In 1945, Dick Powell portrayed Phillip Marlowe in the movie "Murder My Sweet" based on Raymond Chandler's novel "Farewell My Lovely".
This was a radical departure in character for Mr. Powell from a Hollywood song and dance man to a hard-boiled detective.
On June 11,1945, Lux Radio Theatre brought "Murder My Sweet" to radio, again with Dick Powell in the lead.
These two performances prompted his selection for the part of Richard Rogue, in Rogue's Gallery after his role for Lux Radio Theatre and Richard Diamond came four years later.