Leslie Charteris' character Simon Templar, The Saint, is one of the most durable creations in modern genre fiction. The hero of a series of novels and short stories, Simon has been portrayed in movies, two television series, comics books, comic strips, and had a mystery magazine as well. For those who know Simon best from the Roger Moore television series, or perhaps Val Kilmer's version in the most recent movie, it may be useful to go back to the roots of the character as Mr. Charteris created him. Perhaps the character was best summed up in the title "The Brighter Bucanneer". The real Saint was (and is) larger than life, swaggering and self confident. He had looks, wealth, and a clearly exaggerated sense of his own wit and abilities -- although his abilities were on a par with such comic book not-quite-super powered characters as BatMan and Captain America. In contrast to the Saint of the novels and stories, he has been portrayed most often as an almost run of the mill detective -- losing much of what made him unique. Roger Moore's Saint even drove a Volvo! These portrayals lacked the larger than life spirit that was The Saint. George Sanders, the best known movie Saint even seemed a bit melancholy. Of all the actors who played the role, only Mr. Price, with the voice of The Laughing Cavalier, was able to bring to life the true character that Mr. Charteris created. While the scripts have the same essential limitations as those of most radio mysteries, Mr. Price comes closer to offering the true Saint than any performer before or since. Again, this is radio, and the format doesn't allow The Saint to save the world, prevent wars, or defeat master criminals -- but it doesn't matter, because this Saint, with Vincent Price, is ther closest thing to the real Saint that you can hope to find. The Saintliest of Them All Samskara 2007-12-23 14:28:47 2007-12-23 14:28:47 5 I LOVE Vincent Price as the Saint! He has such a sauve voice and I love to listen to him! I am so glad these old time radio programs are accessible! For a long time I only thought of him in connection with horror movies, but he is really a very wonderful actor with a great voice for radio! The Saint! VickyK 2008-02-07 17:31:09 2008-02-07 17:31:09 5 The episodes with Vincent Price are great. The right mix of humor, detective work & sexual innuendo. One of my all time favorites Namakemono 2009-01-06 11:45:04 2009-01-06 11:45:04 5 I wasn't sure what Vincent Price would be like as Simon Templar, but I have to say what a breath of fresh air it was to hear these wonderful stories. Price shows real genius and obvious joy in his performance. I have recommended this site to friends and family and know how much they will enjoy these classic shows. The Saint and Vincent Price JimboC 2009-10-20 21:01:34 2009-10-20 21:01:34 3 The subtext betwixt Louie and the Saint is hillarious! I love Price but he is a bit too effete and fey to be a ladies man. The actors/writers play on this to fool the censors and most of the audience. Listen to ep. 51 The Fight wherein Louis and Price are the two daddies to a wee tot. Most eps end with The Saint making a move on a dame and Louis busting in on it. And the Saint NOT kicking his behind out!!! For my $$ the best Saint is Price's replacement on a few eps, Barry Sullivan. He got it right! subtextuous rex monkeytot 2009-10-28 15:07:58 2009-10-28 15:07:58 5 5 4.60