Originally Aired: April 4, 1950
Philo Vance #91, "Mimic Murder Case," begins with a nightclub impressionist named Danny demonstrating his remarkable talent to the mysterious Mr. Payne. Danny boasts he can mimic anyone, and after hearing a recording of Philo Vance's radio speech about crime and criminals, he confidently assures Payne that he could impersonate the detective so perfectly "even his mother wouldn't know it wasn't him talking." Payne offers Danny a thousand dollars for the job, with one condition: he must keep quiet about it for the rest of his life. Meanwhile, District Attorney Markham visits Vance to discuss his upcoming trial against Albert Payne, expressing confidence despite limited evidence.
The situation takes a dangerous turn when two of Payne's thugs, Steve and Jerry, ambush Vance outside his apartment building as his secretary Ellen departs. Despite Vance putting up a fierce fight, the criminals overpower him and drag him away. As Markham proceeds with prosecuting Albert Payne in court, he receives an urgent phone call from someone claiming to be Philo Vance, requesting an immediate recess in the trial.