts. Rick's a witty guy who can use his fists and shoot straight when he needs to, so he usually maintains the upper hand. He's helped (or hindered) by his cop buddies Lt. Levinson (Ed Begley, or Arthur Q. Bryan) and desk sergeant Otis (Wilms Herbert).

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Diamond's signature move was to verbally gibe other characters in the show especially the police.  Witty and smart, Richard Diamond surely solved crimes with a sarcastic smirk on his face.  Also during the show, Rick would always sing a popular song before the end of the episode. Helen (played by Virginia Gregg) loves to hear Rick sing and whatever Helen wants, Helen gets!

For more Dick Powell action, see Rogue's Gallery and the Dick Powell Collection.

For more hard hitting detective action, don't forget to call on some of the other most popular detectives: Phillip Marlowe, Let George Do It, The Saint, Boston Blackie, and The Falcon.