Paul Temple and the Vandyke affair is another classic crime mystery thriller by Francis Durbridge. The series was introduced to radio in 1938 with Hugh Morton as Paul and Bernadette Hodgson as his ever glamourous wife, Steve (a psuedonym). Durbridge was so intent on ensuring that nobody knew the infamous 'eighth episode' before it was recorded, that he didn't send out that script. It is the little details like this which really made Paul and Steve Temple the nation's favourite detecting couple. Together they solve mysteries, socialise and, enevitably get shot at or are almost killed by a bomb in the car.

In the Vandyke affair, Peter Coke (pronounced Cook, the longest running Paul) and Marjorie Westbury (present for almost every episode) play Paul and Steve Temple. In this episode they travel from nigthclub to nightclub, meeting various suspiscious strangers such as the rich Phillip Droste, the effeminate Roger Shelly and the suspiscious Louis France. Together the sleuth their way through the red herrings and, hopefully, come up smelling of roses (rather than under them).

Paul Temple embodies 1940s style and sophistication as does his wife, the tall, glamourous blonde (or so she sounds) with a passion for expensive hats. With a "by Timothy" here and a "Where's Charlie fishing?" there, this is surely one of the best Paul Temple episodes ever. I just wish I was alive to hear it originally!