Originally Aired: December 27, 1949
Philo Vance #77, "Identical Murder Case," a shocking case begins when District Attorney Markham receives an unexpected visitor who has been shot. The dying man's face stuns Markham—he is the spitting image of Philo Vance. The victim reveals he was murdered because of his resemblance to the famous detective before succumbing to his wounds. Meanwhile, the ruthless gangster Tommy Orkett, who "doesn't tolerate mistakes," brutally disciplines his gunman Joe for shooting the wrong man. Orkett needs Vance dead because the detective has uncovered evidence linking him to the Hendrix murder.
Vance returns to the city after locating a witness who can testify against Orkett, only to learn about his doppelganger's death. When Orkett boldly visits Vance's office to warn him off the case, the two men engage in a tense confrontation that turns physical. Just as the situation reaches a boiling point, Vance receives a call from Penny Daly, Orkett's girlfriend, who claims she wants to betray the gangster. She's afraid Orkett will kill her for refusing to participate in his plans concerning Vance, setting up a dangerous meeting that could be either Vance's salvation or a deadly trap.