"The Nineteen Santa Clauses" (Aired 12-24-47)

INTRO-"Chestnuts On An Open Fire" (Artist Unknown)
"The Nineteen Santa Clauses" (Aired 12-24-47)

 

Perhaps not widely perceived as the rock'em sock'em type of actor, Price could certainly portray the most sinister of characters to the glee of any Vincent Price fan of the era. Indeed, it was Price's wide appeal that brought him to the role in the first place. Leslie Charteris himself clearly approved of the choice of Price and it's clear that as the Price canon progressed, the scripts were tailored as much to Price's off-screen persona and interests as to his on-screen and on-Radio performances. The plots involved stolen art works, society murders, actresses and actors, corrupt politicians at the highest levels, and the creme de la creme of the era's culture--all fitting manifestations of Price's unique characterization of Simon Templar. On the production side of the Vincent Price run, the series was directed by Thomas McAvity and Helen Mack, for the most part. McAvity married Helen Mack in 1940 and the couple enjoyed a highly successful career producing, writing and directing for Radio. As such, McAvity directed most of the earlier Vincent Price episodes and Helen Mack most of the later scripts.