Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod

Special Guest Is Danny Thomas (Aired November 9, 1951)

On July 25, 1946, Jerry began a show business partnership with Dean Martin, an association that would soon skyrocket both to fame. It started when Jerry was performing at the 500 Club in Atlantic City and one of the other entertainers quit suddenly. Lewis, who had worked with Martin at the Glass Hat in New York City, suggested Dean as a replacement. At first they worked separately, but then ad-libbed together, improvising insults and jokes, squirting seltzer water, hurling bunches of celery and exuding general zaniness. In less than eighteen weeks their salaries soared from $250.00 a week to $5,000.00. For ten years Martin and Lewis sandwiched sixteen money making films between nightclub engagements, personal appearances, recording sessions, radio shows, and television bookings. Their last film together was "Hollywood or Bust" (1956). On July 25th of that year the two made their last nightclub appearance together at the Copacabana, exactly ten years to the day since they became a team.

THIS EPISODE:

November 9, 1951. NBC network. Sponsored by: Dentyne, Chesterfield, Anacin. "Special Guest Is Danny Thomas" and the boys do their version of, "It's The Toast Of The Town." The first tune is, "Whispering." Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Dick Stabile and His Orchestra, Jimmy Wallington (announcer), Danny Thomas, Bonnie Bishop (vocal), Ed Simmons (writer), Norman Lear (writer), Dick Mack (producer, director). 29:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

This original series was created by FEN's assistant director for production, William Verdier. Parts are filled locally, mainly by FEN staff members supplemented by local talent from various organizations in the Kanto area. The "Macabre" series is being distributed by the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service in Los Angeles for worldwide use by AFRTS outlets. The first program, titled "Final Resting Place," is the strange tale of what happens to a honeymooning couple when they stop in a small town for the night and visit a carnival. Macabre was produced in-house by the Tokyo studios of the Far East Network of the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. Two Air Force personnel were most responsible for creating the series: William Verdier as writer, performer, and director; and Program Director and performer, John F. Buey, Jr.. Mr. Buey entered the Civilian Service from the old Yankee Radio Network, serving as Program Director of FEN Tokyo from its inception in 1946.
THIS EPISODE:

January 1, 1962. Program #7. AFRTS-FEN origination. "The Crystalline Man". The discovery of a quartz sarcophagus and a crystal man asleep inside of it. Walt Sheldon, Alan Frank, William Virdier (performer, writer, director), Mitzi Hennessey, Christine Virdier, John Buey, Milton Radmilovich, James Sheldon, Al Lepage (announcer), Carolyn Johnston (associate director), Hiroshi Ono (technical supervisor), James Connolly (sound patterns), Bob Eddy (sound patterns). 26:30. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Double Indemnity (Aired October 30, 1950)
In October of 1934, "Lux Radio Theater" debuted in New York on NBC's Blue radio network. Presenting audio versions of popular Broadway plays, the show failed to garner an audience and soon ran out of material. After switching networks to CBS and moving to Hollywood, Lux found its true market. The show began featuring adaptations of popular films, performed by as many of the original stars as possible. With an endless supply of hit films scripts and an audience of more than 40 million, Lux enjoyed a prosperous run until the curtain fell in 1956

THIS EPISODE:

October 30, 1950. CBS network. "Double Indemnity". Sponsored by: Lux. William Keighley (host, producer), James M. Cain (author), Barbara Stanwyck, Fred MacMurray, William Conrad, Rhoda Williams, William Johnstone, Robert Griffin, Howard McNear, Norman Field (doubles), Edward Marr, Virginia Agnello, Billy Wilder (screenwriter), Raymond Chandler (screenwriter), Rudy Schrager (music director), John Milton Kennedy (announcer), Sanford Barnett (adaptor). 56:22. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Lone Ranger" - Tunnel To Trouble (Aired March 22, 1954) Tonto was played throughout the run by actor John Todd (although there were a few isolated occasions when he was replaced by Roland Parker, better known as Kato for much of the run of sister series The Green Hornet), and other supporting players were selected from Detroit area actors and studio staff. These included Jay Michael (who also played the lead on Challenge of the Yukon aka Sgt. Preston of the Yukon), Bill Saunders (as various villains, including Butch Cavendish), Paul Hughes (as the Ranger's friend Thunder Martin and as various army colonels and badmen).

THIS EPISODE:

March 22, 1954. Program #3306/2526. Syndicated, WRVR-FM, New York aircheck. "Dirk Durango"/"Tunnel To Trouble" Sponsored by: Silvercup Bread. The Lone Ranger poses as a murdered mining engineer to help a bunch of crooks dig their way into jail. Syndicated rebroadcast date: October 9, 1973. Brace Beemer, Fred Foy (announcer), John Todd, Paul Hughes, Harry Goldstein, Bill Saunders, Paul Sutton, Jay Michael. 21:32. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Hard Way (Aired June 27, 1952)

The Third Man (The Lives of Harry Lime) was a old-time radio adventure series that ran in 1951 and 1952. It was based on the 1949 film of the same name. Orson Welles stars as Harry Lime, a perpetually broke confidence man, smuggler, and general scoundrel. He will participate in virtually any criminal activity to make a fast buck, but uses his wits rather than a gun. He draws the line short of murder, blackmail, or drugs. Even so, Harry is an endearing character and listeners love to hear of his one-step-ahead-of-the-law misadventures as he hops around the globe looking for his next pigeon. The zither music of Anton Karas adds a wonderful Viennese ambience to each episode and really makes this show special.

THIS EPISODE:

June 27, 1952. Program #48. Syndicated, WRVR-FM, New York aircheck. "The Hard Way". Participating sponsors. Harry finds himself in the charter airline business, where he meets the strange Mr. Butterboy, wanting to fly to Zurich. WRVR air date: August 12, 1975. Orson Welles, Anton Karas (zither), Harry Alan Towers (producer), Tig Roe (director). 28:21. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Singer's Husband Killed (Aired July 1, 1952)

Bill Johnstone gives his usual solid performance as Lieutenant Ben Guthrie of the San Francisco Police Department. He's aided for the first year of the run by the equally solid Wally Maher, with his gritty, sardonic voice characterizations. The stellar list of non-recurring talent represents some of the most respected names in Radio--and Television: Raymond Burr, Jay Novello, Joe Kearns, Elliott Lewis, Virginia Gregg, Ed Begley, Bill Bouchey, Herb Butterfield, Barton Yarborough, Wilms Herbert, Jeanette Nolan, Ted de Corsia, Howard McNear and Bill Conrad. It just doesn't get better than that. The premise of each episode is prefaced with a gritty, highly realistic line-up, replete with background atomospherics and actors realistically speaking over each other, but with an underlying investigation--or two--under discussion below the background noise of the introductory line-up and exposition. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

July 1, 1952. CBS network. "Singer's Husband Killed". Sustaining. A night club singer's husband has been robbed and killed. William Johnstone, Jack Moyles, Eddie Dunstedter (music), Jaime del Valle (producer, director), Howard McNear, E. Jack Neuman, Hy Averback, Peter Leeds, Vic Perrin, Sidney Miller, Virginia Gregg. 24:34. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Murder In The Script Department (Aired May 11, 1943)

After a successful tryout in New York City, the series was picked up by NBC in April 1935 and broadcast nationally, usually late at night and always on Wednesdays. Wyllis Cooper stayed on the program until June 1936, when another Chicago writer, Arch Oboler, took over. By the time Cooper left, the series had inspired about 600 fan clubs. Cooper's run was characterized by grisly stories spiked with dark, tongue-in-cheek humor, a sort of radio Grand Guignol. A character might be buried or eaten or skinned alive, vaporized in a ladle of white-hot steel, absorbed by a giant slurping amoeba, have his arm torn off by a robot, tortured or decapitated -- always with the appropriate blood-curdling acting and sound effects.

THIS EPISODE:

May 11, 1943. CBS network. "Murder In The Script Department". Sponsored by: Ironized Yeast, Energene. Two typists are haunted at a radio network. Don't ever complain about Mr. Oboler's scripts! Great radio writing! Oboler tells about next week's program as set in the jungle, "when there were people with monkeys, not Japanese snipers." Arch Oboler (writer, host), Frank Martin (commercial spokesman), Mercedes McCambridge. 29:38. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Trolley Transfer (Aired September 26, 1950)

Life with Luigi was a radio comedy-drama series which began September 21, 1948 on CBS. The story concerned Italian immigrant Luigi Basco, and his experiences as an immigrant in Chicago. Many of the shows take place at the US citizenship classes that Luigi attends with other immigrants from different countries, as well as trying to fend off the repeated advances of the morbidly-obese daughter of his landlord/sponsor. Luigi was played by J. Carrol Naish, an Irish-American. Naish continued in the role on the short-lived television version in 1952, and was later replaced by Vito Scotti. With a working title of The Little Immigrant, Life with Luigi was created by Cy Howard, who earlier had created the hit radio comedy, My Friend Irma.

THIS EPISODE:

September 26, 1950. CBS network. "The Trolley Transfer" - Sponsored by: Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum. Luigi rides the trolley and gets a transfer. J. Carrol Naish, Alan Reed, Cy Howard (creator, producer, director), Hans Conried, Bob Stevenson (announcer), Mac Benoff (writer), Lou Derman (writer), Mary Shipp, Jody Gilbert, Joe Forte, Ken Peters, Lud Gluskin (music director). 29:2 Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Riley The Football Hero (Aired November 23, 1946)

The first Life of Riley radio show was a summer replacement show heard on CBS from April 12, 1941 to September 6, 1941. The CBS program starred Lionel Stander as J. Riley Farnsworth and had no real connection with the more famous series that followed a few years later. The radio program starring William Bendix aired on the ABC Blue Network from January 16, 1944 to June 8, 1945. Then it moved to NBC, where it was broadcast from September 8, 1945 to June 29, 1951. The supporting cast featured John Brown, who portrayed not only undertaker Digger O'Dell but also Riley's co-worker Gillis. Whereas Gillis gave Riley bad information that got him into trouble, Digger gave him good information that "helped him out of a hole," as he might have put it. Brown's lines as the undertaker were often repetitive, including puns based on his profession; but, thanks to Brown's delivery, the audience loved him.

THIS EPISODE:

November 23, 1946. "Riley The Football Hero" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Teel, Dreft. Riley becomes a Football Hero, on the the night club team. William Bendix, Ken Carpenter (announcer), Paula Winslowe, John Brown, Irving Brecher (producer), Don Bernard (director), Lou Coslowe (music), Alan Lipscott (writer), Reuben Ship (writer), Tommy Cook, Lou Merrill, George Pirrone. 30:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Human Nature (Aired September 15, 1952)
Let George Do It was a radio drama series produced by Owen and Pauline Vinson from 1946 to 1954. It starred Bob Bailey as detective-for-hire George Valentine (with Olan Soule stepping into the role in 1954). Clients came to Valentine's office after reading a newspaper carrying his classified ad: "Personal notice: Danger's my stock in trade. If the job's too tough for you to handle, you've got a job for me. George Valentine. "The few earliest episodes were more sitcom than private eye shows, with a studio audience providing scattered laughter at the not-so-funny scripts. Soon the audience was banished, and George went from stumbling comedic hero to tough guy private eye, while the music became suspenseful. Valentine's secretary was Claire Brooks, aka Brooksie (Frances Robinson, Virginia Gregg, Lillian Buyeff). As Valentine made his rounds in search of the bad guys, he usually encountered Brooksie's kid brother. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

September 15, 1952. Mutual-Don Lee network. "Human Nature". Sponsored by: Standard Oil. A nightclub cleaning woman suspects that her boss is a fence. The boss is murdered in a very secure room...with a suspicious cuckoo clock! The program has also been dated April 30, 1951. Bob Bailey, Virginia Gregg, Ken Christy, Bud Hiestand (announcer), David Victor (writer), Kenneth Webb (director), Griff Barnett, Gaylord Carter (music), Noreen Gammill, Lawrence Dobkin, Harry Bartell. 29:54. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Cargo Unknown (Aired July 12, 1949)

First broadcast in 1949, John Steele, Adventurer was a thriller/drama that wasn't considered a major force in the world of radio although it is considered to have offered great entertainment. Jungles and deserts made up the eerie background sounds of the series that featured Don Douglas as John Steele. John Steele was the type of roving adventurer and thrill seeker who held various jobs in exotic locations. Among his career paths were country sheriff, special agent in Turkey and a ship's captain. The stories were narrated by a friend of Steele's, with Steele making cameo appearances throughout. Ted Mallie, of The Shadow and I Love a Mystery announcing fame also landed the job of the announcer for John Steele, Adventurer, which featured Elliot Drake as the director. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

July 12, 1949. Mutual network. "Cargo Unknown". Sustaining. Two men are in an open boat, with a beautiful woman. Elliott Drake (writer, director), Ross Martin, Connie Lembcke, Earl George, Sylvan Levin (conductor), Walt Shaver (sound effects), Ted Mallie (announcer), Don Douglas, Robert Monroe (producer). 29:44. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Too Many Mrs. Rogers (Aired October 9, 1948)
Jeff Regan, Investigator was one of the three detective shows Jack Webb did before Dragnet (see also Pat Novak For Hire and Johnny Modero: Pier 23). It debuted on CBS in July 1948. Webb played JEFF REGAN, a tough private eye working in a Los Angeles investigation firm run by Anthony J. Lyon. Regan introduced himself on each show "I get ten a day and expenses...they call me the Lyon's Eye." The show was fairly well-plotted, Webb's voice was great, and the supporting cast were skillful. Regan handled rough assignments from Lion, with whom he was not always on good terms. He was tough, tenacious, and had a dry sense of humor. The voice of his boss, Anthony Lion, was Wilms Herbert. The show ended in December 1948 but was resurrected in October 1949 with a new cast; Frank Graham played Regan (later Paul Dubrov was the lead) and Frank Nelson portrayed Lion. This version ran on CBS, sometimes as a West Coast regional, until August 1950.

THIS EPISODE:

October 9, 1948. CBS network. "The Too Many Mrs. Rogers'". Sustaining. Jeff is hired to accompany a dead body and a star sapphire ring to La Jolla. Well written! Bob Stevenson (announcer), David Ellis, E. Jack Neuman (writer), Gloria Blondell, Grace Lenard, Herb Butterfield, Jack Petruzzi, Jack Webb, John Hoyt, Larry Roman (writer), Laurette Fillbrandt, Milton Charles, Paul Frees, Sterling Tracy (producer). Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Special Guests Are George Burns & Gracie Allen (Aired April 11, 1937)
Mary Livingstone as his wisecracking and not especially deferential female friend (not quite his girlfriend, since Benny would often try to date movie stars like Barbara Stanwyck, and occasionally had stage girlfriends such as "Gladys Zybisco"); rotund announcer Don Wilson (who also served as announcer for Fanny Brice's hit, Baby Snooks); bandleader Phil Harris as a jive-talking, wine-and-women type whose repartee was rather risqué for its time; boy tenor Dennis Day, who was cast as a sheltered, naïve youth who still got the better of his boss as often as not (this character was originated by Kenny Baker, but perfected by Day); and, especially, Eddie Anderson as valet-chauffeur Rochester van Jones who was as popular as Benny himself.

THIS EPISODE:

April 11, 1937. Red network, KFI, Los Angeles aircheck. Sponsored by: Jell-O. Mary reads a letter from Mama. Kenny Baker sings, "Moonlight and Roses." "Special Guests Are George Burns and Gracie Allen" appear to plug their new show for Grape Nuts which is just starting. Another "Buck Benny Rides Again" episode: "Ready, Willing, and Lame." Jack Benny, Don Wilson, Phil Harris and His Orchestra, Mary Livingstone, Kenny Baker, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Harry Baldwin, Ed Beloin (writer), Bill Morrow (writer). 29:48. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

It's a Crime, Mr. Collins was a half-hour mystery/adventure radio program broadcast weekly from August, 1956 to February, 1957 by Mutual Broadcasting System in the United States that was a "flagrant rip-off of The Adventures of the Abbotts in which only the names had been changed." San Francisco private detective Greg Collins was played by Mandel Kramer (who had previously been heard as Lieutenant Tragg in the radio version of Perry Mason) and his wife, Gail Collins, was played by namesake Gail Collins. Each week, Gail Collins, "the gumshoe's gorgeous spouse -- with green-eyed predilections emerging as curvaceous damsels in distress frequently petitioned her husband -- shared his investigative exploits with her Uncle Jack and thereby with the listeners at home."

THIS EPISODE:

Mutual network origination, syndicated. "The Chrome Yellow Death". Commercials added locally. Mr. and Mrs. Collins are in tropical Argentina, where they find death by "bolas" and "marijuana" cigarettes. The date is approximate. Mandel Kramer, Gail Collins, Richard Denning. 28:33. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

What Is A Swimming Pool (Aired November 3, 1944)

It Pays to Be Ignorant was a radio comedy show which maintained its popularity during a nine-year run on three networks for such sponsors as Philip Morris, Chrysler, and DeSoto. Tom Howard was the quizmaster who asked questions of dim-bulb panelists Harry McNaughton, Lulu McConnell and George Shelton. The Irish-born Howard (1885-1955) and Shelton (1885-1972) had previously worked together as a team in vaudeville and comedy film shorts, while McConnell (1882-1962) and British comic McNaughton (1896-1967) had both appeared in many Broadway musical comedies and revues between 1920 and the late 1930s. Each episode would start with some jokes ("Do married men live longer than single men?"... "No, it only seems longer.") and an introduction of the experts. After this, three or four questions would be discussed in detail: some posed by Howard, some picked at random by a guest from the audience. These questions often had the answer obvious in the query ("What town in Massachusetts had the Boston Tea Party?")

THIS EPISODE:

November 3, 1944. Program #23. CBS network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. The first question (at the opening): "What Is A Swimming Pool?" The program's guest is Shirley Booth who fits right into the show and even sings! The first question (during the program): "Where is the game of ice hockey played?" Nat Novick and His Orchestra, George Shelton, Harry McNaughton, Lulu McConnell, Shirley Booth (guest), Tom Howard (m. c.). 32:30 Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Dark Cigarette Murder Case (Aired August 31, 1951)

Inspector Thorne was a short-lived Crime drama anthology that NBC rolled out under the Hummert franchise. Anne and Frank Hummert were two of Radio's most prolific creators, writers, and producers of all manner of serial melodrama--daytime soaps--throughout The Golden Age of Radio. Though almost universally associated with soaps, their talents didn't end with serial potboilers. Indeed most Radio collectors aren't aware of the prodigious output of long-running crime, mystery, and detective dramas they produced. During the 1940s and early 1950s the Hummerts turned their talents to several Detective and Crime fiction dramas. Inspector Thorne was portrayed by Karl Weber for the first nine installments, replaced by Staats Cotsworth of Casey Crime Photographer for the last two episodes. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

August 31, 1951. NBC network. "The Dark Cigarette Murder Case". Sustaining. The program concludes with an announcement that the next program will be, "The Nickels and Dimes Murder Case," to be heard next Thursday. Fred Collins (announcer), Frank Hummert (author), Anne Hummert (author), Karl Weber, Edward Slattery (director), Bill Delgarde (writer). 29:52. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Corpse Laughs Last (Aired August 17, 1952)

Taking its name from a popular series of mystery novels, Inner Sanctum Mysteries debuted over NBC’s Blue Network in January 1941. Inner Sanctum Mysteries featured one of the most memorable and atmospheric openings in radio history: an organist hit a dissonant chord, a doorknob turned and the famous “creaking door” slowly began to open. Every week, Inner Sanctum Mysteries told stories of ghosts, murderers and lunatics. Produced in New York, the cast usually consisted of veteran radio actors, with occasional guest appearances by such Hollywood stars Boris Karloff, Peter Lorre and Claude Rains. What made Inner Sanctum Mysteries unique among radio horror shows was its host, a slightly-sinister sounding man originally known as “Raymond.” The host had a droll sense of humor and an appetite for ghoulish puns, and his influence can be seen among horror hosts everywhere, from the Crypt-Keeper to Elvira. Raymond Edward Johnson was the show’s host until 1945.

THIS EPISODE:

August 17, 1952. ABC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Corpse Laughs Last"ala: "The Unforgiving Corpse". Paul McGrath (host), Wendell Corey. 25:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Who Killed Frances Baumhold ? (Aired June 7, 1936)

In the Name of the Law was a True Crime radio show from 1936. It says "In the name of the law, we bring you another of the thrilling stories in this exciting series, taken from actual police case files. "In the name of the Law, we bring you another of the thrilling stories in this exciting series, taken from actual police case files."Two home invaders pick the wrong house and force the home owner (John Snyder) to take them to the targeted neighbors, two elderly brothers who were rumored to have cash and bonds. During the hold up, one of the brothers was shot to death. An angry town insisted on immediate results. The State Police joined the local Sherif and the search was on.

THIS EPISODE:

June 7, 1936. Syndicated. Commercials added locally. Who Killed Frances Baumhold? A complex family relationship. Poor Aunt Frances?. 25:21. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Rhapsody In Red (Aired June 19, 1953)

Throughout most of the 1940's, Matt Cvetic worked as a volunteer undercover agent for the FBI, infiltrating the Communist Party in Pittsburgh. In 1949, his testimony helped to convict several top Party members of conspiracy to overthrow the U.S. government. Cvetic sold his account to "The Saturday Evening Post" and it was serialized under the title "I Posed as a Communist for the FBI". It later became a best-selling book. In 1951, Warner Brothers released a film based on these accounts entitled "I Was A Communist For The FBI", starring with Frank Lovejoy as Cvetic. In 1952, in the midst of the Red scare of the 1950's, the Frederick W. Ziv Company produced the syndicated radio series with the same title as the movie. It was produced without assistance from the FBI, which refused to cooperate. I Was a Communist for the FBI consisted of 78 episodes syndicated by the Frederick W. Ziv Company to more than 600 stations, including KNX in Los Angeles, California, with original episodes running from April 23, 1952 to October 14, 1953.

View Details

I Love Adventure "The Finishing School Kidnapping" (Aired May 30, 1948)

Episode 6 in this Carlton Morse series. Reggie York, and Jack Packard are back in London for their next assignment from the 21 distinguished gentlemen. They recieve a mysterious message warning them off of taking on this assignment. In loud, resonant voice, they get their mission. Good thing it’s a sound proof room. Instead of one damsel in distress, they are to rescue an entire finishing school of girls. All daughters of world leaders, and important families. It’s off to India to find a one-eyed Greek. Gunplay on the airplane? My, you can sure tell this is before the days of modern airport security. Trivia Alert: In the general timeframe of this show it was common for the pilot and cockpit crew to carry a pistol. Now, just where would you hide a bunch of young girls in India? A Harem? Follow our heros high in the mountains to get to the bottom of the mystery.

THIS EPISODE:

(May 30, 1948) - A mysterious message warning them off of taking on this assignment. In loud, resonant voice, they get their mission. Good thing it’s a sound proof room. Instead of one damsel in distress, they are to rescue an entire finishing school of girls. All daughters of world leaders, and important families. It’s off to India to find a one-eyed Greek. Gunplay on the airplane? My, you can sure tell this is before the days of modern airport security. Show Notes From Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod.

View Details

Laura Shields Case (Aired January 21, 1946)
I Deal in Crime ran for almost two years on ABC network radio and starred the very capable radio and Hollywood actor, William Gargan. In this, one of his many PI radio series (he's best known, of course, for his role as Martin Kane), Gargan played ROSS DOLAN, described as a veteran detective who returned to his sleuthing job after his WW II service as a sailor. Or as Dolan puts it, "a hitch in Uncle Sugar's Navy." This series was written by Ted Hediger and directed by Leonard Reeg. The show's announcer was Dresser Dahlstead and Skitch Henderson (later to win fame on television) handled the music. The show began in January 1946 and ran as a 30 minute show, first on Monday nights but for the last eleven months on Saturday evenings. It ended in October 1947.

THIS EPISODE:

January 21, 1946. ABC network. "The Laura Shields Case." Sustaining. Possibly the first show of the series. William Gargan as detective Ross Dolan. Laura Shields hires Dolan to be her bodyguard. He finds plenty of murder. Dresser Dahlstead (announcer), Leonard Reeg (director), Skitch Henderson (composer, conductor), Ted Hediger (director), William Gargan. 30:43. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Have Gun Will Travel"
Winchester Quarantine (Aired February 22, 1959)
The show followed the adventures of Paladin, a gentleman-turned-gunfighter (played by Richard Boone on television, and by John Dehner on radio), who preferred to settle problems without violence, yet, when forced to fight, excelled. Paladin lived in the Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, where he dressed in semi-formal wear, ate gourmet food, and attended opera. In fact, many who initially met him mistook him for a dandy from the East. When working, he dressed in black, used calling cards and wore a holster which carried characteristic chess knight emblems, and carried a derringer under his belt. The knight symbol is in reference to his name — possibly a nickname or working name — and his occupation as a champion-for-hire.

THIS EPISODE:

February 22, 1959. CBS network. "Winchester Quarantine". Sponsored by: Fitch Shampoo, Lysol, Rambler. Joe Whitehorse, a mission Indian, is supposed to have diseased cattle. The local ranchers want him out. The very clever Lysol commercial is titled "I Was A Teenage Germ." This is a quality upgrade, network, sponsored version. The script was used on the "Have Gun, Will Travel" television show on October 5, 1957. John Dehner, Ben Wright, Lawrence Dobkin, Harry Bartell, Lillian Buyeff, Joseph Kearns, Barney Phillips, Edgar Barrier, Hugh Douglas (announcer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Herb Meadow (creator, writer), Ann Doud (adaptor), Sam Rolfe (creator), Bill James (sound effects), Tom Hanley (sound effects). 24:59. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Arrow Of Heaven (Aired October 12, 1986)

Father Brown is a short, stumpy Catholic priest, "formerly of Cobhole in Essex, and now working in London," with shapeless clothes and a large umbrella, and uncanny insight into human evil. He makes his first appearance in the famous story "The Blue Cross" and continues through the five volumes of short stories, often assisted by the reformed criminal Flambeau. Father Brown is characteristically humble, and is usually rather quiet, but when he does talk, he almost always says something profound. Although he tends to handle crimes with a steady, realistic approach, he believes in the supernatural as the greatest reason of all. Father Brown was the perfect vehicle for conveying Chesterton's view of the world and, of all of his characters, is perhaps closest to Chesterton's own point of view, or at least the effect of his point of view. Father Brown solves his crimes through a strict reasoning process more concerned with spiritual and philosophic truths rather than scientific details, making him an almost equal counterbalance with Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, whose stories Chesterton read and admired. However, the Father Brown series commenced before Chesterton's own conversion to Catholicism.

View Details

Murder Shows A Card (1952) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

The series was created by Dashall Hammott and was first heard on the ABC network Jan. 21, 1946. J. Scott Smart fit the part of the Fat Man perfectly, weighing in at 270 pounds himself. When he spoke, there was no doubt that this was the voice of a big guy. Smart gave a witty, tongue-in-cheek performance and helped make THE FAT MAN one of the most popular detective programs on the air. Smart also appeared in The March Of Time (early 1930s), the Theater Guild On The Air, Blondie, The Fred Allen Show, and The Jack Benny Program. There was also an version made in Australia, syndicated on the Artansa lable, about 1954. There are at least 36 shows available from vendors. The Australian Fat Man was played possibly by Lloyd Berrell. Although not featuring J. Scott Smart, who really fit the part, the series is quite good.

THIS EPISODE:

The Fat Man. 1952. ABC network. "Murder Shows A Card" Sponsored by: Pepto Bismol, Unguentine. - J. Scott Smart, Dick Beals (commercial spokesman), Clark Andrews (director), Bernard Green (conductor), Bryna Raeburn, Charles Irving (announcer), Lawrence Klee (writer), Jean Ellen. 25:59. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Family Theater - Lonely Road (Starring Gregory Peck) Aired May 15, 1947

Each program was preceded by the familiar announcement: “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of”—a quote from Alfred, Lord Tennyson. And always worked in somewhere before the end of the show was the famous slogan that became Peyton’s signature: “The family that prays together stays together!” Father Peyton’s vision of the family is expressed in his book, The Ear of God: “The family was meant to be the cradle of religion,” he wrote. “Restore to the family its religious soul and you enrich the entire country, you strengthen civilization.” Many people, including Hollywood entertainers, were happy to support this vision. The lineup of stars that Peyton recruited for his radio show included Hollywood’s best: Gary Cooper, Loretta Young, Lucille Ball, Jane Wyatt, Henry Fonda, Jack Benny, Rosalind Russell, Shirley Temple, Margaret O’Brien, Gregory Peck, Jimmy Durante, Gene Kelly, Natalie Wood, Vincent Price, Charlton Heston and Raymond Burr, to name a few.
THIS EPISODE:

May 15, 1947. Mutual network. "The Lonely Road". Sustaining. An honest politician is offered a substantial bribe and a potent threat to "sell out" or else. His decision is made easier by a visit from Abraham Lincoln himself! Max Terr (music), Rod O'Connor, Frederick J. Lipp (writer), Mel Williamson (director), Betty Arnold, Tony La Frano (announcer), John Ryder (producer, director), Nelson Eddy (host), Gregory Peck, Phillip Abbott, Byron Kane, Barney Phillips, Jean Layton, Lou Merrill. 29:39. Show Notes From Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod.

View Details

The Strawberry Blonde (09-14-52)

This hard boiled spy drama began as an RKO Radio Pictures theatrical serial in the 1940s, went on radio in 1945, and then came to TV ten years later in this Syndicated series produced for distribution by NBC Films; Charles McGraw had been in many motion pictures before and after including "The Killers", "Spartacus" and "Cimarron"; in this series he played the title role of a man whose real name was supposedly Mike Waring, an American agent whose code name was "Falcon"; Later Charles McGraw starred in a short lived TV version of "Casablanca" (1955 - 1956) in the character of Rick; He also had a role on the detective drama "Staccato" (1959) Actor McGraw (whose birth name was Charles Butters) met an unfortunate death in real life when he fell through a shower glass door in 1980 at his home in Studio City, CA.

THIS EPISODE:

September 14, 1952. NBC network. "The Case Of The Strawberry Blonde". Sustaining. Michael Waring heads for Paris to prove "fifty million Frenchmen can be wrong, when it comes to murder!" The program is announced as the last show of the series. The system cue is added live. Les Damon, Drexel Drake (creator), Eugene Wang (writer), Richard Lewis (director), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Fred Collins (announcer). 29:09. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The First Baby In Space (Aired June 18, 1958)
Exploring Tomorrow was hosted by John Campbell, the editor of Astounding Science Fiction Magazine, and later, Analog Magazine. He was also a science fiction writer himself, and penned the short story, Who Goes There?, which was later made into the 1950s classic monster movie, The Thing. So Campbell certainly had the Sci-Fi credentials . Exploring Tomorrow was billed as "The first science fiction radio show of science-fictioneers, by science-fictioneers, for science-fictioneers." (Otrcat.com) Each week, Campbell would open and close the story by making philosophical observations about how the technology featured in that night's story might affect mankind. These serious comments were meant to be deep and thoughtful, but the effect was undercut by the choice of elevator background music.

THIS EPISODE:

June 18, 1958. Mutual network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The First Baby In Space". Where do you find an incubator in a manned space station when one is needed in a hurry? The story is also known as, "The Space Baby". Guy Wallace (announcer), Randall Garrett (author), Lawson Zerbe, Carol Teitel. 20:45. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Match (Aired May 16, 1948)
Escape was radio's leading anthology series of high adventure, airing on CBS from July 7, 1947 to September 25, 1954. Since the program did not have a regular sponsor like Suspense, it was subjected to frequent schedule shifts and lower production budgets, although Richfield Oil signed on as a sponsor for five months in 1950. Despite these problems, Escape enthralled many listeners during its seven-year run. The series' well-remembered opening combined Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain with the introduction, intoned by Paul Frees and William Conrad: “Tired of the everyday routine? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all? We offer you... Escape!”

THIS EPISODE:

May 16, 1948. CBS network. "The Match". Sustaining. A good story about a determined Mountie who is going to bring back his man, even if it kills him. Clark Cluney, Cynthia Corley, Frank Lovejoy, James Oliver Curwood (writer), Les Crutchfield (writer), Nestor Paiva, Stan Waxman, Wilbur Hatch (music), Wilms Herbert, Norman Macdonnell (director). 29:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Death Is No Accident (1973) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

The Epic Casebook (1957–1985) - "... in which Inspector Carr investigates ..." - The highly successful detective series, starring Hugh Rouse as Inspector Carr. Written & Produced by Michael Silver at the CRC Studios, Johannesburg. The series aired originally on Thursday evenings at 21H30, sponsored by the Epic Oil Company of S.A. In 1977 the sponsorship ended and the series was renamed "Inspector Carr Investigates" and moved to the earlier slot of 20H30. The first actor to play Inspector Carr was Don Davis, he was replaced in 1959 by Hugh Rouse. Don returned briefly in 1964 for 14 episodes. However Hugh Rouse made this series his own. A short lived television series was made by the SABC in the early 1980s with Michael McCabe, playing the famous Inspector. Sadly the transformation from radio to television was a total disaster. The series ended in June 1985 on Springbok Radio. A local Johannesburg radio station, Radio Today 1485am tried to revive the series in 1997, sadly copyright issues could not be cleared up & the idea was abandoned.

View Details

Aired June 18, 1946. CBS network. "Yellowjack"

ENCORE THEATER was a 1946 Summer replacement series, sponsored by Schenley Labs, Inc. All shows had a medical theme, some concerned medical research, some covered personal stories of people in the medical field but all based on true stories. Schenley Labs, Inc. was the sponsor for the series. The shows aired Tuesday evenings from 9:30 to 10:00 PM over CBS affiliated stations. Members of the cast were typically well-known radio or screen actors, such as Lurene Tuttle, Eric Snowden, Gerald Mohr, Ronald Colman, Robert Young or Lionel Barrymore. Producer for series was Bill Lawrence, who also directed the series. The announcer was Frank Graham. Music was by Leith Stevens. Scripts were written and adapted by Jean Holloway, Lloyd C. Douglas, Sidney Kingsley and Milton Geiger. Twelve of the thirteen scripts were adapted by Jean Holloway. The 1946 Summer series ended with the August 27th show, replaced by "Cresta Blanca Hollywood Players" (possibly known as "The Hollywood Players Company". There was a second ENCORE THEATER Summer series in 1949, however there is little information on it. It aired on Sundays. Eight shows are known to be in circulation. Known air dates are April 17, April 24, May 8 and June 5.

THIS EPISODE:

June 18, 1946. CBS network. "Yellowjack". Sponsored by: Schenley Laboratories. The story of how Dr. Reed discovered the cause of Yellow Fever. Ronald Colman, Edwin Max, Norman Field, Frank Nelson, Ken Christy, Jerry Hausner, Bill Lawrence (producer, director), Frank Graham (announcer), Leith Stevens (music), Jean Holloway (writer), Sidney Howard (author). 29:16. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Message In Red (Aired November 7, 1945)

Tuska cited Ellery Queen, Master Detective (1940) and Ellery Queen's Penthouse Mystery (1941) as the best of the Bellamy-Lindsay pairings. "The influence of The Thin Man series was apparent in reverse", Tuska noted about Ellery Queen's Penthouse Mystery. "Ellery and Nikki are unmarried but obviously in love with each other. Probably the biggest mystery... is how Ellery ever gets a book written. Not only is Nikki attractive and perfectly willing to show off her figure", Tuska wrote, "but she also likes to write her own stories on Queen's time, and gets carried away doing her own investigations."

THIS EPISODE:

November 7, 1945. CBS network. "The Adventure Of The Message In Red". Sponsored by: Anacin, Hill Cold Tablets. Three women have been shot to death in one night...by the same gun. What did the three women have in common...and who killed them? Don Hancock (anouncer), Victor Jory ("Guest Armchair Detective"), Sydney Smith, Santos Ortega, Ted de Corsia, Gertrude Warner, Raymond Edward Johnson, Anthony Boucher (writer), Manfred B. Lee (creator, writer), Frederic Dannay (creator), Bob Steel (producer, director), Chet Kinsbury (music), Frank Mellow (sound effects), James Rinaldi (sound engineer), Virginia Dwyer (commercial spokeswoman). 29:55. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Special Guest Is Linda Darnell (Aired January 19, 1945)

Duffy's Tavern, an American radio situation comedy (CBS, 1941-1942; NBC-Blue Network, 1942-1944; NBC, 1944-1952), often featured top-name stage and film guest stars but always hooked those around the misadventures, get-rich-quick-scheming, and romantic missteps of the title establishment's malaprop-prone, metaphor-mixing manager, Archie, played by the writer/actor who co-created the show, Ed Gardner. In the show's familiar opening, "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," either solo on an old-sounding piano or by a larger orchestra, was interrupted by the ring of a telephone and Gardner's New Yorkese accent as he answered, "Duffy's Tavern, where the elite meet to eat. Archie the manager speakin'. Duffy ain't here — oh, hello, Duffy." Duffy, the owner, was never heard (or seen, when a film based on the show was made in 1945 or when a bid to bring the show to television was tried in 1954). But Archie always was — bantering with Duffy's man-crazy daughter, Miss Duffy (played by several actresses, beginning with Gardner's real-life first wife, Shirley Booth); with Eddie, the waiter/janitor (Eddie Green); and, especially, with Clifton Finnegan (Charlie Cantor), a likeable soul with several screws loose and a knack for falling for every other salesman's scam.

View Details

The Big Convertible (Aired June 28, 1955)

Dragnet was a long running radio and television police procedural drama, about the cases of a dedicated Los Angeles police detective, Sergeant Joe Friday, and his partners. The show takes its name from an actual police term, a Dragnet, meaning a system of coordinated measures for apprehending criminals or suspects. Dragnet was perhaps the most famous and influential police procedural drama in American media history. The series gave millions of Americans a feel for the boredom and drudgery, as well as the danger and heroism, of real life police work. Dragnet earned praise for improving the public opinion of police officers. Actor and producer Jack Webb's aims in Dragnet were for realism and unpretentious acting. He achieved both goals and Dragnet remains a key influence on subsequent police dramas in many media.

THIS EPISODE:

June 28, 1955. Program #306. NBC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Big Convertible". A man cashing bad payroll checks all over town has been using a rented car. Jack Webb, Ben Alexander. 25 minutes. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Dr. Christian is a long-running radio series with Jean Hersholt in the title role. It aired on CBS Radio from November 7, 1937, to January 6, 1954. In 1956, the series was adapted for television where it aired in syndication until 1957. After Hersholt portrayed the character Dr. John Luke, based on Dr. Allan Roy Dafoe, the obstetrician who delivered and cared for the Dionne Quintuplets, in the 20th Century Fox movie The Country Doctor (1936) and its two sequels. He wanted to do the same role on radio but could not get the rights. He decided to create his own doctor character for radio, and since he was a Hans Christian Andersen enthusiast, he borrowed that name for his character of philosophical Dr. Paul Christian.
THIS EPISODE:

January 10, 1939. CBS network. "Guest Of Honor". Sponsored by: Vaseline. The program originates from New York City. Jean Hersholt, Andre Baruch (announcer), Gloria Holden, Jeffrey Bryant, Eustace Wyatt, Stanley Harris, Berry Kroeger, Lucille Meredith, Frank Butler, Bennett Kilpack, Jack Grimes. 29:27. Episode Notes From Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod.

View Details

Nightfall (Aired September 29, 1951)

Dimension X was first heard on NBC April 8, 1950, and ran until September 29, 1951. Strange that so little good science fiction came out of radio; they seem ideally compatible, both relying heavily on imagination. Some fine isolated science fiction stories were developed on the great anthology shows, Suspense and Escape. But until the premiere of Dimension X -- a full two decades after network radio was established -- there were no major science fiction series of broad appeal to adults. This show dramatized the work of such young writers as Ray Bradbury, Robert (Psycho) Bloch, Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, and Kurt Vonnegut. In-house script writer was Ernest Kinoy, who adapted the master works and contributed occasional storied of his own. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

September 29, 1951. NBC network. "Nightfall". Sustaining. A visit to a planet on the edge of our galaxy that circles a group of six suns. There hasn't been a sunset for the last two thousand forty nine years...until now! The last show of the series. The script was used subsequently on "X Minus One" on December 7, 1955. Cameron Prud'Homme, Isaac Asimov (author), Lyle Sudrow, Ernest Kinoy (adaptor), John McGovern, Norman Rose (host), Albert Buhrman (music), William Welch (producer), Fred Weihe (director), Bill Rippe (announcer), Staats Cotsworth, Joseph Boland. 30:22. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Pictures Don't Lie (Aired October 24, 1956)
X Minus One was a half-hour science fiction radio series broadcast from April 24, 1955 to January 9, 1958 in various timeslots on NBC. Initially a revival of NBC's Dimension X (1950-51), X Minus One is widely considered among the finest science fiction dramas ever produced for radio. The first 15 episodes were new versions of Dimension X episodes, but the remainder were adaptations of newly published science fiction stories by leading writers in the field, including Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Philip K. Dick, Robert A. Heinlein, Frederik Pohl and Theodore Sturgeon, along with a few original scripts. Episodes of the show include adaptations of Robert Sheckley's "Skulking Permit," Bradbury's "Mars Is Heaven," Heinlein's "Universe" and "The Green Hills of Earth", " Pohl’s "The Tunnel under the World," J. T. McIntosh’s "Hallucination Orbit," Fritz Leiber’s "A Pail of Air" and George Lefferts' "The Parade".

THIS EPISODE:
October 24, 1956. NBC network. "Pictures Don't Lie". Sustaining. A radio signal originating from interstellar space turns out to be a television picture. It seems to be coming from an alien spaceship heading towards the Earth! The script was used subsequently on "Future Tense" on May 23, 1974. Fred Collins (announcer), John Gibson, Sam Grey, Richard Hamilton, Ernest Kinoy (adaptor), William Welch (producer), Daniel Sutter (director), Katherine MacLean (author), Joe DeSantis. 28:26. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Four Fingers And A Thumb (Aired October 19, 1937)

John Dunning in his "On the Air, The Encyclopedia of Old Time Radio," relates the odd tale of getting the replacement for the original Nancy, Adelaide Fitz-Allen, who died at 79 in 1935. A radio veteran, only a mere 13 years old, Miriam Wolfe by name, was then on the fine children's program, Let's Pretend. Of course, she wasn't considered for the part. She stayed in the studio during a late-night broadcast by Witch's Tale writer/director, Alonzo Deen Cole, and began her "Nancy" without warning. Cole was so chilled by her mimicry of an ancient crone that she got the part on the spot. Later in the show's run, the role was taken by Martha Wentworth.

THIS EPISODE:

October 19, 1937. Program #2. MacQuarrie (Australian) syndication. "Four Fingers and A Thumb". Commercials added locally. Old Nancy is 117 years old today. The hand of a dead Chinaman returns to haunt its killer. The story was subsequently produced on The Star Spangled Theater on August 3, 1941. The date of the Australian production is approximate; and the program may have been syndicated by Artransa. The script is similar to "The Witch's Tale" program titled, "The Gypsy's Hand'. Alonzo Deen Cole (writer). 26:57. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Wild Bill Hickock"
Ghost Town Gold (Aired September 2, 1951)

Wild Bill Hickock was quick with his fists and a quip, but Jingles (dear god that nickname) got all his glory by using his immense girth to fight the bad guys. Jingles if you couldn’t tell was the comedic element in the series. And what is it with overweight sidekicks in westerns? See Cisco Kid’s partner, the jolly and rotund Pancho. Give the horses a break. The radio program lasted until 1954. The television show was started at the same time in 1951 and lasted until 1958. Also Wild Bill was portrayed by Gary Cooper in the 1936 movie, The Plainsman. Wild Bill has shown up in various other movies and television shows, most recently in the show Deadwood on HBO.

THIS EPISODE:

September 2, 1951. Program #15. Mutual network. "Ghost Town Gold". Sponsored by: Kellogg's Corn Pops. The sheriff has disappeared, the deputy sheriff has been holding up stagecoaches, attacking the ranchers and blaming it on the Choctaws. The system cue is added live. Charles Lyon (announcer), David Hire (producer), Paul Pierce (director), Richard Aurandt (music), Marion Richman, Clayton Post, Frederick Shields, Guy Madison, Andy Devine, Forrest Lewis, Jack Moyles. 25:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Heathrow Affair (Aired December 23, 1951)

The stories were true in every respect except that the names were changed to protect the innocent, as they say. The Whitehall 1212 series boasted that for the first time Scotland Yard opened its files and the producers promised to bring to the public authentic true stories of some of the most celebrated cases. Permission for these records came from Sir Harold Scott, Commissioner of the yard at that time. There is actually a Black Museum. This area is located on the lower ground floor of Scotland Yard and it does indeed contain articles that are closely associated with the solving of a crime. And "Whitehall 1212" was the actual emergency phone number for the yard at the time. The research for the shows was done by Percy Hoskins, chief crime reporter for the London Daily Express.

THIS EPISODE:

December 23, 1951. "The Heathrow Affair"- NBC network. Sustaining. An intelligent criminal plans to rob Heathrow airport of a shipment of gold. Beware the poisoned tea! The final public service announcement and the system cue have been deleted. Percy Hoskins (researcher), Wyllis Cooper (writer, director). 28:25. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

A Quiet Sunday (Aired June 10, 1946)

The Whistler was one of radio's most popular mystery dramas, with a 13-year run from May 16, 1942 until September 22, 1955. If it now seems to have been influenced explicitly by The Shadow, The Whistler was no less popular or credible with its listeners, the writing was first class for its genre, and it added a slightly macabre element of humor that sometimes went missing in The Shadow's longer-lived crime stories. Writer-producer J. Donald Wilson established the tone of the show during its first two years, and he was followed in 1944 by producer-director George Allen. A total of 692 episodes were produced, yet despite the series' fame, over 200 episodes are lost today. In 1946, a local Chicago version of The Whistler with local actors aired Sundays on WBBM, sponsored by Meister Brau beer.

THIS EPISODE:

June 10, 1946. CBS Pacific network. A Quiet Sunday". Sponsored by: Signal Oil. Henry is caught between his wife and his mistress, which leads to a dead body in the trunk. The story has a good "whistleresque" ending. Surprise! The script was subsequently produced on The Whistler on July 2, 1950 (see cat. #76166). George W. Allen (producer), Wilbur Hatch (music), Marvin Miller (announcer), Joseph Kearns, Mary Lansing, Bernard Gerard (writer), Zane Mann (writer). 27:37. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Woman On Ice (Aired September 9, 1951)
The Whisperer, relentless crime-fighter against organized crime, or 'The Syndicate.' Galt used his legal contacts and knowledge of the Law to burrow deep into 'The Syndicate' in order to influence their actions and wreck havoc with their various new--and tried and true--criminal schemes. A subsequent surgical operation by famed surgeon Dr. Benjamin Lee, restored attorney Galt's voice, but Galt continues to employ his gruesome whisper to both retain his cover, and to further gain access to--and influence over--The Syndicate. He's aided by Ellen Norris, formerly a nurse who'd assisted Dr. Lee in restoring Galt's vocal chords. She becomes Galt's assistant and love interest for the remainder of the production. Phillip Galt is portrayed by Carleton G. Young, one of Radio's most recognizable voices. The part of Ellen Norris is portrayed by Betty Moran.

THIS EPISODE:

September 9, 1951. "The Woman On Ice" - NBC network. Sustaining. The Whisperer gives the syndicate's instructions. It's only one word, "Now." Carleton Young, Betty Moran, Stetson Humphrey (creator), John Duffy (original music), Bill Cairn (producer, director), Don Rickles (announcer), Sidney Miller, Stacy Harris, Charles Moody, Michael Ann Barrett, Jonathan Twice (writer). 29:00. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Weird Circle - The Ghost's Touch (Aired September 17, 1944)

"The Weird Circle" was produced in New York City by the National Broadcasting Company, under the auspices of its Radio-Recording Division. Though best known for live programs over its Red and Blue Networks, NBC produced and recorded a great many shows for syndication to local stations, including such diverse dramatic programs as "Playhouse of Favorites", "Five Minute Mysteries", "Destiny Trails", and "Betty and Bob" (a five-a-week daily "soap opera" featuring Arlene Francis), as well as quarter-hour musical programs starring performers ranging from Carson Robison and his Buckaroos to Ferde Grofe and his Orchestra. The quality of these syndicated shows was, for the most part, consistent with NBC's regular prime-time fare and, a result, were often aired by local stations as either special features or programmed between other shows on the network at the time.THIS EPISODE:September 17, 1944. Program #42. NBC syndication. "The Ghost's Touch". Commercials added locally. A mad scientist has invented a process to kill all pain and is determined to try it out. The date is approximate. Wilkie Collins (author). 25:45. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Trouble With Tanya (Aired January 7, 1964)
Walk Softly Peter Troy, Detective Drama, Aired on Springbok Radio from 10 December 1963 to 21 February 1964. This series was produced in the Durban Studios of Herrick Merril Productions. It starred Tom Meehan, John Simpson, and Merle Wayne. It was sponsored by Irving & Johnson, who also sponsored the "Gunsmoke" series which "Walk Softly, Peter Troy" replaced. A sequel to this series was heard on the English Radio Service from 19 May 1964 to 28 November 1964. This was the first series on the English Service that came from an independent production house, not produced by the SABC. There was an Australian version of this radio series produced prior to the South African productions.

THIS EPISODE:

January 7, 1964. Program #5. Springbok Radio (South African) origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Trouble With Tanya". Tanya inherits all from a hated relation with a heart condition...and that's her trouble. Tom Meehan, Herrick Merril (producer), John Simpson, Merle Wayne. 28:33. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Frontier Gentleman" - The Claim Jumpers (Aired March 9, 1958)

Television was already in reruns of the twenty to thirty western adventures that proliferated on TV during the 1950s. And it was stiff competition, to be sure. Gunsmoke had achieved off the chart ratings for years, and Have Gun, Will Travel was very much a thinking person's western. This takes nothing away from either John Dehner or Ben Wright's performances in the least. They were consistently top notch. But we'd venture to say that Frontier Gentleman is heard today by far more listeners than ever heard it when it was first broadcast. Be that as it may, it's the listeners of today that matter now. Frontier Gentleman consistently offers a wonderful variation on the western theme. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

March 9, 1958. CBS network. "The Claim-Jumpers". Sustaining. A widow has only a week to get a claim-jumper off her property, or she'll lose it all. The claim-jumper has problems of his own! The public service announcements have been partially deleted. The script was used again on the show on October 5, 1958. John Dehner, Virginia Gregg, Eddie Firestone, Tom Hanley (writer), Antony Ellis (producer, director), Richard Perkins, Charles Seel, Bud Sewell (announcer). 22:47. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Television and radio pioneer Jack Par has been called the most imitated personality in broadcasting. He virtually created the late-night talk show format as the host of The Tonight Show , one of television's longest continuously running programs. The Washington Post said, "Jack Paar was genuine, and the footprints he left on the loony moonscape of television are enormous; they will be there forever." As the stars of stage and screen were rising around him, Paar was becoming an icon himself, on television sets in the homes of millions of Americans across the country. During the Golden Age of television, Paar was its golden boy, charming guests and viewers alike. From 1957 to 1962, Paar was the king of late-night television as host of The Tonight Show, which NBC eventually renamed The Jack Paar Show. He turned it from a typical variety format into something very different. With a rare combination of intelligence, irreverence and intuition, he invented a new genre of programming that would become ubiquitous to television.Paar helped launch the careers of such performers as Carol Burnett, Woody Allen and Liza Minnelli, but his guests weren't limited to the glitterati. He discussed religion with Billy Graham, visited Albert Schweitzer in Africa, and talked politics with Richard Nixon, all before the transfixed eyes of the American television audience.

THIS EPISODE:

August 17, 1947. NBC network. Sponsored by: Lucky Strike. "Little Known People Who Mean Absolutely Nothing:" A lady tree surgeon. Who will be Jack's "winter replacement?" Perhaps guest Jack Benny will win the talent contest. "Jack Plays The Violin". The announcer gets the Lucky Strike slogan incorrect at the end of the show! Jack Paar, F. E. Boone (tobacco auctioneer), L. A. Speed Riggs (tobacco auctioneer), Hy Averback, The Page Cavanaugh Trio, Trudy Erwin, Jerry Fielding and His Orchestra, Elvia Allman, Florence Halop, Hans Conried, Jack Benny, Frank Nelson, Lionel Stander. 29:12. Episode Notes From Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod.

View Details

Building Materials (Aired November 20, 1946)

During the 1930s, as vaudeville went into decline owing to increased competition from radio and the movies, Willock and Carson sought work in Hollywood, initially landing bit roles at RKO. The radio also proved to be a source of employment for the team following a 1938 appearance on the Kraft Music Hall during Bing Crosby's period as program host. This led to a number of other appearances which would culminate in Carson's own radio show in 1943. From 1950-51, Carson was one of four alternating hosts of NBC's "4 Star Revue." Other hosts that season were Jimmy Durante, Ed Wynn. and Danny Thomas. The show aired Wednesday evenings. Carson's second season was his last with the comedy-variety program when its title was changed to "All Star Revue.

THIS EPISODE:

November 20, 1946. CBS network. Sponsored by: Campbell's Soup. Jack is planning to raise chickens and farm for eggs, but there's a shortage of "Building Materials" at an affordable price for the coop. Jack Carson, Arthur Treacher, Freddy Martin and His Orchestra, Dave Willock, Del Sharbutt (announcer), Norma Jean Nilsson, Irene Ryan. 29:46. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Jack Benny Show "Day Of Infamy" Aired December 7, 1941

The "Day of Infamy" speech, sometimes referred to as just "The Infamy speech", was delivered by Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States, to a joint session of Congress on December 8, 1941. The previous day, the Empire of Japan attacked the United States military bases at the Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and the Philippines, and declared war on the United States and the British Empire. The speech is known for its first line: "Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy..."

On Sunday, December 7, 1941, the American naval base at Pearl Harbor in the Territory of Hawaii was attacked by 353 Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service aircraft in a surprise military strike, destroying various American ships and aircraft, and killing over 2,400 civilians and military personnel. After consulting with his cabinet, Roosevelt decided to deliver an address before the joint session of the Congress the next day.

Roosevelt's speech was worded to reinforce his portrayal of the United States as a victim of unprovoked Japanese aggression and appealed to patriotism rather than to idealism. Roosevelt employed the idea of kairos, which relates to speaking promptly. It made the speech powerful and rhetorically important. According to author Sandra Silberstein, Roosevelt's speech followed a well-established tradition of how "through rhetorical conventions, presidents assume extraordinary powers as the commander in chief, dissent is minimized, enemies are vilified, and lives are lost in the defense of a nation once again united under God."

The speech had an immediate positive response and long-lasting impact. It is one of the most famous speeches of American politics. It was broadcast live by radio and attracted the largest audience in American radio history, with over 81% of people tuning in to hear the speech. Soon after the speech, Congress almost unanimously declared war against Japan, formally entering World War II.

View Details

Pandora's Boxer (Aired March 24, 1964)

Walk Softly, Peter Troy Detective Drama Aired on Springbok Radio from 10 December 1963 to 21 February 1964. This series was produced in the Durban Studios of Herrick Merril Productions. It starred Tom Meehan, John Simpson, and Merle Wayne. It was sponsored by Irving & Johnson, who also sponsored the "Gunsmoke" series which "Walk Softly, Peter Troy" replaced. A sequel to this series was heard on the English Radio Service from 19 May 1964 to 28 November 1964. The sponsors, Irving & Johnson, reportedly disliked the series, which is why it was discontinued on Springbok Radio and moved to the English Service. This was the first series on the English Service that came from an independent production house, not produced by the SABC. There was an Australian version of this radio series produced prior to the South African productions.
THIS EPISODE:

March 24, 1964. Program #16. Springbok Radio (South Africa), AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Second Peter Troy" Tom Meehan, Herrick Merril (producer), John Simpson, Merle Wayne. 24:56. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

First heard on Mutual featuring Elliott Lewis, who as Leonard Maltin writes in "The Great American Broadcast, "…wore every hat imaginable-actor, producer, and director-also penned a good number of scripts for series he supervised, including Suspense." And Maltin says of this show, "On the terrific late-1940's high-adventure series The Voyage of the Scarlet Queen he held down both jobs simultaneously as director and star." As Maltin continues, “Lewis had the ability to make you believe whatever he said. Cast as the skipper on the high-adventure series The Voyage of the Scarlet Queen, he was completely convincing as seagoing ship's master Philip Carney-never corny or overblown." So let a master captain of drama chart a course to exotic ports of call and thrilling adventures. All you have to do is step aboard The Scarlet Queen.

View Details

The Third Bank Of The River (Aired April 5, 1985)

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) began airing a fascinating range of classic, mystery, comedy, documentary, and supernatural drama throughout the 1970s to 1990s to a steadily expanding audience--both in Canada and throughout the northern portions of the U.S. The CBC's extensive Radio offerings were a fairly even mix of organic dramas and comedies showcasing Canada's own great actors, writers and production talent, as well as several popular transcribed, syndicated features from throughout the British Empire and the United States. Indeed many of America's most beloved, popular, versatile and award-winning character actors, musicians, and comedians were Canadian citizens who'd honed their craft in all manner of original Canadian Radio drama.

View Details

In The Groove (Aired November 4, 1985)

Vanishing Point is the title of a science fiction anthology series that ran on Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Radio from 1984 until 1986, although the show would continue under different names and formats. A descriptive intro declared that Vanishing Point. The series was produced by Bill Lane in the CBC's Toronto studios. 1984-1986 There were 69 episodes in the original series. The series continued after that under various names and formats. "The point between reality and fantasy. Where imagination holds the key to new worlds. That point of no return---The Vanishing Point." Favorably compared to Rod Sterling's classic TV series, The Twilight Zone, these finely tuned radio dramas from the CBC provide compelling excursions into the realm of mystery and fantasy.

View Details

The Unexpected - 2 Episodes (8-22-48) and (8-29-48)

The fifteen minute format lends itself to quickly drawn weird stories, with a twist ending, so that the listener gets a sudden shock, like all good scary tales should deliver. The trick is to make the "unexpected" something the listen doesn't expect. Excellent actors like Barry Sullivan, Lurene Tuttle and Virginia Gregg, who played Helen Asher in The Adventures of Richard Diamond, make the quickie a little less abrupt. Director Frank Danzig kept the show, for the most part, on the highroad to thrilling, like Suspense, Lights Out, or Quiet Please that came before The Unexpected.

TODAY'S SHOW:

August 22, 1948 - Hamilton Whitney syndication. "Sweet Sixteen". Music fill for local commercial insert. A spiteful teenager decides she wants to become rich and famous and finds herself surrounded by wealth, almost. The date is approximate. Lurene Tuttle. 15 minutes. Episode Notes From Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod.
August 29, 1948 - Hamilton Whitney syndication. "Shipwreck". Music fill for local commercial insert. A ship's Captain needs money fast, and decides to scuttle his ship to get it. The date is approximate. Jack Holt. 15 minutes. Episode Notes From Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod.

View Details

Number 12 Looks Just Like You (Aired January 24, 1964) AUDIO ONLY

Throughout the 1950s, Rod Serling had established himself as one of the hottest names in television, equally famous for his success in writing televised drama as he was for criticizing the medium's limitations. His most vocal complaints concerned the censorship frequently practiced by sponsors and networks. "I was not permitted to have my Senators discuss any current or pressing problem," he said of his 1957 production 'The Arena', intended to be an involving look into contemporary politics. "To talk of tariff was to align oneself with the Republicans; to talk of labor was to suggest control by the Democrats. To say a single thing germane to the current political scene was absolutely prohibited." Twilight Zone’s writers frequently used science fiction as a vehicle for social comment; networks and sponsors who had infamously censored all potentially "inflammatory" material from the then predominant live dramas were ignorant of the methods developed by writers such as Ray Bradbury for dealing with important issues through seemingly innocuous fantasy. Frequent themes include nuclear war, mass hysteria, and McCarthyism, subjects that were strictly forbidden on more "serious" prime-time drama.

THIS EPISODE:

January 24, 1964. "Number 12 Looks Just Like You." In the future year 2000, science has made advances that allow each person to choose how the look. Pick a number and "Presto". Rod Serling. Richard Long, Pamela Austin, Suzy Parker. Director: Abner Biberman. Writing: Charles Beaumont and John Tomerlin. 25:15. Episode Notes From Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod.

View Details

A Package In Tangiers (Aired June 25, 1950)

The role played by Ilona Massey, a Hungarian-born actress, was created in her likeness, which included her sultry voice and her heavy accent. As a government agent, Massey witnesses train murders, orders poisoned glasses of brandy, and examines the tattoos on a rebellious pigeon. She travels to Tangiers, London, and discovers Nazi spy rings in Berlin. Pack your suitcase, slip into your designer incognito clothiers, and cut your tongue out because Ilona Massey is ready to take you on the top secret mission of a lifetime!6-12-50 to 10-26-50 NBC, various 30 minute timeslots. STAR: Ilona Massey as a Mata Hari-style operative in World War II. ORCHESTRAL: Roy Shield. WRITER-DIRECTOR: Harry W. Junkin. Top secret was highly effective, said Radio Life: the role played by the Hungarian actress was “tailor-made for her sultry voice and heavy accent”

THIS EPISODE:

June 25, 1950. Program #3. NBC network. "A Package In Tangiers". Sustaining. "The Baroness" risks her position as the personal maid to Frau Goring to travel to "The Bazaar Of The Singing Fountain" to find the twelve-year-old boy with the gray hair! The story has a complex, convoluted plot. Ilona Massey is always described as "gorgeous." The series was a summer replacement for, "The American Album Of Familiar Music." Allan Sloane (writer), Bernard Grant, Bryna Raeburn, Carl Emory, Earl Hammond, Fred Collins (announcer), Harry W. Junkin (writer), Ilona Massey, Luis Van Rooten, Roy Shield (composer, conductor), Tommy Frederick. 29:37. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

TODAY'S SHOW:

*Tom Corbett, Space Cadet. June 10, 1952. ABC net, WJZ, New York aircheck. "Satellite Of Death". Sponsored by: Kellogg's Pep, Kellogg's Raisin Bran. A gang is trying to take over Rhea, a moon of Saturn, to get a monopoly of Viricide F-3. Drex Hines (director), Frank Thomas Jr., Jackson Beck (announcer), Jan Merlin, Neal O'Malley, Don Hughes (writer), Jon Gart (organist). 24:35. Audio condition: Excellent. Complete.

Tom Corbett, Space Cadet. June 12, 1952. ABC net, WJZ, New York aircheck. "Satellite Of Death". Sponsored by: Kellogg's Pep, Kellogg's Raisin Bran. The gang attacks Rhea and destroys the atmosphere dome. The system cue has been deleted. Frank Thomas Jr., Jackson Beck (announcer), Jan Merlin, Neal O'Malley, Richard Keith, Ian Martin, Don Hughes (writer), Al Markim, Drex Hines (director), Jon Gart (organist). 24:28.*

View Details

Secret Of Terror Castle (1950) *The Exact Date Is Unknown
The Three Investigators was an American juvenile detective book series first published as "Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Investigators." It was created by Robert Arthur, Jr., who believed using a famous figure like movie director Hitchcock would attract attention. Random House, which is owned by Bertelsmann AG, is the U.S. publisher and still holds some of the rights to the books. Other rights are held by the heirs to Robert Arthur, Jr. and the German publisher, Kosmos. The Three Investigators are Jupiter Jones, Pete Crenshaw and Bob Andrews. Most of the mysteries involved investigation of baffling phenomena (e.g. an ancient Egyptian mummy that whispered and a human skull that talked). The original series ran from 1964 to 1987 and comprised 43 books. Books number 1 to 9 and 11 were written by the creator, Robert Arthur, who also sketched out ideas for a few of the other stories. Arthur had been an editor for several Hitchcock book collections. The other authors were William Arden (Dennis Lynds), Nick West (Kin Platt), M(ary). V(irginia). Carey and Marc Brandel (born Marcus Beresford). All of the authors wrote their own introductions and epilogues, which purportedly were dictated by Hitchcock and later in the series by Hector Sebastian.

View Details

The Vanishing Witness (Aired August 18, 1950)

THIS EPISODE
August 18, 1950. Program #280. ABC network. "The Vanishing Witness". Sponsored by: The Equitable Life Assurance Society. How to get a witness before the grand jury in time, even though he's been kidnapped! Doris Noland, Ed Gargan, Frederick Steiner (composer, conductor), Gil Stratton, Herb Ellis, John Sheehan, Larry Keating (announcer), Stacy Harris, William Conrad, William Woodson (narrator). 29:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Winslow Boy (Aired November 21, 1948)

The Theatrical Society in U.S.A. is termed as Theatre Guild. Founded in New York City in 1918 by Lawrence Langner (1890-1962) and others, the group proposed to produce high-quality, noncommercial plays. Its board of directors shared responsibility for choice of plays, management, and production. After the premiere of George Bernard Shaw’s Heartbreak House in 1920, the Guild became his U.S. agent and staged 15 of his plays. It also produced successful plays by Eugene O’Neill, Maxwell Anderson, and Robert Sherwood and featured actors such as the Lunts and Helen Hayes.

THIS EPISODE:

November 21, 1948. ABC network. Sponsored by: United States Steel. "The Winslow Boy." A young British boy is accused of stealing, despite his protestations of innocence. The series is also known as, "The United States Steel Hour." Frank Allenby, Alan Webb, Valerie White, Michael Newell, George Benson, Owen Holder, Michael Kingsley, Mary Lynn, Betty Sinclair, Berry Kroeger, Rex O'Malley, Norman Brokenshire (announcer), Roger Pryor (host), George Hicks (commercial spokesman), Terence Rattigan (author), Leslie Reid (adaptor), Lawrence Langner (supervisor), Theresa Helburn (supervisor), Homer Fickett (director), Carol Irwin (production executive), Armina Marshall (executive director of the Radio Division), Harold Levey (composer, conductor). 57:10. ***

View Details

Jump Jump (Aired August 12, 1964)

Theater Five was ABC's attempt to revive radio drama during the early 1960s. The series name was derived from its time slot, 5:00 PM. Running Monday through Friday, it was an anthology of short stories, each about 20 minutes long. News programs and commercials filled out the full 30 minutes. There was a good bit of science fiction and some of the plots seem to have been taken from the daily newspaper. Fred Foy, of The Lone Ranger fame, was an ABC staff announcer in the early 60s, who, among other duties, did Theater Five.

THIS EPISODE:

August 12, 1964. ABC network. "Jump, Jump". Commercials deleted. A young writer plans to jump off the roof of a hotel. His father and girlfriend aren't of much help. Well-done! Rafael David Blau (writer), Ted Bell (director), Jack Manning, Ralph Bell, Jean Gillespie, Ian Martin, Sam Raskin, Marty Folia (audio engineer), Bill Sanreuter (audio engineer), Ed Blainey (sound technician), M. C. Brock (sound technician), Fred Foy (announcer), Edward A. Byron (executive producer), Alexander Vlas-Daczenco (composer), Glenn Osser (conductor). 21:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Monkey's Paw (1968)*The Exact Date Is Unknown.
The old-time radio era, sometimes referred to as the Golden Age of Radio, refers to a period of radio programming in the United States lasting from the proliferation of radio broadcasting in the early 1920s until the 1950s, when television superseded radio as the medium of choice for scripted programming and radio shifted to playing popular music. During this period, when radio was dominant and filled with a variety of formats and genres, people regularly tuned into their favorite radio programs. In fact, according to a 1947 C. E. Hooper survey, 82 out of 100 Americans were found to be radio listeners. Theatrer 10:30 was a Canadian Old Time Radio show. The date of the broadcast for the episodes is generally unknown. The shows are in the genres of horror, fantasy and mystery. It was a production of CBC Radio. This series aired from September 1968 through 1971, though air dates for particular episodes are unavailable.

View Details

The Old Die Rich (Aired March 26, 1953)

The host of the show was Raymond Edward Johnson, of Inner Sanctum fame. Mr. Johnson handled Tales Of Tomorrow openings in a similar fashion to Inner Sanctum openings, but with a "science fiction" flavor, instead of a "macabre" sense. The shows of this series were quite good, borrowing ideas from stories in "Galaxy" magazine. Some of the story titles may seem familiar, like "The Stars Are The Styx", "The Girls From Earth" or "The Old Die Rich". These titles would appear later in CBS's X MINUS ONE. "Watch Bird" would later be done in South Africa, in a series entitled SF68. But radio was on the decline. Tales Of Tomorrow lasted only until April of that year.

THIS EPISODE:

March 26, 1953. Program #13. ABC network. "The Old Die Rich". Sustaining. The program is produced in co-operation with Galaxy magazine. The system cue has been deleted. H. L. Gold (author), Raymond Edward Johnson (host), John Raby, Ed Blaney (special effects), Maurice Tarplin, Bob Prescott (special effects), Michael Sklar (adaptor), Joe Durante (engineer), Bobby Christian (composer, conductor), Rolly Bester. 31:56. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Tales Of The Texas Rangers" - Joy Ride (05-27-51)
Tales of the Texas Rangers, a western adventure old-time radio drama, premiered on July 8, 1950, on the US NBC radio network and remained on the air through September 14, 1952. Movie star Joel McCrea starred as Texas Ranger Jayce Pearson, who used the latest scientific techniques to identify the criminals and his faithful horse, Charcoal (or "Charky," as Jayce would sometimes refer to him), to track them down. The shows were reenactments of actual Texas Ranger cases. The series was produced and directed by Stacy Keach, Sr., and was sponsored for part of its run by Wheaties. Captain Manuel T. "Lone Wolf" Gonzaullas, a Ranger for 30 years and who was said to have killed 31 men during his career, served as consultant for the series.

THIS EPISODE:

May 27, 1951. NBC network. "Joy Ride". Sustaining. The last show of the season. A "pimply faced youth" and his trigger-happy girlfriend hold up a liquor store and kill the owner. Tony Barrett, Sam Edwards, William Johnstone, Peggy Webber, Barney Phillips, John Frank, Hal Gibney (announcer), Joel McCrea. 29:35. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Three Blind Mice (Aired January 30, 1947)

Suspense was actually spawned from another series called Forecast. The 1940 horror show was entitled Suspense and it was based on the Marie Belloc Lowndes' short Jack-the-Ripper novella, The Lodger. It was directed by Alfred Hitchcock, who had made a 1926 silent film based on the same story (Grams, 1997, 3). Its subtle ending generated a large volume of mail which convinced CBS executives that they had a strong market. Two years later, Suspense was aired. It became one of radio's longest lasting shows, surviving twenty years of consistent success. It had numerous announcers during those two decades, ranging from the early Berry Kroeger to the veteran announcers, Paul Frees and George Walsh. But it was Joseph Kearns who evolved into "The Man in Black" host in 1943. This mysterious all-knowing narrator was similar to The Whistler.. The character lasted for over 100 episodes until March of 1945. Kerns continued as host through 1947, and returned again in 1950, but "The Man in Black" role devolved back into a nameless announcer (Grams, 1997, 17).

THIS EPISODE:

January 30, 1947. CBS network. "Three Blind Mice". Sponsored by: Roma Wines. A man frames his partner for murder when the third partner is found with a neat bullet hole in his body. Kenneth Pettis (writer), Robert L. Richards (writer), Van Heflin, Cathy Lewis, Joseph Kearns (announcer), Ken Niles (commercial spokesman), William Spier (producer, director), Lucien Moraweck (composer), Lud Gluskin (conductor). 29:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Thunder Rock (Aired September 2, 1947)

Studio One received Emmy nominations every year from 1950 to 1958. The series staged some notable and memorable teleplays among its 466 episodes. Some created such an impact they were adapted into theatrical films. Reginald Rose's drama Twelve Angry Men, about the conflicts of jurors deciding a murder case, originated on Studio One on 20 September 1954, and the 1957 motion picture remake with Henry Fonda was nominated for three Academy Awards. Sal Mineo had the title role in the 2 January 1956 episode of Reginald Rose's Dino , and he reprised the role for the movie Dino (1957). In 1954, "Crime at Blossoms", scripted by Jerome Ross, was given an Edgar Award for Best Episode in a TV Series.

THIS EPISODE:

September 2, 1947. CBS network. "Thunder Rock". Sustaining. A fascinating story of a lighthouse keeper who imagines six people who died 90 years ago in a wreck are alive again. Clarence Derwent, Fletcher Markle (producer, director, performer), Hester Sondergaard, Robert Audrey (author), Robert Dryden, Stefan Schnabel. 58;10. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Show Of August 21, 1951

The show made it's debut on CBS radio in 1947. Strike it rich was on CBS's primetime schedule July 4, 1951 through January 12, 1955. There were two attempts to revive the show, with Bert Parks as host in 1973 and Tom Kelly as host in 1978. Neither revival was successful. A syndicated game show of the same name with host Joe Garagiola was aired 1986-1987, but it had a different format. Known as "The quiz show with a heart" and the contestants who appeared on the show were people in need of money or down on their luck. A player was given $30 and bet part of his or her bank on the ability to answer four general knowledge questions. If unable to answer the questions correctly, the contestant could turn to the "heart line" where viewers would call in and donate money or merchandise. When needy families desparate to become contestants began arriving in New York on one-way tickets, the city's Welfare Department labeled the game show "a national disgrace."

View Details

Two Episodes "Murder One Million B.C." (05-08-45) and "Revenge From The Grave" (05-23-45)The Strange Dr. Weird is a radio program broadcast on Mutual from 1944 to 1945. Sponsored by Adam Hats, the drama is notable in part because it was a sister series to The Mysterious Traveler, both in theme and its narrator. Maurice Tarplin, who was also the creepy voice of The Mysterious Traveler. Many of the scripts were condensed 15-minute versions of scripts originally broadcast on The Mysterious Traveler. To the accompaniment of an organ's spooky strains, Tarplin introduced each episode: "Good evening. Come in, won't you? Why, what's the matter? You seem a bit nervous. Perhaps the cemetery outside this house has upset you. But there are things far worse than cemeteries. For instance..." The closing line never changed: Perhaps you’ll drop in on me again soon. I’m always home. Just look for the house on the other side of the cemetery... the house of Dr Weird!

TODAY'S SHOW:

May 8, 1945. Program #27. Mutual network. "Murder One Million B.C.". Sponsored by: Adam Hats. A program heard on V-E Day. A scientist builds a time machine. He transports himself, his wife and his financial advisor back to the past. Jock MacGregor (director), Bob Arthur (writer), David Kogan (writer), Maurice Tarplin (host). 14:03.

May 23, 1945. Program #29. Mutual network aircheck, syndicated on an RCA transcription. "Revenge From The Grave". Sponsored by: Adam Hats. "Renaldo the Great" returns from the grave each month when the moon is full, to kill those who had him executed. The date is correct. Maurice Tarplin (host), Robert A. Arthur (writer), David Kogan (writer), Jock MacGregor (director). 12:15. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Investigation Of Dr. Robert Lane (Aired April 2, 1951)

The character was invented by the author Frederick Schiller Faust (aka Max Brand). The character began in the film series as a medical intern; after becoming a doctor he was mentored by an older physician, Dr. Leonard Gillespie. After the first ten films, the series eliminated the character of Kildare and focused instead on Gillespie. In the summer of 1949, MGM reunited Lew Ayres and Lionel Barrymore to record the radio series, The Story of Dr. Kildare, scripted by Les Crutchfield, Jean Holloway and others. After broadcasts on WMGM New York from February 1, 1950 to August 3, 1951, the series was syndicated to other stations during the 1950s. The supporting cast included Ted Osborne as hospital administrator Dr. Carough, Jane Webb as nurse Mary Lamont and Virginia Gregg as Nurse Parker, labeled "Nosy Parker" by Gillespie, with appearances by William Conrad, Stacy Harris, Jay Novello, Isabel Jewell and Jack Webb.

THIS EPISODE:

April 2, 1951. "The Investigation Of Dr. Robert Lane" - Program #75. MGM syndication. Commercials added locally. Dr. Robert Lane, an intern at the hospital, is not on duty when he's needed. Lionel Barrymore, Lew Ayres, William P. Rousseau (director), Walter Schumann (composer, conductor), Dick Joy (announcer), Virginia Gregg, Ted Osborne, Les Crutchfield (writer), Max Brand (creator), Raymond Katz (producer). 26:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Mathew Slade Private Investigator

Mathew Slade: Private Investigator was a featured, half-hour mystery presentation by The Pacifica Players of Pacifica Radio of Berkeley, California and the Pacifica Foundation of North Hollywood, California. It premiered as a Starlight Mystery Theater production on July 5, 1964 over Pacifica Radio affiliate stations. Initially announced for alternating Sundays, the program soon began airing in erratic installments from August through November of 1964. Starring William Wintersole as Mathew Slade, the program was billed as a radio mystery revival series from the outset, presented in recognition of the hundreds of popular detective mysteries that had aired throughout The Golden Age of Radio. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

REF_Number 16497. Mathew Slade, Private Investigator. November 08, 1964. KPFK, Los Angeles origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "Passage To Tangiers". A good story about a treasure hunt into the Moroccan desert. The program is also known as: "The Starlight Mystery Theatre.". William Wintersole, Brian Adams (writer, director), Robert Frederick (writer). 25 minutes. Show Notes From The Radio Gold Index. REF_Number 16497

View Details

Spy Ring In June (1952) The Exact Date Is Unknown.*
This show, from the early 1950s, is a good example of the true story style of delivery made popular in radio's classic crime shows Gangbusters and Mr. District Attorney. Of course, the best and most popular of the true crime shows was Dragnet -- the monotone, "just the facts" style demanded by Jack Webb in the show made two points at once: first, that the show wasn't a typical melodramatic crime show, as had been on radio since "the good old days", and more importantly, that we were along for the ride on another day at the office -- in this case, a policeman's “day at the office". Not a true crime show, as this is drama, but this show features Chuck Morgan, as played by Glen Langen, a very believable news anchor at KOP, a Los Angeles radio station. He is pals with Lieutenant Bill Miggs of the police force, who tips him off to hot crime news. Also in on the capers is Morgan's "Gal Friday", Carol Curtis, played by Adele Jurgens.* Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.***

THIS EPISODE:

"Spy Ring In June". Cheshire and Associates syndication. Participating sponsors. Chuck Morgan and Carol Curtis (his secretary at ficticious KOP radio in Los Angeles) travel to New England to foil a plan to free a captured spy. There, they meet a beautiful lady pilot who kidnaps them en route to Burlington, Vermont. The date is approximate. Glenn Langan, Adele Jergens. 24:42. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Good Humor Man (Aired September 1, 1957)

Freberg was employed as a voice actor in animation shortly after graduating from Alhambra High School. He began at Warner Brothers in 1944 by getting on a bus and asking the driver to let him off "in Hollywood." As he describes in his autobiography, It Only Hurts When I Laugh, he did this, getting off the bus and finding a sign that said "talent agency." He walked in, and the agents there arranged for him to audition for Warner Brothers cartoons where he was promptly hired. His first cartoon voice work was in a Warner Brothers cartoon called For He's a Jolly Good Fala, which was recorded but never filmed (due to the death of Fala's owner, President Franklin D. Roosevelt), followed by Roughly Squeaking (1946) as Bertie; and in 1947, he was heard in It's a Grand Old Nag (Charlie Horse).
THIS EPISODE:

September 1, 1957. Program #8. CBS network. Sustaining. Acrobats on Radio, "Uninterrupted Melody": a movie about men in uniform "Good Humor Men", another panel discussion about the funnies, "St. George and The Dragonette." Stan Freberg, Billy May and His Orchestra, Daws Butler, June Foray, Peggy Taylor, Peter Leeds. 28:44. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Munsey's Mob (Aired May 24, 1979)
The Sears Radio Theater Series premiered on Monday 02/05/79 and offered a different genre each weekday night. Each genre was hosted by a different celebrity. The program was produced on Paramount's Stage F in Hollywood. These first 130 programs were broadcast over a six month period and then rebroadcast over the following six months. From 02/14/80 to 12/19/81 this series was heard again, this time over Mutual, as The Mutual Radio Theater. This was clearly one of the last big attempts to produce radio programming, with many of radio’s best talents, the way radio was heard in its “golden days.” Despite budget and talent, it just wasn’t to be.

THIS EPISODE:

May 24, 1979. Program #79. CBS network. "Munsey's Mob". Sponsored by: Sears Roebuck and Company. Barney Phillips, Byron Kane, Cecily Tyson (hostess), Daws Butler, Don Blakely, Fletcher Markle (producer, director, performer), Howard Culver, Jack Carroll, Joan McCall, Norman Alden, Ted Sherdeman (writer), Vic Perrin. 49:13. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Dragnet The Big Customer Aired June 22, 1954
Dragnet was an American radio series, enacting the cases of a dedicated Los Angeles police detective, Sergeant Joe Friday, and his partners. The show took its name from the police term "dragnet", meaning a system of coordinated measures for apprehending criminals or suspects. Dragnet is perhaps the most famous and influential police procedural drama in media history. The series gave audience members a feel for the boredom and drudgery, as well as the danger and heroism, of police work. Dragnet earned praise for improving the public opinion of police officers. Dragnet premiered on NBC on June 3, 1949, and ended on February 26, 1957. A set of 314 original episodes aired between June 1949 and September 1955 with ".22 Rifle For Christmas" and "The Big Little Jesus" usually re-run during Christmas time.
June 22, 1954. Program #253. NBC net origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "The Big Customer". A special officer has been shot and the owner of a liquor store knifed to death during a robbery. One of the robbers has filthy finger nails!. Jack Webb, Ben Alexander, George Fenneman (announcer). 25:35. Cat# Is 47341 Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index'

View Details

"The Big Customer" (06-22-54)

Dragnet was an American radio series, enacting the cases of a dedicated Los Angeles police detective, Sergeant Joe Friday, and his partners. The show took its name from the police term "dragnet", meaning a system of coordinated measures for apprehending criminals or suspects. Dragnet is perhaps the most famous and influential police procedural drama in media history. The series gave audience members a feel for the boredom and drudgery, as well as the danger and heroism, of police work. Dragnet earned praise for improving the public opinion of police officers. Dragnet premiered on NBC on June 3, 1949, and ended on February 26, 1957. A set of 314 original episodes aired between June 1949 and September 1955 with ".22 Rifle For Christmas" and "The Big Little Jesus" usually re-run during Christmas time.
June 22, 1954. Program #253. NBC net origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "The Big Customer". A special officer has been shot and the owner of a liquor store knifed to death during a robbery. One of the robbers has filthy finger nails!. Jack Webb, Ben Alexander, George Fenneman (announcer). 25:35.
Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index Cat# Is 47341

View Details

Special Guest Is Barry Nelson (Aired September 21, 1950)
Duffy's Tavern, an American radio situation comedy (CBS, 1941-1942; NBC-Blue Network, 1942-1944; NBC, 1944-1952), often featured top-name stage and film guest stars but always hooked those around the misadventures, get-rich-quick-scheming, and romantic missteps of the title establishment's malaprop-prone, metaphor-mixing manager, Archie, played by the writer/actor who co-created the show, Ed Gardner. In the show's familiar opening, "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," either solo on an old-sounding piano or by a larger orchestra, was interrupted by the ring of a telephone and Gardner's New Yorkese accent as he answered, "Duffy's ialTavern, where the elite meet to eat. Archie the manager speakin'. Duffy ain't here — oh, hello, Duffy." Duffy, the owner, was never heard (or seen.

THIS EPISODE:

September 21, 1950. NBC network origination, Nostalgia Broadcasting Corporation syndication. Commercials added locally. Archie buys an $18 radio transmitter from Slippery McGuire and plans to go on the air with "Special Guest Barry Nelson". Ed Gardner, Ed Pinchon, Charlie Cantor, Barry Nelson. 28:59. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Big Guns (Aired May 5, 1975)

Dad's Army ran in 1968 and 1977, and there were a total of eighty episodes spread over nine series, as well as three Christmas specials. Most episodes were also adapted for radio. The show was set in the fictional seaside town of Walmington-on-Sea, on the south coast of England, making the Home Guard the front line of defence against an invasion by the enemy forces across the English Channel, which formed a backdrop to the series. The first episode, The Man and the Hour, began with a scene set in the "present day" of 1968, in which Mainwaring addressed his old platoon as part of the contemporary "I'm Backing Britain" campaign. It was a flash-back to the founding of the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard platoon by Mainwaring after he had heard Anthony Eden's 1940 radio broadcast. The final episode, Never Too Old, focused on the wedding of Corporal Jones and Mrs. Fox, which was interrupted as the platoon were put on full invasion alert. The first two series were in black and white. There are three lost episodes from series two.

View Details

Big Guns (Aired May 5, 1975)

View Details

The Dark Wall (Aired July 1, 1954)

Escape was radio's leading anthology series of high adventure, airing on CBS from July 7, 1947 to September 25, 1954. Since the program did not have a regular sponsor like Suspense, it was subjected to frequent schedule shifts and lower production budgets, although Richfield Oil signed on as a sponsor for five months in 1950. Despite these problems, Escape enthralled many listeners during its seven-year run. The series' well-remembered opening combined Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain with this introduction, as intoned by Paul Frees and William Conrad: “Tired of the everyday grind? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all? We offer you... Escape!”
THIS EPISODE:

July 1, 1954. CBS network. "The Dark Wall". Sustaining. A good story about the unusual hospitality to be found in the small country of Andorra. John Dehner, Joyce McCluskey, Kathleen Hite (writer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), George Walsh (announcer), Leith Stevens (composer, conductor), Nestor Paiva, Ben Wright, Fritz Feld, Edgar Barrier. 29:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

File 307 (Aired August 20, 1949)

Dangerous Assignment returned to the NBC airwaves on February 6, 1950, Mondays, in the 10:30 p.m. timeslot formerly occupied by The Dave Garroway Show, a variety show at the time. The Garroway show moved to 11:30 p.m, on Monday nights. NBC characterized Dangerous Assignment's return to the line-up as a ''second-half revival'' of the Summer 1949 run--an admittedly obtuse rational for the continuation of the series. During the hiatus between August 1949 and February 1950, NBC tightened up the format, streamlined the introduction, and rightly emphasized Bruce Ashley's driving, highly effective Dangerous Assignment Theme. The basic core cast remains the same as the Summer 1949 run, with Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, Herb Butterfield as The Commissioner and retained Ruthie, the Commissioner's private secretary. Again produced in Hollywood, as was the Summer 1949 run, the casts are filled with the finest West Coast Radio talent available for the era. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

August 20, 1949. Program #7. NBC network. Sustaining. Steve Mitchell is sent to Zurich to recover "File 307." Who is the mysterious "Bruner?" Brian Donlevy, Robert Ryf (writer), Bruce Ashley (music), Bill Cairn (director). 29:31. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Joe Terrace (Aired July 10, 1949)

Damon Runyon Theatre - Broadcast from January to December 1949, "The Damon Runyon Theatre" dramatized 52 of Runyon's short stories for radio. Damon Runyon (October 4, 1884 – December 10, 1946) was a newspaperman and writer. He was best known for his short stories celebrating the world of Broadway in New York City that grew out of the Prohibition era. He spun tales of gamblers, petty thieves, actors and gangsters; few of whom go by "square" names, preferring instead to be known as "Nathan Detroit", "Big Jule", "Harry the Horse", "Good Time Charlie", "Dave the Dude", and so on. These stories were written in a very distinctive vernacular style: a mixture of formal speech and colorful slang, almost always in present tense, and always devoid of contractions.
THIS EPISODE:

July 10, 1949. Program #41. Mayfair syndication. "Joe Terrace". Commercials added locally. A typesetter who never makes a mistake, makes a bad one. John Brown, Damon Runyon (author), Russell Hughes (adaptor), Vern Carstensen (production supervisor), Richard Sanville (director). 29:09. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Blackout (Aired November 23, 1952)

NBC first envisioned The Chase as a new Television feature. This was not uncommon during the later 1940s and early 1950s. Several Radio features straddled both media, with varying success. Developed as a psychological drama, the premise was that many life situations place their subjects in a 'chase' of one type or another. A chase for fame. A chase from peril. A chase to beat the clock. A chase to escape death. The added twist was the question of who is the hunter or the hunted in these situations. The scripts were faced paced, starred quality east coast talent and were well written. The series' plots and themes focused primarily on predominantly fear inducing pursuits of one form or another. Thus most of the scripts were fraught with tension of one type or another. Whether mental tension, physical peril or a mix of both, the abiding theme throughout the series was the the contrasts between the 'hunter' and the 'hunted' in such Life situations. NBC's Television version of The Chase was in production during May 1953.

THIS EPISODE:

November 23, 1952. NBC network. "Blackout". Sustaining. The title may be incorrect. Am amnesiac trying to discover his past life finds out he was some louse. Don MacLaughlin, Fred Collins (announcer), Fred Weihe (director, transcriber), Joan Tompkins, Lawrence Klee (creator, writer), Linda Watkins, Ned Wever, William Keene. 29:13. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Entry Of Rollie Andrews (Aired August 3, 1948)
The program jumps right to the 'source' of Man's ultimate destiny--Fate itself--in the form of the Guardian of the Diary of Fate. It is within the Diary of Fate, that every soul's fate is painstakingly chronicled by book and page number--or so we're very persuasively given to understand. Fate itself--in this instance, at least--is the great character actor Herbert Lytton, providing the forboding vocal gravitas we might expect from such an all-powerful cosmic force. Produced from Hollywood, the entire production was voiced by primarily west coast actors. Famous Radio and Television promoter Larry Finley produced and syndicated the program to at least some 94 affiliate stations throughout the U.S., Canada and Jamaica.
THIS EPISODE:

August 3, 1948. Program #34. ABC network, KECA, Los Angeles origination, Finley syndication. "Rollie Andrews". Commercials added locally. Book 74, page 659. An archeologist choses riches and evil with "fabulous jewels." The date is subject to correction. Herb Lytton (as "Fate" and co-producer), Tom Brown, Cynthia Corley, William Johnstone, Lou Krugman, Gene Twombley (sound effects), Ray Ehrlenborn (sound effects), Hal Sawyer, Larry Finley (producer). 27:52. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Help Wanted (Aired August 13, 1945)

The Bulldog Drummond stories followed Captain Hugh "Bulldog" Drummond, D.S.O., M.C., a wealthy former WWI officer of the fictional Loamshire Regiment, who, after the war, spends his new-found leisure time as a private detective. Drummond is a proto-James Bond figure and a version of the imperial adventurers depicted by the likes of John Buchan. In terms of the detective genre, the first Bulldog Drummond novel was published after the Sherlock Holmes stories, the Nayland Smith/Fu Manchu novels and Richard Hannay's first three adventures including The Thirty-Nine Steps. The character first appeared in the novel Bulldog Drummond (1920), and this was followed by a lengthy series of books and adaptations for films, radio and television.
THIS EPISODE:

August 13, 1945. Mutual network. "Help Wanted". Music fill for local commercial insert. Captain Drummond is away doing war work, so his valet Denny hires his own valet and solves a murder by himself. 28:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Double Mothers (Aired October 10, 1948)

Alan Ladd's early portrayals of Dan Holiday did tend to be a bit pat, somewhat sparse in depth, and even wooden in the beginning. Ladd hired some excellent voice talent for his project, and these superb, veteran Radio professionals set a pretty high bar for Ladd, himself. Box 13 is highly expositional, as are most programs of the genre, and Ladd's grovelly, gritty voice lends itself well to the production. But by Episode #6 it seems apparent that Alan Ladd was beginning to hit his stride in the role. What seems to get in the way for many reviewers of this program is its somewhat implausible premise. Dan Holiday was purportedly a successful fiction writer for the Star-Times news magazine who becomes disenchanted with the utter, mind-numbing routine of it. Dan Holiday opts out. He posts an ad reading "Go anywhere, Do anything, Write Box 13". Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.
THIS EPISODE:

October 10, 1948. Program #8. Mutual net origination, Mayfair syndication. "Double Mothers". Commercials added locally. Dan Holiday finds himself in possession of a little girl...with two mothers! A man with a gun and his henchman have some other ideas. Ted Hediger (writer, director), Rudy Schrager (composer, conductor), Alan Ladd, Sylvia Picker, Vern Carstensen (production supervisor). 27:02. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Uncle Frank Murdered (Aired July 2, 1946)

The Boston Blackie radio series, also starring Morris, began June 23, 1944, on NBC as a summer replacement for The Amos 'n' Andy Show. Sponsored by Rinso, the series continued until September 15 of that year. Unlike the concurrent films, Blackie had a steady romantic interest in the radio show: Lesley Woods appeared as Blackie's girlfriend Mary Wesley. Harlow Wilcox was the show's announcer. On April 11, 1945, Richard Kollmar took over the title role in a radio series syndicated by Frederic W. Ziv to Mutual and other network outlets. Over 200 episodes of this series were produced between 1944 and October 25, 1950.

THIS EPISODE:

July 2, 1946. "Uncle Frank Murdered" - Program #64. ABC net origination, Ziv syndication. Commercials added locally. Joe Parker murders his Uncle Frank for Frank's money. He's planned the perfect crime. Richard Kollmar, Lesley Woods, Maurice Tarplin, Henry Sylvern (organist), Jeanne Harrison (director). 27:43. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Psychological Murder (Aired March 16, 1954)

Frank Sinatra seemed very comfortable in the role of Rocco Fortunato--'Rocky Fortune'--and the scripts that George Lefferts and Ernest Kinoy wrote for Sinatra made for some fascinating adventures. The role was clearly written specifically for him, and more importantly for the more 'adult' persona his agents and publicity reps were trying to portray of him at this point in his career. He'd already done the teen and 20-something idol gig, and he had been expressing more of an interest in dramatic work. Perhaps Sinatra's managers were simply hedging their bets. Sinatra's greatest initial dramatic role in From Here To Eternity was released October 19, 1953, just weeks after Rocky Fortune began its 26-week run on NBC. As we all know now, From Here to Eternity was a box-office smash, propelling Sinatra into a whole new career in Film. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.
THIS EPISODE:

March 16, 1954. "Psychological Murder" - NBC network. Sustaining. Rocky witnesses the execution of the will of a wealthy woman who thinks that she's going insane. In a plot shamelessly stolen from the film, "Gaslight," the wife believes that she's going to kill her husband. This is a network version. Frank Sinatra, Andrew C. Love (director), Maurice Hart, Frank Gerstle, Betty Lou Gerson, Marvin Miller, Norm Sickle (writer). 23:37. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Cadaver In The Roman Toga (Aired November 9, 1947)

Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who first appeared in publication in 1887. He is the creation of Scottish author and physician Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A brilliant London-based detective, Holmes is famous for his intellectual prowess, and is renowned for his skillful use of deductive reasoning (somewhat mistakenly so called — see inductive reasoning) and astute observation to solve difficult cases. He is arguably the most famous fictional detective ever created, and is one of the best known and most universally recognisable literary characters in any genre. Conan Doyle wrote four novels and fifty-six short stories that featured Holmes. All but four stories are narrated by Holmes' friend and biographer, Dr. John H. Watson; two are narrated by Holmes himself, and two others are written in the third person.

THIS EPISODE:

November 9, 1947. Mutual network. "The Cadaver In The Roman Toga". Sponsored by: Clipper Craft Clothes. A corpse in an ancient Roman bath, discovered in England, leads Holmes to a plot by Dr. Moriarty to manufacture counterfeit coins. John Stanley, Alfred Shirley, Edith Meiser (writer), Basil Loughrane (producer, director), Hal Reid (sound effects), Don Williamson (engineer), Albert Buhrman (music), Cy Harrice (nnouncer), Michael Fitzmaurice (local announcer), Arthur Conan Doyle (creator). 38:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Thanksgiving Show (Aired November 26, 1946)
The first cartoon Blanc worked on was Picador Porky as the voice of a drunken bull. He took over as Porky Pig's voice in Porky's Duck Hunt, which marked the debut of Daffy Duck, also voiced by Blanc. Blanc soon became noted for voicing a wide variety of cartoon characters from Looney Tunes, adding Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird, Pepé Le Pew and many others. His natural voice was that of Sylvester the Cat, but without the lispy spray. (Blanc's voice can be heard in an episode of The Beverly Hillbillies that also featured frequent Blanc vocal foil Bea Benaderet; in his small appearance, Blanc plays a vexed cab-driver.)

THIS EPISODE:

November 26, 1946. "The Thanksgiving Show" - CBS network. Sponsored by: Colgate Toothpowder, Halo Shampoo. Thanksgiving isn't Thanksgiving with a turkey. Mr. Colbt is disappointed with Mel's meager party fixings. Mel Blanc, Mary Jane Croft, Joseph Kearns, Hans Conried, The Sportsmen, Victor Miller and His Orchestra, Earle Ross, Bud Hiestand (announcer), Jerry Hausner, Mac Benoff (writer). 22:58. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index

View Details

The Amazing Doctor Clitterhouse (Starring Edward G. Robinson) Aired November 2, 1941

The Screen Guild Theater was a popular radio anthology series during the Golden Age of Radio broadcast from 1939 until 1952 with leading Hollywood actors performing in adaptations of popular motion pictures such as Going My Way and The Postman Always Rings Twice. The show had a long run, lasting for 14 seasons and 527 episodes. It initially was heard on CBS from January 8, 1939 until June 28, 1948, continuing on NBC from October 7, 1948 until June 29, 1950.
THIS EPISODE:

The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse is a 1938 Warner Bros. crime film starring Edward G. Robinson, Claire Trevor and Humphrey Bogart. It was directed by Anatole Litvak and written by John Wexley and John Huston based on the first play written by short-story writer Barré Lyndon, which ran for three months on Broadway with Cedric Hardwicke[1] after playing in London. Dr. Clitterhouse is a wealthy society doctor in New York City who decides to research the medical aspects of criminal behavior directly by becoming one. He begins a series of daring jewel robberies, measuring his own blood pressure, temperature and pulse before, during and afterwards, but yearns for a larger sample for his study. From one of his patients, Police Inspector Lewis Lane (Donald Crisp), he learns the name of the biggest fence in the city, Joe Keller. He goes to meet Keller to sell what he has stolen, only to find out that "Joe" is actually "Jo" (Claire Trevor). The doctor impresses Jo and a gang of thieves headed by 'Rocks' Valentine (Humphrey Bogart) with his exploits, so Jo invites him to join them, and he accepts. 28:00.

View Details

Little Drops Of Rain (Aired November 8, 1945)

The gimmick in s was the presence of an alter ego, "Eugor," who arrived in the middle of the show to give Rogue enough information for his final deduction. Eugor was a state of mind, achieved when Rogue was knocked unconcious. Eugor would appear cackling like the host of Hermit's Cave and imparted some vital information the hero had overlooked. Rogue would then awaken with a vague idea of what to do next. Rogue's Gallery also starred different actors as Rogue, in later incarnations of the series, but Richard Powell was the most popular. This series preceded Richard Powell's most famous series, Richard Diamond, Private Detective. Rogue trailed lovely blondes and protected witnesses in the new tough guy persona of Dick Powell. This was the transition series for Powell in his quest to be recognized as an actor rather than a singer.
THIS EPISODE:

November 8, 1945. Mutual network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "Little Drops Of Rain". Richard Rogue solves an attempted double murder, tire tracks in the rain supplying the clue. AFRS program name: "Mystery Playhouse." Dick Powell, Peter Leeds, Dee Englebach (producer, director), Leith Stevens (composer, conductor), Ray Buffum (writer). 29:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Solo Performance (Aired May 21, 1948)

Although Molle Mystery Theater was initially sponsored by Molle Shaving Cream, other sponsors (such as Bayer Aspirin, Ironized Yeast, Phillips Milk of Magnesia) also sponsored the program. Sometimes, when it was not sponsored by Molle, the program was called "Mystery Theater". The show was first heard on NBC, on 9/7/43. Time slot was originally Sunday nights at 9:00 PM, but was later moved to Tuesday at 9:00 PM, and Friday at 10:00 PM. In 1948, the show moved to CBS (Tues, 8:00 PM), and in 1951, it moved to ABC, where it was called "Mark Sabre", and heard on Wednesdays at either 8:00 PM or 9:30 PM. The shows were tight and tension filled, with a fine orchestra score and solid production values. Classic tales from well-known authors, as well as modern unknowns were presented, and the endings were often twists or shockers.

THIS EPISODE:

May 21, 1948. NBC network. "Solo Performance". Sponsored by: Molle, Double Danderine. A good story about an actor who kills a producer and then imitates his voice all day to give himself an alibi. Everett Sloane, Elizabeth Morgan, Bernard Lenrow (host, as "Geoffrey Barnes"), Dan Seymour (announcer). 29:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Stock Investments (Aired September 27, 1949)

September 27, 1949. "Stock Investments" - CBS network. Sustaining. The program has moved to 9:30 P. M. on a new day (Tuesdays). Luigi invests in the stock market. J. Carrol Naish, Alan Reed, Cy Howard (creator, producer), Mac Benoff (writer, director), Lou Derman (writer), Mary Shipp, Hans Conried, Ken Peters, Joe Forte, Jody Gilbert, Lud Gluskin (music director), Bob Lemond (announcer). 29:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Half Penny Stamp (Aired February 19, 1952)

The Man Called X was a old-time radio espionage drama series that aired on and off from 1944 through 1951 and sponsored by Frigidaire and later General Motors. Herbert Marshall stars as Ken Thurston, a globe hopping government agent. The show opens with the familiar line "Wherever there is mystery, intrigue, romance, in all the strange and dangerous places of the world, there you will find The Man Called X". Thurston works diligently every week to make the world a safer place by thwarting Cold War enemies and cooling off hotspots of unrest wherever they may be. The Gordon Jenkins Orchestra supplied the exotic background music.

THIS EPISODE:

February 19, 1952. NBC network. Sustaining. Ken Thurston travels to Egypt in search of a rare "Half Penny Stamp" on the back of which is inscribed valuable information. But first, there's a corpse to be found aboard a train! Beware of, "The Man With The Third Green Eye!" The script was previously used on "I Love Adventure" on June 13, 1948. Herbert Marshall, Leon Belasco, John Stevenson, Lou Krugman, Ed Begley, John Dehner, J. Richard Kennedy (producer), Sidney Marshall (writer), Jack Johnstone (director), Hal Gibney (announcer), Lucille Meredith, Milton Charles (organist). 24:42. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Adventure Of The Brooklyn Accent (Aired October 25, 1949)

Each episode opened with a one-minute organ theme and then the following from announcer Art Gilmore: "Many things were changed during the war; the face of the earth was altered and the people of the Earth changed. Before the war, Frank Race was an attorney, but he traded his law books for the cloak-and-dagger of the OSS. When it was over, his former life was over, too... adventure had become his business! " Frank Race mainly investigated international insurance scams around the globe in various exotic locations, making him something of a cross between James Bond and Johnny Dollar. After Tom Collins played the title role for the first 22 episodes, Paul Dubov took over the lead role. Tony Barnett portrayed Race's sidekick, Mark Donovan.
THIS EPISODE:

October 25, 1949. Program #26. Broadcasters Program Syndicate syndication. "The Adventure Of The Brooklyn Accent". Commercials added locally. Race is in the South, trying to find William Beading to give him $20,000. A gambling ship and burnt pies lead to murder. The date and program number are subject to correction. Paul Dubov, Tony Barrett, Buckley Angel (writer, director), Joel Murcott (writer, director), Bruce Eells (producer), Ivan Ditmars (organist), Art Gilmore (announcer), Frank Lovejoy, Wilms Herbert, Lillian Buyeff, William Johnstone, Michael Ann Barrett. 26:43. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Henry Wants A School Ring (Aired December 11, 1947)
The Aldrich Family as a separate radio show was born as a summer replacement for Jack Benny in NBC's Sunday night lineup, July 2, 1939, and it stayed there until October 1, 1939, when it moved to Tuesday nights at 8 p.m., sponsored by General Foods's popular gelatin dessert Jell-O---which also sponsored Jack Benny at the time. The Aldriches ran in that slot from October 10, 1939 until May 28, 1940, moving to Thursdays, from July 4, 1940 until July 20, 1944. After a brief hiatus, the show moved to CBS, running on Fridays from September 1, 1944 until August 30, 1946 with sponsors Grape Nuts and Jell-O,.before moving back to NBC from September 05, 1946 to June 28, 1951 on Thursdays and, then, its final run of September 21, 1952 to April 19, 1953 on Sundays.

THIS EPISODE:
December 11, 1947. "Henry Wants A School Ring" - NBC network origination, Nostalgia Broadcasting Corporation syndication. Commercials added locally. Henry wants a new class ring, which leads to a marriage for Mary, a new house for Mrs. Aldrich, and Henry running away from home! Ezra Stone, Jackie Kelk, Dan Seymour (announcer), Clifford Goldsmith (writer). 27:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Return Of The Vanished Wife (Aired January 19, 1947)
An Australian radio show, a dramatic thirty-minute suspense and mystery series. It was written by Lawrence Klee and narrated by "The Clock." First Broadcast in the United States was in November, 1946. It was syndicated by Grace Gibson syndication. At the time of production, the Australian accent, we now know and love, originating from the Irish and Cockney accents, was rather frowned upon by non Australians. The show was bought by the ABC network in the States. The settings were usually generic and the actors tried to speak without a perceptible accent and for that reason the program sounded sort of "American". They occasionally slipped up on a few words, using 'boot' instead of 'trunk' when referring to a car. At the end of the fifteen month series run it continued for another 13 weeks but now with an All-American cast with new scripts and the entire crew including the cast, directors, musicians, etc., Americans. The series aired beyond this 13 week time period because some time after May 1948 there are at least three circulating "The Clock" programs from late 1948. There is some confusion as to whether the American version originated from New York and then moved to Los Angeles, or just broadcast from Los Angeles for the complete American

View Details

The Case Of The Carved Ham (Aired April 8, 1951)
Like Boston Blackie, a long, lucrative and convuluted career in film, radio and television soon followed, as The Falcon's occupation and even his name were changed from medium to medium. Regardless of the date of his first literary appearance, The Falcon was first brought to the screen in a 1941 RKO film, as a replacement for its popular series of B's featuring Leslie Charteris' The Saint. Except for the name change, at first at least it was pretty hard to tell the difference. The Falcon was also a good-looking suave, sophisticated type, a sort of freelance gentleman adventurer. The first film, 1941's The Gay Falcon, proved successful enough to warrant a long string of sequels, three with George Sanders (who had previously played The Saint) in the lead, although he was now called Gay Lawrence (as far as I know, none of the films or television or radio episodes ever explains why he's known as The Falcon).

THIS EPISODE:
April 8, 1951. NBC network. "The Case Of The Carved Hand". Sponsored by: Kraft Velveeta, Kraft Caramels. The Falcon suspects that Joe Santos is behind the killing of Brian King and the mutilation of Stuart Van Dyke. Les Damon, Ed Herlihy (announcer), Jackson Beck, Mason Adams, Eugene Wang (writer), Ken Lynch, Glenda Isby (Vassar dramatic student), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Drexel Drake (creator), Arlo (music), Richard Lewis (director). 24:13. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Atmosphere Of Death (Part 1 of 2) Aired March 18, 1952
Tom Corbett is the main character in a series of Tom Corbett — Space Cadet stories that were depicted in television, radio, books, comic books, comic strips, coloring books, punch-out books and View-Master reels in the 1950s. The stories followed the adventures of Tom Corbett, Astro, and Roger Manning, cadets at the Space Academy as they train to become members of the elite Solar Guard. The action takes place at the Academy in classrooms and bunkroom, aboard their training ship the rocket cruiser Polaris, and on alien worlds, both within our solar system and in orbit around nearby stars.

THIS EPISODE:

March 18, 1952. ABC network, WJZ, New York aircheck. "The Atmosphere Of Death Part 1 of 2". Sponsored by: Kellogg's Pep, Kellogg's Raisin Bran. Murder and mayhem take place aboard a space liner. Al Markim, Drex Hines (director), Edward Bryce, Frank Thomas Jr., Jackson Beck (announcer), Jan Merlin, Jon Gart (organist). 24:08. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Operation (Aired January 27, 1955)

Suspense attracted Hollywood's best actors because they were allowed to play roles different from their usual stereotypes. Comedians could play killers, or heroes could play victims. Jack Benny played a Martian. Ronald Reagan played a man on the run framed for a crime he didn't commit. Lucille Ball played a cold-blooded murderer. Frank Sinatra played a psychopath. All the while, audiences were kept wondering and waiting to see what the surprise ending would be. They expected the unexpected, and they usually got it. Some of the same stories would later be adapted to TV and performed on Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Hitchcock was, after all, billed as "the Master of Suspense." And there was a certain amount of poetic justice in him borrowing from the radio series, since he was so instrumental in creating it.

THIS EPISODE:

January 27, 1955. CBS network. "The Operation". Sustaining. A robber holding up a doctor's office is forced to join a nurse when the two of them are forced to perform an operation at gunpoint. Mention is made during a promotional announcement that "Gunsmoke" will be heard tonight on CBS radio twice. Sam Edwards, John Trell, Herb Ellis, Bill Justine, John Stevenson, Hy Averback, Mary Jane Croft, Larry Thor (announcer), Antony Ellis (producer, director), Lucien Moraweck (composer), Wilbur Hatch (conductor). 24:11. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

What Ye Sow (Aired August 5, 1951)

The Whisperer was created by the writing team of Irene Humphrey and her husband, Dr. Stetson Humphrey, a voice coach to the stars and music director. Their protagonist, The Whisperer, is Philip 'Phil' Galt, a Central City attorney who lost most of his voice in an accident that crushed his vocal chords. The accident forced him to express himself in an eery, foreboding whisper. Phil Galt 'skirts the thin edges of danger, living his dual role' as attorney and his alias, The Whisperer, relentless crime-fighter against organized crime, or 'The Syndicate.' Galt used his legal contacts and knowledge of the Law to burrow deep into 'The Syndicate' in order to influence their actions and wreck havoc with their various new--and tried and true--criminal schemes.

THIS EPISODE:

August 5, 1951. "What Ye Sow" - NBC network. Sustaining. "The Syndicate" tries to kill the daughter of Anthony Powers, a member of the Liquor Control Board, when he refuses to resign. Betty Lou Gerson, Betty Moran, Bill Cairn (director), Byron Kane, Carleton Young, Don Rickles (announcer), Jerry Hausner, John Duffy (original music), Julius Crowlbein, Stetson Humphrey (creator). 28:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Bell Tower (Aired September 24, 1944)

The stories offered by "The Weird Circle" were generally adapted from popular fiction - popular fiction of the 19th century, that is. And since the focus was on horror and suspense, the macabre, atmospheric, and often ironic tales of such writers as Edgar Allan Poe and Honore de Balzac were a staple of its success. Also included were such familiar chestnuts as "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte, Charles Dickens' "The Queer Client", Charlotte Bronte’s novel "Jane Eyre" (also a particular favorite of Orson Welles and his Mercury Theater company), and "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson. Stories of this vintage, rooted in the Victorian attitudes and morality of the 1800s, generally made for good radio drama; they were, after all, classics, familiar to anyone with a public school education. The primarily first-person narrative of most of the stories chosen made them relatively easy to convert into script form: introduce a narrator, establish the scene, and then carry on with the plot. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

September 24, 1944. Program #43. NBC syndication. "The Bell Tower". Commercials added locally. The story of the Italian genius who built the world's most beautiful tower. The date is approximate. Herman Melville (author). 25:11. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Midway Murders (Aired August 1, 1948)

Nick Carter is the name of a popular fictional detective who first appeared in in a dime novel entitled "The Old Detective's Pupil" on September 18, 1886. In 1915, Nick Carter Weekly became Street & Smith's Detective Story Magazine. Novels featuring Carter continued to appear through the 1950s, by which time there was also a popular radio show, Nick Carter, Master Detective, which aired on Mutual from 1943 to 1955. Nick Carter first came to radio as The Return of Nick Carter. Then Nick Carter, Master Detective, with Lon Clark in the title role, began April 11, 1943, on Mutual, continuing in many different timeslots for well over a decade. Jock MacGregor was the producer-director of scripts by Alfred Bester, Milton J. Kramer, David Kogan and others. Background music was supplied by organists Hank Sylvern, Lew White and George Wright. Patsy Bowen, Nick's assistant, was portrayed by Helen Choate until mid-1946 and then Charlotte Manson stepped into the role. Nick and Patsy's friend was reporter Scubby Wilson (John Kane). Nick's contact at the police department was Sgt. Mathison (Ed Latimer). Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.
THIS EPISODE:
August 1, 1948. Mutual network. "The Case Of The Midway Murders". Sponsored by: Old Dutch Cleanser, Del Rich Margarine. An escaped convict, a roller coaster corpse, and an enraged ape (Gorilla My Dreams?). Lon Clark. 25:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Death Comes In Cans (Aired November 10, 1953)

Their long-run series continued for over two decades and came to an end in 1963 with the death of Frances Lockridge. Albert Hackett and Peggy Conklin had the title roles in the Broadway production Mr. and Mrs. North, which ran 163 performances at the Belasco Theatre from January 12, 1941, to May 31, 1941. Alfred De Liagre, Jr. produced and directed the play written by Owen Davis. In this version, the North's apartment was located on Greenwich Place, realized in a scenic design by Jo Mielziner. The Owen Davis play became a 1942 MGM movie starring Gracie Allen and William Post, Jr. with Millard Mitchell repeating his role of Detective Mullins from the Broadway production. Others in the cast were Paul Kelly, Rose Hobart and Keye Luke. In 1946, producer-director Fred Coe brought the Owen Davis play to television (on New York City's WNBT) with John McQuade and Maxine Stewart in the leads and Don Haggerty, Joan Marlowe and Millard Mitchell repeating their Broadway roles.
THIS EPISODE:
November 10, 1953. CBS network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "Death Comes In Cans". Barbara Britton, Richard Denning, Frances Lockridge (creator), Richard Lockridge (creator). 24:25. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Thanksgiving Dinner (Aired November 19, 1950)

Our Miss Brooks, an American situation comedy, began as a radio hit in 1948 and migrated to television in 1952, becoming one of the earlier hits of the so-called Golden Age of Television, and making a star out of Eve Arden (1908-1990) as comely, wisecracking, but humane high school English teacher Connie Brooks. The show hooked around Connie's daily relationships with Madison High School students, colleagues, and pompous principal Osgood Conklin (Gale Gordon), not to mention favourite student Walter Denton (future television and Rambo co-star Richard Crenna, who fashioned a higher-pitched voice to play the role) and biology teacher Philip Boynton ( Jeff Chandler), the latter Connie's all-but-unrequited love interest, who saw science everywhere and little else anywhere.

THIS EPISODE:

November 19, 1950. "Thanksgiving Dinner" - CBS network. Sponsored by: Colgate Toothpaste, Lustre Creme Shampoo, Palmolive Soap. It's Thanksgiving time and there's only $5 for a turkey. Mr. Boynton suggests buying a live turkey to save money. Eve Arden, Al Lewis (writer, director), Jane Morgan, Richard Crenna, Jeff Chandler, Gale Gordon, Verne Smith (announcer), Gloria McMillan, Bob Lemond (announcer), Larry Berns (producer), Wilbur Hatch (music). 30:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

No Grave Can Hold Me (Aired January 12, 1947)

The team of Robert Arthur, Jr., David Kogan, producer/director Sherman 'Jock' MacGregor, and actor Maurice Tarplin was a very successful one for both The Mutual Broadcasting System and Radio station WOR. Between 1944 and 1952, The Mysterious Traveler eventually became one of the sixteen highest rated Radio programs of their era. WOR and MBS took great pride in putting together a program that could rival Radio giants CBS, ABC, and NBC throughout the era. During its heyday The Mysterious Traveler spawned several similar thriller genre programs such as The Strange Dr. Wierd (1945), The Sealed Book (1945), Dark Venture (1946), Murder By Experts (1949), and The Teller of Tales (1950). Oklahoma Radio station WKY had successfully aired their own Dark Fantasy (1941) anthology of thrillers, which was immediately picked up by NBC for a national run. But clearly, The Mutual system and WOR appear to have acquired the inside track for the thriller genre for almost two decades during The Golden Age of Radio.

THIS EPISODE:

January 12, 1947. Mutual network. "No Grave Can Hold Me". Sustaining. A murderer who is about to be executed leaves very specific burial instructions, which include the names and adresses of the judge and twelve jurors who condemned him. Has "The Great Randolph" returned from the grave? Richard Coogan, Santos Ortega, Maurice Tarplin (as "The Traveler"), Shirley Blank, Bill Smith, Al Fanelli (organist), Bob Emerick (announcer), Robert A. Arthur (writer, producer, director), David Kogan (writer, producer, director). 29:34. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Phantom Fingers (Aired January 26, 1951)

Nero Wolf is a fictional detective created by American author Rex Stout in the 1930s and featured in dozens of novels and novellas.In the stories, Wolf is one of the most famous private detectives in the United States. He weighs about 285 pounds and is 5'11" tall. He raises orchids in a rooftop greenhouse in his New York City brownstone on West 35th Street, helped by his live-in gardener Theodore Horstmann. Wolf drinks beer throughout the day and is a gourmand. He employs a live-in chef, Fritz Brenner. He is multilingual and brilliant, though apparently self-educated, and reading is his third passion after food and orchids. He works in an office in his house and almost never leaves home, even to pursue the detective work that finances his expensive lifestyle. Instead, his leg work is done by another live-in employee, Archie Goodwin. While both Wolf and Goodwin are licensed detectives, Goodwin is more of the classic fictional gumshoe, tough, wise-cracking, and skirt-chasing. He tells the stories in a breezy first-person narrative that is semi-hard-boiled in style.

THIS EPISODE:
January 26, 1951. NBC network. "The Case Of The Phantom Fingers", Sustaining. A murder occurs in an isolated house in upstate New York during a flood. A well-done mystery. The final promotional announcement and system cue have been deleted. Rex Stout (creator), Sydney Greenstreet, Howard McNear, Tim Graham, Eddie Fields, Don Stanley (announcer), Gerald Mohr, Edwin Fadiman (producer), J. Donald Wilson (producer, director), GeGe Pearson. 32:24. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Death In Fancy Dress (Aired December 27, 1948)
Let George Do It was a radio drama series produced by Owen and Pauline Vinson from 1946 to 1954. It starred Bob Bailey as detective-for-hire George Valentine (with Olan Soule stepping into the role in 1954). Clients came to Valentine's office after reading a newspaper carrying his classified ad: "Personal notice: Danger's my stock in trade. If the job's too tough for you to handle, you've got a job for me. George Valentine. "The few earliest episodes were more sitcom than private eye shows, with a studio audience providing scattered laughter at the not-so-funny scripts. Soon the audience was banished, and George went from stumbling comedic hero to tough guy private eye, while the music became suspenseful. Valentine's secretary was Claire Brooks, aka Brooksie (Frances Robinson, Virginia Gregg, Lillian Buyeff).

THIS EPISODE:
December 27, 1948. Mutual-Don Lee network. "Death In Fancy Dress". Sponsored by: Standard Oil, Chevron. A blackmailer is possibly responsible for murder too. Bob Bailey, Frances Robinson, Wally Maher, Jay Novello, Gloria Blondell, Ken Christy, Luis Van Rooten, Bud Hiestand (announcer), Don Clark (director), Eddie Dunstedter (composer, conductor), David Victor (writer), Herbert Little Jr. (writer). 29:54. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

MOVIE George Burns Gracie Allen TV Show S2E21 VIDEO

A half-hour TV series broadcast October 12, 1950 – September 22, 1958, on CBS, The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show was initially staged live and broadcast every other Thursday at 8 pm ET. In fall 1952, it became a weekly series filmed on the West Coast. From March 1953 through September 1958, The Burns and Allen Show aired Mondays at 8 pm ET. 280–281 The show was an immediate success. Six episodes were produced live from the Mansfield Theatre in New York, with the stage set as the Burns's living room. The show relocated to the CBS Columbia Square facilities in Hollywood beginning with the seventh episode. Ever the businessman, Burns realized it would be more efficient to do the series on film; the half-hour episodes could then be syndicated. From that point on, the show was filmed at General Service Studios without a live audience present; however, each installment was screened before an audience to provide live responses prior to the episodes being broadcast. With 291 episodes, the show had a long network run through 1958 and continued in syndicated reruns for years.

THIS EPISODE:

George considers investing in a new musical comedy. "A half-hour TV series broadcast October 12, 1950" Features a return appearance by Hal March, the original Harry Morton (March appeared many times over the next few seasons in various guest roles.) George actually manages to get in a full chorus of "Ain't Misbehavin'" without interruption for a change.

View Details

The St. Louis Jewel Robbery (Aired October 3, 1953)

The series dramatized FBI cases, which producer-director Phillips H. Lord arranged in close association with Bureau director J. Edgar Hoover. Hoover insisted that only closed cases would be used. The initial series was on NBC Radio from July 20 - October 12, 1935. It then aired on CBS from January 15, 1936 to June 15, 1940, sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive and Cue magazine. From October 11, 1940 to December 25, 1948, it was heard on the Blue Network, with various sponsors that included Sloan's Liniment, Waterman pens and Tide. Returning to CBS on January 8, 1949, it ran until June 25, 1955, sponsored by Grape-Nuts and Wrigley's chewing gum. The final series was on the Mutual Broadcasting System from October 5, 1955 to November 27, 1957. It was once narrated by Norman Schwarzkopf, Sr., former head of the New Jersey State Police.

THIS EPISODE:

October 3, 1953. "The St. Louis Jewel Robbery" - CBS network. Sustaining. Wally and his two friends are planning a jewelry robbery in St. Louis. Wally's last name and the name of his two pals are not mentioned, but one of them has red hair. Wally hangs out in a candy store whose owner sounds more Brooklyn than St. Louis. Stanley Niss (writer), Mason Adams, Gaylord Avery (announcer), Leonard L. Bass (director), Amzie Strickland, Eric Dressler, John Ives (supervisor). 28:38. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Serious Type (Aired July 13, 1955)
The FBI in Peace and War was a radio crime drama inspired by Frederick Lewis Collins' book, The FBI in Peace and War. The idea for the show came from Louis Pelletier who wrote many of the scripts. Among the show's other writers were Jack Finke, Ed Adamson and Collins. It aired on CBS from November 25, 1944 to September 28, 1958, it had a variety of sponsors (including Lava Soap, Wildroot Cream-Oil, Lucky Strike, Nescafe and Wrigley's) over the years. In 1955 it was the eighth most popular show on radio, as noted in Time: The Nielsen ratings of the top ten radio shows seemed to indicate that not much has changed in radio:) Jack Benny Show (CBA), Amos 'n' Andy (CBS), People Are Funny (NBC), Our Miss Brooks (CBS) Lux Radio Theater (NBC), My Little Margie (CBS), Dragnet (NBC), FBI in Peace and War (CBS), Bergen and McCarthy (CBS), Groucho Marx (NBC). Martin Blaine and Donald Briggs headed the cast. The theme was the March from Prokofiev's The Love for Three Oranges.

THIS EPISODE:

July 13, 1955. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Serious Type". A lonely hearts racket preys on the innocent through a Friendship Club. Paul McGrath, William Johnstone, Jack Anson Fink (writer), Betty Mandeville (producer, director), Frederick L. Collins (creator). 25:11. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Sinister Souvenir (Aired February 1, 1946)
This is Your FBI had counterparts on the other networks. The FBI in Peace and War also told stories of the FBI, although some were not authentic. Earlier on, Gangbusters, and the previously mentioned Mr. District Attorney gave the authentic crime treatment to their stories. And Dragnet, and Tales of the Texas Rangers, took the idea on as well. Crime, especially true crime, was a genre in the magazines early on, with the Police Gazette and its predecessors in England printing lurid true crime stories prior to radio. This is Your FBI took the idea, and made it realistic, exciting and even informational.
THIS EPISODE:

February 1, 1946. ABC network. "The Sinister Souvenir". Sponsored by: The Equitable Life Assurance Society. Frederick Steiner (music director), Dean Carlton (narrator), Jerry Devine (producer), Carl Frank (announcer), Frank Faries (writer). 28:56. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Have Gun Will Travel" - Roped (Aired June 7, 1959)

The radio series debuted November 23, 1958. Have Gun — Will Travel was created by Sam Rolfe and Herb Meadow and produced by Frank Pierson, Don Ingalls, Robert Sparks, and Julian Claman. There were 225 episodes of the TV series (several were written by Gene Roddenberry), of which 101 were directed by Andrew McLaglen and 19 were directed by the series star Richard Boone. The title was a catch phrase used in personal advertisements in newspapers like The Times, indicating that the advertiser was ready-for-anything. It was used in this way from the early 1900s.
THIS EPISODE:

June 7, 1959. CBS network."Roped". Sponsored by: Longines Watches, Mutual Of Omaha. Dirk and Agnes, professional horse thieves, need Paladin to keep from being lynched...after knocking him unconscious and tying him up! This is a network, sponsored version. Possibly Virginia Gregg's first appearance on the show as "Miss Wong." John Dehner, Ben Wright, Vic Perrin, Jeanne Bates, Joseph Kearns, Frank Michael (writer), Hugh Douglas (announcer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Virginia Gregg, Frank Knight (Longines commercial), Tom Hanley (sound effects, performer), John James, Bill James (sound effects), Sam Rolfe (creator), Herb Meadow (creator). 24:42. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Mark Of Shame (Aired May 4, 1947)

When it comes to The Hall of Fantasy, there are some mysteries that persist to this day. Maybe that's appropriate, because it claimed to be "the series of radio dramas dedicated to the supernatural, the unusual, and the unknown." One mystery that remains unknown is who the announcer actually was. His lines were so over-the-top, maybe he wished to remain anonymous. But it's this same dead serious approach to monsters, horror, and the supernatural that makes this series so much fun to listen to in a modern context. Despite this campy dimension to the program, do not assume that the series wasn't scary. Many episodes were rather frightening. If the dark, desolate atmospheres didn't get at your nerves, the down-beat endings usually did.

THIS EPISODE:

May 4, 1947. CBS network, KALL, Salt Lake City origination. "The Mark Of Shame"Commercials deleted. A dying man's curse comes back to haunt a soldier after a fateful duel. The story is based on, "Evaline's Visitant" by Miss Braden. Miss Braden (author), Robert Olsen (adaptor), Richard Thorne (performer, producer, director), Beth Caulder, Archie Hugely, Ken Jensen, Mike Larogo, Earl Donaldson (music), Nefi Sorenson (engineer). 26:44. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Great Gildersleeve - Selling The Drug Store (02-22-42)

View Details

Selling The Drug Store (Aired February 22, 1942)

The Great Gildersleeve (1941-1957) was the arguable founding father of the spin-off program, as well as one of the first true situation comedies (as opposed to sketch programs) in broadcast history. Hooked around a character who had been a staple on the classic radio hit Fibber McGee and Molly, The Great Gildersleeve enjoyed its greatest period in the 1940s, when Harold Peary graduated the character from the earlier show into the sitcom and in a quartet of likeable feature films at the height of the show's popularity.
THIS EPISODE:

February 22, 1942. "Selling The Drug Store" - NBC network. Sponsored by: raft Parkay, Kraft Dinner. Peavey's drug store up for sale. Harold Peary, Walter Tetley, Sam Moore (writer), John Whedon (writer), Ken Carpenter (announcer), Earle Ross, Lurene Tuttle, Shirley Mitchell, Lillian Randolph, Ben Alexander, Claude Sweeten (music director). 29:51. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

A Writer In The Family (Aired January 29, 1948)

The First Nighter Program was a long-running radio anthology comedy-drama series broadcast from 1930 to 1953. The host was Mr. First Nighter (Charles P. Hughes, Macdonald Carey, Bret Morrison, Marvin Miller, Don Briggs and Rye Billsbury [later known as Michael Rye). The show's opening recreated the aural atmosphere of a Broadway opening. Before each week's drama began, Mr. First Nighter was first heard walking on Broadway, emerging from the noise of people and street traffic into the crowded lobby of "the Little Theater Off Times Square" and then taking his seat in the third row center.
THIS EPISODE:
January 29, 1948. CBS network. "A Writer In The Family". Sponsored by: Campana cosmetics, DDD Prescription. Highway Eighty Seven is coming right through the living room in a romantic/comedy of mistaken identity and "Shorty West," a writer of western adventures. James Arthur Rotie (writer), Frank Worth and His Orchestra, Olan Soule, Barbara Luddy, Paul Frees, Hugh Studebaker, Arthur Q. Bryan, Mary Lansing, Larry Keating (announcer). 30:40. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Mirror Of The Magistrate (Aired December 6, 1986)

Father Brown is a fictional character created by English novelist G. K. Chesterton, who stars in 52 short stories, later compiled in five books. Chesterton based the character on Father John O'Connor (1870–1952), a parish priest in Bradford who was involved in Chesterton's conversion to Catholicism in 1922. The relationship was recorded by O'Connor in his 1937 book Father Brown on Chesterton. Father Brown is a short, stumpy Catholic priest, "formerly of Cobhole in Essex, and now working in London," with shapeless clothes and a large umbrella, and uncanny insight into human evil. He makes his first appearance in the story "The Blue Cross" and continues through the five volumes of short stories, often assisted by the reformed criminal M.Hercule Flambeau. Father Brown also appears in a story "The Donnington Affair" that has a rather curious history. In the October 1914 issue of the obscure magazine The Premier, Sir Max Pemberton published the first part of the story, inviting a number of detective story writers, including Chesterton, to use their talents to solve the mystery of the murder described. Chesterton and Father Brown's solution followed in the November issue. The story was first reprinted in the Chesterton Review (Winter 1981, pp. 1–35) and in the book Thirteen Detectives. Unlike the more famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, Father Brown's methods tend to be intuitive rather than deductive. He explains his method in 'The Secret of Father Brown'.

View Details

The Khaki Handkerchief (Aired October 14, 1952)

The Black Museum had much to recommend it. First and foremost, Orson Welles' stirring narratives, framing, and exposition were head and shoulders above the competition. Clive Brook for all of the authenticity his natural British voice and accent lent to Secrets of Scotland Yard, nevertheless wasn't given the dramatic latitude that Orson Welles was. But this was very much by design. Clive Brook's expositions on Secrets of Scotland Yard were more of an historical nature, whereas Orson Welles' expositions, due to the more morbid and gruesome cases selected for The Black Museum, clearly had more to work with. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.
THIS EPISODE:

October 14, 1952. Towers Of London syndication, MGM Radio Attractions, BBC rebroadcast. "The Khaki Handkerchief". Kate Hart and Doris Lyons are found dead in a wood. The handkerchief leads to a member of the army. The date is approximate. Orson Welles (narrator), Harry Alan Towers (producer), Ira Marion (writer), Sidney Torch (composer, conductor). 25:34 Episode Notes From Radio Gold Index.
Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

**Starring

Henry Fonda, Lee j Cobb Joseph Sweeney, Martin Balsom, Ed Begley,JackKlugman,John Savoca,Warden, E.G. Marshall,Robert Webber**
In the overheated jury room of the New York County Courthouse, a jury prepares to deliberate the case of an impoverished 18-year-old accused of stabbing his abusive father to death. The judge instructs them that if there is any reasonable doubt, the jurors are to return a verdict of not guilty; if found guilty, the defendant will receive a mandatory death sentence via the electric chair. The verdict must be unanimous. At first, the case seems clear. A neighbor testified to witnessing the defendant stab his father from her window, through the windows of a passing elevated train. Another neighbor testified that he heard the defendant threaten to kill his father, and the father's body hitting the ground; then, as he ran to his door, saw the defendant running down the stairs. The boy has a violent past; he had recently purchased a switchblade of the same type that was found, wiped of fingerprints, at the murder scene, but claimed he lost it. In a preliminary vote, all jurors vote "guilty" except Juror 8, who believes that there should be some discussion before the verdict is made. He says he cannot vote "guilty" because reasonable doubt exists. With his first few arguments seemingly failing to convince any of the other jurors, Juror 8 suggests a secret ballot, from which he will abstain; if all the other jurors still vote guilty, he will acquiesce. The ballot reveals one "not guilty" vote. Juror 9 reveals that he changed his vote; he respects Juror 8's motives, and agrees that there should be more discussion.

View Details

THIS EPISODE:

April 17, 1955. Program #11. NBC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Blue-Rocket Express". Les Damon, Claudia Morgan, Frances Crane (creator), Howard Merrill (writer), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Ted Lloyd (producer), Dewey Bergman (composer, conductor), Luis Van Rooten (doubles), Kenny Delmar (doubles), Mandel Kramer, Harry Frazee (director, recordist), Bill Rippe (announcer). 28:53. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Who Has The Time (Aired September 21, 1950)

The series began August 25, 1949, on NBC Radio. Set in the Midwest, it starred Robert Young as General Insurance agent Jim Anderson. His wife Margaret was first portrayed by June Whitley and later by Jean Vander Pyl. The Anderson children were Betty (Rhoda Williams), Bud (Ted Donaldson) and Kathy (Norma Jean Nillson). Others in the cast were Eleanor Audley, Herb Vigran and Sam Edwards. Sponsored through most of its run by General Foods, the series was heard Thursday evenings on NBC until March 25, 1954. The show is often regarded as an example of the conservative and paternalistic nature of American family life in the 1950s and it is also cited as an overly rosy portrayal of American family life. On the radio program, the character of Jim differs from the later television character. The radio Jim is far more sarcastic and shows he really "rules" over his family. Bud is in charge of always having to answer the front door, which he hates. He is also shown as a somewhat dim boy who takes everything literally; for example, Jim might say "Go jump in the lake," to which Bud would reply "Okay, Dad; which lake should I go jump into?" On radio Kathy often is portrayed as a source of irritation. She whines, cries and complains about her status in the family as overlooked. She often is the source of money to her brother and sister, although she is in hock several years on her own allowance.

View Details

Blind Man's Bluff (Aired April 27, 1974)

Recorded in every corner of the world when first broadcast over the BBC's World Service, The Price of Fear soon became one of the most widely recorded offerings of its era. As with most BBC productions, the acting talent and production values were excellent throughout. The stories dramatized in the series are from some of the supernatural fiction world's finest authors. William Ingram was responsible for almost half of the stories and scripts, backed up the works of Bram Stoker, Roald Dahl, Robert Arthur, Rene Basilico, Stanley Ellin, and R. Chetwynd-Hayes. John Dyas produced and directed all three series over the ten year period. Host Vincent Price, already long since recognized throughout the world as the reigning Master of The Macabre, virtually ensured that the series would be heard. True to his legend, Price's imprimatur on the series provided a voice as chilling and familiar to World Service listeners as that of their own Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. The Price of Fear has been an international favorite ever since it's first airing. It was picked up by several short-wave and FM stations in the U.S. and enjoyed broadcast airing over several American public broadcasting stations from 1973, on. The BBC's proscription against commercial broadcast of its productions left only national or public broadcasting networks and stations capable of airing the compelling program. Show Notes From The Digital Deli
THIS EPISODE:
April 27, 1974. BBC origination, Canadian rebroadcast. ""Blind Man's Bluff". This Canadian rebroadcast is referred to as, "The As It Happens, Friday Night Theater." Vincent Price lends a helping hand to a blind man, and hears a horrifying tale. Vincent Price 25:52. Cat# 115908.

View Details

The Laura Fenton Case (Aired April 14, 1953)

The 'hot potato' that "That Hammer Guy" had become ultimately resolved itself with the premiere of That Hammer Guy--over Mutual--on December 30, 1952, the beginning of a ninety-one episode series of hard-boiled Mickey Spillane mystery and adventure yarns. The series premiered with Inner Sanctum workhorse Larry Haines as Mike Hammer, aided by Jan Miner in the role of Velda, Hammer's secretary and love interest, as well as several other roles in the ensemble cast. By about three months into the run, the series attempts--rather unsuccessfully--to rename itself, Mickey Spillane-Mystery or Mickey Spillane, Mystery depending on the outlet. Neither name ever really took, and the majority of the newspaper and magazine listings of the era continued to refer to the series as either That Hammer Guy, Mike Hammer, or Mickey Spillane Mysteries. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.
THIS EPISODE:

April 14, 1953. "The Laura Fenton Case" Mutual network. There's Something About A Dame. Sustaining. Laura Fenton offers $1000 to be the bodyguard of a beauty from France named, "Jolie." Mike's client soon turns into a corpse, "Jolie" turns out to be a French poodle! The story is complete, some public service announcements and the program closing have been deleted. Larry Haines, Mickey Spillane (creator), Ed Ladd (announcer), Edward Adamson (writer), Richard Lewis (director). 25:12. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Golden Girl Murder Case (Aired August 03, 1951)

Inspector Thorne, as short-lived as it was, was something of an anomaly for the Hummerts, but judging from the longer run of Hearthstone of The Death Squad, they seem to have managed to salvage that particular formula somewhat. The comparisons are quite obvious between Inspectors Thorne and Hearthstone. Inspector Thorne is the Chief Detective Inspector of The Homicide Squad of New York City. Inspector Hearthstone is the Chief Inspector of The Death Squad of 'The Metropolitan Police' . Inspector Thorne has his Sergeant Muggins and Inspector Hearthstone has his assistant, Detective Sam Cook. Both productions were more murder-oriented than mystery-oriented, both productions were predictably very melodramatic, and both productions characterized their protagonists as forceful, demanding, and overbearing police officials. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE

Inspector Thorne. August 03, 1951. NBC network. "The Golden Girl Murder Case". Sustaining. Kenneth MacGregor (director), Frank Hummert (creator), Anne Hummert (creator), Fred Collins (announcer), Karl Weber, Carol Warner Gluck (writer). 29:43. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index. Cat.# 85888.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" -How To Die For Nothing (Aired October 10, , 1953)

The radio show first aired on April 26, 1952 and ran until June 18, 1961 on the CBS radio network. The series starred William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Howard McNear as Doc Charles Adams, Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, and Parley Baer as Deputy Chester Proudfoot. Doc's first name and Chester's last name were changed for the television program. Gunsmoke was notable for its critically acclaimed cast and writing, and is commonly regarded as one of the finest old time radio shows. Some listeners (such as old time radio expert John Dunning) have argued that the radio version of Gunsmoke was far more realistic than the television program. Episodes were aimed at adults, and featured some of the most explicit content of the day: there were violent crimes and scalpings, massacres and opium addicts.

THIS EPISODE:

October 10, 1953. CBS network. "How To Die For Nothing". Sugar Crinkles, Post Toasties. After Marshal Dillon shoots a drunken cowboy, his brother swears to shoot him in the back. The script was used on the Gunsmoke television series on June 23, 1956, and used again on radio May 10, 1958 (see cat. #52114). Credits are the same for both broadcasts of this script, except the 1958 show credits Jack Moyles and does not credit John Dehner!. William Conrad, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear, John Dehner, Vic Perrin, Harry Bartell, Lawrence Dobkin, John Meston (writer). Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index. CAT# 4560

View Details

The Most Dangerous Game (Aired October 1, 1947)
Escape was radio's leading anthology series of high adventure, airing on CBS from July 7, 1947 to September 25, 1954. Since the program did not have a regular sponsor like Suspense, it was subjected to frequent schedule shifts and lower production budgets, although Richfield Oil signed on as a sponsor for five months in 1950. Despite these problems, Escape enthralled many listeners during its seven-year run. The series' well-remembered opening combined Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain with this introduction, as intoned by Paul Frees and William Conrad: “Tired of the everyday grind? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all? We offer you... Escape!” Following the opening theme, a second announcer (usually Roy Rowan) would add: "We offer you... Escape!

THIS EPISODE:

October 01, 1947. CBS network. "The Most Dangerous Game". Sustaining. A big game hunt for the biggest game of all...man! This script had previously produced on Suspense on September 23, 1943 and February 1, 1944. The story was published in Colliers magazine in 1924. Theodore Von Eltz; Cy Feuer (music conceiver, conductor); Paul Frees; Ian MacDonald (program opening); Norman Macdonnell (assistant producer, director); Frank Goss (announcer); William N. Robson (producer); Richard Sanville (director); Irving Ravetch (adaptor); Richard Connell (writer); Hans Conried. Cat # 11346. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Special Guest Is Lucille Ball (Aired November 9, 1943)
Duffy's Tavern, an American radio situation comedy (CBS, 1941-1942; NBC-Blue Network, 1942-1944; NBC, 1944-1952), often featured top-name stage and film guest stars but always hooked those around the misadventures, get-rich-quick-scheming, and romantic missteps of the title establishment's malaprop-prone, metaphor-mixing manager, Archie, played by the writer/actor who co-created the show, Ed Gardner. In the show's familiar opening, "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," either solo on an old-sounding piano or by a larger orchestra, was interrupted by the ring of a telephone and Gardner's New Yorkese accent as he answered, "Duffy's Tavern, where the elite meet to eat. Archie the manager speakin'. Duffy ain't here — oh, hello, Duffy."

THIS EPISODE:

November 9, 1943. "Special Guest Is Lucille Ball" - Program #26. Blue network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. Archie's going to be listed in, "Who's That?" Johnny Johnson (vocal), Lucille Ball (guest), Ed Gardner, Florence Halop, Peter Van Steeden and His Orchestra, Howard Duff (AFRS announcer), Eddie Green, John Brown. 27:47. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Leslie Hoff Painting (Aired September 27, 1950)

The series ran 110 half-hour radio episodes from January 6, 1950 to June 25, 1952, with Quinn, Jerome Lawrence, and Robert Lee writing most of the scripts and giving free if even more sophisticated play to Quinn's knack for language play, inverted cliches and swift puns (including the show's title and lead characters), a knack he'd shown for years writing Fibber McGee and Molly. Jerome Lawrence and Robert Lee continued as a writing team; their best-known play is Inherit the Wind.Cameron Blake, Walter Brown Newman, Robert Sinclair, and Milton and Barbara Merlin became writers for the program as well. But listeners were surprised to discover that the episode of 27 September 1950, "The Leslie Hoff Painting," a story tackling racial prejudice, was written by Colman himself. The sponsors were Schlitz Brewing Company and then Nabisco. Nat Wolff produced and directed, Henry Russell handled the music and radio veteran Ken Carpenter was the announcer.

View Details

The Case Of The Unfortunate Tobacconist (Aired April 30, 1945)

According to Holmes, it was an encounter with the father of one of his classmates that led him to take up detection as a profession and he spent the six years following university working as a consulting detective, before financial difficulties led him to take Watson as a roommate, at which point the narrative of the stories begins. From 1881, Holmes is described as having lodgings at 221B Baker Street, London, from where he runs his private detective agency. 221B is an apartment up seventeen steps, stated in an early manuscript to be at the "upper end" of the road. Until the arrival of Dr. Watson, Holmes works alone, only occasionally employing agents from the city's underclass, including a host of informants and a group of street children he calls the Baker Street Irregulars.
THIS EPISODE:

April 30, 1945. Mutual network. "The Unfortunate Tobacconist". Sponsored by: Petri Wines. Three murders in an East End cigar store have an elementary solution. One commercial and the preview of the following week's program have been deleted. Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Bill Forman (announcer), Denis Green (writer), Anthony Boucher (writer), Glenhall Taylor (producer), Arthur Conan Doyle (creator).
Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Prison Planet (Aired January 8, 1955)

The success of the TV show spawned a radio version, which ran for 129 episodes from October 1952 to March 1955. The same cast of actors performed on both shows. The writers, scripts, adventures and director were quite different in radio versus TV incarnations. Naturally, the series lacked the adult sophistication of such shows as X Minus One, which focused on adapting short fiction by notable genre names as Robert A. Heinlein and Ray Bradbury. But as a throwback to the sort of Golden Age space opera popularized in the 1930s, the days of science fiction's infancy, by pioneering magazine editor Hugo Gernsback, Space Patrol is prized by OTR collectors today as one of radio's most enjoyable adventures.

THIS EPISODE:

January 8, 1955. ABC network. "Prison Planet". Sponsored by: Nestle's chocolate. Meckor of the Draxock galaxy uses flaming guided meteors to wreck the Terra V and eliminate the Space Patrol. Bela Kovacs, Dick Tufeld (announcer), Ed Kemmer, Helen Mosser (executive producer), Ken Mayer, Larry Robertson (producer, director), Lou Houston (writer), Lyn Osborn, Mike Mosser (creator), Norman Jolley, Tony Sides. 28:39. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Prison Planet (Aired January 8, 1955)

THIS EPISODE:

January 8, 1955. ABC network. "Prison Planet". Sponsored by: Nestle's chocolate. Meckor of the Draxock galaxy uses flaming guided meteors to wreck the Terra V and eliminate the Space Patrol. Bela Kovacs, Dick Tufeld (announcer), Ed Kemmer, Helen Mosser (executive producer), Ken Mayer, Larry Robertson (producer, director), Lou Houston (writer), Lyn Osborn, Mike Mosser (creator), Norman Jolley, Tony Sides. 28:39. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Prison Planet (Aired January 8, 1955)

View Details

Black Market Blackie (Aired July 21, 1944)
The Boston Blackie radio series, also starring Morris, began June 23, 1944, on NBC as a summer replacement for The Amos 'n' Andy Show. Sponsored by Rinso, the series continued until September 15 of that year. Unlike the concurrent films, Blackie had a steady romantic interest in the radio show: Lesley Woods appeared as Blackie's girlfriend Mary Wesley. Harlow Wilcox was the show's announcer. On April 11, 1945, Richard Kollmar took over the title role in a radio series syndicated by Frederic W. Ziv to Mutual and other network outlets. Over 200 episodes of this series were produced between 1944 and October 25, 1950.

THIS EPISODE:

July 21, 1944. "Black Market Blackie" aka: Black Market Meat Ring - NBC net, WEAF, New York aircheck. Sponsored by: Rinso, Lifebuoy Soap, Bulova (local). A gang of black-market meat sellers wants Blackie to join the gang. When Blackie says, "No," Inspector Farraday is of no help. Chester Morris, Richard Lane, Harlow Wilcox (announcer), Charles Cornell (organ), Tony Barrett, Ray Barrett (local WEAF announcer), Jan Miner. 28:34. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Charity Killers (Aired February 22, 1949)

Big Town is a radio show that aired from 1937 to 1952. Edward G. Robinson had the lead role of Steve Wilson from 1937 to 1942. Claire Trevor was Wilson's society editor sidekick Lorelei Kilbourne, with Ona Munson taking over that role in 1940. Edward J. Pawley portrayed Wilson from 1942 until 1952 when Walter Greaza was heard as Wilson in the final episodes in the radio series. When Big Town moved to television, the program was telecast live, but in 1952 the production switched to film after the move from New York City to Hollywood. The television series ran on CBS from 1950 through 1954, continuing on NBC from 1955 through 1956. Repeat episodes aired on the DuMont Network (under the title City Assignment) while Big Town was still showing first-run episodes on CBS. Reruns were also shown under the titles Heart of the City, Headline and Byline Steve Wilson.
THIS EPISODE:

February 22, 1949. NBC network. "The Charity Killers". Sponsored by: Lifebuoy Soap, Rinso ("Tour The World" contest). Two old ladies practice grand larceny and a dash of murder...all in the name of sweet charity! Lorelei uses a battery operated tape recorder to get the goods on them. One of the old ladies sounds like Shirley Booth. Edward Pawley, Fran Carlon, Jerry McGill (writer, producer), Dwight Weist (narrator). 29:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Death Buys A Bedroom (Aired July 27, 1954)
Barry Craig, Confidential Investigator is one of the few detective radio series that had separate versions of it broadcast from both coasts. Even the spelling changed over the years. It was first "Barry Crane" and then "Barrie Craig". NBC produced it in New York from 1951 to 1954 and then moved it to Hollywood where it aired from 1954 to 1955. It attracted only occasional sponsors so it was usually a sustainer.William Gargan, who also played the better known television (and radio) detective Martin Kane, was the voice of New York eye Barry Craig while Ralph Bell portrayed his associate, Lt. Travis Rogers. Craig's office was on Madison Avenue and his adventures were fairly standard PI fare. He worked alone, solved cases efficiently, and feared no man.

THIS EPISODE:

July 27, 1954. NBC network. "Death Buys A Bedroom". Sustaining. Enroute to a vacation in the mountains, Barrie meets a beautiful girl, a mysterious body and a dead man aboard the train. Byron Kane, William Gargan, Betty Lou Gerson, Jack Moyles, Lou Krugman, Victor Rodman, John Roeburt (writer), Arthur Jacobson (director), Edward King (announcer). 29:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Death Buys A Bedroom (Aired July 27, 1954)

Barry Craig, Confidential Investigator is one of the few detective radio series that had separate versions of it broadcast from both coasts. Even the spelling changed over the years. It was first "Barry Crane" and then "Barrie Craig". NBC produced it in New York from 1951 to 1954 and then moved it to Hollywood where it aired from 1954 to 1955. It attracted only occasional sponsors so it was usually a sustainer.William Gargan, who also played the better known television (and radio) detective Martin Kane, was the voice of New York eye Barry Craig while Ralph Bell portrayed his associate, Lt. Travis Rogers. Craig's office was on Madison Avenue and his adventures were fairly standard PI fare. He worked alone, solved cases efficiently, and feared no man.

THIS EPISODE:

July 27, 1954. NBC network. "Death Buys A Bedroom". Sustaining. Enroute to a vacation in the mountains, Barrie meets a beautiful girl, a mysterious body and a dead man aboard the train. Byron Kane, William Gargan, Betty Lou Gerson, Jack Moyles, Lou Krugman, Victor Rodman, John Roeburt (writer), Arthur Jacobson (director), Edward King (announcer). 29:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Green Hills Of Earth (Aired December 24, 1950)

Dimension X was a very effective demonstration of what could be done with science fiction on the air. It came so late that nobody cared, but some of the stories stand as classics of the medium. Bradbury's "Mars Is Heaven" is as gripping today as when first heard. His "Martian Chronicles" was one of the series' most impressive offerings. Dimension X played heavily on an "adventures in time and space, told in future tense" theme. Actors who worked regularly on the show included Joe Di Santis, Wendell Holmes, Santos Ortega, Joseph Julian, Jan Miner, Roger De Koven, John Gibson, Ralph Bell, John Larkin, Les Damon, and Mason Adams. It was directed by Fred Weihe and Edward King. The deep-voiced narrator was Norman Rose. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.
THIS EPISODE:

December 24, 1950. NBC network. "The Green Hills Of Earth". Sustaining. The program is preceded by President Truman's Christmas message. A beautiful story, told in song, about the troubadour of spaceways. The script was previously used on "Dimension X" on June 10, 1950 and subsequently on "X Minus One" on July 7, 1955. The "X Minus One" program was rebroadcast on "Monitor" during February, 1975. Robert Heinlein (author), Harry Truman, William Welch (producer), Norman Rose (host), Edward King (director), Bob Warren (announcer), Bob Denton (announcer for President Truman). 25:00. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Debt Of The Past (Aired January 16, 1942)

WKY, Oklahoma City had been a highly respected and equally highly sophisticated Radio operator for over eight years by the time this series first aired, so it was no great leap for NBC to take the gamble in taking the series nationwide. NBC-Red and it's flagship station, WEAF, indeed began airing Dark Fantasy in New York simultaneously with the broadcasts airing out of WKY, Oklahoma City. WKY's talented writer, Scott Bishop, was responsible for all of the scripts. Indeed, the scripts were so chilling that both WKY and NBC felt obliged to air the program well after 1940s children had fallen soundly asleep. NBC-Red picked up Scott Bishop's Dark Fantasy series, from November 21, 1941 forward. In 1943, NBC sustained Bishop's Strange Dr. Karnac series. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

January 16, 1942. Program #9. NBC network, WKY, Oklahoma City origination. "Debt Of The Past". Sustaining. "A strange and weird adventure, laid in modern America with the flavor of the nineteenth century. The story of a businessman who was almost too honest, who found a method of paying a long-standing debt of honor, although thirty years in his grave." Scott Bishop (writer), Tom Paxton (announcer), Jane Wyatt (guest), Ben Morris, Eleanor Naylor Corin, Muir Hite. 27:17. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Seeds Of Doubt (Aired September 15, 1950)

One of the few solo productions that Wyllis Cooper undertook for NBC. It was also Cooper's first collaboration with British crime journalist Percy Hoskins, who would work with Cooper yet again on NBC's WHItehall-1212 a year hence. The combination of Hoskin's unfailingly accurate research and Cooper's lively, fast-paced writing and direction proved to be an excellent underpinning for an espionage adventure drama based on factual events. The Office of Strategic Services--the progenitor of our Central Intelligence Agency--was one of American History's most colorful and compelling World War II intelligence gathering efforts. It was also, quite understandably, one of our most secret undertakings. Given that backdrop it's very instructive that during the run up to the Cold War years, NBC would attempt to air a fact-based espionage anthology.

THIS EPISODE:

September 15, 1950. NBC network. "Seeds Of Doubt". Sustaining. 8:00 P. M. An O. S. S. operative travels to liberated Paris to replace a dead friend as a spy...and as a husband! His mission is to uncover Nazis disguised as American soldiers. The final promotional announcement and system cue have been deleted. Ken Field (writer), Manny Segal (sound effects), Corey Ford (creator), Alistair MacBain (creator), Joseph Julian, Karl Weber, Evie Juster, Jerry Jarrett, Louis Sorin, Horace Braham, Anna Karen, Jon Gart (music director), John Powers (sound effects), Don Abbott (engineer), Louis G. Cowan (producer), Alfred Hollander (producer), Sherman Marks (director, supervisor), Charles Webster, Alice Frost. 29:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Eleanor Corbett Murder Case (Aired May 26, 1951)
Broadway Is My Beat, a radio crime drama, ran on CBS from February 27, 1949 to August 1, 1954. With Anthony Ross portraying Times Square Detective Danny Clover, the show originated from New York during its first three months on the air. The series featured music by Robert Stringer, and scripts by Peter Lyon. John Dietz directed for producer Lester Gottlieb (eventually succeeding him as producer). Bern Bennett was the original announcer. Beginning with the July 7, 1949 episode, the series was broadcast from Hollywood with producer Elliott Lewis directing a new cast in scripts by Morton S. Fine and David Friedkin.

THIS EPISODE:

May 26, 1951. "The Eleanor Corbett Murder Case" - CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. Al Martin has been found stabbed. Eleanor Corbett has been thrown out of a window. What's the connection? Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Alexander Courage (composer), Larry Thor, Charles Calvert, Jack Kruschen. 29:23. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Cops and Robbers (Aired March 16, 1956)

Beginning with CBS' Columbia Workshop from 1936 to 1947, CBS set out to experiment with Radio--to push that invisible envelope of the speed of sound, the speed of light, and to capitalize on the human listeners' comparitively narrow band of audible sound. Not so much experiment in terms of hardware technology, as in Radio's earliest efforts in 'broad casting' radio transmissions, but in concept, engineering, scoring and production technique. The most well-known and widely acclaimed proponent of these techniques was Norman Corwin. Corwin was so critically and popularly successful in experimental broadcasts that CBS gave him virtual carte blanche to produce whatever projects he deemed of possible interest--at least until the HUAC years anyway. Corwin's well-deserved acclaim aside, the various other CBS experimental programming efforts over the years very much set the bar for other networks.
THIS EPISODE:

March 16, 1956. CBS network. "Cops and Robbers". Sustaining. A crime is solved on the air. Real cops...not-so-real robbers. The system cue has been deleted. John Sylvester, Larry Haines, Elspeth Eric, Ken Lynch, Stanley Niss (narrator, writer, conceiver, director), Paul Roberts (producer), Art Hannes (announcer). 29:10. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

A Matter Of Conscience (Aired July 14, 1977)

The late E.G. Marshall hosted the program every year but the final one, when actress Tammy Grimes took over. Each episode began with the ominous sound of a creaking door, slowly opening to invite listeners in for the evening's adventure. At the end of each show, the door would swing shut, with Marshall signing off, "Until next time, pleasant...dreams?" Despite the show's title, Brown expanded its scope beyond mysteries to include horror, science fiction, historical drama, and even comedy. In addition to original stories, there were adaptations of classic tales by such writers as Edgar Allan Poe (no fewer than seven Poe stories were adapted in 1975 alone), O. Henry, Mark Twain, Ambrose Bierce, Charles Dickens and others.
THIS EPISODE:

July 14, 1977. Program #681. CBS network. "A Matter Of Conscience". Sponsored by: True Value Hardware, Buick, A.R.M., Dramamine, Wet Ones, Minute Maid. Adapted from the Ambrose Bierce story "Parker Addison, Philosopher." E. G. Marshall (host), Arnold Moss (adaptor, performer), Kristoffer Tabori, Evie Juster, Earl Hammond, Robert Dryden. 43:05. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Laughing Killer (Aired February 10, 1937)
Calling All Cars was one of radio’s earliest cop show, dramatizing true crime stories and introduced by officers from the Los Angeles and other police departments. The narrator of the program was speech professor Charles Frederick Lindsley, and the only other regular voice heard on the program week after week belonged to that of Sergeant Jesse Rosenquist of the L.A.P.D., whose name and voice were so unusually distinctive that he was retained for the show’s entire run. None of the actors on the show ever received on-air credit, but among the talent OTR fans can hear the likes of Elvia Allman, Jackson Beck, Charles Bickford, John Gibson, Richard LeGrand and Hanley Stafford, just to name a few.

THIS EPISODE:

February 10, 1937. Program #168. CBS Pacific net (Don Lee network) origination, syndicated. "The Laughing Killer". Music fill for local commercial insert. No law enforcement officer appears as the host. A gas station operator has been held up by three men with overcoats and hats...or were there only two of them? Gale Gordon (dispatcher, host). 26:40. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Death Is A Doll (Aired March 13, 1949)
Alan Ladd is aided by most of the better detective genre voice talent of the era, which gives the program the requisite atmosphere for the genre. Alan Ladd bankrolled the production himself under his Mayfair Transcription Company and clearly spared little expense creating a production up to his demanding standards. With radio actors of the versatility of Betty Lou Gerson, Paul Frees, Gerald Mohr, Herb Vigran, Joe Kearns, Ed Begley and Frank Lovejoy, Ladd guaranteed that the characterizations and tone of all 52 episodes would maintain the highest standards. Ladd's Production Supervisor was Vern Carstensen, a veteran of several equally well mounted detective genre productions of the era. Rudy Schrager's musical compositions and direction are a refreshing and effective atmospheric alternative to the often overbearing organ music so common to the genre. It also lends itself to the softer delivery of Alan Ladd's protagonist. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.
THIS EPISODE:

March 13, 1949. Program #30. Mutual net origination, Mayfair syndication. "Death Is A Doll". Commercials added locally. A man is slowly dying of what appears to be witchcraft. The date is approximate. Alan Ladd, Sylvia Picker, Rudy Schrager (composer, conductor), Vern Carstensen (production supervisor). 26:40. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

A Salute To Good Health (Aired October 21, 1947)

In 1934-36, Berle was heard regularly on The Rudy Vallee Hour, and he got much publicity as a regular on The Gillette Original Community Sing, a Sunday night comedy-variety program broadcast on CBS from September 6, 1936 to August 29, 1937. In 1939, he was the host of Stop Me If You've Heard This One with panelists spontaneously finishing jokes sent in by listeners. Three Ring Time, a comedy-variety show sponsored by Ballantine Ale was followed by a 1943 program sponsored by Campbell's Soups. The audience participation show Let Yourself Go (1944-45) could best be described as slapstick radio with studio audience members acting out long suppressed urges (often directed at host Berle). Kiss and Make Up, on CBS in 1946, featured the problems of contestants decided by a jury from the studio audience with Berle as the Judge. He also made guest appearances on many comedy-variety radio programs during the 1930s and 1940s.

THIS EPISODE:

October 21, 1947. NBC network. Sponsored by: Philip Morris. "A Salute To Good Health" Milton visits the doctor, but is cured of the hiccoughs by his neighbor. Frank Gallop (announcer), Milton Berle, Ray Bloch and His Orchestra. 29:58. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Happy Ending (Aired June 23, 1937)

INTRO: Bob plays The Spinners "It's A Shame" (1970)

After a successful tryout in New York City, the series was picked up by NBC in April 1935 and broadcast nationally, usually late at night and always on Wednesdays. Cooper stayed on the program until June 1936, when another Chicago writer, Arch Oboler, took over. By the time Cooper left, the series had inspired about 600 fan clubs. Cooper's run was characterized by grisly stories spiked with dark, tongue-in-cheek humor, a sort of radio Grand Guignol. A character might be buried or eaten or skinned alive, vaporized in a ladle of white-hot steel, absorbed by a giant slurping amoeba, have his arm torn off by a robot, tortured or decapitated -- always with the appropriate blood-curdling acting and sound effects. Adhesive tape, stuck together and pulled apart, simulated the sound of a man's skin being ripped off. Pulling the leg off a frozen chicken gave the illusion of an arm being torn out of its socket. A raw egg dropped on a plate stood in for an eye being gouged; poured corn syrup for flowing blood; cleavered cabbages and cantalopes for beheadings; snapped pencils and spareribs for broken fingers and bones. The sound of a hand crushed? A lemon, laid on an anvil, smashed with a hammer.

View Details

"The Mysterious New Boarder" (Aired October 21, 1949)

THIS EPISODE:

October 21, 1949. NBC network origination, WRVR-FM, New York rebroadcast. Sponsored by: Hemlock Farms. "The Mysterious New Boarder" in the Riley household is Ferguson...with gun and blackjack! Syndicated rebroadcast date: September 24, 1974. William Bendix, John Brown, Paula Winslowe, Jimmy Wallington (announcer), Irving Brecher (producer), Alan Lipscott (writer), Reuben Ship (writer), Mitch Lindeman (director), Barbara Eiler, Alan Reed, Alan Reed Jr.. 28:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Sam Aldrich Is Sick (Aired November 30, 1952)

The Aldrich Family as a separate radio show was born as a summer replacement for Jack Benny in NBC's Sunday night lineup, July 2, 1939, and it stayed there until October 1, 1939, when it moved to Tuesday nights at 8 p.m., sponsored by General Foods's popular gelatin dessert Jell-O---which also sponsored Jack Benny at the time. The Aldriches ran in that slot from October 10, 1939 until May 28, 1940, moving to Thursdays, from July 4, 1940 until July 20, 1944. After a brief hiatus, the show moved to CBS, running on Fridays from September 1, 1944 until August 30, 1946 with sponsors Grape Nuts and Jell-O,.before moving back to NBC from September 05, 1946 to June 28, 1951 on Thursdays and, then, its final run of September 21, 1952 to April 19, 1953 on Sundays.

THIS EPISODE:

November 30, 1952. "Sam Aldrich Is Sick"- NBC network. Sustaining. Henry's father is sick. Bobby Ellis, Jack Grimes, Clifford Goldsmith (writer), House Jameson, Katharine Raht, Dick Dudley (announcer). 29:12. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO" Bob Plays The Classic IV "Island Of Paradise" (1962)

Outward Bound (Aired August 3, 1952)

THIS EPISODE:

August 3, 1952. NBC network. "Outward Bound". Sustaining. John Chapman (host), Sutton Vane (author), Jean Adair, Alexander Scourby, John Stanley, Ernest Kinoy (adaptor), Chester Stratton, Susan Douglas, Leona Powers, Norman Rose, Wendell Holmes, William Podmore, William Welch (supervisor), Edward King (director), Fred Collins (announcer). 59:18. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The name Hornblower was probably derived from the American film producer Arthur Hornblow, Jr., with whom C. S. Forester had been working prior to writing the first Hornblower novel. Forester's original inspiration was an old copy of the Naval Chronicle, which described the effective dates of the Treaty of Ghent. Because of the time required to communicate around the world, it was possible for two countries to still be at war in one part of the world after a peace was obtained months before in another. The burdens that this placed on captains far from home led him to a character struggling with the stresses of a "man alone". At the same time, Forester wrote the body of the works carefully to avoid entanglements with real world history, so Hornblower is always off on another mission when a great naval victory occurs during the Napoleonic Wars. Broadcast 1952; Transcribed in England for the BBC; aired in U.S. on CBS, then again on ABC in 1954 and Mutual in 1957. Starring Michael Redgrave as Horatio Hornblower.

THIS EPISODE:

July 28, 1952. "Navy Examination_For_Lieutenant" Program #41. Radio Luxembourg, Towers Of London syndication. Commercials added locally. An attack by the Spaniard interrupts Hornblower's exam for leftenant. This is a quality upgrade, non-AFRS version of cat. #5938. Michael Redgrave, C. S. Forester (creator), Sidney Torch (composer, conductor), Harry Alan Towers (producer, director), Philo Higby (writer). 1/2 hour. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Missing Newshawk Caper (Aired July 18, 1948)

The Adventures of Sam Spade was a radio series based loosely on the private detective character Sam Spade, created by writer Dashiell Hammett for The Maltese Falcon. The show ran for 13 episodes on ABC in 1946, for 157 episodes on CBS in 1946-1949, and finally for 51 episodes on NBC in 1949-1951. The series starred Howard Duff (and later, Steve Dunne) as Sam Spade and Lurene Tuttle as his secretary Effie, and took a considerably more tongue-in-cheek approach to the character than the novel or movie. The series was largely overseen by producer/director William Spier. In 1947, scriptwriters Jason James and Bob Tallman received an Edgar Award for Best Radio Drama from the Mystery Writers of America.
THIS EPISODE:

July 18, 1948. CBS network. "The Missing Newshawk Caper". Sponsored by: Wildroot Cream-Oil. Spade is hired to find a reporter named Ray McCully. Spade finds him all right, stabbed to death! Howard Duff, Lurene Tuttle, Dashiell Hammett (creator), William Conrad, Sara Berner, Bea Benaderet (possibly), Alan Reed, Gil Doud (writer, director), Robert Tallman (writer), Lud Gluskin (music), Dick Joy (announcer). 29:57. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Guy From Gower Gulch (Aired November 13, 1948)

Jeff Regan and Joe Canto (Webb and Yarborough) were 'operatives' for the International Detective Bureau, a small private investigations firm in downtown Los Angeles, with often oversized ambitions. The oversized ambitions existed, for the most part, in the mind of Anthony J. Lyon, Esq. (Wilms Herbert). Lyon, a defrocked ambulance-chasing lawyer, assumed the lofty title of President of the International Detective Bureau in an effort to attract more upscale clients. The International in the title of the firm was simply more pretentious window-dressing. As far as we're aware, no operative of the firm ever left the U.S., with the possible exception of a brief excursion across the Mexico border to Tijuana. Indeed, we're aware of only a handful of 'operatives' ever mentioned during the run of the series.

THIS EPISODE:

November 13, 1948. CBS network. "The Guy From Gower Gulch". Sustaining. Who shot Davey Crockett? No, it wasn't Mexican soldiers! Crockett was bumped off as soon as he was bailed out of jail. What is the connection between wounded horses and a roll of film? Larry Roman (writer), Jackson Gillis (writer), Ed Begley, Herb Ellis, Milton Charles (composer, conductor), Bob Stevenson (announcer), Sterling Tracy (producer), Yvonne Peattie, Clayton Post, Leo Cleary, Jack Webb, Herb Butterfield. 29:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Guy From Gower Gulch (Aired November 13, 1948)

THIS EPISODE:

View Details

Red Clouds On The Good Earth (Aired July 13, 1952)

THIS EPISODE:

July 13, 1952. Program #16. ZIV Syndication. "Red Clouds On The Good Earth". Commercials added locally. Cvetic is ordered to pose as a farm implement salesman and subvert the future farmers of our country. Dana Andrews, Truman Bradley (announcer), Henry Hayward (director), David Rose (music). 27:17. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

**The Case Of The Fall (Aired October 27, 1953)

INTRO: Bob Remembers Jim Croce "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown" (1973) #1 Billboard Hit
21st Precinct was one of the realistic police drama series of the early- to mid-1950's that were aired in the wake of DRAGNET. In 1953 CBS decided to use New York City as the backdrop for their own half-hour police series and focus on the day-to-day operation of a single police precinct. Actual cases were used as the basis for stories. "21st Precinct.., It's just lines on a map of the city of New York. Most of the 173,000 people wedged into the nine-tenths of a square mile between Fifth Avenue and the East River wouldn't know, if you asked them, that they lived or worked in the 21st. Whether they know it or not, the security of their persons, their homes, and their property is the job of the men of the 21st." The Precinct Captain acted as the narrator for the series

THIS EPISODE:

October 27, 1953."The Case Of The Fall" - CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. A captured burglar accuses a policeman of stealing his loot. Everett Sloane, John Ives (producer), Stanley Niss (writer, director). 26:58. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Jack Benny Program (Aired February 20, 1944)

Benny was remarkable in many ways, but in none more than this: he built a character of every sour ingredient in life, but somehow his real personality trickled through and made it wonderful. Would a real miser act that way before 30 million people each week? The Benny of the air was a fraud, a myth, a creation. It should have surprised no one to learn — after years of toupee jokes that played so well into the vanity theme — that Benny never wore one. He overtipped in restaurants, gave away his time in countless benefit performances, and was lavish in his praise of almost everyone else.

THIS EPISODE:
CBS network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. The program originates from Palm Springs, California. A famous quartet of guests sing Jack's song, "When You Say I Beg Your Pardon, Then I'll Come Back To You." AFRS program name: "The Jack Benny Program." Eddie Anderson, Benny Rubin, Mel Blanc, Eddie Anderson, Sam Perrin (writer), George Balzer (writer), John Tackaberry (writer), Milt Josefsberg (writer), Hilliard Marks (producer), Artie Auerbach, Mahlon Merrick (music director), Frank Sinatra, George Burns, "Special Guest Groucho Marx", Jack Benny, Danny Kaye, Don Wilson, Phil Harris, Dennis Day. 29:42. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Blackmail (Aired June 10, 1951)

With the beginning of World War II, Mr. Moto fell out of favor with Americans, and no new books or movies about him appeared between 1942 and 1957. A dedicated and cold-blooded spy for Imperial Japan, Moto is not a conventional hero. He does not look for opportunities to commit violence but has no problem with killing people who obstruct his plans, and he would not hesitate to take his own life if necessary. But he is a master of concealing his true nature while under cover, and usually appears dull, naive, utterly harmless. He does not try to correct the bigoted attitudes of Westerners toward him and other Asians, and is not above encouraging such condescension.

THIS EPISODE:

June 10, 1951. NBC network. "Blackmail". Sustaining. Mr. Moto tries to help Paul De Clett, the son of an old friend who has stolen his mother's valuable necklace. The audio has serious wow the last two minutes. The program has also been dated June 3, 1951. Bill Lipton, Carol Irwin (producer), Fred Collins (announcer), Grace Cudahy, Harry W. Junkin (writer), James Monks, John P. Marquand (creator), Ralph Bell. 29:23. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index

View Details

A Rare Black Orchid (Aired May 21, 1950)
Our Miss Brooks, an American situation comedy, began as a radio hit in 1948 and migrated to television in 1952, becoming one of the earlier hits of the so-called Golden Age of Television, and making a star out of Eve Arden (1908-1990) as comely, wisecracking, but humane high school English teacher Connie Brooks. The show hooked around Connie's daily relationships with Madison High School students, colleagues, and pompous principal Osgood Conklin (Gale Gordon), not to mention favourite student Walter Denton (future television and Rambo co-star Richard Crenna, who fashioned a higher-pitched voice to play the role) and biology teacher Philip Boynton ( Jeff Chandler), the latter Connie's all-but-unrequited love interest, who saw science everywhere and little else anywhere.

THIS EPISODE:

May 21, 1950. "A Rare Black Orchid"- CBS network. Sponsored by: Colgate Toothpaste, Lustre Creme Shampoo, Palmolive Soap. Walter Denton has discovered uranium...on his shoe! Meanwhile, someone has stolen Mr. Conklin's rare black orchid! Eve Arden, Al Lewis (writer, director), Jane Morgan, Richard Crenna, Gloria McMillan, Gale Gordon, Verne Smith (commercial spokesman), Jeff Chandler, Wilbur Hatch (composer), Larry Berns (producer), Lester White (white), Joe Quillan (writer), Maurice Carlton (music director), Bob Lemond (announcer). 26:58. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Cake That Killed (Aired January 8, 1950)

THE SAINT first came to radio in 1940, with American produced programs starting in 1945. While not the first actor to bring Templar to life over the air, it was surprisingly (at least to me) Vincent Price who played the role for the longest period, from 1947 until 1951. Knowing Price for his screen persona, it is odd at first to hear him doing this wise-cracking and lighthearted rogue. Some episodes in the Radio Spirit collection are almost slapstick, with Price being hit over the head, slapped and even thrown overboard in a single episode. It’s apparent that Price is having fun with the show, possibly as it allows him to play the handsome leading man rather than the darker heavies he was already beginning to be known for on screen.
THIS EPISODE:

January 8, 1950. Mutual network. "The Cake That Killed". Sponsored by: Ford. A sweet-tooth for a certain cake leads the Saint to double-murder and mayhem. Vincent Price, Leslie Charteris (creator), James L. Saphier (producer). 25:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Roy Rogers Show" - The Legend Of Pecos Bill (Aired May 8, 1945)
After four years of little success, he formed Sons of the Pioneers, a Western cowboy music group, in 1934. The group hit it big with songs like "Cool Water" and "Tumbling Tumbleweeds". From his first film appearance in 1935, he worked steadily in western films, including a large supporting role as a singing cowboy while still billed as "Leonard Slye" in a Gene Autry movie. In 1938 when Autry temporarily walked out on his movie contract, Slye was immediately rechristened "Roy Rogers" and assigned the lead in Under Western Stars. Rogers became a matinee idol and American legend. A competitor for Gene Autry as the nation's favorite singing cowboy was suddenly born. In addition to his own movies, Rogers played a supporting role in the John Wayne classic Dark Command (1940). Rogers became a major box office attraction.

THIS EPISODE:
May 8, 1945. "The Legend Of Pecos Bill" - Mutual network. Sponsored by: Goodyear Rubber. The first tune is, "I've Got A Locket In Pocket." Roy tells the story of Pecos Bill. Roy Rogers, The Sons Of The Pioneers, Porter Hall (famous movie villain), Pat Friday, Perry Botkin and His Orchestra, The Farr Brothers, Bob Nolan. 29:09. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Alfred Hitchcock's Foreign Correspondent (Aired July 24, 1946)

The list of films and actors on Academy Award Theater is very impressive. Bette Davis begins the series in Jezebel, with Ginger Rogers following in Kitty Foyle, and then Paul Muni in The Life of Louis Pasteur. The Informer had to have Victor Mclaglen, and the Maltese Falcon, Humphrey Bogart, Sidney Greenstreet (this movie was his first major motion picutre role) plus Mary Astor for the hat trick. Suspicion starred Cary Grant with Ann Todd doing the Joan Fontaine role, Ronald Coleman in Lost Horizon, and Joan Fontaine and John Lund were in Portrait of Jenny. How Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Pinocchio were done is something to hear! John Dunning in his book,"On the Air, The Encyclopedia of Old Time Radio,"tells us why such a fine production lasted less than a year: "The House of Squibb, a drug firm, footed a stiff bill: up to $5,000 for the stars and $1,600 a week to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for use of the title. The production had all the class of a Lux or Screen Guild show…But the tariff took its toll, and after 39 weeks the series was scrapped."

THIS EPISODE:

July 24, 1946. "Alfred Hitchcock's Foreign Correspondent" was his second American film (and hired out by David O. Selznick to independent producer Walter Wanger), one that closely resembles his earlier British films: The 39 Steps (1935) and The Lady Vanishes (1937). It was touted as "The Thrill Spectacle of the Year!" 29:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Big Smoke (Aired February 22, 1953)

Dragnet was a long-running radio and television police procedural drama about the cases of a dedicated Los Angeles police detective, Sergeant Joe Friday, and his partners. The show takes its name from an actual police term, a "dragnet", meaning a system of coordinated measures for apprehending criminals or suspects. Dragnet debuted inauspiciously. The first several months were bumpy, as Webb and company worked out the program’s format and eventually became comfortable with their characters (Friday was originally portrayed as more brash and forceful than his later usually relaxed demeanor). Gradually, Friday’s deadpan, fast-talking persona emerged, described by John Dunning as "a cop's cop, tough but not hard, conservative but caring." (Dunning, 210) Friday’s first partner was Sgt. Ben Romero, portrayed by Barton Yarborough, a longtime radio actor. When Dragnet hit its stride, it became one of radio’s top-rated shows.

THIS EPISODE:

February 22, 1953. Program #192. NBC network. "The Big Smoke". Sponsored by: Chesterfield. Old Mr. Stone, who kept his life savings in his mattress, has been killed. His invalid wife has been beaten with a club. Quality upgrade, network, sponsored version of cat. #16280. Jack Webb, Ben Alexander, George Fenneman (announcer), Hal Gibney (announcer), John Robinson (writer), Walter Schumann (music), Virginia Gregg, Stacy Harris. 29:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Good Ship Jane (Aired February 24, 1954)

Crime Classics was a U. S. radio docudrama which aired over CBS from June 15, 1953 to June 30, 1954. Created, produced, and directed by radio actor/director Elliott Lewis, the program was basically a historical true crime series, examining crimes, and especially murders, from the past. It grew out of Lewis's personal interest in famous murder cases, and took a documentary-like approach to the subject, carefully recreating the facts, personages, and feel of the time period. Comparatively little dramatic license was taken with the facts and events, but the tragedy was leavened with humor, expressed largely through the narration.

THIS EPISODE:
February 24, 1954. CBS network. "The Good Ship Jane: Why She Became Flotsam". Sustaining. A well written story of piracy and murder. Lou Merrill (host), Gary Montgomery, Ben Wright, Steve Roberts, Bob Lemond (announcer), Herb Butterfield, Paul Frees, William Johnstone, Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Bernard Herrmann (composer, conductor). 29:51. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Terror Across The Nation (Aired April 28, 1951)

The 1944 CBS Summer season finale, Murder, Music and A Blonde Madonna, gives some credence to the way CBS promoted this first run. Starring Herbert Marshall as Ken Thurston, a private operative, with Han Conried as Egon Zellschmidt in this first incarnation of Ken Thurston's nemesis, and Mary Jane Croft appearing in the role of Ken's love interest, Nancy Bessington, a reporter and Thurston's erstwhile fiance. We can only interpolate from what we've already turned up for this shortest run of The Man Called X, but it would appear that Hans Conried and Mary Jane Croft may have been regulars co-stars throughout that first season. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

April 28, 1951. "Terror Across The Nation" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Anacin. Recorded April 28, 1951. Two commercials and the system were cue added at the time of broadcast. Five government officials in Haiti are killed by zombies! Ken Thurston investigates, and nearly becomes one of the living dead himself! D. J. Thompson, Barbara Fuller, Herbert Marshall, Leon Belasco, Lou Merrill, Stan Waxman, Will Wright, William Conrad. 28:56. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Remembers George Benson - "Give Me The Night" (1980)

The Astrologer (Aired November 19, 1946)

In 1936, Mel Blanc joined Leon Schlesinger Productions, which made animated cartoons distributed by Warner Bros. Blanc liked to tell the story about how he got turned down at the Schlesinger studio by music director Norman Spencer, who was in charge of cartoon voices, saying that they had all the voices they needed. Then Spencer died, and sound man Treg Brown took charge of cartoon voices, while Carl Stalling took over as music director. Brown introduced Blanc to animation directors Tex Avery, Bob Clampett, Friz Freleng, and Frank Tashlin, who loved his voices. The first cartoon Blanc worked on was Picador Porky as the voice of a drunken bull. He took over as Porky Pig's voice in Porky's Duck Hunt, which marked the debut of Daffy Duck, also voiced by Blanc. Blanc soon became noted for voicing a wide variety of cartoon characters from Looney Tunes, adding Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird, Pepé Le Pew and many others. His natural voice was that of Sylvester the Cat, but without the lispy spray. (Blanc's voice can be heard in an episode of The Beverly Hillbillies that also featured frequent Blanc vocal foil Bea Benaderet; in his small appearance, Blanc plays a vexed cab-driver.)

THIS EPISODE:

November 19, 1946. "The Astrologer" - CBS network. Sponsored by: Colgate Toothpowder, Halo Shampoo. Betty's father is planning to sell the supermarket and leave town. The store's buyer is a believer in astrology. Mel Blanc, Mary Jane Croft, Joseph Kearns, Hans Conried, The Sportsmen, Victor Miller and His Orchestra, Earle Ross, Bud Hiestand (announcer), Joe Rines (producer, director), Mac Benoff (writer). 30:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Plays The Del-Vikings "Wisspering Bells" (1957)

Cathy Sutter Meets James Carter (Aired March 22, 1953)
NBC first envisioned The Chase as a new Television feature. This was not uncommon during the later 1940s and early 1950s. Several Radio features straddled both media, with varying success. Developed as a psychological drama, the premise was that many life situations place their subjects in a 'chase' of one type or another. A chase for fame. A chase from peril. A chase to beat the clock. A chase to escape death. The added twist was the question of who is the hunter or the hunted in these situations. The scripts were faced paced, starred quality east coast talent and were well written. The series' plots and themes focused primarily on predominantly fear inducing pursuits of one form or another. Thus most of the scripts were fraught with tension of one type or another.

THIS EPISODE:

March 22, 1953. "Cathy Sutter Meets James Carter" - NBC network. Sustaining. The oldest chase of all. Cathy Sutter's rocky romance with wealthy James Carter Jr. Part of the system cue has been deleted. Lawrence Klee (creator, writer), Fred Weihe (director, transcriber), Fred Collins (announcer), Ann Thomas, Jane Webb, Irene Hubbard, Lawson Zerbe, Leon Janney. 29:55. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Underworld Goes Underground (08-14-40) and (08-16-40) COMPLETE

The exploits of Dan Garrett, a rookie patrolman who, by wearing bullet-proof blue chain mail, transformed himself into the mysterious Blue Beetle, a daring crusader for justice. The Blue Beetle was created by Charles Nicholas. The character made his first appearance in August of 1939 in the comic book Mystery Men #1, published by Fox Features Syndicate. The Blue Beetle radio serial aired from 05-15-40 to 09-13-40 as a CBS 30 minutes, syndicated series. Actor Frank Lovejoy provided the voice of the Blue Beetle for the first thirteen episodes. Later episodes were uncredited. After his father was killed by a gangster's bullet, young Dan Garrett joined the New York Police Department, but soon tired of the slow pace and red tape of police work. With the help of his friend and mentor, pharmacist and drug-store proprietor Dr. Franz, Dan acquired a costume of bullet-proof chain-mail-like cellulose material, and began a second life, fighting crime as The Blue Beetle. In at least one radio adventure, he carries something called a "magic ray machine". The ray machine was a sort of super-scientific cutting device.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Plays Johnny Mathis "That's All" (1959)
"Nosy Neighbors" (Aired April 10, 1949)

The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet launched on CBS October 8, 1944, making a mid-season switch to NBC in 1949. The final years of the radio series were on ABC (the former NBC Blue Network) from October 14, 1949, to June 18, 1954. In an arrangement that amplified the growing pains of American broadcasting, as radio "grew up" into television (as George Burns once phrased it), the Nelsons' deal with ABC gave the network itself the right to move the show to television whenever it wanted to do it---they wanted, according to the Museum of Broadcast Communications, to have talent in the bullpen and ready to pitch, so to say, on their own network, rather than risk it defecting to CBS (where the Nelsons began) or NBC. Their sons, David and Ricky, did not join the cast until five years after the radio series began. The two boys felt frustrated at hearing themselves played by actors and continually requested they be allowed to portray themselves. Prior to April 1949, the role of David was played by Joel Davis (1944-45) and Tommy Bernard, and Henry Blair appeared as Ricky.

View Details

The Great Footwear Scandal (Aired October 29, 1962)The Men from the Ministry was a British radio comedy series broadcast by the BBC between 1962 and 1977, starring Wilfrid Hyde-White, Richard Murdoch and, from 1966, when he replaced Hyde-White, Deryck Guyler. Written and produced by Edward Taylor with contributions from John Graham, and with some early episodes written by Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke, it ran for 14 series, totalling 147 half-hour episodes. A further 14 episodes were made by BBC Transcription Service in 1980 but never broadcast in the UK. Versions were made by YLE in Finland, Sveriges Radio (SR) in Sweden, and Springbok Radio in South Africa, where it was made into a feature-length film. The series was about lazy, bungling, incompetent civil servants, "Number One" - Roland Hamilton-Jones (Wilfrid Hyde-White) and later Deryck Lennox-Brown (Deryck Guyler), "Number Two" - Richard Lamb (Richard Murdoch), with their dim, typo-prone, teenage secretary, Mildred Murfin (Norma Ronald), all watched-over by the lecherous, pompous, self-seeking Permanent undersecretary Sir Gregory Pitkin (Roy Dotrice and later Ronald Baddiley), all members of the British Civil Service based in Whitehall. The stories centered on their General Assistance Department (analogous to the "Department of Administrative Affairs" in the later Yes Minister), which helps other governmental departments.

View Details

The King Cobra Murder Case (Aired May 4, 1950)

When Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons first debuted over the Blue Network on October 12, 1937, the show’s title accurately described Keen’s stock-in-trade; the “kindly old investigator” tracked down individuals who had mysteriously vanished, leaving behind their families, homes, jobs and other day-to-day activities. Keen (he never had a first name, unless it was “Peachy”) was assisted in these duties by an Irishman named Mike Clancy. Mike wasn’t much of a brainiac (the quote that comprises the title of this post was a semi-catchphrase that he seemed to use on the show every week) but he could use the necessary brawn when the situation called for it. Bennett Kilpack played kindly ol' Keen throughout most of the program’s run, as well as Philip Clarke and Arthur Hughes, while Jim Kelly took the role of Clancy. The series originally aired as a thrice-weekly fifteen-minute serial from 1937-43 (the show moved to CBS in 1942), providing more than ample time for Keen to solve even the most baffling of disappearances. Beginning November 11, 1943, the program changed its format to that of a half-hour weekly offering.

THIS EPISODE:

May 4, 1950. CBS network. "The King Cobra Murder Case". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Bisodol. A snake is used to kill on an ocean liner. Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Richard Leonard (director), Lawrence Klee (dialogue), Bennett Kilpack, Larry Elliott (announcer). 28:27.Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Reward (Aired December 1, 1947)

My Friend Irma, created by writer-director-producer Cy Howard, was a top-rated, long-run radio situation comedy, so popular in the late 1940s that its success escalated to films and television, while Howard scored with another radio comedy hit, Life with Luigi. Dependable and level-headed Jane Stacy (Cathy Lewis) narrated the misadventures of her innocent and bewildered roommate, Irma Peterson (Marie Wilson), a dim-bulb stenographer. Wilson portrayed the character on radio, in two films and a TV series. The successful radio series with Marie Wilson ran on CBS Radio from April 11, 1947 to August 23, 1954. The TV version, seen on CBS from January 8, 1952 until June 25, 1954, was the first series telecast from the CBS Television City facility in Hollywood. The movie My Friend Irma (1949) starred Marie Wilson and Diana Lynn but is mainly remembered today for introducing Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis to moviegoers, resulting in even more screen time for Martin and Lewis in the sequel, My Friend Irma Goes West (1950).

View Details

**INTRO: Bob Plays Grover Washington "Just The Two Of Us" (1980)

A Quiet Sunday (Aired June 10, 1946)**

THIS EPISODE:

June 10, 1946. CBS Pacific network. "A Quiet Sunday". Sponsored by: Signal Oil. Henry is caught between his wife and his mistress, which leads to a dead body in the trunk. The story has a good "whistleresque" ending. Surprise! The script was subsequently produced on The Whistler on July 2, 1950 (see cat. #76166). George W. Allen (producer), Wilbur Hatch (music), Marvin Miller (announcer), Joseph Kearns, Mary Lansing, Bernard Gerard (writer), Zane Mann (writer). 27:37. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTROS: Bob Plays The Platters "The Magic Touch" (1960)

The Silver Cigarette Case aka: The Murder Of Charles Brooks (Aired January 6, 1952)

This series was very similar to the Black Museum that was hosted by Orson Welles. Both the Black Museum and Whitehall 1212 drew their material from the files of Scotland Yard. The stories were true in every respect except that the names were changed to protect the innocent, as they say. The Whitehall 1212 series boasted that for the first time Scotland Yard opened its files and the producers promised to bring to the public authentic true stories of some of the most celebrated cases. Permission for these records came from Sir Harold Scott, Commissioner of the yard at that time. There is actually a Black Museum. This area is located on the lower ground floor of Scotland Yard and it does indeed contain articles that are closely associated with the solving of a crime. And "Whitehall 1212" was the actual emergency phone number for the yard at the time. The research for the shows was done by Percy Hoskins, chief crime reporter for the London Daily Express.

View Details

INTROS: Bob Plays The Platters "The Magic Touch" (1960)
The Silver Cigarette Case aka: The Murder Of Charles Brooks (Aired January 6, 1952)

THIS EPISODE:
January 6, 1952. NBC network. Sustaining. How a "Silver Cigarette Case" led to two murders. A "Chicago" gangster want-a-be and his gun moll start a crime wave. The final public service announcement and the system cue have been deleted. Percy Hoskins (researcher), Wyllis Cooper (writer, director). 29:01. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Corpse Takes A Stand (Aired July 22, 1974)

Rod Serling started the groundwork for a new radio series called The Zero Hour, which was to have featured Ray Bradbury's story as the opener. Norman Corwin took over the project and it evolved into a suspense radio drama series hosted by Rod Serling. It was produced by StudioHouse, who also produced The Salvation Army program, "Heartbeat Theater". Don Hill produced the series. The Zero Hour was produced in 1973 and featured 5-part stories that ran Monday through Friday, until December of 1973. Each part was approximately 30 minutes long (including commercials). The series was sold to Mutual for syndication. The format was changed to single part shows in 1974, running again 5 days a week, from the end of April through July of 1974.

View Details

Archie Has Three Days To Live (Aired February 9, 1949)
Duffy's Tavern, an American radio situation comedy (CBS, 1941-1942; NBC-Blue Network, 1942-1944; NBC, 1944-1952), often featured top-name stage and film guest stars but always hooked those around the misadventures, get-rich-quick-scheming, and romantic missteps of the title establishment's malaprop-prone, metaphor-mixing manager, Archie, played by the writer/actor who co-created the show, Ed Gardner. In the show's familiar opening, "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," either solo on an old-sounding piano or by a larger orchestra, was interrupted by the ring of a telephone and Gardner's New Yorkese accent as he answered, "Duffy's Tavern, where the elite meet to eat. Archie the manager speakin'. Duffy ain't here — oh, hello, Duffy.

THIS EPISODE:

February 9, 1949. NBC network origination, Nostalgia Broadcasting Corporation syndication "Archie Has Three Days To Live". Commercials added locally. Archie's doctor has told him that he only has three days to live...or did he? Archie keeps the true diagnosis from the gang down at the tavern. Ed Gardner, Eddie Green, Charlie Cantor, Florence Halop (as "Miss Duffy"), John Morris (producer, director), Matty Malneck and His Orchestra. 29:00. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

**INTRO: Bob Plays The MelloKings "Tonight Tonight" (1957)

The Chest (Aired December 1, 1949)After Arch Oboler left the show (1936), Wyllis Cooper created his horror "by raiding the larder." For the purposed of Lights Out sound effects, people were what they ate. The sound of a butcher knife rending a piece of uncooked pork was, when accompanied by shrieks and screams, the essence of murder to a listener alone at midnight. Real bones were broken - spareribs snapped with a pipe wrench. Bacon in a frypan gave a vivid impression of a body just electrocuted. And the cannibalism effect was actually a zealous actor. Cooper left the show in 1936 and Oboler was given the job. Oboler lost no time establishing himself as the new master of the macabre. Between May 1936 and July 1938, he wrote and directed more than 100 Lights Out plays. To follow Cooper was a challenge: he was "the unsung pioneer of radio dramatic techniques," but Oboler had passed the test with his first play. His own name soon became synonymous with murder and gore.THIS EPISODE: December 1, 1942. CBS network.* "The Chest - The Story Of Mr. Maggs". Sponsored by: Ironized Yeast, Energene. A meek little man buys a locked trunk at an auction...and finds it filled with horror! Network, sponsored version. Arch Oboler (host), Frank Martin (announcer), Jane Morgan, Joseph Kearns. 32:15.* Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.**

View Details

INTRO: Bob Plays The MelloKings "Tonight Tonight" (1957)

The Chest (Aired December 1, 1942)

After Arch Oboler left the show (1936), Wyllis Cooper created his horror "by raiding the larder." For the purposed of Lights Out sound effects, people were what they ate. The sound of a butcher knife rending a piece of uncooked pork was, when accompanied by shrieks and screams, the essence of murder to a listener alone at midnight. Real bones were broken - spareribs snapped with a pipe wrench. Bacon in a frypan gave a vivid impression of a body just electrocuted. And the cannibalism effect was actually a zealous actor. Cooper left the show in 1936 and Oboler was given the job. Oboler lost no time establishing himself as the new master of the macabre. Between May 1936 and July 1938, he wrote and directed more than 100 Lights Out plays. To follow Cooper was a challenge: he was "the unsung pioneer of radio dramatic techniques," but Oboler had passed the test with his first play. His own name soon became synonymous with murder and gore.

THIS EPISODE:

December 1, 1942. CBS network. "The Chest - The Story Of Mr. Maggs". Sponsored by: Ironized Yeast, Energene. A meek little man buys a locked trunk at an auction...and finds it filled with horror! Network, sponsored version. Arch Oboler (host), Frank Martin (announcer), Jane Morgan, Joseph Kearns. 32:15. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Plays The Elegants "Little Star" (1958)

Recovering A Civil War Map (Aired December 16, 1950)

Dangerous Assignment stands as one of the most durable programs of its genre and era in the waning days of The Golden Age of Radio. Espionage or foreign intrigue dramas weren't particularly groundbreaking undertakings by the 1950s. Bulldog Drummond was the first of the more successful exemplars of Radio espionage and intrigue, running from 1941 to 1954, most often under the lead of the gifted character actor, George Coulouris. The Counterspy series had been well underway since 1942 and ran in one incarnation or another through 1954. The Man Called X had already aired--to great popular and critical acclaim--for almost five years prior to 1949. Indeed, within a year of airing Dangerous Assignment's Summer 1949 season, The Man Called X returned to the air for another two years. Dangerous Assignment ran for the most part, network sustained for over half of its entire run. NBC transcribed Dangerous Assignment for syndication via its NBC Orthacoustic Transcription Series. NBC's Orthacoustic transcriptions are the source of most of the surviving recordings. Show Notes From The Digital Deli. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

View Details

Mabel The Manicurist (Aired July 14, 1947)

The series was written by Lawrence Klee and narrated by "The Clock." First Broadcast in the United States was in November, 1946. It was syndicated by Grace Gibson syndication. At the time of production, the Australian accent, we now know and love, originating from the Irish and Cockney accents, was rather frowned upon by non other than Australians. The shows tried to sound neutral, then there was hope that the show could be sold to Great Britain and the United States. The show was bought by the ABC network in the States, although the ABC on the CD label (below) stands for the Australian Broadcast Company. The settings were usually generic and the actors tried to speak without a perceptible accent and for that reason the program sounded sort of "American".

THIS EPISODE:

July 14, 1947. ABC network. "Mabel The Manicurist". Sustaining. Mabel gets out of a mental hospital...bringing her nail file with her. What happens when an irresistible force meets an immovable object? Clark Andrews (director), Ralph Norman (music director), Fran Lafferty, Bill Craigo (announcer), Lawrence Klee (writer), Charles Webster (as "The Clock"). 26:42. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

**INTRO: Bob Plays The Capris "Moon Out Tonight" Released 1958-1959

Tunnel Under the World (Aired September 4, 1956)**

X MINUS ONE was an NBC science fiction series that was an extension, or revival, of NBC's earlier science fiction series, DIMENSION X. which ran from Apr. 8, 1950 through Sept. 29, 1951. Both are remembered for bringing really first rate science fiction to the air. The first X MINUS ONE shows used scripts from DIMENSION X, but soon created new shows from storied from the pages of Galaxy Magazine. A total of 125 programs were broadcast, some repeats or remakes, until the last show of Jan. 9, 1958. There was a one-program revival attempt in 1973, shown at the end of the log.

THIS EPISODE:

September 4, 1956. NBC network. "The Tunnel Under The World". Sustaining. A fascinating story of a man who wakes up three days in a row to find the date still June 15th. The script was used previously on "X Minus One" on March 14, 1956 (see cat. #52957) and subsequently on "Future Tense" on May 8, 1974 (see cat. #13277). The program was rebroadcast on "Monitor" during September, 1974. Dean Olmquist, Amy Sidell, Elaine Rost, Bob Hastings, Ken Rafitte, Larry Haines, Norman Rose, Frederick Pohl (author). 29:06. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Twelve Year Promise - (Aired November 19, 1951)

The Hollywood husband and wife team of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall set sail for adventure in the Bold Venture radio series in early 1951. There were well over 400 stations that aired the program. Since this was syndicated * the starting date varied from station to station but Mar 26, 1951 was the official date of the first show. Humphrey Bogart portrayed Slate Shannon, owner of a rundown Havana hotel, Shannon's Place. The action took place on land as well aboard Slate's boat, The Bold Venture, thus the title of the series. Lauren Bacall was his ward Sailor Duval, a stubborn and flirtatious young woman whose late father had willed her to Slate for her protection. Together the duo found adventure, intrigue, mystery and romance in the sultry settings of tropical Havana and the mysterious islands of the Caribbean.

THIS EPISODE:

11-19-51. Program #18. ZIV Syndication. "A Twelve-Year-Old Promise". Commercials added locally. Shannon has inherited half an oil field from a man he hasn't seen in twelve years. This program might be program #35. Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Jester Hairston, David Rose (composer, conductor), Henry Hayward (director), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Jackson Beck, Tony Barrett. 26:46. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Plays The Association "Cherish" (1966)
Valiant Records # 1 Billboard Hit

"The Small White Boxes" (Aired February 19, 1952)Opening in 1875, the Crime Museum at Scotland Yard is the oldest museum in the world purely for recording crime. The name Black Museum was coined in 1877 by a reporter from The Observer, a London newspaper, although the museum is still referred to as the Crime Museum. The idea of a crime museum was conceived by Inspector Neame who had already collected together a number of items, with the intention of giving police officers practical instruction on how to detect and prevent burglary. It is this museum that inspired the Black Musuem radio series. The museum is not open to members of the public but is now used as a lecture theatre for the curator to lecture police and like bodies in subjects such as Forensic Science, Pathology, Law and Investigative Techniques.THIS EPISODE: February 19, 1952. Program #28. Towers Of London syndication. "The Small White Boxes". Commercials added locally. The date is approximate. Orson Welles (narrator), Harry Alan Towers (producer), Sidney Torch (composer, conductor), Ira Marion (writer). 25:19. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

On Borrowed Time.Aired June 15, 1952

Best Plays presents theatrical paramounts of excellence. It's hosted by the drama critic of New York’s Daily News, John Chapman. Dramatic and comedic performances outshine other theater radio shows, greatly performed by such greats as Boris Karloff and Alfred Drake. In This Episode, On Borrowed Time a 1939 film about the role death plays in life, and how we cannot live without it. It is adapted from Paul Osborn's 1938 Broadway play, which was a smash hit. The play, based on a novel by Lawrence Edward Watkin, has been revived twice on Broadway since its original run. Set in a more innocent time in small-town America, the film stars Lionel Barrymore, Beulah Bondi and Cedric Hardwicke. Lionel Barrymore plays Julian Northrup, a wheelchair-bound man (Barrymore had broken his hip twice previously and was now using a wheelchair, though he continued to act), who with his wife Nellie, played by Beulah Bondi, are raising their orphaned grandson, Pud. Another central character is Gramps's beloved old apple tree - by making a wish, Gramps has made the tree able to hold anyone who climbs.

THIS EPISODE:

June 15, 1952. NBC network. "On Borrowed Time". Sustaining. A delightful story about an old man who gets the Devil up a tree...literally! Parker Fennelly, Mildred Natwick, David Anderson, Peter Capell, William Griffis, Agnes Young, Teri Keane, Luis Van Rooten, Karl Weber, John Chapman (host), Edward King (director), Fred Collins (announcer), Paul Osborn (author), George Lefferts (adaptor). 59:15. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

VIDEO Ricky Nelson - Sings "Travelin Man" (1961) MOVIE

As the series progressed and the boys grew up, storylines involving various characters were introduced. Many of the series storylines were taken from the Nelsons' real life. When the real David and Rick got married, to June Blair and Kristin Harmon respectively, their wives joined the cast of Ozzie and Harriet, and the marriages were written into the series. (What was seldom written into the series was Ozzie's profession; mention of his lengthy and successful band-leading career was infrequent.) By the mid 1960s, America's social climate was changing, and the Nelsons' all American nuclear family epitomized the 1950s values and ideals that were quickly becoming a thing of the past.

View Details

The Adventure Of The Sobbing Bodyguard (Aired October 9, 1949)

The Series was heard over all four networks over the following four years in initial syndication and rebroadcast. Given one's geographical location, a listener might well have been able to hear as many as three or four weekly airings of The Adventures of Frank Race. Seasoned writer Joel Murcott joined Broadcasters Program Syndicate for the express purpose of writing and supervising Bruce Eells' first two dramatic offerings, Frontier Town, starring Jeff Chandler under the tongue in cheek performing name 'Tex Chandler' and The Adventures of Frank Race initially starring durable and versatile character actor Tom Collins. Legendary composer Ivan Ditmars scored both the audition and production series. The audition for the series was recorded during February 1949. The audition featured Tom Collins as former attorney and O.S.S. officer, Frank Race. Race is aided by his associate, former cab driver, Marcus 'Marc' Donovan portrayed by Tony Barrett. Lurene Tuttle is also featured in the audition. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

October 9, 1949. Program #24. Broadcasters Program Syndicate syndication. "The Adventure Of The Sobbing Bodyguard". Commercials added locally. A murder-suicide. Or is it suicide-murder? Race's pal Mark is framed either way. Paul Dubov, Tony Barrett, Buckley Angel (writer, director), Joel Murcott (writer, director), Bruce Eells (producer), Ivan Ditmars (organist), Art Gilmore (announcer), Gerald Mohr, Lillian Buyeff, Tom Holland, Michael Ann Barrett, Jack Kruschen. 25:34. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Terminal Island With Guest Orson Welles (Aired September 28, 1943)

Hope was surprised and humbled when he and his partner Grace Louise Troxell failed a 1930 screen test for Pathé at Culver City, California. (Hope had been on the screen in small parts, 1927's The Sidewalks of New York and 1928's Smiles. Hope returned to New York City and subsequently appeared in several Broadway musicals including Roberta, Say When, the 1936 Ziegfeld Follies, and Red, Hot and Blue with Ethel Merman. His performances were generally well-received and critics noted his keen sense of comedic timing. He changed his name from "Leslie" to "Bob", reportedly because people in the US were calling him "Hopelessly", although in the 1920s he sometimes used the name "Lester Hope".
THIS EPISODE:

The Pepsodent Show. September 28, 1943. "Guest Orson Welles" - NBC network, KFI, Los Angeles aircheck. Sponsored by: Pepsodent. The program originates from the Naval Air Station, Terminal Island, California. Bob and Frances take a moonlit buggy ride. The Pepsodent middle commercial features "Miriam" and "Irium." Stan Kenton is introduced and interviewed as "the new band leader" (it was actually his second appearance on the show). Guest Orson Welles appears as a mystic swami to tell Bob's future. Bob Hope, Frances Langford, Stan Kenton and His Orchestra, Larry Keating (commercial spokesman), Wendell Niles (announcer), Jerry Colonna, Barbara Jo Allen (as "Vera Vague"), Orson Welles. 29:56. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Inexperienced Ghost (Aired December 4, 1944)

Author's Playhouse was an anthology radio drama series, created by Wynn Wright, that aired on the NBC Blue Network from March 5, 1941 until October 1941. It then moved to the NBC Red Network where it was heard until June 4, 1945. Philip Morris was the sponsor in 1942-43. Premiering with "Elementals" by Stephen Vincent Benét, the series featured adaptations of stories by famous authors, such as “Mr. Mergenthwirker’s Lobbies” by Nelson Bond, "The Snow Goose" by Paul Gallico, "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs, "The Piano" by William Saroyan and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" by James Thurber. Cast members included Curley Bradley, John Hodiak, Marvin Miller, Nelson Olmsted, Fern Persons, Olan Soule and Les Tremayne. Orchestra conductors for the program were Joseph Gallicchio, Rex Maupin and Roy Shield.

THIS EPISODE:

December 4, 1944. NBC network, Chicago origination. "The Inexperienced Ghost". Sustaining. A very British experiment in the Great Beyond. Charles Egleston, Clare Baum, Guy De Vry (adaptor), H. G. Wells (author), Herb Butterfield, Jack Lyon (composer, conductor), Norman Felton (producer), Wilms Herbert. 28:44. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Lecture Bureau (Aired March 16, 1945)
Amos was naïve but honest, hard-working and (after his 1933 marriage to Ruby Taylor) a dedicated family man. Andy was more blustering, with overinflated self-confidence. Andy, being a dreamer, tended to let Amos do most of the work. Their lodge leader, the Kingfish, was always trying to lure the two into get-rich-quick schemes. Other characters included John Augustus "Brother" Crawford, an industrious but long-suffering family man; Henry Van Porter, a social-climbing real estate and insurance salesman; Frederick Montgomery Gwindell, a hard-charging newspaperman; William Lewis Taylor, the well-spoken, college-educated father of Amos's fiancee; and "Lightning", a slow-moving Stepin Fetchit-type character. The Kingfish's catch phrase "Holy mackerel!" soon entered the American lexicon.

THIS EPISODE:

March 16, 1945. Program #42. "The Lecture Bureau" - NBC network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. After running a bank for five minutes, the boys start a lecture bureau, with Andy doing the speech making. Freeman Gosden, Charles Correll, Harlow Wilcox (announcer). 29:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Grief Drives A Black Sedan (Aired September 1, 1957)
The CBS Radio Workshop aired from January 27, 1956 through September 22, 1957 and was a revival of the prestigious Columbia Workshop from the 1930s and 1940s. Creator William Froug launched the series with this powerhouse two-part adaptation of "Brave New World" and booked author Aldous Huxley to narrate his famous novel. "We’ll never get a sponsor anyway," CBS vice president Howard Barnes explained to Time, "so we might as well try anything." The CBS Workshop regularly featured the works of the world’s greatest writers. including Ray Bradbury, Archibald MacLeish, William Saroyan, Lord Dunsany and Ambrose Bierce.

THIS EPISODE:

September 1, 1957. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "Grief Drives A Black Sedan". A motorist has hit someone on a dark road, and has kept on driving. AFRTS rebroadcast name: "Mystery Theatre." Alice Frost, Jay Johnson, Larry Haines, Lee Vines, Ralph Bell, Bill Mason. 23:58. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Recalls and Reviews "Calling All Cars" (1934) Crime Drama

Calling All Cars - "Fingerprints Don't Lie" (07-11-34)

Fingerprints Don't Lie (Aired July 11, 1934)

Calling All Cars was one of radio’s earliest cop shows, dramatizing true crime stories and introduced by officers from the Los Angeles and other police departments. The narrator of the program was speech professor Charles Frederick Lindsley, and the only other regular voice heard on the program week after week belonged to that of Sergeant Jesse Rosenquist of the L.A.P.D., whose name and voice were so unusually distinctive that he was retained for the show’s entire run. None of the actors on the show ever received on-air credit, but among the talent OTR fans can hear the likes of Elvia Allman, Jackson Beck, Charles Bickford, John Gibson, Richard LeGrand and Hanley Stafford, just to name a few.

THIS EPISODE:

July 11, 1934. Program #33. CBS Pacific network (Don Lee network). "Fingerprints Don't Lie". Sponsored by: Rio Grande Oil. Officer #734 has been held up, shot and robbed by two men who escaped in a Hudson. The Department of Records and Identification uses fingerprints to apprehend the criminals. William N. Robson (writer, producer), Charles Frederick Lindsley (narrator). 31:38. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Plays The Danleers "One Summer Night" (1958)

All Promises Are Fictitious (Aired April 17, 1940)
During a typical 23-minute episode of the Burns and Allen show, the vast majority of the dialogue and speaking parts were written for Allen, who was credited with having the genius to deliver her lengthy diatribes in a fashion that made it look as though she was making her arguments up on the spot. (One running gag on the TV show was the existence of a closet full of hats belonging to various visitors to the Burns household, where the guests would slip out the door unnoticed, leaving their hats behind, rather than face another round with Gracie.) A continuing joke on the show was that George would say, "Say good night, Gracie," and Gracie would say, "Good night Gracie!" Ralph Pape used the catchphrase for the title of his play, Say Goodnight, Gracie, produced by Steppenwolf in 1983, and the phrase lives on as a title of other books and stage productions.

THIS EPISODE:

April 17, 1940. "All Promises Are Fictitious" - CBS network. Sponsored by: Hinds Honey and Almond Cream. At the Omaha convention of Gracie's Suprise Party, the men will be expected to grow beards and dress as if it were 1870. Gracie rehearses the speech she will be making in Dallas. She sings, "When The Sweet Potato Piper Plays." George Burns, Gracie Allen, Frank Parker, Ray Noble and His Orchestra, Truman Bradley (announcer), Mary Kelley (as "Bubbles"). 29:15. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Plays The Chords "Sa_Boom" (1954) Cat Records

The Kid With A Gun (Aired October 10, 1949)

Crime Does Not Pay was a series based on short films of the same name produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It was similar to Gangbusters, having a moralistic message about the law and lawbreaker. It was first heard over WMGM (NYC), hosted by Donald Buka. The last original show aired on Apr. 11, 1951. The series started on Monday evenings at 7:30 PM (on WMGM) and held that time/day spot until Oct. 30, 1950. The 56'th show marked a change to Wednesday night, again at 7:30. After show number 78 (Apr.11, 1951) the shows were repeated, starting with the first, "Kid With a Gun". The repeats followed the original order up until repeat of number 26, "Ingenious Woman" on Oct. 10, 1951. Repeats were not uncommon. Even before the last original show, older shows were repeated on alternate dates to the main series run. On Jan. 7, 1952, the series moved to Mutual but lasted just one year. Only repeats of the original series were aired and show ordering did not match the first run.

THIS EPISODE:

October 10, 1949. Program #1. MGM syndication. "The Kid With A Gun". Commercials added locally. John Powers, grown up in a slum, turns to a life of crime at an early age. The first show of the series. The date above is the date of the first broadcast of this program on WMGM, New York, from which this syndicated version may have been taken. 25:03. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Isle Of Lost Souls (Aired November 23, 1964)

The Creaking Door was South African Radio's attempt to create a compelling program of highly suspenseful, dramatic thrillers with a supernatural bent for their sponsor, State Express Cigarettes. Some commentators insist it was conceived as a spin-off of the already successful Inner Sanctum episodes that had been syndicated for broadcast in Australia and South Africa during the 1950s. Given the format, one can see the inference, but in fact The Creaking Door stands on its own as a unique, well-produced, engaging supernatural thriller series on its own merit. The etymology of the name, The Creaking Door, bears some reflection. When legendary producer and director, Himan Brown first presented Inner Sanctum as one of three requested sponsorship candidates to Carter Products, he presented Inner Sanctum as The Creaking Door. Not quite as chilling and melodramatic as Raymond Johnson, perhaps, but Peter Broomfield rightly camped up his delivery for The Creaking Door, and it worked. Indeed, given the reported conservative budget of each episode, it's a tribute to The Creaking Door's producers that they managed to tease so much quality out of such relatively humbly funded productions. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

View Details

Delay On Route (Aired October 6, 1950)
Based on the book, Cloak and Dagger: The Secret Story of the O.S.S. by Corey Ford and Alistair McBain, the Radio rendition of these fascinating stories promised to keep any listener perched on the edge of their seat. Apart from describing the book upon which the new adventure series was based, the above is just about all the fanfare that was associated with the roll-out of NBC's only espionage program of the year. It was also one of the few solo productions that Wyllis Cooper undertook for NBC. It was also Cooper's first collaboration with British crime journalist Percy Hoskins, who would work with Cooper yet again on NBC's WHItehall-1212 a year hence. The combination of Hoskin's unfailingly accurate research and Cooper's lively, fast-paced writing and direction proved to be an excellent underpinning for an espionage adventure drama based on factual events.

THIS EPISODE:

October 6, 1950. NBC network. "Delay On Route". Sustaining. 8:00 P. M. An O. S. S. agent is sent to Italy to help the Partisans wipe out the remaining Fascists. The agent is forced to help a Fascist scientist escape from the country with plans for a new submarine, and an aerial torpedo. The final promotional announcement and system cue have been deleted. Max Russell (sound effects), Sherman Marks (director, supervisor), Arnold Moss, Ken Field (writer), Jon Gart (music director), Al Fanelli (sound effets), Don Abbott (engineer), Corey Ford (creator), Alistair MacBain (creator), Louis G. Cowan (producer), Alfred Hollander (producer), Grant Richards, Luis Van Rooten. 29:26. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Old Love Letters (Aired April 3, 1945)
Alan Young Show (born November 19, 1919) is an actor best known for his television role opposite a talking horse, Mister Ed. Born in North Shields,Tyne and Wear, England, with the given name Angus Young, he was raised in Edinburgh, Scotland and in Canada. He grew to love radio when bedbound as a child because of severe asthma and became a radio broadcaster on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. In 1944, he made the leap to American radio with The Alan Young Show, NBC's summer replacement for Eddie Cantor. Following a move to ABC in the fall (1944-46), he returned to NBC (1946-49).
THIS EPISODE:

April 3, 1945. "Old Love Letters"- ABC Blue network. Sponsored by: Sal Hepatica, Mum. Carlotta Bullfinch, Alan's old sweetheart, wants Alan to be the best man at her wedding. Carlotta thinks Alan's going to be the groom! Possibly dated September 3, 1945. Alan Young, Kenny Delmar (announcer), The Tune Twisters, Peter Van Steeden and His Orchestra, Minerva Pious, Jean Gillespie. 30:02. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Sun Is A Witness (Aired April 3, 1947)

Crime club was a Mutual Network murder and mystery series, a product of the Doubleday Crime Book Club imprints found weekly in bookstores everywhere. The telephone rings"Hello, I hope I haven't kept you waiting. Yes, this is the Crime Club. I'm the Librarian. Murder Rents A Room? Yes, we have that Crime Club story for you.Come right over. (The organist in the shadowed corner of the Crime Club library shivers the ivories) The doorbell tones sullenly"And you are here. Good. Take the easy chair by the window. Comfortable? The book is on this shelf." (The organist hits the scary chord) "Let's look at it under the reading lamp." The Librarian, played by Raymond E. Johnson, begins reading the tale. Veteran Willis Cooper (Lights Out, Quiet Please) did some of the scripts from the Crime Club books.

THIS EPISODE:

April 3, 1947. Mutual network. "The Sun Is A Witness". Sustaining. 10:00 P. M. The shadows on a roll of film provide the clues to a murderer. Aaron Mark Stein (writer), Raymond Edward Johnson, Sidney Smith, Stedman Coles (adaptor), Roger Bower (producer, director). 29:20. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Dowager And Dan Holiday (Aired January 16, 1949)

The premise of the program was that Dan Holiday was an author who wrote mystery novels. To get ideas for his novels he placed an advertisement in a newspaper saying "Adventure wanted, will go anywhere, do anything, Box 13." The ads always brought fun adventures of all kinds: from racketeer's victim to psychotic killer looking for fun. Most of the episodes were based on Dan Holiday replying to a letter he received at Box 13. He would generally solve a mystery in the process, and return to his office in time to enjoy a hearty laugh at the expense of Suzy, his amusingly stupid secretary.
THIS EPISODE:

January 16, 1949. Program #22. Mutual network origination, Mayfair syndication. "The Dowager and Dan Holiday". Commercials added locally. Mrs. Matilda Courtland, one of the wealthiest women in the world, announces her engagement to Dan Holiday! Alan Ladd, Richard Sanville (director), Rudy Schrager (composer, conductor), Russell Hughes (writer), Sylvia Picker, Vern Carstensen (production supervisor). 26:46. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Universal Elixer (Aired May 10, 1951)

INTRO: Bob Plays The Lettermen "Ill Be Seeing You" (1962)

Maisie, the first in 1939, was from the book "Dark Dame" by the writer Wilson Collison, who did decades of scripting for the silver screen along with Broadway plays and magazine fiction. From the first, MGM wanted Ann Sothern to play Maisie. She began in Hollywood as an extra in 1927. "Maisie and I were just together - I just understood her," Sothern, born Harriette Arlene Lake, said after several of the films made her a star. Throughout the 1930s and '40s, Ann Sothern and Lucille Ball, like many performers in Hollywood, had not one but two careers - one in motion pictures and one on radio. Ann had started in radio as early as 1935, appearing on such variety shows as Rudy Vallee's "The Fleishman Hour" and Bing Crosby's Kraft Music Hall. She also did dramatic parts on "Woodbury Playhouse," "Screen Guild Theatre," and the biggest anthology of them all, Lux Radio Theater.
THIS EPISODE:

May 10, 1951. "The Universal Elixer"- Program #65. MGM syndication. Commercials added locally. Maisie has contracted "Flabmeyer's Disease," and there's only one cure! The program has also been identified as program #77. The date above is the date of first broadcast on WMGM, New York City Ann Sothern, Bud Hiestand (announcer), Hans Conried, Harry Zimmerman (composer, conductor), John L. Green (writer), John McGovern, Peter Leeds, Sidney Miller, Virginia Gregg. 28:05. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Universal Elixer (Aired May 10, 1951)

THIS EPISODE:

View Details

Sam Shovel (Curbstone Murder Case) Aired December 2, 1948
Thanks to the endurance of their most popular and influential routine, "Who's on First?"---whose rapid-fire word play and comprehension confusion set the preponderant framework for most of their best-known routines---the team are also the only comedians known to have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Bud Abbott was born in Asbury Park, NJ, October 2, 1897 and died April 24, 1974 in Woodland Hills, California. Lou Costello was born in Paterson, NJ, March 6, 1906 and died March 3, 1959 in East Los Angeles, California. After working as Allen's summer replacement, Abbott and Costello joined Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy on The Chase and Sanborn Hour in 1941, while two of their films (Buck Privates and Hold That Ghost) were adapted for Lux Radio Theater. They launched their own weekly show October 8, 1942, sponsored by Camel cigarettes.

THIS EPISODE:

December 2, 1948. ABC network. Music fill for local commercial insert. Lou wants to be a boxer. The boys do a "Sam Shovel" skit titled, "The Case Of The Curbstone Murder," or "Gertie, Get Out Of The Gutter and Let The Water Go By." The system cue is added live. Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Matty Malneck and His Orchestra, Hal Winters (vocal), George Fenneman (announcer), Veola Vonn, Charles Vanda (producer), Ed Forman (writer), Paul Conlan (writer), Pat Costello (writer), Martin Ragaway (writer), Leonard Stern (writer), Norman Abbott, Veola Vonn, Sidney Fields. 28:44. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Dead White Flame (Aired March 13, 1955)

Abbott Mysteries was a comedy-mystery radio program adapted from the novels of Frances Crane (1896-1981). Initially a summer replacement for Quick As a Flash, the series was heard on Mutual and NBC between the years 1945 and 1955. The Mutual series, sponsored by Helbros Watches, debuted June 10, 1945, airing Sundays at 6pm. Scripts were by Howard Merrill and Ed Adamson in the lighthearted tradition of Mr. and Mrs. North. Julie Stevens and Charles Webster starred as Jean and Pat Abbott, a San Francisco married couple who solved murder mysteries. In the supporting cast were Jean Ellyn, Sydney Slon and Luis Van Rooten. Moving to 5:30pm in 1946, Les Tremayne and Alice Reinheart took over the roles until the end of the series on August 31, 1947. Seven years later, the characters returned October 3, 1954, on NBC in The Adventures of the Abbotts, broadcast on NBC Sunday evenings at 8:30pm. The Abbotts were portrayed by Claudia Morgan and Les Damon. The NBC series ran until June 12, 1955.

THIS EPISODE:

March 13, 1955. Program #6. NBC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Dead White Flame". Les Damon, Claudia Morgan, Frances Crane (creator), Howard Merrill (writer), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Ted Lloyd (producer), Harry Frazee (director, recordist), Dewey Bergman (composer, conductor), Everett Sloane, Burford Hampden, William Lally. 30:17. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The God Machine (Aired January 28, 1980)

The show was broadcast nightly and ran for one hour, including commercials. Typically, a week consisted of three to four new episodes, with the remainder of the week filled out with reruns. There were a total of 1399 original episodes broadcast. The total number of broadcasts, including reruns, was 2969. The late E.G. Marshall hosted the program every year but the final one, when actress Tammy Grimes took over. Each episode began with the ominous sound of a creaking door, slowly opening to invite listeners in for the evening's adventure. At the end of each show, the door would swing shut, with Marshall signing off, "Until next time, pleasant...dreams?" Despite the show's title, Himan Brown expanded its scope beyond mysteries to include horror, science fiction, historical drama, and even comedy. In addition to original stories, there were adaptations of classic tales by such writers as Edgar Allan Poe (no fewer than seven Poe stories were adapted in 1975 alone), O. Henry, Mark Twain, Ambrose Bierce, Charles Dickens and others.

View Details

The Count Of Monte Cristo (Aired October 1, 1939)The Campbell Playhouse was a sponsored continuation of the Mercury Theater on the Air, a direct result of the instant publicity from the War of the Worlds panic. The switch occurred on December 9, 1938. In spite of using the same creative staff, the show had a different flavor under sponsorship, partially attributed to a guest star policy in place, which relegated the rest of the Mercury Players to supporting cast for Orson Welles and the Hollywood guest of the week. There was a growing schism between Welles, still reaping the rewards of his Halloween night notoriety, and his collaborator John Houseman, still in the producer's chair but feeling more like an employee than a partner. The writer, as during the unsponsored run, was Howard Koch.
THIS EPISODE:

October 1, 1939. CBS network. "The Count Of Monte Cristo". Sponsored by: Campbell's Soup. The classic of unjust accusation and satisfying revenge. Agnes Moorehead, Alexandre Dumas (author), Bernard Herrmann (composer, conductor), Edgar Barrier, Everett Sloane, Frank Readick, George Coulouris, Orson Welles (host), Ray Collins (narrator), Richard Wilson. 58:07. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Death In The Clouds Pt. 1 of 2 (Aired January 12, 1992)
Hercule Poirot is a fictional Belgian detective created by Agatha Christie. Along with Miss Marple, Poirot is one of Christie's most famous and long-lived characters: he appeared in 39 novels and 50 short stories. Poirot has been portrayed on screen, for films and TV, by various actors including Albert Finney, Peter Ustinov, Ian Holm, Tony Randall, Alfred Molina and, most recently, and famously, David Suchet. Poirot was apparently born in Spa, Belgium and, based on the conjecture that he was thirty at the time of his retirement from the Belgian police force at the time of the outbreak of the First World War, it is suggested that he was born in the mid 1880s. This is all extremely vague, as Poirot is thought to be an old man in his dotage even in the early Poirot novels, and in An Autobiography Christie admitted that she already imagined him to be an old man in 1920. (At the time, of course, she had no idea she would be going on writing Poirot books for many decades to come.) Much of the suggested dating for Poirot's age is therefore post-rationalisation on the part of those attempting to make sense of his extraordinarily long career During the first world war, Poirot left Belgium for Britain as a refugee.

View Details

MOVIE The Honeymooners Full Episodes 28 The Worry Wart VIDEO

TV Episode (1956)
Ralph Meets the Feds *Review by "dougdoepke27" (September 2016)
What a hoot when Ralph and Norton imagine what's wrong with Ralph's tax returns. It's like the Marx Brothers conducting an audit. Seems Ralph's gotten a letter from the IRS requiring his presence in their office. Of course, our hero can only imagine the worst, while Ed tops him. Naturally, Ralph blusters and rants like a typhoon come ashore.

On the other hand, check out Alice's pretty little frock. Usually, her house dresses were subdued befitting a workingman's household, but also, I imagine, so as not to compete with the comedic narrative. Anyway, catch mention of TV programs popular at the time, especially the $64,000 Dollar Question, a ratings smash in 1955. All in all, it's another knee-slapping 30-minutes from a series remarkable for its consistency.*Director = Frank Satenstein
Writers = Marvin Marx., Walter Stone., Jackie Gleason (uncredited)
Stars = Jackie Gleason., Art Carney., Audrey Meadows

View Details

Handsome Is As Handsome Does (Aired June 29, 1951)
Despite a rep for courtroom pyrotechniques, he's far more likely to be found at Joe the Angel's City Hall Bar than in any court. Along with his boozing buddies, Jake and Helene Justus, an affable young couple, he drank his way through a whole slew of novels and short stories, not to mention later film, radio and television appearances. Seemingly inept and irresponsible, he nevertheless somehow (luck of the Irish?) managed to crack the case everytime. Even if his methods were a wee bit, uh, unorthodox, and his interpretation of the law rather imaginative. Malone always seems less interested in going to trial than in playing P.I. Still, although he's a drunk and a blowhard, he seems to inspire extreme loyalty in his pals and acquaintances.

THIS EPISODE:
June 29, 1951. NBC network. "Handsome Is As Handsome Does". Sustaining. 9:00 P. M. Eve Fenton has been murdered...and with good reason! Arlene Hamilton confesses to the crime, but another murder is caused by the real killer. George Petrie, Larry Haines, Craig Rice (creator), Arthur Gary (announcer), Fred Collins (announcer), Eugene Wang (writer), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Richard Lewis (director). 28:25. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Free Movie Tickets (Aired September 25, 1948)

Archie Andrews, created in 1941 by Bob Montana, is a fictional character in an American comic book series published by Archie Comics, a long-run radio series, a syndicated comic strip and animation -- The Archie Show, a Saturday morning cartoon television series by Filmation, plus Archie's Weird Mysteries. Archie Andrews began on the Blue Network on May 31, 1943, switched to Mutual in 1944, and then continued on NBC from 1945 until September 5 1953. Archie was first played by Charles Mullen, Jack Grimes and Burt Boyar, with Bob Hastings as the title character during the NBC years.The sponsor was Swift Products. The Cast: Harlan Stone, Alice Yourman, Arthur Kohl, Gloria Mann, Rosemary Rice.

THIS EPISODE:

September 25, 1948. "Free Movie Tickets" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Swift's Premier Meats. Archie has gotten two free tickets to the movies at the Bijou Theatre. Alice Yourman, Arthur Kohl, Bob Hastings, Carl Jampel (writer), Gloria Mann, Harlan Stone, Jan Aymar, Kenneth MacGregor (producer, director), Rosemary Rice, Arnold Stang, Bob Sherry (announcer). 30:09 Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"Blood Money" (Aired August 24, 1954)

THIS EPISODE:

August 24, 1954. NBC network. "Blood Money". Sustaining. A fellow investigator asks Barrie to help him find Anatole Barber, a missing rug dealer. Barrie finds him...murdered! Marvin Miller, Betty Lou Gerson, Jack Moyles, Paul Richards, John Laing (announcer), John Roeburt (writer), Arthur Jacobson (director), William Gargan, James Nusser. 29:13. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Clara Bryan Murder Case (Aired November 24, 1950)
Beginning with the July 7, 1949 episode, the series was broadcast from Hollywood with producer Elliott Lewis directing a new cast in scripts by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. The opening theme of "I'll Take Manhattan" introduced Detective Danny Clover (now played by Larry Thor), a hardened New York City cop who worked homicide "from Times Square to Columbus Circle -- the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world." Danny Clover narrated the tales of the Great White Way to the accompaniment of music by Wilbur Hatch and Alexander Courage, and the recreation of Manhattan's aural tapestry required the talents of three sound effects technicians (David Light, Ralph Cummings, Ross Murray). Bill Anders was the show's announcer. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.
THIS EPISODE:

November 24, 1950. "The Clara Bryan Murder Case" - CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. Mrs. Clara Bryan is missing. A Bowery bum is stabbed in a flop house. What's the connection? Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Alexander Courage (composer), Larry Thor, Charles Calvert, Jack Kruschen, Lou Merrill, Lillian Buyeff, Byron Kane. 28:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Cage Of Light (Aired November 2, 1984)
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) began airing a fascinating range of classic, mystery, comedy, documentary, and supernatural drama throughout the 1970s to 1990s to a steadily expanding audience--both in Canada and throughout the northern portions of the U.S. The CBC's extensive Radio offerings were a fairly even mix of organic dramas and comedies showcasing Canada's own great actors, writers and production talent, as well as several popular transcribed, syndicated features from throughout the British Empire and the United States. Indeed many of America's most beloved, popular, versatile and award-winning character actors, musicians, and comedians were Canadian citizens who'd honed their craft in all manner of original Canadian Radio drama. Vanishing Point is the title of a science fiction anthology series that ran on Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Radio from 1984 until 1986, although the show would continue under different names and formats. A descriptive intro declared that Vanishing Point. The series was produced by Bill Lane in the CBC's Toronto studios. 1984-1986 There were 69 episodes in the original series.

View Details

Phyllis Adrian Is Missing (Aired June 29, 1947)

Rogue's Gallery came to the Mutual network on September 27, 1945 with Dick Powell portraying Richard Rogue, a private detective who invariably ended up getting knocked out each week and spending his dream time in acerbic conversation with his subconscious self, Eugor. Rogue's Gallery was, in a sense, Dick Powell's rehearsal for Richard Diamond, Private Detective. Powell played private detective Richard Rogue, who trailed luscious blondes, protected witness, and did whatever else detectives do to make a living. It was a good series, though not destined to make much of a mark. Under the capable direction of Dee Englebach and accompanied by the music of Leith Stevens, Powell floated through his lines with the help of such competents as Lou Merrill, Gerald Mohr, Gloria Blondell, Tony Barrett, and Lurene Tuttle. Peter Leeds played Rogue's friend Eugor, an obscure play on names with Eugor spelling Rogue backwards.

THIS EPISODE:

June 29, 1947. "Phyllis Adrian Is Missing" - NBC network, KFI, Los Angeles aircheck. Sponsored by: Fitch's Shampoo, Quinoil Hair Tonic, Fitch's Skin Pep After Shave. "Bullet" ball point pen premium (made from a genuine .30 caliber bullet). Richard Rogue is hired by Howard Adrian to find his missing wife Phyllis. Barry Sullivan, Peter Leeds, Gerald Mohr, Lurene Tuttle, Edwin Max, Charles Vanda (producer, director), Jim Doyle (announcer), Doug Hayes (writer). 29:52. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Elementals (Aired February 14, 1949)

Radio City Playhouse was one of the last of a long series of premium Drama productions NBC offered as flagship, sustaining productions over the years. As with it's previous premium dramatic and Classic music productions, NBC spared no apparent expense to mount these flagship efforts. And it shows. NBC, yet again, brings the greatest voice talent, writing, and technical direction to this anthology of wonderful, popular modern dramas. NBC's previous dramatic sustaining productions consisted of either the pure Classics, or Modern Stage Plays from the 19th and 20th Centuries. This series of three seasons tended to feature a delightful mix of both contemporary original radio plays and classic dramas, backed by the very finest voice talent on contract with NBC.

THIS EPISODE:

February 14, 1949. Program #26. NBC network. "Elementals". Sustaining. Harry W. Junkin (director, host), Bob Warren (announcer), Stephen Vincent Benet (writer), Hal Studer, Richard P. McDonough (NBC supervisor), James Van Dyke, Marilyn Erskine, Edward Vito (harp), Roy Shield (composer, conductor). 29:55. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Defense Rests - Starring Alan Ladd (Aired March 9, 1944)

THIS EPISODE:

March 9, 1944. CBS network. "The Defense Rests". Sponsored by: Roma Wines. A story about an ex-con, framed for murder, who gets an excellent defense attorney. The story has a surprise ending. The script was subsequently produced on "Suspense" on October 6, 1949. Alan Ladd, Hans Conried, John McIntire, Robert L. Richards (writer), Roland Brown (writer), Will Wright, William Spier (producer, director, editor), Joseph Kearns ("The Man In Black"), Frank Martin (commercial spokesman), Lucien Moraweck (composer), Lud Gluskin (conductor). 34:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Boss's Son-in-law (Aired October 22, 1944)
The first Life of Riley radio show was a summer replacement show heard on CBS from April 12, 1941 to September 6, 1941. The CBS program starred Lionel Stander as J. Riley Farnsworth and had no real connection with the more famous series that followed a few years later. The radio program starring William Bendix aired on the ABC Blue Network from January 16, 1944 to June 8, 1945. Then it moved to NBC, where it was broadcast from September 8, 1945 to June 29, 1951. The supporting cast featured John Brown, who portrayed not only undertaker Digger O'Dell but also Riley's co-worker Gillis. Whereas Gillis gave Riley bad information that got him into trouble, Digger gave him good information that "helped him out of a hole," as he might have put it. Brown's lines as the undertaker were often repetitive, including puns based on his profession; but, thanks to Brown's delivery, the audience loved him. The series was co-developed by the non-performing Marx Brother, Gummo. Procter and Gamble (Prell shampoo) and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer were the show's longtime sponsors.

THIS EPISODE:

October 22, 1944. Blue network, KECA, Los Angeles aircheck. American Meat Institute. Riley's boss is unhappy with his family situation. Riley tries to Size Up The New "Son-In-Law". Ken Niles (announcer), Ken Christy, Barton Yarborough, Don Bernard (director), Lou Kosloff (music), Dink Trout, William Bendix, John Brown, Irving Brecher (creator, producer), Paula Winslowe. 29:32. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index. Cat# 72089.

View Details

The Perishing Of The Pendragons (Aired 1984) *The Exact Date Is Unknown

Father Brown is a fictional character created by English novelist G. K. Chesterton, who stars in 52 short stories, later compiled in five books. Chesterton based the character on Father John O'Connor (1870 - 1952), a parish priest in Bradford who was involved in Chesterton's conversion to Catholicism in 1922. The relationship was recorded by O'Connor in his 1937 book Father Brown on Chesterton. Father Brown is a short, stumpy Catholic priest, "formerly of Cobhole in Essex, and now working in London," with shapeless clothes and a large umbrella, and uncanny insight into human evil. He makes his first appearance in the famous story "The Blue Cross" and continues through the five volumes of short stories, often assisted by the reformed criminal Flambeau. Father Brown also appears in a story "The Donnington Affair" that has a rather curious history. In the October 1914 issue of the obscure magazine The Premier, Sir Max Pemberton published the first part of the story, inviting a number of detective story writers, including Chesterton, to use their talents to solve the mystery of the murder described. Chesterton and Father Brown's solution followed in the November issue. The story was first reprinted in the Chesterton Review (Winter 1981, pp. 1-35) and in the book Thirteen Detectives.

View Details

The Handkerchief (Aired September 5, 1946)
Two months into the Television run, CBS re-cast Casey and Ethelbert, substituting young Darren McGavin as Jack Casey. The most distinguishing element of the short-lived Television Casey was its direction, with the famed future Film Director Sidney Lumet helming the series. CBS and Coxe took another run at Crime Photographer over Radio in 1954, reprising Staats Cotsworth, John Gibson and Jan Miner in their previous Radio roles. The 1954 run extended to the Spring of 1955, at which point the Crime Photographer franchise had pretty much run its course. The sleuthing photographer format didn't end with the CBS/Coxe franchise. ABC took a run at the concept with their Man With A Camera (1958), starring Charles Bronson, and running for two seasons, though it bore no resemblance whatsoever to the Casey, Crime Photographer franchise. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

September 5, 1946. CBS network. "The Handkerchief". Sponsored by: Anchor Hocking Glass. A tavern owner is killed and his $20,000 is missing. The identity of the culprit is obvious, or is he? Alonzo Deen Cole (writer), Tony Marvin (announcer), John Gibson, John Dietz (director), Staats Cotsworth, Lesley Woods, Bernard Lenrow, Herman Chittison (piano), Archie Bleyer (composer), George Harmon Coxe (creator). 29:51. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Fatal Fix (Aired January 25, 1949)
Hard-nosed editor, Wilson, as played by Robinson would get the story no matter what it takes. Though sometimes over the top, Robinson was excellent in his role. The stories were well written and directed by William N. Robson as well as McGill. The skill of this group shows in making the series very good radio. The show was a big promoter of the free press and the first amendment with its opening sequence: "Freedom of the press is a flaming sword! Use it justly...hold it high...guard it well!" The second series began immediately in the 1943 season when the production moved from Hollywood to New York. Robinson left (Trevor left two years earlier as her career starting taking off) and McGill reorganized the series placing Edward Pawley in the role of Wilson opposite Fran Carlon as Lorelei. Pawley's Wilson was more mellifluous compared to the rather nasty Robinson.

THIS EPISODE:

January 25, 1949. NBC network. "The Fatal Fix". Sponsored by: Lifebuoy Soap, Rinso ("Tour The World" contest). "Willy The Weep" sees a young girl attacked on a Big Town dock. She's been slashed by "Shiv The Knife" to keep a basketball fix racket under wraps. Edward Pawley, Fran Carlon, Jerry McGill (writer, produer), Dwight Weist (narrator). 31:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Furnace Cleaning Business (Aired July 11, 1940)

The Aldrich Family, a popular radio teenage situation comedy (1939-1953), is remembered first and foremost for its unforgettable introduction: awkward teen Henry's mother calling, "Hen-reeeeeeeeeeeee! Hen-ree Al-drich!" A top-ten ratings hit within two years of its birth (in 1941, the showm carried a 33.4 Crossley rating, landing it solidly alongside Jack Benny and Bob Hope), the show is considered a prototype for teen-oriented situation comedies to follow on radio and television and is a favourite if dated find for old-time radio collectors today. The Aldrich Family as a separate radio show was born as a summer replacement for Jack Benny in NBC's Sunday night lineup, July 2, 1939, and it stayed there until October 1, 1939, when it moved to Tuesday nights at 8 p.m., sponsored by General Foods's popular gelatin dessert Jell-O---which also sponsored Jack Benny at the time.
THIS EPISODE:
July 11, 1940. NBC network origination, Nostalgia Broadcasting Corporation syndication. Henry and his friend Toby go into the "Furnace Cleaning Business". Norman Tokar (as "Henry"), Dan Seymour (announcer), Harry Von Zell, Clifford Goldsmith (creator), House Jameson. 24:38. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Crazy Town (Aired May 20, 1939)
Arch Oboler's Plays was a radio drama series written, produced and directed by Arch Oboler. Minus a sponsor, it ran for one year, airing Saturday evenings on NBC from March 25, 1939 to March 23, 1940 and revived five years later on Mutual for a sustaining summer run from April 5, 1945 to October 11, 1945. Leading film actors were heard on this series, including Gloria Blondell, Eddie Cantor, James Cagney, Ronald Colman, Joan Crawford, Greer Garson, Edmund Gwenn, Van Heflin, Katharine Hepburn, Elsa Lanchester, Peter Lorre, Frank Lovejoy, Raymond Massey, Burgess Meredith, Paul Muni, Alla Nazimova, Edmond O'Brien, Geraldine Page, Gale Sondergaard, Franchot Tone and George Zucco. Oboler sold his first radio scripts while still in high school during the 1920s and rose to fame when he began scripting the NBC horror anthology Lights Out in 1936. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.
THIS EPISODE:

May 20, 1939. Blue Network. "Crazy Town". Sustaining. Two (presumably) Italian aviators crash after a bombing mission. They find themselves imprisoned in a "crazy town." 'In a community were all men are mad, no one is mad." A strong anti-fascist, anti-war drama. Edmond O'Brien, Arch Oboler (writer), Charlotte Manson, John Brown, Paul Stewart, Betty Kane. 27:26. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Alien Worlds was a syndicated radio show created by radio personality Lee Hansen. It aired 26 half-hour episodes between 1978 and 1980, becoming well known for its realistic sound effects, high production values and documentary style of dialog. The science fiction show was first syndicated by Watermark Inc. after Lee Hansen was hired as their creative director. After advancing the concept of an action-adventure dramatic radio series, Lee began developing the concept in the fall of 1978. Watermark premiered the first episode, "The Sun Stealers", on January 7, 1979. The series gained popularity thanks to its relatable characters, full symphonic soundtrack, realistic sound effects, high production values and documentary style format. Eventually over 500 US FM radio stations, along with stations in New Zealand and Australia aired the series. Between 1979 and 1980, 26 half-hour programs were broadcast at various times on weekends, where they gained favorable worldwide press acclaim. Alien Worlds was soon heard on a weekly basis by millions of fans and was eventually carried by over 1500 top-rated FM radio stations worldwide. The series' sponsor was Peter Paul, Cadbury which advertised Cadbury Caramello chocolates touting their caramel centers. The ISA, or International Space Authority, is a governing body of space development and exploration. Organized by all earth nations, it advances humans into deep space. Their base is officially named "The Arthur C. Clarke Astronomical Observatory" or "Starlab." Commissioner White commands the base, and under his command aboard Starlab are Research Director Dr. Maura Cassidy along with Starlab's Director of Operations, Jerry Lyden, and two ISA Pilots affectionately known as "rocket jockies" Captains Jon Graydon and Buddy Griff.

View Details

The Case Of The Fall (Aired October 27, 1953)
21st Precinct was one of the realistic police drama series of the early- to mid-1950's that were aired in the wake of DRAGNET. In 1953 CBS decided to use New York City as the backdrop for their own half-hour police series and focus on the day-to-day operation of a single police precinct. Actual cases were used as the basis for stories. "21st Precinct.., It's just lines on a map of the city of New York. Most of the 173,000 people wedged into the nine-tenths of a square mile between Fifth Avenue and the East River wouldn't know, if you asked them, that they lived or worked in the 21st. Whether they know it or not, the security of their persons, their homes, and their property is the job of the men of the 21st." The Precinct Captain acted as the narrator for the series

THIS EPISODE:

October 27, 1953. "Case Of The Fall" - CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. A captured burglar accuses a policeman of stealing his loot. Everett Sloane, John Ives (producer), Stanley Niss (writer, director). 26:58. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Ma Vie Perfume Co. (Aired June 8, 1949)

On April 11, 1945, Richard Kollmar took over the title role in a radio series syndicated by Frederic W. Ziv to Mutual and other network outlets. Over 200 episodes of this series were produced between 1944 and October 25, 1950. Other sponsors included Lifebuoy Soap, Champagne Velvet beer, and R&H beer. While investigating mysteries, Blackie invaribly encountered harebrained Police Inspector Farraday (Maurice Tarplin) and always solved the mystery to Farraday's amazement. Initially, friction surfaced in the relationship between Blackie and Farraday, but as the series continued, Farraday recognized Blackie's talents and requested assistance. Blackie dated Mary Wesley (Jan Miner), and for the first half of the series, his best pal Shorty was always on hand.

THIS EPISODE:

June 8, 1949. "The Ma Vie Perfume Co." - Program #217. Mutual net origination, Ziv syndication. Sponsored by: Champagne Velvet Beer (of Indiana). Blackie breaks up a gang that specializes in a phoney perfume racket with a sideline of murder. Richard Kollmar, Lesley Woods, Maurice Tarplin. 29:15. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Threes A Crowd (Aired May 25, 1950)

MURDER BY EXPERTS - 1949-51, Mutual Network. 130 30-minute episodes. Created by David Kogan. Writers: David Kogan Directors/Producers: David Kogan And Robert A. Arthur Hosts: John Dickson Carr (June 13, 1949-March 13, 1950)and Brett Halliday (March 20, 1950-December 17, 1951. Sound Effects: Mario Siletti. Guest experts: Alfred Hitchcock, Craig Rice. Guest stars: Ann Shepard, Larry Haines, Carl Eastman, Ann Sheperd, Bill Zuckert, Ralph Camargo, Burt Cullen, Lawson Zerbe, Marilyn Erskin.

THIS EPISODE:

May 25, 1950. Mutual network. "Three's A Crowd". Sustaining. A young piano player becomes involved with a beautiful but evil woman. The system cue has been deleted. Brett Halliday (host, narrator), George Fass (writer), Gertrude Fass (writer), John Sylvester, Joyce Gordon. 29:34. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Building Materials (Aired November 20, 1946)

THIS EPISODE:

View Details

Rocket Racket (Aired March 23, 1954)
Frank Sinatra seemed very comfortable in the role of Rocco Fortunato--'Rocky Fortune'--and the scripts that George Lefferts and Ernest Kinoy wrote for Sinatra made for some fascinating adventures. The role was clearly written specifically for him, and more importantly for the more 'adult' persona his agents and publicity reps were trying to portray of him at this point in his career. He'd already done the teen and 20-something idol gig, and he had been expressing more of an interest in dramatic work. Perhaps Sinatra's managers were simply hedging their bets. Sinatra's greatest initial dramatic role in From Here To Eternity was released October 19, 1953, just weeks after Rocky Fortune began its 26-week run on NBC. As we all know now, From Here to Eternity was a box-office smash, propelling Sinatra into a whole new career in Film. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

March 23, 1954. NBC network. "Rocket Racket". Sustaining. Rocky gets a job that pays $10,000 to ride a rocket to the moon! This is a network version. Frank Sinatra, Howard Culver, Don Diamond, George Lefferts (writer), Andrew C. Love (director), Dan Riss, Edith Terry, William Oyler. 23:46. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Shadow (Aired February 27, 1938)

One of the most popular radio shows in history debuted in August 1930 when "The Shadow" went on the air. "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!" The opening lines of the "Detective Story" program captivated listeners and are instantly recognizable even today. Originally the narrator of the series of macabre tales, the eerie voice known as The Shadow became so popular to listeners that "Detective Story" was soon renamed "The Shadow," and the narrator became the star of the old-time mystery radio series, which ran until 1954. A figure never seen, only heard, the Shadow was an invincible crime fighter. He possessed many gifts which enabled him to overcome any enemy. Besides his tremendous strength, he could defy gravity, speak any language, unravel any code, and become invisible with his famous ability to "cloud men's minds."

THIS EPISODE:

February 27, 1938. Mutual network. "The Plot Murder". Sponsored by: Blue Coal. A hypnotist has sabotaged an aerial torpedo to destroy America's military experts. An early guided missile! The award given to the show by, "The American Police Review" is read on the air. Orson Welles, Agnes Moorehead, Ken Roberts (announcer). 29:30. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Gambler And His Lady (Aired December 11, 1948)

Jeff Regan, Investigator was one of the three detective shows Jack Webb did before Dragnet (see also Pat Novak For Hire and Johnny Modero: Pier 23). It debuted on CBS in July 1948. Webb played JEFF REGAN, a tough private eye working in a Los Angeles investigation firm run by Anthony J. Lyon. Regan introduced himself on each show "I get ten a day and expenses...they call me the Lyon's Eye." The show was fairly well-plotted, Webb's voice was great, and the supporting cast were skillful. Regan handled rough assignments from Lion, with whom he was not always on good terms. He was tough, tenacious, and had a dry sense of humor. The voice of his boss, Anthony Lion, was Wilms Herbert. The show ended in December 1948 but was resurrected in October 1949 with a new cast; Frank Graham played Regan (later Paul Dubrov was the lead) and Frank Nelson portrayed Lion.
THIS EPISODE:

December 11, 1948. CBS Pacific network. "The Gambler and His Lady". Sustaining. Georgia Bascombe may be hanging out with a known gambler named Louis Desmond (she's really married to the guy). When Georgia's mother is murdered, there's the smell of cubeb in the air. The little man with the big smell is murdered too. There are two more killings and lots of violence too. Jack Webb, Herb Butterfield, Jack Petruzzi, Marvin Miller, Mary Lansing, Laurette Fillbrandt, Bob Stevenson (announcer), Larry Roman (writer), Sterling Tracy (producer), Pat McGeehan, Sidney Miller, Yvonne Peattie. 37:22. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Repossession (Aired September 26, 1980)

Nightfall is the title of a radio drama series produced and aired by CBC Radio ( Canadian Broadcasting Corporation ) from July 1980 to June 1983. While primarily a supernatural/horror series, Nightfall featured some episodes in other genres, such as science fiction, mystery, fantasy, and human drama. One episode was even adapted from a folk song by Stan Rogers. Some of Nightfall's episodes were so terrifying that the CBC registered numerous complaints and some affiliate stations dropped it. Despite this, the series went on to become one of the most popular shows in CBC Radio history, running 100 episodes that featured a mix of original tales and adaptations of both classic and obscure short stories.

THIS EPISODE:

September 26, 1980. Program #13. CBC, Toronto origination, NPR net, WPBH-FM, Middlefield, CT. aircheck. "The Repossession". . Sustaining. An excellent horror story about a man possessed by the spirit of his dead Siamese twin. Production, script, and acting are equal to anything from the "Golden Age." The WPBH-FM rebroadcast date is October 31 1981. John Jessop (recording engineer), Bill Robinson (sound effects), Arthur Samuels (writer), Nina Callaghan (production assistant, Bill Howell (producer, director), Mary Pirie, Chris Wiggins, Neil Dainard, John Stocker (doubles), John Douglas (script editor), Jon Granik, David Stein, Amanda O'Leary, Earle Toppings (script editor), Maggie Morris, Henry Ramer (host). 29:57. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

While Dillon and Miss Kitty clearly had a close personal relationship, the two never married. In a July 2, 2002, Associated Press interview with Bob Thomas, Arness explained, "If they were man and wife, it would make a lot of difference. The people upstairs decided it was better to leave the show as it was, which I totally agreed with." In the episode "Waste", featuring Johnny Whitaker as a boy with a prostitute mother, her madam questions Dillon as to why the law overlooks Miss Kitty's enterprise. It appears that bordellos could exist "at the law's discretion" (meaning the marshal's). Miss Kitty was written out in 1974. The actress sought more free time and reportedly missed her late co-star, Glenn Strange, who played her Long Branch barkeep, Sam. When Blake decided not to return for the show's 20th (and final) season, the character was said to have returned to New Orleans. She was replaced by the hoarse-voiced, matronly actress Fran Ryan (known to many as the second Doris Ziffel on CBS' "Green Acres").

THIS EPISODE:

January 17, 1953. CBS network. "Paid Killer". Sustaining. Lawson Hales hires a killer to gun down Marshal Dillon for $5000 in gold. The script was used again on November 22, 1959 (see cat. #52138). Strangely enough, in 1959, the price offered to shoot the Marshal was only $1000! William Conrad, Parley Baer, Harry Bartell, Lawrence Dobkin, Jack Kruschen, Ralph Moody, Roy Rowan (announcer), Rex Koury (composer, conductor), Les Crutchfield (writer), Norman Macdonnell (director), Georgia Ellis. 30:05. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index

View Details

The Ralph Chase Case (Aired May 15, 1949)

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, the Lux Radio Theater 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 Theater and Richard Diamond came four years later. Richard Diamond, Private Detective came to NBC in 1949. Diamond was a slick, sophisticated detective, with a sharp tongue for folks who needed it. Diamond enjoyed the detective life, but not as much as entertaining his girl, Helen Asher. After each show, he would croon a number to his Park Avenue sweetheart. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.
THIS EPISODE:

May 15, 1949. "The Ralph Chase Case" - NBC network. Sustaining. Ralph Chase hires Diamond about a problem with his step-daughter, but gangster Murray Lang takes a shot at him first. Chase's two step-children both hate him. Dick Powell sings, "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm." Betty Moran, Blake Edwards (writer), David Baskerville (music director), Dick Powell, Ed Begley, Edward King (announcer), Jack Edwards, Jay Novello, Tol Avery, Virginia Gregg, William P. Rousseau (director), Wilms Herbert. 29:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Gates To Death (1969) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

The Epic Casebook Of Inspector Carr - The highly successful detective series, starring Hugh Rouse as Inspector Carr. Written & Produced by Michael Silver at the CRC Studios, Johannesburg. The series aired originally on Thursday evenings at 21H30, sponsored by the Epic Oil Company of S.A. In 1977 the sponsorship ended and the series was renamed "Inspector Carr Investigates" and moved to the earlier slot of 20H30. The first actor to play Inspector Carr was Don Davis, he was replaced in 1959 by Hugh Rouse. Don returned briefly in 1963 for 14 episodes. However Hugh Rouse made this series his own. A short lived television series was made by the SABC in the early 1980's with Michael McCabe, playing the famous Inspector. Sadly the transformation from radio to television was a total disaster. The series ended in June 1985 on Springbok Radio. A local Johannesburg radio station, Radio Today 1485am tried to revive the series in 1997, sadly copyright issues could not be cleared up & the idea was abandoned. The series is currently being rebroadcast on the Internet Radio Service of Springbok Radio & can be heard on Thursdays.

View Details

"The Case of the Maligned Mobster" (Aired 02-11-91)

*When Michael Nader is accused of murder, Raymond Burr's friend Mason Adams vouches for the ex-mobster and Perry Mason is on the case. This means, of course, that he is innocent and the murderer will confess on the witness stand. Yet when Nader tries to help out by manufacturing evidence, can even Erle Stanley Gardner's lawyer-sleuth untangle the snarled threads of this case?

It's an unusually complicated and engaging mystery, since there is never any clear alternate suspect, and the case must be investigated in court. Of course that was a standard feature of the mysteries written by Gardner in the 1930s, the TV show that Mr. Burr starred in from 1957 through 1966 and the TV movies, like this one, that ran from 1989 through Burr's death in 1993.

Raymond Burr
Barbara Hale
William R. Moses*

View Details

"Wandas Work Of Art" (Aired 25, 1964)

Walk Softly, Peter Troy Detective Drama Aired on Springbok Radio from 10 December 1963 to 21 February 1964. This series was produced in the Durban Studios of Herrick Merril Productions. It starred Tom Meehan, John Simpson, and Merle Wayne. It was sponsored by Irving & Johnson, who also sponsored the "Gunsmoke" series which "Walk Softly, Peter Troy" replaced. A sequel to this series was heard on the English Radio Service from 19 May 1964 to 28 November 1964. The sponsors, Irving & Johnson, reportedly disliked the series, which is why it was discontinued on Springbok Radio and moved to the English Service. This was the first series on the English Service that came from an independent production house, not produced by the SABC.
THIS EPISODE:August 25, 1964. Program #38. Springbok Radio (South Africa), AFRTS rebroadcast. "Wanda's Work Of Art". Tom Meehan, Herrick Merril (producer), John Simpson, Merle Wayne. 24:55. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Holiday Weekend (Aired April 9, 1950)

Rocky Jordan was the title character of one of the better and more exotic radio detective series. In fact, it's one of the best detective series I have ever heard. The series had two separate incarnations. The first, A Man Named Jordan, started as a daily 15 minute show and after about six months changed to a weekly 30 minute show. It took place in Istanbul and the Cafe was described as "a small restaurant in a narrow street off Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, permeated with by the smoke of Oriental tobacco, alive with the babble of many tongues, and packed with intrigue." The second incarnation, Rocky Jordan, was a weekly 30 minute series took place in Cairo - "the gateway to the ancient East where adventure and intrigue unfold against the backdrop of antiquity." Jordan was a hard-boiled owner of the Cafe Tambourine who spent most of his time solving mysteries that he usually became involved in by accident.

THIS EPISODE:

April 9, 1950. CBS network. ""Holiday Weekend". Sponsored by: Del Monte. Jack Moyles, Jay Novello, Gomer Cool (writer), Larry Roman (writer), Cliff Howell (producer, director), Richard Aurandt (composer), Ivan Ditmars (conductor), Larry Thor (announcer). 29:55. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Back From Lake Arrowhead (Aired May 23, 1949)

Phil Harris was on the Jack Benny Show since 1934, playing the jive-talking hipster bandleader of questionable repute. His band members were hep in the sarcastic, fast-talking department, too. So when Phil Harris (in real life) married the glamorous and talented movie star Alice Faye, it seemed more like a match made in Hollywood than in Heaven. They knew each other from the old days of the Rudy Vallee Show, and were both radio veterans when they decided, in the Benny tradition, to work together professionally, using their own show-biz personnas. Hey, Ozzie and Harriett had done well with it! This show isn't like Ozzie and Harriett. Beside fame and glamour, Phil and Alice had two big things in their life, their lovely daughters. Jeanine Roose played Alice Jr. and Anne Whitfield was little Phyllis. Both took after Phil in the wisecrack department. The big headache in their lives - Phil's Band! It was a congregation with enough wiseguys to make Abbott and Costello

View Details

Murder At Midnight - Death's Goblet (Aired May 24, 1946)

According to Billboard magazine, talent and production costs for Murder At Midnight averaged about $5000 per program, one of the higher costs of canned, syndicated programming of the era. But the investment shows. And indeed, well into its almost six years of syndication, the series continued to pull respectable audience shares. The talent included well known names such as Lawson Zerbe, Karl Swenson, Berry Kroeger, Lon Clark, Frank Readick, Elspeth Eric, Mandel Kramer, Michael Fitzmaurice, Alfred Shirley, and Raymond Edward Johnson--and his wife, among many other well-respected east coast actors of the era. Anton Leader, later famous for his Television work, directed the series. The writing staff was also top-notch, with names such as Max Erlich, Joe Ruscoll and Robert Newman, among others. The thriller formula of the era called for equally thrilling organ music underscoring, capably handled by Charles Paul and Bert Buhrman on the organ. The sound engineering also greatly contributed to the supernatural thriller 'feel' of the series.

THIS EPISODE:

May 24, 1946. Program #6. KFI, Los Angeles origination, Cowan syndication, World transcription. "Death's Goblet". Commercials added locally. Everyone who drinks from the goblet...becomes a murderer! Raymond Morgan (host), Anton M. Leader (director), Charles Paul (organist), Eric Dressler, John Griggs, Sigmund Miller (writer), Louis G. Cowan (producer). 25:58. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Corresponding Corpse (Aired December 16. 1948)
Michael Shayne was a fictional sleuth created by Brett Halliday (a pen name for author Davis Dresser) who was first initiated into the fraternity for detectives in the 1939 novel "Dividend of Death". Dresser based the character on a “tall and rangy” brawler who once saved his life during a braw in a Mexican cantina. The Shayne character would go on to appear in 69 novels, plus a long-running mystery magazine—and in 1941, was brought to the silver screen in Paramount’s Michael Shayne, Private Detective, an adaptation of Dividend of Death that starred Lloyd Nolan, and paved the way for six additional B-mysteries to follow. The New Adventures of Michael Shayne—premiered on July 15, 1948 starring Jeff Chandler.

THIS EPISODE:

December 16. 1948. "The Case Of The Corresponding Corpse". Commercials added locally. A Cuban hires Mike to find his friend Julian, who has recently written to him, but who has been dead for two years! There's a good surprise ending! Jeff Chandler, William P. Rousseau (host, director), Robert Ryf (writer), John Duffy (composer, conductor), Don W. Sharp (producer), Brett Halliday (creator). 25:47. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Adventures Of Ozzie & Harriet - Sports Heroes (Aired January 9, 1949)

Their sons, David and Ricky, did not join the cast until five years after the radio series began. The two boys felt frustrated at hearing themselves played by actors and continually requested they be allowed to portray themselves. Prior to April 1949, the role of David was played by Joel Davis (1944-45) and Tommy Bernard, and Henry Blair appeared as Ricky. Since Ricky was only nine years old when he began on the show, his enthusiasm outstripped his ability at script reading, and at least once he jumped a cue, prompting Harriet to say, "Not now, Ricky." Other cast members included John Brown as Syd "Thorny" Thornberry, Lurene Tuttle as Harriet's mother, Bea Benaderet as Gloria, Janet Waldo as Emmy Lou, and Dick Trout as Roger. Vocalists included Harriet Nelson, the King Sisters, and Ozzie Nelson. The announcers were Jack Bailey and Verne Smith. The music was by Billy May and Ozzie Nelson. The producers were Dave Elton and Ozzie Nelson.

THIS EPISODE:

January 9, 1949. NBC network "Sports Heros". Sponsored by: International Silver. When the boys show too much interest in athletics, Ozzie gets them to admire great men of history. Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Hilliard. Episode Notes From Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod.

View Details

Death Is The Judge (Aired June 15, 1947)

The Mysterious Traveler had much to recommend it for atmospherics alone. Maurice Tarplin opened each program with the following mood setter: "This is The Mysterious Traveler, inviting you to join me on another journey into the strange and terrifying. I hope you will enjoy the trip, that it will thrill you a little and chill you a little. So settle back, get a good grip on your nerves, and be comfortable . . . if you can . . . ." That introduction, accompanied by the now famous sound of the rushing train and its whistle served as the chilling prologue to every episode of the run. The train whistle and doppler sound seemed to improve with each new season--as did much of the foley work throughout the series. Maurice Tarplin for his part, leant a provocatively nuanced sense of anxiety to each new program, both framing the script to follow and interjecting key exposition during most episodes. Show Notes From The Digital Deli. THIS EPISODE:

June 15, 1947. Mutual network. "Death Is The Judge". Sustaining. A brain surgeon and his wife buy a "bell of life" from Tibet. It can bring the dead back to life. However, when "Death" releases someone, he takes someone else! Charles Paul (organist), Robert A. Arthur (writer, producer, director), David Kogan (writer, producer, director), Donald Buka, Ralph Paul (announcer), Eleanor Phelps, Juano Hernandez, Morton Lawrence, Maurice Tarplin (as "The Traveler"), Cameron Prud'Homme. 29:17. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons - A 4th of July Celebration (with) "The Jersey Boys"

View Details

Wheel Of Chance (Aired June 9, 1953)

Their long-run series continued for over two decades and came to an end in 1963 with the death of Frances Lockridge. Albert Hackett and Peggy Conklin had the title roles in the Broadway production Mr. and Mrs. North, which ran 163 performances at the Belasco Theatre from January 12, 1941, to May 31, 1941. Alfred De Liagre, Jr. produced and directed the play written by Owen Davis. In this version, the North's apartment was located on Greenwich Place, realized in a scenic design by Jo Mielziner. The Owen Davis play became a 1942 MGM movie starring Gracie Allen and William Post, Jr. with Millard Mitchell repeating his role of Detective Mullins from the Broadway production. Others in the cast were Paul Kelly, Rose Hobart and Keye Luke. In 1946, producer-director Fred Coe brought the Owen Davis play to television (on New York City's WNBT) with John McQuade and Maxine Stewart in the leads and Don Haggerty, Joan Marlowe and Millard Mitchell repeating their Broadway roles. Barbara Britton and Richard Denning starred in the TV adaptation seen on CBS from 1952 to 1953 and on NBC in 1954.

THIS EPISODE:

June 9, 1953. CBS network. "Wheel Of Chance". Sponsored by: Colgate Shaving Cream, Colgate Toothpaste, Halo Shampoo. Just back from a Mexican vacation, Pam and Jerry have unknowingly brought back a roll of microfilm, hidden in a hubcap. Threatened with a gun "that ain't chocolate," the microfilm has been found by a mechanic who's being blackmailed. The system cue is added live. Alice Frost, Joseph Curtin, Maurice Tarplin, Peter Capell, Charles Paul (music), Don Brinkley (writer), Richard Lockridge (creator), Frances Lockridge (creator), John W. Loveton (producer, director), Joe King (announcer). 28:40. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

A Gangster District Attorney (Aired October 15, 1947)

The format of the Vincent Price run of The Saint bears a bit of exposition. The signature theme of The Saint over Radio opened all of the Vincent Price canon and beyond. Any sponsor messages usually prefaced the signature whistle and opening theme. The Trim Hair Tonic-sponsored regional run of The Saint from CBS' KNX studios provided three sponsor messages: one at the open, one in the middle and one near the close. From that run forward, Vincent Price would customarily close the program with a personal message directed at one of several pet causes. Though it's not currently known if this was at Price's request or the producers', one can well imagine Vincent Price requesting the closing appeal. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

October 15, 1947. CBS network. "A Gangster District Attorney". Sponsored by: Trim (a hair tonic made with "pure virgin olive oil"!). The Saint is after the killer of G-Man John Daniels, despite an offer of $5000 to leave town. He discovers that the District Attorney is the killer! Vincent Price, Leslie Charteris (creator), Wendell Niles (announcer), William Fontaine (composer, conductor), Michael Cramoy (writer), James L. Saphier (producer). 27:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Highway Hi-Jacker (Aired December 14, 1945)

This Is Your FBI was a radio crime drama which aired in the United States on ABC from April 6, 1945 to January 30, 1953. FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover gave it his endorsement, calling it "the finest dramatic program on the air." Producer-director Jerry Devine was given access to FBI files by Hoover, and the resulting dramatizations of FBI cases were narrated by Frank Lovejoy (1945), Dean Carleton (1946-47) and William Woodson (1948-53). Stacy Harris had the lead role of Special Agent Jim Taylor. Others in the cast were William Conrad, Bea Benaderet and Jay C. Flippen. This Is Your FBI was sponsored during its entire run by the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (now AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company). This is Your FBI had counterparts on the other networks. The FBI in Peace and War also told stories of the FBI, although some were not authentic. Earlier on, Gangbusters, and the previously mentioned Mr. District Attorney gave the authentic crime treatment to their stories. And Dragnet, and Tales of the Texas Rangers, took the idea on as well. Crime, especially true crime, was a genre in the magazines early on, with the Police Gazette and its predecessors in England printing lurid true crime stories prior to radio. This is Your FBI took the idea, and made it realistic, exciting and even informational.

View Details

The Highway Hi-Jacker (Aired December 14, 1945)

View Details

A Salute To Relaxation (Aired August 19, 1947)
Three Ring Time, a comedy-variety show sponsored by Ballantine Ale was followed by a 1943 program sponsored by Campbell's Soups. The audience participation show Let Yourself Go (1944-45) could best be described as slapstick radio with studio audience members acting out long suppressed urges (often directed at host Berle). Kiss and Make Up, on CBS in 1946, featured the problems of contestants decided by a jury from the studio audience with Berle as the Judge. He also made guest appearances on many comedy-variety radio programs during the 1930s and 1940s. Scripted by Hal Block and Martin Ragaway, The Milton Berle Show brought Berle together with Arnold Stang, later a familiar face as Berle's TV sidekick. Others in the cast were Pert Kelton, Mary Schipp, Jack Albertson, Arthur Q. Bryan, Ed Begley, vocalist Dick Forney and announcer Frank Gallop. The Ray Bloch Orchestra provided the music for the series.

THIS EPISODE:

August 19, 1947. NBC network. Sponsored by: Philip Morris. "A Salute To Relaxation". Miltie tries to get a good night's sleep. Frank Gallop (announcer), Milton Berle, Ray Bloch and His Orchestra, Arnold Stang, Al Kelly. 29:44. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index

View Details

"Treason Comes In Cans" (Aired December 17, 1952)

I Was a Communist for the FBI was an American espionage thriller radio series with 78 episodes syndicated by Ziv to more than 600 stations in 1952-54. Made without FBI cooperation, the series was adapted from the book by undercover agent Matt Cvetic, who was portrayed by Dana Andrews.The series was crafted to warn people about the threat of Communist subversion of American society. The tone of the show is very jingoistic and ultra-patriotic. Communists are evil incarnate and the FBI can do no wrong. As a relic of the Joe McCarthy era, this show is a time capsule of American society during the Second Red Scare.

THIS EPISODE:

December 17, 1952. Program #35. ZIV Syndication. "Treason Comes In Cans". Commercials added locally. Secret Communist plans are hidden in a case of tuna fish and dumped into the harbor. Dana Andrews, Olan Soule, David Rose (composer, conductor), Olan Soule, Barney Phillips, Gerald Mohr, Truman Bradley (announcer), Henry Hayward (director). 26:15. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Father Knows Best, a family comedy of the 1950s, is perhaps more important for what it has come to represent than for what it actually was. In essence, the series was one of a slew of middle-class family sitcoms in which moms were moms, kids were kids, and fathers knew best. Today, many critics view it, at best, as high camp fun, and, at worst, as part of what critic David Marc once labeled the "Aryan melodramas" of the 1950s and 1960s. The brainchild of series star Robert Young, who played insurance salesman Jim Anderson, and producer Eugene B. Rodney, Father Knows Best first debuted as a radio sitcom in 1949.

THIS EPISODE:

January 15, 1953. NBC network. Post cereals, Postum. Betty makes the mistake of allowing Bud to find out that she's interested in "The Boy Next Door". Bud promptly tells the boy next door all about it. Robert Young, Jean VanderPyl, Rhoda Williams, Ted Donaldson, Norma Jean Nilsson, Helen Strohm, Ed James (creator), Bill Forman (announcer), Ed Prentiss (commercial spokesman), Paul West (writer), Roz Rogers (writer), Arthur Jacobson (director), Dorothy Lovett. 29:40. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index Cat #110272.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Sears Radio Theater (Mutual)"
Punishment And Crime (Aired October 25, 1980)
Clearly one of the last big attempts to produce radio programming, with many of Hollywood's best. The series premiered on Monday 02/05/79 and offered a different genre each weekday night. Each genre was hosted by a different celebrity. The program was produced on Paramount's Stage F in Hollywood. These first 130 programs were broadcast over a six month period and then rebroadcast over the following six months. From 02/14/80 to 12/19/81 this series was heard again, this time over Mutual, as The Mutual Radio Theater. This was clearly one of the last big attempts to produce radio programming, with many of radio’s best talents, the way radio was heard in its “golden days.” Despite budget and talent, it just wasn’t to be.

THIS EPISODE:

October 25, 1980 - Program #116. CBS network. "Punishment and Crime". Sponsored by: Sears Roebuck and Company. Fletcher Markle (producer, director, performer), Howard Culver, Jack Carroll, Joe Moross, Len Birman, Lorne Greene (host), Parley Baer, Peggy Webber, Percy Grainger (writer).38:02. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Payment Deferred (Aired May 12, 1946)

The series originated on radio in the 1940s as Theater Guild on the Air. Organized in 1919 to improve the quality of American theater, the Theatre Guild first experimented with radio productions in Theatre Guild Dramas, a CBS series which ran from December 6, 1943 to February 29, 1944. Actress-playwright Armina Marshall (1895–1991), a co-administrator of the Theater Guild, headed the Guild's newly created Radio Department, and in 1945, Theatre Guild on the Air embarked on its ambitious plan to bring Broadway theater to radio with leading actors in major productions. It premiered September 9, 1945, on ABC with Burgess Meredith, Henry Daniell and Cecil Humphreys in Wings Over Europe, a play by Robert Nichols and Maurice Browne which the Theatrer Guild had staged on Broadway in 1928-29.
THIS EPISODE:

May 12, 1946. ABC network, KECA, Los Angeles aircheck. "Payment Deferred". Sponsored by: United States Steel. An impoverished Englishman poisons his wealthy nephew from Australia, and find himself 30,000 pounds richer, but not much happier! The program originates from The Ebell Theatre, Hollywood. Lawrence Langner substitutes for Roger Pryor as the host. The series is also known as, "The United States Steel Hour." Armina Marshall (executive producer), Charles Laughton, Edward Marr, Elsa Lanchester, Franklyn Parker, Gale Gordon, Gayne Whitman, George Hicks, George Kondolf (producer), Greg Holland (adaptor), Harold Levey (composer, conductor), Herbert Rawlinson, Homer Fickett (director), Jeffrey Dell (writer), Joseph Kearns, Lawrence Langner (supervisor), Maria Manton, Susan Douglas, William Johnstone. 58:15. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Payment Deferred (Aired May 12, 1946)

View Details

The Dixon Murder Matter (Aired June 16, 1957

On October 3, 1955, after a hiatus of over a year, the show came back with a vengeance. A new production team, including director/writer Jack Johnstone, a new star, Bob Bailey, from the radio series Let George Do It, and a new format would set the series apart from its competitors. Johnny's cases were now a continuing serial, five days a week, for fifteen minutes each evening. With 75 minutes of airtime, minus commercials and openings and closings, there was sufficient time to develop good storylines and interesting characters. During this time, Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar attracted some of the best writers in Hollywood, including Jack Johnstone, E. Jack Neuman (using the pen name John Dawson), Robert Ryf, and Les Crutchfield. Bob Bailey also wrote a script while he was playing Johnny Dollar. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.
THIS EPISODE:
June 16, 1957. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Dixon Murder Matter". The name of the boat is the clue to the killer. See if you can guess whodunit! Bob Bailey, Frank Nelson, Russell Thorson, Sam Edwards. 29:12. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Last Voyage Of The Lonesome Lena (Aired December 27, 1952)

The special effects used in the live half-hour TV episodes had to be performed in real time. For example, pistols that shot invisible rays necessitated pre-positioning a small explosive charge on the wall. An actor would point the prop at that spot, whereupon a special effects worker would throw a detonation switch. These effects could not have been superimposed on film for the series was done live. For distribution to distant stations, an image of a tiny, bright TV monitor was filmed to make kinescopes, and most of the Saturday half-hour TV broadcasts are available in this form today.

THIS EPISODE:

December 27, 1952. ABC network. "The Last Voyage Of The Lonesome Lena". Sponsored by: Ralston cereals. After a broken down space freighter and her sickly pilot are grounded, Commander Corry and Cadet Happy are nearly drowned in a uranium mine on Titan, one of the moons of Saturn. A trail of "callium seeds" leads to a missing shipment of medicine and the last voyage of, "The Lonesome Lena." Marvin Miller (performer, announcer), Nina Bara, Norman Jolley, Larry Robertson (director), Lou Houston (writer), Mike Mosser (producer), Ed Kemmer, Lyn Osborn. 28:47. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case of The Lucky Murderer (Aired July 31 1950)

Stories presented in the series include the theft of the British crown jewels by Colonel Thomas Blood; the story of a man who finds an armless and legless body wrapped in ribbons and lace; or the strange story of two close brothers who love one another enough to contemplate the murder of a brother’s affluent, yet unsightly and ignorant, wife. Murders, forgery, and robberies all get a through review on the program. Each time, Scotland Yard detectives are afoot to solve the crime mystery! The Secrets of Scotland Yard was initially hosted by Clive Brook, probably for the first year or so. To add to the air of authenticity, Brook sometimes discusses matters with Percy Hoskins, a 1950s crime expert and reporter for the London Daily Express. Hoskins knew every nook and cranny in London’s seedier districts and personally reported on many of the major crimes of the day.

View Details

The Lily of St. Pierre (Aired July 24, 1949)

THIS EPISODE:

July 24, 1949. Program #30. Mayfair syndication. "The Lily Of St. Pierre". Commercials added locally. A Runyonesque love story about an unsavory Broadway type and an innocent Canadian girl. John Brown, Damon Runyon (author), Russell Hughes (adaptor), Vern Carstensen (production supervisor), Richard Sanville (director), Frank Gallop (announcer). 26:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Lily of St. Pierre (Aired July 24, 1949)

THIS EPISODE:

View Details

Madeline Smith Maid Or Murderess (Aired January 20, 1954)

THIS EPISODE:

January 20, 1954. CBS network. "Madeline Smith, Maid Or Murderess...Which?". Sustaining. A lovely lady is also a liberal user of arsenic. This is a network version. William Johnstone, John Dehner, Bernard Herrmann (composer), Wilbur Hatch (conductor), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Gil Warren (announcer), Florence Wolcott, Lou Merrill (host), Betty Harford. 30:34. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Hawaiian Vacation (Aired December 28, 1951)

In the show's familiar opening, "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," either solo on an old-sounding piano or by a larger orchestra, was interrupted by the ring of a telephone and Gardner's New Yorkese accent as he answered, "Duffy's Tavern, where the elite meet to eat. Archie the manager speakin'. Duffy ain't here — oh, hello, Duffy." Duffy, the owner, was never heard (or seen, when a film based on the show was made in 1945 or when a bid to bring the show to television was tried in 1954). But Archie always was — bantering with Duffy's man-crazy daughter, Miss Duffy (played by several actresses, beginning with Gardner's real-life first wife, Shirley Booth); with Eddie, the waiter/janitor (Eddie Green); and, especially, with Clifton Finnegan (Charlie Cantor), a likeable soul with several screws loose and a knack for falling for every other salesman's scam.

THIS EPISODE:

December 28, 1951. "Hawaiian Vacation" - NBC network. Sponsored by: RCA Victor, Anacin. Archie has entered a slogan contest and he's sure that he's won a trip to Hawaii. "Fats" plays a hot, "Sweet Leilani" on the piano. After he wins the contest, Archie discovers that it was for entries by children under 13-years-old only. The system cue has been deleted. Ed Gardner (performer, producer as "Edward F. Gardner"), Ed Pinchon, Charlie Cantor, Larry Rhine (writer), Hazel Shermet. 29:59. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Falkland (Aired April 23, 1944)

The stories offered by "The Weird Circle" were generally adapted from popular fiction - popular fiction of the 19th century, that is. And since the focus was on horror and suspense, the macabre, atmospheric, and often ironic tales of such writers as Edgar Allan Poe and Honore de Balzac were a staple of its success. Also included were such familiar chestnuts as "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte, Charles Dickens' "The Queer Client", Charlotte Bronte’s novel "Jane Eyre" (also a particular favorite of Orson Welles and his Mercury Theater company), and "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson. Stories of this vintage, rooted in the Victorian attitudes and morality of the 1800s, generally made for good radio drama; they were, after all, classics, familiar to anyone with a public school education. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.
THIS EPISODE:

April 23, 1944. Program #35. NBC syndication. "Falkland". Commercials added locally. The strange man who learns the secret of eternal life also learns the secret of eternal love. The date is approximate. Edward Bulwer-Lytton (author). 25:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Adventure Of The Retired Colourman (Aired October 9, 1964)

THIS EPISODE:

October 9, 1964. BBC Light Programme origination, WETA-FM, Washington rebroadcast. "The Adventure Of The Retired Colourman". Sustaining. A miser engages Mr. Holmes to recover his wayward wife...and his money as well. An excellent example of Mr. Holmes' deductive abilities. Arthur Conan Doyle (author), Michael Hardwick (adaptor), John Ruddock, Denis Goacher, Garand Green, Michael Kilgarriff, Janet Morrison, Graham Gauld (producer, director), Carleton Hobbs, Norman Shelley. 27:39. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Behind The Mask (Aired May 1, 1956)

Imported from Austrailia, The Clock was a dramatic thirty-minute suspense and mystery series. It was written by Lawrence Klee and was first broadcast in November 1946. The story always began the same; “Sunrise and sunset, promise and fulfilment, birth and death … the whole drama of life is written in the sands of time”. This is a great series where the main theme seems to be Retribution. Stories as told by Father Time.

THIS EPISODE:

May 1, 1956. Grace Gibson/Michelson syndication, WRVR-FM, New York City aircheck. "Behind The Mask". Participating sponsors. A man uses a pathological liar to help him murder his invalid wife, but the plan backfires. WRVR rebroadcast date: June 22, 1973. Lawrence Klee (writer), Harp McGuire (as "The Clock"), John Bushell, Coralie Neville, Moira Redmond, Rodney Jacobs, John Saul (director), Grace Gibson (producer). 22:30. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Don’t Fence Me In (Aired May 15, 1975)

"Dad's Army" probably depicted more of an accurate version of the Home Guard than anyone could actually realise. Initially it was felt the series was maybe mocking England's finest hour and its first episodes were reviewed with great criticism. However, Jimmy Perry , David Croft and the cast felt that the show had many strengths and so did the steady flow of the British public which began following the Walmington-On-Sea platoon's exploits on Television each week. In 1969, "Dad's Army" embarked on its first Colour TV series, and with that success followed. A feature length film based on the series was made by Columbia Pictures in 1971, and a stage show based on the series toured the UK between 1975 - 76. The programme was also adapted for BBC Radio. Most of the cast are now no longer with us, but their memory lives on through regular repeats on BBC Television and UK Gold as well as many video and DVD releases.

View Details

A Pitch In Time (Aired August 7, 1947)

The Crime club was a Mutual Network murder and mystery series, a product of the Doubleday Crime Book Club imprints found weekly in bookstores everywhere. The telephone rings "Hello, I hope I haven't kept you waiting. Yes, this is the Crime Club. I'm the Librarian. Murder Rents A Room? Yes, we have that Crime Club story for you.Come right over. (The organist in the shadowed corner of the Crime Club library shivers the ivories) The doorbell tones sullenly"And you are here. Good. Take the easy chair by the window. Comfortable? The book is on this shelf." (The organist hits the scary chord) "Let's look at it under the reading lamp." The Librarian, played by Raymond E. Johnson, begins reading the tale. Veteran Willis Cooper (Lights Out, Quiet Please) did some of the scripts from the Crime Club books.

THIS EPISODE:

August 7, 1947. Mutual network. "A Pitch In Time". Sustaining. A comical crime story about an incredibly stupid cop and a bank robbery. Walter Kinsella, Ann Thomas, Cameron Prud'Homme, King Calder, Stedman Coles (writer), Roger Bower (producer, director), Bill Smith, Earl George, Barry Thomson. 30:01. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Missing Messenger (Aired August 13, 1936)

Calling All Cars was one of the earliest police shows on the air. It ran from Nov. 29, 1933-Sept. 8, 1939. It’s sponsor was the Rio Grande Oil Company, which is why the show only ran in areas where Rio Grande "cracked" gasoline was sold. The sponsor promoted its "close ties" with police departments in Arizona and Southern California, urging listeners to buy its product for "police car performance" in their own cars. As shows of this nature do it dealt with tracking killers and robbers with a recap of the justice which was enforced. The writer and director was William N. Robson.
THIS EPISODE:

August 13, 1936. Program #142. CBS Pacific network (Don Lee network). "The Missing Messenger." Sponsored by: Rio Grande Oil. A suspicious person has been spotten near Pasadena Avenue and Avenue Forty-Two. "An ideal officer" solves a brutal crime. Jesse Rosenquist (dispatcher), Charles Frederick Lindsley (narrator), James E. Davis (Chief of Police, Los Angeles). 32:03. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

MOVIE Alfred Hitchcock Presents "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" (Aired July, 11962) VIDEO

Alfred Hitchcock Presents is an anthology television series hosted by Alfred Hitchcock. The series featured dramas, thrillers and mysteries. By the premiere of the show on October 2, 1955, Hitchcock had been directing films for over three decades. Originally 30 minutes per episode, the series was expanded to 60 minutes in 1962 and retitled The Alfred Hitchcock Hour. Hitchcock himself only directed 17 of the 270 filmed episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents and only one of the hour-long episodes, "I Saw the Whole Thing" with John Forsythe. Audiences, however, preferred the shorter version, and in 1963 the show and title returned to their thirty-minute format for the final two seasons. The last new episode aired on June 26, 1965, but the series continued to be popular in syndication for decades. The first season was released on DVD in 2005, the second season in 2006, the third in October 2007, and the fourth in November, 2009. Episodes from select seasons are also available on Hulu, the iTunes Store, Netflix streaming, and on NBC's website.

View Details

A wonderfully informative old time radio series can be found in Adventures In Research. With tales that are not only wonderfully dramatic, but at the same time extremely interesting and entertaining. Adventures In Research offers the listener accounts in American scientific research history. You will be enthralled, as will your children. Best of all, in regards to providing a great educational tool for children, the episodes are made for their attention span, and run approximately fifteen minutes. Hear about the development of the parachute; History of 1st Regular Radio Broadcast; learn about the George Westinghouse; be amazed at The First American Patent; the horrible Dread Scourge - Typhus; be in awe of The Man Who Found A Continent; and so much more wonderful history.

View Details

Donald Jordan Murder Case (Aired November 13, 1953)
Broadway Is My Beat, a radio crime drama, ran on CBS from February 27, 1949 to August 1, 1954. With music by Robert Stringer, the show originated from New York during its first three months on the air, with Anthony Ross portraying Times Square Detective Danny Clover. John Dietz directed for producer Lester Gottlieb. Beginning with the July 7, 1949 episode, the series was broadcast from Hollywood with producer Elliott Lewis directing a new cast in scripts by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. The opening theme of "I'll Take Manhattan" introduced Detective Danny Clover (now played by Larry Thor), a hardened New York City cop who worked homicide "from Times Square to Columbus Circle -- the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world." Danny Clover narrated the tales of the Great White Way to the accompaniment of music by Wilbur Hatch and Alexander Courage, and the recreation of Manhattan's aural tapestry required the talents of three sound effects technicians (David Light, Ralph Cummings, Ross Murray). Bill Anders was the show's announcer. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

View Details

Look Pleasant Please (Aired December 5, 1948)

THIS EPISODE:

December 5, 1948. Program #16. Mutual network origination, Mayfair syndication. "Look Pleasant Please". Commercials added locally. Dan Holiday is asked to have his picture taken with a beautiful girl, and finds himself engaged to an heiress about to come into fifteen million dollars! The date is approximate. Alan Ladd, Edmond MacDonald, John Beal, Richard Sanville (director), Rudy Schrager (composer, conductor), Russell Hughes (writer), Sylvia Picker, Vern Carstensen (production supervisor). 27:10. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Cisco Kid" - Night Stage (Aired March 17, 1953)

Half the fun in the series was listening to Pancho try to explain in his simple Mexican way that the sheriff's posse was hard on their heels and to quote him, "Ceesco, eef they catch up with us, perhaps they weel keel us." At the beginning The Cisco Kid was played by Jackson Beck then later Jack Mather took over the role. Whilst Pancho was played first by Louis Sorin then by Harry Lang. Originally the Announcer was Michael Rye and the Director Jock McGregor and during the days of Jack Mather and Harry Lang the Producer was J. C. Lewis with the series being written by Larry Hays.

THIS EPISODE:

March 17, 1953. Program #69. Mutual-Don Lee network origination, Ziv syndication. "Night Stage". Commercials added locally. Pa Walters is cheated out of his home by Joe Dawson when he complains about the noise from Dawson's cafe. Jack Mather, Harry Lang. 28:17. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Cisco Kid" - Night Stage (Aired March 17, 1953)

THIS EPISODE:

View Details

The Financial Advisor (Aired ember 9, 1950)
Throughout the 1930s and '40s, Ann Sothern and Lucille Ball, like many performers in Hollywood, had not one but two careers - one in motion pictures and one on radio. MGM Studios had created the series of ten motion pictures based on a brash blonde with a heart "of spun gold." Sothern, due in great part to the Maisie films type-casting, would ultimately admit she was "a Hollywood princess, not a Hollywood queen." But in its time, the Maisie series in film and on radio made her known and loved the world over. And for many of us, Ann Sothern was a beautiful and intelligent actress whose warmth and charm were singularly beguiling. She continued to do TV (Private Secretary, The Ann Sothern Show) and movie work (A Letter to Three Wives, '49), and was nominated for an Academy Award in 1987 for The Whales of August.She died March 15, 2001.

THIS EPISODE:

November 9, 1950. Program #39. MGM syndication. Commercials added locally. Maisie becomes the "Financial Advisor" for a soldier's growing family, which leads to a declined bridge loan and a reported bank robbery! The program has also been identified as program #43. The date above is the date of first broadcast on WMGM, New York City. Ann Sothern, Frank Nelson, Elvia Allman, Byron Kane, Peter Leeds, Lurene Tuttle, Jack McCoy (announcer), Arthur Phillips (writer), Harry Zimmerman (composer, conductor). 29:00. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Of Sound Mind And Body (Aired April 21, 1944)

After the associations with Pepsodent toothpaste (1929–37) and Campbell's Soup (1937–43), primary sponsors included Lever Brothers' Rinso detergent (1943–50), the Rexall drugstore chain (1950–54) and CBS' own Columbia brand of television sets (1954–55). President Calvin Coolidge was said to be among the devoted listeners. Huey P. Long took his nickname of "Kingfish" from the show. At the peak of the popularity, many movie theaters began the practice of stopping the films for the 15 minutes of the Amos 'n' Andy show and then playing the program through the theater's sound system or simply by placing a radio on the stage. Some theaters attempted to attract patrons by noting the fact that they offered the broadcast in their advertisements. NBC sought to stop the practice by charging the theaters who did so with copyright infringement, claiming that charging admission for a free broadcast was not legal.

THIS EPISODE:

April 21, 1944. "Of Sound Mind And Body" - NBC network. Commercials deleted. Andy hires a beautiful secretary named Henrietta Davis. He then takes a job in a foundry (loading ingots!) so he can pay her. The system cue has been deleted. Freeman Gosden, Charles Correll, Harlow Wilcox (announcer), James Basquette. 26:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Thing Happens (George Bernard Shaw) 07-09-63

Beyond Tomorrow (also known as And So Goodbye and Beyond Christmas) is a 1940 American fantasy film directed by A. Edward Sutherland and produced by noted cinematographer Lee Garmes; Garmes was one of a handful of cinematographers who became film producers. Structured as a B film, the production did not engage any stars who would receive billing above the title, relying instead on a quartet of veteran character actors, Charles Winninger, Maria Ouspenskaya, C. Aubrey Smith and Harry Carey, second-tier young leads Richard Carlson and Jean Parker as well as "other woman" Helen Vinson, a minor lead/second lead actress during the early- and mid-1930s, here approaching the end of her career. All seven actors received a "Featuring" billing after the title. The remaining supporting cast included Rod La Rocque, a top leading man of the silent era, now reduced to playing minor supporting roles. Because the events of the plot take place during the Christmas season, it is a contemporary, but little-remembered example of the Christmas film. The original print has been digitally remastered and preserved by the National Film Museum, Incorporated.

View Details

The Thing Happens (George Bernard Shaw) 07-09-63

View Details

The Lady In The Dark (Aired November 27, 1949)

THIS EPISODE:

November 27, 1949. Program #31. Broadcasters Program Syndicate syndication. "The Adventure Of The Lady In The Dark". Commercials added locally. A doctor running a free clinic in Paris is the target of a killer's bullets. Paul Dubov, Tony Barrett, Buckley Angel (writer, director), Joel Murcott (writer, director), Bruce Eells (producer), Ivan Ditmars (organist), Art Gilmore (announcer). 28:43. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Quarantine (Aired December 18, 1948)
Merriwell originally appeared in a series of magazine stories starting April 18, 1896 ("Frank Merriwell: or, First Days at Fardale") in Tip Top Weekly, continuing through 1912, and later in dime novels and comic books. Patten would confine himself to a hotel room for a week to write an entire story. The Frank Merriwell comic strip began in 1928, continuing until 1936. Daily strips from 1934 provided illustrations for the 1937 Big Little Book. There are at least three generations of Merriwells: Frank, his half-brother Dick, and Frank's son, Frank Jr. There is a marked difference between Frank and Dick. Frank usually handled challenges on his own. A film serial entitled The Adventures of Frank Merriwell was created by Universal Studios in 1936.

THIS EPISODE:

December 18, 1948. NBC network. "The Quarantine". Sustaining. A false alarm case of measles almost keeps the Frank and Bart from winning a basketball game for Yale. Lawson Zerbe, Hal Studer, Elaine Rost, Harlow Wilcox (announcer), Burt L. Standish (creator). 29:37. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

THIS EPISODE:

June 13, 1946. Mutual network. "The Corpse I Didn't Kill". Sponsored by: Fitch's Shampoo, Fitch's Hair Tonic. Rogue's pal Joe Dale has been shot dead in his elegant home. Rogue is accused of the crime by two of his "friends." Rogue gets hit on the head only two minutes into the program! The program opening is slightly upcut, the system cue has been deleted or is added live. Dick Powell, Jim Doyle (announcer), Ray Buffum (writer), Leith Stevens (composer, conductor), Dee Englebach (director), Peter Leeds. 29:02. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Shadow Of A Doubt (Aired November 9, 1950)

From 01/09/49 to 09/28/51 this series was greatly enjoyed by the radio listening audience. It opened as NBC Theater and was also known as The Screen Director’s Guild and The Screen Director’s Assignment. But most people remember it simply as Screen Director’s Playhouse. Many of the Hollywood elite were heard recreating their screen roles over the radio. John Wayne in his rare radio appearances, Cary Grant, Edward G. Robinson, Lucille Ball, Claire Trevor, Tallulah Bankhead and many others were on the air week after week during these broadcasts. Many of Hollywood’s directors were also heard in the recreation of their movies. The President of the Screen Director’s Guild appeared on 02/13/49, and Violinist Isaac Stern supplied the music for the 04/19/51 broadcast.

THIS EPISODE:

November 09, 1950 "Shadow Of A Doubt" (An Alfred Hitchcock Thriller) (Stars: Carey Grant) - Uncle Charlie relies heavily on his relationship with his niece and name sake Charlie to make him appear like butter wouldn't melt. However, as soon as Niece Charlie puts two and two together and comes to realise the truth about her Uncle the close relationship between them deteriorates at a rapid pace. But, it is less the fact that niece Charlie realises what her uncle really is, but it is because she is growing into a woman that Charlie doesn't like. In becoming a woman niece Charlie now represents all that her uncle can't abide. And it is this misogynistic streak in Uncle Charlie that compels him to attempt to murder his niece, as opposed to what she knows of him.

View Details

The Merchant Marines (Aired January 25, 1945)

The Abbott and Costello Show mixed comedy with musical interludes (usually, by singers such as Connie Haines, Marilyn Maxwell, the Delta Rhythm Boys, Skinnay Ennis, and the Les Baxter Singers). Regulars and semi-regulars on the show included Artie Auerbrook, Elvia Allman, Iris Adrian, Mel Blanc, Wally Brown, Sharon Douglas, Verna Felton, Sidney Fields, Frank Nelson, Martha Wentworth, and Benay Venuta. Ken Niles was the show's longtime announcer, doubling as an exasperated foil to Abbott & Costello's mishaps (and often fuming in character as Costello insulted his on-air wife routinely); he was succeeded by Michael Roy, with annoncing chores also handled over the years by Frank Bingman and Jim Doyle. The show went through several orchestras during its radio life, including those of Ennis, Charles Hoff, Matty Matlock, Jack Meaking, Will Osborne, Freddie Rich, Leith Stevens, and Peter van Steeden. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

January 25, 1945. "The Merchant Marines" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Camels, Prince Albert. Costello plans to join the Merchant Marine. This is a network, sponsored version. Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Freddie Rich and His Orchestra, Connie Haines, Ken Niles (announcer), Mel Blanc, Artie Auerbach. 29:53. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Yellow Chip (Aired February 20, 1955)

Abbott Mysteries was a comedy-mystery radio program adapted from the novels of Frances Crane (1896-1981). Initially a summer replacement for Quick As a Flash, the series was heard on Mutual and NBC between the years 1945 and 1955. The Mutual series, sponsored by Helbros Watches, debuted June 10, 1945, airing Sundays at 6pm. Scripts were by Howard Merrill and Ed Adamson in the lighthearted tradition of Mr. and Mrs. North. Julie Stevens and Charles Webster starred as Jean and Pat Abbott, a San Francisco married couple who solved murder mysteries. In the supporting cast were Jean Ellyn, Sydney Slon and Luis Van Rooten. The Abbotts were portrayed by Claudia Morgan and Les Damon. The NBC series ran until June 12, 1955.

THIS EPISODE:

February 20, 1955. Program #3. NBC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Yellow Chip". Les Damon, Claudia Morgan, Frances Crane (creator), Everett Sloane, Jan Miner, William Johnstone, Howard Merrill (writer), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Ted Lloyd (producer), Harry Frazee (director, recordist), Wayne Howell (announcer), Dewey Bergman (composer conductor). 30:22. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Tales Of The Texas Rangers" -
"The Hatchet" (Aired February 11, 1951)

Tales of the Texas Rangers, a western adventure old-time radio drama, premiered on July 8, 1950, on the NBC radio network and remained on the air through September 14, 1952. Movie star Joel McCrea starred as Texas Ranger Jayce Pearson, who used the latest scientific techniques to identify the criminals and his faithful horse, Charcoal, to track them down. The shows were reenactments of actual Texas Ranger cases. The series was produced and directed by Stacy Keach, Sr., and was sponsored for part of its run by Wheaties. Captain Manuel T. "Lone Wolf" Gonzaullas, a Ranger for 30 years and who was said to have killed 31 men during his career, served as consultant for the series. The series was adapted for television from 1955 to 1957.

THIS EPISODE:

February 11, 1951. NBC network. "The Hatchet". Sustaining. Based on events of May 16, 1941. The murder of a high school teacher leads Ranger Jace Pearson to a cattle water tank and the murder weapon at the bottom of it. Gerald Mohr, Hal Gibney (announcer), Joe Dubov, Joel McCrea, Michael Ann Barrett, Parley Baer, Sam Edwards, Stacy Keach (producer, director), Tommy Cook, Tony Barrett. 30:48. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

**INTRO: BOB Plays The Nutmegs "Story Untold" (1955)

The Third Man (Aired January 7, 1951)**

The theatrical society in U.S.A. is termed as Theater Guild. Founded in New York City in 1918 by Lawrence Langner (1890-1962) and others, the group proposed to produce high-quality, noncommercial plays. Its board of directors shared responsibility for choice of plays, management, and production. After the premiere of George Bernard Shaw’s Heartbreak House in 1920, the Guild became his U.S. agent and staged 15 of his plays. It also produced successful plays by Eugene O’Neill, Maxwell Anderson, and Robert Sherwood and featured actors such as the Lunts and Helen Hayes. It helped develop the American musical by staging Porgy and Bess (1935), Oklahoma! (1943), and Carousel (1945); later also producing the radio series Theatre Guild on the Air (1945-53) and even presented plays on television.

THIS EPISODE:

January 7, 1951. NBC network. "The Third Man". Commercials deleted. The program originates from the Belasco Theatre, New York. The program is also known as, "The United States Steel Hour" and "The NBC Theatre Guild." An excellent production of the thriller set in post-war Vienna. Intrigue and death in the sewers beneath the city. Zither transitions possibly by Anton Karas. The program closing has been deleted. Graham Greene (writer), Joseph Cotten, Signe Hasso, Anthony Ireland, Stefan Schnabel, Berry Kroeger, Roger Pryor (host), Anton Karas. 55:19. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Fort Laramie" - Boredom (Aired February 19, 1956)

Gunsmoke had been running for almost four years when Norman Macdonnell brought Fort Laramie to CBS. The latter had the same gritty realism, attention to detail, and integrity that audiences admired in GUNSMOKE. Both Dodge City, Kansas and Fort Laramie, Wyoming were real, and significant, locations in our history of the Western Expansion. The original Fort Laramie, located on the eastern Wyoming prairie (about 100 miles from where the city of Laramie is now located) was an important fur trading post from 1834 to 1849. For the next forty years, it was a U.S. Army post. Located near the confluence of the North Platte and Laramie Rivers, this military post was in the heart of the homeland of the Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho. From 1841 to 1849 the fur trade in that area continued to decline, but the fort was a major stop-over for wagon trains of settlers heading west, enroute to Oregon.

THIS EPISODE:

February 19, 1956. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "Boredom". Private Soothey is bored with garrison duty. He has a plan for getting a little action out of the Indians. The Cheyenne oblige. The program was recorded February 16, 1956 and is also known as, "Unknown Disease At Fort." Vivi Janis, Raymond Burr, Joe Cranston, Les Crutchfield (writer), Parley Baer, Sam Edwards, Jack Kruschen, Howard Culver. 30:16. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Welcome Home (Aired May 20, 1945)

As with The Mysterious Traveler that preceded it, The Sealed Book was an anthology of supernatural drama, produced and directed by Jock MacGregor for the Mutual network, and written by the extraordinary team of Robert Arthur and David Kogan. Indeed this same entire team of network, director, and writers were responsible for the entire run of The Mysterious Traveler. Going even further, The Sealed Book reprised 26 of the Arthur/Kogan scripts written for The Mysterious Traveler. And in yet another similarity, Philip Clarke performed as an actor in five of the original Mysterious Traveler episodes. Where the series' differed was in the 'hook' or novelty intro to each week's new episode. With the Mysterious Traveler, the atmospheric element was the mournful whistle of the train, and Maurice Tarplin's equally exaggerated exposition at the beginning of each episode.

THIS EPISODE:
May 20, 1945. Program #10. Mutual network. "Welcome Home". Sustaining. A man returns home to find his family isn't exactly glad to see him. This program has also been dated July 22, 1945 on WGN, Chicago. Robert A. Arthur (writer), David Kogan (writer), Phillip Clarke (host), Jock MacGregor (producer, director). 29:54. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Murder Needs An Artist (Starring Vincent Price) Aired May 6, 1950)

Philip Morris invested heavily in radio advertising throughout the 1930s and ‘40s, often having two weekly programs on competing networks. The first, a variety show that ran for twelve seasons (1934-47) and combined musical and dramatic elements, was called Johnny Presents, essentially giving Roventini "top billing" above all the big name guests that appeared on the broadcasts. The cigarette company also sponsored Philip Morris Playhouse, a dramatic anthology series that lasted 14 seasons (1939-53), finally switching to television. Throughout it all, Johnny was a walking public relations campaign, reminding people of the product wherever he appeared. In exchange for $20,000 a year, Johnny promised never to appear in public without a bodyguard, and never to ride the New York subway during rush hour. When his salary rose to $50,000, PM insured his voice for the same amount. "Johnny" ads were prominent on billboards and in magazines. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.
THIS EPISODE:

May 6, 1950. CBS network. "Murder Needs An Artist". Sponsored by: Philip Morris, Revelation Pipe Tobacco. 10:00 P.M. A writer discovers a famous artist with amnesia, living in a Bowery flophouse. He gets the artist to start painting again and protects his investment with murder. Vincent Price, William Conrad, William Spier (editor, director), Art Ballinger (announcer), John Holbrook (announcer), Lud Gluskin (music director), Alec Chorney (writer), John Hobish. 26:37. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Soothos Cough Syrup Guarantee (05-02-50)
Life with Luigi was a radio comedy-drama series which began September 21, 1948 on CBS. The story concerned Italian immigrant Luigi Basco, and his experiences as an immigrant in Chicago. Many of the shows take place at the US citizenship classes that Luigi attends with other immigrants from different countries, as well as trying to fend off the repeated advances of the morbidly-obese daughter of his landlord/sponsor. Luigi was played by J. Carrol Naish, an Irish-American. Naish continued in the role on the short-lived television version in 1952, and was later replaced by Vito Scotti. With a working title of The Little Immigrant, Life with Luigi was created by Cy Howard, who earlier had created the hit radio comedy, My Friend Irma. The show was often seen as the Italian counterpart to the radio show The Goldbergs, which chronicled the experience of Jewish immigrants in New York.

THIS EPISODE:

May 2, 1950. "Soothos Cough Syrup Guarantee" - CBS network. Sponsored by: Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum. Luigi tries to take advantage of the guarantee for "Sootho Cough Syrup." He wants double his money back. J. Carrol Naish, Alan Reed, Cy Howard (creator, producer, director), Mac Benoff (writer), Lou Derman (writer), Mary Shipp, Hans Conried, Ken Peters, Joe Forte. 29:45. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Silent Hands (Aired May 13, 1944)

What made Inner Sanctum Mysteries unique among radio horror shows was its host, a slightly-sinister sounding man originally known as “Raymond.” The host had a droll sense of humor and an appetite for ghoulish puns, and his influence can be seen among horror hosts everywhere, from the Crypt-Keeper to Elvira. Raymond Edward Johnson was the show’s host until 1945; Paul McGrath took over the role until the show left the air in 1952. Producer Hiram Brown would utilize the creaking door again in the 1970s, when he produced and directed The CBS Radio Mystery Theater. Inner Sanctum Mysteries was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1988.

THIS EPISODE:

May 13, 1944. CBS network. "The Silent Hands". Sponsored by: Palmolive Shaving Cream, Palmolive Soap. A woman in a white evening dress is a murderess. Which one of the two sisters is known as, "The Woman In White?" The story has a good suprise ending. Mary Astor, Himan Brown (director), Raymond Edward Johnson (host), Robert Tallman (writer), Robert Sloane (writer), Myron McCormick, Berry Kroeger, Lesley Woods. 25:30. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

A Minor Case Of Murder (Aired August 30, 1948)

As Valentine made his rounds in search of the bad guys, he usually encountered Brooksie's kid brother, Sonny (Eddie Firestone), Lieutenant Riley (Wally Maher) and elevator man Caleb (Joseph Kearns). For the first few shows, Sonny was George's assistant, but he was soon relegated to an occasional character. Sponsored by Standard Oil, the program was broadcast on the West Coast Mutual Broadcasting System from October 18, 1946 to September 27, 1954, first on Friday evenings and then on Mondays.

THIS EPISODE:

August 30, 1948. Mutual-Don Lee network. "A Minor Case Of Murder". Sponsored by: Standard Oil, Chevron. Chuck Wilson, of "The Bearcat Social Club," hires George Valentine to prove that Dan Corey is innocent of knifing his step-father. Bob Bailey, Bud Hiestand (announcer), David Victor (writer), Don Clark (director), Eddie Dunstedter (music), Frances Robinson, Gloria Blondell, Herb Lytton, Herbert Little Jr. (writer), Irene Tedrow, Jack Kruschen, Sidney Miller, Tommy Cook, Tony Barrett. 29:34. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Back From Holiday (Aired October 14, 1956)
Tony Hancock starred as an exaggerated version of his own character, a down-at-heel comedian living at the dilapidated 23 Railway Cuttings in East Cheam. Sid James played a criminally-inclined confidante who usually managed to con Hancock, while Bill Kerr appeared as Hancock's dim-witted Australian lodger. Moira Lister also appeared in the first series before being replaced by Andrée Melly for the next two, both playing love interests for Hancock's character. In the fourth and fifth series, Hattie Jacques played Griselda Pugh, live-in secretary to Hancock and occasional girlfriend of Sid James. The series broke from the variety tradition dominant in British radio comedy into the sitcom or Situation comedy genre. Instead of sketches, guest stars and musical interludes, humor developed from the characters and situations. The domestic situation varied, Hancock usually portrayed as unemployed or a hopeless, down-at-heel comedian. Sid was always on the fiddle in some way. Bill was dim and virtually unemployable (though he started as a fast-talking American-type Australian). Miss Pugh, Hancock's secretary, had such a loose job description that she cooked Sunday lunch.

View Details

Remains To Be Seen (Aired September 1, 1973)

View Details

Fleet Lady (Aired March 6, 1949)

Typically, a person unknown to Pat asks him to do an unusual or risky job. Pat reluctantly accepts and finds himself in hot water in the form of an unexplained dead body. Police Inspector Hellman (played by Raymond Burr) arrives on the scene and pins the murder on Novak. With only circumstantial evidence to go on, Hellman promises to haul Novak in the next day for the crime. The rapid, staccato dialogue between Webb & Burr is typical of harboiled fiction and is often humorous. Pat uses the time to try to solve the case. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

March 6, 1949. Program #2. "Fleet Lady" - ABC network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. A dead horse leads to a dead jockey and a hot tip on murder. Jack Webb, Virginia Gregg, Hugh Thomas. 29:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

After appearances on The Rudy Vallee Show in 1937, Skelton became a regular in 1939's Avalon Time on NBC, sponsored by Avalon Cigarettes. On October 7, 1941, Skelton premiered his own radio show, The Raleigh Cigarette Program, developing a number of recurring characters including punch-drunk boxer "Cauliflower McPugg," inebriated "Willy Lump-Lump" and "'Mean Widdle Kid' Junior," whose favorite phrase ("I dood it!") soon became part of the American lexicon. That, along with "He bwoke my widdle arm!" (or other body part) and "He don't know me vewy well, do he?" all found their way into various Warner Bros. cartoons.THIS EPISODE:The Raleigh Cigarette Program Starring Red Skelton. April 16, 1946. NBC network, Hollywood origination. Sponsored by: Raleigh Cigarettes. The Skelton Scrapbook Of Satire: "Easy Money." Chapter 114: "The Night Watchman At the Bank." Chapter 116: "Junior Executive," with "Junior, The Mean Widdle Kid." Red Skelton, Rod O'Connor (announcer), David Forrester and His Orchestra, GeGe Pearson, Anita Ellis, Pat McGeehan, Verna Felton. 29:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Dead Sleep Lightly (Aired March 30, 1943)
It was Joseph Kearns who evolved into "The Man in Black" host in 1943. This mysterious all-knowing narrator was similar to The Whistler.. The character lasted for over 100 episodes until March of 1945. Kerns continued as host through 1947, and returned again in 1950, but "The Man in Black" role devolved back into a nameless announcer (Grams, 1997, 17). Yet the series itself continued on as strong as ever. It attracted Hollywood's best actors because they were allowed to play roles different from their usual stereotypes. Comedians could play killers, or heroes could play victims. Jack Benny played a Martian. Ronald Reagan played a man on the run framed for a crime he didn't commit. Lucille Ball played a cold-blooded murderer. Frank Sinatra played a psychopath. All the while, audiences were kept wondering and waiting to see what the surprise ending would be. Show Notes From Radio Horror Hosts.

THIS EPISODE:
March 30, 1943. CBS network. "The Dead Sleep Lightly". Sustaining. A tingling ghost story about a rich old man and the ghost of his long forgotten wife. Bernard Herrmann (composer, conductor), John Dickson Carr (writer), John Dietz (director), Lee Bowman, Susan Hayward, Walter Hampden, William Spier (producer, director, editor), Joseph Kearns ("The Man In Black"). 29:16. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Swapping Spree (Aired April 28, 1953)

Fibber McGee and Molly was a popular radio show during the era of classic, old-time radio. It was one of the longest-running comedies in the history of classic radio in the United States. The series premiered on NBC in 1935 and remained popular until its demise in 1959, long after radio had ceased to be the dominant form of entertainment in American popular culture. James "Jim" Jordan (16 November 1896–1 April 1988) and Marian Driscoll (15 April 1898–7 April 1961), were natives of Peoria, Illinois who met in church and married in 1918. The genesis of Fibber McGee and Molly occurred when the small-time husband-and-wife vaudevillians began their third year as Chicago-area radio performers. Two of the shows they did for station WENR beginning in 1927, both written by Harry Lawrence, bore traces of what was to come and rank as one of the earliest forms of situation comedy. In their Luke and Mirandy farm-report program, Jim played a farmer who was given to tall tales and face-saving lies for comic effect. In a weekly comedy, The Smith Family, Marian's character was an Irish wife of an American police officer.

THIS EPISODE:
April 28, 1953. "Swapping Spree" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Reynolds Aluminum. McGee goes on a swapping spree, starting with his own Moosehead! Arthur Q. Bryan, Bill Thompson, Billy Mills and His Orchestra, Cliff Arquette, Elvia Allman, Harlow Wilcox, Jack Kruschen, Jim Jordan, Keith Fowler (writer), Marian Jordan, Mary Jane Croft, Max Hutto (director), Phil Leslie (writer), Richard LeGrand, The King's Men. 29:39. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

When The Mountain Fell (Aired October 26, 1956)

Beginning with CBS' Columbia Workshop from 1936 to 1947, CBS set out to experiment with Radio--to push that invisible envelope of the speed of sound, the speed of light, and to capitalize on the human listeners' comparitively narrow band of audible sound. Not so much experiment in terms of hardware technology, as in Radio's earliest efforts in 'broad casting' radio transmissions, but in concept, engineering, scoring and production technique. The most well-known and widely acclaimed proponent of these techniques was Norman Corwin. Corwin was so critically and popularly successful in experimental broadcasts that CBS gave him virtual carte blanche to produce whatever projects he deemed of possible interest--at least until the HUAC years anyway. Corwin's well-deserved acclaim aside, the various other CBS experimental programming efforts over the years very much set the bar for other networks.

THIS EPISODE:

October 26, 1956. CBS network. "When The Mountain Fell". Sustaining. A French drama about a shepherd, who apparently returns from the dead, two months after being buried alive by an avalanche. 29:35. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Henry's Engagement (Aired October 10, 1939)

The Aldrich Family, a popular radio teenage situation comedy (1939-1953), is remembered first and foremost for its unforgettable introduction: awkward teen Henry's mother calling, "Hen-reeeeeeeeeeeee! Hen-ree Al-drich!" A top-ten ratings hit within two years of its birth (in 1941, the showm carried a 33.4 Crossley rating, landing it solidly alongside Jack Benny and Bob Hope), the show is considered a prototype for teen-oriented situation comedies to follow on radio and television and is a favourite if dated find for old-time radio collectors today. The Aldrich Family as a separate radio show was born as a summer replacement for Jack Benny in NBC's Sunday night lineup, July 2, 1939, and it stayed there until October 1, 1939, when it moved to Tuesday nights at 8 p.m., sponsored by General Foods's popular gelatin dessert Jell-O---which also sponsored Jack Benny at the time.

THIS EPISODE:

October 10, 1939 - "Henry's Engagement" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Postum. Trying to get Doris Townsend jealous, Henry's parents naturally conclude that Henry's engaged. The date is approximate. The system cue has been deleted. Ezra Stone, Clifford Goldsmith (writer), Harry Von Zell (announcer), Jack Miller (composer, conductor). 30:19. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"Amy Dicken's Broken Leg" (Aired June 15, 1950)

The character began in the film series as a medical intern; after becoming a doctor he was mentored by an older physician, Dr. Leonard Gillespie. After the first ten films, the series eliminated the character of Kildare and focused instead on Gillespie. In the summer of 1949, MGM reunited Lew Ayres and Lionel Barrymore to record the radio series, The Story of Dr. Kildare, scripted by Les Crutchfield, Jean Holloway and others. After broadcasts on WMGM New York from February 1, 1950 to August 3, 1951, the series was syndicated to other stations during the 1950s. The supporting cast included Ted Osborne as hospital administrator Dr. Carough, Jane Webb as nurse Mary Lamont and Virginia Gregg as Nurse Parker, labeled "Nosy Parker" by Gillespie, with appearances by William Conrad, Stacy Harris, Jay Novello, Isabel Jewell and Jack Webb.

THIS EPISODE:

June 15, 1950. "Amy Dicken's Broken Leg" - Program #57. MGM syndication. Commercials added locally. Amy Dickens has broken her leg. Lew Ayres, Lionel Barrymore, Joe Bigelow (director), Walter Schumann (composer, conductor), E. Jack Neuman (writer), Michael Hayes (writer), Virginia Gregg, Earle Ross, Peggy Webber, Dick Joy (announcer), William Bakewell, Max Brand (creator), Raymond Katz (producer). 26:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Johnson Payroll Matter (Aired September 21, 1958)

For over twelve years, from 1949 through 1962 (including a one year hiatus in 1954-1955), this series recounted the cases "the man with the action-packed expense account, America’s fabulous freelance insurance investigator, Johnny Dollar". Johnny was an accomplished 'padder' of his expense account. The name of the show derives from the fact that he closed each show by totaling his expense account, and signing it "End of report... Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar". Terry Salomonson in his authoritative "A Radio Broadcast Log of the Drama Program Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar", notes that the original working title was "Yours Truly, Lloyd London". Salomonson writes "Lloyd London was scratched out of the body of (the Dick Powell) audition script and Johnny Dollar was written in. Thus the show was re-titled on this script and the main character was renamed. Why this was done was unclear – possibly to prevent a legal run-in with Lloyd’s of London Insurance Company." Although based in Hartford, Connecticut, the insurance capital of the world, freelancer Johnny Dollar managed to get around quite a bit – his adventures taking him all over the world. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.
THIS EPISODE:

September 21, 1958. CBS net origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Johnson Payroll Matter" Johnny's asked to take a relaxing trip to Southern California and pickup $100,000...and bring it back. Part of the system cue has been deleted. Bob Bailey, Virginia Gregg, Forrest Lewis, Shepard Menken, Lawrence Dobkin, Frank Gerstle, Jack Johnstone (producer, director), Robert Stanley (writer), Roy Rowan (announcer). 24:17. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Donald Simes Cabinet Maker (Aired January 20, 1952)

This series was very similar to the Black Museum that was hosted by Orson Welles. Both the Black Museum and Whitehall 1212 drew their material from the files of Scotland Yard. The stories were true in every respect except that the names were changed to protect the innocent, as they say. The Whitehall 1212 series boasted that for the first time Scotland Yard opened its files and the producers promised to bring to the public authentic true stories of some of the most celebrated cases. Permission for these records came from Sir Harold Scott, Commissioner of the yard at that time. There is actually a Black Museum. This area is located on the lower ground floor of Scotland Yard and it does indeed contain articles that are closely associated with the solving of a crime. And "Whitehall 1212" was the actual emergency phone number for the yard at the time. The research for the shows was done by Percy Hoskins, chief crime reporter for the London Daily Express. For the benefit of American audiences, Wyllis Cooper of Quiet Please fame was hired as script writer. Interestingly enough both the Black Museum and Whitehall 1212 had all-British casts; both ran concurrently. Whereby Mutual Broadcasting System aired the Orson Welles version, NBC offered the Wyllis Cooper one.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Wild Bill Hickock"
Dangerous Round-Up (Aired November 6, 1953)

The show is in the tradition of the Lone Ranger and the Cisco Kid. Guy Madison starred as Bill with Andy Devine as his sidekick, Jingles. (Now there’s a name you want to go through Hollywood with.) This Wild Bill Hickock was quick with his fists and a quip, but Jingles (dear god that nickname) got all his glory by using his immense girth to fight the bad guys. Jingles if you couldn’t tell was the comedic element in the series. And what is it with overweight sidekicks in westerns? See Cisco Kid’s partner, the jolly and rotund Pancho. Give the horses a break. The radio program lasted until 1954. The television show was started at the same time in 1951 and lasted until 1958. Also Wild Bill was portrayed by Gary Cooper in the 1936 movie, The Plainsman. Wild Bill has shown up in various other movies and television shows, most recently in the show Deadwood on HBO.

THIS EPISODE:

November 6, 1953. Program #181. Mutual network. "The Dangerous Round-Up". Sponsored by: Kellogg's Rice Krispies, Kellogg's Variety Pack (Orange Bowl contest). Whip Willard has threatened Stormy Evans and tried to put him out of business and start a range war. The system cue is added live. Guy Madison, Andy Devine, Charles Lyon (announcer), Richard Aurandt (music), David Hire (producer), Paul Pierce (writer, director), Fred Howard, Joseph Du Val, Jack Mather. 25:58. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Legal Wills (Aired February 6, 1954)

Most of the scripts very cleverly portrayed every right way--or wrong way--to approach a range of legal matters that might concievably affect any American. After resolving the script one way or the other, the Host, John Fitzgerald, would dissect the legal issues involved in the script, point listeners to the right source of legal information--for the State of Illinois, in any case--and suggest alternate scenarios, as time permitted, to further illustrate the larger issues behind that week's topic. As a local presentation, WMAQ's production of Case Dismissed acquitted itself very well indeed. With few exceptions, the enacted legal issues were realistically depicted, thoroughly explored, and informatively resolved. The exposition for and resolution of these programs was never preachy, overly complicated, nor left unresolved. Each story had an arc that was resolved for that particular combination of legal issues and choices. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

February 6, 1954. "Legal Wills" - NBC network, WMAQ, Chicago origination. Sustaining. The program is produced in co-operation with the Chicago Bar Association. The legal problems of making a will. Alma Platts, Rita Ascot, Arthur Peterson, John C. Fitzgerald (host, Dean of the Law School, Loyola University), Robert Carmen (writer), Russ Reed, Paul Barnes, Charles Flynn, Betty Ross (producer), Herbert Littow (director), Tom Evans (sound), Harold Witteberry (engineer), Lee Bennett (announcer). 28:31. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Riley Installs A Time Clock (Aired March 16, 1951)

The radio series also benefited from the immense popularity of a supporting character, Digby "Digger" O'Dell (John Brown), "the friendly undertaker."Beginning October 4, 1949, the show was adapted for television for the DuMont Television Network, but Bendix's film contracts prevented him from appearing in the role. Instead, Jackie Gleason starred along with Rosemary DeCamp as wife Peg, Gloria Winters as daughter Barbara (Babs), Lanny Rees as son Chester Jr. (Junior), and Sid Tomack as Gillis, Riley's manipulative best buddy and next-door neighbor. John Brown returned as the morbid counseling undertaker Digby (Digger) O'Dell ("Well, I guess I'll be... shoveling off"; "Business is a little dead tonight"). Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

March 16, 1951. NBC network. Sponsored by: Pabst Beer. "Riley Installs A Time Clock" in the house to keep tabs on Peg and the kids. This is a network, sponsored version. William Bendix, John Brown, Harry Von Zell (announcer), Irving Brecher (producer). 29:05. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Nightmare (Aired June 10, 1951)

Dimension X was a very effective demonstration of what could be done with science fiction on the air. It came so late that nobody cared, but some of the stories stand as classics of the medium. Bradbury's "Mars Is Heaven" is as gripping today as when first heard. His "Martian Chronicles" was one of the series' most impressive offerings. Dimension X played heavily on an "adventures in time and space, told in future tense" theme. Actors who worked regularly on the show included Joe Di Santis, Wendell Holmes, Santos Ortega, Joseph Julian, Jan Miner, Roger De Koven, John Gibson, Ralph Bell, John Larkin, Les Damon, and Mason Adams. It was directed by Fred Weihe and Edward King. The deep-voiced narrator was Norman Rose. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

June 10, 1951. NBC network. "Nightmare". Sustaining. Based on the poem "Revolt Of The Machines," by Stephen Vincent Benet. The script was subsequently used on "X Minus One" on July 21, 1955. The "X Minus One" program was rebroadcast as part of "Monitor" during December, 1974. Joseph Julian, Bob Warren (announcer), Don Pardo (announcer), Edwin Jerome, Joe DeSantis, Gregory Morton, John McGovern, William Welch (producer), Albert Buhrman (music), Bill Chambers (engineer), Edward King (director), John Gibson, Norman Rose (host), Rita Lynn, Stephen Vincent Benet (author), George Lefferts (adaptor). 24:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Exaggeration Troubles (09-30-45) (Aired September 30, 1945)

The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet launched on CBS October 8, 1944, making a mid-season switch to NBC in 1949. The final years of the radio series were on ABC (the former NBC Blue Network) from October 14, 1949, to June 18, 1954.The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, an American radio and television series, was once the longest-running, live-action situation comedy on American television, having aired on ABC from 1952 to 1966 after a ten-year run on radio. Starring Ozzie Nelson and his wife, singer Harriet Hilliard (she dropped her maiden name after the couple ended their music career), the show's sober, gentle humor captured a large, sustaining audience, although it never rated in the top ten programs, and later critics tended to dismiss it as fostering a slightly unrealistic picture of post-World War II American family life. When Skelton was drafted, Ozzie Nelson was prompted to create his own family situation comedy. The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet launched on CBS October 8, 1944, making a mid-season switch to NBC in 1949. The final years of the radio series were on ABC (the former NBC Blue Network) from October 14, 1949, to June 18, 1954.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - The Cabin (Aired December 27, 1952)

Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. The radio version ran from 1952 to 1961, and John Dunning writes that among radio drama enthusiasts "Gunsmoke is routinely placed among the best shows of any kind and any time." The television version ran for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975, and still remains the United States' longest-running prime time, live-action drama with 635 episodes.

THIS EPISODE:

December 27, 1952. CBS network. "The Cabin". Sustaining. Entering a cabin during a blizzard, Matt is imprisoned by "Hack" and "Alvie," two mad-dog killers who plan to murder him in cold blood! The script was used on the Gunsmoke television series February 22, 1958. Harry Bartell, John Dehner, John Meston (writer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Rex Koury (composer, performer), Roy Rowan (announcer), Vivi Janis, William Conrad. 30:40. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

That Hammer Guy - "Contract On A Dead Man" (Aired May 5, 1953)

The 'hot potato' that "That Hammer Guy" had become ultimately resolved itself with the premiere of That Hammer Guy--over Mutual--on December 30, 1952, the beginning of a ninety-one episode series of hard-boiled Mickey Spillane mystery and adventure yarns. The series premiered with Inner Sanctum workhorse Larry Haines as Mike Hammer, aided by Jan Miner in the role of Velda, Hammer's secretary and love interest, as well as several other roles in the ensemble cast. By about three months into the run, the series attempts--rather unsuccessfully--to rename itself, Mickey Spillane-Mystery or Mickey Spillane, Mystery depending on the outlet. Neither name ever really took, and the majority of the newspaper and magazine listings of the era continued to refer to the series as either That Hammer Guy, Mike Hammer, or Mickey Spillane Mysteries. Mickey Spillane-Mystery left the air on September 28, 1954 after an unbroken run of ninety-one installments. It was replaced in Mutual's lineup by Treasury Agent. The production's broadcast outlets had been so loyal to the series that, rather than simply pre-empt an episode, many of them simply rescheduled them later the evening of the mostly sporting events that occupied Mickey Spillane-Mystery's regular slot. While only twelve exemplars of the series enjoy circulation, we're certain that many more will enter the circulating canon in due time. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

View Details

That Hammer Guy - "Contract On A Dead Man" (Aired May 5, 1953)

The 'hot potato' that "That Hammer Guy" had become ultimately resolved itself with the premiere of That Hammer Guy--over Mutual--on December 30, 1952, the beginning of a ninety-one episode series of hard-boiled Mickey Spillane mystery and adventure yarns. The series premiered with Inner Sanctum workhorse Larry Haines as Mike Hammer, aided by Jan Miner in the role of Velda, Hammer's secretary and love interest, as well as several other roles in the ensemble cast. By about three months into the run, the series attempts--rather unsuccessfully--to rename itself, Mickey Spillane-Mystery or Mickey Spillane, Mystery depending on the outlet. Neither name ever really took, and the majority of the newspaper and magazine listings of the era continued to refer to the series as either That Hammer Guy, Mike Hammer, or Mickey Spillane Mysteries. Mickey Spillane-Mystery left the air on September 28, 1954 after an unbroken run of ninety-one installments. It was replaced in Mutual's lineup by Treasury Agent. The production's broadcast outlets had been so loyal to the series that, rather than simply pre-empt an episode, many of them simply rescheduled them later the evening of the mostly sporting events that occupied Mickey Spillane-Mystery's regular slot. While only twelve exemplars of the series enjoy circulation, we're certain that many more will enter the circulating canon in due time. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

View Details

Jack's Friend Stub Wilbur Visits (Aired May 15, 1955)

Arriving at NBC on March 17, Benny did The Chevrolet Program until April 1, 1934. He continued with sponsor General Tire through the end of the season. In October, 1934, General Foods, the makers of Jell-O and Grape-Nuts, became the sponsor most identified with Jack, for the next ten years. American Tobacco's Lucky Strike was his longest-lasting radio sponsor, from October, 1944, through the end of his original radio series. The show returned to CBS on January 2, 1949, as part of CBS president William S. Paley's notorious "raid" of NBC talent in 1948–49. There it stayed for the remainder of its radio run, which ended on May 22, 1955.

THIS EPISODE:

May 15, 1955. Program #425. "Jack's Friend Stub Wilbur Visits" - CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. Jack paints his house, then goes to the railroad station to meet his old pal Stub Wilbur. AFRS program name: "The Jack Benny Program." The program was recorded February 16, 1955. Jack Benny, Eddie Anderson, Don Wilson, Mel Blanc, Dennis Day, Sheldon Leonard, Artie Auerbach, Frank Nelson, Mary Livingstone, Charlie Bagby, Colin Campbell, Orchid Oliver, Harry Shearer, Hilliard Marks (producer), Mahlon Merrick (music director). 29:16. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Baseball (Aired September 16, 1949)
The cheerful couple lived at 321 Bundy Drive in the fictitious city of Sheridan Falls and were billed as "two people who live together and like it." The main sponsor was General Foods' Jell-O, and an average of three "plugs" for Jell-O were made in each episode, including Lucille Ball's usual sign-on, "Jell-O, everybody!" The program, which aired 124 episodes from July 23, 1948 through March 31, 1951, initially portrayed the couple as being a well-to-do banker and his socially prominent wife, but three new writers — Bob Carroll, Jr., Madelyn Pugh and Jess Oppenheimer — took over the writing, changed the couple's name to Cooper and remade them into a middle-class couple, which they thought average listeners would find more accessible. Lucille Ball was asked to do a television version of the show (with Jell-O remaining as sponsor), and CBS insisted on Richard Denning continuing as her co-star. However, Ball refused to do a husband-and-wife TV show without real-life husband Desi Arnaz playing her on-screen husband. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:
September 16, 1949. "Baseball" - CBS network. Sponsored by: Jell-O. Liz and Iris are determined to learn how to play baseball. The date is subject to correction. Gale Gordon, Hans Conried, Lucille Ball, Richard Denning, Isabel Scott Rorick (creator), Bob Lemond (announcer), Jess Oppenheimer (producer, director, writer), Madelyn Pugh (writer), Bob Carroll Jr. (writer), Marlin Skyles (composer), Wilbur Hatch (conductor), Ruth Perrott. 34:24. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Murder In A Card Game (Aired December 24, 2952)

The Line-Up stands as one of the most well-produced crime dramas of The Golden Age of Radio. The cast is comprised of top-tier, A-List talent from top to bottom. With Elliott Lewis directing his cast of some of the finest voice talent of the era--and top-drawer sound technicians to match--this series remains one of the best examples of the Crime Drama genre. Think of Calling All Cars, minus the jingoistic flag-waving, updated to contemporary 1950s crime themes, and peppered with the more authentic radio-verité atmospherics of Unit 99, Night Watch, and Dragnet, and you have The Line-Up. It's also been one of the most difficult series to collect over the years. The good news is that with new episodes surfacing each year, there's every possibility that we'll soon have a complete run of the series to enjoy in its entirety. Bill Johnstone gives his usual solid performance as Lieutenant Ben Guthrie of the San Francisco Police Department. He's aided for the first year of the run by the equally solid Wally Maher, with his gritty, sardonic voice characterizations. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

View Details

The Golf Challenge (Aired May 11, 1950)

Father Knows Best, a family comedy of the 1950s, is perhaps more important for what it has come to represent than for what it actually was. In essence, the series was one of a slew of middle-class family sitcoms in which moms were moms, kids were kids, and fathers knew best. Today, many critics view it, at best, as high camp fun, and, at worst, as part of what critic David Marc once labeled the "Aryan melodramas" of the 1950s and 1960s. The brainchild of series star Robert Young, who played insurance salesman Jim Anderson, and producer Eugene B. Rodney, Father Knows Best first debuted as a radio sitcom in 1949.The series began August 25, 1949, on NBC Radio. Set in the Midwest, it starred Robert Young as General Insurance agent Jim Anderson.

THIS EPISODE:

May 11, 1950. "The Golf Challenge"- (WIBA) Radio. Jim and Ed Davis are paired in golf tournament. Robert Young, Jean Vander Pyl, Ted Donaldson, Ed James (creator), Bill Forman (announcer), Paul West (writer), Roz Rogers (writer), Jerry Marshall (commercial spokesman), Rhoda Williams, Marylee Robb, Helen Strohm. 33:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Lost and Found (Aired December 7, 1948)

The stories were well written and directed by William N. Robson as well as McGill. The skill of this group shows in making the series very good radio. The show was a big promoter of the free press and the first amendment with its opening sequence: "Freedom of the press is a flaming sword! Use it justly...hold it high...guard it well!" The second series began immediately in the 1943 season when the production moved from Hollywood to New York. Robinson left (Trevor left two years earlier as her career starting taking off) and McGill reorganized the series placing Edward Pawley in the role of Wilson opposite Fran Carlon as Lorelei. Pawley's Wilson was more mellifluous compared to the rather nasty Robinson. The series' success continued on radio until 1952 leaving only the television version (which began in 1950). (Thanks to Robert G. Corder, author of a new biography of Edward Pawley.)

THIS EPISODE:

December 7, 1948. NBC network. "The Case Of The Lost and Found". Sponsored by: Lifebuoy Soap, Rinso. Dick Rutter, the star reporter of a competing paper, disappears. Steve Wilson of the Illustrated Press suspects a connection to the "Lucky Louie" murder. The program has also been dated December 1, 1948. Edward Pawley, Fran Carlon, Jerry McGill (writer, producer), Hugh James (announcer). 30:33. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Young Mr. Lincoln (Starring Henry Fonda) Aired July 10, 1946

The list of films and actors on Academy Award Theater is very impressive. Bette Davis begins the series in Jezebel, with Ginger Rogers following in Kitty Foyle, and then Paul Muni in The Life of Louis Pasteur. The Informer had to have Victor Mclaglen, and the Maltese Falcon, Humphrey Bogart, Sidney Greenstreet (this movie was his first major motion picutre role) plus Mary Astor for the hat trick. Suspicion starred Cary Grant with Ann Todd doing the Joan Fontaine role, Ronald Coleman in Lost Horizon, and Joan Fontaine and John Lund were in Portrait of Jenny. How Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Pinocchio were done is something to hear! Some films are less well known, such as Guest in the House, with Kirk Douglas and Anita Louise. Each adaptation is finely produced and directed by Dee Engelbach, with music composed and conducted by Leith Stevens. Frank Wilson wrote the movie adaptations.

THIS EPISODE:

July 10, 1946. CBS network. "Young Mr. Lincoln". Sponsored by: Squibb. Two brothers are accused of murder, but which one did the deed? A new attorney, Mr. Lincoln, handles the case. Henry Fonda, Ward Bond, Jeff Chandler, Frank Wilson (writer), Leith Stevens (composer, conductor), Dee Englebach (producer, director), Hugh Brundage (announcer). 29:38. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Fatted Calf (Aired September 24, 1949)

The first portrayal of Philip Marlowe on the radio was by Dick Powell, when he played Raymond Chandler's detective on the Lux Radio Theater on June 11, 1945. This was a radio adaptation of the 1944 movie, from RKO, in which Mr. Powell played the lead. Two years later, Van Heflin starred as Marlowe in a summer replacement series for the Bob Hope Show on NBC. This series ran for 13 shows. On September 26, 1948, Gerald Mohr became the third radio Marlowe, this time on CBS. It remained a CBS show through its last show in 1951.

THIS EPISODE:

September 24, 1949. CBS network. "The Fatted Calf". Sustaining. A cartoonist is murdered, and that's no laughing matter! David Ellis, Gene Levitt (writer), Gerald Mohr, Howard McNear, Mel Dinelli (writer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Paul Masterson (announcer), Raymond Chandler (creator), Richard Aurandt (music), Robert Mitchell (writer), Vivi Janis. 29:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Fatted Calf (Aired September 24, 1949)

The first portrayal of Philip Marlowe on the radio was by Dick Powell, when he played Raymond Chandler's detective on the Lux Radio Theater on June 11, 1945. This was a radio adaptation of the 1944 movie, from RKO, in which Mr. Powell played the lead. Two years later, Van Heflin starred as Marlowe in a summer replacement series for the Bob Hope Show on NBC. This series ran for 13 shows. On September 26, 1948, Gerald Mohr became the third radio Marlowe, this time on CBS. It remained a CBS show through its last show in 1951.

THIS EPISODE:

September 24, 1949. CBS network. "The Fatted Calf". Sustaining. A cartoonist is murdered, and that's no laughing matter! David Ellis, Gene Levitt (writer), Gerald Mohr, Howard McNear, Mel Dinelli (writer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Paul Masterson (announcer), Raymond Chandler (creator), Richard Aurandt (music), Robert Mitchell (writer), Vivi Janis. 29:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

John Donovan Productions
*Webb first got the idea for Dragnet while working on the 1948 film He Walked by Night. Webb got to talking with one of the movie's technical advisors, officer Marty Wynn, who complained, "It rankles every damn cop in the country when they hear those far-fetched tales about crime. Why don't you do a real story about policemen?" Webb took his time in developing the series, plotting out every detail right down to the last sound effect.

The L.A.P.D. approved the series, but had a few requirements: All dramatizations had to follow the facts of a real L.A.P.D. investigation; the show could never glorify or defame police officers; and it had to represent policemen as "real" human beings. Dragnet debuted over NBC-Radio in June 1949 and ran through February 1957. Webb also starred in two very successful television versions of the program- from 1952-59 and 1967-72.*

Fun Fact! Following Webb's death on December 23, 1982, the L.A.P.D. honored him with a funeral normally reserved for officers who had died in the line of duty and permanently retired Joe Friday's badge number 714.
TODAY'S SHOW:

Season 1 - Episode 12 "The Big Phone Call"

View Details

The Teacher's Convention (Aired November 12, 1950)

CBS chairman Bill Paley, who was friendly with Arden, persuaded her to audition for the part. With a slightly rewritten audition script---Osgood Conklin, for example, was originally written as a school board president but was now written as the incoming new Madison principal---Arden agreed to give the newly-revamped show a try. Produced by Larry Berns and written by director Al Lewis, Our Miss Brooks premiered on CBS July 19, 1948. According to radio critic John Crosby, her lines were very "feline" in dialogue scenes with principal Conklin and would-be boyfriend Boynton, with sharp, witty comebacks. The interplay between the cast---blustery Conklin, nebbishy Denton, accommodating Harriet, absentminded Mrs. Davis, clueless Boynton, scheming Miss Enright---also received positive reviews.

THIS EPISODE:

November 12, 1950. CBS network. "The Teacher's Convention". Sponsored by: Colgate Toothpaste, Lustre-Creme Shampoo, Palmolive Soap. Miss Brooks is going to the teacher's covention with Mr. Boynton...or is she? The script was possibly reused on the program of August 21, 1955. Eve Arden, Larry Berns (producer), Al Lewis (writer), Verne Smith (commewrcial spokesman), Bob Lemond (announcer), Wilbur Hatch (music), Jane Morgan, Richard Crenna, Gloria McMillan, Jeff Chandler, Gale Gordon, Mary Jane Croft. 29:23. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Teacher's Convention (Aired November 12, 1950)

CBS chairman Bill Paley, who was friendly with Arden, persuaded her to audition for the part. With a slightly rewritten audition script---Osgood Conklin, for example, was originally written as a school board president but was now written as the incoming new Madison principal---Arden agreed to give the newly-revamped show a try. Produced by Larry Berns and written by director Al Lewis, Our Miss Brooks premiered on CBS July 19, 1948. According to radio critic John Crosby, her lines were very "feline" in dialogue scenes with principal Conklin and would-be boyfriend Boynton, with sharp, witty comebacks. The interplay between the cast---blustery Conklin, nebbishy Denton, accommodating Harriet, absentminded Mrs. Davis, clueless Boynton, scheming Miss Enright---also received positive reviews.

THIS EPISODE:

November 12, 1950. CBS network. "The Teacher's Convention". Sponsored by: Colgate Toothpaste, Lustre-Creme Shampoo, Palmolive Soap. Miss Brooks is going to the teacher's covention with Mr. Boynton...or is she? The script was possibly reused on the program of August 21, 1955. Eve Arden, Larry Berns (producer), Al Lewis (writer), Verne Smith (commewrcial spokesman), Bob Lemond (announcer), Wilbur Hatch (music), Jane Morgan, Richard Crenna, Gloria McMillan, Jeff Chandler, Gale Gordon, Mary Jane Croft. 29:23. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Death Stalks The Shadow (Aired October 9, 1938)

One of the most popular radio shows in history debuted in August 1930 when "The Shadow" went on the air. "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!" The opening lines of the "Detective Story" program captivated listeners and are instantly recognizable even today. Originally the narrator of the series of macabre tales, the eerie voice known as The Shadow became so popular to listeners that "Detective Story" was soon renamed "The Shadow," and the narrator became the star of the old-time mystery radio series, which ran until 1954. A figure never seen, only heard, the Shadow was an invincible crime fighter. He possessed many gifts which enabled him to overcome any enemy. Besides his tremendous strength, he could defy gravity, speak any language, unravel any code, and become invisible with his famous ability to "cloud men's minds."

THIS EPISODE:

October 9, 1938. Mutual network. "Death Stalks The Shadow". Sponsored by: Blue Coal. An electric eye traps the Shadow in a death cell. The program has a good electrocution scene. William Johnstone, Agnes Moorehead, Ken Roberts (announcer). 26:52. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Big Pow Wow (Aired June 21, 1950)
May 16, 1948 to June 21, 1951. Initially west coast Don Lee Network. 30 minutes, Thursdays at 8:00PM, Pacific Time. Mutual Network, coast to cost from February 7, 1949. 30 minutes, Mondays at 8:00PM until January 30, 1950.Often augmented by early evening broadcasts, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5, this becoming it's standard time in 1950-51.Nabisco was the sponsor throughout the series. STARS: Howard Culver as Steve Adams/Straight Arrow, Fred Howard DIRECTOR: Ted Robertson WRITER: Sheldon Stark SOUND EFFECTS: Tom Hanley, Ray Kemper. The announcer and narrator was Frank Bingman. Steve Adams was a rancher, who in times of trouble, became the commanche warrior Straight Arrow. Fred Howard as his sidekick, grizzled ranch hand Packy McCloud. Gwen Delano as Mesquite Molly.

View Details

The Case Of The Frightened Child (Aired November 16, 1944)

When Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons first debuted over the Blue Network on October 12, 1937, the show’s title accurately described Keen’s stock-in-trade; the “kindly old investigator” tracked down individuals who had mysteriously vanished, leaving behind their families, homes, jobs and other day-to-day activities. Keen (he never had a first name, unless it was “Peachy”) was assisted in these duties by an Irishman named Mike Clancy. Mike wasn’t much of a brainiac (the quote that comprises the title of this post was a semi-catchphrase that he seemed to use on the show every week) but he could use the necessary brawn when the situation called for it. Bennett Kilpack played kindly ol' Keen throughout most of the program’s run, as well as Philip Clarke and Arthur Hughes, while Jim Kelly took the role of Clancy. The series originally aired as a thrice-weekly fifteen-minute serial from 1937-43 (the show moved to CBS in 1942), providing more than ample time for Keen to solve even the most baffling of disappearances. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.
THIS EPISODE:

November 16, 1944. CBS network. "The Case Of The Frightened Child". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos Toothpaste, Hill's Cold Tablets, Aerowax. A five year old boy has been left to die in a dark, abandoned warehouse. Bennett Kilpack, Larry Elliott (announcer), Frank Hummert (writer, producer), Anne Hummert (writer, producer). 29:37. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Gildy Turns Off The Water (Aired September 18, 1946)
The Great Gildersleeve (1941-1957) was the arguable founding father of the spin-off program, as well as one of the first true situation comedies (as opposed to sketch programs) in broadcast history. Hooked around a character who had been a staple on the classic radio hit Fibber McGee and Molly, The Great Gildersleeve enjoyed its greatest period in the 1940s, when Harold Peary graduated the character from the earlier show into the sitcom and in a quartet of likeable feature films at the height of the show's popularity.

THIS EPISODE:

September 18, 1946. "Gildy Turns Off The Water" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Kraft Parkay, Pabst-Ett. Gildersleeve decides to turn off the water of the residents who haven't paid their water bill. Bill Kelsey (writer), Earle Ross, Frank Moore (writer), Harold Peary, Jack Meakin (music), John Laing (announcer), Lillian Randolph, Louise Erickson, Richard LeGrand, Shirley Mitchell (?), Walter Tetley. 29:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Haunted Hangman (1950) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

The Creaking Door was South African Radio's attempt to create a compelling program of highly suspenseful, dramatic thrillers with a supernatural bent for their sponsor, State Express Cigarettes. Some commentators insist it was conceived as a spin-off of the already successful Inner Sanctum episodes that had been syndicated for broadcast in Australia and South Africa during the 1950s. Given the format, one can see the inference, but in fact The Creaking Door stands on its own as a unique, well-produced, engaging supernatural thriller series on its own merit. When legendary producer and director, Himan Brown first presented Inner Sanctum as one of three requested sponsorship candidates to Carter Products, he presented Inner Sanctum as The Creaking Door. Carter didn't care for the name, so on the spur of the moment Hi Brown suggested Inner Sanctum as an alternative, and voila, Radio history was made. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

View Details

Archie Takes Up Reading (Aired May 3, 1946)
When the AFRN rebroadcast those episodes for U.S. servicemen during World War II, the announcer referred to Duffy's Tavern. Radio's Duffy's Tavern didn't translate well to film or television. Burrows and Matt Brooks collaborated on the screenplay for the 1945 film, Ed Gardner's Duffy's Tavern, in which Archie (with regulars Eddie and Finnegan) was surrounded by a throng of Paramount Pictures stars playing themselves, including Robert Benchley, William Bendix, Eddie Bracken, Bing Crosby, Cass Daley, Brian Donlevy, Paulette Goddard, Betty Hutton, Alan Ladd, Veronica Lake and Dorothy Lamour. The film's plot involves a war-displaced record manufacturer whose staff — those not sent off to war — drown their sorrows at Duffy's on credit, while the company owner tries to find ways around the price controls and war attrition that threaten to put him out of business.

THIS EPISODE:

May 3, 1946. "Archie Takes Up Reading"- NBC network. Sponsored by: Ipana, Vitalis. A moving and different kind of "Duffy's Tavern" program. In between Archie's jokes are serious dramas about starvation in India, Italy and Greece. Good radio! Ed Gardner, Eddie Green, Charlie Cantor, Sandra Gould. 30:00. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Last Survivor (Aired October 11, 1945)
Between 1944 and 1952, The Mysterious Traveler eventually became one of the sixteen highest rated Radio programs of their era. WOR and MBS took great pride in putting together a program that could rival Radio giants CBS, ABC, and NBC throughout the era. During its heyday The Mysterious Traveler spawned several similar thriller genre programs such as The Strange Dr. Wierd (1945), The Sealed Book (1945), Dark Venture (1946), Murder By Experts (1949), and The Teller of Tales (1950). The thriller genre was not new to Radio in the 1940s. The Witch's Tale had aired from 1931 to 1938 over The Mutual Broadcasting System and WOR. CBS had tried--and failed at--their own The Witching Hour for three months in 1932. Oklahoma Radio station WKY had successfully aired their own Dark Fantasy (1941) anthology of thrillers, which was immediately picked up by NBC for a national run. But clearly, The Mutual system and WOR appear to have acquired the inside track for the thriller genre for almost two decades.

THIS EPISODE:

October 11, 1945. Mutual-Don Lee network. "The Last Survivor". Sustaining. The spacemen in the first ship returning from Mars witness the destruction of the entire Earth. Maurice Tarplin (as "The Traveler"), Ralph Bell, Robert Dryden, Robert A. Arthur (writer, producer, director), David Kogan (writer, producer, director). 28:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Case Of The Unknown Killer (Aired June 9, 1944)

The series dramatized FBI cases, which producer-director Phillips H. Lord arranged in close association with Bureau director J. Edgar Hoover. Hoover insisted that only closed cases would be used. The initial series was on NBC Radio from July 20 - October 12, 1935. It then aired on CBS from January 15, 1936 to June 15, 1940, sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive and Cue magazine. From October 11, 1940 to December 25, 1948, it was heard on the Blue Network, with various sponsors that included Sloan's Liniment, Waterman pens and Tide. Returning to CBS on January 8, 1949, it ran until June 25, 1955, sponsored by Grape-Nuts and Wrigley's chewing gum. The final series was on the Mutual Broadcasting System from October 5, 1955 to November 27, 1957. It was once narrated by Norman Schwarzkopf, Sr., former head of the New Jersey State Police.

THIS EPISODE:

June 9, 1944. Program #369. Blue Network. "The Case Of The Unknown Killers". Sponsored by: Sloan's Liniment, Nonspi deodorant. The story of "The Broadway and Coney Island Murders." A cop is killed in Coney Island during a holdup. This leads to an exciting shoot-out in a hotel. "Gangbusters Nationwide Clues" follow the story. Fred William Poole: murderer, upper and lower front teeth missing, walks with head down, has two machine guns. Ralph Williams: escaped convict, scar left side forehead, "L.O.V.E." tattoed on four fingers, "1935 O'Donnell" tattoed on forearm. Narrated by "Colonel Schwarzkopf" (by proxy). Arnold Stang, playing a bellhop, does a Sloan's Liniment commercial integrated into the plot. Charles Stark (announcer), Arnold Stang, Phillips H. Lord (producer). 29:32. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Corpse In The Cellar (Aired April 30, 1935)

Calling All Cars was one of the earliest police shows on the air. It ran from Nov. 29, 1933-Sept. 8, 1939. It’s sponsor was the Rio Grande Oil Company, which is why the show only ran in areas where Rio Grande "cracked" gasoline was sold. The sponsor promoted its "close ties" with police departments in Arizona and Southern California, urging listeners to buy its product for "police car performance" in their own cars. As shows of this nature do it dealt with tracking killers and robbers with a recap of the justice which was enforced. The writer and director was William N. Robson. Calling All Cars episodes were dramatized true crime stories that were not only introduced by officers of the Los Angeles Police Department but were true life crime stories of the LAPD.

THIS EPISODE:

April 30, 1935. Program #75. CBS Pacific network (Don Lee network). "The Corpse In The Cellar" Sponsored by: Rio Grande Oil. A body has been found buried in the basement of a house, wearing a gold ring and wearing a silver belt buckle. Jesse Rosenquist (dispatch), William N. Robson (writer, director), Charles Frederick Lindsley (narrator). 32:39. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Missing Japanese Weapons (Aired February 6, 1950)

Irish-American actor Brian Donlevy, who had mostly worked in movies, agreed to star in a radio series called "Dangerous Assignment" on the NBC Radio network; Donlevy played Steve Mitchell -- "international troubleshooter" for an un-named US government intelligence agency; whose boss "The Commissioner" -- dispatched him to world trouble spots; Naturally all problems got fixed in record time, all in accordance with US interests; the NBC radio series was a big enough success to last three seasons (from 1949 - 1953); perhaps the success was due in part to the mystique of the foreign situations which radio listeners could create in their imaginations; During its last year on radio, Donlevy formed a production company to convert the idea to television; But no TV network was interested, so he produced 39 episodes and sold them to individual stations nationwide in First-run Syndication. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.
THIS EPISODE:

February 6, 1950. NBC network. Sustaining. The first show of the season. Steve Mitchell flies to Panama to recover "Missing Japanese Weapons" and solve the murder of his friend, Bill Thorne. Brian Donlevy, Robert Ryf (writer), Bill Cairn (director), Bruce Ashley (music). 29:16. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Three Silver Pesos (Aired June 3, 1946)

The Casebook of Gregory Hood, starring Gale Gordon in the title role, took over where Sherlock Holmes had left off. Sponsored by Petri wine, it used the same "weekly visit" format and the same team of Anthony Boucher and Dennis Green that had written The New Adventured of Sherlock Holmes. Gregory Hood was modelled after true-life San Francisco importer Richard Gump, and many of the stories revolve around a mystery surrounding some particular imported treasure. Hood's sidekick Sanderson "Sandy" Taylor was played by Bill Johnstone. The show aired from June, 1946 through August, 1950. There were an additional couple of shows aired in October 1951. Hood and Sanderson were played in later episodes by Elliott Lewis and Howard McNear, respectively.

THIS EPISODE:

June 3, 1946. Mutual network. "The Three Silver Pesos". Sponsored by: Petri Wine. The first show of the series, a nearly identical format to the Sherlock Holmes broadcasts on Mutual. This is the start of a summer replacement series for Sherlock Holmes. Gregory Hood continued on Mutual for the next three years when the Sherlock Holmes broadcasts switched to ABC. Harrison Tavers dies on the Golden Gate Bridge with a vial of cyanide in his pocket, a heart attack and a fatal stab wound! When Hood picks up a beautiful hitch-hiker, he loses his car and his corpse! The story features an interesting plot with lots of dead bodies...including one dead man who kills his killer! Gale Gordon, Dean Fosler (composer, conductor), William Johnstone, Denis Green (writer), Anthony Boucher (writer), Harry Bartell (announcer). 28:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Revolt On Prison Rock (Aired May 29, 1952) Part Two of Two
Mars was a desert, Venus a jungle, and the asteroids a haunt of space pirates, but at least planets circled suns and there was no air in space. Contrast this with Twilight Zone, years later, where people could live on asteroids wearing ordinary clothes, or Lost in Space, years after that, where a spaceship could be passing "Jupiter and Andromeda" at the same time. Before Star Trek, Tom Corbett — Space Cadet was the most scientifically accurate series on television, in part due to official science advisor Willy Ley, and later due to Frankie Thomas. Thomas read up on science and everyone on the set turned to him for advice on matters scientific.

THIS EPISODE:

May 29, 1952. ABC network, WJZ, New York aircheck. "Revolt On Prison Rock" Part Twe Of Two. Sponsored by: Kellogg's Pep, Kellogg's Raisin Bran. The inmates of the prison escape and steal the Polaris. They start to terrorize the space lanes. Al Markim, Drex Hines (director), Edward Bryce, Frank Thomas Jr., Jackson Beck (announcer), Jan Merlin, Jon Gart (organist). 23:48. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Revolt On Prison Rock (Aired May 29, 1952) Part One of Two

Mars was a desert, Venus a jungle, and the asteroids a haunt of space pirates, but at least planets circled suns and there was no air in space. Contrast this with Twilight Zone, years later, where people could live on asteroids wearing ordinary clothes, or Lost in Space, years after that, where a spaceship could be passing "Jupiter and Andromeda" at the same time. Before Star Trek, Tom Corbett — Space Cadet was the most scientifically accurate series on television, in part due to official science advisor Willy Ley, and later due to Frankie Thomas. Thomas read up on science and everyone on the set turned to him for advice on matters scientific.

THIS EPISODE:

May 29, 1952. ABC network, WJZ, New York aircheck. "Revolt On Prison Rock" Part One Of Two. Sponsored by: Kellogg's Pep, Kellogg's Raisin Bran. The inmates of the prison escape and steal the Polaris. They start to terrorize the space lanes. Al Markim, Drex Hines (director), Edward Bryce, Frank Thomas Jr., Jackson Beck (announcer), Jan Merlin, Jon Gart (organist). 23:48. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

A Hepcat Kills The Canary (Aired November 17, 1953)
In the days prior to From Here To Eternity, Frank Sinatra's popularity was waning and this private eye show was an attempt to remedy that. In it, Frank played Rocky Fortune, a "footloose and fancy-free young man," frequently unemployed, who took numerous, adventurous odd jobs. It was a relatively undistinguished series; definitely a "B grade" radio series, saved by Sinatra's charm and a tongue-in-cheek approach. Rocky Fortune appeared on NBC for only a short run of 25 or 26 shows. The lead character, who goes by the name of Rocky Fortune but whose real name is Rocko Fortunato, was played by Frank Sinatra. Rocky, always ready with a wise remark, seems to be a magnet for trouble, most often with the variety of odd jobs he takes. There is frequently a beautiful woman involved, some good girls, some bad. Rocky's a tough guy who stays just inside of the law but we get an occasional glimpse of a soft heart beneath the hard exterior. It's a character that Mr. Sinatra plays nicely. Employed or not, Rocky possesed a variety of skills. During the course of the series, he worked as a process server, museum tour guide, cabbie, bodyguard, chauffeur, truck driver, social director for a Catskills resort and a carny. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.
THIS EPISODE:

November 17, 1953. "A Hepcat Kills The Canary" - NBC network. Sustaining. Frank Sinatra, George Lefferts (writer), Andrew C. Love (director), Jack Kruschen, Jean Tatum, Tom Holland, Frank Gerstle, Barney Phillips, Edward King (announcer). 24:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Vanilla Murder Case (Aired December 21, 1948)

Philo Vance was the detective creation of S. S. Van Dine first published in the mid 1920s. Vance, in the original books, is an intellectual so highly refined he seems he might be ghostwritten by P. G. Wodehouse. Take this quote from The Benson Murder Case, 1924, as Vance pontificates in his inimitable way: "That's your fundamental error, don't y' know. Every crime is witnessed by outsiders, just as is every work of art. The fact that no one sees the criminal, or the artist, actu'lly at work, is wholly incons'quential." Thankfully, the radio series uses only the name, and makes Philo a pretty normal, though very intelligent and extremely courteous gumshoe. Jose Ferrer played him in 1945. From 1948-1950, the fine radio actor Jackson Beck makes Vance as good as he gets. George Petrie plays Vance's constantly impressed public servant, District Attorney Markham. Joan Alexander is Ellen Deering, Vance's secretary and right-hand woman.

THIS EPISODE:

December 21, 1948. Program #24. ZIV Syndication. "The Vanilla Murder Case". Commercials added locally. A soda jerk is killed with a syrup pump! Vance decides that this is the last straw, and solves the case! Jackson Beck. 28:11. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Art Critic (Aired March 11, 1947)

In 1936, Mel Blanc joined Leon Schlesinger Productions, which made animated cartoons distributed by Warner Bros. Blanc liked to tell the story about how he got turned down at the Schlesinger studio by music director Norman Spencer, who was in charge of cartoon voices, saying that they had all the voices they needed. Then Spencer died, and sound man Treg Brown took charge of cartoon voices, while Carl Stalling took over as music director. Brown introduced Blanc to animation directors Tex Avery, Bob Clampett, Friz Freleng, and Frank Tashlin, who loved his voices. The first cartoon Blanc worked on was Picador Porky as the voice of a drunken bull. He took over as Porky Pig's voice in Porky's Duck Hunt, which marked the debut of Daffy Duck, also voiced by Blanc. Blanc soon became noted for voicing a wide variety of cartoon characters

THIS EPISODE:

May 13, 1947. CBS network. "The Art Critic". Sponsored by: Colgate Toothpowder, Halo Shampoo. Mr. Colby is going to be interviewed. It's up to Mel to convince the reporter of his college credentials. Mel Blanc, Mac Benoff (writer), Mary Jane Croft, Joseph Kearns, Hans Conried, Earle Ross, Fran Heflin, Victor Miller and His Orchestra, Bud Hiestand (announcer). 23:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Death & The Purple Cow (Aired December 12, 1951)

Gargan learned a lot about the gambling world and met a lot of interesting characters from across the spectrum of society. The main reason why Gargan was so convincing as a detective was that he was probably the only actor of his time who had actually been a private detective. He first worked as a credit investigator and collection agent for a clothing firm. Once Gargan was shot at when he attempted to get a deadbeat customer to pay his overdue account. Next, he worked for about a year as a private detective with a New York agency for "$10.00 a day and expenses." Gargan did many of the usual detective jobs: guarding payrolls, tailing possible suspects, conducting stakeouts, and protecting clients with valuables. He was fired when he lost track of a diamond salesman he was supposed to be protecting. As an actor, William Gargan had played Ellery Queen in three movies, before being cast as Kane.

THIS EPISODE:

December 12, 1951. NBC network. "Death and The Purple Cow". Sustaining. A man with a gun orders Barrie Craig not to accept a new client. The gunman is himself shot after Barrie throws a cup of coffee in his face. William Gargan, Himan Brown (director), Don Pardo (announcer), John Gibson, Louis Vittes (writer). 28:53. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Grey Mist Murders (Aired April 10, 1947)

Crime club was a Mutual Network murder and mystery series, a product of the Doubleday Crime Book Club imprints found weekly in bookstores everywhere. The telephone rings "Hello, I hope I haven't kept you waiting. Yes, this is the Crime Club. I'm the Librarian. Murder Rents A Room? Yes, we have that Crime Club story for you.Come right over. (The organist in the shadowed corner of the Crime Club library shivers the ivories) The doorbell tones sullenly"And you are here. Good. Take the easy chair by the window. Comfortable? The book is on this shelf." (The organist hits the scary chord) "Let's look at it under the reading lamp." The Librarian, played by Raymond E. Johnson, begins reading the tale. Veteran Willis Cooper (Lights Out, Quiet Please) did some of the scripts from the Crime Club books.

THIS EPISODE:

April 10, 1947. Mutual network. "The Grey Mist Murders". Sustaining. A pleasure cruise to Hawaii on a private yacht becomes the scene of several murders. Constance Baker (writer, billed as Constance Little), Gwenyth Hemming-Jones (writer, billed as Gwenyth Little), Sidney Smith, Helen Shields. 29:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Secret Box (Aired July 23, 1950)

Based on the book, Cloak and Dagger: The Secret Story of the O.S.S. by Corey Ford and Alistair McBain, the Radio rendition of these fascinating stories promised to keep any listener perched on the edge of their seat. Apart from describing the book upon which the new adventure series was based, the above is just about all the fanfare that was associated with the roll-out of NBC's only espionage program of the year. It was also one of the few solo productions that Wyllis Cooper undertook for NBC. It was also Cooper's first collaboration with British crime journalist Percy Hoskins, who would work with Cooper yet again on NBC's WHItehall-1212 a year hence. The combination of Hoskin's unfailingly accurate research and Cooper's lively, fast-paced writing and direction proved to be an excellent underpinning for an espionage adventure drama based on factual events. The Office of Strategic Services--the progenitor of our Central Intelligence Agency--was one of American History's most colorful and compelling World War II intelligence gathering efforts.

THIS EPISODE:

July 23, 1950. NBC network. "The Secret Box". Sustaining. 4:00 P.M. Jerry Lester is well cast as an O.S.S. operative who flies behind Japanese lines to bring back an important Japanese prisoner. This is a well-written jungle adventure featuring head-hunters as well as enemy Japanese. Good radio! Jerry Lester, Corey Ford (originator), Alistair Mac Bain (originator), Louis G. Cowan (producer), Alfred Hollander (producer), Sherman Marks (director, supervisor), Winifred Wolfe (writer), Larry Haines, Dan Ocko, Irene Hubbard, Raymond Edward Johnson, Karl Weber, Arnold Robertson, Jack Gordon (writer), Murray Ross (music director), Jerry Jarrett. 29:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Private Collection (Aired March 18, 1983)

NIGHTFALL was a horror series heard over the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation first from July 4, 1980 to May 22, 1981 and then from November 20, 1981 to June 24, 1983. Thirty shows were selected from the first season to be rebroadcast on NPR from October 2, 1981 to June 25, 1982. Since it is a fairly modern series, most shows are available in stereo. Because it's a modern series, it's not widely available (copyright issues). This show may be the most horrifying series ever done. It was so terrifying, that many stations refused to play it or had to cancel the broadcasts due to listener complaints. This is a well done series and well worth searching for sources.

THIS EPISODE:

March 18, 1983. Program #92. CBC network, Edmonton origination. "Private Collection". Quite a few young and beautiful women are disappearing from the same building. Jill Dyck, Stephen Walsh, Len Crowther, David Lereaney, Nicole Evans, Gordon Marriott, Bill Reiter (host, billed as "Frederick Hende"), Al Landon (engineer), Warren Graves (writer), Ruth Fraser (script editor), Laurie Seligman (producer, director), Don Kowalchuk (executive producer), Barbara Gault (production assistant), Dean Purves (sound effects), Tom Peacocke, Judith Mabey. 28:55. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Floyd Decker Murder Case (Aired August 1, 1954)

The opening theme of "I'll Take Manhattan" introduced Detective Danny Clover (now played by Larry Thor), a hardened New York City cop who worked homicide "from Times Square to Columbus Circle -- the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world." Danny Clover narrated the tales of the Great White Way to the accompaniment of music by Wilbur Hatch and Alexander Courage, and the recreation of Manhattan's aural tapestry required the talents of three sound effects technicians (David Light, Ralph Cummings, Ross Murray). Bill Anders was the show's announcer. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

August 1, 1954. CBS network. "The Floyd Decker Murder Case" - Sponsored by: Doublemint. Floyd Decker, a former gangster, has been murdered. The body hasn't yet been found. Jack Kruschen, Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Alexander Courage (composer, conductor), Sheldon Leonard, Cathy Lewis, Lee Millar Jr., Larry Thor, Charles Calvert, Leo Cleary, Bill Anders (announcer). 31:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

A Promise To Mark (Aired October 13, 1943)

Author's Playhouse was an anthology radio drama series, created by Wynn Wright, that aired on the NBC Blue Network from March 5, 1941 until October 1941. It then moved to the NBC Red Network where it was heard until June 4, 1945. Philip Morris was the sponsor in 1942-43. Premiering with "Elementals" by Stephen Vincent Benét, the series featured adaptations of stories by famous authors, such as “Mr. Mergenthwirker’s Lobbies” by Nelson Bond, "The Snow Goose" by Paul Gallico, "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs, "The Piano" by William Saroyan and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" by James Thurber. Cast members included Curley Bradley, John Hodiak, Marvin Miller, Nelson Olmsted, Fern Persons, Olan Soule and Les Tremayne. Orchestra conductors for the program were Joseph Gallicchio, Rex Maupin and Roy Shield. Directors included Norman Felton, Homer Heck and Fred Weihe.

THIS EPISODE:

October 13, 1943. NBC network. "A Promise To Mark". Sustaining. An amusing story of an old washed up lawyer and his last case, defending a young man accused of stealing three prize chickens. James Aswell (author). 28:18. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Recalling 1956 (Aired April 19, 1972)

Godfrey's morning show was supplemented by a primetime variety show, Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts broadcasting from the CBS Studio Building at 49 East 52nd Street where he had his main office. This variety show, a showcase for rising young performers, was a slight variation of CBS's successful Original Amateur Hour. Some of the performers had made public appearances in their home towns and were recommended to Godfrey by friends or colleagues. These "sponsors" would accompany the performers to the broadcast and introduce them to Godfrey on the air. Two acts from the same 1948 broadcast were Wally Cox and The Chordettes. Both were big hits that night, and both were signed to recording contracts. Godfrey took special interest in The Chordettes, who sang his kind of barbershop-quartet harmony, and he soon made them part of his broadcasting and recording "family." Performers who appeared on Talent Scouts included Lenny Bruce, Don Adams, Tony Bennett, Patsy Cline, Pat Boone, opera singer Marilyn Horne, Roy Clark, and Irish vocalist Carmel Quinn. Later, he promoted "Little Godfrey" Janette Davis to a management position as the show's talent coordinator. Three notable acts rejected for the show were Elvis Presley, Sonny Till & The Orioles, and The Four Freshmen. Following his appearances on the Louisiana Hayride, Presley traveled to New York for an unsuccessful Talent Scouts audition in April 1955; after the Talent Scouts staff rejected The Orioles, they went on to have a hit record with "Crying in the Chapel" and kicked off the "bird group" trend of early rock 'n' roll.

View Details

The Case Of The Substitute Target (Aired January 21, 1951)
This hard boiled spy drama began as an RKO Radio Pictures theatrical serial in the 1940s, went on radio in 1945, and then came to TV ten years later in this Syndicated series produced for distribution by NBC Films; Charles McGraw had been in many motion pictures before and after including "The Killers", "Spartacus" and "Cimarron"; in this series he played the title role of a man whose real name was supposedly Mike Waring, an American agent whose code name was "Falcon"; Later Charles McGraw starred in a short lived TV version of "Casablanca" (1955 - 1956) in the character of Rick; He also had a role on the detective drama "Staccato" (1959) Actor McGraw (whose birth name was Charles Butters) met an unfortunate death in real life when he fell through a shower glass door in 1980 at his home in Studio City, CA.

THIS EPISODE:

January 21, 1951. NBC network. "The Case Of The Substitute Target". Sponsored by: Kraft Foods. Michael Waring solves a series of gangland rubouts by double-crossing a double-crosser. Ed Herlihy (announcer), Drexel Drake (creator), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Jerome Epstein (writer), Richard Lewis (director), Arlo (music), Les Damon, Ken Lynch. 29:52. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Big Death (Aired September 28, 1950)
Dragnet was a long-running radio and television police procedural drama about the cases of a dedicated Los Angeles police detective, Sergeant Joe Friday, and his partners. The show takes its name from an actual police term, a "dragnet", meaning a system of coordinated measures for apprehending criminals or suspects. Dragnet debuted inauspiciously. The first several months were bumpy, as Webb and company worked out the program’s format and eventually became comfortable with their characters (Friday was originally portrayed as more brash and forceful than his later usually relaxed demeanor). Gradually, Friday’s deadpan, fast-talking persona emerged, described by John Dunning as "a cop's cop, tough but not hard, conservative but caring."

THIS EPISODE:

September 28, 1950. Program #68. NBC network. "The Big Death". Sponsored by: Fatima Cigarettes, Chesterfield. A man decides to kill his wife, and hires Joe Friday for the job! The "Dragnet" program of March 29, 1955 (#61369) has the same story title, but the plots are not the same. Jack Webb, Barton Yarborough. 28:35. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Dad's Army - 2 Episodes From 1975

Dad's Army" was a long running British comedy series created and written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft. The idea of a series came to Jimmy Perry when he realised that many people had forgotten about the contribution the Home Guard had made to the British Home Front during the years of the Second World War. Commencing in 1968, "Dad's Army" ran on BBC Television for 9 years with over eighty episodes spread within 10 series. The series is set in a small fictional seaside town called Walmington-on-Sea somewhere on the South Coast of England. "Dad's Army" is also remembered for its first class actors which starred amongst its credits, Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Arthur Wilson and Clive Dunn as Lance Corporal Jack Jones. In May 1940, Sir Anthony Eden makes his historic speech calling for men under and over the age of active service in the armed forces to form a local defence corps. In Walmington, the Local Bank manager George Mainwaring set's up the town's Local Defence Volunteers,with the assistance of his Bank Clerk, Arthur Wilson and the Local Butcher, Jack Jones. The LDV later become known as the Home Guard or affectionately (to the TV audience) "Dad's Army."

View Details

Enemy Agents (Aired December 29, 1942)
An NBC offering. Aired on Sundays from 7:00PM to 7:30PM, starring Lional Barrymore and Agnes Moorehead. The creator and writer was Jean Holloway, the announcer Harlow Wilcox, music by Gordon Jenkins and sponsored by Rinso detergent. The show was a perfect vehicle for Lionel Barrymore: rich with warmhearted humor, and good-natured grumbling, its "mayor" had a fierce bark but a mushy heart when confronted with the plight of an orphan or a stray dog. The mayor cared little about political advantage: he even found time, once a year, to turn the town of Springdale into a special theater, to give his traditional performance as Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol. THE CAST: Lionel Barrymore as the mayor of the town of Springdale. Agnes Moorehead as Marilly, his housekeeper. Conrad Binyon as the mayor's ward, Butch. Gloria McMillan as Sharlee Bronson, Butch's best girl. Priscilla Lyon as Holly-Ann, the mayor's granddaughter. Also: Will Wright, Sharon Douglas, Irvin Lee, Marjorie Davies, and other Hollywood actors. Producer: Murray Bolen; later Knowles Entrikin. Director: Jack Van Nostrand. Writers: Jean Holloway, Leonard St. Clair, Howard Blake, Erna Lazarus, etc.; Howard Breslin and Charles Tazewell wrote alternate weeks, ca. 1945. Orchestra:. Gordon Jenkins (ca. 1943); Bernard Katz (1945); Frank Worth. Sound Effects: David Light, Mary Ann Gideon.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Have Gun Will Travel"
The Gunsmith (Aired April 26, 1959)

The knight symbol is in reference to his name — possibly a nickname or working name — and his occupation as a champion-for-hire (see paladin). The theme song of the series refers to him as "a knight without armor." In addition, Paladin drew a parallel between his methods and the chess piece's movement: "It's a chess piece, the most versatile on the board. It can move in eight different directions, over obstacles, and it's always unexpected." Paladin was a former Army officer and a graduate of West Point. He was a polyglot, capable of speaking any foreign tongue required by the plot. He also had a thorough knowledge of ancient history and classical literature, and he exhibited a strong passion for legal principles and the rule of law.

THIS EPISODE:

April 26, 1959. CBS network. "The Gunsmith". Longines Watches, Pepsi-Cola, Lysol. Paladin goes to the defense of an old gunsmith who's been beaten by a young tough. Ben Wright appears on this program as both a Chinese and a German! This is a quality upgrade, network, sponsored version of cat. #17373. This script was the first one written for the radio series and not previously used on the television series. John Dehner, Ben Wright, Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Ray Kemper (writer), Ralph Moody, Lawrence Dobkin, Hugh Douglas (announcer), Frank Knight (Longines commercial), Virginia Gregg, Sam Rolfe (creator), Herb Meadow (creator), Bill James (sound effects), Tom Hanley (sound effects) 25:24. Cat.17372 Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Little Boy Red (Aired October 22, 1952)

I Was a Communist for the FBI was an American espionage thriller radio series with 78 episodes syndicated by Ziv to more than 600 stations in 1952-54. Made without FBI cooperation, the series was adapted from the book by undercover agent Matt Cvetic, who was portrayed by Dana Andrews.The series was crafted to warn people about the threat of Communist subversion of American society. The tone of the show is very jingoistic and ultra-patriotic. Communists are evil incarnate and the FBI can do no wrong. As a relic of the Joe McCarthy era, this show is a time capsule of American society during the Second Red Scare.

THIS EPISODE:
October 22, 1952. Program #27. ZIV Syndication. "Little Boy Red". Commercials added locally. A Russian is being forced to return home because his very Communist son has been kidnapped and brought to a camp in the country. The date is sub ject to correction. Byron Kane, Dana Andrews, Jeffrey Silver, Truman Bradley (announcer). 26:32. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Corrupt City (Aired February 15, 1946)

This Is Your FBI was sponsored during its entire run by the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (now AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company). This is Your FBI had counterparts on the other networks. The FBI in Peace and War also told stories of the FBI, although some were not authentic. Earlier on, Gangbusters, and the previously mentioned Mr. District Attorney gave the authentic crime treatment to their stories. And Dragnet, and Tales of the Texas Rangers, took the idea on as well. Crime, especially true crime, was a genre in the magazines early on, with the Police Gazette and its predecessors in England printing lurid true crime stories prior to radio. This is Your FBI took the idea, and made it realistic, exciting and even informational.

THIS EPISODE:

February 15, 1946. ABC network. "The Corrupt City". Sponsored by: The Equitable Life Assurance Society. Frederick Steiner (music director), Dean Carlton (narrator), Jerry Devine (producer), Carl Frank (announcer), Frank Faries (writer). 28:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Room For Improvement (Aired November 16, 1955)

The FBI in Peace and War was a radio crime drama inspired by Frederick Lewis Collins' book, The FBI in Peace and War. The idea for the show came from Louis Pelletier who wrote many of the scripts. Among the show's other writers were Jack Finke, Ed Adamson and Collins. It aired on CBS from November 25, 1944 to September 28, 1958, it had a variety of sponsors (including Lava Soap, Wildroot Cream-Oil, Lucky Strike, Nescafe and Wrigley's) over the years. In 1955 it was the eighth most popular show on radio, as noted in Time magazine.

THIS EPISODE:

November 16, 1955. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "Room For Improvement". An F. H. A. kickback racket is broken by the Feds when Eddie Norris falls for the daughter of a gangster. Martin Blaine, Don Briggs, Frederick L. Collins (creator), Betty Mandeville (producer, director). 23:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"Cyclone"Aired March 14, 1953

Gunsmoke is an American radio and television Western drama series created by director Norman MacDonnell and writer John Meston. The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. The radio version ran from 1952 to 1961, and John Dunning writes that among radio drama enthusiasts "Gunsmoke is routinely placed among the best shows of any kind and any time." The television version ran for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975, and still remains the United States' longest-running prime time, live-action drama with 635 episodes ("Law and Order" ended in 2010 with 476 episodes).

THIS EPISODE:

March 14, 1953. CBS network. "Cyclone". Sustaining. The program includes a message of praise for the show from the Governor of Kansas. The Cyclone Ranch has been sold under strange circumstances. Marshal Dillon suspects foul play. George Walsh (announcer), Georgia Ellis, Harry Bartell, Howard McNear, Jerry Hausner, Joe Cranston, Lawrence Dobkin, Les Crutchfield (writer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Parley Baer, Vivi Janis, William Conrad. 30:00. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Eye Of Apollo (Aired October 17, 1974)

Father Brown is a fictional character created by English novelist G. K. Chesterton, who stars in 52 short stories, later compiled in five books. Chesterton based the character on Father John O'Connor (1870–1952), a parish priest in Bradford who was involved in Chesterton's conversion to Catholicism in 1922. The relationship was recorded by O'Connor in his 1937 book Father Brown on Chesterton. Father Brown is a short, stumpy Catholic priest, "formerly of Cobhole in Essex, and now working in London," with shapeless clothes and a large umbrella, and uncanny insight into human evil. He makes his first appearance in the story "The Blue Cross" and continues through the five volumes of short stories, often assisted by the reformed criminal M.Hercule Flambeau.

THIS EPISODE:

October 17, 1974. BBC. Season 1 Episode 4. "The Eye Of Apollo" - A self-styled "priest of Apollo" persuades a follower to alter her will, then she falls down a lift shaft and dies. Father Brown suspects murder. Kenneth More, Oliver Ford Davies, Ronald Pickup. Peter Jefferies (Director). Ian Fordyce (Producer). G. K. Chesterton (Author). 26:26. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Lady In The Morgue (Aired May 15, 1945)
The program appears to have aired sustained for its first three months, with three to five sponsors beginning to make an appearance with Program #17, "The Mystery of The Seven Keys" of December 28, 1943. There is a circulating program titled "Homicide for Hannah", that should have been the first Molle Mystery Theatre, but there is no provenance anywhere that the initial program ever actually aired. This is the first circulating program in which we hear the program refer to itself as Molle Mystery Theatre. But throughout its NBC run, we hear sponsorship by Ironized Yeast, Energene, Bayer Aspirin, Sterling Drug, and Molle. To its everlasting credit, NBC clearly went to great lengths to promote the script titles, performers and authors of each program to the nation's newpapers. From 1943 through 1948, Mystery Theatre was one of the most well documented and promoted radio programs of its time. Indeed, so many details were available for its entire NBC run that this was one of the easiest logs we've developed in some time. We have solid, highly detailed newspaper listing provenances for almost ninety percent of the first 237 programs. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

View Details

"The Corpse In The Cab" (Aired February 5, 1944)

Nick Carter, Master Detective, with Lon Clark in the title role, began April 11, 1943, on Mutual, continuing in many different timeslots for well over a decade. Jock MacGregor was the producer-director of scripts by Alfred Bester, Milton J. Kramer, David Kogan and others. Background music was supplied by organists Hank Sylvern, Lew White and George Wright. Patsy Bowen, Nick's assistant, was portrayed by Helen Choate until mid-1946 and then Charlotte Manson stepped into the role. Nick and Patsy's friend was reporter Scubby Wilson (John Kane). Nick's contact at the police department was Sgt. Mathison (Ed Latimer). The supporting cast included Raymond Edward Johnson, Bill Johnstone and Bryna Raeburn. Michael Fitzmaurice was the program's announcer. The series ended on September 25, 1955.

THIS EPISODE:

February 5, 1944. Mutual network. "The Corpse In The Cab". Sustaining. "Nick Carter and The Mystery Of The Murder In The Park." The announcer misreads his lines during the program opening. Lon Clark, Helen Choate, John Kane, Humphrey Davis, Jock MacGregor (director), Lew White (orgainist), John Gibson, Bart Conrey (writer). 27:10. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Nero Wolfe is a fictional detective created by American author Rex Stout in the 1930s and featured in dozens of novels and novellas.In the stories, Wolfe is one of the most famous private detectives in the United States. He weighs about 285 pounds and is 5'11" tall. He raises orchids in a rooftop greenhouse in his New York City brownstone on West 35th Street, helped by his live-in gardener Theodore Horstmann. Wolfe drinks beer throughout the day and is a gourmâ??und. He employs a live-in chef, Fritz Brenner. He is multilingual and brilliant, though apparently self-educated, and reading is his third passion after food and orchids. He works in an office in his house and almost never leaves home, even to pursue the detective work that finances his expensive lifestyle. Instead, his leg work is done by another live-in employee, Archie Goodwin. While both Wolfe and Goodwin are licensed detectives, Goodwin is more of the classic fictional gumshoe, tough, wise-cracking, and skirt-chasing. He tells the stories in a breezy first-person narrative that is semi-hard-boiled in style.

View Details

"Go West - Young Man" (Aired August 28, 1949)

Life with Luigi was a radio comedy-drama series which began September 21, 1948 on CBS. The story concerned Italian immigrant Luigi Basco, and his experiences as an immigrant in Chicago. Many of the shows take place at the US citizenship classes that Luigi attends with other immigrants from different countries, as well as trying to fend off the repeated advances of the morbidly-obese daughter of his landlord/sponsor. Luigi was played by J. Carrol Naish, an Irish-American. Naish continued in the role on the short-lived television version in 1952, and was later replaced by Vito Scotti. With a working title of The Little Immigrant, Life with Luigi was created by Cy Howard, who earlier had created the hit radio comedy, My Friend Irma.

THIS EPISODE:

August 28, 1949. "Go West- Young Man" - CBS network. Sustaining. Luigi plans to leave Chicago for California. The script was used subsequently on Life With Luigi on September 25, 1951 and on January 9, 1953. J. Carrol Naish, Alan Reed, Cy Howard (creator, producer), Hans Conried, Bob Stevenson (announcer), Mac Benoff (writer, director), Lou Derman (writer), Mary Shipp, Lyn Murray (music director), Jody Gilbert, Joe Forte, Ken Peters. 29:17. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Outer Limit (Aired February 7, 1950)

Escape was radio's leading anthology series of high adventure, airing on CBS from July 7, 1947 to September 25, 1954. Since the program did not have a regular sponsor like Suspense, it was subjected to frequent schedule shifts and lower production budgets, although Richfield Oil signed on as a sponsor for five months in 1950. Despite these problems, Escape enthralled many listeners during its seven-year run. The series' well-remembered opening combined Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain with the introduction, intoned by Paul Frees and William Conrad: “Tired of the everyday routine? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all? We offer you... Escape!” Of the more than 230 Escape episodes, most have survived in good condition.

THIS EPISODE:
February 7, 1950. CBS network. "Outer Limit". Sustaining. A famous science fiction story about a test pilot who gets a warning from beyond. Graham Doar (author), Frank Lovejoy, William N. Robson (producer, director), Morton Fine (adaptor), David Friedkin (adaptor). 29:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The People In The House (08-18-45) (Aired August 18, 1945)
The Haunting Hour is a work-in-progress collection within the holdings of many serious Radio Collectors. From the meager available productions currently in circulation it's clear that the series was popular for its time, at the very least. With a known run of at least 52 unique scripts and more doubtful further 39 to 52 scripts, it would appear that the series was in demand for at least four years--in and out of syndication. Given the high quality of NBC Network voice talent in the circulating episodes, one can well imagine that the remainder of the yet alleged, undiscovered, or uncirculated episodes have at least as much to recommend them. Thankfully, as with many other examples of Golden Age Radio productions, many of the existing episodes in circulation can be directly attributed to the efforts of the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service [AFRTS]. True to its genre, the circulating episodes provide some highly compelling supernatural dramas--as well as a subset of fascinating mysteries and detective dramas. There's no reason to expect any less of any new episodes that surface in the coming years.

THIS EPISODE:

August 18, 1945. Program #18. NBC syndication, WRVR-FM, New York aircheck. "The People In The House". Participating sponsors. Syndicated rebroadcast date: January 10, 1974. Edwin Wolfe (director). 24:59. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Make Ready My Grave (Aired April 23, 1946)
Inner Sanctum Mysteries was a popular old-time radio program that aired from January 7, 1941 to October 5, 1952. Created by Himan Brown, the anthology series featured stories of mystery, terror and suspense. The tongue-in-cheek introductions were in sharp contrast to shows like Suspense and The Whistler. A total of 526 episodes are known to have been produced. The early 1940s programs opened with Raymond Edward Johnson introducing himself as, "Your host, Raymond," in a mocking sardonic voice. A spooky melodramatic organ score punctuated Raymond's many morbid jokes and playful puns. Raymond's closing was an elongated "Pleasant dreaaaaammmmssss!" His tongue-in-cheek style and ghoulish relish of his own tales became the standard for many such horror narrators to follow.

THIS EPISODE:

April 23, 1946. CBS network. "Make Ready My Grave". Sponsored by: Lipton Tea, Lipton Soup. John Loomis brings his new bride to the family mansion, where she discovers the many nooses and learns the secret of the family curse! Richard Widmark, Joan Banks, Paul McGrath (host), Jackson Beck, Mary Bennett (commercial spokesman), Himan Brown (director), Emile Tepperman (writer), Santos Ortega. 27:30. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Ransomed Football (Aired October 2, 1948)
The Frank Merriwell comic strip began in 1928, continuing until 1936. Daily strips from 1934 provided illustrations for the 1937 Big Little Book. The Adventures of Frank Merriwell first ran on NBC radio from March 26 to June 22, 1934 as a 15-minute serial airing three times a week at 5:30pm. Sponsored by Dr. West's Toothpaste, this program starred Donald Briggs in the title role. Harlow Wilcox was the announcer. After a 12-year gap, the series returned October 5, 1946 as a 30-minute Saturday morning show on NBC, continuing until June 4, 1949. Lawson Zerbe starred as Merriwell, Jean Gillespie and Elaine Rostas as Inza Burrage, Harold Studer as Bart Hodge and Patricia Hosley as Elsie Belwood.

THIS EPISODE:

October 2, 1948. NBC network. "The Ransomed Football". Sustaining. After a hard-fought football game against Rutgers, the victory football disappears. Frank vows to return the ball before returning to Yale. The University Of Denver "Youth Month" scholarship premium is a four-year full tuition scholarship. Mr. Atwater Kent has donated an additional $500 for expenses while the winner attends college. The program closing has been partially deleted. Elaine Rost, Paul Taubman (composer, conductor), Ruth Braun (writer), Gilbert Braun (writer), William Welch (writer), Edward King (director), William Griffis, David Alexander, Ed Latimer, Lawson Zerbe, Hal Studer, Burt L. Standish (creator). 28:33. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Bail Bond Caper (Aired June 27, 1948)
His characterization has influenced film noir ever since. Spade was played by Ricardo Cortez in the pre-Code first film version (1931). Despite being a critical and commercial success, an attempt to re-release the film in 1936 was denied approval by the Production Code Office due to the film's "lewd" content. Since Warner Bros. could not re-release the film, a second version was made. In Satan Met a Lady (1936), a light comedy, the central character was renamed Ted Shane and was played by Warren William. The film was a notable flop. On the radio, Sam Spade was played by Bogart in a 1943 Screen Guild Theater production and a 1946 Academy Award Theater production. He was also played by Edward G. Robinson in a 1943 Lux Radio Theater production.

THIS EPISODE:

June 27, 1948. CBS network. "The Bail-Bond Caper". Sponsored by: Wildroot Cream-Oil. A million-dollar robbery from an armored car puts Sam on the spot and in need of some bail himself! Sandra Gould replaces Lurene Tuttle as Effie, Sam's secretary. Howard Duff, Sandra Gould, Dashiell Hammett (creator), William Conrad, Robert Tallman (writer), Gil Doud (writer, director), Lud Gluskin (music), Dick Joy (announcer). 31:51. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Secret Word Is "Window" (Aired November 30, 1949)

Contestant teams usually consisted of one male and one female, most selected from the studio audience. Occasionally famous or otherwise interesting figures were invited to play (i.e., a Korean-American contestant who was a veteran and had been a prisoner of war during the Korean War). After his signature introduction of "Here he is: the one, the ONLY..." by Fenneman and finished by a thunderous "GROUCHO!" from the audience, Marx would be introduced to the music of "Hooray for Captain Spaulding", his signature song. Some show tension revolved around whether a contestant would say the "secret word", a common word revealed to the audience at the show's outset. If a contestant said the word, a toy duck resembling Groucho with a mustache and eyeglasses, and with a cigar in its bill, descended from the ceiling to bring a $100 bill.

THIS EPISODE:

November 30, 1949. NBC network. "The Secret Word Is 'Window". Sponsored by: Elgin-American. The first contestant is Henrietta Adair (a spinster). One of the contestants is the godson of the original "Trader Horn." The system cue is added live. Groucho Marx, George Fenneman (announcer), Mike Wallace (commercial spokesman, billed as "Myron Wallace"), Robert Dwan (director), Bernie Smith (director), Jerry Fielding (music), John Guedel (producer), Henrietta Adair. 29:09. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Roy Rogers Show"- The Jinxed Ranch (Aired February 8, 1952)

02-08-52 8 Dale Evans was first cast in a movie with Roy. Roy & Arline had a son, Roy Jr. ("Dusty") in 1946, but Arline died of complications from the birth a few days afterward on November 3, 1946. Roy and Dale soon fell in love, and Roy proposed to her during a rodeo at Chicago Stadium. They married on New Year's Eve in 1947 at the Flying L Ranch in Davis, Oklahoma, where a few months earlier they had filmed Home in Oklahoma. Roy and Dale remained married until Roy's death in 1998.

EPISODE:

February 8, 1952. "The Jinxed Ranch" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Post Cereals. The cattle on John Kennedy's ranch are dying of a mysterious loco weed poisoning. Artie Kerner can sell the same ranch many times over! Roy calls a square dance to the tune, "Raggedy Ann." The Hollywood editor of "Exhibitor Magazine" presents Roy and Dale with an award. Art Ballinger (announcer), Art Rush (producer), Charles Smith, Dale Evans, Forrest Lewis, Frank Hemingway, Herb Butterfield, Howard McNear, Martha Shaw, Milton Charles, Ray Wilson (writer), Roy Rogers, The Whippoorwills, Tom Hargis (director). 30:59. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Riley Gets Promoted (Aired September 7, 1946)

The radio series also benefited from the immense popularity of a supporting character, Digby "Digger" O'Dell (John Brown), "the friendly undertaker."Beginning October 4, 1949, the show was adapted for television for the DuMont Television Network, but Bendix's film contracts prevented him from appearing in the role. Instead, Jackie Gleason starred along with Rosemary DeCamp as wife Peg, Gloria Winters as daughter Barbara (Babs), Lanny Rees as son Chester Jr. (Junior), and Sid Tomack as Gillis, Riley's manipulative best buddy and next-door neighbor. John Brown returned as the morbid counseling undertaker Digby (Digger) O'Dell ("Well, I guess I'll be... shoveling off"; "Business is a little dead tonight"). Television's first Life of Riley won television's first Emmy (for "Best Film Made For and Shown on Television"). However, it came to an end on March 28, 1950 because of low ratings and because Gleason left the show, thinking he could find a better showcase for his unique abilities. Groucho Marx received a credit for "story."

THIS EPISODE:

September 7, 1946. NBC network. Sponsored by: Prell Shampoo, Ivory Snow. "Riley Gets Promoted" to a desk job, but he thinks his physical exam shows that he's getting too old to do his job. Even his wife Peg is trying to send him to the old folks' home! Alan Lipscott (writer), Barbara Eiler, Irving Brecher (producer), Jack Brecher (writer), Ken Carpenter (announcer), Lou Coslowe (music), Paula Winslowe, Reuben Ship (writer), Tommy Cook, William Bendix. 30:04. "Episode Notes From Thee Radio Gold Index" CATALOG # 103274

View Details

Cruise To Batabano (Aired May 12, 1952) Bold Venture was a classy production from start to finish. At an estimated cost of $36,000 per taping week [or about $12,000 per episode], it pretty much had to have been. Even subtracting the Bogarts' contribution of $5,000 per episode, that still left $7,000 per episode to fund the remaining production costs. That's about $420,000 a week in today's dollars. More than enough budget to ensure a top notch production. The cost to the sponsor-subscribers reportedly varied between $25 a week to as much as $250 a week, depending on the size and reach of the target market(s). That would have yielded anywhere from $975,000 to $9.75M over the course of three years of Bold Venture's sales. Even arbitrarily averaging the varying theoretical sales would have yielded on the order of at least $5M to Ziv and company over three years. Subtracting even $1M in production and marketing costs would have yielded at least a $4M profit.

THIS EPISODE:

May 12, 1952. Program #37. ZIV Syndication. "A Cruise To Batabano". Commercials added locally. A shipment of silk causes two murders and involves Slate Shannon and Sailor in intrigue when they're hired to deliver a yacht to Batabano and deliver a letter to Emilio Lopez. Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Barton Yarborough, David Rose (composer, conductor), Jester Hairston, Henry Hayward (director), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer). 28:38. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

My Quiet Friend (Aired April 10, 1949)

Rocky Jordan was a radio series about an American restaurateur in Cairo who each week became involved in some kind of mystery or adventure. The show was broadcast on CBS from October 31st 1948 to September 10th 1950. and then again from June 27th 1951 to August 22nd 1951. The character of Rocky Jordan had been introduced to listeners in a similar show called A Man Named Jordan that was broadcast in 1945 but set in Istanbul rather than Cairo. The two lead roles were those of Rocky Jordan and Captain Sam Sabaaya of the Cairo Police. For most of the show's history Jordan was played by veteran radio actor Jack Moyles, but he was replaced by a movie star, George Raft, for the brief 1951 run. Jay Novello played Sabaaya throughout the entire series.

THIS EPISODE:

April 10, 1949. CBS Pacific network. "My Quiet Friend". Sustaining. Two gangsters from New York City offer to buy the Cafe Tambourine for $500! One public service announcement has been deleted. Jack Moyles, Larry Thor (announcer), John Moore (writer), Cliff Howell (producer, director), Richard Aurandt (composer, conductor). 28:40. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Sleepwalker (Aired January 10, 1953)

The special effects used in the live half-hour TV episodes had to be performed in real time. For example, pistols that shot invisible rays necessitated pre-positioning a small explosive charge on the wall. An actor would point the prop at that spot, whereupon a special effects worker would throw a detonation switch. These effects could not have been superimposed on film for the series was done live. For distribution to distant stations, an image of a tiny, bright TV monitor was filmed to make kinescopes, and most of the Saturday half-hour TV broadcasts are available in this form today. The 15-minutes-every-weekday version of the program was at first seen mainly in the Los Angeles viewing area, but also was later distributed nationwide via kinescopes; it was not carried by ABC-TV but was presented in syndication.

THIS EPISODE:

January 10, 1953. ABC network. "The Sleepwalker". Sponsored by: Ralston cereals (Space Binoculars premium). A half-million credits have been stolen and Carol has been kidnapped. Trailing the crooks to Venus, Commander Corry and Cadet Happy are hit by an "ultrasonic" beam! This is a network, sponsored version. Bela Kovacs, Dick Tufeld (announcer), Ed Kemmer, Ken Mayer, Larry Robertson (producer, director), Lou Houston (writer), Lyn Osborn, Mike Mosser (creator), Virginia Hewitt. 28:15. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Sticks (Aired November 10, 1954)
Before the "Reality TV", there was "Reality Radio" and Night Watch was there. This show is a straight crime documentary with no music, sound effects, or actors. Police reporter Don Reid rode in a prowl car on the night shift with officers from the Culver City, California police department. While wearing a hidden microphone, he captures the sounds and voices of real life drama. From the worried child to the hardened criminal, their stories come through loud and clear. The names were changed to protect identities, but everything else in this gripping series is real.

THIS EPISODE:

November 10, 1954. "The Sticks" CBS network. Sustaining. 8:30 P. M. First call is the night watchman of an excavation site, 12 sticks of dynamite and blasting caps were stolen from a secure tool shed. Donn Reed (police recorder), W. N. Hildebrand (Chief of Police), Sterling Tracy (producer, director), Jim Headlock (producer), Ron Perkins (technical adviser). 29:44. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

One Sailor Died Twice (Aired March 21, 1948)The Man Called X started over Radio with the 1944 CBS Summer replacement run for Lux Radio Theatre, comprising a total of eight episodes. The only circulating exemplar from the first run is contained within the AFRS Globe Theatre canon of transcriptions. So, yet again, we are indebted to the incredible output of AFRS and AFRTS transcriptions over the years in preserving some of Radio's rarest exemplars from The Golden Age of Radio. But if one compares that circulating episode to the spot ad for the summer run in the sidebar, one sees the program promoted as a comedy-mystery. The 1944 CBS Summer season finale, Murder, Music and A Blonde Madonna, gives some credence to the way CBS promoted this first run. Starring Herbert Marshall as Ken Thurston, a private operative, with Han Conried as Egon Zellschmidt in this first incarnation of Ken Thurston's nemesis, and Mary Jane Croft appearing in the role of Ken's love interest, Nancy Bessington. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

View Details

The Entry Of Walter Vincent (Aired May 25, 1948)
The twist with Diary of Fate was the total absence of pretense. The program jumps right to the 'source' of Man's ultimate destiny--Fate itself--in the form of the Guardian of the Diary of Fate. It is within the Diary of Fate, that every soul's fate is painstakingly chronicled by book and page number--or so we're very persuasively given to understand. Fate itself--in this instance, at least--is the great character actor Herbert Lytton, providing the forboding vocal gravitas we might expect from such an all-powerful cosmic force. Produced from Hollywood, the entire production was voiced by primarily west coast actors. Famous Radio and Television promoter Larry Finley produced and syndicated the program to at least some 94 affiliate stations throughout the U.S., Canada and Jamaica.

THIS EPISODE:

May 25, 1948. Program #24. ABC network, KECA, Los Angeles origination, Finley syndication. "The Entry Of Walter Vincent". Commercials added locally. Book 97, page 854. A chemist realizes he never should have become a scientist. His wife has bigger plans, Walter has to make a choice. The date is subject to correction. Larry Finley (producer), Herb Lytton (as "Fate" and co-producer), Tom Brown, Peter Leeds, John Arthur Gillespie, Gloria Blondell, Ray Ehrlenborn (sound effects), Ivan Ditmars (organist), Hal Sawyer. 29:45. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Balance Sheet (Aired December 24, 1973)

Wyllis Cooper, who created, wrote, and produced it, was then a 36-year-old staffer in Chicago's NBC Studios. Cooper left the show in 1936 and Arch Oboler was given the job. Oboler lost no time establishing himself as the new master of the macabre. Between May 1936 and July 1938, he wrote and directed more than 100 Lights Out plays. To follow Cooper was a challenge: he was "the unsung pioneer of radio dramatic techniques," but Oboler had passed the test with his first play. His own name soon became synonymous with murder and gore, though horror as a genre had always left him cold. Oboler aspired to more serious writing. Oboler's shows are well represented -- this series of Lights Out was syndicated in The Devil and Mr. O offerings of 1970 - 73. A transcribed syndication of original broadcasts from 1942 - 43 with Arch Oboler as the host. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.
THIS EPISODE:

December 24, 1973. CBS network. "Balance Sheet". Sponsored by: Ironized Yeast, Energene Shoe White. A woman inherits the ideal factory, filled with workers who want nothing more out of life, except to labor. The story is also known as, "Profits Unlimited" and "Efficiency Island." Arch Oboler (writer, host), Frank Martin (announcer). 28:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Murder By Experts - The Unseeing Witness (Aired September 26, 1949)

Murder By Experts was a radio drama anthology series that ran on American radio from 1949-1951, and was hosted first by John Dickson Carr, and later by Brett Halliday. Evidently, a mystery, authored by a leading crime fiction writer, was presented, and "guest experts," such as Alfred Hitchcock or Craig Rice, were invited to solve it. Or maybe not -- nobody seems to know much about this one. David Kogan, the writer/creator of Murder by Experts, also created and wrote The Mysterious Traveler. Guest experts: Alfred Hitchcock, Craig Rice. Guest stars: Ann Shepard, Larry Haines, Carl Eastman, Ann Sheperd, Bill Zuckert, Ralph Camargo, Burt Cullen, Lawson Zerbe, Marilyn Erskin.

THIS EPISODE:

September 26, 1949. Mutual network. "The Unseeing Witness". Sustaining. Duval, the owner of "The Pelican Club" has been murdered. Johnny and "The Duchess" attempt to solve a locked room mystery. "Melvin The Muscle," serving the champagne, was the last to see Duval alive. John Dickson Carr (host), Andrew Phillips (writer), Ann Shephard, Larry Haines, Robert A. Arthur (producer, director), David Kogan (producer, director), William Zuckert, Kermit Murdock, Richard Dupage (composer), Emerson Buckley (conductor), Russ Dunbar (announcer), George Gordon, Lawson Zerbe, Roger De Koven. 29:54. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Elaine Janis-School Teacher (Aired August 17, 1954)

Crime and Peter Chambers, stared Dane Clark as a hard-hitting private eye that worked well the with police department. His counter part at the NYPD was Lt Parker played by Bill Zuckert. The series was based on the character created by Henry Kane who wrote eight Peter Chambers novels before the series came to radio. Henry Kane wrote the scripts for the radio show adaptation which aired from 6 Apr – 7 Sep 1954 on NBC. The show was directed by Fred Weihe. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

August 17, 1954. "Elaine Janis-School Teacher" - NBC network. Sustaining. Dane Clark, Henry Kane (creator, writer), Fred Collins (announcer), William Zuckert, Mary Patton, William Lally, Fred Weihe (director). 25:22. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Smash Lecture Circuit Spy Ring (Aired May 10, 1950)

This thirty-minute international spy adventure featured Steve Mitchell (Brian Donlevy), and investigator of crimes in exotic locations. 60 episodes. Herb Butterfield played the Commissioner and Betty Moran was the Commissioner's secretary. Other cast members were GeGe Pearson, Ken Peters, Betty Lou Gerson, Dan O’Herlihy. The director was Bill Cairn and the writer for the series was Robert Ryf. The opening was the same every week “Yeah, danger is my assignment. I get sent to a lot of places I can’t even pronounce. They all spell the same thing though, trouble.” He would be summoned to his boss’s office where he would be given his assignment; he would then fly halfway across the globe to save the day! The worldwide locations are dealt up with a feeling of local, and the characters that inhabit these far-away places with strange sounding names are solid and capably acted by veterans. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

May 10, 1950. NBC network. "Smash Lecture Circuit Spy Ring" - Sponsored by: Wheaties, Crust-Quick. One of the six professors with International Lecture Tours is a spy. Steve travels to Oslo to reveal the traitor...and returns with a small boy. Brian Donlevy, Robert Ryf (writer), Bill Cairn (producer, director), Basil Adlam (music). 29:17. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Murder On The Links - Show Three of Three (Aired June 21, 1989)

Agatha Mary Clarissa, Lady Mallowan, DBE (15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976), better known as Dame Agatha Christie, was an English crime fiction writer. She also wrote romances under the name Mary Westmacott, but is remembered for her 80 mystery novels, particularly featuring detectives Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple, which have given her the title the 'Queen of Crime' and made her one of the most important and innovative writers in the development of the mystery novel. Her appeal is so huge that Christie is often called - by the Guinness Book of World Records, among others - the best-selling writer of fiction of all time, and the best-selling writer of any kind second to William Shakespeare. An estimated billion copies of her novels have been sold in English, and another billion in 103 other languages.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Plays Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs 1960 #1 Hit
The Box Of Death (Aired April 17, 1947)

The Television scripts were exposited in flashback format, with Casey narrating his latest exploit to Ethelbert the bartender. The 'Morning Express' also makes the transition from Boston to Manhattan, with reporter Ann Williams augmented by cub reporter Jack Lipman. Two months into the Television run, CBS re-cast Casey and Ethelbert, substituting young Darren McGavin as Jack Casey. The most distinguishing element of the short-lived Television Casey was its direction, with the famed future Film Director Sidney Lumet helming the series. CBS and Coxe took another run at Crime Photographer over Radio in 1954, reprising Staats Cotsworth, John Gibson and Jan Miner in their previous Radio roles. The 1954 run extended to the Spring of 1955, at which point the Crime Photographer franchise had pretty much run its course.

THIS EPISODE:

April 17, 1947. CBS network. "Box Of Death". Sponsored by: Anchor Hocking Glass. A crook with a lucky penny delivers a woman's husband to her, dead in a box. Staats Cotsworth, John Gibson, Tony Marvin (announcer), Archie Bleyer (music), George Harmon Coxe (creator), Alonzo Deen Cole (writer). 29:22. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"It Comes Up Mud" (Aired July 31, 1949 )

The Damon Runyon Theater radio series dramatized 52 of Runyon's short stories in weekly broadcasts running from October 1948 to September 1949 (with reruns until 1951). The series was produced by Alan Ladd's Mayfair Transcription Company for syndication to local radio stations. John Brown played the character "Broadway," who doubled as host and narrator. The cast also comprised Alan Reed, Luis Van Rooten, Joseph Du Val, Gerald Mohr, Frank Lovejoy, Herb Vigran, Sheldon Leonard, William Conrad, Jeff Chandler, Lionel Stander, Sidney Miller, Olive Deering and Joe De Santis. Pat O'Brien was initially engaged for the role of "Broadway". The original stories were adapted for the radio by Russell Hughes.

THIS EPISODE:

July 31, 1949 - Program #31. Mayfair syndication. "It Comes Up Mud". Commercials added locally. A story of "The Sport Of Kings," parts of which were used in "Guys and Dolls." Damon Runyon (author), John Brown, Richard Sanville (director), Russell Hughes (writer), Vern Carstensen (production supervisor). 29:01. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Double Murder (Aired October 12, 1948)

Hard-nosed editor, Wilson, as played by Robinson would get the story no matter what it takes. Though sometimes over the top, Robinson was excellent in his role. The stories were well written and directed by William N. Robson as well as McGill. The skill of this group shows in making the series very good radio. The show was a big promoter of the free press and the first amendment with its opening sequence: "Freedom of the press is a flaming sword! Use it justly...hold it high...guard it well!" The second series began immediately in the 1943 season when the production moved from Hollywood to New York.

THIS EPISODE:

October 12, 1948. NBC network. "Double Murder". Sponsored by: Lifebuoy, Rinso. Dora Mills has been murdered and her body dumped into the Big Town harbor. Her twin sister asks Steve Wilson to help find out what happened to her. The story of a murderous coverup that failed. Edward Pawley, Fran Carlon, Jerry McGill (writer, director). 30:54. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Murder On The Links - Show Two of Three (Aired June 21, 1989)

After the war Poirot became a free agent and began undertaking civilian cases. He moved into what became both his home and work address, 56B Whitehaven Mansions, Sandhurst Square,London W1.[29] It was chosen by Poirot for its symmetry. His first case was "The Affair at the Victory Ball", which saw Poirot enter the high society and begin his career as a private detective. Between the first and second world wars, Poirot traveled all over Europe and the Middle East investigating crimes and murders. Most of his cases happened during this period and he was at the height of his powers at this point in his life. The Murder On the Links saw the Belgian pit his grey cells against a French murderer. In the Middle East he solved The Murder on the Orient Express (though the bulk of the story takes places in the territory of the former-Yugoslavia), the Death on the Nile, and the Murder in Mesopotamia with ease and even survived An Appointment with Death. However he did not travel to the Americas or Australia, probably due to his sea sickness.

View Details

The Bartender (Aired July 21, 1953)

21st Precinct was one of the realistic police drama series of the early- to mid-1950's that were aired in the wake of DRAGNET. In 1953 CBS decided to use New York City as the backdrop for their own half-hour police series and focus on the day-to-day operation of a single police precinct. Actual cases were used as the basis for stories. "21st Precinct.., It's just lines on a map of the city of New York. Most of the 173,000 people wedged into the nine-tenths of a square mile between Fifth Avenue and the East River wouldn't know, if you asked them, that they lived or worked in the 21st. Whether they know it or not, the security of their persons, their homes, and their property is the job of the men of the 21st." The Precinct Captain acted as the narrator for the series.The official title of the series according to the series scripts and the CBS series promotional materials was 21st Precinct and not Twenty-First Precinct or Twenty First Precinct which appears in many Old-Time Radio books.

View Details

The Bartender (Aired July 21, 1953)

21st Precinct was one of the realistic police drama series of the early- to mid-1950's that were aired in the wake of DRAGNET. In 1953 CBS decided to use New York City as the backdrop for their own half-hour police series and focus on the day-to-day operation of a single police precinct. Actual cases were used as the basis for stories. "21st Precinct.., It's just lines on a map of the city of New York. Most of the 173,000 people wedged into the nine-tenths of a square mile between Fifth Avenue and the East River wouldn't know, if you asked them, that they lived or worked in the 21st. Whether they know it or not, the security of their persons, their homes, and their property is the job of the men of the 21st." The Precinct Captain acted as the narrator for the series.The official title of the series according to the series scripts and the CBS series promotional materials was 21st Precinct and not Twenty-First Precinct or Twenty First Precinct which appears in many Old-Time Radio books.

View Details

Murder On The Links - Show One (Aired June 21, 1989)

Hercule Poirot is a fictional Belgian detective created by Agatha Christie. Along with Miss Marple, Poirot is one of Christie's most famous and long-lived characters: he appeared in 39 novels and 50 short stories. Poirot has been portrayed on screen, for films and TV, by various actors including Albert Finney, Peter Ustinov, Ian Holm, Tony Randall, Alfred Molina and, most recently, and famously, David Suchet. Poirot was apparently born in Spa, Belgium and, based on the conjecture that he was thirty at the time of his retirement from the Belgian police force at the time of the outbreak of the First World War, it is suggested that he was born in the mid 1880s. This is all extremely vague, as Poirot is thought to be an old man in his dotage even in the early Poirot novels, and in An Autobiography Christie admitted that she already imagined him to be an old man in 1920. (At the time, of course, she had no idea she would be going on writing Poirot books for many decades to come.)

View Details

Murder On The Links - Show One (Aired June 21, 1989)

Hercule Poirot is a fictional Belgian detective created by Agatha Christie. Along with Miss Marple, Poirot is one of Christie's most famous and long-lived characters: he appeared in 39 novels and 50 short stories. Poirot has been portrayed on screen, for films and TV, by various actors including Albert Finney, Peter Ustinov, Ian Holm, Tony Randall, Alfred Molina and, most recently, and famously, David Suchet. Poirot was apparently born in Spa, Belgium and, based on the conjecture that he was thirty at the time of his retirement from the Belgian police force at the time of the outbreak of the First World War, it is suggested that he was born in the mid 1880s. This is all extremely vague, as Poirot is thought to be an old man in his dotage even in the early Poirot novels, and in An Autobiography Christie admitted that she already imagined him to be an old man in 1920. (At the time, of course, she had no idea she would be going on writing Poirot books for many decades to come.)

View Details

The Lucky Stiff (1947) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

Very few writers have managed to combine the hardboiled detective novel and comedy. Jonathan Latimer succeeded with Bill Crane and Craig Rice did it with John J. Malone, her ne'er-do-well bibulous attorney. Despite being billed as "Chicago's noisiest and most noted criminal lawyer," Malone acts more like a private eye than a member of the court. And a particularly hard-drinking private eye, at that. Despite a rep for courtroom pyrotechniques, he's far more likely to be found at Joe the Angel's City Hall Bar than in any court. Along with his boozing buddies, Jake and Helene Justus, an affable young couple, he drank his way through a whole slew of novels and short stories, not to mention later film, radio and television appearances.

THIS EPISODE:

NBC network. "The Lucky Stiff". Sustaining. Lucky at everything, or is he. George Petrie, Larry Haines, Craig Rice (creator), Eugene Wang (writer), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Richard Lewis (director), Fred Collins (announcer). 29:38. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Henry Goes Ice Skating (Aired January 13, 1944)

The Aldrich Family was launched in its own series as a summer replacement program for Jack Benny in NBC's Sunday night lineup, July 2, 1939, and it stayed there until October 1, 1939, when it moved to Tuesday nights at 8 p.m., sponsored by General Foods's popular gelatin dessert Jell-O, which also sponsored Jack Benny at the time. The Aldriches ran in that slot from October 10, 1939 until May 28, 1940, moving to Thursdays, from July 4, 1940 until July 20, 1944. After a brief hiatus, the show moved to CBS, running on Fridays from September 1, 1944 until August 30, 1946 with sponsors Grape Nuts and Jell-O before moving back to NBC from September 5, 1946 to June 28, 1951 on Thursdays and, then, as a Sustaining program in its final run of September 21, 1952 to April 19, 1953 on Sundays. The show was a top-ten ratings hit within two years of its birth.

THIS EPISODE:

January 13, 1944. Program #46. NBC network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "Henry Goes Ice Skating (aka:The Fruitcake)". While delivering a fruit cake, Henry goes ice skating and falls through the ice. The search for dry pants begins. The date is subject to correction . 23:43. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Fourth Round Knockout (Aired September 11, 1949)

Each episode opened with a one-minute organ theme and then the following from announcer Art Gilmore: "Many things were changed during the war; the face of the earth was altered and the people of the Earth changed. Before the war, Frank Race was an attorney, but he traded his law books for the cloak-and-dagger of the OSS. When it was over, his former life was over, too... adventure had become his business! " Frank Race mainly investigated international insurance scams around the globe in various exotic locations, making him something of a cross between James Bond and Johnny Dollar. After Tom Collins played the title role for the first 22 episodes, Paul Dubov took over the lead role. Tony Barnett portrayed Race's sidekick, Mark Donovan.

THIS EPISODE:

September 11, 1949. Program #20. Broadcasters Program Syndicate syndication. "The Adventure Of The Fourth Round Knockout". Commercials added locally. A prize-fighter dies during a fight...from poison! A big-time gambler, who only bets on a sure thing, is found dead too! Tom Collins, Tony Barrett, Buckley Angel (writer, director), Joel Murcott (writer, director), Bruce Eells (producer), Ivan Ditmars (organist), Art Gilmore (announcer), Frank Lovejoy, Florence Halop, Jack Kruschen, Theodore Von Eltz, Tom Holland, Michael Ann Barrett. 26:25. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"The Case Of The Late Mrs. Harvey" (Aired February 17, 1952)

This series was very similar to the Black Museum that was hosted by Orson Welles. Both the Black Museum and Whitehall 1212 drew their material from the files of Scotland Yard. The stories were true in every respect except that the names were changed to protect the innocent, as they say. The Whitehall 1212 series boasted that for the first time Scotland Yard opened its files and the producers promised to bring to the public authentic true stories of some of the most celebrated cases. Permission for these records came from Sir Harold Scott, Commissioner of the yard at that time. There is actually a Black Museum. This area is located on the lower ground floor of Scotland Yard and it does indeed contain articles that are closely associated with the solving of a crime. And "Whitehall 1212" was the actual emergency phone number for the yard at the time. The research for the shows was done by Percy Hoskins, chief crime reporter for the London Daily Express. For the benefit of American audiences, Wyllis Cooper of Quiet Please fame was hired as script writer.

THIS EPISODE:

February 17, 1952. "The Case Of The Late Mrs. Harvey" - NBC network. Sustaining. A blood stained pajama top and a suit of men's clothing in the Black Museum are the artifacts remaining from the 1910 murder of Dr. Harvey's wife. Part of the final public service announcement and the system cue have been deleted. Percy Hoskins (researcher), Wyllis Cooper (writer, director). 29:25. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Shining Path (Aired May 3, 1985)

Vanishing Point is the title of a science fiction anthology series that ran on Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Radio from 1984 until 1986, although the show would continue under different names and formats. A descriptive intro declared that Vanishing Point. The series was produced by Bill Lane in the CBC's Toronto studios. 1984-1986 There were 69 episodes in the original series. The series continued after that under various names and formats. "The point between reality and fantasy. Where imagination holds the key to new worlds. That point of no return---The Vanishing Point." Favorably compared to Rod Sterling's classic TV series, The Twilight Zone, these finely tuned radio dramas from the CBC provide compelling excursions into the realm of mystery and fantasy. "The point between reality and fantasy. Where imagination holds the key to new worlds. That point of no return---The Vanishing Point."

View Details

The Night Has A Thousand Eyes Starring Peter Lorre (Aired August 19, 1953
Johnny was a walking public relations campaign, reminding people of the product wherever he appeared. In exchange for $20,000 a year, Johnny promised never to appear in public without a bodyguard, and never to ride the New York subway during rush hour. When his salary rose to $50,000, PM insured his voice for the same amount. "Johnny" ads were prominent on billboards and in magazines. Always in his red bellhop’s uniform, he was seen "stepping out on storefronts all over America" to remind folks to smoke Philip Morris. When I Love Lucy became part of the PM family, Lucy and Desi joined Johnny in many of the company’s magazine print ads -- and artist’s renderings of the threesome were included on Philip Morris cigarette cartons at Christmas time. PM also issued a "Lucy Notebook" (filled with recipes and household hints) and a Lucy Rag Doll as product premiums. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.
THIS EPISODE:

August 19, 1953. CBS network. "The Night Has A Thousand Eyes". Commercials deleted. A tragedy about a Vaudevillian who actually can foretell the future. Peter Lorre, Charles Martin (host), Ed Begley, Mandel Kramer, Everett Sloane. 23:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

A Load Of Dynamite (Aired June 23, 1957)

Suspense was actually spawned from another series called Forecast. The 1940 horror show was entitled Suspense and it was based on the Marie Belloc Lowndes' short Jack-the-Ripper novella, The Lodger. It was directed by Alfred Hitchcock, who had made a 1926 silent film based on the same story (Grams, 1997, 3). Its subtle ending generated a large volume of mail which convinced CBS executives that they had a strong market. Two years later, Suspense was aired. It became one of radio's longest lasting shows, surviving twenty years of consistent success. It had numerous announcers during those two decades, ranging from the early Berry Kroeger to the veteran announcers, Paul Frees and George Walsh. But it was Joseph Kearns who evolved into "The Man in Black" host in 1943. Show Notes From Radio Horror Hosts

THIS EPISODE:

June 23, 1957. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "A Load Of Dynamite". A good story about a dynamite truck driver, his beautiful wife, and his ex-convict brother. Bartlett Robinson, Ellen Morgan, Paul Dubov, Barney Phillips, George Walsh (announcer), Richard Wilde (writer), William N. Robson (producer, director). 27:53. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Corresponding Corpse (Aired December 16. 1948)

Michael Shayne was a fictional sleuth created by Brett Halliday (a pen name for author Davis Dresser) who was first initiated into the fraternity for detectives in the 1939 novel "Dividend of Death". Dresser based the character on a “tall and rangy” brawler who once saved his life during a braw in a Mexican cantina. The Shayne character would go on to appear in 69 novels, plus a long-running mystery magazine—and in 1941, was brought to the silver screen in Paramount’s Michael Shayne, Private Detective, an adaptation of Dividend of Death that starred Lloyd Nolan, and paved the way for six additional B-mysteries to follow. The New Adventures of Michael Shayne—premiered on July 15, 1948 starring Jeff Chandler.

THIS EPISODE:

December 16. 1948. "The Case Of The Corresponding Corpse". Commercials added locally. A Cuban hires Mike to find his friend Julian, who has recently written to him, but who has been dead for two years! There's a good surprise ending! Jeff Chandler, William P. Rousseau (host, director), Robert Ryf (writer), John Duffy (composer, conductor), Don W. Sharp (producer), Brett Halliday (creator). 25:47. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Put It On Ice (Aired July 4, 1939)

Green Hornet by night. Britt Reid was the great-nephew of the Lone Ranger. Britt Reid's war against crime was an extension of his family history. The Green Hornet fought crime with his high-powered car, the Black Beauty. He also utilized a gun that fired knockout gas instead of bullets. His fists also came in handy on a regular basis. He was assisted by his Filipino valet, Kato. Kato would drive the Black Beauty, keep watch out for the police or the bad guys and sometimes lend a helping fist to the fighting. The Green Hornet pretended to be a villain while really battling the forces of crime in the big city. This would make for some interesting plot twists as the Green Hornet would be actively avoiding detection by the police while at the same time attempting to destroy criminal activity in the city. Many times the Green Hornet would lead the police to believe that the Green Hornet had been the mastermind of the case at hand.

THIS EPISODE:

July 4, 1939. Mutual network. "Put It On Ice". Music fill for local commercial insert. A meat packing plant is being sabotaged. The Hornet takes a bite out of a plot to control the company. This is a network version. Al Hodge, Fran Striker (writer), George W. Trendle (creator, producer), Charles D. Livingstone (director), Lee Allman, Raymond Toyo, Gilbert Shea, Fielden Farrington (announcer). 26:11. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Gunsmoke - The Round-Up (Aired February 14, 1953)

Two auditions were created in 1949. The first was very much like a hardboiled detective series and starred Rye Billsbury as Dillon; the second starred Straight Arrow actor Howard Culver in a more Western, lighter version of the same script. CBS liked the Culver version better, and Ackerman was told to proceed. But there was a complication. Culver's contract as the star of Straight Arrow would not allow him to do another Western series. The project was shelved for three years, when MacDonnell and Meston discovered it creating an adult Western series of their own. MacDonnell and Meston wanted to create a radio Western for adults, in contrast to the prevailing juvenile fare such as The Lone Ranger and The Cisco Kid. Gunsmoke was set in Dodge City, Kansas during the thriving cattle days of the 1870s. Dunning notes, "The show drew critical acclaim for unprecedented realism."

THIS EPISODE:

February 14, 1953. CBS network. "The Round-Up". Sustaining. During the annual round-up in Dodge, Matt's old pal Zell Matlock offers to help out...and is shot by Dillon! The script was used on the Gunsmoke television series September 29, 1956. William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, John Dehner, Lou Krugman, James Nusser, Lawrence Dobkin, Harry Bartell, Roy Rowan (announcer), John Meston (writer). 29:58. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Sweet Swindle (Aired June 13, 1951)
The Falcon radio series premiered on the American Blue Network in April 1943 and continued on the air till around September 1952. The introduction to the show began with "The Adventures of the Falcon." Then continuing with a ringing phone call to the Falcon, also known as Michael Waring, from a woman in which her voice is never heard. He would reply to her and another adventure would follow. Waring was snappy and sarcastic with the incompetent police who were inevitably unable to solve the mysteries without his help. Like the films, the radio plots mixed danger, romance and comedy in equal parts. About 70 episodes where created. The Falcon had many voices acting his part, beginning with Barry Kroeger. James Meighan later became the voice of the Falcon followed by Les Tremayne, George Petrie, and Les Damon.

THIS EPISODE:

June 13, 1951. NBC network. "The Case Of The Sweet Swindle". Sponsored by: Kraft Miracle Whip. Those people who think they can get away with murder are in for the "shock" of their lives! Les Damon, Ed Herlihy (announcer), Drexel Drake (creator), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Richard Lewis (director), Eugene Wang (writer), Arlo (music), Florence Halop. 29:40. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

When Did You Last See Your Money (Aired May 27, 1975)

The series is set in a small fictional seaside town called Walmington-on-Sea somewhere on the South Coast of England. "Dad's Army" is also remembered for its first class actors which starred amongst its credits, Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Arthur Wilson and Clive Dunn as Lance Corporal Jack Jones. In May 1940, Sir Anthony Eden makes his historic speech calling for men under and over the age of active service in the armed forces to form a local defence corps. In Walmington, the Local Bank manager George Mainwaring set's up the town's Local Defence Volunteers,with the assistance of his Bank Clerk, Arthur Wilson and the Local Butcher, Jack Jones. The LDV later become known as the Home Guard or affectionately (to the TV audience) "Dad's Army" as the platoon mainly consist of Old Soldiers.From week to week they would become entangled in many exploits while defending Walmington from a possible invasion and any interference from the Local Air Raid Warden. Although a comedy series, "Dad's Army" probably depicted more of an accurate version of the Home Guard than anyone could actually realise. Initially it was felt the series was maybe mocking England's finest hour and its first episodes were reviewed with great criticism. However, Jimmy Perry , David Croft and the cast felt that the show had many strengths and so did the steady flow of the British public which began following the Walmington-On-Sea platoon's exploits on Television each week.

View Details

A French-English Dictionary (Aired May 6, 1952)
Opening in 1875, the Crime Museum at Scotland Yard is the oldest museum in the world purely for recording crime. The name Black Museum was coined in 1877 by a reporter from The Observer, a London newspaper, although the museum is still referred to as the Crime Museum. The idea of a crime museum was conceived by Inspector Neame who had already collected together a number of items, with the intention of giving police officers practical instruction on how to detect and prevent burglary. It is this museum that inspired the Black Musuem radio series. The museum is not open to members of the public but is now used as a lecture theatre for the curator to lecture police and like bodies in subjects such as Forensic Science, Pathology, Law and Investigative Techniques.

THIS EPISODE:

May 6, 1952. Towers Of London syndication, WDC-FM, Glen Ellyn Illinois aircheck. "A French-English Dictionary". Commercials deleted. A British pub owner has been poisoned. Could it have been his wife and her French-speaking lover? The date is approximate. Orson Welles (narrator), Harry Alan Towers (producer), Ira Marion (writer), Sidney Torch (producer, director). 25:32. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Killer At Large (1953) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.
NBC first envisioned The Chase as a new Television feature. This was not uncommon during the later 1940s and early 1950s. Several Radio features straddled both media, with varying success. Developed as a psychological drama, the premise was that many life situations place their subjects in a 'chase' of one type or another. A chase for fame. A chase from peril. A chase to beat the clock. A chase to escape death. The added twist was the question of who is the hunter or the hunted in these situations. The scripts were faced paced, starred quality east coast talent and were well written. The series' plots and themes focused primarily on predominantly fear inducing pursuits of one form or another. Thus most of the scripts were fraught with tension of one type or another. Whether mental tension, physical peril or a mix of both, the abiding theme throughout the series was the the contrasts between the 'hunter' and the 'hunted' in such Life situations. NBC's Television version of The Chase was in production during May 1953. It was to star Doug Fowley as both narrator and performer. Apparently the powers to be eventually decided to abandon the production. It would also appear that the TV production was abandoned at about the same time the Radio version was pulled, to be replaced by NBC's prestigious NBC Summer Symphony series.

View Details

View Details

Sam Shovel - Tony' s Home Permanent (Aired April 28, 1949)

Bud Abbott was born in Asbury Park, NJ, October 2, 1897 and died April 24, 1974 in Woodland Hills, California. Lou Costello was born in Paterson, NJ, March 6, 1906 and died March 3, 1959 in East Los Angeles, California. After working as Allen's summer replacement, Abbott and Costello joined Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy on The Chase and Sanborn Hour in 1941, while two of their films (Buck Privates and Hold That Ghost) were adapted for Lux Radio Theater. They launched their own weekly show October 8, 1942, sponsored by Camel cigarettes.

THIS EPISODE:

April 28, 1949. ABC network. Music fill for local commercial insert. The "Sam Shovel" story is about a boy named Tony whose mother kept him locked in the closet. It's called "Tony's Home Permanent." The same script was used previously on October 28, 1948. A "Baron Munchausen" joke is also repeated from the progrm of October 28, 1948. The system cue is added live. Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Matty Malneck and His Orchestra, Susan Miller, Hal Winters, Charles Vanda (producer), Ed Forman (writer), Paul Conlan (writer), Pat Costello (writer), George Fenneman (announcer). 28:39. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Killers (Aired June 5, 1949)
From 01/09/49 to 09/28/51 this series was greatly enjoyed by the radio listening audience. It opened as NBC Theater and was also known as The Screen Director’s Guild and The Screen Director’s Assignment. But most people remember it simply as Screen Director’s Playhouse. Many of the Hollywood elite were heard recreating their screen roles over the radio. John Wayne in his rare radio appearances, Cary Grant, Edward G. Robinson, Lucille Ball, Claire Trevor, Tallulah Bankhead and many others were on the air week after week during these broadcasts. Many of Hollywood’s directors were also heard in the recreation of their movies. The President of the Screen Director’s Guild appeared on 02/13/49, and Violinist Isaac Stern supplied the music for the 04/19/51 broadcast.

THIS EPISODE:
June 5, 1949. NBC network. "The Killers". Sustaining. Screen director Robert Siodmak appears. After a $200,000 robbery, a gangster just out of jail double crosses the gang and is double crossed in turn. Burt Lancaster, Dan Riss, Frank Barton (announcer), Frank Gerstle, Gwen Delano, Milton Geiger (adaptor), Robert Siodmak (guest screen director), Sam Edwards, Shelley Winters, Tony Barrett, William Conrad. 32:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Blondes Prefer Gentlemen (Aired October 4, 1945)

This series preceded Richard Powell's most famous series, Richard Diamond, Private Detective. Rogue trailed lovely blondes and protected witnesses in the new tough guy persona of Dick Powell. This was the transition series for Powell in his quest to be recognized as an actor rather than a singer. It had some of the same cute elements that would make Richard Diamond a high spot four years later. During the summer of 1946, the show was billed as Bandwagon Mysteries, with a tip of the hat to the sponsor. In the summer of 1947, it was again revived on NBC Sundays for Fitch, with Barry Sullivan in the title role. In 1950 the character again turned up in a two-year sustainer on the ABC Wednesday-night schedule. Chester Morris played the lead. Chester Morris was the original Boston Blackie. ***Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:***

October 4, 1945. "Blondes Prefer Gentlemen" - Mutual network. Sponsored by: Fitch's Shampoo, Fitch's Shaving Cream. A grandmother hires Richard Rogue to protect her grand-daughter, but Rogue finds a corpse in her apartment! "Murder In Drawing Room A" is announced as the next program. Dee Englebach (producer, director), Dick Powell, Leith Stevens (composer, conductor), Ray Buffum (writer), Peter Leeds. 29:24. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Andrew Jenkins Case (Aired March 6, 1949)
Broadway Is My Beat, a radio crime drama, ran on CBS from February 27, 1949 to August 1, 1954. With music by Robert Stringer, the show originated from New York during its first three months on the air, with Anthony Ross portraying Times Square Detective Danny Clover. John Dietz directed for producer Lester Gottlieb. Beginning with the July 7, 1949 episode, the series was broadcast from Hollywood with producer Elliott Lewis directing a new cast in scripts by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. The opening theme of "I'll Take Manhattan" introduced Detective Danny Clover (now played by Larry Thor), a hardened New York City cop who worked homicide "from Times Square to Columbus Circle "Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group."

THIS EPISODE:

March 6, 1949. "The Andrew Jenkins Case" - CBS network. Sustaining. A missing hick from Indiana named Andrew Jenkins leads Lt. Clover to "Golden" Gold. Anthony Ross (introducer), Charlotte Holland, Frank Butler, Jean Carson, John Dietz (director), John Forsythe, Maurice Gosfield, Peter Lyon (writer), Robert Stringer (composer, conductor), Tom Hoyer, Bern Bennett (announcer). 28:20. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Frances Fielding Murder (Aired April 30, 1946)

While investigating mysteries, Blackie invaribly encountered harebrained Police Inspector Farraday (Maurice Tarplin) and always solved the mystery to Farraday's amazement. Initially, friction surfaced in the relationship between Blackie and Farraday, but as the series continued, Farraday recognized Blackie's talents and requested assistance. Blackie dated Mary Wesley (Jan Miner), and for the first half of the series, his best pal Shorty was always on hand. The humorless Farraday was on the receiving end of Blackie's bad puns and word play. Kent Taylor starred in the half-hour TV series, The Adventures of Boston Blackie. Syndicated in 1951, it ran for 58 episodes, continuing in repeats over the following decade.

THIS EPISODE:

April 30, 1946. "The Frances Fielding Murder" - Program #55. ABC network origination, Ziv syndication. Commercials added locally. A psychiatrist is framed for murder. Blackie tries to prove him innocent. Richard Kollmar, Lesley Woods, Maurice Tarplin. 27:23. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Delinquent's Dilemma (Aired February 13, 1949)
Dan Holiday was purportedly a successful fiction writer for the Star-Times news magazine who becomes disenchanted with the utter, mind-numbing routine of it. Dan Holiday opts out. He posts an ad reading "Go anywhere, Do anything, Write Box 13". This had become a pretty well-worked theme by 1948. Perhaps a bit too reminiscent of George Valentine's "Personal notice: Danger's my stock in trade. If the job's too tough for you to handle, you've got a job for me. George Valentine," from 1946's Let George Do It. The gimmick certainly made for an open-ended range of potential adventures for Box 13's protagonist.

THIS EPISODE:

February 13, 1949. Program #26. Mayfair syndication. "Delinquent's Dilemma". Commercials added locally. A sixteen year old boy is determined to take a robbery rap and protect the gang. Alan Ladd, Sylvia Picker. 26:51. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Mystified Mind (Aired August 13, 1945)

Father Brown is a fictional character created by English novelist G. K. Chesterton, who stars in 52 short stories, later compiled in five books. Chesterton based the character on Father John O'Connor (1870–1952), a parish priest in Bradford who was involved in Chesterton's conversion to Catholicism in 1922. The relationship was recorded by O'Connor in his 1937 book Father Brown on Chesterton. Father Brown is a short, stumpy Catholic priest, "formerly of Cobhole in Essex, and now working in London," with shapeless clothes and a large umbrella, and uncanny insight into human evil. He makes his first appearance in the story "The Blue Cross" and continues through the five volumes of short stories, often assisted by the reformed criminal M.Hercule Flambeau.

THIS EPISODE:

August 13, 1945. Mutual network. "The Mystified Mind". Sustaining. Karl Swenson, G. K. Chesterton (creator), Francis Sherling Oliver (producer), William Sweets (director), Barry Thompson, Mitzi Gould, Robert Readick, William Griffis, Will Geer, Gretchen Davidson, Vinton Hayworth, Gladys Fountain, Judson Phillips (writer), Bill Wirges (organist), John Stanley (announcer). 29:12. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Scientific Touch (Aired September 7, 1955)

The FBI in Peace and War was a radio crime drama inspired by Frederick Lewis Collins' book, The FBI in Peace and War. The idea for the show came from Louis Pelletier who wrote many of the scripts. Among the show's other writers were Jack Finke, Ed Adamson and Collins. It aired on CBS from November 25, 1944 to September 28, 1958, it had a variety of sponsors (including Lava Soap, Wildroot Cream-Oil, Lucky Strike, Nescafe and Wrigley's) over the years. In 1955 it was the eighth most popular show on radio. Martin Blaine and Donald Briggs headed the cast. The theme was the March from Prokofiev's The Love for Three Oranges.

THIS EPISODE:

September 7, 1955. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Scientific Touch". An ex-police technician has been teaching a gang of crooks how to beat the lie detector. Frederick L. Collins (creator). 24:55. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Have Gun Will Travel"
"Way For The Delta Queen" (Aired July 24, 1960)

The show followed the adventures of Paladin, a gentleman-turned-gunfighter (played by Richard Boone on television, and by John Dehner on radio), who preferred to settle problems without violence, yet, when forced to fight, excelled. Paladin lived in the Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, where he dressed in semi-formal wear, ate gourmet food, and attended opera. In fact, many who initially met him mistook him for a dandy from the East. When working, he dressed in black, used calling cards and wore a holster which carried characteristic chess knight emblems, and carried a derringer under his belt.

THIS EPISODE:

July 24, 1960. CBS network. "Way For The Delta Queen". Sponsored by: Doan's Pills, Guardian Maintenance Service, Pepsi-Cola. Paladin is protecting one of the steamboats in a great sternwheeler race from sabotage. The system cue is added live. John Dehner, Ben Wright, Frank Paris (producer, director), Hugh Douglas (announcer), William N. Robson (writer), Edgar Bergen (Guardian Maintenance commercial), Virginia Gregg, Harry Bartell, Barney Phillips, Rhoda Williams, Jack Edwards (doubles), James Nusser (doubles), Vic Perrin, Paul Dubov, John James, Bill James (sound effects), Tom Hanley (sound effects), Herb Meadow (creator), Sam Rolfe (creator). 25:10. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Dead Hand (Aired April 19, 1946)

The talent included well known names such as Lawson Zerbe, Karl Swenson, Berry Kroeger, Lon Clark, Frank Readick, Elspeth Eric, Mandel Kramer, Michael Fitzmaurice, Alfred Shirley, and Raymond Edward Johnson--and his wife, among many other well-respected east coast actors of the era. Anton Leader, later famous for his Television work, directed the series. The writing staff was also top-notch, with names such as Max Erlich, Joe Ruscoll and Robert Newman, among others. The thriller formula of the era called for equally thrilling organ music underscoring, capably handled by Charles Paul and Bert Buhrman on the organ. The sound engineering also greatly contributed to the supernatural thriller 'feel' of the series.
THIS EPISODE:

April 19, 1946. Program #1. KFI, Los Angeles origination, Cowan syndication, World transcription. "The Dead Hand". Commercials added locally. These programs are known to have been syndicated on World transcriptions and on transcriptions marked, "Louis G. Cowan Productions." Charles Paul (organist), Anton M. Leader (director), Robert Newman (writer), Betty Caine, Carl Frank, Barry Hopkins, Lawson Zerbe, Raymond Morgan (host), Joseph Ruscoll (writer), Louis G. Cowan (producer). 25:58. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Introduces Donna Summer & Last Dance (1978)
Who Killed Mr. Stefano ? (Aired December 10, 1950)

Their long-run series continued for over two decades and came to an end in 1963 with the death of Frances Lockridge. Albert Hackett and Peggy Conklin had the title roles in the Broadway production Mr. and Mrs. North, which ran 163 performances at the Belasco Theatre from January 12, 1941, to May 31, 1941. Alfred De Liagre, Jr. produced and directed the play written by Owen Davis. In this version, the North's apartment was located on Greenwich Place, realized in a scenic design by Jo Mielziner. The Owen Davis play became a 1942 MGM movie starring Gracie Allen and William Post, Jr. with Millard Mitchell repeating his role of Detective Mullins from the Broadway production. Others in the cast were Paul Kelly, Rose Hobart and Keye Luke. In 1946, producer-director Fred Coe brought the Owen Davis play to television (on New York City's WNBT) with John McQuade and Maxine Stewart in the leads and Don Haggerty, Joan Marlowe and Millard Mitchell repeating their Broadway roles. Barbara Britton and Richard Denning starred in the TV adaptation seen on CBS from 1952 to 1953 and on NBC in 1954.

THIS EPISODE:

December 10, 1950. CBS network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "Who killed Mr. Stefano? " Everybody did it, it seems, except the obvious person, who protests that she's being framed! The date is approximate. Joseph Curtin, Alice Frost, Frances Lockridge (creator), Richard Lockridge (creator). 24:46. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

If You Believe (Aired December 29, 1946)

Written and directed by Robert A. Arthur and David Kogan, the series began on the Mutual Broadcasting System, December 5, 1943, continuing in many different timeslots until September 16, 1952. Unlike many other shows of the era, The Mysterious Traveler was without a sponsor for its entire run. The lonely sound of a distant locomotive heralded the arrival of the malevolent narrator, portrayed by Maurice Tarplin, who introduced himself each week in the following manner. This is the Mysterious Traveler, inviting you to join me on another journey into the strange and terrifying. I hope you will enjoy the trip, that it will thrill you a little and chill you a little. So settle back, get a good grip on your nerves and be comfortable -- if you can!

THIS EPISODE:

December 29, 1946. Mutual network. "If You Believe". Sustaining. A horrifying story about a man-made blob of protoplasm that turns into a monster. David Kogan (writer, producer, director), Maurice Tarplin, Robert A. Arthur (writer). 29:03. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

George Is Kidnapped (Aired September 30, 1940)
During a typical 23-minute episode of the Burns and Allen show, the vast majority of the dialogue and speaking parts were written for Allen, who was credited with having the genius to deliver her lengthy diatribes in a fashion that made it look as though she was making her arguments up on the spot. (One running gag on the TV show was the existence of a closet full of hats belonging to various visitors to the Burns household, where the guests would slip out the door unnoticed, leaving their hats behind, rather than face another round with Gracie.) A continuing joke on the show was that George would say, "Say good night, Gracie," and Gracie would say, "Good night Gracie!"

THIS EPISODE:
September 30, 1940. "George Is Kidnapped" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Spam. George is still on the lam from gangster Huey Sallas. He disguises himself as "Aunt Clara," which seems like a good idea until gangster Huey proposes to him! George Burns, Gracie Allen, Artie Shaw and His Orchestra, The Smoothies, Bud Hiestand (announcer). 28:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"Murder In A Decanter" (12-31-44)
Nick Carter first made an appearance in a pulp novel in 1886. His popularity lasted over 100 years until the last Nick Carter-Killmaster book was published in 1990. The master detective first ventured into radio on April 11, 1943 on the Mutual Broadcasting System as The Return of Nick Carter, a nod to his pulp fiction history. The title was changed to Nick Carter, Master Detective shortly thereafter. Lon Clark starred as Mr. Carter throughout the run, with his assistant Patsy Bowen first voiced by Helen Choate for three years, then by Charlotte Manson for the rest of the series. The cast also included John Kane as reporter and friend, Scubby Wilson, Ed Latimer as Sgt. Mathison, Nick’s inside man at the police department, and Michael Fitzmaurice served as the announcer. Show Notes From the Old Time Radio Researchers Group. THIS EPISODE:
December 31, 1944. Mutual network. "Murder In A Decanter, (12-31-44)" or "The Mystery Of The Missing Body". Lin-X Home Brighteners. Lon Clark, Helen Choate, John Kane, Humphrey Davis, Jock MacGregor (producer, director, occasional writer), Lew White (musician). 29:51 .Min. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Luigi The Square Dance Caller (Aired October 23, 1951)

Life with Luigi was a radio comedy-drama series which began September 21, 1948 on CBS. The story concerned Italian immigrant Luigi Basco, and his experiences as an immigrant in Chicago. Many of the shows take place at the US citizenship classes that Luigi attends with other immigrants from different countries, as well as trying to fend off the repeated advances of the morbidly-obese daughter of his landlord/sponsor. Luigi was played by J. Carrol Naish, an Irish-American. Naish continued in the role on the short-lived television version in 1952, and was later replaced by Vito Scotti. With a working title of The Little Immigrant, Life with Luigi was created by Cy Howard, who earlier had created the hit radio comedy, My Friend Irma. The show was often seen as the Italian counterpart to the radio show The Goldbergs, which chronicled the experience of Jewish immigrants in New York.

THIS EPISODE:

October 23, 1951. "Luigi The Square Dance Caller" - CBS network. Sponsored by: Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum. Luigi becomes a square-dance caller. J. Carrol Naish, Alan Reed, Cy Howard (creator, producer), Mac Benoff (writer, director), Lou Derman (writer), Mary Shipp, Hans Conried, Joe Forte, Ken Peters, Pat Burton (associate producer), Jody Gilbert, Lud Gluskin (music director), Spade Cooley (guest), Charles Lyon (announcer). 29:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

View Details

Unfinished Business (Aired October 6, 1941)
In October of 1934, "Lux Radio Theater" debuted in New York on NBC's Blue radio network. Presenting audio versions of popular Broadway plays, the show failed to garner an audience and soon ran out of material. After switching networks to CBS and moving to Hollywood, Lux found its true market. The show began featuring adaptations of popular films, performed by as many of the original stars as possible. With an endless supply of hit films scripts and an audience of more than 40 million, Lux enjoyed a prosperous run until the curtain fell in 1956

THIS EPISODE:
October 6, 1941. CBS network. "Unfinished Business". Sponsored by: Lux (singing commercial). A bittersweet romance about a loveless marriage. Irene Dunne, Don Ameche, Cecil B. DeMille, Arthur Q. Bryan, Bea Benaderet (doubles), Betty Ventura, Dick Elliott, Fred MacKaye, Jean Rhea, Jack George (doubles), Leone LeDoux, Louis Silvers (music director), Melville Ruick (announcer), Monro Brown, Verna Felton, Virginia Gordon, Gale Gordon, Julie Bannon (commercial spokesman), Nancy Bickell (commercial spokesman), James Eagles (commercial spokesman), Jo Campbell (commercial spokesman, singer), Sally Mueller (commercial spokesman, singer), Eugene Thackeray (screenwriter), Sanford Barnett (director), George Wells (adaptor), Charlie Forsyth (sound effects). 58:43. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Tight Wire (Aired May 25, 1952)

I Was a Communist for the FBI was an American espionage thriller radio series with 78 episodes syndicated by Ziv to more than 600 stations in 1952-54. Made without FBI cooperation, the series was adapted from the book by undercover agent Matt Cvetic, who was portrayed by Dana Andrews.The series was crafted to warn people about the threat of Communist subversion of American society. The tone of the show is very jingoistic and ultra-patriotic. Communists are evil incarnate and the FBI can do no wrong. As a relic of the Joe McCarthy era, this show is a time capsule of American society during the Second Red Scare.

THIS EPISODE:
May 25, 1952. Program #9. ZIV Syndication. "Tight Wire". Commercials added locally. The FBI assigns Cvetic the job of bugging a Communist Party meeting hall. Dana Andrews, Truman Bradley (announcer), Henry Hayward (director), David Rose (music). 25:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Riley The Milkman (Aired March 22, 1947)

Beginning October 4, 1949, the show was adapted for television for the DuMont Television Network, but Bendix's film contracts prevented him from appearing in the role. Instead, Jackie Gleason starred along with Rosemary DeCamp as wife Peg, Gloria Winters as daughter Barbara (Babs), Lanny Rees as son Chester Jr. (Junior), and Sid Tomack as Gillis, Riley's manipulative best buddy and next-door neighbor. John Brown returned as the morbid counseling undertaker Digby (Digger) O'Dell ("Well, I guess I'll be... shoveling off"; "Business is a little dead tonight").

THIS EPISODE:

March 22, 1947. NBC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. Flashback story: how Riley handled his in-laws when he and Peg were first married. "Riley The Milkman" Alan Lipscott (writer), Don Bernard (director), Gil Stratton, Irving Brecher (producer), Jack Brecher (writer), John Brown, Ken Carpenter (announcer), Lou Coslowe (music), Lou Merrill, Paula Winslowe, Reuben Ship (writer), William Bendix. 34:37. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Rubin Callaway's Pictures (Aired March 13, 1949)

The rapid, staccato dialogue between Webb & Raymond Burr is typical of harboiled fiction and is often humorous. Pat uses the time to try to solve the case. He usually employs the help of his friend Jocko Madigan (played by Tudor Owen) - a drunken ex-doctor typically found at some disreputable tavern or bar - to help him solve the case. As Pat asks for his help, Jocko launches a long-winded philosophical diatribe, full of witty and funny remarks, until Novak cuts him off. Jocko and Pat unravel the case and Hellman makes the arrest. Finally, we hear the foghorn and Novak's footsteps on the pier again before Novak spells out the details of the case for us. At the end, Novak informs us that "Hellman asked only one question", which Pat answers with a clever retort. The dialogue is rife with similes found in pulp fiction. Example: 'The neighborhood was run down - the kind of place where the For Rent signs look like ransom notes. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

March 13, 1949. Program #5. "Rubin Callaway's Pictures" - ABC network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. A dying man in the harbor, a bunch of photos in a locker, and lots of trouble for Novak in the form of Alma Biggs. Jack Webb, William P. Rousseau (producer), Tudor Owen, Raymond Burr, Basil Adlam (composer, conductor). 29:30. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Wishing Well Dance (Aired June 12, 1949)

Produced by Larry Berns and written by director Al Lewis, Our Miss Brooks premiered on CBS July 19, 1948. According to radio critic John Crosby, her lines were very "feline" in dialogue scenes with principal Conklin and would-be boyfriend Boynton, with sharp, witty comebacks. The interplay between the cast---blustery Conklin, nebbishy Denton, accommodating Harriet, absentminded Mrs. Davis, clueless Boynton, scheming Miss Enright---also received positive reviews. Arden won a radio listeners' poll by Radio Mirror magazine as the top ranking comedienne of 1948-1949, receiving her award at the end of an Our Miss Brooks broadcast that March. "I'm certainly going to try in the coming months to merit the honor you've bestowed upon me, because I understand that if I win this (award) two years in a row, I get to keep Mr. Boynton," she joked. But she was also a hit with the critics; a winter 1949 poll of newspaper and magazine radio editors taken by Motion Picture Daily named her the year's best radio comedienne.

THIS EPISODE:

June 12, 1949. CBS network. "Madison's Miss Wishing Well Dance Of 1949". Sponsored by: Palmolive Soap, Lustre-Creme Shampoo, Palmolive Shave Cream. There's going to be a "Wishing Well Dance" at Madison High, and everyone wants a lock of Miss Brooks' hair. Eve Arden, Jane Morgan, Richard Crenna, Gloria McMillan, Gale Gordon, Jeff Chandler, Verne Smith (announcer), Bob Lemond (announcer), Leonard Smith, Al Lewis (writer, director), Wilbur Hatch (music). 29:46. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Treasure Hunt (Aired January 21, 1946)
The Whistler was one of radio's most popular mystery dramas, with a 13-year run from May 16, 1942 until September 22, 1955. If it now seems to have been influenced explicitly by The Shadow, The Whistler was no less popular or credible with its listeners, the writing was first class for its genre, and it added a slightly macabre element of humor that sometimes went missing in The Shadow's longer-lived crime stories. Writer-producer J. Donald Wilson established the tone of the show during its first two years, and he was followed in 1944 by producer-director George Allen. Other directors included Sterling Tracy and Sherman Marks with final scripts by Joel Malone and Harold Swanton. A total of 692 episodes were produced, yet despite the series' fame, over 200 episodes are lost today. In 1946, a local Chicago version of The Whistler with local actors aired Sundays on WBBM, sponsored by Meister Brau beer.

THIS EPISODE:

January 21, 1946. CBS Pacific network. "Treasure Hunt". Sponsored by: Signal Oil. Grandpa Randolph hid $200,000 before he died, leaving behind a clue as to its location. Announcer Marvin Miller assures listeners that Signal Oil "re-arranges atoms" to make better gasoline. Signal does not split them for atomic bombs! Russell Hughes (writer), Mandel Kramer, Marvin Miller (announcer), Gerald Mohr, George W. Allen (director). 28:59. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Appendicitis Operation At Sea (Aired August 17, 1950)

The character was invented by the author Frederick Schiller Faust (aka Max Brand). The character began in the film series as a medical intern; after becoming a doctor he was mentored by an older physician, Dr. Leonard Gillespie. After the first ten films, the series eliminated the character of Kildare and focused instead on Gillespie. In the summer of 1949, MGM reunited Lew Ayres and Lionel Barrymore to record the radio series, The Story of Dr. Kildare, scripted by Les Crutchfield, Jean Holloway and others. After broadcasts on WMGM New York from February 1, 1950 to August 3, 1951, the series was syndicated to other stations during the 1950s. The supporting cast included Ted Osborne as hospital administrator Dr. Carough, Jane Webb as nurse Mary Lamont and Virginia Gregg as Nurse Parker, labeled "Nosy Parker" by Gillespie, with appearances by William Conrad, Stacy Harris, Jay Novello, Isabel Jewell and Jack Webb.

THIS EPISODE:

August 17, 1950. Program #44. "Appendicitis Operation At Sea" -MGM syndication. Commercials added locally. A young navy seaman is in need of an operation. The ship is in a high storm and the patient may die. Lew Ayres, Lionel Barrymore, Les Crutchfield (writer), William P. Rousseau (director), Walter Schumann (composer, conductor), Dick Joy (announcer), Max Brand (creator), Raymond Katz (producer). 1/2 hour. 26:21.Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Curious Crypt (Aired February 15, 1948)
According to Holmes, it was an encounter with the father of one of his classmates that led him to take up detection as a profession and he spent the six years following university working as a consulting detective, before financial difficulties led him to take Watson as a roommate, at which point the narrative of the stories begins. From 1881, Holmes is described as having lodgings at 221B Baker Street, London, from where he runs his private detective agency. 221B is an apartment up seventeen steps, stated in an early manuscript to be at the "upper end" of the road. Until the arrival of Dr. Watson, Holmes works alone.

THIS EPISODE:

February 15, 1948. Mutual network, WOR, New York aircheck. "The Case Of The Curious Crypt". Sponsored by: Clipper Craft Clothes. A silver dollar provides Holmes with the clue needed to solve a puzzle involving a crypt filled with the unexpected. The script was previously used on "Sherlock Holmes" on March 30, 1931 and March 9, 1941 (The Case Of The Shoscombe Old Place). John Stanley, Alfred Shirley, Barry Thompson, Arthur Conan Doyle (creator, author), Edith Meiser (adaptor), Basil Loughrane (producer, director), Hal Reid (sound effects), Don Williamson (engineer), Charles Stark (announcer), Michael Fitzmaurice (New York commercial spokesman), Albert Buhrman (music). 29:30. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Prize Fight Setup (Aired December 29, 1953)

Frank Sinatra seemed very comfortable in the role of Rocco Fortunato--'Rocky Fortune'--and the scripts that George Lefferts and Ernest Kinoy wrote for Sinatra made for some fascinating adventures. The role was clearly written specifically for him, and more importantly for the more 'adult' persona his agents and publicity reps were trying to portray of him at this point in his career. He'd already done the teen and 20-something idol gig, and he had been expressing more of an interest in dramatic work. Perhaps Sinatra's managers were simply hedging their bets. Sinatra's greatest initial dramatic role in From Here To Eternity was released October 19, 1953, just weeks after Rocky Fortune began its 26-week run on NBC. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

December 29, 1953. NBC network. "The Prize Fight Fix". Sustaining. Rocky is mistaken for "The Great Gondolfo," a prize fighter. Finding himself in the ring, Rocky's surprised to find that he's the winner! There's a good reason...and it's filled with poison! Gambler's want him to take the long count..."from here to eternity!" This is a network version of cat. #61853. Frank Sinatra, Jack Mather, Barney Phillips, George Lefferts (writer), Maurice Hart, Joe Forte, Jack Carroll, Maya Gregory, Andrew C. Love (director). 23:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Horrible Hamburger (Aired September 10, 1950)

After a year's hiatus, The Saint returned to radio July 10, 1949—this time on Mutual. An announcement in Billboard noted that the program would be sustaining (without a sponsor), but that Mutual "will use trial summer run to showcase show for fall bankrolling." The bankrolling eventually came from Ford Motor Company, and the show lasted through May 28, 1950. The program's final run began June 11, 1950, as a summer replacement for The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show. The Saint was back on its original network, NBC, for this version, which ended October 14, 1951. The show lasted longer in this version than in any other, despite a negative review of the first episode in Billboard which said much of the script was "confusing and slow-paced" and called star Vincent Price "frightfully dull."

THIS EPISODE:

September 10, 1950. NBC network. "The Horrible Hamburger". Sustaining. After a lousy dinner, a flat tire is followed by a dead body in the trunk. The Saint is asked, "Mr. Templar, what do you think about television?" He replies, "I think about it as little as possible." Leslie Charteris (creator), Vincent Price, Louise Erickson, Noreen Gammill, Arthur Q. Bryan, David Light, Lawrence Dobkin, Louis Vittes (writer), Vaughn Dexter (composer, conductor), Helen Mack (director), Don Stanley (announcer), James L. Saphier (producer). 29:54. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Secret Word Is "Clock" (Aired October 27, 1960)

Groucho Marx matches wits with the American public in four episodes of this classic game show. Starting on the radio in 1947, You Bet Your Life made its television debut in 1950 and aired for 11 years with Groucho as host and emcee. Sponsored rather conspicuously by the Dodge DeSoto car manufacturers, the show featured two contestants working as a team to answer questions for cash prizes. Another mainstay of these question and answer segments was the paper mache duck that would descend from the ceiling with one hundred dollars in tow whenever a player uttered the "secret word." The quiz show aspect of "You Bet Your Life" was always secondary, to the clever back-and-forth between host and contestant, which found Groucho at his funniest. It's in these interview segments that "You Bet Your Life" truly makes its mark as one of early television's greatest programs. Directed by: Robert Dwan.

THIS EPISODE:

October 27, 1960. Syndicated, WNEW-TV, New York audio aircheck. "The Secret Word Is "Clock". Participating sponsors. The first contestant is Sheila Flynn. The thirteenth anniversary broadcast of the program. Syndicated rebroadcast date: June 4, 1975. Shelia Flynn, Groucho Marx, George Fenneman (announcer), Jack Meakin (music). 29:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Meek Die Slowly (Aired April 3, 1945)

Inner Sanctum Mysteries featured one of the most memorable and atmospheric openings in radio history: an organist hit a dissonant chord, a doorknob turned and the famous “creaking door” slowly began to open. Every week, Inner Sanctum Mysteries told stories of ghosts, murderers and lunatics. Produced in New York, the cast usually consisted of veteran radio actors, with occasional guest appearances by such Hollywood stars Boris Karloff, Peter Lorre and Claude Rains. What made Inner Sanctum Mysteries unique among radio horror shows was its host, a slightly-sinister sounding man originally known as “Raymond.” The host had a droll sense of humor and an appetite for ghoulish puns.

THIS EPISODE:

April 3, 1945. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Meek Die Slowly". A ghastly story that starts with "Mr. Narco" stabbing Jane Carter to death with a pair of garden shears. Arnold Moss sports a delightful German-Transylvanian accent. The music fill after the system cue has been deleted. The script was used on "Inner Sanctum" on September 7, 1952. Arnold Moss, Paul McGrath (host). 23:00. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Meek Die Slowly (Aired April 3, 1945)

Inner Sanctum Mysteries featured one of the most memorable and atmospheric openings in radio history: an organist hit a dissonant chord, a doorknob turned and the famous “creaking door” slowly began to open. Every week, Inner Sanctum Mysteries told stories of ghosts, murderers and lunatics. Produced in New York, the cast usually consisted of veteran radio actors, with occasional guest appearances by such Hollywood stars Boris Karloff, Peter Lorre and Claude Rains. What made Inner Sanctum Mysteries unique among radio horror shows was its host, a slightly-sinister sounding man originally known as “Raymond.” The host had a droll sense of humor and an appetite for ghoulish puns.

THIS EPISODE:

April 3, 1945. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Meek Die Slowly". A ghastly story that starts with "Mr. Narco" stabbing Jane Carter to death with a pair of garden shears. Arnold Moss sports a delightful German-Transylvanian accent. The music fill after the system cue has been deleted. The script was used on "Inner Sanctum" on September 7, 1952. Arnold Moss, Paul McGrath (host). 23:00. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Behind The Mask (Aired May 1, 1956)

Imported from Austrailia, The Clock was a dramatic thirty-minute suspense and mystery series. It was written by Lawrence Klee and was first broadcast in November 1946. The story always began the same; “Sunrise and sunset, promise and fulfilment, birth and death … the whole drama of life is written in the sands of time”. This is a great series where the main theme seems to be Retribution. Stories as told by Father Time.

THIS EPISODE:

May 1, 1956. Grace Gibson/Michelson syndication, WRVR-FM, New York City aircheck. "Behind The Mask". Participating sponsors. A man uses a pathological liar to help him murder his invalid wife, but the plan backfires. WRVR rebroadcast date: June 22, 1973. Lawrence Klee (writer), Harp McGuire (as "The Clock"), John Bushell, Coralie Neville, Moira Redmond, Rodney Jacobs, John Saul (director), Grace Gibson (producer). 22:30. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Dynamite At Big Trestle (Aired March 31, 1953)

Broadcast constantly sometimes once a week sometimes 3 times a week By Mutual, between 1942 and 1956. Western Drama mainly for the young ones or maybe just the young at heart. I say the young at heart, because The Cisco Kid and his likeable but simple partner Pancho were a couple of lovable rogues and because there was usually a lovely senorita around in every episode who fell madly in love with Sisco, there may well have been an element of lady listeners included in the audience rating figures. Here they were, these two Mexican bandits, travelling from sunset to sunset (because that's where they always road off to at the end of each episode) robbing the rich, but I wouldn't say giving it to the poor. At least they did it in a kind and humorous way.

THIS EPISODE:

March 31, 1953. Program #73. Mutual-Don Lee network origination, Ziv syndication. "Dynamite At Big Trestle". Commercials added locally. Two Eastern badmen hiding out in the West disocver a vein of glacial ice under a field. They're determined to kill Cisco, wreck a train and take the ice-filled property from a beautiful senorita. Jack Mather, Harry Lang. 27:19. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Kenny Day Amnesia Case (Aired October 6, 1950)

Frank Lovejoy (1914-1962) isn’t remembered today, but he was a powerful and believable actor with a strong delivery, and his portrayal of Randy Stone as tough guy with humanity was perfect. The scripts were excellent, given that they had to pack in a lot in a short time, and there was a good supporting cast, orchestra, and sound effects. ‘The Slasher’, broadcast on 10 November 1950, the last show of season one, has a very loosely Ripper-derived plot in which Stone searches for an artist. Supporting actors included Parley Baer, William Conrad, Jeff Corey, Lawrence Dobkin, Paul Frees, Jack Kruschen, Peter Leeds, Howard McNear, Lurene Tuttle and Martha Wentworth.

THIS EPISODE:

October 6, 1950. "The Kenny Day Amnesia Case" - NBC network. Sustaining. Randy Stone's car has been stolen...by an ex-cop with amnesia. The thief's name is Kenny Day, and his wife is in danger, or is his wife a victim of murder? The system cue has been deleted. Irwin Ashkenazie (writer), Eddie Fields, Frank Worth (music), Ted de Corsia, Lurene Tuttle, William Tracy, Wilms Herbert, Jack Kruschen, Barbara Dupar, Frank Lovejoy, Warren Lewis (producer, director). 29:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

David Fights The Jones Boy (09-09-45)

As the series progressed and the boys grew up, storylines involving various characters were introduced. Many of the series storylines were taken from the Nelsons' real life. When the real David and Rick got married, to June Blair and Kristin Harmon respectively, their wives joined the cast of Ozzie and Harriet, and the marriages were written into the series. (What was seldom written into the series was Ozzie's profession; mention of his lengthy and successful band-leading career was infrequent.) By the mid 1960s, America's social climate was changing, and the Nelsons' all American nuclear family epitomized the 1950s values and ideals that were quickly becoming a thing of the past.

THIS EPISODE:

September 9, 1945. "David Fights The Jones Boy" - CBS network. Sponsored by: International Silver. David has had a fight with the Jones boy, Ozzie has a fight with Harriet! The date is approximate. Ozzie Nelson and His Orchestra, Harriet Hilliard, John Brown, The King Sisters, Verne Smith (announcer), Bea Benaderet, Billy May (composer), Tommy Cook, Joel Davis, Louise Erickson. 29:11. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Wild Bill Hickock" - The Dukane Revenge (Aired June 4, 1952)

The show is in the tradition of the Lone Ranger and the Cisco Kid. Guy Madison starred as Bill with Andy Devine as his sidekick, Jingles. (Now there’s a name you want to go through Hollywood with.) This Wild Bill Hickock was quick with his fists and a quip, but Jingles (dear god that nickname) got all his glory by using his immense girth to fight the bad guys. Jingles if you couldn’t tell was the comedic element in the series. And what is it with overweight sidekicks in westerns? See Cisco Kid’s partner, the jolly and rotund Pancho. Give the horses a break. The radio program lasted until 1954. The television show was started at the same time in 1951 and lasted until 1958. Also Wild Bill was portrayed by Gary Cooper in the 1936 movie, The Plainsman. Wild Bill has shown up in various other movies and television shows, most recently in the show Deadwood on HBO.

THIS EPISODE:

June 4, 1952. Program #84. Mutual network. "The Duquesne Revenge". Sponsored by: Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops. Lance Duquesne has a burr under his saddle. Oliver Goldin is the lawyer representing young Lance, but he's involved in a scheme to steal the best two ranches in the valley. The system cue is added live. Guy Madison, Andy Devine, Charles Lyon (announcer), Larry Hayes (writer), David Hire (producer), Paul Pierce (director), Richard Aurandt (music), Tony Barrett, Frank Gerstle, Curley Bradley, Tyler McVey, Jack Moyles. 24:42. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Ghost Town Hermit (1968) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

The old-time radio era, sometimes referred to as the Golden Age of Radio, refers to a period of radio programming in the United States lasting from the proliferation of radio broadcasting in the early 1920s until the 1950s, when television superseded radio as the medium of choice for scripted programming and radio shifted to playing popular music. During this period, when radio was dominant and filled with a variety of formats and genres, people regularly tuned into their favorite radio programs. In fact, according to a 1947 C. E. Hooper survey, 82 out of 100 Americans were found to be radio listeners. Theatrer 10:30 was a Canadian Old Time Radio show. The date of the broadcast for the episodes is generally unknown. The shows are in the genres of horror, fantasy and mystery. It was a production of CBC Radio. This series aired from September 1968 through 1971, though air dates for particular episodes are unavailable.

View Details

Hostess (Aired December 12, 1956)

X-Minus One was an NBC science fiction series that was an extension, or revival, of NBC's earlier science fiction series, Dimension X. which ran from Apr. 8, 1950 through Sept. 29, 1951. Both are remembered for bringing really first rate science fiction to the air. The first X MINUS ONE shows used scripts from Dimension X, but soon created new shows from storied from the pages of Galaxy Magazine. A total of 125 programs were broadcast, some repeats or remakes, until the last show of Jan. 9, 1958.

THIS EPISODE:

December 12, 1956. NBC network. "Hostess". Sustaining. An ambassador from an alien race is visiting the home of a typical Earth couple. The ambassador's "hostess" learns of a second definition. Teri Keane, Les Damon, Kermit Murdock, Isaac Asimov (author), Ernest Kinoy (adaptor), William Welch (producer), Daniel Sutter (director), Fred Collins (announcer). 29:15. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Voyage Of No Return (Aired April 16, 1980)

In December 1979 the Mutual Broadcasting System acquired the Sears Radio Theater renaming it, the MUTUAL Radio Theater. It retained the same format as before with the same theme for different nights of the week. Lorne Greene remained host for Monday's Western night, Andy Griffith handled Tuesday's Comedy, Vincent Price still was host for Mystery on Wednesdays, Cicely Tyson did Love on Thursday, while Leonard Nimoy was now the Friday night Adventure host. As before the series aired week nights, Monday through Friday. The Mutual Radio Theater debuted Mar 3, 1980 and was to run for 13 weeks on almost 300 stations. The shows were then to be repeated over the summer and fall. It proved to be fairly successful and another 8 weeks of original programs were added; this was followed by another 8 weeks of repeats. The series was broadcast in stereo, making it the only commercial radio network drama program in the nation to use this technology at the time. Great writers were employed for this series including Arch Oboler and Norman Corwin. Good choices were made when it came to cast members. Old familiar voices and names included Janet Waldo, John Dehner, Vic Perrin, Mary Jane Croft, Hans Conried, Marvin Miller, Parley Baer, Elliot Lewis, Jeff Corey, Virginia Gregg, Lesley Woods, Robert Rockwell and Lurene Tuttle. Then from movies and TV - Eve Arden, Keith Andes, Harriet Nelson, Aan Young, Tom Bosley and Marian Ross, Lloyd Bochner, Rick Jason, Frank Campanella, Toni Tennille, Arthur Hill, Dan O'Herlihy, Jesse White and Frank Nelson. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researchers Group.

View Details

Fiction Is Stranger Than Truth (1944) *Aka Reginald Sidney Buckfield

The series boasted well over 100 episodes, one of which, "The Bone From A Voice Box", apparently served as the prototype for another well remembered Towers Of London dramatic series, The Black Museum. In both series, well known actors were employed as host / narrator, Orson Welles in The Black Museum and Clive Brook here. In fact, the shows were so similar that some of the same actual Scotland Yard cases were dramatized for both series (with totally different scripts, and casts). The Secrets of Scotland Yard was an independent production of the Towers of London syndicate in England for world wide distribution. Each week, an audience of anxious radio-listeners tuned in to hear these true crime stories of the London Metropolitan Police unfold, as the detectives at the Yard investigated some of England’s most famous criminals. Their trials have become legendary. Stories presented in the series include the theft of the British crown jewels by Colonel Thomas Blood; the story of a man who finds an armless and legless body wrapped in ribbons and lace; or the strange story of two close brothers who love one another enough to contemplate the murder of a brother’s affluent, yet unsightly and ignorant, wife. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

View Details

Murder Of The Fabulous Redhead (1956) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.
It's a Crime, Mr. Collins was a half-hour mystery/adventure radio program broadcast weekly from August, 1956 to February, 1957 by Mutual Broadcasting System in the United States that was a "flagrant rip-off of The Adventures of the Abbotts in which only the names had been changed." San Francisco private detective Greg Collins was played by Mandel Kramer (who had previously been heard as Lieutenant Tragg in the radio version of Perry Mason) and his wife, Gail Collins, was played by namesake Gail Collins. Each week, Gail Collins, "the gumshoe's gorgeous spouse -- with green-eyed predilections emerging as curvaceous damsels in distress frequently petitioned her husband -- shared his investigative exploits with her Uncle Jack and thereby with the listeners at home." Uncle Jack was played by Richard Denning, whom listeners had heard from 1952 to 1954 as amateur detective Jerry North in the radio version of Mr. and Mrs. North.

View Details

Knocked Off His Feet (Aired May 11, 1951)

The 1944 CBS Summer season finale, Murder, Music and A Blonde Madonna, gives some credence to the way CBS promoted this first run. Starring Herbert Marshall as Ken Thurston, a private operative, with Han Conried as Egon Zellschmidt in this first incarnation of Ken Thurston's nemesis, and Mary Jane Croft appearing in the role of Ken's love interest, Nancy Bessington, a reporter and Thurston's erstwhile fiance. We can only interpolate from what we've already turned up for this shortest run of The Man Called X, but it would appear that Hans Conried and Mary Jane Croft may have been regulars co-stars throughout that first season. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.
THIS EPISODE:

May 11, 1951. "Knocked Off His Feet" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Anacin. Recorded April 25, 1951, with most commercials and the system cue added at the time of broadcast. Ken Thurston finds an elusive countess aboard an ocean liner en route to Hawaii, and a spy named George Korloff, dead for six months but recently seen in a bar in San Francisco! Carleton Young, George Neise, Harry Lang, Herbert Marshall, Jack Latham (announcer), Joan Banks, Leon Belasco, Peter Leeds, Will Wright. 27:54. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Double Death (Aired October 17, 1949) Let George Do It was a radio drama series produced by Owen and Pauline Vinson from 1946 to 1954. It starred Bob Bailey as detective-for-hire George Valentine (with Olan Soule stepping into the role in 1954). Clients came to Valentine's office after reading a newspaper carrying his classified ad: "Personal notice: Danger's my stock in trade. If the job's too tough for you to handle, you've got a job for me. George Valentine. "The few earliest episodes were more sitcom than private eye shows, with a studio audience providing scattered laughter at the not-so-funny scripts. Soon the audience was banished, and George went from stumbling comedic hero to tough guy private eye, while the music became suspenseful. Valentine's secretary was Claire Brooks, aka Brooksie (Frances Robinson, Virginia Gregg, Lillian Buyeff).

THIS EPISODE:

October 17, 1949. Mutual-Don Lee network. "Double Death". Sponsored by: Standard Oil, Chevron. George Valentine is hired by Mr. Groves to find his wife, but George thinks Groves killed her. The problem is that there are too many clues! Bob Bailey, Frances Robinson, Wally Maher, Ted de Corsia, Dick Ryan, Joe Forte, Jeanne Bates, Jackson Gillis (writer), David Victor (writer), Don Clark (director), Bud Hiestand (announcer), Eddie Dunstedter (composer, conductor). 29:52. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Temple Of Huizilipochle (Aired June 29, 1953)

There were four series under the Hall Of Fantasy banner, all produced by Richard Thorne. The first Hall Of Fantasy originated from radio station KALL in Salt Lake City, Utah. Richard Thorne and Carl Greyson were announcers for the station and produced the rather barebones shows, possibly late in 1946 and into 1947. The series consisted of 26 shows. Broadcast dates for the shows are not known. The shows were written or adapted by Robert Olson and directed by Mr. Thorne. Most were classic murder mysteries with traditional endings; the evil-doer got his just rewards. The series was sponsored by the Granite Furniture Company, although existing shows are missing the commercials, apparently because they were inserted live.

THIS EPISODE:

June 29, 1953. Mutual network, WGN, Chicago origination (possibly syndicated). "The Temple Of Huitzilipochle". Commercials added locally. Two explorers face a tribe of savages in the Brazilian jungle. Richard Thorne (writer). 25:48. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Date With Death (Aired June 4, 1949)

The initial series was on NBC Radio from July 20 - October 12, 1935. It then aired on CBS from January 15, 1936 to June 15, 1940, sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive and Cue magazine. From October 11, 1940 to December 25, 1948, it was heard on the Blue Network, with various sponsors that included Sloan's Liniment, Waterman pens and Tide. Returning to CBS on January 8, 1949, it ran until June 25, 1955, sponsored by Grape-Nuts and Wrigley's chewing gum. The final series was on the Mutual Broadcasting System from October 5, 1955 to November 27, 1957. It was once narrated by Norman Schwarzkopf, Sr., former head of the New Jersey State Police. The radio series was adapted for DC Comics, Big Little Books and a 1942 movie serial. The 1952 Gang Busters TV series was reedited into two feature films, Gang Busters (1954) and Guns Don't Argue (1957).

THIS EPISODE:

June 4, 1949. Program #583. CBS network origination, syndicated, WRVR-FM, New York aircheck. "The Case Of The Date With Death". Sponsored by: World Wide Handicrafts. WRVR rebroadcast date: March 12, 1973. 24:48. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Bloody Hands (04-02-55)

Two auditions were created in 1949. The first was very much like a hardboiled detective series and starred Rye Billsbury as Dillon; the second starred Straight Arrow actor Howard Culver in a more Western, lighter version of the same script. CBS liked the Culver version better, and Ackerman was told to proceed. But there was a complication. Culver's contract as the star of Straight Arrow would not allow him to do another Western series. The project was shelved for three years, when MacDonnell and Meston discovered it creating an adult Western series of their own. MacDonnell and Meston wanted to create a radio Western for adults, in contrast to the prevailing juvenile fare such as The Lone Ranger and The Cisco Kid. Gunsmoke was set in Dodge City, Kansas during the thriving cattle days of the 1870s. Dunning notes, "The show drew critical acclaim for unprecedented realism."

THIS EPISODE:

April 2, 1955. CBS network. "Bloody Hands". Sponsored by: L & M Cigarettes, Chesterfield. Marshal Dillon gets sick of killing and resigns his job. The script was used on the Gunsmoke television series on February 16, 1957. William Conrad, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear, John Dehner, Lawrence Dobkin, John Meston (writer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Rex Koury (composer, conductor), Tom Hanley (sound patterns), Ray Kemper (sound patterns), George Fenneman (commercial spokesman), George Walsh (announcer). 30:20. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Shiny Gun (Aired March 15, 1949)

Big Town was perhaps the most famous series of reporter dramas. It featured the adventures of Steve Wilson, the crusading editor of The Illustrated Press. The show was written by Jerry McGill, an ex-newspaperman, and his reporters were diligent, sober champions of justice, zealously pushing freedom of the press, creating a memorable slogan; “Freedom of the press is a flaming sword! Use is justly … hold it high … guard it well.” The shows occasionally attacked juvenile delinquency, racism and drink driving amongst other soapbox related incidents.

THIS EPISODE:

March 15, 1949. NBC network. "The Shiny Gun". Sponsored by: Lifebuoy Soap, Rinso. A young boy shoots his friend while playing with his father's loaded gun. Running from the law, he hides out in the sewer pipes. Edward Pawley, Fran Carlon, Dwight Weist (narrator), Jerry McGill (writer, director). 28:23. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Parent's Day (Aired October 26, 1952)

The Aldrich Family as a separate radio show was born as a summer replacement for Jack Benny in NBC's Sunday night lineup, July 2, 1939, and it stayed there until October 1, 1939, when it moved to Tuesday nights at 8 p.m., sponsored by General Foods's popular gelatin dessert Jell-O---which also sponsored Jack Benny at the time. The Aldriches ran in that slot from October 10, 1939 until May 28, 1940, moving to Thursdays, from July 4, 1940 until July 20, 1944. After a brief hiatus, the show moved to CBS, running on Fridays from September 1, 1944 until August 30, 1946 with sponsors Grape Nuts and Jell-O,.before moving back to NBC from September 05, 1946 to June 28, 1951 on Thursdays and, then, its final run of September 21, 1952 to April 19, 1953 on Sundays.

THIS EPISODE:

October 26, 1952. "Parent's Day" - NBC network. Sustaining. It's Parent's Day at school. Confusion runs rampant...and then there's the spelling bee! Bobby Ellis, Jack Grimes, Clifford Goldsmith (writer), Dick Dudley (announcer), House Jameson, Katharine Raht. 29:23. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Mystery Of The Iron Door (Aired May 22, 1948)

The Frank Merriwell comic strip began in 1928, continuing until 1936. Daily strips from 1934 provided illustrations for the 1937 Big Little Book. The Adventures of Frank Merriwell first ran on NBC radio from March 26 to June 22, 1934 as a 15-minute serial airing three times a week at 5:30pm. Sponsored by Dr. West's Toothpaste, this program starred Donald Briggs in the title role. Harlow Wilcox was the announcer. After a 12-year gap, the series returned October 5, 1946 as a 30-minute Saturday morning show on NBC, continuing until June 4, 1949. Lawson Zerbe starred as Merriwell, Jean Gillespie and Elaine Rostas as Inza Burrage, Harold Studer as Bart Hodge and Patricia Hosley as Elsie Belwood. Announcers were Mel Brandt and Harlow Wilcox, and the Paul Taubman Orchestra supplied the background music. A film serial entitled The Adventures of Frank Merriwell was created by Universal Studios in 1936.

THIS EPISODE:

May 22, 1948. NBC network. "The Mystery Of The Iron Door". Sustaining. The boys come upon an iron door in a large cave. On the other side lies the answer to the theft of a secret bauxite formula. Lawson Zerbe, Hal Studer, Elaine Rost, Harlow Wilcox (announcer), Burt L. Standish. 29:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Zero Hour (02-02-54)

Craig's office was on Madison Avenue and his adventures were fairly standard PI fare. He worked alone, solved cases efficiently, and feared no man. As the promos went, he was "your man when you can't go to the cops. Confidentiality a speciality." Like Sam Spade, Craig narrated his stories, in addition to being the leading character in this 30 minute show. Nearly sixty episodes are in trading circulation today William Gargan as a Detective (and an actor) If William Gargan brought an air of authenticity to his roles as a private detective, there were some good very reasons. His father was a bookmaker, so Gargan learned a lot about the gambling world and met a lot of interesting characters from across the spectrum of society. The main reason why Gargan was so convincing as a detective was that he was probably the only actor of his time who had actually been a private detective. He first worked as a credit investigator and collection agent for a clothing firm. Once Gargan was shot at when he attempted to get a deadbeat customer to pay his overdue account. Next, he worked for about a year as a private detective with a New York agency for "$10.00 a day and expenses." Gargan did many of the usual detective jobs: guarding payrolls, tailing possible suspects, conducting stakeouts, and protecting clients with valuables. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

View Details

The Sprinter (Aired June 16, 1954)
The Precinct Captain acted as the narrator for the series.The official title of the series according to the series scripts and the CBS series promotional materials was 21ST PRECINCT and not TWENTY-FIRST PRECINCT or TWENTY FIRST PRECINCT which appears in many Old-Time Radio books. In 1953 CBS decided to use New York City as the backdrop for their own half-hour police series and focus on the day-to-day operations of a single police precinct. Actual cases would be used as the basis for stories. It was mentioned in each episode's closing by the announcer that, "Twenty-firstPrecinct is presented with the official cooperation of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association an organization of more than 20,000 members of the Police Department, City of New York."

THIS EPISODE:

June 16, 1954. "The Sprinter" - CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. The music fill has been deleted. Everett Sloane, John Ives (producer), Stanley Niss (writer, director), Ken Lynch. 28:42. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Sprinter (Aired June 16, 1954)
The Precinct Captain acted as the narrator for the series.The official title of the series according to the series scripts and the CBS series promotional materials was 21ST PRECINCT and not TWENTY-FIRST PRECINCT or TWENTY FIRST PRECINCT which appears in many Old-Time Radio books. In 1953 CBS decided to use New York City as the backdrop for their own half-hour police series and focus on the day-to-day operations of a single police precinct. Actual cases would be used as the basis for stories. It was mentioned in each episode's closing by the announcer that, "Twenty-firstPrecinct is presented with the official cooperation of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association an organization of more than 20,000 members of the Police Department, City of New York."

THIS EPISODE:

June 16, 1954. "The Sprinter" - CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. The music fill has been deleted. Everett Sloane, John Ives (producer), Stanley Niss (writer, director), Ken Lynch. 28:42. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Fabulous Emerald Necklace (Aired April 3, 1955)

Abbott Mysteries was a comedy-mystery radio program adapted from the novels of Frances Crane (1896-1981). Initially a summer replacement for Quick As a Flash, the series was heard on Mutual and NBC between the years 1945 and 1955. The Mutual series, sponsored by Helbros Watches, debuted June 10, 1945, airing Sundays at 6pm. Scripts were by Howard Merrill and Ed Adamson in the lighthearted tradition of Mr. and Mrs. North. Julie Stevens and Charles Webster starred as Jean and Pat Abbott, a San Francisco married couple who solved murder mysteries.

THIS EPISODE:

April 3, 1955. Program #9. NBC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Fabulous Emerald Necklace". Les Damon, Claudia Morgan, Frances Crane (creator), Howard Merrill (writer), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Ted Lloyd (producer), Dewey Bergman (composer, conductor), Harry Frazee (director, recordist), Sherry Britton ("making her dramatic debut in radio"), Everett Sloane, Santos Ortega, Wayne Howell (announcer). 30:18. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Death For Sale (Aired July 13, 1952)

Inner Sanctum Mysteries was a horror anthology series with a unique sound and a very popular host. For the first four years, "Raymond" greeted guests after an incredibly squeaky door slowly opened at the beginning of each show. His ghoulish puns were accentuated with the flourish of what sounded like a baseball park organ. The stories themselves were directed by Himan Brown, one of the most prolific and talented radio directors of all time (Flash Gordon, Dick Tracy, Bulldog Drummond, The Adventures of the Thin Man, Terry and the Pirates, Grand Central Station, and many others). The stories took all sorts of twists and turns, and the body count often exceeded the number of commercials. As Brown himself described it, "We've killed our characters every way. We've knifed them, garroted them, burned them, poisoned them, bashed their heads, given them rare and fantastic diseases, pushed them out of windows and over cliffs."

THIS EPISODE:

July 13, 1952. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "Death For Sale". A seven-year insurance scheme is delayed by two complications... a blackmailer and his wife. The script was previously used on, "Inner Sanctum," on October 30, 1945. Boris Karloff, Paul McGrath (host), Alice Reinheart, Everett Sloane. 23:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Adventure Of The Fat Man's Loot (Aired August 21, 1949)

The audition for the series was recorded during February 1949. The audition featured Tom Collins as former attorney and O.S.S. officer, Frank Race. Race is aided by his associate, former cab driver, Marcus 'Marc' Donovan portrayed by Tony Barrett. Lurene Tuttle is also featured in the audition. The audition lays out the premise for the contemplated series. Frank Race has returned to civilian life after a wartime stint as an operative for the Office of Strategic Services (O.S.S.) the progenitor of the Central Intelligence Agency (C.I.A.). Somewhat disenchanted with the prospect of returning to practice Law, Race forms his own investigations firm, specializing in industrial, State, and international crimes of fraud and espionage. The premise was not new to 1949 Radio.

THIS EPISODE:

August 21, 1949. Program #17. Broadcasters Program Syndicate syndication. "The Adventure Of The Fat Man's Loot". Commercials added locally. Race is off to Berlin and Monte Carlo in search of missing diamonds, stolen by the Nazis. Tom Collins, Buckley Angel (writer, director), Joel Murcott (writer, director), Art Gilmore (announcer), Bruce Eells (producer, Ivan Ditmar (organ), Tony Barrett, Lillian Buyeff, Jack Kruschen, Wilms Herbert, Michael Ann Barrett, Harry Lang. 27:08. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Adventure Of The Fat Man's Loot (Aired August 21, 1949)

The audition for the series was recorded during February 1949. The audition featured Tom Collins as former attorney and O.S.S. officer, Frank Race. Race is aided by his associate, former cab driver, Marcus 'Marc' Donovan portrayed by Tony Barrett. Lurene Tuttle is also featured in the audition. The audition lays out the premise for the contemplated series. Frank Race has returned to civilian life after a wartime stint as an operative for the Office of Strategic Services (O.S.S.) the progenitor of the Central Intelligence Agency (C.I.A.). Somewhat disenchanted with the prospect of returning to practice Law, Race forms his own investigations firm, specializing in industrial, State, and international crimes of fraud and espionage. The premise was not new to 1949 Radio.

THIS EPISODE:
August 21, 1949. Program #17. Broadcasters Program Syndicate syndication. "The Adventure Of The Fat Man's Loot". Commercials added locally. Race is off to Berlin and Monte Carlo in search of missing diamonds, stolen by the Nazis. Tom Collins, Buckley Angel (writer, director), Joel Murcott (writer, director), Art Gilmore (announcer), Bruce Eells (producer, Ivan Ditmar (organ), Tony Barrett, Lillian Buyeff, Jack Kruschen, Wilms Herbert, Michael Ann Barrett, Harry Lang. 27:08. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Vaphio Cup Caper (Aired August 22, 1948)

The Adventures of Sam Spade was a radio series based loosely on the private detective character Sam Spade, created by writer Dashiell Hammett for The Maltese Falcon. The show ran for 13 episodes on ABC in 1946, for 157 episodes on CBS in 1946-1949, and finally for 51 episodes on NBC in 1949-1951. The series starred Howard Duff (and later, Steve Dunne) as Sam Spade and Lurene Tuttle as his secretary Effie, and took a considerably more tongue-in-cheek approach to the character than the novel or movie. The series was largely overseen by producer/director William Spier.

THIS EPISODE:

August 22, 1948. CBS network. "The Vaphio Cup Caper". Sponsored by: Wildroot Cream-Oil. Gold from ancient Greece is the target, with Sam as the bulls-eye. See also "Same Time, Same Station". The program is also known as, "Same Time, Same Station." Hans Conried, Howard Duff, Lurene Tuttle, William Spier (producer, director, editor), Dashiell Hammett (creator). 29:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Kuan Yin Statue (Aired April 2, 1951)

Bold Venture is a 1951-1952 syndicated radio series starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Morton Fine and David Friedkin scripted the taped series for Bogart's Santana Productions. Salty seadog Slate Shannon (Bogart) owns a Cuban hotel sheltering an assortment of treasure hunters, revolutionaries and other shady characters. With his sidekick and ward, the sultry Sailor Duval (Bacall), tagging along, he encounters modern-day pirates and other tough situations while navigating the waters around Havana. Aboard his boat, the Bold Venture, Slate and Sailor experience "adventure, intrigue, mystery and romance in the sultry settings of tropical Havana and the mysterious islands of the Caribbean." Calypso singer King Moses (Jester Hairston) provided musical bridges by threading plot situations into the lyrics of his songs. Music by David Rose.

THIS EPISODE:

April 2, 1951. Program #2. ZIV Syndication. "The Kuan Yin Statue". Commercials added locally. A beautiful Chinese girl is killed to get an idol she has smuggled into Havana. Transitions and plot summaries are sung by "King Moses (Jester Hairston)," a calypso singer. Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, David Rose (composer, conductor), Henry Hayward (director), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Shirley Mitchell, Junius Matthews, Joseph Du Val. 28:19. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"Old Acquaintance" (Aired December 26, 1948)

After a three episode trial run on The Pepsodent Program in September of 1947 with Van Hefflin in the title role, The Adventures Of Philip Marlowe premiered as a weekly series on September 26, 1948. It was well-produced, less introspective than the books or the previous series on NBC, but it had a secret weapon. Gerald Mohr excelled as Marlowe, and his snappy delivery, coupled with well-written stories and intriguing characters makes for entertaining listening. By 1949 the show was pulling the biggest audience on American radio, with a rating of 10.3 million listeners.In 1950, Radio and Television Life Magazine named Gerald Mohr as the Best Male Actor on radio. "And it had the best hard-boiled opening lines of any radio detectives series," according to faithful contributor and OTR fan Stewart Wright. "It has to be heard to be fully appreciated.

THIS EPISODE:

December 26, 1948. CBS network. "The Old Acquaintance". Sustaining. A good action story about an escaped convict and the two women in his life. Gerald Mohr, Gloria Blondell, Raymond Chandler (creator), Roy Rowan (announcer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Mel Dinelli (writer), Robert Mitchell (writer), Gene Levitt (writer), Edgar Barrier, David Ellis, Lou Krugman, Stan Waxman, Jeff Corey, Richard Aurandt (special music). 29:25. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Jury Duty (Aired February 20, 1949)

Phil Harris was on the Jack Benny Show since 1934, playing the jive-talking hipster bandleader of questionable repute. His band members were hep in the sarcastic, fast-talking department, too. So when Phil Harris (in real life) married the glamorous and talented movie star Alice Faye, it seemed more like a match made in Hollywood than in Heaven. They knew each other from the old days of the Rudy Vallee Show, and were both radio veterans when they decided, in the Benny tradition, to work together professionally, using their own "show-biz personnas"

THIS EPISODE:

February 20, 1949. "Jury Duty" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Rexall. Alice sings, "You Was." Remley moves into the Harris' guest room; Phil is called to jury duty! Alice Faye, Anne Whitfield, Bill Forman (announcer), Dick Chevillat (writer), Elliott Lewis, Jeanine Roos, Phil Harris, Ray Singer (writer), Robert North, Walter Scharf and His Orchestra, Griff Barnett (Rexall druggist). 29:41. Episode Notes From Boxcars711 OTR Pod.

View Details

My Uncle Toby (Aired June 30, 1954)

This fine British anthology series, features plays based on the best of literature, films and English theater. Produced in two series, Sir Lawrence Olivier and Sir Ralph Richardson serve as hosts, narrators and many times portray the leading roles.The program apparently was developed as a vehicle to capitalize on Olivier’s name and talent. His career spanned over 50 years and continues into the 21st century, as in 2004, 15 years after his death, he was starring as Dr. Totenkopf in a Hollywood fantasy film titled, Sky Captain and The World of Tomorrow. This was accomplished by the producers who selected footage of Lord Olivier from various films and used to create a villainous leader of killer robots in the film. Jude Law, who stars in the film, said film-makers used Olivier because few other actors possessed his authority. Sir Ralph Richardson from 1954 – 1955 played the character of Dr. John Watson in another Harry Alan Towers radio series of Sherlock Holmes stories, which starred Sir John Gielgud as the famous consulting detective. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group
THIS EPISODE:
June 30, 1954. NBC net origination, Towers Of London syndication, WRVR-FM, New York. "My Uncle Toby" from "Tristram Shandy". Participating sponsors. WRVR-FM rebroadcast date: February 21, 1975. Ralph Richardson (host, performer), Derek Patmore (adaptor), Sidney Torch (music), Harry Alan Towers (producer), Laurence Sterne (author). Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index 28:41

View Details

A Shortage Story With Jackie Cooper ((Aired May 6, 1974)

Syndicated by the Mutual Broadcasting System, the series debuted September 3, 1973. The original format featured five-part dramas broadcast Monday through Friday with the story coming to a conclusion on Friday. Including commercials, each part was approximately 30 minutes long. Since Mutual affiliates could broadcast the programs at convenient timeslots on any suitable dates, the series did not begin in certain areas until late fall or early winter of 1973. In 1974, still airing five days a week, the program changed to a full story in a single 30-minute installment with the same actor starring throughout the week in all five programs. That format was employed from late April 1974 to the end of the series on July 26, 1974. Producer J.M. Kholos was a Los Angeles advertising man who acquired the rights to suspense novels, including Tony Hillerman's The Blessing Way, for radio adaptations. In some cases, the titles were changed. For example, the five-part "Desperate Witness" was an adaptation of The Big Clock by Kenneth Fearing. To create a strong package, Kholos followed through by lining up top actors, including John Astin, Edgar Bergen, Joseph Campanella, Richard Crenna, John Dehner, Howard Duff, Patty Duke, Nina Foch, George Maharis, Susan Oliver, Brock Peters and Lurene Tuttle.

View Details

The Expresso Bar (Aired December 16, 1956) Tony Hancock starred as an exaggerated version of his own character, a down-at-heel comedian living at the dilapidated 23 Railway Cuttings in East Cheam. Sid James played a criminally-inclined confidante who usually managed to con Hancock, while Bill Kerr appeared as Hancock's dim-witted Australian lodger. Moira Lister also appeared in the first series before being replaced by Andrée Melly for the next two, both playing love interests for Hancock's character. In the fourth and fifth series, Hattie Jacques played Griselda Pugh, live-in secretary to Hancock and occasional girlfriend of Sid James. The series broke from the variety tradition dominant in British radio comedy into the sitcom or Situation comedy genre. Instead of sketches, guest stars and musical interludes, humour developed from the characters and situations. Hancock's experiences were based in reality and observation. From the playlet "Look Back In Hunger" in The East Cheam Drama Festival episode, Galton and Simpson showed they were in touch with developments in the British theatre, the use of sighs and silent pauses in common with the work of Harold Pinter which began to emerge towards the end of the series' run. The measured pacing of these episodes were groundbreaking in the days of fast-talking Ted Ray, where every second of airtime had to be filled. With Galton and Simpson writing scripts prolifically, continuity was not priority, with details changed to suit the episode.

View Details

The Melancholy Dane (Aired June 12, 1949)
The Damon Runyon Theater radio series dramatized 52 of Runyon's short stories in weekly broadcasts running from October 1948 to September 1949 (with reruns until 1951). The series was produced by Alan Ladd's Mayfair Transcription Company for syndication to local radio stations. John Brown played the character "Broadway," who doubled as host and narrator. The cast also comprised Alan Reed, Luis Van Rooten, Joseph Du Val, Gerald Mohr, Frank Lovejoy, Herb Vigran, Sheldon Leonard, William Conrad, Jeff Chandler, Lionel Stander, Sidney Miller, Olive Deering and Joe De Santis. Pat O'Brien was initially engaged for the role of "Broadway". The original stories were adapted for the radio by Russell Hughes.

THIS EPISODE:
June 12, 1949. Program #37. Mayfair syndication. "The Melancholy Dane". Commercials added locally. An actor crossed by vengeful critic enacts his revenge under most unusual circumstances. John Brown, Damon Runyon (author), Russell Hughes (adaptor), Vern Carstensen (production supervisor), Richard Sanville (director), Frank Gallop (announcer). 28:10. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Empty Matchbook (Aired December 2, 1950)

This thirty-minute international spy adventure featured Steve Mitchell (Brian Donlevy), and investigator of crimes in exotic locations. 60 episodes. Herb Butterfield played the Commissioner and Betty Moran was the Commissioner's secretary. Other cast members were GeGe Pearson, Ken Peters, Betty Lou Gerson, Dan O’Herlihy. The director was Bill Cairn and the writer for the series was Robert Ryf. The opening was the same every week “Yeah, danger is my assignment. I get sent to a lot of places I can’t even pronounce. They all spell the same thing though, trouble.” He would be summoned to his boss’s office where he would be given his assignment; he would then fly halfway across the globe to save the day! The worldwide locations are dealt up with a feeling of local, and the characters that inhabit these far-away places with strange sounding names are solid and capably acted by veterans. Music is an almost harsh orchestra. Donlevy carries the plots with a world-weary and wary tone that makes sense, based on his occupation.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Death Valley Days"
"The Burro That Had No Name" (Aired June 17, 1938)

Death Valley Days is an American radio and television anthology series featuring true stories of the old American West, particularly the Death Valley area. Created in 1930 by Ruth Woodman, the program was broadcast on radio until 1945. It continued from 1952 to 1975 as a syndicated television series. The series was sponsored by the Pacific Coast Borax Company (20 Mule Team Borax, Boraxo). The 558 television episodes were introduced by a host. The longest-running was "The Old Ranger" from 1952 to 1965, played by Stanley Andrews when the series was produced by McGowan Productions, producer of the Sky King television series. Filmaster Productions Inc., who produced the first several seasons of Gunsmoke for CBS Television, took over production of the series in the mid-1960s. Following the departure of Andrews, Ronald Reagan became the host. When Reagan entered politics, the role went to Robert Taylor. Taylor became gravely ill in 1969 and was replaced by Dale Robertson. Production of new episodes ceased in 1970. Merle Haggard provided narration for some previously made episodes in 1975. Reagan and Taylor also frequently appeared in the program as actors.

THIS EPISODE:

June 17, 1938. Blue Network. "The Burro That Had No Name". Sponsored by: Twenty Mule Team Borax. A pair of prospectors are plagued by a white burro, who makes himself right at home! John McBride ("The Old Ranger"). 25:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Benny Trounsel (Aired August 4, 1949)

"Dragnet" is also the hottest thing that radio and TV have ever seen. In a business where the supercolossal is barely good enough to get by on, "Dragnet" is looked upon with awe. It is—or was, until it went off the air a few weeks ago for the summer—the top show on radio, and the top show on TV, with nothing but "I Love Lucy," a slick situation comedy, coming any place close to it in ratings. Last summer, its doom-laden theme was turned into a popular song which was high on the hit parade until a series of hilarious parodies ("St. George and the Dragonet,"etc.) displaced it. Webb has contracted for series of full-length "Dragnet" movies, and comic strip takes "Dragnet" into whatever parts of the land are still without TV. The success of "Dragnet" is all the more remarkable because it has been accomplished against the steady and determined resistance of all the throttlebottoms in the business. In a field ruled by formula, it violates every formula in the book. Any producer can give you the recipe for a successful crime show. You've got to have a murder in a hurry to grab and hold the audience. Then, as the police fall all over their big flat feet, your wisecracking private eye, as hard as a landlady's heart, proceeds, to the accompaniment of bludgeonings, gunplay and fisticuffs and as much sex as the producer thinks he can get away with, to put the collar on the culprit or, better still, to liquidate him in a final crescendo of roaring guns. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

August 04, 1949. Program #9. NBC network. Sustaining. A small-time narcotics user named "Benny Trounsel AKA: Narcotics" has been beaten to death shortly after tipping the cops to a new narcotics ring in town. Jack Webb, Barton Yarborough, Raymond Burr. 29:18. Episode Notes Radio Gold Index. Cat #2636.

View Details

The Roger S. Chapman Case (Aired September 13, 1953)

NBC 30 minutes Sunday at 9:30PM.Cast Paul Frees, James Edwards, Jester Hairston, Jay Loughlin, Jonathan Hole, Mady Norman, Don Brinkley (writer), Michael Samoge (music), Warren Lewis (script supervisor), Homer Canfield (director), John Wald (announcer). Had a texture and sound not unlike Dragnet, indeed the influence was realized throughout the show. These were true stories of Crime and Punishment, the obvious difference that Dragnet began with the crime while Confession unfolded in reverse order, from the end. Confession was less noisy, it's theme was played on a single piano, but there was still the deadpan dialogue, the thief or killer giving his confession with an air of resignation and defeat. The criminal thus became a stream-of-consciousness narrator, with the action frequently cutting away into drama. "Names were changed to protect the legal rights of the subject"

THIS EPISODE:

September 13, 1953. NBC network. "The Case Of Roger S. Chapland". Sustaining. 9:30 P. M. A young man breaks into a store. He gets a suspended sentence, but no break from his father. A good drama ruined by that awful beeper. Paul Frees, James Edwards, Jester Hairston, Jay Loughlin, Jonathan Hole, Mady Norman, Don Brinkley (writer), Michael Samoge (music), Warren Lewis (script supervisor), Homer Canfield (director), John Wald (announcer). 29:37 Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Muscle Man Contest (Aired October 1, 1946)

Brown introduced Blanc to animation directors Tex Avery, Bob Clampett, Friz Freleng, and Frank Tashlin, who loved his voices. The first cartoon Blanc worked on was Picador Porky as the voice of a drunken bull. He took over as Porky Pig's voice in Porky's Duck Hunt, which marked the debut of Daffy Duck, also voiced by Blanc. Blanc soon became noted for voicing a wide variety of cartoon characters from Looney Tunes, adding Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird, Pepé Le Pew and many others. His natural voice was that of Sylvester the Cat, but without the lispy spray. (Blanc's voice can be heard in an episode of The Beverly Hillbillies that also featured frequent Blanc vocal foil Bea Benaderet; in his small appearance, Blanc plays a vexed cab-driver.)

THIS EPISODE:
October 1, 1946. "Muscle Man Contest" - CBS network. Sponsored by: Colgate Tooth Powder, Halo Shampoo. Hollywood origination. Mel enters a contest of strength with the district manager of a supermarket, expecting to lose. Zookie (also played by Mel Blanc) has his own ideas. Mel Blanc, ).Mary Jane Croft, Victor Miller and His Orchestra, Earle Ross, Joseph Kearns, Bud Hiestand (announcer 23:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Across The Pacific (Starring Humphrey Bogart) Aired January 25, 1943

Actors on the series included Ethel Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore, Ingrid Bergman, Humphrey Bogart, Eddie Cantor, Gary Cooper, Bing Crosby, Bette Davis, Jimmy Durante, Nelson Eddy, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Clark Gable, Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Johnny Mercer, Agnes Moorehead, Gregory Peck, Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra and Dinah Shore. Fees these actors would typically charge were donated to the Motion Picture Relief Fund, in order to support the creation and maintenance of the Motion Picture Country Home for retired actors. The series came to an end on CBS June 29, 1952.
THIS EPISODE:

January 25, 1943 - "Across the Pacific" is a 1942 spy film set on the eve of the entry of the United States into World War II. The film was directed first by John Huston, then by Vincent Sherman after Huston joined the United States Army Signal Corps. It stars Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, and Sydney Greenstreet. 29:21. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Salute To Horse Racing (Aired March 30, 1948)
In 1934-36, Berle was heard regularly on The Rudy Vallee Hour, and he got much publicity as a regular on The Gillette Original Community Sing, a Sunday night comedy-variety program broadcast on CBS from September 6, 1936 to August 29, 1937. In 1939, he was the host of Stop Me If You've Heard This One with panelists spontaneously finishing jokes sent in by listeners. Three Ring Time, a comedy-variety show sponsored by Ballantine Ale was followed by a 1943 program sponsored by Campbell's Soups. The audience participation show Let Yourself Go (1944-45) could best be described as slapstick radio with studio audience members acting out long suppressed urges (often directed at host Berle).

THIS EPISODE:

March 30, 1948. NBC network. Sponsored by: Philip Morris. "A Salute To Horse Racing". Frank Gallop (announcer), Milton Berle, Ray Bloch and His Orchestra. 28:22. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Man Who Murdered Time (01-01-39)

A man of mystery who was "never seen, only heard," The Shadow was also the first multimedia sensation and helped propel the young Orson Welles into the national spotlight. The famous character was also portrayed on radio by James LaCurto, Frank Readick, Carl Kroenke, Bill Johnstone, John Archer, Steve Courtleigh and Bret Morrison. The readers of Walter Gibson's pulp novels knew The Shadow as a master investigator who operated under the cover of darkness as he commanded a small army of agents in his war against the underworld and white-collar criminals. Radio listeners knew him as Lamont Cranston, "wealthy young man about town who years ago in the Orient learned a strange and mysterious secret--the hypnotic power to cloud men's minds so they cannot see him." However, The Shadow first materialized not as a crimefighting sleuth but as the sinister host and narrator of mystery stories adapted from the pages of the world's first detective fiction magazine.

THIS EPISODE:

January 1, 1939. Program #22. Mutual network origination, syndicated. "The Man Who Murdered Time". Sponsored by: B.F. Goodrich Tires. Possibly a syndicated version of the network program of January 1, 1939. A mad scientist, about to die, invents a time machine with the ability to repeat December 31st eternally. William Johnstone, Agnes Moorehead, Kenny Delmar, Ray Collins, Everett Sloane, Ken Roberts (announcer). 28:34. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Latin Type (Aired May 23, 1946)

Rogue's Gallery came to the Mutual network on September 27, 1945 with Dick Powell portraying Richard Rogue, a private detective who invariably ended up getting knocked out each week and spending his dream time in acerbic conversation with his subconscious self, Eugor. Rogue's Gallery was, in a sense, Dick Powell's rehearsal for Richard Diamond, Private Detective. Powell played private detective Richard Rogue, who trailed luscious blondes, protected witness, and did whatever else detectives do to make a living. It was a good series, though not destined to make much of a mark. Under the capable direction of Dee Englebach and accompanied by the music of Leith Stevens, Powell floated through his lines with the help of such competents as Lou Merrill, Gerald Mohr, Gloria Blondell, Tony Barrett, and Lurene Tuttle. Peter Leeds played Rogue's friend Eugor, an obscure play on names with Eugor spelling Rogue backwards. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Plays The Danleers "One Summer Night" (1958)
The King Was In His Counting House (Aired May 20, 1975)The show was set in the fictional seaside town of Walmington-on-Sea, on the south coast of England, making the Home Guard the front line of defence against an invasion by the enemy forces across the English Channel, which formed a backdrop to the series. The first episode, The Man and the Hour, began with a scene set in the "present day" of 1968, in which Mainwaring addressed his old platoon as part of the contemporary "I'm Backing Britain" campaign. It was a flash-back to the founding of the Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard platoon by Mainwaring after he had heard Anthony Eden's 1940 radio broadcast. The final episode, Never Too Old, focused on the wedding of Corporal Jones and Mrs. Fox, which was interrupted as the platoon were put on full invasion alert. The first two series were in black and white. There are three lost episodes from series two. Only film copies made of the episodes from these series survive; copies of series one were made for overseas sales, but there was little interest, so none were made of any series two episodes. The three episodes that exist do so because two were film recorded to show Columbia Pictures executives and another needed to be edited post-production.

View Details

Dark Dark Destiny (Aired April 13, 1947)
The Mysterious Traveler eventually became one of the sixteen highest rated Radio programs of their era. WOR and MBS took great pride in putting together a program that could rival Radio giants CBS, ABC, and NBC throughout the era. During its heyday The Mysterious Traveler spawned several similar thriller genre programs such as The Strange Dr. Wierd (1945), The Sealed Book (1945), Dark Venture (1946), Murder By Experts (1949), and The Teller of Tales (1950). The thriller genre was not new to Radio in the 1940s. The Witch's Tale had aired from 1931 to 1938 over The Mutual Broadcasting System and WOR. CBS had tried--and failed at--their own The Witching Hour for three months in 1932. Oklahoma Radio station WKY had successfully aired their own Dark Fantasy (1941) anthology of thrillers, which was immediately picked up by NBC for a national run. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.
THIS EPISODE:

April 13, 1947. Mutual network. "Dark, Dark Destiny". Sustaining. A man needs $1500 for a surgeon to save his wife, but the money is not that easy to get! The story has a fine ironic ending. The script was used on the program three years earlier (with some changes)and on "The Sealed Book" on September 9, 1945. Elaine Kemp, Palmer Ward, Ken Lynch, Bill Smith, Maurice Tarplin (as "The Traveler"), Joseph Julian, Charles Paul (organist), Robert A. Arthur (writer, producer, director), David Kogan (writer, producer, director), Carl Caruso (announcer). 29:24. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Dig Your Own Grave (Aired August 15, 1949

Murder By Experts was a radio drama anthology series that ran on American radio from 1949-1951, and was hosted first by John Dickson Carr, and later by Brett Halliday. Evidently, a mystery, authored by a leading crime fiction writer, was presented, and "guest experts," such as Alfred Hitchcock or Craig Rice, were invited to solve it. Or maybe not -- nobody seems to know much about this one. David Kogan, the writer/creator of Murder by Experts, also created and wrote The Mysterious Traveler. Guest experts: Alfred Hitchcock, Craig Rice. Guest stars: Ann Shepard, Larry Haines, Carl Eastman, Ann Sheperd, Bill Zuckert, Ralph Camargo, Burt Cullen, Lawson Zerbe, Marilyn Erskin.

THIS EPISODE:

August 15, 1949. Mutual network. "Dig Your Own Grave". Sustaining. A woman becomes "the seed" to promote her husband's romance with another woman. Then, she gives him the idea to commit murder. John Dickson Carr (host), Joseph Ruscoll (writer), Ken Lynch, Richard Dupage (composer), Emerson Buckley (conductor), Ann Shephard, Ron Rawson, James Stevens, Robert A. Arthur (producer, director), David Kogan (producer, director), Hester Sondergaard. 29:51. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Calculated Risk (01-19-51)

Nero Wolf is a fictional detective created by American author Rex Stout in the 1930s and featured in dozens of novels and novellas.In the stories, Wolfe is one of the most famous private detectives in the United States. He weighs about 285 pounds and is 5'11" tall. He raises orchids in a rooftop greenhouse in his New York City brownstone on West 35th Street, helped by his live-in gardener Theodore Horstmann. Wolfe (Wolf) drinks beer throughout the day and is a glutton. He employs a live-in chef, Fritz Brenner. He is multilingual and brilliant, though apparently self-educated, and reading is his third passion after food and orchids. He works in an office in his house and almost never leaves home, even to pursue the detective work that finances his expensive lifestyle. Instead, his leg work is done by another live-in employee, Archie Goodwin. While both Wolfe and Goodwin are licensed detectives, Goodwin is more of the classic fictional gumshoe, tough, wise-cracking, and skirt-chasing. He tells the stories in a breezy first-person narrative that is semi-hard-boiled in style.

THIS EPISODE:
January 19, 1951 "The Case Of The Calculated Risk" Killers seem to be throwing themselves at Nero Wolfe, when a man with a date with murder won’t take no for an answer. The large, red bearded man claims to have intent to kill someone. What does he want for Nero to do? Carry out the revenge if he should fail at it? Dave tells how a couple acquaintances, Carl, and Mitch had fallen on hard times. In cutting their losses, and a deck of cards, they arrive at a business settlement. When a cheater is found out, Mitch is killed. In escaping, Carl left Dave with a worthless envelope of paper scraps, instead of his share of the loot. Time passes, and Carl, not his real name has become a wealthy tycoon. Nero refuses to help, so Dave goes his way, and the cops are called on to stop the killing. Without anything to go on, other than aliases, how can it be stopped? After 3 days, Archie is frustrated at a lack of progress. Episode Notes From Retro-otr ep. #14

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Post Martin (Aired December 13, 1952)
Not long after the radio show began, talk began of adapting it to television. Privately, Macdonnell had a guarded interest in taking the show to television, but publicly, he declared, "our show is perfect for radio", and he feared, as Dunning writes, "Gunsmoke confined by a picture could not possibly be as authentic or attentive to detail." "In the end", wrote Dunning, "CBS simply took it away from Macdonnell and began preparing for the television version." The television series was the longest-running, primetime, live-action television series at 20 seasons, until September 2019 with the 21st-season premiere of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. The original Law and Order, which was cancelled in 2010 after tying Gunsmoke's longevity record for a live-action, primetime television series, would return air its 21 season in February 2022 as well. As of 2017, it had the highest number of scripted episodes for any U.S. primetime, commercial, live-action television series

THIS EPISODE:
December 13, 1952. "Post Martin AKA: Boston Jack" When Kathryn Blair gets off the train in Dodge City, she immediately looks out of place. She is beautiful, refined and obviously from a wealthy family. She has just arrived from Boston on a quest to find her brother, Martin Blair, who left Boston two years earlier. Matt acknowledges he knows Martin, but tells her he does not know his present whereabouts -- it seems Martin travels a great deal. Little wonder this is confusing to Chester. He knows Martin is in the back in a jail cell and that next week he will be tried for cattle rustling, horse stealing and murder.Featuring: William Conrad, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Jeanne Bates, Sam Edwards, Ralph Moody Episode Notes From Boxcars711 Radio Pod.

View Details

Trigger Man's Moll (Aired November 7, 1949)

MGM produced Crime Does Not Pay shorts through 1948, at which time WMGM began airing the Crime Does Not Pay radio program. While some of the Film version themes found their way into the Radio version, almost all seventy-eight Radio Crime Does Not Pay topics are original to the series. Many have theorized that some or all of the Crime Does Not Pay radio scripts had been works-in-progress for the Film version, or perhaps even envisioned for Television, where many of the Film shorts were already airing from time to time. Whatever the medium, Crime Does Not Pay seems to have touched a nerve with the American public. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

November 7, 1949. Program #5. MGM syndication. "Trigger Man's Moll". Commercials added locally. Tootsie "gets a conscience" and is rubbed out by the mob. After the "disposal squad" gets rid of the body, two years go by and Tootsie's "moll" realizes he's worth more dead than alive and she refuses to identify his killer! Ira Marion (writer), Jon Gart (music), Marx B. Loeb (director), Nancy Kelly, Burton B. Turkas (technical advisor), Bob Williams (announcer). 25:51. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Suspicion (Starring Cary Grant) Aired October 30, 1946

The list of films and actors on Academy Award Theater is very impressive. Bette Davis begins the series in Jezebel, with Ginger Rogers following in Kitty Foyle, and then Paul Muni in The Life of Louis Pasteur. The Informer had to have Victor Mclaglen, and the Maltese Falcon, Humphrey Bogart, Sidney Greenstreet (this movie was his first major motion picutre role) plus Mary Astor for the hat trick. Suspicion starred Cary Grant with Ann Todd doing the Joan Fontaine role, Ronald Coleman in Lost Horizon, and Joan Fontaine and John Lund were in Portrait of Jenny. How Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Pinocchio were done is something to hear! Some films are less well known, such as Guest in the House, with Kirk Douglas and Anita Louise, It Happened Tomorrow, with Eddie Bracken and Ann Blythe playing Dick Powell and Linda Darnell's roles, and Cheers for Miss Bishop with Olivia de Havilland. Each adaptation is finely produced and directed by Dee Engelbach, with music composed and conducted by Leith Stevens. Frank Wilson wrote the movie adaptations.

THIS EPISODE:

October 30, 1946. CBS network. "Suspicion". Sponsored by: Squibb. A woman finds her husband has been lying to her, later she suspects he may be plotting murder. Cary Grant, Ann Todd. 28:26. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Secret Word Is 'Roof' (Aired November 14, 1951)
Groucho Marx matches wits with the American public in four episodes of this classic game show. Starting on the radio in 1947, You Bet Your Life made its television debut in 1950 and aired for 11 years with Groucho as host and emcee. Sponsored rather conspicuously by the Dodge DeSoto car manufacturers, the show featured two contestants working as a team to answer questions for cash prizes. Another mainstay of these question and answer segments was the paper mache duck that would descend from the ceiling with one hundred dollars in tow whenever a player uttered the "secret word." The quiz show aspect of "You Bet Your Life" was always secondary, to the clever back-and-forth between host and contestant, which found Groucho at his funniest. It's in these interview segments that "You Bet Your Life" truly makes its mark as one of early television's greatest programs. Directed by: Robert Dwan.

THIS EPISODE:

November 14, 1951. Syndicated, WNEW-TV, New York audio aircheck. "Secret Word Is Roof". Participating sponsors. The first contestant is Anna Lingren. Syndicated rebroadcast date: March 21, 1975. Anna Lingren, Groucho Marx, George Fenneman (announcer), Jack Meakin (music). 29:26. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Blackout (Aired August 15, 1949)
The Radio City Playhouse was a half-hour of drama, sometimes comedy, often very exciting and suspenseful. The cast were made up of New York veterans of radio and stage, including Jan Minor and John Larkin as featured performers. The director, Harry W. Junkin, also served as the show's host and narrator. Each week the show introduced a new story, often written by well-known writers of fantasy and suspense such as Ray Bradbury, Cornell Woolrich, Agatha Christie and Paul Gallico. They were dramatized with a full orchestral soundtrack and excellent sound effects.

THIS EPISODE:

August 15, 1949. Program #51. NBC network. "Blackout". Sustaining. An alcoholic has committed a murder...or has he? The program is also known as, "NBC Short Story." Arnold Moss, Eugene Francis, Fred Collins (announcer), Harry W. Junkin (writer, director, host), Jan Miner, Larry Blyden, Luis Van Rooten, Roy Shield (composer, conductor). 34:10. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

**INTRO: Bob plays The Commadores "Three Times A Lady" 1978 #1 Hit (Motown)
Screen Director's Playhouse - The Fugitive (07-12-51)

"The Fugitive" (Aired July 12, 1951)
Screen Director's Playhouse is NBC's answer to Lux Theater and Screen Guild Players, both prosperous ventures on CBS. The rehash of old movies doesn't necessarily make the most vivid of radio plays but there seems to be no doubt that it attracts listeners by the hundredweight. And association with America's citadel of glamor lures the unsuspecting by the sheer weight of publicity. In this case, the association with Hollywood is even more tenuous than usual. The screen director, who figures so prominently in the title, has very little to do with the program beyond appearing briefly at the beginning to explain why he thought, say, "Jezebel" was a marvelous picture--a rather difficult thing to explain--and later he bobs up again at the end to exchange banter with the star, an exchange that generally takes the form of a barrage of mutual compliments.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Six Shooter"
"The Capture Of Stacy Gault" (Aired November 1, 1953)

The theme of The Six Shooter wasn't the only aspect of the production that created a buzz throughout during the Fall and Winter of 1953-54. The term 'adult western,' when it was first coined in the late 1940s, referred to the overlaying of contemporary psychological themes onto the western genre of literature, Radio and Film. Just as in noir crime fiction in print, film noir and radio noir had ushered in a new perspective on traditional fiction; the overlaying of contemporary values, psychological themes and sophisticated social interactions between characters of a story. The adult western transformed the traditional 'black hat'-'white hat' type of shoot'em up cowboy opera format into a form that examined the deeper motivations of its characters and how those psychological themes informed the plot--but in a period western setting. Adult westerns first appeared in Film with big screen hits like Sam Fuller's classic I Shot Jesse James (1949), Winchester '73 (1950), High Noon (1952), and Shane (1953).

THIS EPISODE:

November 1, 1953. "The Capture Of Stacy Gault" - NBC network. Sustaining. Britt forces the sheriff to go after a robber, even though the wounded crook may be the sheriff's son. This is a network, sponsored version. James McCallion is given air credit on this broadcast instead of Bert Holland. Jimmy Stewart, Jack Johnstone (director), Basil Adlam (music), Parley Baer, Herb Vigran, William Conrad, Frank Burt (writer, creator), Hal Gibney (announcer), James McCallion. 29:35. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Detour To Terror (Aired May 21, 1946)
Produced in New York, the cast usually consisted of veteran radio actors, with occasional guest appearances by such Hollywood stars Boris Karloff, Peter Lorre and Claude Rains. What made Inner Sanctum Mysteries unique among radio horror shows was its host, a slightly-sinister sounding man originally known as “Raymond.” The host had a droll sense of humor and an appetite for ghoulish puns, and his influence can be seen among horror hosts everywhere, from the Crypt-Keeper to Elvira. Raymond Edward Johnson was the show’s host until 1945; Paul McGrath took over the role until the show left the air in 1952. Producer Hiram Brown would utilize the creaking door again in the 1970s, when he produced and directed The CBS Radio Mystery Theater. Inner Sanctum Mysteries was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1988.

THIS EPISODE:

May 21, 1946. CBS network. "Detour To Terror". Sponsored by: Lipton Tea, Lipton Soup. A man and his twin sister are lured from a country road where they meet a strange blind man and his brother. Mason Adams, Emile Tepperman (writer), Mercedes McCambridge, Himan Brown (director), Paul McGrath (host), Mary Bennett (commercial spokesman), Berry Kroeger, Santos Ortega, Donald Dane. 28:42. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Adventure Of The Green Doubloon (Aired October 2, 1949)

The Series was heard over all four networks over the following four years in initial syndication and rebroadcast. Given one's geographical location, a listener might well have been able to hear as many as three or four weekly airings of The Adventures of Frank Race. Seasoned writer Joel Murcott joined Broadcasters Program Syndicate for the express purpose of writing and supervising Bruce Eells' first two dramatic offerings, Frontier Town, starring Jeff Chandler under the tongue in cheek performing name 'Tex Chandler' and The Adventures of Frank Race initially starring durable and versatile character actor Tom Collins. Legendary composer Ivan Ditmars scored both the audition and production series. The audition for the series was recorded during February 1949. The audition featured Tom Collins as former attorney and O.S.S. officer, Frank Race. Race is aided by his associate, former cab driver, Marcus 'Marc' Donovan portrayed by Tony Barrett. Lurene Tuttle is also featured in the audition. The audition lays out the premise for the contemplated series.

THIS EPISODE:

October 2, 1949. Program #23. Broadcasters Program Syndicate syndication. "The Adventure Of The Green Doubloon". Commercials added locally. Frank and his sidekick Mark are in rainswept Colon, Panama, tracking down an embezzler. Paul Dubov, Tony Barrett, Buckley Angel (writer, director), Joel Murcott (writer, director), Bruce Eells (producer), Ivan Ditmars (organist), Art Gilmore (announcer), Herb Butterfield, Gunnar Peterson, Jack Kruschen, Michael Ann Barrett. 28:16. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Trip To Palm Springs (Guest Veronica Lake) Aired December 2, 1943
The Abbott and Costello Show mixed comedy with musical interludes (usually, by singers such as Connie Haines, Marilyn Maxwell, the Delta Rhythm Boys, Skinnay Ennis, and the Les Baxter Singers). Regulars and semi-regulars on the show included Artie Auerbrook, Elvia Allman, Iris Adrian, Mel Blanc, Wally Brown, Sharon Douglas, Verna Felton, Sidney Fields, Frank Nelson, Martha Wentworth, and Benay Venuta. Ken Niles was the show's longtime announcer, doubling as an exasperated foil to Abbott & Costello's mishaps (and often fuming in character as Costello insulted his on-air wife routinely).

THIS EPISODE:

December 2, 1943. "Trip To Palm Springs" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Camels, Prince Albert Pipe Tobacco. The boys plan to visit guest Veronica Lake, but first have to stop by the "U-Drive" car rental agency. Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Ken Niles (announcer), Freddie Rich and His Orchestra, Connie Haines (vocal), Cliff Nazarro, Veronica Lake. 33:40. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Wax Work" and "Man & The Snake" (Aired January 9, 1957)

Nelson Olmsted was a national treasure. Over a broadcasting career of thirty-five years, Olmsted's soothing, reassuring, and highly versatile narrations graced thousands of broadcast recordings. While also a prolific and highly successful actor in both Radio and Television, it's Olmsted's literature readings and narrations that are the focus of this series and this article. Sleep No More was Nelson's Olmsted's contribution to The Golden Age of Radio's rich tradition of broadcasting compelling and stirring supernatural and suspense dramas, predominantly from the finest supernatural literature throughout modern history. Sleep No More arrived during the waning years of the Golden Age of Radio--understandably risky Radio programming for the mid-1950s. On the plus side of the equation were Nelson Olmsted's extremely loyal following throughout the U.S. combined with the classic nature of the stories which comprised the series. These stories were many of the most popular and compelling supernatural stories and adventures in literary history.

THIS EPISODE:

January 9, 1957. NBC network. "The Waxwork" And "The Man & The Snake". Sustaining. An impoverished journalist accepts the assignment of spending a night in a wax museum. Also, a man is hypnotized by a deadly snake in his apartment. Nelson Olmsted, Ben Grauer (announcer), Ambrose Bierce (author of the second story), Al Kelly (promotional announcement), Kenneth MacGregor (director), A. M. Burrage (author). 28:48. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

In Flanders Field (Aired May 14, 1945)

His earliest cases, which he pursued as an amateur, came from fellow university students. According to Holmes, it was an encounter with the father of one of his classmates that led him to take up detection as a profession and he spent the six years following university working as a consulting detective, before financial difficulties led him to take Watson as a roommate, at which point the narrative of the stories begins. From 1881, Holmes is described as having lodgings at 221B Baker Street, London, from where he runs his private detective agency. 221B is an apartment up seventeen steps, stated in an early manuscript to be at the "upper end" of the road. Until the arrival of Dr. Watson, Holmes works alone, only occasionally employing agents from the city's underclass, including a host of informants and a group of street children he calls the Baker Street Irregulars. The Irregulars appear in three stories, "The Sign of the Four", "A Study in Scarlet" and "The Adventure of the Crooked Man".

THIS EPISODE:

May 14, 1945. Mutual network. "In Flanders' Fields". Sponsored by: Petri Wines. The program originates from The Paramount Theatre, Hollywood, and is a benefit for The Seventh War Loan. Just before the battle of the Marne, during World War I, Holmes performs Shakespeare and foils the plans of a German spy. The story is based on, "The Adventure Of The Blanched Soldier." Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Jack Slattery (announcer), Denis Green (writer), Anthony Boucher (writer), Glenhall Taylor (producer), Arthur Conan Doyle (creator). 28:07. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Kingfish At The Ball Game (Aired April 16, 1953)

With the listening audience increasing in the spring and summer of 1928, the show's success prompted the Pepsodent Company to bring it to the NBC Blue Network on August 19, 1929. Amos was naïve but honest, hard-working and (after his 1933 marriage to Ruby Taylor) a dedicated family man. Andy was more blustering, with overinflated self-confidence. Andy, being a dreamer, tended to let Amos do most of the work. Their lodge leader, the Kingfish, was always trying to lure the two into get-rich-quick schemes. Other characters included John Augustus "Brother" Crawford, an industrious but long-suffering family man; Henry Van Porter, a social-climbing real estate and insurance salesman; Frederick Montgomery Gwindell, a hard-charging newspaperman; William Lewis Taylor, the well-spoken, college-educated father of Amos's fiancee; and "Lightning", a slow-moving Stepin Fetchit-type character.

THIS EPISODE:

April 16, 1953. CBS-TV network origination, syndicated, audio + video. "The Wentworth $ 3000.00 Engagement Ring" AKA: "Kingfish At The Ball Game". Commercials deleted and/or added locally.. It could only happen to the Kingfish. While enjoying the ball-game at Yankee Stadium, a woman drops her $3000 pearl ring...and it lands in a box of Krispy Jacks being held by the Kingfish. Excellent film video. Freeman Gosden (creator), Charles Correll (creator), Bob Ross (writer), David Schwartz (writer), Alvin Childress, Spencer Williams, Tim Moore, Johnny Lee, Nicodemus Stewart, Joan Henderson ("little girl"), Michael Jackson ("first boy"), James Jackson ("second boy"), Walter Woolf King ("Mr. Wentworth"), Lois Austin ("Mrs. Wentworth"), Charles Barton (director). 26:25. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index. Cat.#109182.

View Details

Reception With The Czar (Aired February 13, 1953)

Horatio Hornblower is a fictional Royal Navy officer who is the protagonist of a series of novels by C. S. Forester, and later the subject of films and television programs. The original Hornblower tales began with the appearance of a junior Royal Navy Captain on independent duty on a secret mission to Central America, though later stories would fill out his earlier years, starting with an unpromising beginning as a seasick midshipman. As the Napoleonic Wars progress, he gains promotion steadily as a result of his skill and daring, despite his initial poverty and lack of influential friends. Eventually, after surviving many adventures in a wide variety of locales, he rises to the pinnacle of his profession, promoted to Rear admiral of the Red Squadron, knighted as a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, and named the 1st Baron Hornblower. Ernest Hemingway is quoted as saying, "I recommend Forester to everyone literate I know," and Winston Churchill stated, "I find Hornblower admirable."

THIS EPISODE:

February 13, 1953. "Reception With The Czar" - Program #30. Radio Luxembourg, Towers Of London syndication. Commercials added locally. A visit to the palace of the Czar, and an assassination attempt is foiled. Commodore Hornblower almost succumbs to the charms of a very friendly countess. The program closing has been deleted. Michael Redgrave, C. S. Forester (creator), Sidney Torch (composer, conductor), Harry Alan Towers (producer, director), Philo Higby (writer). 20:57. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The King In Yellow (Aired July 8, 1947)

Dashiell Hammett introduced the new genre, and Sam Spade, in 1930 in his novel The Maltese Falcon. A few years later Raymond Chandler came along and perfected the type, with his detective, Philip Marlowe. Chandler introduced Marlowe in his first novel, The Big Sleep, and Philip Marlowe continued to solve crimes in six subsequent Chandler novels. Chandler had previously published a number of short stories featuring other detectives; however, Marlowe proved so popular that when the stories were later republished the author often switched the detectives to Philip Marlowe. Chandler's style was unique. His sparse style was full of wonderfully sharp similies and rich descriptive narration. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

July 8, 1947. NBC network. "The King In Yellow". Sponsored by: Pepsodent, Trim (hair tonic with olive oil!). A trumpet player named King Leopoldi is being blackmailed. King dies and more murders follow. The program is referred to as "The Pepsodent Program." Sounds like Gerald Mohr (who would later play the lead) is in the cast. Van Heflin, Raymond Chandler (creator, writer), Milton Geiger (adaptor), Gerald Mohr, Wendell Niles (announcer), Lyn Murray (composer, conductor). 31:09. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Tennessee Valley Killer (Aired December 20, 1947 )

The series dramatized FBI cases, which producer-director Phillips H. Lord arranged in close association with Bureau director J. Edgar Hoover. Hoover insisted that only closed cases would be used. The initial series was on NBC Radio from July 20 - October 12, 1935. It then aired on CBS from January 15, 1936 to June 15, 1940, sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive and Cue magazine. From October 11, 1940 to December 25, 1948, it was heard on the Blue Network, with various sponsors that included Sloan's Liniment, Waterman pens and Tide. Returning to CBS on January 8, 1949, it ran until June 25, 1955, sponsored by Grape-Nuts and Wrigley's chewing gum. The final series was on the Mutual Broadcasting System from October 5, 1955 to November 27, 1957.

THIS EPISODE:

December 20, 1947. Program #508. ABC network origination, syndicated, WRVR-FM, New York rebroadcast. "The Case Of Troy Blankenship". Participating sponsors. The public enemy #1 loves bright new cars. He wears only red shirts and limps. A case of cow doctors, cock-fights and cracked safes. WRVR rebroadcast date: May 9, 1974. The syndicated rebroadcast is announced as, "The Case Of The Tennessee Valley Killer.". Arthur Vinton, Will Geer, Don Gardiner (announcer), Phillips H. Lord (producer). 30:15. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index. Cat.# 11851.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Frontier Town"
The Canyon Of Wanted Men (Aired June 4, 1949)

Chandler's characterization of Chad Remington is forceful, dynamic and melodramatic and runs for the first twenty-three episodes. Veteran Film, Television and Radio actor Reed Hadley then assumes the role of Chad Remington for the remaining 24 installments. The contrast between the two characterizations is quite evident, but doesn't interfere with either the continuity of the main character or the flow of the episodes. Both principal actors acquit themselves well in the role. Wade Crosby in the role of Cherokee O'Bannon plays it well over the top, but that's what sidekicks do, after all.

THIS EPISODE:

June 4, 1949. Program #14. Broadcasters Program Syndicate/Bruce Eells and Associates syndication. "The Canyon Of Wanted Men" aka: The Case Of The Wells Fargo Robbery. Music fill for local commercial insert. A gang of crooks trapped in a canyon take a hostage and blow up the dam. Jeff Chandler is billed as "Tex" Chandler. Jeff Chandler, Wade Crosby, Bob Mitchell (organist), Ivan Ditmars (possible organist), Bill Forman (announcer), Paul Franklin (writer, director), Bruce Eells (producer). 29:00. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

April Fool's Day (Aired April 01, 1942) *Date is subject to correction.

Henry's parents, Sam and Alice, were portrayed by House Jameson and Katharine Raht, his sister Mary was played by Charita Bauer among others, and his usual girlfriend, Kathleen Anderson, was voiced by Mary Shipp. The role of Henry's best friend, Homer Brown, was played by Jackie Kelk (as well as Jack Grimes, Michael O'Day and John Fiedler). Homer's parents were Arthur Vinton and Agnes Moorehead, among others. Eddie Bracken appeared in the earlier shows as friend Dizzy Stevens. The show's announcers included Harry Von Zell, Dan Seymour and Dwight Weist. The Aldrich Family lived at 117 Elm Street in Centerville, USA (state unknown). Henry and his friend Homer attend Central High School with an assortment of other friends. Henry's father Sam is a lawyer and his mother Alice is a homemaker. Henry Aldrich was an endearingly bumbling kid growing awkwardly into adolescence, and The Aldrich Family often revolved around Henry's misadventures with his friends and girls.

THIS EPISODE:

April 01, 1942. (AKA: April 02, 1942 The Date Is Subject To Correction.) - NBC network. Postum, Birdseye Frozen Foods. It's "April Fool's Day", and the practical jokes get out of hand. Dan Seymour (announcer), Jack Miller (conductor), Clifford Goldsmith (writer). Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index. Cat. # 61483.*

View Details

INTRO: Bob Remembers The Fiestas "So Fine" (1959) STEREO
"Amy Lou Goes To War" (Aired September 20, 1942)
Conrad Binyon as the mayor's ward, Butch. Gloria McMillan as Sharlee Bronson, Butch's best girl. Priscilla Lyon as Holly-Ann, the mayor's granddaughter. Also: Will Wright, Sharon Douglas, Irvin Lee, Marjorie Davies, and other Hollywood actors. Producer: Murray Bolen; later Knowles Entrikin. Director: Jack Van Nostrand. Writers: Jean Holloway, Leonard St. Clair, Howard Blake, Erna Lazarus, etc.; Howard Breslin and Charles Tazewell wrote alternate weeks, ca. 1945. Orchestra:. Gordon Jenkins (ca. 1943); Bernard Katz (1945); Frank Worth. Sound Effects: David Light, Mary Ann Gideon.

THIS EPISODE:
September 20, 1942. "Amy Lou Goes To War" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Swan Soap, Rinso. Amy Lou, the town tomboy, has volunteered to join the nurses overseas, and serves on Bataan. The last few seconds of the program have been deleted. Agnes Moorehead, Gordon Jenkins and His Orchestra, Harlow Wilcox, Jean Holloway (writer), Jerry Hausner, Lionel Barrymore, Stanley Farrar, Veola Vonn (commercial). 32:38. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Museum Mystery (Aired December 10, 1941)

The series focused on a crusading D.A., initially known only as "Mister District Attorney," or "Chief", and was later translated to television. On television the D.A. had a name, Paul Garrett, and the radio version picked up this name in the final years when David Brian played the role. A key figure in the dramas was the D.A.'s secretary, Edith Miller (Vicki Vola). Created, written, and directed by former law student Ed Byron, the series was inspired by the early years of New York governor Thomas E. Dewey. It was Dewey's public war against racketeering which led to his election as governor. Phillips H. Lord, creator of Gangbusters, helped to develop the concept and coined the title. Byron lent an air of accuracy and immediacy to his scripts through close study of crime statistics, a library of criminology texts, following the newspapers, and even going around rough bars to gain tips, background, and color from crooks and police alike. His techniques sometimes enabled Byron to accurately predicting major crime waves before the news broke. Produced throughout its run in New York City, the series began as a fifteen minute serial, becoming a half hour, self-contained series three months later.

View Details

Luigi's Toothache (Aired May 8, 1949)
Life with Luigi was a radio comedy-drama series which began September 21, 1948 on CBS. The story concerned Italian immigrant Luigi Basco, and his experiences as an immigrant in Chicago. Many of the shows take place at the US citizenship classes that Luigi attends with other immigrants from different countries, as well as trying to fend off the repeated advances of the morbidly-obese daughter of his landlord/sponsor. Luigi was played by J. Carrol Naish, an Irish-American. Naish continued in the role on the short-lived television version in 1952, and was later replaced by Vito Scotti. With a working title of The Little Immigrant, Life with Luigi was created by Cy Howard, who earlier had created the hit radio comedy, My Friend Irma.

THIS EPISODE:

May 8, 1949. "Luigi's Toothache" - CBS network. Sustaining. Luigi has a toothache. J. Carrol Naish, Alan Reed, Cy Howard (creator, producer), Mary Shipp, Hans Conried, Ken Peters, Joe Forte, Mac Benoff (writer, director), Lou Derman (writer), Lyn Murray (music director), Bob Stevenson (announcer). 27:32. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Killer Come Back To Me (Aired May 17, 1946)

Although Molle Mystery Theatre was initially sponsored by Molle Shaving Cream, other sponsors (such as Bayer Aspirin, Ironized Yeast, Phillips Milk of Magnesia) also sponsored the program. Sometimes, when it was not sponsored by Molle, the program was called "Mystery Theater". The show was first heard on NBC, on 9/7/43. Time slot was originally Sunday nights at 9:00 PM, but was later moved to Tuesday at 9:00 PM, and Friday at 10:00 PM. In 1948, the show moved to CBS (Tues, 8:00 PM), and in 1951, it moved to ABC, where it was called "Mark Sabre", and heard on Wednesdays at either 8:00 PM or 9:30 PM. The shows were tight and tension filled, with a fine orchestra score and solid production values. Classic tales from well-known authors, as well as modern unknowns were presented, and the endings were often twists or shockers.

THIS EPISODE:

May 17, 1946. Program #202. NBC network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "Killer Come Back To Me". AFRS program name: "Mystery Playhouse." A gun moll changes a young punk into an experienced bank robber...or at least his double. Ray Bradbury (author), Richard Widmark, Alice Reinheart, Alexander Semmler (composer, conductor), Bernard Lenrow (host, as "Geoffrey Barnes"). 29:55. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Argyle Murder Case (Aired June 27, 1950)

Philo Vance was the detective creation of S. S. Van Dine first published in the mid 1920s. Vance, in the original books, is an intellectual so highly refined he seems he might be ghostwritten by P. G. Wodehouse. Take this quote from The Benson Murder Case, 1924, as Vance pontificates in his inimitable way: "That's your fundamental error, don't y' know. Every crime is witnessed by outsiders, just as is every work of art. The fact that no one sees the criminal, or the artist, actu'lly at work, is wholly incons'quential." Thankfully, the radio series uses only the name, and makes Philo a pretty normal, though very intelligent and extremely courteous gumshoe. Jose Ferrer played him in 1945. From 1948-1950, the fine radio actor Jackson Beck makes Vance as good as he gets. George Petrie plays Vance's constantly impressed public servant, District Attorney Markham. Joan Alexander is Ellen Deering, Vance's secretary and right-hand woman. The organist for the show is really working those ivories, and fans of old time radio organ will especially enjoy this series. Perhaps one reason the organist "pulls out all the stops" is because there seems to be little, Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.
THIS EPISODE:

June 27, 1950. Program #69. ZIV Syndication. "The Argyle Murder Case". Commercials added locally. An actor's dead body is found on a ferryboat. The body has on all new clothes...and argyle socks that don't match. Jackson Beck. 32:03. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

A House Full Of Junk (Aired May 10, 1951)

Father Knows Best, a family comedy of the 1950s, is perhaps more important for what it has come to represent than for what it actually was. In essence, the series was one of a slew of middle-class family sitcoms in which moms were moms, kids were kids, and fathers knew best. Today, many critics view it, at best, as high camp fun, and, at worst, as part of what critic David Marc once labeled the "Aryan melodramas" of the 1950s and 1960s. The brainchild of series star Robert Young, who played insurance salesman Jim Anderson, and producer Eugene B. Rodney, Father Knows Best first debuted as a radio sitcom in 1949.The series began August 25, 1949, on NBC Radio. Set in the Midwest, it starred Robert Young as General Insurance agent Jim Anderson. His wife Margaret was first portrayed by June Whitley and later by Jean Vander Pyl. The Anderson children were Betty (Rhoda Williams), Bud (Ted Donaldson) and Kathy (Norma Jean Nillson). Others in the cast were Eleanor Audley, Herb Vigran and Sam Edwards. Sponsored through most of its run by General Foods, the series was heard Thursday evenings on NBC until March 25, 1954.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke"
"Overland Express" (Aired October 31, 1952)

The radio version ran from 1952 to 1961, and John Dunning writes that among radio drama enthusiasts "Gunsmoke is routinely placed among the best shows of any kind and any time." The television version ran for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975, and was the United States' longest-running prime time, live-action drama with 635 episodes. In 2010, Law & Order tied this record of 20 seasons (but only 456 episodes). At the end of its run in 1975, Los Angeles Times columnist Cecil Smith wrote "Gunsmoke was the dramatization of the American epic legend of the west. Our own Iliad and Odyssey, created from standard elements of the dime novel and the pulp western as romanticized by Buntline, Harte, and Twain. It was ever the stuff of legend.

THIS EPISODE:

October 31, 1952. CBS network. "Overland Express". Sustaining. While taking an escaped killed named Joe Bodrie back to Dodge, Matt and Chester find plenty of action aboard a stagecoach. One of the public service announcements mentions that CBS News will be using "Univac" to predict election returns. The script was used on the Gunsmoke television series May 31, 1958. Clancey Cassell (announcer), James Nusser, John Meston (writer), Junius Matthews, Lawrence Dobkin, Lou Krugman, Parley Baer, Ralph Moody, Vic Perrin, William Conrad. 30:09. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index. Cat. #39952.

View Details

Corpse On Delivery (Aired October 31, 1951)

Barry Craig, Confidential Investigator is one of the few detective radio series that had separate versions of it broadcast from both coasts. Even the spelling changed over the years. It was first "Barry Crane" and then "Barrie Craig". NBC produced it in New York from 1951 to 1954 and then moved it to Hollywood where it aired from 1954 to 1955. It attracted only occasional sponsors so it was usually a sustainer.William Gargan, who also played the better known television (and radio) detective Martin Kane, was the voice of New York eye BARRY CRAIG while Ralph Bell portrayed his associate, Lt. Travis Rogers. Craig's office was on Madison Avenue and his adventures were fairly standard PI fare. He worked alone, solved cases efficiently, and feared no man. As the promos went, he was "your man when you can't go to the cops. Confidentiality a specialty.

THIS EPISODE:
October 31, 1951. NBC network. "Corpse On Delivery". Sustaining. Joey Florio has jumped bail and Barrie Craig has been hired to find him. A corpse slows down the search. Amzie Strickland, Don Pardo (announcer), Himan Brown (director), John Roeburt (writer), William Gargan. 28:03. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Cupid On The Farm (Aired March 2, 1950)

The series ran two seasons, and was revived in 1949 as a syndicated program, now called The Adventures of Maisie. Included in the repertory cast were Hans Conreid (later on Life with Liugi), Sheldon Leonard, Joan Banks, Elvia Allman, Bea Benadaret, and Sandra Gould. The radio show continued in the tried and true Maisie tradition of one part adventure of the emotional kind, one part romance, and one part laughs. To the end Maisie was the single girl, as this allowed her to get involved in continuing adventures of many kinds. These radio adventures of a liberated American "dame" from Brooklyn were tailored to post-WWII, and featured Maisie making her way (and having her way, most of the time) on both sides of the Atlantic. Maisie's favorite comment - "Likewise, I'm sure." Sothern, due in great part to the Maisie films type-casting, would ultimately admit she was "a Hollywood princess, not a Hollywood queen." But in its time, the Maisie series in film and on radio made her known and loved the world over.

THIS EPISODE:

March 2, 1950. "Cupid On The Farm" - Program #15. MGM syndication. Commercials added locally. Maisie's working down on the farm, trying to get two lovers to tie the knot. The date above is the date of first broadcast on WMGM, New York City. Ann Sothern, Bea Benaderet, Ben Wright, Earle Ross, Hans Conried, Harry Zimmerman (composer, conductor), Jack McCoy (announcer), Sammie Hill, Sheldon Leonard, Sidney Miller, Will Wright. 29:59. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boarder Killed (Aired September 13, 1949)

Here we bring you A Life in Your Hands, a murder and courtroom melodrama which ran on the radio from 1949 - 1952. It portrays a truthful and objective view of various murder stories. The format of the shows is that of interviews - with witnesses on both sides providing their stories. The hero in the story is the fictitious Jonathan Kegg who is seeking the truth behind these mysterious cases. He represents neither the defense nor the prosecution, but rather is a man on a journey for justice. Cast: Ned LeFevre (Jonathan Kegg-1949) Mike Wallace (Narrator (1949)) Lee Bowman (Jonathan Kegg-1951) Carlton Kadell (Jonathan Kegg (1950,52), Narrator) Erle Stanley Gardner ((Creator)) Director: John Cowan, Homer Heck, Patrick Murphy, Jack Simpson

THIS EPISODE:
September 13, 1949."Boarder Killed" NBC network. Raleigh Cigarettes, Sir Walter Raleigh Pipe Tobacco. There's been a murder in Mrs. O'Malley's boarding house. It's Bill Smith, the boarder that everyone hates. The last program of the season, "People Are Funny" returns to this time slot next week. Erle Stanley Gardner (creator), Ned LeFevre, Mike Wallace (announcer, billed as "Myron Wallace"), Bob McKee (writer), Homer Hecht (director), Jack Simpson (producer), Clarence Hartzell (? The Judge), Adele Scott (organist). 29:11. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index. Cat# 81734.

View Details

The Lady From Istanbul (Aired August 28, 1949)
Rocky Jordan (Jack Moyles/George Raft) is the proprietor of the Café Tambourine located, according to the announcer, "not far from the Mosque Sultan Hassan," though he is originally from St. Louis. As an American restaurateur in a North African country, Jordan is somewhat similar to the Rick Blaine character in the film Casablanca, though the Café Tambourine is apparently a much less salubrious venue than Rick's Bar. The announcer describes it as being "Crowded with forgotten men, and alive with the babble of many languages". Each episode sees Jordan confronted with a "crime, a mystery, a beautiful woman, or a combination of the three". Precisely why Jordan is in Egypt is left deliberately vague, though he apparently has enemies in St. Louis so can't go back home. Sam Sabaaya (Jay Novello) is the police captain who apprehends the criminals at the end of each adventure.

THIS EPISODE:
August 28, 1949. CBS Pacific network. "The Lady From Istanbul". Sponsored by: Del Monte Foods. A beautiful woman with no past brings adventure to Rocky in old Cairo. Jack Moyles, E. Jack Neuman (author), Larry Roman (adaptor), Gomer Cool (adaptor), Jay Novello, Cliff Howell (producer, director), Richard Aurandt (composer, conductor), Larry Thor (announcer). 29:47. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

On The Trail Of A Killer (Aired January 5, 1954)
Both Frank Sinatra's and Ava Gardner's careers were approaching critical junctures--a publicists dream, but rapidly dimming any possibility for a continuation of Rocky Fortune, or any other such Radio vehicle for Frank Sinatra. NBC had auditioned two other such detective genre vehicles for Sinatra--'Frankie Galahad, Private Detective', and an Erle Stanley Gardner series. Some intriguing prospects to be sure. If only . . . .Rocco Fortunato was a young New Yorker on his way up and out of the endless dead-end jobs his employment agency was sending him on, like the oyster-shucking job they sent him to that yielded only a handful of 'clams' for his efforts--but a bonus of 12 big hot pearls in the bargain. And much as Alan Ladd's character in Box 13, Rocky Fortune was clearly ready for a more vibrant, exciting, and financially rewarding career change. Show Notes From The Digital Deli. THIS EPISODE:

January 5, 1954. "On The Trail Of A Killer" NBC network. Frank's good friend Ellie is, "fat, forty and frustrated." She marries a no-goodnik and is soon murdered. Rocky takes out in hot pursuit and nearly rides the rails...with his ticket punched with a bullet, "from here to eternity." Frank Sinatra, Paula Victor, Tom McKee, John Sutton, Barney Phillips, Jay Loft Lynn, Maurice Hart, Norm Sickle (writer), Andrew C. Love (director). 23:53. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Fire Burn & Cauldron Bubble (Aired April 6, 1943)

Suspense was one of the premier programs of the Golden Age of Radio (aka old-time radio), and advertised itself as "radio's outstanding theater of thrills." It was heard in one form or another from 1942 through 1962. There were approximately 945 episodes broadcast during its long run, over 900 of which are extant in mostly high-quality recordings. Suspense went through several major phases, characterized by different hosts, sponsors and director/producers. There were a few rules which were followed for all but a handful of episodes: Protagonists were usually a normal person suddenly dropped into a threatening or bizarre situation. Evildoers must be punished in the end.

THIS EPISODE:

April 6, 1943. CBS network. "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble". Sustaining. The "Man In Black" (Ted Osborne) introduces Paul Lukas in a story about a famous actress who is killed by a long blade through her eye while watching MacBeth. A tale well calculated... Bernard Herrmann (composer, conductor), John Dickson Carr (host), John Dietz (director), Paul Lukas, Robert Simmons, Ted Osborne, William Spier (producer, director, editor). 29:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Knock (Aired May 22, 1955)

X Minus One was an NBC science fiction series that was an extension, or revival, of NBC's earlier science fiction series, Dimension X. which ran from Apr. 8, 1950 through Sept. 29, 1951. Both are remembered for bringing really first rate science fiction to the air. The first X Minus One shows used scripts from Dimension X, but soon created new shows from storied from the pages of Galaxy Magazine. The series was cancelled after the 126th broadcast on January 9, 1958. However, the early 1970s brought a wave of nostalgia for old-time radio; a new experimental episode, "The Iron Chancellor" by Robert Silverberg, was created in 1973, but it failed to revive the series. NBC also tried broadcasting the old recordings, but their irregular once-monthly scheduling kept even devoted listeners from following the broadcasts. All episodes of the show survive.

THIS EPISODE:

May 22, 1955. NBC network. "Knock". Sustaining. The last man on Earth sat in a room, there was a knock on the door. The script was previously used on "Dimension X" on May 6, 1950. The program was rebroadcast as part of "Monitor" during July, 1974. One public service announcement has been deleted. William Welch (producer), Fred Weihe (director), Fred Collins (announcer), Ernest Kinoy (adaptor), Alexander Scourby, Lori March, Luis Van Rooten, Frederic Brown (author). 28:20. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Knock (Aired May 22, 1955)

X Minus One was an NBC science fiction series that was an extension, or revival, of NBC's earlier science fiction series, Dimension X. which ran from Apr. 8, 1950 through Sept. 29, 1951. Both are remembered for bringing really first rate science fiction to the air. The first X Minus One shows used scripts from Dimension X, but soon created new shows from storied from the pages of Galaxy Magazine. The series was cancelled after the 126th broadcast on January 9, 1958. However, the early 1970s brought a wave of nostalgia for old-time radio; a new experimental episode, "The Iron Chancellor" by Robert Silverberg, was created in 1973, but it failed to revive the series. NBC also tried broadcasting the old recordings, but their irregular once-monthly scheduling kept even devoted listeners from following the broadcasts. All episodes of the show survive.

THIS EPISODE:

May 22, 1955. NBC network. "Knock". Sustaining. The last man on Earth sat in a room, there was a knock on the door. The script was previously used on "Dimension X" on May 6, 1950. The program was rebroadcast as part of "Monitor" during July, 1974. One public service announcement has been deleted. William Welch (producer), Fred Weihe (director), Fred Collins (announcer), Ernest Kinoy (adaptor), Alexander Scourby, Lori March, Luis Van Rooten, Frederic Brown (author). 28:20. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Royal Street Matter (Aired November 25, 1956)

The weekday serialized episodes are generally acknowledged as some of the finest radio detective shows ever produced. There were fifty six multi-part shows in all: fifty four five-part shows, one six-part show, and one nine-part show. The serialized episodes continued until November 2, 1956 when the series again reverted to a once a week, thirty minute format. Bob Bailey continued in the lead, until "The Empty Threat Matter" of November 27, 1960, when the Hollywood run ended. The guest stars and supporting casts were always first rate, attracting the best radio actors in both Los Angeles and New York. Pat McCracken was played by several actors – most frequently, by Larry Dobkin. Particularly noteworthy was the work of Virginia Gregg, who played many roles, including Johnny's girlfriend Betty Lewis. Harry Bartell was also a frequent guest, who did many of the Spanish dialect roles when Johnny went to a Latin American country. Other frequent guest performers were Parley Baer, Tony Barrett, John Dehner, Don Diamond, Sam Edwards, Herb Ellis, Frank Gerstle, Stacy Harris, Jack Kruschen, Forrest Lewis and Howard McNear. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:
November 25, 1956. CBS network. "The Royal Street Matter". Sustaining. A New Orleans antique shop has had a fire, but the owner refuses to file a claim! Why? Bob Bailey, Virginia Gregg, Forrest Lewis, Lou Merrill, Lawrence Dobkin, Frank Gerstle, Dan Cubberly (announcer). 30:20. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"Love and The Lonely One" (Aired July 4, 1980) Nightfall was a radio drama series produced and aired by CBC Radio from July 1980 to June 1983. While primarily a supernatural/horror series, Nightfall featured some episodes in other genres, such as science fiction, mystery, fantasy, and human drama. Some of Nightfall's episodes were so terrifying that the CBC registered numerous complaints and some affiliate stations dropped it. Despite this, the series went on to become one of the most popular shows in CBC Radio history, running 100 episodes that featured a mix of original tales and adaptations of both classic and obscure short stories. Nightfall was created by producer Bill Howell, who was known at the time for his work on CBC Playhouse and the cult adventure series, Johnny Chase: Secret Agent of Space. When CBC Radio was revamped and given an expanded budget in 1980, Howell approached the newly appointed head of radio drama, Susan Rubeš, about his idea for a supernatural/horror anthology series. Though not a fan of the horror genre, Rubeš greenlit the production. Bill Howell served as executive producer of Nightfall at CBC Toronto for the first two seasons. The third season was produced by Don Kowalchuk at CBC

THIS EPISODE:
July 04, 1980. Program #1. CBC network, Toronto origination, NPR syndication. "Love and The Lonely One". Sustaining. A medical student receives a strange invitation from the cadaver in his anatomy class! The first show of the series. Henry Ramer is the host with a very distinctive voice, using the name "Larry Kranst.". Jay Bowen, John Graham (writer), Elva Mai Hoover, John Stocker, Mignon Elkins, Graham Haley, John Jessop (recording engineer), Bill Robinson (sound effects), John Douglas (senior script editor), Henry Ramer (host), Nina Callaghan (production assistant, Bill Howell (producer, director). 27:04. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index. Cat# 39686.

View Details

A Veteran Comes Home (Aired July 5, 1950)
2000 AD is known as the first of the network science fiction shows, although it ran on Mutual just a month prior to the introduction of the landmark series, Dimension X. It was a half hour of science fiction wonder in an exciting package. The stories have a charm that is always present in science fiction of the future that is written in the past. "When The Worlds Met" takes place "at the giant space port in Washington, temporary capitol of the federated world government as in April 21, 2000 Plus 20 (2020) crowds throng as audio and televox networks cover a space ship carrying in its space hold the first load of uranium taken from the pits of Luna, satellite of Earth.

THIS EPISODE:

July 5, 1950. Mutual network. "A Veteran Comes Home". Sustaining. A soldier returns to Earth after five years of fighting in the Martian wars, to find his wife and son waiting. Lon Clark, William Griffis, Sherman H. Dreyer (creator, producer), Robert Weenolsen (producer), Joan Shea, Helen Shea, Charles Smith, Emerson Buckley and His Orchestra, Elliot Jacoby (composer), Walt Shaver (sound), Adrian Penner (sound), Ken Marvin (announcer), Bob Albright (engineer). 28:17. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Sailor's Family (Aired August 4, 1953)

The Precinct Captain acted as the narrator for the series.The official title of the series according to the series scripts and the CBS series promotional materials was 21ST PRECINCT and not TWENTY-FIRST PRECINCT or TWENTY FIRST PRECINCT which appears in many Old-Time Radio books. In 1953 CBS decided to use New York City as the backdrop for their own half-hour police series and focus on the day-to-day operations of a single police precinct. Actual cases would be used as the basis for stories. It was mentioned in each episode's closing by the announcer that, "Twenty-firstPrecinct is presented with the official cooperation of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association an organization of more than 20,000 members of the Police Department, City of New York."
THIS EPISODE:

August 4, 1953. "The Case Of The Sailor's Family" - CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. A Sailor's Family is missing after a fire. Everett Sloane, John Ives (producer), Stanley Niss (writer, director), Ken Lynch. 27:25. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Wild Bill Hickock"
Death At Sunset Trail (Aired March 14, 1952)
Wild Bill Hickock (Hickok) was a real life Civil War soldier, sharpshooter, gunfighter and lawman of the Old West. He was an adventurer who had many brushes with death, but they were greatly exaggerated by the stories told about him in various media. His fame lives on, not so much for his real life tales, but because he was the first dime novel hero, he appears in various movies, television shows, and this old time radio program. His tale comes to a sad, yet iconoclastic end. He was killed while playing a round of poker. His hand was aces and eights. For those who know poker, that’s known as the ‘Dead Man’s Hand.’ Wild Bill started on the radio in 1951 as a kids western show. It emphasized the tracking down the bad guys and fighting for the law rather than the shootin, poker playin, rough and tumble Civil War vet, who lies about his life to get good publicity aspects of Wild Bill’s life. The show is in the tradition of the Lone Ranger and the Cisco Kid. Guy Madison starred as Bill with Andy Devine as his sidekick, Jingles.

THIS EPISODE:

March 14, 1952. Program #61. Mutual network. "Death At Sunset Trail". Sponsored by: Kellogg's Pep (aerodoodle racket/beanie premiums). Big Ben Bogart has cheated eight people with a phoney land scheme, and is about to cheat the ninth, unless Wild Bill and Jingles act fast. The system cue is added live. Guy Madison, Andy Devine, Charles Lyon (announcer), Richard Aurandt (music), David Hire (producer), Paul Pierce (director), Larry Hayes, Ken Christy, Frederick Shields, Howard McNear. 25:23. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Vincent & The Painter (Aired June 19, 1950)

Broadcast on NBC, Nightbeat ran from 1949 to 1952 and starred Frank Lovejoy as Randy Stone, a tough and streetwise reporter who worked the nightbeat for the Chicago Star looking for human interest stories. He met an assortment of people, most of them with a problem, many of them scared, and sometimes he was able to help them, sometimes he wasn’t. It is generally regarded as a ‘quality’ show and it stands up extremely well. Frank Lovejoy (1914-1962) isn’t remembered today, but he was a powerful and believable actor with a strong delivery, and his portrayal of Randy Stone as tough guy with humanity was perfect. The scripts were excellent, given that they had to pack in a lot in a short time, and there was a good supporting cast, orchestra, and sound effects.

THIS EPISODE:

June 19, 1950. "Vincent And The Painter" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Wheaties. Alfred Wyman is a strange artist who wants to kill the wealthy Miss Gleason because she killed Vincent. Frank Lovejoy, Frank Martin (announcer), Warren Lewis (producer, director), Wilms Herbert, Martha Wentworth, Frank Worth (music), Russell Hughes (writer), Ben Wright, Jeanette Nolan, Lawrence Dobkin. 29:31. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Remembers Little Anthony & The Imperials "Tears On My Pillow" (1958)
The New Adventures Of Michael Shayne - The Case Ofd The Blood Stained Pearls (07-29-48)
Michael Shayne was a fictional sleuth created by Brett Halliday (a pen name for author Davis Dresser) who was first initiated into the fraternity for detectives in the 1939 novel "Dividend of Death". Dresser based the character on a “tall and rangy” brawler who once saved his life during a braw in a Mexican cantina. The Shayne character would go on to appear in 69 novels, plus a long-running mystery magazine—and in 1941, was brought to the silver screen in Paramount’s Michael Shayne, Private Detective, an adaptation of Dividend of Death that starred Lloyd Nolan, and paved the way for six additional B-mysteries to follow. The New Adventures of Michael Shayne—premiered on July 15, 1948 starring Jeff Chandler.

THIS EPISODE:

July 29, 1948. Broadcaster's Guild syndication. "The Case Of The Blood-Stained Pearls". Commercials added locally. An old man finds the three largest pearls in the world. These syndicated programs were recorded 1948 to 1950. Jeff Chandler, William P. Rousseau (host, director), Brett Halliday (creator), John Duffy (composer, conductor), Don W. Sharpe (producer). 26:18. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Remembers Little Anthony & The Imperials "Tears On My Pillow" (1958)
The New Adventures Of Michael Shayne - The Case Ofd The Blood Stained Pearls (07-29-48)
Michael Shayne was a fictional sleuth created by Brett Halliday (a pen name for author Davis Dresser) who was first initiated into the fraternity for detectives in the 1939 novel "Dividend of Death". Dresser based the character on a “tall and rangy” brawler who once saved his life during a braw in a Mexican cantina. The Shayne character would go on to appear in 69 novels, plus a long-running mystery magazine—and in 1941, was brought to the silver screen in Paramount’s Michael Shayne, Private Detective, an adaptation of Dividend of Death that starred Lloyd Nolan, and paved the way for six additional B-mysteries to follow. The New Adventures of Michael Shayne—premiered on July 15, 1948 starring Jeff Chandler.

THIS EPISODE:

July 29, 1948. Broadcaster's Guild syndication. "The Case Of The Blood-Stained Pearls". Commercials added locally. An old man finds the three largest pearls in the world. These syndicated programs were recorded 1948 to 1950. Jeff Chandler, William P. Rousseau (host, director), Brett Halliday (creator), John Duffy (composer, conductor), Don W. Sharpe (producer). 26:18. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Principal Conklin Comes To Madison High (Aired July 19, 1948)

Our Miss Brooks, an American situation comedy, began as a radio hit in 1948 and migrated to television in 1952, becoming one of the earlier hits of the so-called Golden Age of Television, and making a star out of Eve Arden (1908-1990) as comely, wisecracking, but humane high school English teacher Connie Brooks. The show hooked around Connie's daily relationships with Madison High School students, colleagues, and pompous principal Osgood Conklin (Gale Gordon), not to mention favourite student Walter Denton (future television and Rambo co-star Richard Crenna, who fashioned a higher-pitched voice to play the role) and biology teacher Philip Boynton ( Jeff Chandler), the latter Connie's all-but-unrequited love interest, who saw science everywhere and little else anywhere.

THIS EPISODE:

July 19, 1948. CBS network. "Principal Conklin Comes To Madison High". Sustaining. The first show of the series. Osgood Conklin becomes the new principal of Madison High after a traffic accident with Miss Brooks! On November 1, 1948, the Mutual-Don Lee series "Let George Do It" featured a bashful botany teacher; George Valentine's pretty assistant was named, "Miss Brooks!" Eve Arden, Jane Morgan, Richard Crenna, Jeff Chandler, Noreen Gammill, Larry Berns (producer, director), Al Lewis (writer), Wilbur Hatch (composer, conductor), Bob Stevenson (announcer), Joe Forte (as Mr. Conklin). 29:54 Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Vanishing Witness (Aired August 18, 1950)

This Is Your FBI was a radio crime drama which aired in the United States on ABC from April 6, 1945 to January 30, 1953. FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover gave it his endorsement, calling it "the finest dramatic program on the air." Producer-director Jerry Devine was given access to FBI files by Hoover, and the resulting dramatizations of FBI cases were narrated by Frank Lovejoy (1945), Dean Carleton (1946-47) and William Woodson (1948-53). Stacy Harris had the lead role of Special Agent Jim Taylor. Others in the cast were William Conrad, Bea Benaderet and Jay C. Flippen. This Is Your FBI was sponsored during its entire run by the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (now AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company). This is Your FBI had counterparts on the other networks. The FBI in Peace and War also told stories of the FBI, although some were not authentic.

THIS EPISODE

August 18, 1950. Program #280. ABC network. "The Vanishing Witness". Sponsored by: The Equitable Life Assurance Society. How to get a witness before the grand jury in time, even though he's been kidnapped! Doris Noland, Ed Gargan, Frederick Steiner (composer, conductor), Gil Stratton, Herb Ellis, John Sheehan, Larry Keating (announcer), Stacy Harris, William Conrad, William Woodson (narrator). 29:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Hermit Of Pluto (Aired February 12, 1955)

The stories followed the 30th-century adventures of Commander Buzz Corry (Ed Kemmer) of the United Planets Space Patrol and his young sidekick Cadet Happy (Lyn Osborn) —- yes, Cadet Happy —- as they faced nefarious interplanetary villains with diabolical schemes. The success of the TV show spawned a radio version, which ran for 129 episodes from October 1952 to March 1955. The same cast of actors performed on both shows. The writers, scripts, adventures and director were quite different in radio versus TV incarnations. Naturally, the series lacked the adult sophistication of such shows as X Minus One, which focused on adapting short fiction by notable genre names as Robert A. Heinlein and Ray Bradbury. But as a throwback to the sort of Golden Age space opera popularized in the 1930s, the days of science fiction's infancy, by pioneering magazine editor Hugo Gernsback, Space Patrol is prized by OTR collectors today as one of radio's most enjoyable adventures.

THIS EPISODE:

February 12, 1955. ABC network. "The Hermit Of Pluto". Sustaining. A gang is after a prospector who's discovered a deposit of "stronolite" on Pluto. Bela Kovacs, Dick Wesson (announcer), Ed Kemmer, Helen Mosser (executive producer), Ken Mayer, Larry Robertson (producer, director), Lou Houston (writer), Lyn Osborn, Mike Mosser (creator), Norman Jolley. 28:35. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

A Matter Of Honor (Aired January 21, 1952 )

Let George Do It was a radio drama series produced by Owen and Pauline Vinson from 1946 to 1954. It starred Bob Bailey as detective-for-hire George Valentine (with Olan Soule stepping into the role in 1954). Clients came to Valentine's office after reading a newspaper carrying his classified ad: "Personal notice: Danger's my stock in trade. If the job's too tough for you to handle, you've got a job for me. George Valentine." Valentine's secretary was Claire Brooks, aka Brooksie (Frances Robinson, Virginia Gregg, Lillian Buyeff). As Valentine made his rounds in search of the bad guys, he usually encounted Brooksie's kid brother, Sonny (Eddie Firestone), Lieutenant Riley (Wally Maher) and elevator man Caleb (Joseph Kearns). Sponsored by Standard Oil, the program was broadcast on the West Coast Mutual Broadcasting System from October 18, 1946 to September 27, 1954, first on Friday evenings and then on Mondays.

THIS EPISODE:
January 21, 1952. Mutual-Don Lee network. "A Matter Of Honor". Sponsored by: Standard Oil. Strange tricks at a magician's convention lead to murder...and that's no illusion! What is "The Deadly Avenger," and how did it lead to homicide? Bob Bailey, Virginia Gregg, Bud Hiestand (announcer), Eddie Dunstedter (composer, conductor), Ken Christy, David Victor (writer), Jackson Gillis (writer), Gladys Holland, Lee Patrick, Kenneth Webb (director), Ted Osborne, Lawrence Dobkin, George Neise. 29:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Roy Rogers Show"
"Loco Weed" (Aired February 8, 1952)

Roy Rogers (born Leonard Franklin Slye, November 5, 1911 – July 6, 1998) was an American singer, actor, and television host. Following early work under his given name, first as co-founder of the Sons of the Pioneers and then acting, the rebranded Rogers then became one of the most popular Western stars of his era. Known as the "King of the Cowboys", he appeared in over 100 films and numerous radio and television episodes of The Roy Rogers Show. In many of his films and television episodes, he appeared with his wife, Dale Evans; his Golden Palomino, Trigger; and his German Shepherd, Bullet. His show was broadcast on radio for nine years and then on television from 1951 through 1957. His early roles were uncredited parts in films by fellow cowboy singing star Gene Autry and his productions usually featured a sidekick, often Pat Brady, Andy Devine, George "Gabby" Hayes, or Smiley Burnette. In his later years, he lent his name to the franchise chain of Roy Rogers Restaurants.

THIS EPISODE:

February 8, 1952. "Loco Weed" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Post Cereals. The cattle on John Kennedy's ranch are dying of a mysterious loco weed poisoning. Artie Kerner can sell the same ranch many times over! Roy calls a square dance to the tune, "Raggedy Ann." The Hollywood editor of "Exhibitor Magazine" presents Roy and Dale with an award. Art Ballinger (announcer), Art Rush (producer), Charles Smith, Dale Evans, Forrest Lewis, Frank Hemingway, Herb Butterfield, Howard McNear, Martha Shaw, Milton Charles, Ray Wilson (writer), Roy Rogers, The Whippoorwills, Tom Hargis (director). 30:08. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"I Didn't Do Nothing" (Aired August 2, 1936)
In the Name of the Law was a True Crime radio show from 1936. It says "In the name of the law, we bring you another of the thrilling stories in this exciting series, taken from actual police case files. "In the name of the Law, we bring you another of the thrilling stories in this exciting series, taken from actual police case files."Two home invaders pick the wrong house and force the home owner (John Snyder) to take them to the targeted neighbors, two elderly brothers who were rumored to have cash and bonds. During the hold up, one of the brothers was shot to death. An angry town insisted on immediate results. The State Police joined the local Sherif and the search was on.

THIS EPISODE:

August 2, 1936. Program #13. Syndicated. "I Didn't Do Nothing". Commercials added locally. Two robbers take the life savings from two old farmers. One of them is killed, the other is beaten unmercifully. 26:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Riley Quits His Job (Aired February 17, 1950)

The radio series also benefited from the immense popularity of a supporting character, Digby "Digger" O'Dell (John Brown), "the friendly undertaker."Beginning October 4, 1949, the show was adapted for television for the DuMont Television Network, but Bendix's film contracts prevented him from appearing in the role. Instead, Jackie Gleason starred along with Rosemary DeCamp as wife Peg, Gloria Winters as daughter Barbara (Babs), Lanny Rees as son Chester Jr. (Junior), and Sid Tomack as Gillis, Riley's manipulative best buddy and next-door neighbor. John Brown returned as the morbid counseling undertaker Digby (Digger) O'Dell ("Well, I guess I'll be... shoveling off"; "Business is a little dead tonight").
THIS EPISODE:

February 17, 1950. NBC network. "Riley Quits His Job" - Sponsored by: Pabst Beer. Riley loses his job, so Peg goes to work as a waitress. A funny show! This is a network, sponsored version. Paula Winslowe, Jimmy Wallington (announcer), Irving Brecher (producer), Alan Lipscott (writer), Stanley Waxman, Alan Reed, Barbara Eiler, Lou Coslowe (music), Bobby Ellis, Sidney Tomack, William Bendix, Reuben Ship (writer), John Brown. 29:32. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Gunsmoke - "I Don't Know" (Aired December 6, 1952)

Howard McNear starred as Dr. Charles Adams in the radio series, with Milburn Stone portraying Dr. Galen Adams in the television version. In the radio series, "Doc" Adams was initially a self-interested and somewhat dark character with a predilection for constantly attempting to increase his revenue through the procurement of autopsy fees. However, McNear's performances steadily became more warm-hearted and sympathetic. Most notably, this transformation began during (and progressed steadily following) the July 1952 episode "Never Pester Chester", in which a physician with a more compassionate and devoted temperament is essential to the plotline when Chester is near-fatally injured by two trouble-making Texas drovers. Doc Adams' backstory evokes a varied and experienced life: In some episodes, he had educational ties to Philadelphia; in others, he spent time as ship's doctor aboard the gambling boats that plied the Mississippi River, which provided a background for his knowledge of New Orleans (and acquaintance with Mark Twain).

THIS EPISODE:

December 06, 1952. CBS network. "I Don't Know". Sustaining. Little Danny Birch brings Marshal Dillon and Chester out to the ranch...and a secret about his father. The program closing has been deleted, the story is complete. William Conrad, Parley Baer, Michael Ann Barrett, John Dehner, Lawrence Dobkin, Richard Beals, Lee Millar Jr., Antony Ellis (writer), Rex Koury (composer, conductor). 28:30. Cat.#39957 Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Plays Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs 1960 #1 Hit
The Lawless Caper (Aired August 29, 1948)

The Adventures of Sam Spade was a radio series based loosely on the private detective character Sam Spade, created by writer Dashiell Hammett for The Maltese Falcon. The show ran for 13 episodes on ABC in 1946, for 157 episodes on CBS in 1946-1949, and finally for 51 episodes on NBC in 1949-1951. The series starred Howard Duff (and later, Steve Dunne) as Sam Spade and Lurene Tuttle as his secretary Effie, and took a considerably more tongue-in-cheek approach to the character than the novel or movie. In 1947, scriptwriters Jason James and Bob Tallman received an Edgar Award for Best Radio Drama from the Mystery Writers of America.

THIS EPISODE:

August 29, 1948. CBS network. "The Lawless Caper". Sponsored by: Wildroot Cream-Oil. Johnny Lawless is just out of the pen. A dead body soon ends up in Spade's bed, and promptly vanishes! Howard Duff, Dashiell Hammett (creator), William Spier (producer, director), Lurene Tuttle, Robert Tallman (writer), Gil Doud (writer), Rene Garriguenc (composer), Lud Gluskin (conductor), Dick Joy (announcer). 31:03. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Murder On Margin (Aired May 22, 1947)

The program ran for two years over the Columbia Basic Network and for three years over NBC's Blue Network. During April 1933, the program was renamed Eno Crime Clues. The program ultimately left the air at the end of June 1936. The Eno Crime Club franchise was by way of a pretend Crime Club for Radio. No book tie-ins were ever associated with Eno Fruit Salts' sponsorship of the program. The program was, however, during its era viewed as a natural extension of the book club phenomena. Crime or mystery book clubs joined other monthly or quarterly selected book clubs for all manner of literary interests. Science fiction book clubs had been popularized as early as the 1920s, as well as romance fiction book clubs, supernatural thriller book clubs, and of course, childrens' book clubs Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

May 22, 1947. Mutual network. "Murder On Margin". Sustaining. When a stock broker is murdered, his shoes provide the needed clue. Roger Bower (producer), Jock MacGregor (director), Jack McBride, Julie Stevens, Helen Shields, Dan Ocko, Barry Thompson, Joe DeSantis, Robert George Dean (writer), James Earthine (adaptor), Shirling Oliver. 29:54. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Helen Carrol Murder Case (Aired October 13, 1950)

Danny Clover narrated the tales of the Great White Way to the accompaniment of music by Wilbur Hatch and Alexander Courage, and the recreation of Manhattan's aural tapestry required the talents of three sound effects technicians (David Light, Ralph Cummings, Ross Murray). Bill Anders was the show's announcer. The supporting cast included regulars Charles Calvert (as Sgt. Gino Tartaglia) and Jack Kruschen (as Sgt. Muggavan), with episodic roles filled by such radio actors as Irene Tedrow, Barney Phillips, Lamont Johnson, Herb Ellis, Hy Averback, Edgar Barrier, Betty Lou Gerson, Harry Bartell, Sheldon Leonard, Martha Wentworth, Lawrence Dobkin and Mary Jane Croft. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

October 13, 1950. "The Helen Carrol Murder Case" - CBS network. Sustaining. Linda Arnold is wandering in a daze, not remembering her name, and with a blood covered letter opener in her purse. This is a network version. Larry Thor, Charles Calvert, Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Alexander Courage (composer, conductor), Joyce McCluskey, Herb Butterfield, Peggy Webber, Lou Krugman, David Ellis, Jack Kruschen, Dan Cubberly (announcer). 29:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Helen Carrol Murder Case (Aired October 13, 1950)

Danny Clover narrated the tales of the Great White Way to the accompaniment of music by Wilbur Hatch and Alexander Courage, and the recreation of Manhattan's aural tapestry required the talents of three sound effects technicians (David Light, Ralph Cummings, Ross Murray). Bill Anders was the show's announcer. The supporting cast included regulars Charles Calvert (as Sgt. Gino Tartaglia) and Jack Kruschen (as Sgt. Muggavan), with episodic roles filled by such radio actors as Irene Tedrow, Barney Phillips, Lamont Johnson, Herb Ellis, Hy Averback, Edgar Barrier, Betty Lou Gerson, Harry Bartell, Sheldon Leonard, Martha Wentworth, Lawrence Dobkin and Mary Jane Croft. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

October 13, 1950. "The Helen Carrol Murder Case" - CBS network. Sustaining. Linda Arnold is wandering in a daze, not remembering her name, and with a blood covered letter opener in her purse. This is a network version. Larry Thor, Charles Calvert, Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Alexander Courage (composer, conductor), Joyce McCluskey, Herb Butterfield, Peggy Webber, Lou Krugman, David Ellis, Jack Kruschen, Dan Cubberly (announcer). 29:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Phil Thinks He Is Being Drafted (Aired January 2, 1949)
As both Phil and Alice were known singers, there were two musical numbers in each show, and they were always for real, except some of Phil's, which were for laughs. But Phil's band gave much more than music to the show. Frankie Remley was the band's left handed guitar player, with a sardonic sense of humor out of left field. The character was first done on The Jack Benny Show, and, of course, now on a show about the band itself, Frankie was even more obnoxious. Famed radio actor Elliott Lewis played him with relish. In fact, later in the run they actually started calling the character Elliott! (Elliott Lewis changes his name on the show from Frankie Remly to Elliott because Harris stopped leading Jack Benny's band--so he wasn't connected to Remly any more.

THIS EPISODE:
January 02, 1949. NBC network. Rexall. "Phil Harris Gets Drafted" Phil Harris, Alice Faye, Elliott Lewis, Walter Tetley, Walter Scharf and His Orchestra, Alan Reed, Bill Forman (announcer), Griff Barnett (Rexall druggist). 29:44 . Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index. Cat# 35296

View Details

Nightwatch - Black Eye To Road Death (Aired February 24, 1955)

Before the "Reality TV", there was "Reality Radio" and Night Watch was there. This show is a straight crime documentary with no music, sound effects, or actors. Police reporter Don Reid rode in a prowl car on the night shift with officers from the Culver City, California police department. While wearing a hidden microphone, he captures the sounds and voices of real life drama. From the worried child to the hardened criminal, their stories come through loud and clear. The names were changed to protect identities, but everything else in this gripping series is real.

THIS EPISODE:

February 24, 1955. "Black Eye To Road Death (02-24-55)" - CBS network. Sustaining. 8:30 P. M. The first case is about a woman with a black eye who's been choked. Donn Reed (police recorder), W. N. Hildebrand (Chief of Police), Sterling Tracy (producer, director), Jim Headlock (producer), Ron Perkins (technical adviser). 26:47. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Jean Cooper Murder Case (Aired August 20, 1949)
Diamond was a slick, sophisticated detective, with a sharp tongue for folks who needed it. Diamond enjoyed the detective life, but not as much as entertaining his girl, Helen Asher. After each show, he would croon a number to his Park Avenue sweetheart. Mr. Powell, a former song and dance man, was perfect for the role. He added an extra dimension to the 40's hokey private eye drama. Diamond was a rough gumshoe that would often get knocked on the head with a revolver butt or other items. His counterpart on the police force was Lt. Levinson who often accepted Diamond's help reluctantly. Levinson would claim to get stomach trouble whenever Diamond would call him and would take bicarbonate to settle his aching stomach. Although they always seem at odds with each other, Diamond and Levinson were best friends. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

August 20, 1949. "The Jean Cooper Murder Case" - NBC network. Sustaining. A young girl is run over in Central Park and young Tom Cook is accused of murdering her. A gangland rub-out takes place at the same time! Dick Powell sings, "There's Yes, Yes In Your Eyes." Blake Edwards (writer), David Ellis, Dick Powell, Ed Begley, Edward King (director), Eleanor Audley, Frank Lovejoy, Frank Worth (composer, conductor), Richard Sanville (director), Sam Edwards, Virginia Gregg, William Johnstone, Wilms Herbert. 29:11. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Renting Mr. Ingram's House - 2 Episodes COMPLETE (02-12-54) (02-17-54)

Fibber McGee and Molly was a popular radio show during the era of classic, old-time radio. It was one of the longest-running comedies in the history of classic radio in the United States. The series premiered on NBC in 1935 and remained popular until its demise in 1959, long after radio had ceased to be the dominant form of entertainment in American popular culture. James "Jim" Jordan (16 November 1896–1 April 1988) and Marian Driscoll (15 April 1898–7 April 1961), were natives of Peoria, Illinois who met in church and married in 1918. The genesis of Fibber McGee and Molly occurred when the small-time husband-and-wife vaudevillians began their third year as Chicago-area radio performers.

TODAY'S SHOWS:

February 12, 1954. NBC network. Sustaining. Fibber continued to try to rent "Mr. Ingram's House" for him. A professor is a likely prospect. Jim Jordan, Marian Jordan, Phil Leslie (writer), Ralph Goodman (writer), Max Hutto (director), John Wald (announcer), Jack Kruschen. 13:54.

February 17, 1954. NBC network. Sponsored by: Richard Hudnut. At last, Fibber rents the house for Mr. Ingram. Jim Jordan, Marian Jordan, Phil Leslie (writer), Ralph Goodman (writer), Max Hutto (director), John Wald (announcer), Bill Thompson, Arthur Q. Bryan. 14:45.

View Details

"Spellbound" (Aired March 8, 1948)

In October of 1934, "Lux Radio Theater" debuted in New York on NBC's Blue radio network. Presenting audio versions of popular Broadway plays, the show failed to garner an audience and soon ran out of material. After switching networks to CBS and moving to Hollywood, Lux found its true market. The show began featuring adaptations of popular films, performed by as many of the original stars as possible. With an endless supply of hit films scripts and an audience of more than 40 million, Lux enjoyed a prosperous run until the curtain fell in 1956

THIS EPISODE:

March 8, 1948. CBS network. "Spellbound". Sponsored by: Lux, Pepsodent. A fine adaptation of the classic film. A woman psychiatrist who is in love with her schizophrenic patient tries to solve the murder he's been accused of. The radio version features the haunting theme music from the film. Charlie Forsyth (sound effects), Francis Beeding (author: pseudonym of Hilary St. John and Leslie Palmer), Fred MacKaye (director), Sanford Barnett (adaptor), William Keighley (host), John Milton Kennedy (announcer), Louis Silvers (music director), Herb Butterfield, William Johnstone, Gerald Mohr, Cliff Clark, Howard McNear, Regina Wallace, Miklos Roza (composer), Dorothy Blair (intermission guest), Ben Hecht (screenwriter), Angus MacPhail (screen adaptor), Alida Valli (billed as "Valli"), Joseph Cotten. 58:45. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Victory (Aired February 16, 1950)

Beyond just its educational value, the combination of great stories... quality acting... and first class production made these shows wonderful entertainment. They are truly great radio AND a highly accessible way to introduce YOUR kids to great American Literature! Dramatic anthology Offered novels, with programs for college credit. Broadcast History : July 30th, 1948 - February 14th, 1951 NBC. Mostly 60 minutes. Mostly aired on Sundays, with occasional weeknight airings. Announcer : Don Stanley Music : Albert Harris, Henry Russell Director : Andrew C. Love Writers : Claris A. Ross, Ernest Kinoy, George Lefferts, Jack C. Wilson Sound Effects : Bob Holmes, Rod Sutton.

THIS EPISODE:

February 16, 1950. NBC network. "Victory". Sustaining. Good adventure set in the South Pacific. A woman, several men, and plans for revenge. Andrew C. Love (director), Ben Wright, Constance Cavendish, Don Diamond (producer, host), Don Stanley (announcer), Ernest Kinoy (writer), Herbert Rawlinson, John Crosby, Joseph Conrad (author), Lester Schott, Ramsay Hill, Whitfield Connor. 59:16. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Apartment Building Next Door (Aired September 23, 1945)

The final years of the radio series were on ABC (the former NBC Blue Network) from October 14, 1949, to June 18, 1954. In an arrangement that amplified the growing pains of American broadcasting, as radio "grew up" into television (as George Burns once phrased it), the Nelsons' deal with ABC gave the network itself the right to move the show to television whenever it wanted to do it---they wanted, according to the Museum of Broadcast Communications, to have talent in the bullpen and ready to pitch, so to say, on their own network, rather than risk it defecting to CBS (where the Nelsons began) or NBC.

THIS EPISODE:

September 23, 1945. "The Apartment Building Next Door" - CBS network. Sponsored by: International Silver. There's a rumor going around that a syndicate is going to put up a large apartment building on the corner vacant lot. The King Sisters (billed as "The Four King Sisters") sing, "I'm Gonna Love That Guy Like He's Never Been Loved Before." Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Hilliard, The King Sisters, Ozzie Nelson and His Orchestra, Bea Benaderet, Henry Blair, Tommy Cook, John Brown, Joel Davis, Billy May (composer). 26:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Harry Troll's Diamond (Aired May 4, 1952)
The Chase is an exciting Old Time Radio series in which every episode contains, well, a chase. Tales, highly melodramatic and often improbable, of people on the run. The concept of "hunter and hunted" was built into the signatures. with the lone bugle of a fox hunt, the braying of dogs, the sounds of a man running, a gunshot, and the slowing footsteps and eventual fall of the victim. It may be an adventure story, a crime story, or even science fiction, but there will always be a suspense filled chase.

THIS EPISODE:

May 4, 1952. NBC network. "Harry Troll's Diamond". Sustaining. An alcoholic named Harry Troll finds a diamond the size of a prune! He not only is unable to sell it, he can't even give it away! The title may not be accurate. Lawrence Klee (creator, writer), Walter McGraw (director, transcriber), Fred Collins (announcer), Kermit Murdock, Bryna Raeburn, Court Benson, Santos Ortega, Roger De Koven, Dan Ocko, Clem Flower. 29:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Man Who Sold His Soul (1950) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

This series was written by Michael McCabe and was produced in South Africa. It was a replacement for another series McCabe produced, called SF68. That series adapted famous Sci-fi stories to radio, and it seems to have been the place where McCabe honed his craft. The subject matter to Beyond Midnight was more horror oriented, including madness, murder, and supernatural sleuths! What survives today doesn't involve a horror host per se, but a few include framing narration (by someone involved in the plot) while others just start up the story with no announcer or lead-in whatsoever. So it's possible the regular host or announcer was left off (edited out) of the recordings. The host-- if there was one-- may have only been heard by those who listened to this series when it first aired. It's another radio mystery we may never know for sure, but we're lucky to at least have some of the recordings!

View Details

The Man Who Sold His Soul (1950) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

This series was written by Michael McCabe and was produced in South Africa. It was a replacement for another series McCabe produced, called SF68. That series adapted famous Sci-fi stories to radio, and it seems to have been the place where McCabe honed his craft. The subject matter to Beyond Midnight was more horror oriented, including madness, murder, and supernatural sleuths! What survives today doesn't involve a horror host per se, but a few include framing narration (by someone involved in the plot) while others just start up the story with no announcer or lead-in whatsoever. So it's possible the regular host or announcer was left off (edited out) of the recordings. The host-- if there was one-- may have only been heard by those who listened to this series when it first aired. It's another radio mystery we may never know for sure, but we're lucky to at least have some of the recordings!

View Details

Missing Persons - Juanita Lasky (Aired July 28, 1949)

Dragnet was a long running radio and television police procedural drama, about the cases of a dedicated Los Angeles police detective, Sergeant Joe Friday, and his partners. The show takes its name from an actual police term, a Dragnet, meaning a system of coordinated measures for apprehending criminals or suspects. Dragnet was perhaps the most famous and influential police procedural drama in American media history. The series gave millions of Americans a feel for the boredom and drudgery, as well as the danger and heroism, of real life police work. Dragnet earned praise for improving the public opinion of police officers. Actor and producer Jack Webb's aims in Dragnet were for realism and unpretentious acting. He achieved both goals and Dragnet remains a key influence on subsequent police dramas in many media.

THIS EPISODE:July 28, 1949. Program #8. NBC network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. Juanita Laskey has been reported missing by her mother. The story takes place at Christmas, despite the July broadcast date (which is subject to correction). Jack Webb, Barton Yarborough, Raymond Burr. 30:37. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.Cat# 46922.

View Details

The Silencer (1952) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

The Black Museum held its audience. It was aired almost perennially between 1950 and 1954, in Europe, South Africa, Australia, North America and reprised during various other periods as late as 1974. This, despite the fact that other, competing Scotland Yard and Black Museum themed programming was almost continuously airing--often over the same networks--during the same period. What fans didn't derive from WHItehall 1212 they got from Secrets of Scotland Yard. Likewise, when The Black Museum began to air, it arrived from just enough different approach to hold that same audience for yet another thirty-eight to fifty-two installments--not to mention getting Orson Welles in the bargain. The MGM Radio Attraction transcriptions in particular were very well engineered and have held up quite well.

THIS EPISODE:

Syndicated. "The Silencer". Commercials added locally. A man moving into a new house is shot and killed by a gun with a silencer. Other murders soon follow. Orson Welles (narrator), Harry Alan Towers (producer), Ira Marion (writer), Sidney Torch (composer, conductor). 29:09. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

A Knock At The Door (Aired December 15, 1942)

Lights Out was created in Chicago by writer Wyllis Cooper in 1934, and the first series of shows (each 15 minutes long) ran on a local NBC station, WENR. By April 1934, the series was expanded to a half hour in length and moved to midnight Wednesdays. In January 1935, the show was discontinued in order to ease Cooper's workload (he was then writing scripts for the network's prestigious Immortal Dramas program), but was brought back by huge popular demand a few weeks later. After a successful tryout in New York City, the series was picked up by NBC in April 1935 and broadcast nationally, usually late at night and always on Wednesdays. Cooper stayed on the program until June 1936, when another Chicago writer, Arch Oboler, took over. By the time Cooper left, the series had inspired about 600 fan clubs.

THIS EPISODE:

December 15, 1942. CBS network. "A Knock At The Door". Sponsored by: Energene Cleaning Fluid. All commercials for Ironized Yeast deleted. A woman murders her impossible mother-in-law, but she refuses to stay dead! There's a good good, grisly conclusion. Arch Oboler (host), Frank Martin (announcer). 28:59. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Man With The Key (Aired October 2, 1948)
Jeff Regan, Investigator was one of the three detective shows Jack Webb did before Dragnet (see also Pat Novak For Hire and Johnny Modero: Pier 23). It debuted on CBS in July 1948. Webb played Jeff Regan, a tough private eye working in a Los Angeles investigation firm run by Anthony J. Lyon. Regan introduced himself on each show "I get ten a day and expenses...they call me the Lyon's Eye." The show was fairly well-plotted, Webb's voice was great, and the supporting cast were skillful. Regan handled rough assignments from Lion, with whom he was not always on good terms. He was tough, tenacious, and had a dry sense of humor. The voice of his boss, Anthony Lion, was Wilms Herbert. The show ended in December 1948 but was resurrected in October 1949 with a new cast; Frank Graham played Regan (later Paul Dubrov was the lead) and Frank Nelson portrayed Lion.

THIS EPISODE:
October 2, 1948. CBS network. "The Man With The Key". Sustaining. Jeff, a private investigator, is hired to protect a safe deposit box key for seven hours. Bob Stevenson (announcer), Herb Butterfield, Jack Webb, June Martell, Ken Christy, Marvin Miller, Paul Frees, Yvonne Peattie, E. Jack Neuman (writer), Larry Roman (writer), Sterling Tracy (producer). 30:16. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Ononoko River Basin (Aired February 26, 1952)
INTRO: Bob Remembers The Percy Faith Orchestra "Theme From A Summer Place" (1959)

Starring Herbert Marshall as Ken Thurston, a private operative, with Han Conried as Egon Zellschmidt in this first incarnation of Ken Thurston's nemesis, and Mary Jane Croft appearing in the role of Ken's love interest, Nancy Bessington, a reporter and Thurston's erstwhile fiance. We can only interpolate from what we've already turned up for this shortest run of The Man Called X, but it would appear that Hans Conried and Mary Jane Croft may have been regulars co-stars throughout that first season. One of Radio's most successful directors, William N. Robson, directed the first season of The Man Called X and though Gordon Jenkins appears to be credited with the music for the first season, Felix Mills is also personally cited by Herbert Marshall with at least one Music Direction credit--the season finale.

THIS EPISODE:

February 26, 1952. "The Ononoko River Basin" - NBC network. Herbert Marshall, Leon Belasco, J. Richard Kennedy (producer), Jack Johnstone (director), Milton Charles (organist), Hal Gibney (announcer). 28:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Line Is Busy (Aired July 5, 1953)

Warner Brothers released a film based on these accounts entitled "I Was A Communist For The FBI", starring with Frank Lovejoy as Cvetic. In 1952, in the midst of the Red scare of the 1950's, the Frederick W. Ziv Company produced the syndicated radio series with the same title as the movie. It was produced without assistance from the FBI, which refused to cooperate. I Was a Communist for the FBI consisted of 78 episodes syndicated by the Frederick W. Ziv Company to more than 600 stations, including KNX in Los Angeles, California, with original episodes running from April 23, 1952 to October 14, 1953. Each episode ended with Dana Andrew's well-remembered words, ""I was a Communist for the FBI. I walk alone". The show had a budget of $12,000 a week, a very high cost to produce a radio show at the time.

THIS EPISODE:

July 5, 1953. Program #67. ZIV Syndication. "The Line Is Busy". Commercials added locally. Cvetic is told to rent an apartment in the same building in which lives an important American atomic scientist. The Party plans to tap his phone for any secrets he might accidentally divulge! Dana Andrews, Truman Bradley (announcer), Henry Hayward (director), David Rose (music). 27:15. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Chicago Tunnel Gang (Aired October 2, 1948)

The series dramatized FBI cases, which producer-director Phillips H. Lord arranged in close association with Bureau director J. Edgar Hoover. Hoover insisted that only closed cases would be used. The initial series was on NBC Radio from July 20 - October 12, 1935. It then aired on CBS from January 15, 1936 to June 15, 1940, sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive and Cue magazine. From October 11, 1940 to December 25, 1948, it was heard on the Blue Network, with various sponsors that included Sloan's Liniment, Waterman pens and Tide. Returning to CBS on January 8, 1949, it ran until June 25, 1955, sponsored by Grape-Nuts and Wrigley's chewing gum. The final series was on the Mutual Broadcasting System from October 5, 1955 to November 27, 1957. It was once narrated by Norman Schwarzkopf, Sr., former head of the New Jersey State Police.

THIS EPISODE:

October 2, 1948. Program #549. ABC network origination, syndicated, WRVR-FM, New York aircheck. "The Case Of The Chicago Tunnel Gang". Sponsored by: World Wide Handicrafts. WRVR rebroadcast date: April 9, 1973. Ted de Corsia, Frank Readick. 22:35. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western
"Frontier Gentleman" - The Actress (Aired March 23, 1958)

Any new Radio western--no matter how novel--was pretty much doomed at the outset during the late 1950s. Television was already in reruns of the twenty to thirty western adventures that proliferated on TV during the 1950s. And it was stiff competition, to be sure. Gunsmoke had achieved off the chart ratings for years, and Have Gun, Will Travel was very much a thinking person's western. This takes nothing away from either John Dehner or Ben Wright's performances in the least. They were consistently top notch. But we'd venture to say that Frontier Gentleman is heard today by far more listeners than ever heard it when it was first broadcast. Be that as it may, it's the listeners of today that matter now. Frontier Gentleman consistently offers a wonderful variation on the western theme. Antony Ellis' scripts are well devised, historically accurate, and fully developed, given the imposed 30-minute formula. The atmosphere provided by both sound engineering and a young Jerry Goldsmith's magnificent musical background also places this program a notch or two above its peers.

THIS EPISODE:

March 23, 1958. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Actress". A British actress in the old West meets death; Kendall learns her strange secret. AFRTS program name: "Sagebrush Theatre." John Dehner, Antony Ellis (producer, director, writer), Jeanette Nolan, Lawrence Dobkin, Harry Bartell, Jack Moyles, James Nusser, Wilbur Hatch (composer, conductor), John Wald (announcer). 24:24. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Apartment Racket (Aired August 10, 1947)

Deadline Mystery was a crime drama with a newspaper background. The series ran from April 20, 1947 through August 31, 1947 and on ABC, sponsored by Knox Pharmaceutical Company. Michael Stephen Dunne as Lucky Larson, a fast-talking columnist syndicated in more than 250 newspapers around the world. Hollywood regulars in support were June Whitley, Sam Edwards, Jack Kruschen. The director was Dave Titus.

THIS EPISODE:

August 10, 1947. ABC network . "Apartment Racket" AKA "Eviction". Sponsored by: Cystex, Mendaco. Steve Dunne plays Lucky Larson, reporter and sleuth. Why is Mr. Quinn trying to force all the tenants to leave his apartment building? Steve Dunne, Dave Titus (director), June Whitley, Sam Edwards, Byron Kane, Jack Kruschen, John Frank, Frank Hemingway (announcer), Fred Howard (writer), Robert Neville (creator), Len Salvo (composer, conductor). 28:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Adventure Of The White Masters (Aired November 6, 1946)

The Casebook of Gregory Hood, starring Gale Gordon in the title role, took over where Sherlock Holmes had left off. Sponsored by Petri wine, it used the same "weekly visit" format and the same team of Anthony Boucher and Dennis Green that had written The New Adventured of Sherlock Holmes. Gregory Hood was modelled after true-life San Francisco importer Richard Gump, and many of the stories revolve around a mystery surrounding some particular imported treasure. Hood's sidekick Sanderson "Sandy" Taylor was played by Bill Johnstone. The show aired from June, 1946 through August, 1950. There were an additional couple of shows aired in October 1951. Hood and Sanderson were played in later episodes by Elliott Lewis and Howard McNear, respectively.

THIS EPISODE:
November 5, 1946. Mutual-Don Lee network. "The Adventure Of The White Masters". Sponsored by: Petri Wines. A group of Neo-Nazis are preaching anti-social race hatred. Next weeks's show is titled: "Not Wise, But Too Well." Denis Green (writer), Anthony Boucher (writer), Howard McNear, Elliott Lewis, Marks Hartman (announcer), Dean Fosler (composer, conductor). 25:26. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Whistlin Sam (Guest Is Chester Morris) Aired May 11, 1949
Duffy's Tavern is an American radio situation comedy that ran for a decade on several networks (CBS, 1941–42; NBC-Blue Network, 1942–44; and NBC, 1944–51), concluding with the December 28, 1951, broadcast. The program often featured celebrity guest stars but always hooked them around the misadventures of Archie, the tavern's manager, portrayed by Ed Gardner. Archie was prone to involvement in get-rich-quick schemes and romantic missteps, and constantly communicated with malaprops and mixed metaphors. Gardner had performed the character of Archie, talking about Duffy's Tavern, as early as November 9, 1939, when he appeared on NBC's Good News of 1940. Owner Duffy was never heard nor seen, either on the radio program or in the 1945 film adaptation or the short-lived 1954 TV series. Archie constantly bantered with Duffy's man-crazy daughter, Miss Duffy, played by several actresses, beginning with Gardner's real-life first wife, Shirley Booth, followed by Florence Halop and, later, by actress Hazel Shermet, and especially with Clifton Finnegan (Charlie Cantor, later Sid Raymond), a likeable soul with several screws loose and a knack for falling for every other salesman's scam.

THIS EPISODE:

May 11, 1949. NBC network. Sponsored by: Vitalis, Mum. "Your bath washes away the past, Mum safeguards the future." Detective Archie is on the trail of "Whistling Sam," a robber of taverns! Ed Gardner, Eddie Green, Alan Reed, Charlie Cantor, Sheldon Leonard, Chester Morris (guest). 31:30. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Remembers Smokey Robinson & The Miracles "Ooo Baby Baby" (1965)
Cloak & Dagger - "The People In The Forest" (06-11-50)

The People In The Forest (Aired June 11, 1950)
Based on the book, Cloak and Dagger: The Secret Story of the O.S.S. by Corey Ford and Alistair McBain, the Radio rendition of these fascinating stories promised to keep any listener perched on the edge of their seat. Apart from describing the book upon which the new adventure series was based, the above is just about all the fanfare that was associated with the roll-out of NBC's only espionage program of the year. It was also one of the few solo productions that Wyllis Cooper undertook for NBC. It was also Cooper's first collaboration with British crime journalist Percy Hoskins, who would work with Cooper yet again on NBC's WHItehall-1212 a year hence.

THIS EPISODE:

June 11, 1950. NBC network. "The People In The Forest". Sustaining. 4:00 P. M. Robert Scarpella parachutes into occupied France. The underground is being plagued by a traitor in their midst. The start of the program was delayed 45 seconds for golf scores. Corey Ford (originator), Alistair MacBain (originator), Alfred Hollander (associate producer), Sherman Marks (director, supervisor), Larry Haines, Boris Aplon, Berry Kroeger, Jerry Jarrett, Lily Darvas, Raymond Edward Johnson, Joseph Buloff, Nancy Franklin, Winifred Wolfe (writer), Jon Gart (music director), Louis G. Cowan (producer), Bob Warren (announcer). 32:00. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Practical Choker (Aired February 25, 1951)

This hard boiled spy drama began as an RKO Radio Pictures theatrical serial in the 1940s, went on radio in 1945, and then came to TV ten years later in this Syndicated series produced for distribution by NBC Films; Charles McGraw had been in many motion pictures before and after including "The Killers", "Spartacus" and "Cimarron"; in this series he played the title role of a man whose real name was supposedly Mike Waring, an American agent whose code name was "Falcon"; Later Charles McGraw starred in a short lived TV version of "Casablanca" (1955 - 1956) in the character of Rick; He also had a role on the detective drama "Staccato" (1959) Actor McGraw (whose birth name was Charles Butters) met an unfortunate death in real life when he fell through a shower glass door in 1980 at his home in Studio City, CA.

THIS EPISODE:

February 25, 1951. NBC network. "The Case Of The Practical Choker". Kraft Cheese Spreads. Red Davis has been murdered. Chuck Morgan had been bragging that he's going to kill Morgan. Mrs. Davis remarries only twelve hours after Red's death! This is a case for Mike Waring...The Falcon!. Les Damon, Ed Herlihy (announcer), Eugene Wang (writer), Ann Williams (a drama student at Sarah Lawrence College), Drexel Drake (creator), Arlo (music), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Richard Lewis (director), Ken Lynch. 29:30. CASE# 61924 Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Mistake Of The Machine (Aired October 18, 1986)

Father Brown is a fictional character created by English novelist G. K. Chesterton, who stars in 52 short stories, later compiled in five books. Chesterton based the character on Father John O'Connor (1870–1952), a parish priest in Bradford who was involved in Chesterton's conversion to Catholicism in 1922. The relationship was recorded by O'Connor in his 1937 book Father Brown on Chesterton. Father Brown is a short, stumpy Catholic priest, "formerly of Cobhole in Essex, and now working in London," with shapeless clothes and a large umbrella, and uncanny insight into human evil. He makes his first appearance in the story "The Blue Cross" and continues through the five volumes of short stories, often assisted by the reformed criminal M.Hercule Flambeau. Father Brown also appears in a story "The Donnington Affair" that has a rather curious history. In the October 1914 issue of the obscure magazine The Premier, Sir Max Pemberton published the first part of the story, inviting a number of detective story writers, including Chesterton, to use their talents to solve the mystery of the murder described. Chesterton and Father Brown's solution followed in the November issue. The story was first reprinted in the Chesterton Review (Winter 1981, pp. 1–35) and in the book Thirteen Detectives. Unlike the more famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, Father Brown's methods tend to be intuitive rather than deductive.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke"
Lochinvar (Aired October 17, 1952)

Matt Dillon was played on radio by William Conrad and on TV by James Arness. Two versions of the same pilot episode titled "Mark Dillon Goes to Gouge Eye" were produced with Rye Billsbury and Howard Culver playing Marshal "Mark" Dillon as the lead, not yet played by Conrad. Conrad was one of the last actors to audition for the role of Marshal Dillon. With a resonantly powerful and distinctive voice, Conrad was already one of radio's busiest actors. Though Meston championed him, Macdonnell thought Conrad might be overexposed. During his audition, however, Conrad won over Macdonnell after reading only a few lines. Dillon, as portrayed by Conrad, was a lonely, isolated man, toughened by a hard life. Macdonnell later claimed, "Much of Matt Dillon's character grew out of Bill Conrad." The stories take place in and around Dodge City, Kansas, during the settlement of the American West. The radio version ran from 1952 to 1961, and John Dunning writes that among radio drama enthusiasts "Gunsmoke is routinely placed among the best shows of any kind and any time."

THIS EPISODE:

October 17, 1952. CBS network. "Lochinvar". Sustaining. Artis Nash is planning to marry Ben Martin, but not if Frank Craig has anything to say about it!. Barney Phillips, Clancey Cassell (announcer), Georgia Ellis, Herb Ellis, Howard McNear, Les Crutchfield (writer), Parley Baer, Tom Tully, Vivi Janis, William Conrad. 30:39. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Ballot Box Mystery (Aired May 15, 1948)

The model for all later American juvenile sports fiction, Merriwell excelled at football, baseball, basketball, crew and track at Yale while solving mysteries and righting wrongs. He played with great strength and received traumatic blows without injury. A biographical entry on Patten noted dryly that Frank Merriwell "had little in common with his creator or his readers." Patten offered some background on his character: "The name was symbolic of the chief characteristics I desired my hero to have. Frank for frankness, merry for a happy disposition, well for health and abounding vitality." Merriwell's classmates observed, "He never drinks. That's how he keeps himself in such fine condition all the time. He will not smoke, either, and he takes his exercise regularly. He is really a remarkable freshie." American Olympic champion boxer and bobsledder Eddie Eagan commented in his autobiography: "To this day I have never used tobacco, because Frank Merriwell didn't. My first glass of wine, which I do not care for, was taken under social compulsion in Europe. Frank never drank." Merriwell originally appeared in a series of magazine stories starting April 18, 1896 ("Frank Merriwell: or, First Days at Fardale") in Tip Top Weekly, continuing through 1912, and later in dime novels and comic books. Patten would confine himself to a hotel room for a week to write an entire story. The Frank Merriwell comic strip began in 1928, continuing until 1936. Daily strips from 1934 provided illustrations for the 1937 Big Little Book.

THIS EPISODE:

May 15, 1948. NBC network. "The Ballot Box Mystery". Sustaining. An election of the Yale Drama Society is the setting for fraud. Two aspiring "Juliets" and a ham actor are involved. Lawson Zerbe, Hal Studer, Elaine Rost, Harlow Wilcox (announcer), Burt L. Standish (creator). 28:42. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Immortal Gentleman (Aired June 17, 1939)

Arch Oboler's Plays was a radio drama series written, produced and directed by Arch Oboler. Minus a sponsor, it ran for one year, airing Saturday evenings on NBC from March 25, 1939 to March 23, 1940 and revived five years later on Mutual for a sustaining summer run from April 5, 1945 to October 11, 1945. Leading film actors were heard on this series, including Gloria Blondell, Eddie Cantor, James Cagney, Ronald Colman, Joan Crawford, Greer Garson, Edmund Gwenn, Van Heflin, Katharine Hepburn, Elsa Lanchester, Peter Lorre, Frank Lovejoy, Raymond Massey, Burgess Meredith, Paul Muni, Alla Nazimova, Edmond O'Brien, Geraldine Page, Gale Sondergaard, Franchot Tone and George Zucco. Oboler sold his first radio scripts while still in high school during the 1920s and rose to fame when he began scripting the NBC horror anthology Lights Out in 1936. He later found notoriety with his script contribution to the 12 December 1937 edition of The Chase and Sanborn Hour. In Oboler's sketch, host Don Ameche and guest Mae West portrayed a slightly bawdy Adam and Eve, satirizing the Biblical tale of the Garden of Eden. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

View Details

Engaged In Murder (Aired February 18, 1952

Bold Venture is a 1951-1952 syndicated radio series starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Morton Fine and David Friedkin scripted the taped series for Bogart's Santana Productions. Salty seadog Slate Shannon (Bogart) owns a Cuban hotel sheltering an assortment of treasure hunters, revolutionaries and other shady characters. With his sidekick and ward, the sultry Sailor Duval (Bacall), tagging along, he encounters modern-day pirates and other tough situations while navigating the waters around Havana. Aboard his boat, the Bold Venture, Slate and Sailor experience "adventure, intrigue, mystery and romance in the sultry settings of tropical Havana and the mysterious islands of the Caribbean." Calypso singer King Moses (Jester Hairston) provided musical bridges by threading plot situations into the lyrics of his songs.

THIS EPISODE:

February 18, 1952. Program #48. ZIV Syndication. "Engaged In Murder". Commercials added locally. Matt Jeffrey dies while fishing on the "Bold Venture." Slade and Sailor are accused of the crime. The story is also known as, "The One That Got Away." Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Jester Hairston, David Rose (composer, conductor), Henry Hayward (director), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Nestor Paiva. 26:59. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Fred The Boarder - With Ozzie & Harriet (Aired June 15, 1947)

The show that became Town Hall Tonight was the longest-running hour-long comedy-based show in classic radio history. In 1940, Allen moved back to CBS with a new sponsor and show name, Texaco Star Theater (every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. EST on CBS, then Sundays at 9:00 p.m. in the fall of 1941). By 1942, he shortened the show to half an hour, at 9:30 p.m. EST – under network and sponsor edict, not his own. He also chafed under being forced to give up a Town Hall Tonight signature, using barely-known and amateur guests effectively, in favor of booking more recognizable guests, though he liked many of those.

THIS EPISODE:

June 15, 1947. "Fred The Boarder With Ozzie & Harriet" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Tenderleaf Tea, Chefford's Cheese. Allen's Alley question: "Do you think American cooking is the best in the world?" Fred rents a room at the home of Ozzie and Harriet. Fred Allen, Portland Hoffa, Al Goodman and His Orchestra, Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Hilliard, Kenny Delmar, Minerva Pious, Peter Donald, Parker Fennelly, The De Marco Sisters. 27:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"La Grand Maison" (Aired May 18, 1954)

Crime and Peter Chambers, stared Dane Clark as a hard-hitting private eye that worked well the with police department. His counter part at the NYPD was Lt Parker played by Bill Zuckert. The series was based on the character created by Henry Kane who wrote eight Peter Chambers novels before the series came to radio. Henry Kane wrote the scripts for the radio show adaptation which aired from 6 Apr – 7 Sep 1954 on NBC. The show was directed by Fred Weihe. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

May 18, 1954. NBC network. Sustaining. Peter meets Dr. Burns at a French restaurant, "Le Grande Maison." He's been seeing a patient romantically, which leads to the murder of her husband. Dane Clark, Fred Collins (announcer), Henry Kane (creator, writer), William Zuckert, Ed Begley, Leon Janney, Anne Diamond, Fred Weihe (director), Jay Stewart (promotional announcement, which is interrupted for the system cue). 29:52. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"La Grand Maison" (Aired May 18, 1954)

Crime and Peter Chambers, stared Dane Clark as a hard-hitting private eye that worked well the with police department. His counter part at the NYPD was Lt Parker played by Bill Zuckert. The series was based on the character created by Henry Kane who wrote eight Peter Chambers novels before the series came to radio. Henry Kane wrote the scripts for the radio show adaptation which aired from 6 Apr – 7 Sep 1954 on NBC. The show was directed by Fred Weihe. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

May 18, 1954. NBC network. Sustaining. Peter meets Dr. Burns at a French restaurant, "Le Grande Maison." He's been seeing a patient romantically, which leads to the murder of her husband. Dane Clark, Fred Collins (announcer), Henry Kane (creator, writer), William Zuckert, Ed Begley, Leon Janney, Anne Diamond, Fred Weihe (director), Jay Stewart (promotional announcement, which is interrupted for the system cue). 29:52. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Dying Declaration (Aired March 16, 1955)

The Precinct Captain acted as the narrator for the series.The official title of the series according to the series scripts and the CBS series promotional materials was 21st Precinct and not Twenty-First Precinct or Twenty First Precinct which appears in many Old-Time Radio books. In 1953 CBS decided to use New York City as the backdrop for their own half-hour police series and focus on the day-to-day operations of a single police precinct. Actual cases would be used as the basis for stories. It was mentioned in each episode's closing by the announcer that, "Twenty-firstPrecinct is presented with the official cooperation of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association an organization of more than 20,000 members of the Police Department, City of New York."

THIS EPISODE:

March 16, 1955. "The Dying Declaration" - CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. The system cue and music fill have been deleted. A well-liked local merchant is charged with the murders of his wife and a man.) Everett Sloane, Stanley Niss (writer, director), Ken Lynch, Harold Stone, Frank Knox, Elspeth Eric, John Larkin, Mandel Kramer, John Sylvester, George Bryan (announcer). 26:37. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Salute To The Railroad (Aired August 26, 1947)
In 1916, Berle enrolled in the Professional Children's School, and at age 12 he made his stage debut in Florodora. After four weeks in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the show moved to Broadway. It catapulted him into a comedic career that spanned eight decades in nightclubs, Broadway shows, vaudeville, Las Vegas, films, television, and radio. Berle's 1929 television appearance was only experimental, but by the early 1930s he had become a successful stand-up comedian. In 1933 he was hired by producer Jack White to star in the theatrical featurette Poppin' the Cork, a topical musical comedy concerning the repealing of Prohibition. Berle also co-wrote the score for this film, which was released by Educational Pictures.

THIS EPISODE:

August 26, 1947. NBC network. Sponsored by: Philip Morris. "A Salute To Railroads". Milton goes down to the railroad station to meet his Uncle Julius. Frank Gallop (announcer), Milton Berle, Ray Bloch and His Orchestra. 29:19. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Occupation Murder (Aired August 25, 1945)

Given the high quality of NBC Network voice talent in the circulating episodes, one can well imagine that the remainder of the yet alleged, undiscovered, or uncirculated episodes have at least as much to recommend them. Thankfully, as with many other examples of Golden Age Radio productions, many of the existing episodes in circulation can be directly attributed to the efforts of the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service [AFRTS]. True to its genre, the circulating episodes provide some highly compelling supernatural dramas--as well as a subset of fascinating mysteries and detective dramas. There's no reason to expect any less of any new episodes that surface in the coming years. Indeed, we've identified at least eleven previously uncirculated AFRTS-transcribed episodes among our own yet-to-be digitally transferred holdings of over 37,000 electrical transcriptions and reels. Certainly as we continue to wade through them and complete their transfer, we'll continue to update the log below, and the contents of these holdings.

THIS EPISODE:

August 25, 1945. Program #18. NBC syndication, WRVR-FM, New York aircheck. "Occupation Murder". Participating sponsors. Syndicated rebroadcast date: January 17, 1975. Edwin Wolfe (director). 25:43. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Apparition (Aired May 6, 1981)

The CBS Radio Mystery Theater (or CBSRMT) was an ambitious and sustained attempt to revive the great drama of old-time radio in the 1970s. Created by Himan Brown (who had by then become a radio legend due to his work on Inner Sanctum Mysteries and other shows dating back to the 1930s), and aired on affiliate stations across the CBS Radio network, the series began its long run on January 6, 1974. The final episode ran on December 31, 1982. The show was broadcast nightly and ran for one hour, including commercials. Typically, a week consisted of three to four new episodes, with the remainder of the week filled out with reruns. There were a total of 1399 original episodes broadcast. The total number of broadcasts, including reruns, was 2969. The late E.G. Marshall hosted the program every year but the final one, when actress Tammy Grimes took over.

View Details

The Blonde's Lipstick (Aired November 6, 1947)

Two months into the Television run, CBS re-cast Casey and Ethelbert, substituting young Darren McGavin as Jack Casey. The most distinguishing element of the short-lived Television Casey was its direction, with the famed future Film Director Sidney Lumet helming the series. CBS and Coxe took another run at Crime Photographer over Radio in 1954, reprising Staats Cotsworth, John Gibson and Jan Miner in their previous Radio roles. The 1954 run extended to the Spring of 1955, at which point the Crime Photographer franchise had pretty much run its course. The sleuthing photographer format didn't end with the CBS/Coxe franchise. ABC took a run at the concept with their Man With A Camera (1958), starring Charles Bronson, and running for two seasons, though it bore no resemblance whatsoever to the Casey, Crime Photographer franchise. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

November 6, 1947. CBS network. "The Blonde's Lipstick". Sponsored by: Anchor Hocking Glass. Laura Neely disappears with $10,000 in cash she had collected for the City Welfare Fund, much to Casey's embarrassment. Archie Bleyer (music), Herman Chittison (piano), Jan Miner, John Dietz (director), John Gibson, Milton Kramer (writer), Staats Cotsworth, Tony Marvin (announcer), George Harmon Coxe (creator). 29:57. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Election Day (Aired November 6, 1946)

His success in radio led to the start of a lucrative film career. Radio was another source of employment for the team, starting with a 1938 appearance on the Kraft Music Hall when Bing Crosby hosted the show. In 1942–1943, he was host of The Camel Comedy Caravan, and in the next season he starred in The New Jack Carson Show, which debuted on CBS June 2, 1943. Charles Foster wrote about the show in Once Upon a Time in Paradise: Canadians in the Golden Age of Hollywood: "It broke audience records regularly during the four years it was on the air. Hollywood's biggest stars ... lined up to do guest spots on the show. In 1947–1948, he starred in The Sealtest Village Store. DISCRIP. #2

THIS EPISODE:

November 6, 1946. "Election Day"- CBS network. Sponsored by: Campbell's Soup. It's election time at last. Will Jack win the office of County Commissioner? Jack Carson, Arthur Treacher, Freddy Martin and His Orchestra, Dave Willock, Del Sharbutt (announcer), Norma Jean Nilsson, Irene Ryan. 29:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Two Episodes From 1937 (11-09-37) (11-23-37)

The Phyl Coe Mysteries was a syndicated radio series that came out in 1936, with the lead character's name designed to reflect the sponsor, Philco Radio Tubes. PHYL (short for Phyllis) COE is described as the "beautiful girl detective". She was a private investigator who was smart, aggressive, and a "take-charge" lady. Cast and crew have not yet been identified. None of the solutions to each episode appear in it, since the original listeners were supposed to send in their answers to Philco and win cash prizes. About 12 episodes are known to be in circulation. At the heigth of its popularity about 250 radio stations throughout the U.S. were airing this 15 program. The contest was run by Geare-Marston, Inc of Philadelphia.

TODAY'S SHOW: The Laughing Ghost Mystery (11-09-37) and The Jagged Rock Mystery (11-23-37)

November 9, 1937. Program #10. Philco syndication. "The Laughing Ghost Mystery". Sponsored by: Philco Radios and Tubes. This ghost also kills, when he's not a ventriloquist's traveling voice! Bud Collyer, Peggy Allenby.

November 23, 1937. Program #12. Philco syndication. "The Jagged Rock Mystery". Sponsored by: Philco Radios and Tubes. Phyl Coe solves a murder at Canadian ski resort, and breaks up a dope smuggling ring too! The date is subject to correction. Bud Collyer, Peggy Allenby.

View Details

Murder Goes To College (Aired December 24, 1944)

Nick Carter, Master Detective - Nick Carter is the name of a popular fictional detective who first appeared in in a dime novel entitled "The Old Detective's Pupil" on September 18, 1886. In 1915, Nick Carter Weekly became Street & Smith's Detective Story Magazine. Novels featuring Carter continued to appear through the 1950s, by which time there was also a popular radio show, Nick Carter, Master Detective, which aired on Mutual from 1943 to 1955. Nick Carter first came to radio as The Return of Nick Carter. Then Nick Carter, Master Detective, with Lon Clark in the title role, began April 11, 1943, on Mutual, continuing in many different timeslots for well over a decade. Nick and Patsy's friend was reporter Scubby Wilson (John Kane). Nick's contact at the police department was Sgt. Mathison (Ed Latimer).

THIS EPISODE:

December 24, 1944. Mutual network. "Murder Goes To College" or "The Mystery At Spring Lake". Sponsored by: Lin-X Home Brighteners. Lon Clark, Helen Choate, John Kane, Humphrey Davis, Jock MacGregor (producer, director, occasional writer), Lew White (musician). 29:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTR0: Bob Plays The Chantels "Maybe" (1957) End Label
An Eye For An Eye (Aired April 27, 1974)

Recorded in every corner of the world when first broadcast over the BBC's World Service, The Price of Fear soon became one of the most widely recorded offerings of its era. As with most BBC productions, the acting talent and production values were excellent throughout. The stories dramatized in the series are from some of the supernatural fiction world's finest authors. William Ingram was responsible for almost half of the stories and scripts, backed up the works of Bram Stoker, Roald Dahl, Robert Arthur, Rene Basilico, Stanley Ellin, and R. Chetwynd-Hayes. John Dyas produced and directed all three series over the ten year period. Host Vincent Price, already long since recognized throughout the world as the reigning Master of The Macabre, virtually ensured that the series would be heard. True to his legend, Price's imprimatur on the series provided a voice as chilling and familiar to World Service listeners as that of their own Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing. The Price of Fear has been an international favorite ever since it's first airing. It was picked up by several short-wave and FM stations in the U.S. and enjoyed broadcast airing over several American public broadcasting stations from 1973, on. The BBC's proscription against commercial broadcast of its productions left only national or public broadcasting networks and stations capable of airing the compelling program. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

View Details

Michelangelo Hancock (Aired November 18, 1956)

Tony Hancock starred as an exaggerated version of his own character, a down-at-heel comedian living at the dilapidated 23 Railway Cuttings in East Cheam. Sid James played a criminally-inclined confidante who usually managed to con Hancock, while Bill Kerr appeared as Hancock's dim-witted Australian lodger. Moira Lister also appeared in the first series before being replaced by Andrée Melly for the next two, both playing love interests for Hancock's character. In the fourth and fifth series, Hattie Jacques played Griselda Pugh, live-in secretary to Hancock and occasional girlfriend of Sid James. The series broke from the variety tradition dominant in British radio comedy into the sitcom or Situation comedy genre. Instead of sketches, guest stars and musical interludes, humour developed from the characters and situations. Hancock's experiences were based in reality and observation. From the playlet "Look Back In Hunger" in The East Cheam Drama Festival episode, Galton and Simpson showed they were in touch with developments in the British theatre, the use of sighs and silent pauses in common with the work of Harold Pinter which began to emerge towards the end of the series' run. The measured pacing of these episodes were groundbreaking in the days of fast-talking Ted Ray, where every second of airtime had to be filled. With Galton and Simpson writing scripts prolifically, continuity was not priority, with details changed to suit the episode. The domestic situation varied, Hancock usually portrayed as unemployed or a hopeless, down-at-heel comedian.

View Details

The Weakling (Aired January 3, 1943)

The Whistler is one of American radio's most popular mystery dramas, with a 13-year run from May 16, 1942 until September 22, 1955.The Whistler was the most popular West Coast-originated program with its listeners for many years. It was sponsored by the Signal Oil Company: "That whistle is your signal for the Signal Oil program, The Whistler." Each episode of The Whistler began with the sound of footsteps and a person whistling. (The Saint radio series with Vincent Price used a similar opening.) The haunting signature theme tune was composed by Wilbur Hatch and featured Dorothy Roberts performing the whistling with the orchestra. The stories followed an effective formula in which a person's criminal acts were typically undone either by an overlooked but important detail or by their own stupidity. On rare occasions a curious twist of fate caused the story to end happily for the episode's protagonist. Ironic twist endings were a key feature of each episode. The Whistler himself narrated, often commenting directly upon the action in the manner of a Greek chorus, taunting the criminal from an omniscient perspective. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

January 3, 1943. CBS network. "The Weakling". Sustaining. Will the honest District Attorney prosecute his own son for murder? Gerald Mohr, Hans Conried, Wilbur Hatch (composer, conductor). 29:54. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Mr. Denton On Doomsday (Aired October 16, 1959)

Twilight Zone’s writers frequently used science fiction as a vehicle for social comment; networks and sponsors who had infamously censored all potentially "inflammatory" material from the then predominant live dramas were ignorant of the methods developed by writers such as Ray Bradbury for dealing with important issues through seemingly innocuous fantasy. Frequent themes include nuclear war, mass hysteria, and McCarthyism, subjects that were strictly forbidden on more "serious" prime-time drama. Episodes such as "The Shelter" or "The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street" offered specific commentary on current events. Other stories, such as "The Masks" or "The Howling Man," operated around a central allegory, parable, or fable that reflected the characters' moral or philosophical choices.

THIS EPISODE:

October 16, 1959. "Mr. Denton On Doomsday" - Portrait of a town drunk named Al Denton. This is a man who's begun his dying early—a long agonizing route through a maze of bottles. Al Denton, who would probably give an arm or a leg or a part of his soul to have another chance, to be able to rise up and shake the dirt from his body and the bad dreams that infest his consciousness. 33:27.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Screen Director's Playhouse"
Fort Apache (Starring John Wayne) Aired August 5, 1949

The radio version ran for 122 episodes and aired on NBC from January 9, 1949 to September 28, 1951 under several different titles: NBC Theater, Screen Director's Guild Assignment, Screen Director's Assignment and, as of July 1, 1949, Screen Director's Playhouse. Actors on the radio series included Fred Astaire, Lucille Ball, Charles Boyer, Claudette Colbert, Ronald Colman, Gary Cooper, Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Marlene Dietrich, Kirk Douglas, Irene Dunne, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Henry Fonda, Cary Grant, William Holden, Burt Lancaster, James Mason, Gregory Peck, William Powell, Edward G. Robinson, Norma Shearer, Barbara Stanwyck, James Stewart, John Wayne, and Loretta Young. The television version was broadcast for one season of 35 half hour episodes on NBC, airing from October 5, 1955 to September 12, 1956.

THIS EPISODE:

August 5, 1949. NBC network. "Fort Apache". Sponsored by: Pabst Beer. A classic western about Cochise battling the cavalry, with a group of travelers caught in the middle. This is a network, sponsored version. John Wayne, Ward Bond, Paul McVey, Lou Merrill, Tony Barrett, Jimmy Wallington (announcer), John Ford (guest screen director). 30:59. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"Dragonwyck" Starring Vincent Price (Aired January 20, 1947)

It aired under several different titles: The Gulf Screen Guild Show, The Gulf Screen Guild Theater, The Lady Esther Screen Guild Theater and The Camel Screen Guild Theater. Actors on the series included Ethel Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore, Ingrid Bergman, Humphrey Bogart, Eddie Cantor, Gary Cooper, Bing Crosby, Bette Davis, Jimmy Durante, Nelson Eddy, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Clark Gable, Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Johnny Mercer, Agnes Moorehead, Gregory Peck, Fred Astaire, Frank Sinatra and Dinah Shore. Fees these actors would typically charge were donated to the Motion Picture Relief Fund, in order to support the creation and maintenance of the Motion Picture Country Home for retired actors. The series came to an end on CBS June 29, 1952.

THIS EPISODE:

PLOT: Raised in 1844 Greenwich, Connecticut by her strait-laced low church parents, Ephraim (Walter Huston) and Abigail (Anne Revere), Miranda Wells (Gene Tierney) is a farm girl who often daydreams of a more romantic and luxurious life outside the farm. Miranda gets her opportunity when her mother receives a letter from their distant cousin Nicholas Van Ryn (Vincent Price), a wealthy patroon in Hudson, New York. Miranda manages to convince her parents to let her go to Nicholas's estate of Dragonwyck manor as companion to his eight-year-old daughter Katrine (Connie Marshall). Over time, Miranda learns that Nicholas and his wife Johanna are estranged from each other and from their daughter. She also hears from the servants that the Van Ryn bloodline is cursed as only they can hear the harpsichord played by the ghost of Nicholas's great-grandmother Azilde whenever misfortune befalls the family.

January 20, 1947. CBS network. "Dragonwyck". Sponsored by: Lady Esther. Glenn Langan, Teresa Wright, Vincent Price, Truman Bradley (announcer), Bill Lawrence (producer, director), Wilbur Hatch (music aranger, conductor), Harry Cronman (adaptor), Anya Seaton Chase (author). 29:11. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Sam Tolliver (Aired April 23, 1949)
The series is popular among fans for its fast-paced, hard-boiled dialogue and action and witty one-liners. Pat Novak for Hire is set on the San Francisco, California waterfront and depicts the city as a dark, rough place where the main goal is survival. Pat Novak is not a detective by trade. He owns a boat shop on Pier 19 where he rents out boats and does odd jobs to make money. Each episode of the program, particularly the Jack Webb episodes, follows the same basic formula; a foghorn sounds and Novak's footsteps are heard walking down the pier. He then pauses and begins with the line "Sure, I'm Pat Novak . . . for hire". The foghorn repeats and leads to the intro theme, during which Pat gives a monologue about the waterfront and his job renting boats. Jack Webb narrates the story as well as acts in it, as the titular character. Playing the cynic, he throws off lines such as "...about as smart as teaching a cooking class to a group of cannibals". He then introduces the trouble in which he finds himself this week. Typically, a person unknown to Pat asks him to do an unusual or risky job. Pat reluctantly accepts and finds himself in hot water in the form of an unexplained dead body. Police Inspector Hellman (played by Raymond Burr) arrives on the scene and pins the murder on Novak. With only circumstantial evidence to go on, Hellman promises to haul Novak in the next day for the crime. The rapid, staccato dialogue between Webb & Burr is typical of harboiled fiction and is often humorous.

View Details

Leona's Room (Starring Vincent Price) Aired February 25, 1949)

Johnny was a walking public relations campaign, reminding people of the product wherever he appeared. In exchange for $20,000 a year, Johnny promised never to appear in public without a bodyguard, and never to ride the New York subway during rush hour. When his salary rose to $50,000, PM insured his voice for the same amount. "Johnny" ads were prominent on billboards and in magazines. Always in his red bellhop’s uniform, he was seen "stepping out on storefronts all over America" to remind folks to smoke Philip Morris.

THIS EPISODE:

February 25, 1949. CBS network. "Leona's Room". Sponsored by: Philip Morris, Revelation Tobacco. A theater critic is blackmailed by a vaudeville mind-reader. A well written story! Vincent Price, Cathy Lewis, Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Johnny Roventini (commercial spokesman), William Spier (producer, editor, director), Lud Gluskin (music director), Art Ballinger (announcer). 29:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Cure The Habit Inc. (Aired January 15, 1950)

Our Miss Brooks, an American situation comedy, began as a radio hit in 1948 and migrated to television in 1952, becoming one of the earlier hits of the so-called Golden Age of Television, and making a star out of Eve Arden (1908-1990) as comely, wisecracking, but humane high school English teacher Connie Brooks. The show hooked around Connie's daily relationships with Madison High School students, colleagues, and pompous principal Osgood Conklin (Gale Gordon), not to mention favourite student Walter Denton (future television and Rambo co-star Richard Crenna, who fashioned a higher-pitched voice to play the role) and biology teacher Philip Boynton ( Jeff Chandler), the latter Connie's all-but-unrequited love interest, who saw science everywhere and little else anywhere.

THIS EPISODE:

January 15, 1950. "Cure The Habit Inc." - CBS network. Sponsored by: Colgate Tooth Paste, Lustre Creme Shampoo, Palmolive Soap. Has Mr. Conklin developed a drinking problem? A funny show! Al Lewis (writer), William Lally (announcer), Bob Lemond (announcer), Eve Arden, Francis X. Bushman, Gale Gordon, Gloria McMillan, Jane Morgan, Jeff Chandler, Leonard Smith, Richard Crenna, Verne Smith (announcer). 29:23. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Big Secret (Aired March 29, 1948)

My Friend Irma, created by writer-director-producer Cy Howard, was a top-rated, long-run radio situation comedy, so popular in the late 1940s that its success escalated to films and television, while Howard scored with another radio comedy hit, Life with Luigi. Dependable and level-headed Jane Stacy (Cathy Lewis) narrated the misadventures of her innocent and bewildered roommate, Irma Peterson (Marie Wilson), a dim-bulb stenographer. Wilson portrayed the character on radio, in two films and a TV series. The successful radio series with Marie Wilson ran on CBS Radio from April 11, 1947 to August 23, 1954. The TV version, seen on CBS from January 8, 1952 until June 25, 1954, was the first series telecast from the CBS Television City facility in Hollywood. The movie My Friend Irma (1949) starred Marie Wilson and Diana Lynn but is mainly remembered today for introducing Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis to moviegoers, resulting in even more screen time for Martin and Lewis in the sequel, My Friend Irma Goes West (1950).

THIS EPISODE:

March 29, 1948. CBS network. "The Big Secret". Swan, Spry. Irma, Jane and Richard are all going to Washington, D.C. It's a secret, confidential trip, even though Professor Kropotkin and Mrs. O'Reilly go along. Marie Wilson, Cathy Lewis, Cy Howard (creator, writer, producer, director), Parke Levy (writer), Hans Conried, Gloria Gordon, John Brown, Frank Bingman (announcer), Leif Erickson. 29:02. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Big Secret (Aired March 29, 1948)

My Friend Irma, created by writer-director-producer Cy Howard, was a top-rated, long-run radio situation comedy, so popular in the late 1940s that its success escalated to films and television, while Howard scored with another radio comedy hit, Life with Luigi. Dependable and level-headed Jane Stacy (Cathy Lewis) narrated the misadventures of her innocent and bewildered roommate, Irma Peterson (Marie Wilson), a dim-bulb stenographer. Wilson portrayed the character on radio, in two films and a TV series. The successful radio series with Marie Wilson ran on CBS Radio from April 11, 1947 to August 23, 1954. The TV version, seen on CBS from January 8, 1952 until June 25, 1954, was the first series telecast from the CBS Television City facility in Hollywood. The movie My Friend Irma (1949) starred Marie Wilson and Diana Lynn but is mainly remembered today for introducing Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis to moviegoers, resulting in even more screen time for Martin and Lewis in the sequel, My Friend Irma Goes West (1950).

THIS EPISODE:

March 29, 1948. CBS network. "The Big Secret". Swan, Spry. Irma, Jane and Richard are all going to Washington, D.C. It's a secret, confidential trip, even though Professor Kropotkin and Mrs. O'Reilly go along. Marie Wilson, Cathy Lewis, Cy Howard (creator, writer, producer, director), Parke Levy (writer), Hans Conried, Gloria Gordon, John Brown, Frank Bingman (announcer), Leif Erickson. 29:02. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

NIGHTFALL was a horror series heard over the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation first from July 4, 1980 to May 22, 1981 and then from November 20, 1981 to June 24, 1983. Thirty shows were selected from the first season to be rebroadcast on NPR from October 2, 1981 to June 25, 1982. Since it is a fairly modern series, most shows are available in stereo. Because it's a modern series, it's not widely available (copyright issues). This show may be the most horrifying series ever done. It was so terrifying, that many stations refused to play it or had to cancel the broadcasts due to listener complaints. This is a well done series and well worth searching for sources.

THIS EPISODE:

July 18, 1980. Program #3. CBC network, Toronto origination. "Welcome To Homerville". "A trucker on a lonely road to Homerville seeks out a little company on his CB radio, but the other truckers are horrified to learn of his destination, and plead with him to turn around, to avoid Homerville at any cost." Marian Waldman, Elva Mai Hoover, Ron Hartman, Arch McDonnell, Budd Knapp, Corrine Langston, Gordon Thomson, Lynne Deragon, Neil Dainard, Jimmy Morris, Don Dickinson (writer), Allan Guttman (writer), John Stocker, Frank Perry, Robert Christie, Ray Folcik (recording engineer), Bill Robinson (sound effects), Bill Howell (producer, director), Doris Buchanan (production assistant), John Douglas (story editor), Henry Ramer (host). 28:40. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Broadway Is My Beat - "The Ruth Shay Murder Case" (05-30-53)
INTRO: Bob Plays Sinatra "Time After Time" (Nelson Riddle 1946)

The opening theme of "I'll Take Manhattan" introduced Detective Danny Clover (now played by Larry Thor), a hardened New York City cop who worked homicide "from Times Square to Columbus Circle -- the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world." Danny Clover narrated the tales of the Great White Way to the accompaniment of music by Wilbur Hatch and Alexander Courage, and the recreation of Manhattan's aural tapestry required the talents of three sound effects technicians (David Light, Ralph Cummings, Ross Murray). Bill Anders was the show's announcer. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

May 30, 1953. "The Ruth Shay Murder Case"- CBS network. Sustaining. A fat redhad named Ruth Shay is found on the waterfront with seven bullets in her body. This is a network, sponsored version. Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Alexander Courage (composer, conductor), Larry Thor, Charles Calvert, Jack Kruschen, Lamont Johnson, Lawrence Dobkin, Truda Marson, Bill Anders (announcer), Steve Roberts. 29:30. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

I Know Your Secret (Aired April 10, 1950)
Broadcast on NBC, Nightbeat ran from 1949 to 1952 and starred Frank Lovejoy as Randy Stone, a tough and streetwise reporter who worked the nightbeat for the Chicago Star looking for human interest stories. He met an assortment of people, most of them with a problem, many of them scared, and sometimes he was able to help them, sometimes he wasn’t. It is generally regarded as a ‘quality’ show and it stands up extremely well. Frank Lovejoy (1914-1962) isn’t remembered today, but he was a powerful and believable actor with a strong delivery, and his portrayal of Randy Stone as tough guy with humanity was perfect. The scripts were excellent, given that they had to pack in a lot in a short time, and there was a good supporting cast, orchestra, and sound effects.

THIS EPISODE:

April 10, 1950. NBC network. Sustaining. Randy Stone fishes Wanda Rhodes out of the river. She had been receiving unsigned notes, all of which say, "I Know Your Secret!" Betty Lou Gerson, Colleen Collins, Frank Lovejoy, Frank Worth (composer, conductor), Jeff Corey, Joan Banks, Joel Hunt (writer), Larry Marcus (writer), Martha Wentworth, Warren Lewis (director), Will Wright. 34:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Incredible Trial Of Laura D. Fair (Aired August 17, 1953)

Crime Classics was a U. S. radio docudrama which aired over CBS from June 15, 1953 to June 30, 1954. Created, produced, and directed by radio actor/director Elliott Lewis, the program was basically a historical true crime series, examining crimes, and especially murders, from the past. It grew out of Lewis's personal interest in famous murder cases, and took a documentary-like approach to the subject, carefully recreating the facts, personages, and feel of the time period. Comparatively little dramatic license was taken with the facts and events, but the tragedy was leavened with humor, expressed largely through the narration.

THIS EPISODE:

August 17, 1953. CBS network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "The Incredible Trial Of Laura D. Fair". The oft-times married Miss Laura uses her "4-shooter" on a ferry in San Francisco harbor...for interesting reasons. Lou Merrill (host), Mary Jane Croft, Herb Butterfield, William Johnstone, Paula Winslowe, Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Bernard Herrmann (composer, conductor), Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Florence Wolcott, Jean Wood, Joseph Granby, Hugh Douglas (announcer). 30:59. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The House Of Fear (Aired November 15, 1945)

The gimmick in Rogue's Gallery was the presence of an alter ego, "Eugor," who arrived in the middle of the show to give Rogue enough information for his final deduction. Eugor was a state of mind, achieved when Rogue was knocked unconcious. Eugor would appear cackling like the host of Hermit's Cave and imparted some vital information the hero had overlooked. Rogue would then awaken with a vague idea of what to do next. Rogue's Gallery also starred different actors as Rogue, in later incarnations of the series, but Richard Powell was the most popular. This series preceded Richard Powell's most famous series, Richard Diamond, Private Detective. Rogue trailed lovely blondes and protected witnesses in the new tough guy persona of Dick Powell. This was the transition series for Powell in his quest to be recognized as an actor rather than a singer. It had some of the same cute elements that would make Richard Diamond a high spot four years later. During the summer of 1946, the show was billed as Bandwagon Mysteries, with a tip of the hat to the sponsor. In the summer of 1947, it was again revived on NBC Sundays for Fitch, with Barry Sullivan in the title role.

View Details

The Isa Conspiracy Part 3 Of 3 (Aired June 30, 1979)

The ISA, or International Space Authority, is a governing body of space development and exploration. Organized by all earth nations, it advances humans into deep space. Their base is officially named "The Arthur C. Clarke Astronomical Observatory" or "Starlab." Commissioner White commands the base, and under his command aboard Starlab are Research Director Dr. Maura Cassidy along with Starlab's Director of Operations, Jerry Lyden, and two ISA Pilots affectionately known as "rocket jockies" Captains Jon Graydon and Buddy Griff. The original music score and theme, entitled The Aliens World Suite, was composed by Jim Kirk and engineered by Dick Kewzey. It was performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, comprising a 57 piece Westminster Sinfonia in Wembley, England. Many of the realistic sound effects were recorded in four different sessions on an oil tanker in a San Pedro dry dock.

View Details

Murder Without Crime (Aired May 3, 1946)

NBC's Mystery Theatre began airing with much fanfare on September 7, 1943. The series promised stories from the greatest classical and contemporary mystery authors -- and production values to match. And it kept its promise. It was aided from the outset by the addition of an 'annotator'-- as it was described in the 1940s --named Geoffrey Barnes. The annotator served in the role of expositor, filling in on the plot development as necessary and providing a back-story when needed. The apparent distinction made between a narrator and an annotator, was a matter of degree. Mr. Barnes, a distinguished and celebrated amateur criminologist in his own right, was apparently on hand to help the listener analyze and understand the various mysteries and their underlying crimes within each script. The program appears to have aired sustained for its first three months, with three to five sponsors beginning to make an appearance with Program #17, "The Mystery of The Seven Keys" of December 28, 1943. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

May 3, 1946. NBC network. "Murder Without Crime". Sponsored by: Molle, Double Dandereen. A repeat performance of a story about a man and woman sitting on an ottoman while sweet music plays on the radio. Then the phone rings...and it's the ex-wife! Bernard Lenrow (host, as Geoffrey Barnes), Dan Seymour (announcer), J. Lee Thompson (writer), Jack DeLeon (writer), Berry Kroeger, John Sylvester, Alexander Semmler (composer, conductor). 29:33. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Portrait Of Rocky (Aired April 3, 1949)

ROCKY JORDAN was the title character of one of the better and more exotic radio detective series. In fact, it's one of the best detective series I have ever heard. The series had two separate incarnations. The first, A Man Named Jordan, started as a daily 15 minute show and after about six months changed to a weekly 30 minute show. It took place in Istanbul and the Cafe was described as "a small restaurant in a narrow street off Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, permeated with by the smoke of Oriental tobacco, alive with the babble of many tongues, and packed with intrigue." The second incarnation, Rocky Jordan, was a weekly 30 minute series took place in Cairo - "the gateway to the ancient East where adventure and intrigue unfold against the backdrop of antiquity."

THIS EPISODE:

April 3, 1949. CBS Pacific network. "Portrait Of Rocky". Sustaining. An artist offers Rocky ten Egyptian pounds to inquire about a certain Australian. The Australian knocks out Rocky with brass knuckles and steals a drawing by the artist. The Australian is then found murdered. Rocky is assisted by an Egyptian private eye named, "Ali Ben Shamus." The announcer mentions that the CBS station in San Francisco is changing call letters from KQW to KCBS. Jack Moyles, Larry Thor (announcer), Richard Aurandt (composer, conductor), Cliff Howell (producer, director), Jackson Gillis (writer), Gomer Cool (story editor), Larry Roman (story editor). 29:33. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Plays Johnny Mathis "Heavenly" As Of November 9, 1959
Lonely Sleep (Aired September 25, 1949)

Inner Sanctum Mysteries was a popular old-time radio program that aired from January 7, 1941 to October 5, 1952. Created by Himan Brown, the anthology series featured stories of mystery, terror and suspense. The tongue-in-cheek introductions were in sharp contrast to shows like Suspense and The Whistler. A total of 526 episodes are known to have been produced. The early 1940s programs opened with Raymond Edward Johnson introducing himself as, "Your host, Raymond," in a mocking sardonic voice. A spooky melodramatic organ score punctuated Raymond's many morbid jokes and playful puns. Raymond's closing was an elongated "Pleasant dreaaaaammmmssss!" His tongue-in-cheek style and ghoulish relish of his own tales became the standard for many such horror narrators to follow, from fellow radio hosts like Ernest Chappell (on Cooper's later series, Quiet, Please) and Maurice Tarplin (on The Mysterious Traveler) to EC Comics' Crypt-Keeper in various incarnations of Tales from the Crypt. In interviews, EC publisher Bill Gaines stated that he based EC's three horror hosts not on Raymond but on Old Nancy, host of radio's earlier The Witch's Tale (1931-38).

THIS EPISODE:

September 25, 1945. CBS network. "The Lonely Sleep". Lipton tea. A lonely window trimmer invents the ideal mannequin...and she's so lifelike too! A good "Sanctumesque" show. Karl Swenson, Paul McGrath (host), Joan Banks, Luis Van Rooten, Ann Shephard, Santos Ortega, Christopher Mayo (writer), Mary Bennett (commercial spokesman). 29:31. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index. CAT#39459

View Details

The Drinkler Kidnapping Case (Aired November 19, 1952)

The Lineup is a realistic police drama that gives radio audiences a look behind the scenes at police headquarters. Bill Johnstone plays Lt. Ben Guthrie, a quiet, calm-as-a-cupcake cucumber. Joseph Kearns (and from 1951 to 1953, Matt Maher) plays Sgt. Matt Grebb, a hot-tempered hot plate who is easily bored. The director and script writer often rode with police on the job and sat in on the police lineups to get ideas for The Lineup. They also read dozens of newspapers daily and intermeshed real stories with those that they used in the show. With Dragnet a smash hit, realism in police dramas was popular at the time this show aired. Don’t be caught without this radio show in your collection!

THIS EPISODE:

July 22, 1952. CBS network. "The Drinkler Kidnapping Case". Sustaining. Ed Drinkler is being held for $10,000 ransom. The show has a good shoot-'em-up conclusion. William Johnstone, Raymond Burr, Jaime del Valle (producer, transcriber), Eddie Dunstedter (music), Dan Cubberly (announcer), E. Jack Neuman (writer), Joseph Du Val, Hy Averback, Howard McNear, Peter Leeds, Virginia Gregg, Jeanne Bates. 29:04.

View Details

Fibber Goes To Night School (Aired November 14, 1944)
Fibber McGee and Molly was a popular radio show during the era of classic, old-time radio. It was one of the longest-running comedies in the history of classic radio in the United States. The series premiered on NBC in 1935 and remained popular until its demise in 1959, long after radio had ceased to be the dominant form of entertainment in American popular culture. James "Jim" Jordan (16 November 1896–1 April 1988) and Marian Driscoll (15 April 1898–7 April 1961), were natives of Peoria, Illinois who met in church and married in 1918. The genesis of Fibber McGee and Molly occurred when the small-time husband-and-wife vaudevillians began their third year as Chicago-area radio performers. Two of the shows they did for station WENR beginning in 1927, both written by Harry Lawrence, bore traces of what was to come and rank as one of the earliest forms of situation comedy.

THIS EPISODE:

November 14, 1944. "Fibber Goes To Night School" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Johnson's Wax. Fibber is about to start his first class at night school. Jim Jordan, Marian Jordan, Billy Mills and His Orchestra, The King's Men, Harlow Wilcox, Don Quinn (writer), Shirley Mitchell, Marlin Hurt, Arthur Q. Bryan. 29:09. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Isa Conspiracy Part 1 and 2 Of 3 (Aired June 16, 1979)

Alien Worlds was a syndicated radio show created by radio personality Lee Hansen. It aired 26 half-hour episodes between 1978 and 1980, becoming well known for its realistic sound effects, high production values and documentary style of dialog. The science fiction show was first syndicated by Watermark Inc. after Lee Hansen was hired as their creative director. After advancing the concept of an action-adventure dramatic radio series, Lee began developing the concept in the fall of 1978. Watermark premiered the first episode, "The Sun Stealers", on January 7, 1979. The series gained popularity thanks to its relatable characters, full symphonic soundtrack, realistic sound effects, high production values and documentary style format. Eventually over 500 US FM radio stations, along with stations in New Zealand and Australia aired the series.

View Details

Solo Performance (Aired May 21, 1948)

Although Molle Mystery Theater was initially sponsored by Molle Shaving Cream, other sponsors (such as Bayer Aspirin, Ironized Yeast, Phillips Milk of Magnesia) also sponsored the program. Sometimes, when it was not sponsored by Molle, the program was called "Mystery Theater". The show was first heard on NBC, on 9/7/43. Time slot was originally Sunday nights at 9:00 PM, but was later moved to Tuesday at 9:00 PM, and Friday at 10:00 PM. In 1948, the show moved to CBS (Tues, 8:00 PM), and in 1951, it moved to ABC, where it was called "Mark Sabre", and heard on Wednesdays at either 8:00 PM or 9:30 PM. The shows were tight and tension filled, with a fine orchestra score and solid production values. Classic tales from well-known authors, as well as modern unknowns were presented, and the endings were often twists or shockers.

THIS EPISODE:

May 21, 1948. NBC network. "Solo Performance". Sponsored by: Molle, Double Danderine. A good story about an actor who kills a producer and then imitates his voice all day to give himself an alibi. Everett Sloane, Elizabeth Morgan, Bernard Lenrow (host, as "Geoffrey Barnes"), Dan Seymour (announcer). 29:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Six Shooter"
"Johnny Springer" (Aired April 22, 1954)
Though The Six Shooter wasn't the first popular adult western to air over Radio, a case can be made that it was the first to thoroughly legitimize the genre over the medium. Not only were The Six Shooter scripts--and casts--the equal of any of the first wave of adult westerns to air over Radio, but the series carried the considerable weight of James Stewart in the starring role as Britt Ponset, the reluctant, yet highly efficient, western gunslinger. For the era, James Stewart was a natural choice to popularize the genre over Radio. His ground-breaking--for Stewart--depiction of the angst and inner turmoil of his protagonist, Lin McAdam in Winchester '73 (1950), launched a series of James Stewart appearances in other taut Anthony Mann and Alfred Hitchcock psychological thrillers over the following ten years. More importantly, the timing was perfect to cast Stewart in a psychological western thriller for Radio. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

April 22, 1954. NBC network. Sustaining. Clerk Sid Tucker has been shot. He identifies "Johnny Springer" as the killer. The trail leads to the cabin of a beautiful senorita. Jimmy Stewart, Basil Adlam (music), Jack Johnstone (director), Frank Burt (writer, creator), Virginia Gregg, Harry Bartell, Barney Phillips, Parley Baer, John Wald (announcer), Joel Cranston. 30:48. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Six Shooter" - Johnny Springer (Aired April 22, 1954)

Though The Six Shooter wasn't the first popular adult western to air over Radio, a case can be made that it was the first to thoroughly legitimize the genre over the medium. Not only were The Six Shooter scripts--and casts--the equal of any of the first wave of adult westerns to air over Radio, but the series carried the considerable weight of James Stewart in the starring role as Britt Ponset, the reluctant, yet highly efficient, western gunslinger. For the era, James Stewart was a natural choice to popularize the genre over Radio. His ground-breaking--for Stewart--depiction of the angst and inner turmoil of his protagonist, Lin McAdam in Winchester '73 (1950), launched a series of James Stewart appearances in other taut Anthony Mann and Alfred Hitchcock psychological thrillers over the following ten years. More importantly, the timing was perfect to cast Stewart in a psychological western thriller for Radio. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

April 22, 1954. NBC network. Sustaining. Clerk Sid Tucker has been shot. He identifies "Johnny Springer" as the killer. The trail leads to the cabin of a beautiful senorita. Jimmy Stewart, Basil Adlam (music), Jack Johnstone (director), Frank Burt (writer, creator), Virginia Gregg, Harry Bartell, Barney Phillips, Parley Baer, John Wald (announcer), Joel Cranston. 30:45. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Six Shooter"
"Johnny Springer" (Aired April 22, 1954)
Though The Six Shooter wasn't the first popular adult western to air over Radio, a case can be made that it was the first to thoroughly legitimize the genre over the medium. Not only were The Six Shooter scripts--and casts--the equal of any of the first wave of adult westerns to air over Radio, but the series carried the considerable weight of James Stewart in the starring role as Britt Ponset, the reluctant, yet highly efficient, western gunslinger. For the era, James Stewart was a natural choice to popularize the genre over Radio. His ground-breaking--for Stewart--depiction of the angst and inner turmoil of his protagonist, Lin McAdam in Winchester '73 (1950), launched a series of James Stewart appearances in other taut Anthony Mann and Alfred Hitchcock psychological thrillers over the following ten years. More importantly, the timing was perfect to cast Stewart in a psychological western thriller for Radio. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

April 22, 1954. NBC network. Sustaining. Clerk Sid Tucker has been shot. He identifies "Johnny Springer" as the killer. The trail leads to the cabin of a beautiful senorita. Jimmy Stewart, Basil Adlam (music), Jack Johnstone (director), Frank Burt (writer, creator), Virginia Gregg, Harry Bartell, Barney Phillips, Parley Baer, John Wald (announcer), Joel Cranston. 30:48. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Guest In The House (Aired September 25, 1946)

The 18th Academy Awards was the first such ceremony after World War II. As a result, the ceremony featured more glamour than had been present during the war. Plaster statuettes that had been given out during the war years were replaced with bronze statuettes with gold plating. Despite this, director Billy Wilder's grim and socially significant drama The Lost Weekend took the top honors. It became the first film to win both the Academy Award for Best Picture and the Palme d'Or. Joan Crawford was absent, claiming she had pneumonia (although it was said it was because she was sure she would not win the Oscar for Best Actress for Mildred Pierce). As it turned out, she did win, and the award was delivered to her while in bed that night. This was the first year in which every film nominated for Best Picture won at least one Oscar, and also the first time that a sequel (The Bells of St. Mary's) had been nominated for Best Picture.

THIS EPISODE:

September 25, 1946. CBS network. "Guest In The House". Sponsored by: Squibb Drugs. A neurotic disrupts the happy home life of her doctor's family. Joan Lorring, Anita Louise, Kirk Douglas. 29:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"The Veldt" (Aired August 9, 1951)

This show dramatized the work of such young writers as Ray Bradbury, Robert (Psycho) Bloch, Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, and Kurt Vonnegut. In-house script writer was Ernest Kinoy, who adapted the master works and contributed occasional storied of his own. Dimension X was a very effective demonstration of what could be done with science fiction on the air. It came so late that nobody cared, but some of the stories stand as classics of the medium. Bradbury's "Mars Is Heaven" is as gripping today as when first heard. His "Martian Chronicles" was one of the series' most impressive offerings. Dimension X played heavily on an "adventures in time and space, told in future tense" theme. Actors who worked regularly on the show included Joe Di Santis, Wendell Holmes, Santos Ortega, Joseph Julian, Jan Miner, Roger De Koven, John Gibson, Ralph Bell, John Larkin, Les Damon, and Mason Adams. It was directed by Fred Weihe and Edward King. The deep-voiced narrator was Norman Rose. The series played heavily on the "X" factor in the title, as did X-Minus One a few years later.

THIS EPISODE:

August 9, 1951. NBC network. "The Veldt". Sustaining. The kids' playroom is nothing to fool around about! The system cue and final promotional announcement have been deleted. The script was subsequently used on "X Minus One" on August 4, 1955. Albert Buhrman (music), William Quinn, David Anderson, Ernest Kinoy (adaptor), Fred Weihe (director, transcriber), Joan Lazer, Lesley Woods, Norman Rose (host), Ray Bradbury (author), William Welch (producer), Fred Collins (announcer). 30:09. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Frontier Gentleman"
"The Preacher" (Aired October 19, 1958)

Frontier Gentleman was a radio Western series heard on CBS from February 2 to November 16, 1958. Written and directed by Antony Ellis, it followed the adventures of J.B. Kendall (John Dehner), a London Times reporter, as he roamed the Western United States, encountering various outlaws and well-known historical figures, such as Jesse James and Calamity Jane. Written and directed by Antony Ellis, it followed the adventures of journalist Kendall as he roamed the Western United States in search of stories for the Times. Along the way, he encountered various fictional drifters and outlaws in addition to well-known historical figures, such as Jesse James, Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

October 19, 1958. CBS network. "The Preacher". Sponsored by: Chrysler Corporation, Kent. Kendall tries to prevent a gunfight betwen a preacher and a man determined to kill him. The system cue is added live. John Dehner, Antony Ellis (writer, producer, director), Waldo Epperson, Ray Woods, Richard Perkins. 23:56. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Frontier Gentleman"
"The Preacher" (Aired October 19, 1958)

Frontier Gentleman was a radio Western series heard on CBS from February 2 to November 16, 1958. Written and directed by Antony Ellis, it followed the adventures of J.B. Kendall (John Dehner), a London Times reporter, as he roamed the Western United States, encountering various outlaws and well-known historical figures, such as Jesse James and Calamity Jane. Written and directed by Antony Ellis, it followed the adventures of journalist Kendall as he roamed the Western United States in search of stories for the Times. Along the way, he encountered various fictional drifters and outlaws in addition to well-known historical figures, such as Jesse James, Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

October 19, 1958. CBS network. "The Preacher". Sponsored by: Chrysler Corporation, Kent. Kendall tries to prevent a gunfight betwen a preacher and a man determined to kill him. The system cue is added live. John Dehner, Antony Ellis (writer, producer, director), Waldo Epperson, Ray Woods, Richard Perkins. 23:56. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Crooked Wheel (Aired September 25, 1948)

Michael Shayne was a fictional sleuth created by Brett Halliday (a pen name for author Davis Dresser) who was first initiated into the fraternity for detectives in the 1939 novel "Dividend of Death". Dresser based the character on a “tall and rangy” brawler who once saved his life during a braw in a Mexican cantina. The Shayne character would go on to appear in 69 novels, plus a long-running mystery magazine—and in 1941, was brought to the silver screen in Paramount’s Michael Shayne, Private Detective, an adaptation of Dividend of Death that starred Lloyd Nolan, and paved the way for six additional B-mysteries to follow. The New Adventures of Michael Shayne—premiered on July 15, 1948 starring Jeff Chandler.

THIS EPISODE:

September 25, 1948. Program #10. Broadcaster's Guild syndication. "The Case Of The Crooked Wheel" Commercials added locally. Shayne travels to Mexico City to help a casino owner with a dishonest wheel. These syndicated programs were recorded 1948 to 1950. Jeff Chandler, Brett Halliday (creator), William P. Rousseau (director, host), William Conrad, Frank Lovejoy, Don W. Sharpe (producer), John Duffy (composer, conductor). 25:09. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Find A Hired Assassin (Aired May 27, 1953)

Dangerous Assignment stands as one of the most durable programs of its genre and era in the waning days of The Golden Age of Radio. Espionage or foreign intrigue dramas weren't particularly groundbreaking undertakings by the 1950s. Bulldog Drummond was the first of the more successful exemplars of Radio espionage and intrigue, running from 1941 to 1954, most often under the lead of the gifted character actor, George Coulouris. The Counterspy series had been well underway since 1942 and ran in one incarnation or another through 1954. The Man Called X had already aired--to great popular and critical acclaim--for almost five years prior to 1949. Indeed, within a year of airing Dangerous Assignment's Summer 1949 season, The Man Called X returned to the air for another two years. For one of those years, Dangerous Assignment and The Man Called X ran back to back in the NBC line-up. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

May 27, 1953. "Find A Hired Assassin"- NBC network. Sustaining. Steve Mitchell travels to Havana to capture a hired assassin who uses poisons. A southern gal and a game of hide and seek helps Steve to catch the killer. Adrian Gendot (writer), Betty Lou Gerson, Bill Cairn (director), Brian Donlevy, Herb Butterfield, Herb Ellis, John Storm (announcer), Julie Bennett, Paul Dubov, Robert Ryf (writer), Tony Barrett. 24:24. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Big Break (Aired December 14, 1950)

Dragnet was a long-running radio and television police procedural drama about the cases of a dedicated Los Angeles police detective, Sergeant Joe Friday, and his partners. The show takes its name from an actual police term, a "dragnet", meaning a system of coordinated measures for apprehending criminals or suspects. Dragnet debuted inauspiciously. The first several months were bumpy, as Webb and company worked out the program’s format and eventually became comfortable with their characters (Friday was originally portrayed as more brash and forceful than his later usually relaxed demeanor). Gradually, Friday’s deadpan, fast-talking persona emerged, described by John Dunning as "a cop's cop, tough but not hard, conservative but caring."

THIS EPISODE:

December 14, 1950. Program #79. NBC network. "The Big Break". Sponsored by: Fatima, Chesterfield. After a shoot-out, George Hoffman is arrested but escapes at his arraignment by climbing down the side of a building! After joining the army, Hoffman borrows $5 from Friday and Romero. Jack Webb, Barton Yarborough, Bob Hope (Chesterfield commercial), Bing Crosby (Chesterfield commercial). 29:16. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Watching The Dog (Aired September 11, 1952)

Father Knows Best, a family comedy of the 1950s, is perhaps more important for what it has come to represent than for what it actually was. In essence, the series was one of a slew of middle-class family sitcoms in which moms were moms, kids were kids, and fathers knew best. Today, many critics view it, at best, as high camp fun, and, at worst, as part of what critic David Marc once labeled the "Aryan melodramas" of the 1950s and 1960s. The brainchild of series star Robert Young, who played insurance salesman Jim Anderson, and producer Eugene B. Rodney, Father Knows Best first debuted as a radio sitcom in 1949.The series began August 25, 1949, on NBC Radio. Set in the Midwest, it starred Robert Young as General Insurance agent Jim Anderson. His wife Margaret was first portrayed by June Whitley and later by Jean Vander Pyl. The Anderson children were Betty (Rhoda Williams), Bud (Ted Donaldson) and Kathy (Norma Jean Nillson). Others in the cast were Eleanor Audley, Herb Vigran and Sam Edwards. Sponsored through most of its run by General Foods, the series was heard Thursday evenings on NBC until March 25, 1954.

View Details

The Case Of The Party For Death (Aired February 16, 1951) Nero Wolf is a fictional detective created by American author Rex Stout in the 1930s and featured in dozens of novels and novellas.In the stories, Wolfe is one of the most famous private detectives in the United States. He weighs about 285 pounds and is 5'11" tall. He raises orchids in a rooftop greenhouse in his New York City brownstone on West 35th Street, helped by his live-in gardener Theodore Horstmann. Wolfe drinks beer throughout the day and is a glutton. He employs a live-in chef, Fritz Brenner. He is multilingual and brilliant, though apparently self-educated, and reading is his third passion after food and orchids. He works in an office in his house and almost never leaves home, even to pursue the detective work that finances his expensive lifestyle. Instead, his leg work is done by another live-in employee, Archie Goodwin.

THIS EPISODE:

February 16, 1951. NBC network. "The Case Of The Party For Death". Sustaining. Archie attends a cocktail party at which Nero Wolfe expects the guest of honor to be murder! The final public service announcement and system cue have been deleted. Sydney Greenstreet, Rex Stout (creator), J. Donald Wilson (producer, director), William Johnstone, Don Stanley (announcer), Mandred Lloyd (writer), Edwin Fadiman (producer), Harry Bartell, Herb Butterfield, Evelynne Eaton, Peter Leeds. 28:53. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Jekyll & Hyde Gangster (Aired October 2, 1947)

The Clock might well have found a larger audience had ABC had either the budget or resolve to promote it. Neither, as things turned out, ever materialized. After a concerted effort of a week of research, we were unable to uncover a single newspaper spot advertisement or announcement for The Clock during its entire American run. Neither does The Clock, as either an idea or a production, require any rationalization. It may simply have been an idea ahead of its time. Grace Gibson Productions apparently agreed with our own assessment. When Grace Gibson recycled The Clock almost eight years after it left American airwaves, it apparently met with far more successful acceptance with Australian and South African listeners alike.

THIS EPISODE:

October 2, 1947. Grace Gibson syndication. "The Jekyll & Hyde Gangster". Commercials added locally. Leo Tarn is the big gambler in New York City. When a new joint opens in town, Leo pays a "friendly" visit to Barney...all by himself Lawrence Klee (writer), Harp McGuire (as "The Clock"), John Saul (director), Owen Weingott, Wynne Nelson, Grant Taylor, Rod Jacobs. 25:05 Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Jekyll & Hyde Gangster (Aired October 2, 1947)

The Clock might well have found a larger audience had ABC had either the budget or resolve to promote it. Neither, as things turned out, ever materialized. After a concerted effort of a week of research, we were unable to uncover a single newspaper spot advertisement or announcement for The Clock during its entire American run. Neither does The Clock, as either an idea or a production, require any rationalization. It may simply have been an idea ahead of its time. Grace Gibson Productions apparently agreed with our own assessment. When Grace Gibson recycled The Clock almost eight years after it left American airwaves, it apparently met with far more successful acceptance with Australian and South African listeners alike.

THIS EPISODE:

October 2, 1947. Grace Gibson syndication. "The Jekyll & Hyde Gangster". Commercials added locally. Leo Tarn is the big gambler in New York City. When a new joint opens in town, Leo pays a "friendly" visit to Barney...all by himself Lawrence Klee (writer), Harp McGuire (as "The Clock"), John Saul (director), Owen Weingott, Wynne Nelson, Grant Taylor, Rod Jacobs. 25:05 Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Plays Barbra Streisand "The Way We Were" (1973)
The Adventures Of Sam Spade - "The Rushlight Diamond Caper" (07-04-48)

"The Rushlight Diamond Caper" (Aired July 4, 1948)The Adventures of Sam Spade was a radio series based loosely on the private detective character Sam Spade, created by writer Dashiell Hammett for The Maltese Falcon. The show ran for 13 episodes on ABC in 1946, for 157 episodes on CBS in 1946-1949, and finally for 51 episodes on NBC in 1949-1951. The series starred Howard Duff (and later, Steve Dunne) as Sam Spade and Lurene Tuttle as his secretary Effie, and took a considerably more tongue-in-cheek approach to the character than the novel or movie. In 1947, scriptwriters Jason James and Bob Tallman received an Edgar Award for Best Radio Drama from the Mystery Writers of America. Before the series, Sam Spade had been played in radio adaptations of The Maltese Falcon by both Edward G. Robinson (in a 1943 Lux Radio Theater production) and by Bogart himself (in a 1946 Academy Award Theater production), both on CBS.

THIS EPISODE:

July 4, 1948. CBS network. "The Rushlight Diamond Caper". Sponsored by: Wildroot Cream-Oil. Sam is hired to guard the wedding presents, but not the groom, who is stabbed to death with a pair of garden shears! Sandra Gould replaces Lurene Tuttle as Effie, Sam's secretary. Howard Duff, Dashiell Hammett (creator), William Spier (producer), Sandra Gould, Dick Joy (announcer), Robert Tallman (writer), Gil Doud (writer, director), Lud Gluskin (music director). 28:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Gunsmoke - "Cain" (Aired October 03, 1952)

Howard McNear starred as Dr. Charles Adams in the radio series, with Milburn Stone portraying Dr. Galen Adams in the television version. In the radio series, "Doc" Adams was initially a self-interested and somewhat dark character with a predilection for constantly attempting to increase his revenue through the procurement of autopsy fees. However, McNear's performances steadily became more warm-hearted and sympathetic. Most notably, this transformation began during (and progressed steadily following) the July 1952 episode "Never Pester Chester", in which a physician with a more compassionate and devoted temperament is essential to the plotline when Chester is near-fatally injured by two trouble-making Texas drovers. Doc Adams' backstory evokes a varied and experienced life: In some episodes, he had educational ties to Philadelphia; in others, he spent time as ship's doctor aboard the gambling boats that plied the Mississippi River, which provided a background for his knowledge of New Orleans (and acquaintance with Mark Twain).

THIS EPISODE:

October 03, 1952. "Cain" (10-03-52) Clancey Cassell (announcer), Georgia Ellis, Harry Bartell, Howard McNear, John Meston (writer), Lawrence Dobkin, Parley Baer, William Conrad. Cat# 39948 Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Gunsmoke - "Cain" (Aired October 03, 1952)

Howard McNear starred as Dr. Charles Adams in the radio series, with Milburn Stone portraying Dr. Galen Adams in the television version. In the radio series, "Doc" Adams was initially a self-interested and somewhat dark character with a predilection for constantly attempting to increase his revenue through the procurement of autopsy fees. However, McNear's performances steadily became more warm-hearted and sympathetic. Most notably, this transformation began during (and progressed steadily following) the July 1952 episode "Never Pester Chester", in which a physician with a more compassionate and devoted temperament is essential to the plotline when Chester is near-fatally injured by two trouble-making Texas drovers. Doc Adams' backstory evokes a varied and experienced life: In some episodes, he had educational ties to Philadelphia; in others, he spent time as ship's doctor aboard the gambling boats that plied the Mississippi River, which provided a background for his knowledge of New Orleans (and acquaintance with Mark Twain).

THIS EPISODE:

October 03, 1952. "Cain" (10-03-52) Clancey Cassell (announcer), Georgia Ellis, Harry Bartell, Howard McNear, John Meston (writer), Lawrence Dobkin, Parley Baer, William Conrad. Cat# 39948 Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"The Courier" (Aired May 2, 1952)

The FBI in Peace and War was a radio crime drama inspired by Frederick Lewsis Collins' book, The FBI in Peace and War. The idea for the show came from Louis Pelletier who wrote many of the scripts. Among the show's other writers were Jack Finke, Ed Adamson and Collins. Airing on CBS from November 25, 1944 to September 28, 1958, it had a variety of sponsors (including Lava Soap, Wildroot Cream Oil, Lucky Strike, Nescafe and Wrigley's) over the years. Martin Blaine and Donald Briggs headed the cast.

THIS EPISODE:

May 2, 1952. ABC network. "The Courier". Sponsored by: The Equitable Life Assurance Society. "The basic secrets of nuclar fission have been stolen." The show features a rare guest star (George Murphy) in a drama based on the film, "Walk East On Beacon" The story tells how Russia gained knowledge of the making of atomic bomb. After the drama, George Murphy says, "thank God for the FBI" and heaps praise upon the agency. The system cue is added live. Stacy Harris, William Woodson (narrator), Larry Keating (announcer), Jerry D. Lewis (writer), Jerry Devine (producer), Frederick Steiner (composer, conductor), George Murphy, Whitfield Connor, Ted de Corsia, Isabel Jewell, Tom Tully. 28:51. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Touch Of Death (1952) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

Their long-run series continued for over two decades and came to an end in 1963 with the death of Frances Lockridge. Albert Hackett and Peggy Conklin had the title roles in the Broadway production Mr. and Mrs. North, which ran 163 performances at the Belasco Theatre from January 12, 1941, to May 31, 1941. Alfred De Liagre, Jr. produced and directed the play written by Owen Davis. In this version, the North's apartment was located on Greenwich Place, realized in a scenic design by Jo Mielziner. The Owen Davis play became a 1942 MGM movie starring Gracie Allen and William Post, Jr. with Millard Mitchell repeating his role of Detective Mullins from the Broadway production. Others in the cast were Paul Kelly, Rose Hobart and Keye Luke. In 1946, producer-director Fred Coe brought the Owen Davis play to television (on New York City's WNBT) with John McQuade and Maxine Stewart in the leads and Don Haggerty, Joan Marlowe and Millard Mitchell repeating their Broadway roles. Barbara Britton and Richard Denning starred in the TV adaptation seen on CBS from 1952 to 1953 and on NBC in 1954.

View Details

A Brush With The Law (Aired March 25, 1975)

Dad's Army" was a long running British comedy series created and written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft. The idea of a series came to Jimmy Perry when he realised that many people had forgotten about the contribution the Home Guard had made to the British Home Front during the years of the Second World War. Commencing in 1968, "Dad's Army" ran on BBC Television for 9 years with over eighty episodes spread within 10 series. The series is set in a small fictional seaside town called Walmington-on-Sea somewhere on the South Coast of England. "Dad's Army" is also remembered for its first class actors which starred amongst its credits, Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Arthur Wilson and Clive Dunn as Lance Corporal Jack Jones. In May 1940, Sir Anthony Eden makes his historic speech calling for men under and over the age of active service in the armed forces to form a local defence corps. In Walmington, the Local Bank manager George Mainwaring set's up the town's Local Defence Volunteers,with the assistance of his Bank Clerk, Arthur Wilson and the Local Butcher, Jack Jones. The LDV later become known as the Home Guard or affectionately (to the TV audience) "Dad's Army" as the platoon mainly consist of Old Soldiers.From week to week they would become entangled in many exploits while defending Walmington from a possible invasion and any interference from the Local Air Raid Warden.

View Details

A Brush With The Law (Aired March 25, 1975)

Dad's Army" was a long running British comedy series created and written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft. The idea of a series came to Jimmy Perry when he realised that many people had forgotten about the contribution the Home Guard had made to the British Home Front during the years of the Second World War. Commencing in 1968, "Dad's Army" ran on BBC Television for 9 years with over eighty episodes spread within 10 series. The series is set in a small fictional seaside town called Walmington-on-Sea somewhere on the South Coast of England. "Dad's Army" is also remembered for its first class actors which starred amongst its credits, Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Arthur Wilson and Clive Dunn as Lance Corporal Jack Jones. In May 1940, Sir Anthony Eden makes his historic speech calling for men under and over the age of active service in the armed forces to form a local defence corps. In Walmington, the Local Bank manager George Mainwaring set's up the town's Local Defence Volunteers,with the assistance of his Bank Clerk, Arthur Wilson and the Local Butcher, Jack Jones. The LDV later become known as the Home Guard or affectionately (to the TV audience) "Dad's Army" as the platoon mainly consist of Old Soldiers.From week to week they would become entangled in many exploits while defending Walmington from a possible invasion and any interference from the Local Air Raid Warden.

View Details

Attempted Murder (Aired July 15, 1951)
The Whisperer was an American old-time radio show broadcast from July 8 to September 30, 1951 on NBC. It ran for only 13 episodes. The premise of the series was as improbable as its storylines. The protagonist was Philip Gault (Carleton G. Young), a lawyer who, due to some unexplained accident, lost his voice and could only speak in an eerie whisper. Gault infiltrates "the syndicate" in his native Central City to bring down organized crime from within; to the underworld, he becomes known as the Whisperer. Later, his voice is restored through surgery, but he continues to lead a double life as the Whisperer, relaying instructions from the syndicate bosses in New York (who don't know he's a mole) to their lackeys in Central City, whom Gault is actually setting up. By today's standards, the stories are dated and their message-mongering usually criticized as ham-fisted, the product of what might be considered the unenlightened attitudes of the time.

THIS EPISODE:

July 15, 1951 - "Attempted Murder" (07-15-51) Betty Moran, Bill Cairn (director), Carleton Young, Frank Gerstle, Jack Moyles, Jan Arvan, John Duffy (original music), Jonathan Twice (writer), Julius Crowlbein, Paul Frees, Stetson Humphrey (creator)Catalogue Number # 47914..Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Marijuana Mystery (1953) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

This show, from the early 1950s, is a good example of the true story style of delivery made popular in radio's classic crime shows Gangbusters and Mr. District Attorney. Of course, the best and most popular of the true crime shows was Dragnet -- the monotone, "just the facts" style demanded by Jack Webb in the show made two points at once: first, that the show wasn't a typical melodramatic crime show, as had been on radio since "the good old days", and more importantly, that we were along for the ride on another day at the office -- in this case, a policeman's “day at the office". Not a true crime show, as this is drama, but this show features Chuck Morgan, as played by Glen Langen, a very believable news anchor at KOP, a Los Angeles radio station. He is pals with Lieutenant Bill Miggs of the police force, who tips him off to hot crime news. Also in on the capers is Morgan's "Gal Friday", Carol Curtis, played by Adele Jurgens. The three meet all types -- mostly on the shady side of the street. In real life, Glen and Adele were husband and wife, the two marrying in 1949. They had met on the movie set of The Treasure of Monte Cristo. On the show, the repartee between the two is strictly old school and quite enjoyable. The dialogue is solid and makes the most of the plots. Unheralded and left for dead, Stand By for Crime is well worth your time. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

View Details

Nikki Porter Suspect (Aired March 5, 1947)

Tuska cited Ellery Queen, Master Detective (1940) and Ellery Queen's Penthouse Mystery (1941) as the best of the Bellamy-Lindsay pairings. "The influence of The Thin Man series was apparent in reverse", Tuska noted about Ellery Queen's Penthouse Mystery. "Ellery and Nikki are unmarried but obviously in love with each other. Probably the biggest mystery... is how Ellery ever gets a book written. Not only is Nikki attractive and perfectly willing to show off her figure", Tuska wrote, "but she also likes to write her own stories on Queen's time, and gets carried away doing her own investigations." In Ellery Queen, Master Detective, "the amorous relationship between Ellery and Nikki Porter was given a dignity, and therefore integrity", Tuska wrote, "that was lacking in the two previous entries in the series", made at Republic Pictures before Bellamy and Lindsay were signed by Columbia.

THIS EPISODE:

March 5, 1947. Grace Gibson syndication. "Nikki Porter Suspect". Commercials added locally. A bank robber with a broken nose has been shot and murdered on board a train. The evidence points to Nikki as the killer. An Australian production. The script was produced in the United States on March 5, 1947. Gypsy Rose Lee (guest armchair detective, she was on tour in Australia), Ken Crossen (writer), Manfred B. Lee (writer), John Saul (director). 25:40. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Please Not C.O.D. (Aired April 12, 1943)

The success of the comic strip led to the long-running Blondie film series (1938-1950) and the popular Blondie radio program (1939-1950). Chic Young drew Blondie until his death in 1973, when the control of the strip passed to his son Dean Young, who continues to write the strip. Young has collaborated with a number of artists on Blondie, including Jim Raymond, Mike Gersher, Stan Drake, Denis Lebrun and currently, John Marshall. Through these changes, Blondie has remained popular, appearing in more than 2000 newspapers in 47 countries and translated into 35 languages, as of 2010[update].

THIS EPISODE:

April 12, 1943. CBS network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "Please Not C.O.D." AKA "Blondie Demands A Refund". AFRS program name: "Front Line Theatre." A C.O.D. package arrives for someone else. Blondie and Dagwood try to return a bridge table. The date is subject to correction. Chic Young (creator), Arthur Lake, Penny Singleton, Jerry Wald and His Orchestra (AFRS music fill), Hans Conried. 29:46. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Gunsmoke - Hinka-Do (Aired October 10, 1952)
The radio series ran from 1952 to 1961. John Dunning wrote that among radio drama enthusiasts, "Gunsmoke is routinely placed among the best shows of any kind and any time." The television series ran for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975, and lasted for 635 episodes. At the end of its run in 1975, Los Angeles Times columnist Cecil Smith wrote: "Gunsmoke was the dramatization of the American epic legend of the west. Our own Iliad and Odyssey, created from standard elements of the dime novel and the pulp Western as romanticized by [Ned] Buntline, [Bret] Harte, and [Mark] Twain. It was ever the stuff of legend." The radio series first aired on CBS on April 26, 1952, with the episode "Billy the Kid", written by Walter Newman, and ended on June 18, 1961. The show stars William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Howard McNear as Doc Charles Adams, Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, and Parley Baer as Dillon's assistant, Chester Wesley Proudfoot.

THIS EPISODE:

October 10, 1952. "Hinka-Do" Byron Kane, Clancey Cassell (announcer), Howard McNear, Jeanette Nolan, John Dehner, Les Crutchfield (writer), Parley Baer, Ralph Moody, William Conrad. Catalog# 39949. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Hottest Guy In The World (Aired February 13, 1949)

Broadcast from January to December 1949, "The Damon Runyon Theatre" dramatized 52 of Runyon's short stories for radio. Damon Runyon (October 4, 1884 – December 10, 1946) was a newspaperman and writer. He was best known for his short stories celebrating the world of Broadway in New York City that grew out of the Prohibition era. He spun tales of gamblers, petty thieves, actors and gangsters; few of whom go by "square" names, preferring instead to be known as "Nathan Detroit", "Big Jule", "Harry the Horse", "Good Time Charlie", "Dave the Dude", and so on. These stories were written in a very distinctive vernacular style: a mixture of formal speech and colorful slang, almost always in present tense, and always devoid of contractions.

THIS EPISODE:

February 13, 1949. Program #20. Mayfair syndication. "The Hottest Guy In The World". Commercials added locally. An ex-con is packing two guns in a plot right out of "King Kong." Damon Runyon (author), John Brown, Richard Sanville (director), Russell Hughes (adaptor), Vern Carstensen (production supervisor), Frank Gallop (announcer). 28:23. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index

View Details

Order For Murder (Aired May 23, 1951)

The veteran character actor Ed Begley was featured as Sgt. O'Hara. Regulars on the program included Petty Garde, Paul Stewart, Linda Watkins, Mary Patton as Lila North, and Vicki Vola, also the female lead in "Mr. District Attorney." Amzie Strickland played the ingenue, Cathy Evans, and Nell Harrison played Runyon's mother during the early episodes. The cast also included Dan Ocko, Roily Bester (wife of Alfred Pester, the science fiction writer), and Robert Dryden. An eleven-piece orchestra was on hand to provide live music, and was directed by Bernard Green, who also wrote that memorably stirring theme. The sound effects were by Ed Blaney, who actually did drop a coin in a change slot each week for the sound of the drug store scale."

THIS EPISODE:

May 23, 1951. ABC network. "Order For Murder". Sustaining. An ex-major, hated by everyone, is shot in the woods of suburban Washington D. C. Whodunnit? Everyone has a motive! J. Scott Smart, Vicki Vola, Dashiell Hammett (creator). 23:58. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Order For Murder (Aired May 23, 1951)

The veteran character actor Ed Begley was featured as Sgt. O'Hara. Regulars on the program included Petty Garde, Paul Stewart, Linda Watkins, Mary Patton as Lila North, and Vicki Vola, also the female lead in "Mr. District Attorney." Amzie Strickland played the ingenue, Cathy Evans, and Nell Harrison played Runyon's mother during the early episodes. The cast also included Dan Ocko, Roily Bester (wife of Alfred Pester, the science fiction writer), and Robert Dryden. An eleven-piece orchestra was on hand to provide live music, and was directed by Bernard Green, who also wrote that memorably stirring theme. The sound effects were by Ed Blaney, who actually did drop a coin in a change slot each week for the sound of the drug store scale."

THIS EPISODE:

May 23, 1951. ABC network. "Order For Murder". Sustaining. An ex-major, hated by everyone, is shot in the woods of suburban Washington D. C. Whodunnit? Everyone has a motive! J. Scott Smart, Vicki Vola, Dashiell Hammett (creator). 23:58. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"You'll Be Dead In A Week" - PART 3 of 3 (09-16-44)

Indeed, to this day, all rights to Adventures By Morse are retained by MorseLCo, Incorporated, the Morse Family's California-registered Trust. While they have occasionally issued a license to some of Carlton Morse's holdings, the vast majority of his work remains in the exclusive possession of the Family's trust. Apparently the Morse Family has been counseled that a resurgent market for Carlton E. Morse's adventure serials will yet present itself one day in the future. While we respect the Morse family's aspirations for their progenitor's body of work, we have our doubts that such a situation will present itself after all this time. While we can envision no resurgence of interest in Morse's adventure writing in all but the most distant future, this is by no means a reflection on Carlton Morse's amazing output of serial melodrama over his extraordinary career. But for all intents Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

View Details

Alan The Fullback (Aired November 13, 1945)
The Alan Young Show was a radio and television series presented in diverse formats over a nine-year period and starring Canadian-English actor Alan Young. It began on NBC radio as a summer replacement situation comedy in 1944, featuring vocalist Bea Wain. It moved to ABC with Jean Gillespie portraying Young's girlfriend Betty. The program was next broadcast by NBC for a 1946-47 run and was off in 1948. When it returned to NBC in 1949, Louise Erickson played Betty and Jim Backus was heard as snobbish playboy Hubert Updike III. In 1950 The Alan Young Show moved to television as a variety, sketch comedy show, taking an 11-month hiatus in 1952.

THIS EPISODE:

November 13, 1945. "Alan The Fullback" ABC network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. Alan finds himself playing football against the State Prison team, "The Rock Crushers." Alan Young, Peter Van Steeden and His Orchestra, Jim Backus, Jean Gillespie, Dickie Monahan, Bob Shepherd (announcer), Minerva Pious, Walter Tetley, Four Chicks and Chuck. 29:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Alan The Fullback (Aired November 13, 1945)
The Alan Young Show was a radio and television series presented in diverse formats over a nine-year period and starring Canadian-English actor Alan Young. It began on NBC radio as a summer replacement situation comedy in 1944, featuring vocalist Bea Wain. It moved to ABC with Jean Gillespie portraying Young's girlfriend Betty. The program was next broadcast by NBC for a 1946-47 run and was off in 1948. When it returned to NBC in 1949, Louise Erickson played Betty and Jim Backus was heard as snobbish playboy Hubert Updike III. In 1950 The Alan Young Show moved to television as a variety, sketch comedy show, taking an 11-month hiatus in 1952.

THIS EPISODE:

November 13, 1945. "Alan The Fullback" ABC network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. Alan finds himself playing football against the State Prison team, "The Rock Crushers." Alan Young, Peter Van Steeden and His Orchestra, Jim Backus, Jean Gillespie, Dickie Monahan, Bob Shepherd (announcer), Minerva Pious, Walter Tetley, Four Chicks and Chuck. 29:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"You'll Be Dead In A Week" - PART 3 of 3 (09-16-44)

Indeed, to this day, all rights to Adventures By Morse are retained by MorseLCo, Incorporated, the Morse Family's California-registered Trust. While they have occasionally issued a license to some of Carlton Morse's holdings, the vast majority of his work remains in the exclusive possession of the Family's trust. Apparently the Morse Family has been counseled that a resurgent market for Carlton E. Morse's adventure serials will yet present itself one day in the future. While we respect the Morse family's aspirations for their progenitor's body of work, we have our doubts that such a situation will present itself after all this time. While we can envision no resurgence of interest in Morse's adventure writing in all but the most distant future, this is by no means a reflection on Carlton Morse's amazing output of serial melodrama over his extraordinary career. But for all intents Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

View Details

The Witch's Tale - The Troth Of Death (Aired March 11, 1937)

A seminal series which established the standard of a host-based anthology series, and the first horror series produced for radio. WOR, New York origination, Air Features Syndicate syndication. Music fill for local commercial insert. 9:30 P. M. lonzo Deen Cole (writer, producer, performer), Marie O'Flynn, Adelaide Fitz-Allen (as "Old Nancy"). John Dunning in his "On the Air, The Encyclopedia of Old Time Radio," relates the odd tale of getting the replacement for the original Nancy, Adelaide Fitz-Allen, who died at 79 in 1935. A radio veteran, only a mere 13 years old, Miriam Wolfe by name, was then on the fine children's program, Let's Pretend. Of course, she wasn't considered for the part. She stayed in the studio during a late-night broadcast by Witch's Tale writer/director, Alonzo Deen Cole, and began her "Nancy" without warning. Cole was so chilled by her mimicry of an ancient crone that she got the part on the spot. Later in the show's run, the role was taken by Martha Wentworth.

THIS EPISODE:

March 11, 1937 - MacQuarrie syndication. "The Troth Of Death". Commercials added locally. The script was used on "The Witch's Tale" on May 29, 1933 and March 11, 1937. This recording might be from the 1937 broadcast or from an Australian production. Alonzo Deen Cole (writer). 23:24. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Soaring Saucer (Aired May 2, 1950)
The show was at the top of the list among programs that had developed the technique of sound effects to a fine art. Each program was written with the sound in mind, not so much sound for sound's sake, but to advance the plot, add color or create atmosphere. Two sound effects men spent a reported ten hours in rehearsal for each broadcast, in addition to the time spent by the actors. East coast actors House Jameson, Don MacLaughlin, Phil Sterling and Lawson Zerbe [MBS] (Zerbe appeared as both David Harding and Harry Peters) were the only four actors to ever assume the role of David Harding--Jameson for the first two episodes only, replaced by Don MacLaughlin for the remainder of its twelve year run. Both Connecticut residents, House Jameson premiered in the role while Lord was still auditioning talent for the lead. By the third episode, Phillips H. Lord selected Don MacLaughlin for the role. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

May 2, 1950. ABC network. "The Case Of The Soaring Saucer". Sponsored by: Pepsi Cola. "Tia Puma" and her friends use genuine flying saucers to smuggle narcotics into the USA. 31:32. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Adventures By Morse - "You'll Be Dead In A Week" - PART 2 of 3 (09-16-44)

The 30-minute episodes (and two sales pitches) were produced in the mid-1940s. Dates of production and the earliest broadcasts are uncertain: several Internet sites mention that the entire series was broadcast in 1944, but in the final two chapters of It's Dismal to Die, it is clearly stated that the Second World War has ended. Advertisements have been found for broadcasts in 1946 and 1949. The series was presented in 13-episode blocks (each containing two stories), with each ten-chapter story ending with a teaser for the following three-chapter story. The City of the Dead and A Coffin for the Lady are mentioned in the promotional recordings as the first and second story respectively. The order used below is the one found most often on the Internet.

View Details

Adventures By Morse - "You'll Be Dead In A Week" - PART 2 of 3 (09-16-44)

The 30-minute episodes (and two sales pitches) were produced in the mid-1940s. Dates of production and the earliest broadcasts are uncertain: several Internet sites mention that the entire series was broadcast in 1944, but in the final two chapters of It's Dismal to Die, it is clearly stated that the Second World War has ended. Advertisements have been found for broadcasts in 1946 and 1949. The series was presented in 13-episode blocks (each containing two stories), with each ten-chapter story ending with a teaser for the following three-chapter story. The City of the Dead and A Coffin for the Lady are mentioned in the promotional recordings as the first and second story respectively. The order used below is the one found most often on the Internet.

View Details

Deep Death (Aired January 2, 1940)

The show was initially created around these two actors, though Trevor was then a young budding actress appearing in movies as well as radio. Producer-Director-Writer Jerry McGill had been a newspaperman and wrote the series about a crusading managing editor of the Illustrated Press. McGill took his show to heart writing stories about juvenile delinquency, drunk driving and racism, though the show was at worst melodramatic at best poignant. Hard-nosed editor, Wilson, as played by Robinson would get the story no matter what it takes. Though sometimes over the top, Robinson was excellent in his role. The stories were well written and directed by William N. Robson as well as McGill. The show was a big promoter of the free press and the first amendment with its opening sequence: "Freedom of the press is a flaming sword! Use it justly...hold it high...guard it well!" The second series began immediately in the 1943 season when the production moved from Hollywood to New York. Robinson left (Trevor left two years earlier as her career starting taking off) and McGill reorganized the series placing Edward Pawley in the role of Wilson opposite Fran Carlon as Lorelei.

View Details

"You'll Be Dead In A Week" - PART 1 of 3 (9-16-44)

Adventures by Morse was a syndicated adventure series produced, written and directed by Carlton E. Morse shortly after NBC canceled his I Love a Mystery series. Captain Bart Friday was a globe-trotting San Francisco-based private investigator, portrayed during the series by Elliott Lewis, David Ellis and Russell Thorson. Friday's sidekick from Texas, Skip Turner, was played mostly by Jack Edwards and occasionally by Barton Yarborough. The tales covered such areas as espionage, kidnapping and murder, along with secret Nazi bases, snake worshipers and voodoo.

View Details

Gasoline Cocktail (Aired December 12, 1949)

With the possible exception of Ed Begley, Everett Sloane, Lionel Stander and Joan Lorring, none of the other featured actors in the series ever played a major role in Radio. We don't mention this to in any way detract from these fine performers' work in this program. We simply point out the novelty of this program in the annals of Golden Age Radio history. "In the Interest of Good Citizenship and Law Enforcement," MGM presented these seventy-eight programs as syndicated transcriptions. There had been a glut of such civic minded programs between the 1940s and 1950s, so it's difficult to imagine how MGM thought they might milk even more public interest out of yet another such program. But it turned out to be a very successful program for both MGM and WMGM. Crime Does Not Pay was well-received during its run.

THIS EPISODE:

December 12, 1949. Program #10. MGM syndication. "Gasoline Cocktail". Commercials added locally. A Transylvanian arsonist is extinguished. The date above is the date of the first broadcast of the program on WMGM, New York from which this syndicated version may have been taken. Marx B. Loeb (director), Jon Gart (composer, conductor), Burton B. Turkas (technical advisor), Bela Lugosi, Ira Marion (writer), Bob Williams (announcer). 28:39. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Iron Chancellor (Aired January 27, 1973)
X Minus One was an NBC science fiction series that was an extension, or revival, of NBC's earlier science fiction series, DIMENSION X. which ran from Apr. 8, 1950 through Sept. 29, 1951. Both are remembered for bringing really first rate science fiction to the air. The first X Minus One shows used scripts from Dimension X, but soon created new shows from storied from the pages of Galaxy Magazine. The series was cancelled after the 126th broadcast on January 9, 1958. However, the early 1970s brought a wave of nostalgia for old-time radio; a new experimental episode, "The Iron Chancellor" by Robert Silverberg, was created in 1973, but it failed to revive the series.

THIS EPISODE:

January 27, 1973. "The Iron Chancellor" - NBC network, Renaissance Radio syndication, WRVR-FM, New York aircheck. "The Iron Chancellor". A robot runs amok. Sophomoric. Robert Silverberg (author), Leon Janney, Jackson Beck, Roy Fox (commercial spokesman, performer), Evie Juster, Donald Buka, Ira Shprintzen (director), Donna Phonfer (? adaptor), Sal Trepani (producer). 26:05. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Detectives Are Not Always Right (Aired December 11, 1955)

This is an Australian radio production of the classic MGM science fiction movie, Forbidden Planet. The production uses all the original electronic music and effects from the film. Length: 55 Min. What can I say? Years before Starfleet officers donned uniforms in Star Trek, it was done in Forbidden Planet. Long before Han Solo held a blaster, the guys in Forbidden Planet did it. Long before Star Trek's android Data and shortly before Lost in Space's Robby, a mechanical being played a major role in Forbidden Planet. Long before big special effects films ruled movie theaters, Forbidden Planet was packed with great effects, including astounding matte paintings. Long before electronically-created music became common, Forbidden Planet featured an all-synthesizer soundtrack that gave a futuristic and creepy feeling. Long before Leslie Nielson said, "Don't call me Shirley," he wore a spacesuit and wielded a ray gun.

View Details

Special Guest Is Fred Astaire (Aired February 17, 1948)

After five years on the Vaudeville circuit, by his own account Hope was surprised and humbled when he and his partner Grace Louise Troxell failed a 1930 screen test for Pathé at Culver City, California. (Hope had been on the screen in small parts, 1927's The Sidewalks of New York and 1928's Smiles. Hope returned to New York City and subsequently appeared in several Broadway musicals including Roberta, Say When, the 1936 Ziegfeld Follies, and Red, Hot and Blue with Ethel Merman. His performances were generally well-received and critics noted his keen sense of comedic timing. He changed his name from "Leslie" to "Bob", reportedly because people in the US were calling him "Hopelessly", although in the 1920s he sometimes used the name "Lester Hope".

THIS EPISODE:

February 17, 1948. "Special Guest Is Fred Astaire" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Pepsodent. The program originates from Canoga Park High School, Woodland Hills, California. Fred and Bob do a skit about their start in show business. Barbara Jo Allen, the real mayor of Woodland Hills, makes a fund appeal for the United Nations Crusade For Children. Bob Hope, Fred Astaire, Jerry Colonna, Barbara Jo Allen, Trudy Erwin, Les Brown and His Orchestra, Dorothy Lovett, Wendell Niles (announcer), Jack Kirkwood, Norman Sullivan (writer), Fred Williams (writer), Larry Kline (writer), Paul Laven (writer), Ray Allen (writer), Fred Fox (writer), Roger Price (writer), Chet Castellaw (writer), Glenn Wheaton (writer), Harold Goodman (writer), Hendrix Voellaris, Al Capstaff (producer), Bob Stephenson (director). 27:11. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Detectives Are Not Always Right (Aired December 11, 1955)

This is an Australian radio production of the classic MGM science fiction movie, Forbidden Planet. The production uses all the original electronic music and effects from the film. Length: 55 Min. What can I say? Years before Starfleet officers donned uniforms in Star Trek, it was done in Forbidden Planet. Long before Han Solo held a blaster, the guys in Forbidden Planet did it. Long before Star Trek's android Data and shortly before Lost in Space's Robby, a mechanical being played a major role in Forbidden Planet. Long before big special effects films ruled movie theaters, Forbidden Planet was packed with great effects, including astounding matte paintings. Long before electronically-created music became common, Forbidden Planet featured an all-synthesizer soundtrack that gave a futuristic and creepy feeling. Long before Leslie Nielson said, "Don't call me Shirley," he wore a spacesuit and wielded a ray gun.

View Details

The Blood Soaked Wagon (Aired May 2, 1949)

The author, (Sir) Arthur Conan-Doyle wrote his first Holmes story, A Study In Scarlet, in 1886. Sherlock Holmes, a fictitious character was based on a real man, Dr Joseph Bell, a renown forensic scientist at Edinburgh University whom Conan-Doyle studied under. Conan-Doyle wrote 56 self contained short stories & 4 novels (60 adventures in total) The collection is known as The Cannon. The first Sherlock Holmes film was produced in 1900. In 1939 the novels were developed as a series of films staring Basil Rathbone, establishing the trademark deerstalker, pipe & spyglass as a global visual icon. Conan Doyle wrote four novels and fifty-six short stories that feature Holmes. The first two stories, short novels appeared in Beeton's Christmas Annual for 1887 and Lippincott's Monthly Magazine in 1890, respectively. The character grew tremendously in popularity with the beginning of the first series of short stories in The Strand Magazine in 1891; further series of short stories and two serialised novels appeared until 1927.

THIS EPISODE:

May 2, 1949. Mutual network. "The Adventure Of The Blood-Soaked Wagon". Sponsored by: Clipper Craft Clothes. John Stanley, George Spelvin (a name traditionally used by actors who wish to remain anonymous), Arthur Conan Doyle (creator), Cy Harrice (announcer), Albert Buhrman (music), Basil Loughrane (producer, director), Howard Merrill (writer), Ian Martin. 24:25. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Plays Skeeter Davis "The End of The World" (1962)
"The Delinquent Parents" (Aired April 5, 1946)

This Is Your FBI was sponsored during its entire run by the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (now AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company). This is Your FBI had counterparts on the other networks. The FBI in Peace and War also told stories of the FBI, although some were not authentic. Earlier on, Gangbusters, and the previously mentioned Mr. District Attorney gave the authentic crime treatment to their stories. And Dragnet, and Tales of the Texas Rangers, took the idea on as well. Crime, especially true crime, was a genre in the magazines early on, with the Police Gazette and its predecessors in England printing lurid true crime stories prior to radio. This is Your FBI took the idea, and made it realistic, exciting and even informational.

THIS EPISODE:

April 5, 1946. ABC network. "The Delinquent Parents". Sponsored by: The Equitable Life Assurance Society. Frederick Steiner (music director), Dean Carlton (narrator), Jerry Devine (producer), Carl Frank (announcer), Frank Faries (writer). 29:19. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Deadly Fight (Aired January 23, 1952)
Barry Craig, Confidential Investigator is one of the few detective radio series that had separate versions of it broadcast from both coasts. Even the spelling changed over the years. It was first "Barry Crane" and then "Barrie Craig". NBC produced it in New York from 1951 to 1954 and then moved it to Hollywood where it aired from 1954 to 1955. It attracted only occasional sponsors so it was usually a sustainer.William Gargan, who also played the better known television (and radio) detective Martin Kane, was the voice of New York eye BARRY CRAIG while Ralph Bell portrayed his associate, Lt. Travis Rogers. Craig's office was on Madison Avenue and his adventures were fairly standard PI fare. He worked alone, solved cases efficiently, and feared no man. As the promos went, he was "your man when you can't go to the cops. Confidentiality a speciality."Like Sam Spade, Craig narrated his stories, in addition to being the leading character in this 30 minute show. Nearly sixty episodes are in trading circulation today.

THIS EPISODE:

January 23, 1952. NBC network. "The Deadly Fight". Sustaining. Not auditioned. "A widow who can't find tears, an obituary notice in search of a cough and a boxing champ whose biggest win is a fight, strictly off the record." Fran Carlon, Himan Brown (director), William Gargan, John Roeburt (writer), Don Pardo (announcer). 22:11 Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Cisco Kid" - Run On The Bank (01-22-53)

The Cisco Kid is a fictional character found in numerous film, radio, television and comic book series based on the fictional Western character created by O. Henry in his 1907 short story "The Caballero's Way", published in Everybody's Magazine, v17, July 1907, well as in the collection Heart of the West. Originally a murderous criminal in O. Henry's story, the Kid was depicted as a heroic Mexican caballero later in films, radio and television adaptations. In O. Henry's original story, the character is a 25-year-old desperado in the Texas–Mexico border country who bears little resemblance to later interpretations of the character. He kills for sport and is responsible for at least eighteen deaths. His real name is possibly Goodall ("This hombre they call the Kid—Goodall is his name, ain't it?"); no first name is given in the story.

THIS EPISODE:

January 22, 1953. Program #54. Mutual-Don Lee network, KHJ, Los Angeles origination, Ziv syndication. "Run On The Bank". Commercials added locally. Jack Mather, Harry Lang. 27:22. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Big Blast (Aired June 28, 1955)
Dragnet was a long running radio and television police procedural drama, about the cases of a dedicated Los Angeles police detective, Sergeant Joe Friday, and his partners. The show takes its name from an actual police term, a Dragnet, meaning a system of coordinated measures for apprehending criminals or suspects. Dragnet was perhaps the most famous and influential police procedural drama in American media history. The series gave millions of Americans a feel for the boredom and drudgery, as well as the danger and heroism, of real life police work. Dragnet earned praise for improving the public opinion of police officers. Actor and producer Jack Webb's aims in Dragnet were for realism and unpretentious acting. He achieved both goals and Dragnet remains a key influence on subsequent police dramas in many media.

THIS EPISODE:

June 28, 1955. Program #306. NBC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Big Convertible". A man cashing bad payroll checks all over town has been using a rented car. Jack Webb, Ben Alexander. 25:02. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Clue Of The Ivory Thread (Aired March 27, 1955)

Abbott Mysteries was a comedy-mystery radio program adapted from the novels of Frances Crane (1896-1981). Julie Stevens and Charles Webster starred as Jean and Pat Abbott, a San Francisco married couple who solved murder mysteries. In the supporting cast were Jean Ellyn, Sydney Slon and Luis Van Rooten. Moving to 5:30pm in 1946, Les Tremayne and Alice Reinheart took over the roles until the end of the series on August 31, 1947. Seven years later, the characters returned October 3, 1954, on NBC in The Adventures of the Abbotts, broadcast on NBC Sunday evenings at 8:30pm. The Abbotts were portrayed by Claudia Morgan and Les Damon. The NBC series ran until June 12, 1955.

THIS EPISODE:

March 27, 1955. Program #8. NBC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Clue Of The Ivory Thread". Les Damon, Claudia Morgan, Frances Crane (creator), Howard Merrill (writer), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Ted Lloyd (producer), Harry Frazee (director, recordist), Dewey Bergman (composer, conductor), Joe DeSantis, John Ridgely, Wayne Howell (announcer). 30:20. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Clue Of The Ivory Thread (Aired March 27, 1955)

Abbott Mysteries was a comedy-mystery radio program adapted from the novels of Frances Crane (1896-1981). Julie Stevens and Charles Webster starred as Jean and Pat Abbott, a San Francisco married couple who solved murder mysteries. In the supporting cast were Jean Ellyn, Sydney Slon and Luis Van Rooten. Moving to 5:30pm in 1946, Les Tremayne and Alice Reinheart took over the roles until the end of the series on August 31, 1947. Seven years later, the characters returned October 3, 1954, on NBC in The Adventures of the Abbotts, broadcast on NBC Sunday evenings at 8:30pm. The Abbotts were portrayed by Claudia Morgan and Les Damon. The NBC series ran until June 12, 1955.

THIS EPISODE:

March 27, 1955. Program #8. NBC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Clue Of The Ivory Thread". Les Damon, Claudia Morgan, Frances Crane (creator), Howard Merrill (writer), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Ted Lloyd (producer), Harry Frazee (director, recordist), Dewey Bergman (composer, conductor), Joe DeSantis, John Ridgely, Wayne Howell (announcer). 30:20. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Maharani Mix-Up (Aired June 29, 1950)

Maisie, the first in 1939, was from the book "Dark Dame" by the writer Wilson Collison,who did decades of scripting for the silver screen along with Broadway plays and magazine fiction. From the first, MGM wanted Ann Sothern to play Maisie. She began in Hollywood as an extra in 1927. "Maisie and I were just together - I just understood her," Sothern, born Harriette Arlene Lake, said after several of the films made her a star. Throughout the 1930s and '40s, Ann Sothern and Lucille Ball, like many performers in Hollywood, had not one but two careers - one in motion pictures and one on radio. MGM Studios had created the series of ten motion pictures based on a brash blonde with a heart "of spun gold." Sothern, due in great part to the Maisie films type-casting, would ultimately admit she was "a Hollywood princess, not a Hollywood queen." But in its time, the Maisie series in film and on radio made her known and loved the world over.

View Details

Little Phil Alquin (Aired May 9, 1934)

As shows of this nature do it dealt with tracking killers and robbers with a recap of the justice which was enforced. The writer and director was William N. Robson. Calling All Cars episodes were dramatized true crime stories that were not only introduced by officers of the Los Angeles Police Department but were true life crime stories of the LAPD. If you are thinking early version of Dragnet, yes, but not quite as polished. Dragnet was believed to have been inspired by Calling All Cars. None of the actors on the show ever received on-air credit, but among the talent OTR fans can hear the likes of Elvia Allman, Jackson Beck, Charles Bickford, John Gibson, Richard LeGrand and Hanley Stafford, just to name a few.

THIS EPISODE:

May 9, 1934. Program #24. CBS Pacific network (Don Lee network "Little Phil Alquin". Sponsored by: Rio Grande Oil. A police lieutenant has just been murdered by an unknown assailant. Frederick Lindsley is introduced as "Professor Lindsley." The system cue has been deleted. Charles Frederick Lindsley (narrator). 29:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Maharani Mix-Up (Aired June 29, 1950)

Maisie, the first in 1939, was from the book "Dark Dame" by the writer Wilson Collison,who did decades of scripting for the silver screen along with Broadway plays and magazine fiction. From the first, MGM wanted Ann Sothern to play Maisie. She began in Hollywood as an extra in 1927. "Maisie and I were just together - I just understood her," Sothern, born Harriette Arlene Lake, said after several of the films made her a star. Throughout the 1930s and '40s, Ann Sothern and Lucille Ball, like many performers in Hollywood, had not one but two careers - one in motion pictures and one on radio. MGM Studios had created the series of ten motion pictures based on a brash blonde with a heart "of spun gold." Sothern, due in great part to the Maisie films type-casting, would ultimately admit she was "a Hollywood princess, not a Hollywood queen." But in its time, the Maisie series in film and on radio made her known and loved the world over.

View Details

The Maharani Mix-Up (Aired June 29, 1950)

Maisie, the first in 1939, was from the book "Dark Dame" by the writer Wilson Collison,who did decades of scripting for the silver screen along with Broadway plays and magazine fiction. From the first, MGM wanted Ann Sothern to play Maisie. She began in Hollywood as an extra in 1927. "Maisie and I were just together - I just understood her," Sothern, born Harriette Arlene Lake, said after several of the films made her a star. Throughout the 1930s and '40s, Ann Sothern and Lucille Ball, like many performers in Hollywood, had not one but two careers - one in motion pictures and one on radio. MGM Studios had created the series of ten motion pictures based on a brash blonde with a heart "of spun gold." Sothern, due in great part to the Maisie films type-casting, would ultimately admit she was "a Hollywood princess, not a Hollywood queen." But in its time, the Maisie series in film and on radio made her known and loved the world over.

View Details

INTRO: Bob plays "When I Fall In Love" by Doris Day (1952)
"Death Is My Caller" (Aired October 21, 1947)

Unlike many other shows of the era, The Mysterious Traveler was without a sponsor for its entire run. The lonely sound of a distant locomotive heralded the arrival of the malevolent narrator, portrayed by Maurice Tarplin, who introduced himself each week in the following manner. This is the Mysterious Traveler, inviting you to join me on another journey into the strange and terrifying. I hope you will enjoy the trip, that it will thrill you a little and chill you a little. So settle back, get a good grip on your nerves and be comfortable -- if you can! Cast members included Jackson Beck, Lon Clark, Roger DeKoven, Elspeth Eric, Wendell Holmes, Bill Johnstone, Joseph Julian, Jan Miner, Santos Ortega, Bryna Raeburn, Frank Readick, Ann Shepherd, Lawson Zerbe and Bill Zuckert. Sound effects were by Jack Amrhein, Jim Goode, Ron Harper, Walt McDonough and Al Schaffer.

THIS EPISODE:

October 21, 1947. Mutual network. "Death Is My Caller". Sustaining. A wealthy stockbroker named Henry Norton is visited by his old partner, Charles Blair. Blair is just out of jail after seven years...and is seeking revenge. Robert A. Arthur (writer, producer, director), David Kogan (writer, producer, director), Maurice Tarplin (as "The Traveler"), Santos Ortega, Neal O'Malley, Paul Taubman (organist), Carl Caruso (announcer), Agnes Young, Ted Jewett. 29:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of Dr. Duncan Allen (Aired March 9, 1952)

WHITEHALL 1 2, 1 2 Tweaked Jan. 12, 2006 This series was very similar to the Black Museum that was hosted by Orson Welles. Both the Black Museum and Whitehall 1212 drew their material from the files of Scotland Yard. The stories were true in every respect except that the names were changed to protect the innocent, as they say. The Whitehall 1212 series boasted that for the first time Scotland Yard opened its files and the producers promised to bring to the public authentic true stories of some of the most celebrated cases. Permission for these records came from Sir Harold Scott, Commissioner of the yard at that time. There is actually a Black Museum. This area is located on the lower ground floor of Scotland Yard and it does indeed contain articles that are closely associated with the solving of a crime. And "Whitehall 1212" was the actual emergency phone number for the yard at the time. The research for the shows was done by Percy Hoskins, chief crime reporter for the London Daily Express. For the benefit of American audiences, Wyllis Cooper of Quiet Please fame was hired as script writer. Interestingly enough both the Black Museum and Whitehall 1212 had all-British casts; both ran concurrently. Whereby Mutual Broadcasting System aired the Orson Welles version, NBC offered the Wyllis Cooper one.

THIS EPISODE:

March 9, 1952. "The Case Of Dr. Duncan Allen" - NBC network. Sustaining. A bottle of The Glenlivet in the Black Museum is the exhibit in a case of stolen uranium! Part of the final public service announcement and the system cue has been deleted. Percy Hoskins (researcher), Wyllis Cooper (writer, director). 28:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of Dr. Duncan Allen (Aired March 9, 1952)

WHITEHALL 1 2, 1 2 Tweaked Jan. 12, 2006 This series was very similar to the Black Museum that was hosted by Orson Welles. Both the Black Museum and Whitehall 1212 drew their material from the files of Scotland Yard. The stories were true in every respect except that the names were changed to protect the innocent, as they say. The Whitehall 1212 series boasted that for the first time Scotland Yard opened its files and the producers promised to bring to the public authentic true stories of some of the most celebrated cases. Permission for these records came from Sir Harold Scott, Commissioner of the yard at that time. There is actually a Black Museum. This area is located on the lower ground floor of Scotland Yard and it does indeed contain articles that are closely associated with the solving of a crime. And "Whitehall 1212" was the actual emergency phone number for the yard at the time. The research for the shows was done by Percy Hoskins, chief crime reporter for the London Daily Express. For the benefit of American audiences, Wyllis Cooper of Quiet Please fame was hired as script writer. Interestingly enough both the Black Museum and Whitehall 1212 had all-British casts; both ran concurrently. Whereby Mutual Broadcasting System aired the Orson Welles version, NBC offered the Wyllis Cooper one.

THIS EPISODE:

March 9, 1952. "The Case Of Dr. Duncan Allen" - NBC network. Sustaining. A bottle of The Glenlivet in the Black Museum is the exhibit in a case of stolen uranium! Part of the final public service announcement and the system cue has been deleted. Percy Hoskins (researcher), Wyllis Cooper (writer, director). 28:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The 3rd Degree (Aired November 21, 1948)

The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet launched on CBS October 8, 1944, making a mid-season switch to NBC in 1949. The final years of the radio series were on ABC (the former NBC Blue Network) from October 14, 1949, to June 18, 1954. In an arrangement that amplified the growing pains of American broadcasting, as radio "grew up" into television (as George Burns once phrased it), the Nelsons' deal with ABC gave the network itself the right to move the show to television whenever it wanted to do it---they wanted, according to the Museum of Broadcast Communications, to have talent in the bullpen and ready to pitch, so to say, on their own network, rather than risk it defecting to CBS (where the Nelsons began) or NBC. Their sons, David and Ricky, did not join the cast until five years after the radio series began.

THIS EPISODE:

November 21, 1948. "The 3rd Degree" - NBC network. Sponsored by: International Silver. Who is more curious...Ozzie or Harriet? And who is that beautiful girl that complimented Ozzie? A funny show. Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Hilliard. 29:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Public Hero Number One (Aired July 28, 1950)

During the postwar years, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the Tiffany of movie studios, successfully made the leap into the production and distribution of transcribed syndicated radio series, often capitalizing on their many long-running film series as inspiration for program ideas. "The Story of Dr. Kildare", "The Adventures of Maisie", "The Hardy Family", and "Crime Does Not Pay" were just a few of the offerings syndicated to individual radio stations - after being first run on New York’s WMGM, owned by Loew’s Incorporated and known in the business as "The Call Letters of the Stars."

THIS EPISODE:

July 28, 1950. Program #40. MGM syndication. "Public Hero Number One" .Commercials added locally. An undercover cop makes friends with a gangster in prison. He wants info about criminals, but falls in love with the gangster's sister. Howard Dietz (host), Marx B. Loeb (director), Raymond Katz (producer), Joel Herron (composer, conductor), Ed Stokes (announcer), Paul Stewart, Welborn Kelly (adaptor), William Eyth, Nina Foch. 56:24. Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"Kalare Temple" (Aired August 21, 1952)

Here we bring you A Life in Your Hands, a murder and courtroom melodrama which ran on the radio from 1949 - 1952. It portrays a truthful and objective view of various murder stories. The format of the shows is that of interviews - with witnesses on both sides providing their stories. The hero in the story is the fictitious Jonathan Kegg who is seeking the truth behind these mysterious cases. He represents neither the defense nor the prosecution, but rather is a man on a journey for justice. Cast: Ned LeFevre (Jonathan Kegg-1949) Mike Wallace (Narrator (1949)) Lee Bowman (Jonathan Kegg-1951) Carlton Kadell (Jonathan Kegg (1950,52), Narrator) Erle Stanley Gardner ((Creator)) Director: John Cowan, Homer Heck, Patrick Murphy, Jack Simpson

THIS EPISODE:

August 21, 1952. NBC network. Sustaining. "Dr. Allenby", a distinguished anthropologist, discovers the Kalare tomb in the Yucatan. He's found murdered under mysterious circumstances. Jonathan Kegg solves the case with the help of his tape recorder! Adele Scott (musical effects), Bill Knight (engineer), Carlton KaDell (announcer), Doug Johnson (writer), Erle Stanley Gardner (creator), George Stone (announcer), John Cowan (director), Whitey Birquist (conductor). 29:42. Episode Notes From The Radio Index.

View Details

Life Can Be Murder (Aired July 21, 1951)

This revival of Philip Marlowe was more favorably received, probably because of a combination of writing and acting. No one could duplicate the writing of Raymond Chandler, but this group of writers was very good. While Chandler's distinctive similes were largely lacking, the strong dry, sarcastic narration was there, and the way Gerald Mohr delivered the lines had a way of making you forget that they weren't written by Chandler. Mr. Mohr seemed born for the part of the cynical detective. His voice and timing were perfect for the character. In a letter to Gene Levitt, one of the show's writers, Raymond Chandler commented that a voice like Gerald Mohr's at least packed personality; a decided an improvement over his opinion of the original show. By 1949 the show had the largest audience in radio. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

July 21, 1951. CBS network. "Life Can Be Murder". Sustaining. Marlowe meets Marney Carr in a bar and becomes involved in a case of murder when she disappears. Gerald Mohr, James Nusser, Joan Banks, June Whitley, Kathleen Hite (writer), Lawrence Dobkin, Marjorie Bennett, Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Paul Dubov, Pierre Garriguenc (composer), Raymond Chandler (creator), Roy Rowan (announcer), Shirley Mitchell, Virginia Gregg, Wilbur Hatch (music). 28:43. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Play Ball (Aired August 30, 1949)
From 1949-1956 the Mutual Broadcasting System ran a series entitled John Steele, Adventurer. This was an anthology series, introduced by the title character, who has apparently had trouble keeping a job: he served at various times as ship's captain, baseball league president, county sheriff, State Department special agent in Turkey, etc. Each story is told from the point of view of the main character, a friend of Steele's. Steele himself makes cameo appearances in the series. The series featured Ted Mallie as the announcer (Mallie also announced for The Shadow and I Love A Mystery) and Don Douglas as John Steele, and was directed by Elliot Drake. It often promised “suspense and hard, fast action,” and nearly always delivered. It had excellent production values, and its plots that were often complex. The stories are reminiscent of pulp stories from magazines like Argosy or All-Story.

THIS EPISODE:

August 30, 1949. Mutual network. "Play Ball". Sustaining. "One man against an angry crowd, a foul ball and a fog." "The fans in the stands are part of what makes baseball the grerat American pasttime." Don Douglas, Sylvan Levin (conductor), Robert Monroe (producer), Elliott Drake (writer, director), Charles Holmes, Grace Keddy, Ross Martin, Al Patterson, Joe Halgenson, Jimmy Powers, Ted Mallie (announcer). 28:52. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Play Ball (Aired August 30, 1949)
From 1949-1956 the Mutual Broadcasting System ran a series entitled John Steele, Adventurer. This was an anthology series, introduced by the title character, who has apparently had trouble keeping a job: he served at various times as ship's captain, baseball league president, county sheriff, State Department special agent in Turkey, etc. Each story is told from the point of view of the main character, a friend of Steele's. Steele himself makes cameo appearances in the series. The series featured Ted Mallie as the announcer (Mallie also announced for The Shadow and I Love A Mystery) and Don Douglas as John Steele, and was directed by Elliot Drake. It often promised “suspense and hard, fast action,” and nearly always delivered. It had excellent production values, and its plots that were often complex. The stories are reminiscent of pulp stories from magazines like Argosy or All-Story.

THIS EPISODE:

August 30, 1949. Mutual network. "Play Ball". Sustaining. "One man against an angry crowd, a foul ball and a fog." "The fans in the stands are part of what makes baseball the grerat American pasttime." Don Douglas, Sylvan Levin (conductor), Robert Monroe (producer), Elliott Drake (writer, director), Charles Holmes, Grace Keddy, Ross Martin, Al Patterson, Joe Halgenson, Jimmy Powers, Ted Mallie (announcer). 28:52. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Academy Award Theater
"Stagecoach" (Aired May 4, 1946)

The list of films and actors on Academy Award Theater is very impressive. Bette Davis begins the series in Jezebel, with Ginger Rogers following in Kitty Foyle, and then Paul Muni in The Life of Louis Pasteur. The Informer had to have Victor Mclaglen, and the Maltese Falcon, Humphrey Bogart, Sidney Greenstreet (this movie was his first major motion picutre role) plus Mary Astor for the hat trick. Suspicion starred Cary Grant with Ann Todd doing the Joan Fontaine role, Ronald Coleman in Lost Horizon, and Joan Fontaine and John Lund were in Portrait of Jenny. How Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Pinocchio were done is something to hear!

THIS EPISODE:

May 4, 1946. CBS network. "Stagecoach". Sponsored by: Squibb. The well-done story of the romance between the captured outlaw and the dance hall girl. Claire Trevor, Randolph Scott. 32:33. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Fifty Hunter Street (Aired June 30, 1944)

While investigating mysteries, Blackie invaribly encountered harebrained Police Inspector Farraday (Maurice Tarplin) and always solved the mystery to Farraday's amazement. Initially, friction surfaced in the relationship between Blackie and Farraday, but as the series continued, Farraday recognized Blackie's talents and requested assistance. Blackie dated Mary Wesley (Jan Miner), and for the first half of the series, his best pal Shorty was always on hand. The humorless Farraday was on the receiving end of Blackie's bad puns and word play. Kent Taylor starred in the half-hour TV series, The Adventures of Boston Blackie. Syndicated in 1951, it ran for 58 episodes, continuing in repeats over the following decade.

THIS EPISODE:

June 30, 1944. "Fifty Hunter Street" - NBC network, WEAF, New York aircheck. Sponsored by: Rinso, Lifebuoy Soap. 10:00 P. M. Mr. Manleder's business note for $100,000 is due tomorrow. Only Boston Blackie can prevent his business failure. The frame around Blackie is for murder. Who was that masked man? Chester Morris, Harlow Wilcox (announcer), Charles Cornell (organist), Richard Lane, Jan Miner. 29:46. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Panic In The Streets (Aired March 5, 1951)

Broadcasting from New York, the series premiered at 2:30pm, October 14, 1934, on the NBC Blue Network with a production of Seventh Heaven starring Miriam Hopkins and John Boles in a full-hour adaptation of the 1922–24 Broadway production by Austin Strong. The host was the show's fictional producer, Douglass Garrick (portrayed by John Anthony). Doris Dagmar played another fictional character, Peggy Winthrop, who delivered the Lux commercials. Each show featured a scripted session with Garrick talking to the lead actors. Anthony appeared as Garrick from the premiere 1934 episode until June 30, 1935. Garrick was portrayed by Albert Hayes from July 29, 1935 to May 25, 1936, when the show moved to the West Coast.

THIS EPISODE:

March 5, 1951. "Panic In The Streets". After brawling over a card game in the wharf area of New Orleans, a man named Kochak, suffering visibly from a flu-like illness, is killed by gangster Blackie and his two flunkies, Kochak's cousin Poldi and a man named Fitch. They leave the body on the docks, and later when the dead man, who carries no identification, is brought to the morgue, the coroner grows suspicious about the bacteria present in his blood and calls his superior, Dr. Clinton Reed, (played by Richard Widmark) a uniformed doctor working for the U.S. Public Health Service. Dr. Reed and a police captain (Paul Douglas) have only a day or two in which to prevent an epidemic. 51:57.

View Details

Slate Gets The Hook (Aired October 8, 1951)

One can only imagine the number of Ad agencies, networks, sponsors, and syndicators that lined up month after month to pitch a Radio project to Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. That's undoubtedly a story in itself. What the Bogarts finally settled on has become something of a cult favorite in the world of Golden Age Radio. And they settled on a gem--for both its day and for generations of Golden Age Radio fans to come. The concept of Bold Venture had to have piqued the Bogarts' interest from the first pitch. Having already bought their beloved Santana schooner from Dick Powell and June Allyson, they'd become one of America's leading seafaring families within just a couple of years. The seafaring wanderlust aspect of the concept of Bold Venture had to have been one of the project's most persuasive elements. Add to that their impending departure for the bowels of Africa to film Bogie's classic, The African Queen (1951) and Frederick Ziv's willingness to bend over backwards to get at least thirty episodes of Bold Venture taped before their departure . . . then mix in an amazing back-of-the-mike staff that included David Rose as composer and music director, Henry Hayward to direct, and both Morton Fine and David Friedkin to write the radioplays. And if that wasn't enough incentive to assure an amazing production, consider the supporting cast of some of Radio's finest voice talent. And last but by no means least, legendary choral director, songwriter and composer Jester Hairston in the almost cameo role of sidekick 'King' Moses. All in all, an amazing repertory company for the Bogarts' debut as leads in their own Radio program.

View Details

The Platform (Aired January 13, 1954)

The Precinct Captain acted as the narrator for the series.The official title of the series according to the series scripts and the CBS series promotional materials was 21st Precinct and not Twenty-First Precinct or Twenty First Precinct which appears in many Old-Time Radio books. In 1953 CBS decided to use New York City as the backdrop for their own half-hour police series and focus on the day-to-day operations of a single police precinct. Actual cases would be used as the basis for stories. It was mentioned in each episode's closing by the announcer that, "Twenty-firstPrecinct is presented with the official cooperation of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association an organization of more than 20,000 members of the Police Department, City of New York.

THIS EPISODE:

January 13, 1954. "The Platform" - CBS net origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. The program starts with a raid on a dice game. A woman arrives and claims a killer at large has been in touch with her husband. Everett Sloane, John Ives (producer), Stanley Niss (writer, director), Ken Lynch, Barbara Weeks, Scott Tennyson, Santos Ortega, Larry Haines, John Sylvester, Harold Stone, Art Hannes (announcer). 30:18. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Help Wanted Female (Aired January 8, 1948)

The First Nighter Program was a long-running radio anthology comedy-drama series broadcast from 1930 to 1953. The host was Mr. First Nighter (Charles P. Hughes, Macdonald Carey, Bret Morrison, Marvin Miller, Don Briggs and Rye Billsbury [later known as Michael Rye). The show's opening recreated the aural atmosphere of a Broadway opening. Before each week's drama began, Mr. First Nighter was first heard walking on Broadway, emerging from the noise of people and street traffic into the crowded lobby of "the Little Theater Off Times Square" and then taking his seat in the third row center, where he gave the whispered introduction: The house lights have dimmed, and the curtain is about to go up on tonight's production. Romantic comedies were the specialty of the series, and the principal roles were played by the teams of Don Ameche and June Meredith.

THIS EPISODE:

January 08, 1948. CBS network. "Help Wanted, Female". Campana cosmetics. Fraud for the starving children of Europe. Barbara Luddy, Olan Soule, William Conrad, Parley Baer, Floyd Miller (writer) 30:47. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Big Dance (Aired September 4, 1948)

Archie Andrews, created in 1941 by Bob Montana, is a fictional character in an American comic book series published by Archie Comics, a long-run radio series, a syndicated comic strip and animation -- The Archie Show, a Saturday morning cartoon television series by Filmation, plus Archie's Weird Mysteries. Archie Andrews began on the Blue Network on May 31, 1943, switched to Mutual in 1944, and then continued on NBC from 1945 until September 5 1953. Archie was first played by Charles Mullen, Jack Grimes and Burt Boyar, with Bob Hastings as the title character during the NBC years.The sponsor was Swift Products. The Cast: Harlan Stone, Alice Yourman, Arthur Kohl, Gloria Mann, Rosemary Rice.

THIS EPISODE:

September 4, 1948. "The Big Dance" - NBC network. Sustaining. Archie is going to a dance and Dad is trying to take a bath, not at all as easy as it sounds. Bob Hastings, Harlan Stone, Alice Yourman, Ian Martin, Gloria Mann, Rosemary Rice. 29:48. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Death Is So Trivial (Aired February 7, 1975)

The show was broadcast nightly and ran for one hour, including commercials. Typically, a week consisted of three to four new episodes, with the remainder of the week filled out with reruns. There were a total of 1399 original episodes broadcast. The total number of broadcasts, including reruns, was 2969. The late E.G. Marshall hosted the program every year but the final one, when actress Tammy Grimes took over. Each episode began with the ominous sound of a creaking door, slowly opening to invite listeners in for the evening's adventure. At the end of each show, the door would swing shut, with Marshall signing off, "Until next time, pleasant...dreams?" Despite the show's title, Brown expanded its scope beyond mysteries to include horror, science fiction, historical drama, and even comedy.

THIS EPISODE:

February 7, 1975. Program #399. CBS network. "Death Is So Trivial". Sponsored by: Vigne Wine, Buick, Sine-Off. The program was rebroadcast on April 26, 1975. Program #400 was a rebroadcast of the program of December 12, 1974. Program #401 was a rebroadcast of the program of December 16, 1974. E. G. Marshall (host), Elspeth Eric (writer), Tony Roberts, Kristoffer Tabori, Suzanne Grossman, Bryna Raeburn, Dan Ocko, Himan Brown (producer, director). 44:15. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Special Guest Is John Carradine (Aired June 28, 1949)

On July 25, 1946, Jerry began a show business partnership with Dean Martin, an association that would soon skyrocket both to fame. It started when Jerry was performing at the 500 Club in Atlantic City and one of the other entertainers quit suddenly. Lewis, who had worked with Martin at the in New York City, suggested Dean as a replacement. At first they worked separately, but then ad-libbed together, improvising insults and jokes, squirting seltzer water, hurling bunches of celery and exuding general zaniness. In less than eighteen weeks their salaries soared from $250.00 a week to $5,000.00. For ten years Martin and Lewis sandwiched sixteen money making films between nightclub engagements, personal appearances, recording sessions, radio shows, and television bookings.

THIS EPISODE:

June 28, 1949. "Special Guest Is John Carradine"- NBC network. Sustaining. Dean's first tune is "Candy Kisses." Jerry agrees to baby sit for guest John Carradine's ten-year-old genius nephew. Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Dick Stabile and His Orchestra, Flo McMichaels, Len Dale, Robert L. Redd (producer, director), Ed Herlihy (announcer), John Carradine, Dick McKnight (writer), Ray Allen (writer). 29:08. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Hate Song (Aired December 31, 1952)

I Was a Communist for the FBI was an American espionage thriller radio series with 78 episodes syndicated by Ziv to more than 600 stations in 1952-54. Made without FBI cooperation, the series was adapted from the book by undercover agent Matt Cvetic, who was portrayed by Dana Andrews.The series was crafted to warn people about the threat of Communist subversion of American society. The tone of the show is very jingoistic and ultra-patriotic. Communists are evil incarnate and the FBI can do no wrong. As a relic of the Joe McCarthy era, this show is a time capsule of American society during the Second Red Scare.

THIS EPISODE:

December 31, 1952. Program #37. ZIV Syndication. "Hate Song". Commercials added locally. The Party tries to take over "Boys Inc.," a youth organization. Dana Andrews, Jeffrey Silver, Virginia Gregg, David Rose (composer, conductor), Truman Bradley (announcer), Henry Hayward (director). 26:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Plays Jesse Belvin "Goodnight My Love" (Released Originally In 1956)
"Moby Dick" (Aired April 10, 1949)

The NBC University Theater was truly one well loved program. Beyond just its educational value, the combination of great stories... quality acting... and first class production made these shows wonderful entertainment. They are truly great radio AND a highly accessible way to introduce YOUR kids to great American Literature! Dramatic anthology Offered novels, with programs for college credit. Broadcast History : July 30th, 1948 - February 14th, 1951 NBC. Mostly 60 minutes. Mostly aired on Sundays, with occasional weeknight airings. Announcer : Don Stanley Music : Albert Harris, Henry Russell Director : Andrew C. Love Writers : Claris A. Ross, Ernest Kinoy, George Lefferts, Jack C. Wilson Sound Effects : Bob Holmes, Rod Sutton.

THIS EPISODE:

April 10, 1949. NBC network, WMAQ Chicago aircheck. "Moby Dick". Sustaining. The legend of the chase after the white whale. Albert Harris (composer, conductor), Don Stanley (announcer), Donald Morrison, Ernest Kinoy (adaptor), Henry Hull, Herman Melville (author), Hy Averback (announcer), John Beal, John Dehner, Lester Schott, Ralph Moody, Steven Chase, John W. Taylor (intermission speaker: from the University of Louisville), Andrew C. Love (director). 59:22. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Big Money (Aired July 25, 1949)

Murder By Experts was a radio drama anthology series that ran on American radio from 1949-1951, and was hosted first by John Dickson Carr, and later by Brett Halliday. Evidently, a mystery, authored by a leading crime fiction writer, was presented, and "guest experts," such as Alfred Hitchcock or Craig Rice, were invited to solve it. Or maybe not -- nobody seems to know much about this one. David Kogan, the writer/creator of Murder by Experts, also created and wrote The Mysterious Traveler. Guest experts: Alfred Hitchcock, Craig Rice. Guest stars: Ann Shepard, Larry Haines, Carl Eastman, Ann Sheperd, Bill Zuckert, Ralph Camargo, Burt Cullen, Lawson Zerbe, Marilyn Erskin.

THIS EPISODE:

July 25, 1949. Mutual network. "The Big Money". Sustaining. An ex-con meets two schemers trying to hijack a 7 million dollar estate. A good story with a twist at the end. John Dickson Carr (host, narrator), James Stevens, Phillip Andrews (author), Sylvan Levin (conductor), Jack Faron (announcer), Robert A. Arthur (adaptor, producer, director), David Kogan (adaptor, producer, director), Ann Shephard, Eric Dressler, Wendell Holmes, Richard DuPage (composer). 29:31. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Unwelcome Rescue (Aired July 3, 1948)

The character also appears in numerous radio serials and comic books based on the stories. The model for all later American juvenile sports fiction, Merriwell excelled at football, baseball, basketball, crew and track at Yale while solving mysteries and righting wrongs. He played with great strength and received traumatic blows without injury. A biographical entry on Patten noted dryly that Frank Merriwell "had little in common with his creator or his readers." Patten offered some background on his character: "The name was symbolic of the chief characteristics I desired my hero to have. Frank for frankness, merry for a happy disposition, well for health and abounding vitality." Merriwell's classmates observed, "He never drinks. That's how he keeps himself in such fine condition all the time. He will not smoke, either, and he takes his exercise regularly. He is really a remarkable freshie."

THIS EPISODE:

July 3, 1948. NBC network. "The Unwelcome Rescue". Sustaining. Frank and Bart save a girl's life while working as lifeguards in Atlantic City and uncover a munitions plot. Paul Taubman (music), Richard Keith, Ruth Braun (writer), William Welch (supervisor), Burt L. Standish (creator), Earl George, Elaine Rost, Gilbert Braun (writer), Hal Studer, Jack Kuney (director), Lawson Zerbe, Lon Clark, Mary Patton, Mel Brandt (announcer). 34:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Red Capsule (Aired July 22, 1946)

In The Casebook of Gregory Hood the spokesperson was initially the legendary and versatile Radio talent, Harry Bartell. The incorporation of a sponsor's spokesperson into the ensemble cast wasn't ground-breaking for the genre. Petri had introduced their flavor of the format with their first sponsorship of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes over MBS in October 1943 and for the three following years immediately preceding their sponsorship of The Casebook of Gregory Hood. But this wasn't the earliest product placement innovation in Radio. Burns and Allen had woven their various sponsors' products into their earliest scripts, as had Bob Hope with his sponsors, Jack Benny with his sponsors, and Fred Allen with his.

THIS EPISODE:

July 22, 1946. Mutual network. "The Red Capsule". Sponsored by: Petri Wine. While camping in the mountains, a woman takes an "Efedrin" tablet, which turns out to be poison! Gregory Hood and his friend report the death, but find themselves arrested for murder! The system cue has been deleted. Gale Gordon, Harry Bartell (announcer), Denis Green (writer), Anthony Boucher (writer), William Bakewell, Dean Fosler (composer, conductor). 29:53. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Hot Spot (Aired August 31, 1954)
Crime and Peter Chambers, stared Dane Clark as a hard-hitting private eye that worked well the with police department. His counter part at the NYPD was Lt Parker played by Bill Zuckert. The series was based on the character created by Henry Kane who wrote eight Peter Chambers novels before the series came to radio. Henry Kane wrote the scripts for the radio show adaptation which aired from 6 Apr – 7 Sep 1954 on NBC. The show was directed by Fred Weihe. There are a total of 21 episodes available from the series. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

August 31, 1954. NBC network. Sustaining. Johnny Silver, a well known band leader, has been murdered at "The Hot Spot," a swank nightclub. Dane Clark, Henry Kane (creator, writer), Fred Collins (announcer), Fred Weihe (director), William Zuckert, Rita Lynn, Donald Buka. 25:25. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Adventure Of The Talking Bullet (Aired August 14, 1949)

The Series was heard over all four networks over the following four years in initial syndication and rebroadcast. Given one's geographical location, a listener might well have been able to hear as many as three or four weekly airings of The Adventures of Frank Race. Seasoned writer Joel Murcott joined Broadcasters Program Syndicate for the express purpose of writing and supervising Bruce Eells' first two dramatic offerings, Frontier Town, starring Jeff Chandler under the tongue in cheek performing name 'Tex Chandler' and The Adventures of Frank Race initially starring durable and versatile character actor Tom Collins. Legendary composer Ivan Ditmars scored both the audition and production series. The audition for the series was recorded during February 1949. The audition featured Tom Collins as former attorney and O.S.S. officer, Frank Race. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

August 14, 1949. Program #16. Broadcasters Program Syndicate syndication. "The Adventure Of The Talking Bullet". Commercials added locally. Blackie Martin has escaped from the Death House and sworn revenge. Tom Collins, Tony Barrett, Ivan Ditmars (music), Buckley Angel (writer, director), Joel Murcott (writer, director), Bruce Eells (producer), Ivan Ditmars (organist), Art Gilmore (announcer). 26:53. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Plays Johnny Mathis "Misty" (1959) His signature song
Pint Sized Payroll Bandit (Aired October 27, 1953)

As hard is it may be to believe by today's standards, Rocky Fortune was Frank Sinatra's only dramatic Radio program from The Golden Age of Radio as the lead in a recurring role. As a variety guest performer, Sinatra's Radiography goes on and on and on. But this was the program that a great many of the growing number of fans of Sinatra's acting work really wanted to hear. NBC spared no expense to showcase this growing super-star of the 1940s and 1950s, and it shows in both production values and supporting voice talent. Frank Sinatra seemed very comfortable in the role of Rocco Fortunato--'Rocky Fortune'--and the scripts that George Lefferts and Ernest Kinoy wrote for Sinatra made for some fascinating adventures. The role was clearly written specifically for him, and more importantly for the more 'adult' persona his agents and publicity reps were trying to portray of him at this point in his career. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

October 27, 1953. "Pint Sized Payroll Bandit" - NBC network. Sustaining. Rocky's job as a night-man in a hamburger joint leads to a nine-year-old runaway with $50,000 in cash! This is a network version. Frank Sinatra, Barney Phillips, George Lefferts (writer), Vivi Janis, Dick Beals, Eddie Fields, Frank Richards, Andrew C. Love (director), Edward King (announcer), Robert Cenedella (author). 24:45. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Malice (Aired October 11, 1942)
Bill Forman had the title role of host and narrator. Others who portrayed the Whistler at various times were Gale Gordon, Joseph Kearns, Marvin Miller (announcer for The Whistler and The Bickersons and later as Michael Anthony on TV's The Millionaire), Bill Johnstone (who had the title role on radio's The Shadow from 1938 to 1943) and Everett Clarke. Cast members included Hans Conried, Joseph Kearns, Cathy Lewis, Elliott Lewis, Gerald Mohr, Lurene Tuttle and Jack Webb. Writer-producer J. Donald Wilson established the tone of the show during its first two years, and he was followed in 1944 by producer-director George Allen.

THIS EPISODE:

October 11, 1942. CBS network. "Malice". Sustaining. A wealthy doctor and his two sons, one wants to be a doctor; the other definitely doesn't, meet up with a girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Wilbur Hatch (composer, conductor), J. Donald Wilson (writer, director). 27:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

A Nightmare (Aired October 29, 1964)The production values, polish, direction, sound engineering, and acting were all top notch. Indeed many of the finest voice talents from The Golden Age of Radio are present throughout its run. The variety of dramatic genre represented with its 260 production broadcasts also run the gamut of the rich variety of drama presented during the height of the Golden Age of Radio. Indeed very little is missing from this remarkable production run. The variety of dramatic presentations was one of Theater Five's most compelling features. With a broad mix of genres and some of Radio, Stage, Television and Film's finest guest stars, ABC's humble 21-minute scripts packed a lot of entertainment into a relatively small format. Timing is everything. ABC Radio missed the sweet spot of Radio Drama History by about 20 years.

THIS EPISODE:

October 29, 1964. ABC network. "Nightmare". Commercials deleted. A teen-ager accuses her history teacher of assaulting her. Why not? Francis Rickett (writer), Ted Bell (director), Rosemary Rice, Stan Watts, George Baxter, Lorraine McMartin, Peter Fernandez, George Petrie, Bill Sanreuter (audio engineer), Ed Blainey (sound technician), Jack C. Wilson (script editor), Fred Foy (announcer), Alexander Vlas-Daczenco (composer), Glenn Osser (conductor), Edward A. Byron (executive producer). 21:51. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Welcome Mr. Conklin (Aired June 23, 1948)
Our Miss Brooks, an American situation comedy, began as a radio hit in 1948 and migrated to television in 1952, becoming one of the earlier hits of the so-called Golden Age of Television, and making a star out of Eve Arden (1908-1990) as comely, wisecracking, but humane high school English teacher Connie Brooks. The show hooked around Connie's daily relationships with Madison High School students, colleagues, and pompous principal Osgood Conklin (Gale Gordon), not to mention favourite student Walter Denton (future television and Rambo co-star Richard Crenna, who fashioned a higher-pitched voice to play the role) and biology teacher Philip Boynton ( Jeff Chandler), the latter Connie's all-but-unrequited love interest, who saw science everywhere and little else anywhere.

THIS EPISODE:

June 23, 1948. "Welcome Mr. Conklin" - CBS network. Audition program. Osgood Conklin becomes the new principal of Madison High, after a traffic accident involving Miss Brooks! Eve Arden, Jeff Chandler, Richard Crenna, Al Lewis (writer), Joe Forte. 31:03. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

This Will Kill You (Aired August 23, 1945)
Suspense was one of the premier programs of the Golden Age of Radio (aka old-time radio), and advertised itself as "radio's outstanding theater of thrills." It was heard in one form or another from 1942 through 1962. There were approximately 945 episodes broadcast during its long run, over 900 of which are extant in mostly high-quality recordings. Suspense went through several major phases, characterized by different hosts, sponsors and director/producers. There were a few rules which were followed for all but a handful of episodes: Protagonists were usually a normal person suddenly dropped into a threatening or bizarre situation. Evildoers must be punished in the end.

THIS EPISODE:

August 23, 1945. CBS network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "This Will Kill You". A not-too-bright wartime assembly line worker is jealous of his boss and decides to kill him. The story was subsequently produced on "Suspense" on November 29, 1955. Dane Clark, I. A. Findley (writer), Wally Maher, Joseph Kearns (announcer), Elliott Lewis, William Spier (producer, director, editor), Lucien Moraweck (composer), Lud Gluskin (conductor). 29:57. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Tyler White Entry (Aired April 6, 1948)

The twist with Diary of Fate was the total absence of pretense. The program jumps right to the 'source' of Man's ultimate destiny--Fate itself--in the form of the Guardian of the Diary of Fate. It is within the Diary of Fate, that every soul's fate is painstakingly chronicled by book and page number--or so we're very persuasively given to understand. Fate itself--in this instance, at least--is the great character actor Herbert Lytton, providing the forboding vocal gravitas we might expect from such an all-powerful cosmic force. Produced from Hollywood, the entire production was voiced by primarily west coast actors. Famous Radio and Television promoter Larry Finley produced and syndicated the program to at least some 94 affiliate stations throughout the U.S., Canada and Jamaica.

THIS EPISODE:

April 6, 1948. Program #17. ABC network, KECA, Los Angeles origination, Finley syndication. "The Entry Of Tyler White". Commercials added locally. Book 93, page 861. The story of Tyler White who is about to be executed for a murder he did not commit...because of a stray dog and a forgotten cigarette lighter. The date is subject to correction. Herb Lytton (as "Fate" and co-producer), Ruth Perrott, Herbert Rawlinson, Tyler McVey, Hal Sawyer, Ray Erlenborn (sound effects), Bob Lowery, Ivan Ditmars (organist), Larry Finley (producer). 28:00. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

A Baby Is Left At The Tavern (Aired December 7, 1951)
Radio's Duffy's Tavern didn't translate well to film or television. Burrows and Matt Brooks collaborated on the screenplay for the 1945 film, Ed Gardner's Duffy's Tavern, in which Archie (with regulars Eddie and Finnegan) was surrounded by a throng of Paramount Pictures stars playing themselves, including Robert Benchley, William Bendix, Eddie Bracken, Bing Crosby, Cass Daley, Brian Donlevy, Paulette Goddard, Betty Hutton, Alan Ladd, Veronica Lake and Dorothy Lamour. The film's plot involves a war-displaced record manufacturer whose staff — those not sent off to war — drown their sorrows at Duffy's on credit, while the company owner tries to find ways around the price controls and war attrition that threaten to put him out of business. The movie was a box-office disappointment.

THIS EPISODE:

December 7, 1951. "A Baby Is Left At The Tavern" - NBC network origination, Nostalgia Broadcasting Corporation syndication. Commercials added locally. Someone has left a baby at the doorstep of Duffy's Tavern! Ed Gardner, Ed Pinchon, Charlie Cantor, Hazel Shermet. 35:38. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Dean Huxley (Aired February 13, 1952)

The Halls of Ivy was an NBC radio sitcom that ran from 1950-1952. It was created by Fibber McGee & Molly co-creator/writer Don Quinn before being adapted into a CBS television comedy (1954-55) produced by ITC Entertainment and Television Programs of America. Quinn developed the show after he had decided to leave Fibber McGee & Molly. The audition program featured radio veteran Gale Gordon (then co-starring in Our Miss Brooks) and Edna Best in the roles that ultimately went to British husband-and-wife actors Ronald Colman and Benita Hume. The Colmans had shown a flair for radio comedy in recurring roles on The Jack Benny Program in the late 1940s, and they landed the title roles in the new show. The Halls of Ivy featured Colman as William Todhunter Hall, the president of small, Midwestern Ivy College, and his wife, Victoria, a former British musical comedy star who sometimes felt the tug of her former profession, and followed their interactions with students, friends and college trustees. Others in the cast included Herbert Butterfield as testy Clarence Wellman, Willard Waterman (then starring as Harold Peary's successor as The Great Gildersleeve) as John Merriweather, and Elizabeth Patterson and Gloria Gordon as the Halls' maid.

View Details

Dead Man's Debt (Aired June 26, 1945) Inner Sanctum Mysteries was a popular old-time radio program that aired from January 7, 1941 to October 5, 1952. Created by Himan Brown, the anthology series featured stories of mystery, terror and suspense. The tongue-in-cheek introductions were in sharp contrast to shows like Suspense and The Whistler. A total of 526 episodes are known to have been produced. The early 1940s programs opened with Raymond Edward Johnson introducing himself as, "Your host, Raymond," in a mocking sardonic voice. A spooky melodramatic organ score punctuated Raymond's many morbid jokes and playful puns. Raymond's closing was an elongated "Pleasant dreaaaaammmmssss!" His tongue-in-cheek style and ghoulish relish of his own tales became the standard for many such horror narrators to follow, from fellow radio hosts like Ernest Chappell (on Cooper's later series, Quiet, Please) and Maurice Tarplin (on The Mysterious Traveler) to EC Comics' Crypt-Keeper in various incarnations of Tales from the Crypt.

THIS EPISODE:

June 26, 1945. CBS network. "Dead Man's Debt". Sponsored by: Lipton Tea and Soup. A smart lawyer gets a murderer off the hook, but his fee is a high one. Joseph Julian, Ann Shephard, Berry Kroeger, Luis Van Rooten, Paul McGrath (host), Mary Bennett (commercial spokeswoman), Robert Newman (writer). 25:24. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Sad Night (Aired December 19, 1948)
Alan Ladd's early portrayals of Dan Holiday did tend to be a bit pat, somewhat sparse in depth, and even wooden in the beginning. Ladd hired some excellent voice talent for his project, and these superb, veteran Radio professionals set a pretty high bar for Ladd, himself. Box 13 is highly expositional, as are most programs of the genre, and Ladd's grovelly, gritty voice lends itself well to the production. But by Episode #6 it seems apparent that Alan Ladd was beginning to hit his stride in the role. What seems to get in the way for many reviewers of this program is its somewhat implausible premise. Dan Holiday was purportedly a successful fiction writer for the Star-Times news magazine who becomes disenchanted with the utter, mind-numbing routine of it. Dan Holiday opts out. He posts an ad reading "Go anywhere, Do anything, Write Box 13". Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

December 19, 1948. Program #18. Mutual network origination, Mayfair syndication. "The Sad Night". Commercials added locally. A child's copybook is the key to a fortune hidden for centuries, and of a story of death and destruction. The date is approximate. Alan Ladd, Edmond MacDonald, Richard Sanville (director), Rudy Schrager (composer, conductor), Russell Hughes (writer), Sylvia Picker, Vern Carstensen (production supervisor). 26:33. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Crime That Was No More (Aired July 26, 1948)

The few earliest episodes were more sitcom than private eye shows, with a studio audience providing scattered laughter at the not-so-funny scripts. Soon the audience was banished, and George went from stumbling comedic hero to tough guy private eye, while the music became suspenseful. Valentine's secretary was Claire Brooks, aka Brooksie (Frances Robinson, Virginia Gregg, Lillian Buyeff). As Valentine made his rounds in search of the bad guys, he usually encountered Brooksie's kid brother, Sonny (Eddie Firestone), Lieutenant Riley (Wally Maher) and elevator man Caleb (Joseph Kearns). For the first few shows, Sonny was George's assistant, but he was soon relegated to an occasional character. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

July 26, 1948. "The Crime That Was No More" - Mutual-Don Lee network. Sponsored by: Standard Oil, Chevron. Arnold Loomis invents a hold-up to cover his gambling losses, but then is identified by the man who confesses to the crime that never happened! Bob Bailey, Wally Maher, John Dehner, Georgia Ellis, William Conrad, Frances Robinson, Herb Butterfield, Bud Hiestand (announcer), David Victor (writer), Herbert Little Jr. (writer), Eddie Dunstedter (composer, conductor), Jaime del Valle (director). 27:31. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" -
Hound Dog (Aired Dedcember 30, 1956)

The series starred William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Howard McNear as Doc Charles Adams, Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, and Parley Baer as Deputy Chester Proudfoot. Doc's first name and Chester's last name were changed for the television program. Gunsmoke was notable for its critically acclaimed cast and writing, and is commonly regarded as one of the finest old time radio shows. Some listeners (such as old time radio expert John Dunning) have argued that the radio version of Gunsmoke was far more realistic than the television program. Episodes were aimed at adults, and featured some of the most explicit content of the day: there were violent crimes and scalpings, massacres and opium addicts.

THIS EPISODE
:

December 30, 1956. "Hound Dog". An Old Man's Hound Dog of 11 years is shot. William Conrad, Parley Baer, Les Crutchfield (writer), John Dehner, Vic Perrin, Richard Beals, Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Rex Koury (composer, conductor), John Meston (editorial supervisor), George Walsh (announcer), Tom Hanley (sound patterns), Bill James (sound patterns) Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Riley At Night School (Aired December 10, 1944)

The first Life of Riley radio show was a summer replacement show heard on CBS from April 12, 1941 to September 6, 1941. The CBS program starred Lionel Stander as J. Riley Farnsworth and had no real connection with the more famous series that followed a few years later. The radio program starring William Bendix aired on the ABC Blue Network from January 16, 1944 to June 8, 1945. Then it moved to NBC, where it was broadcast from September 8, 1945 to June 29, 1951. The supporting cast featured John Brown, who portrayed not only undertaker Digger O'Dell but also Riley's co-worker Gillis. Whereas Gillis gave Riley bad information that got him into trouble, Digger gave him good information that "helped him out of a hole," as he might have put it. Brown's lines as the undertaker were often repetitive, including puns based on his profession; but, thanks to Brown's delivery, the audience loved him.

THIS EPISODE:

December 10, 1944. "Riley At Night School" - Blue network, KECA, Los Angeles aircheck. Sponsored by: American Meat Institute. While Riley's taking an algebra class at night school, he receives an anonymous love note. William Bendix, John Brown, Ken Niles (announcer), Dink Trout, Don Bernard (director), Lou Coslowe (music). 29:24. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Upholsterer (Aired November 17, 1950)
The Television scripts were exposited in flashback format, with Casey narrating his latest exploit to Ethelbert the bartender. The 'Morning Express' also makes the transition from Boston to Manhattan, with reporter Ann Williams augmented by cub reporter Jack Lipman. Two months into the Television run, CBS re-cast Casey and Ethelbert, substituting young Darren McGavin as Jack Casey. The most distinguishing element of the short-lived Television Casey was its direction, with the famed future Film Director Sidney Lumet helming the series. CBS and Coxe took another run at Crime Photographer over Radio in 1954, reprising Staats Cotsworth, John Gibson and Jan Miner in their previous Radio roles. The 1954 run extended to the Spring of 1955, at which point the Crime Photographer franchise had pretty much run its course.

THIS EPISODE:

November 17, 1950. CBS network. Sustaining. Goldblatt, "The Upholsterer", has been shot to death within a locked room. Staats Cotsworth, John Dietz (producer, director), John Gibson, Ken Roberts (announcer), George Harmon Coxe (creator), Alonzo Deen Cole (writer). 30:03. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Plays "Tonight (Could Be he Night)" 1962
Defense Attorney - "Joshua Masters" (Aired April 10, 1952)
Mercedes McCambridge star as lawyer in Defense Attorney in defending the defenseless. She was born in Joliet, Illinois, the daughter of Irish American Catholic parents Marie (née Mahaffry) and John Patrick McCambridge. She graduated from Mundelein College in Chicago before embarking on a career. She began her career as a radio actor during the 1940s while also performing on Broadway. Her radio work in this period included her portrayal of Rosemary Levy on Abie's Irish Rose and various characters on the radio series I Love A Mystery in both its West Coast and East Coast incarnations (most notably as "Charity Martin" in The Thing That Cries in the Night, "Nasha" and "Laura" in Bury Your Dead, Arizona, "Sunny Richards" in both The Million Dollar Curse and The Temple of Vampires and "Jack 'Jacqueline' Dempsey Ross" in The Battle of the Century). Show Notes From Ones Media.

THIS EPISODE:

April 10, 1952. "Joshua Masters" - ABC network. Sponsored by: Kix, Chlorets. Joshua Masters has three sons, one of whom wants to kill him. Martha Ellis Bryant recommends a private detective. However, it's not Joshua Masters, but one of his sons who is found dead! Joshua Masters is then found dead...a suicide! Betty Mills of Radio TV Mirror magazine names Mercedes McCambridge "favorite dramatic actress." Mercedes McCambridge, Howard Culver, Harry Bartell, Rex Koury (composer, conductor), Jack Spiers (writer), Dwight Hauser (director), Betty Mills, Tony Barrett, Dallas McKinnon (doubles), Orval Anderson (announcer). 29:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Flashback (Aired June 27, 1953)

The radio show first aired on April 26, 1952 and ran until June 18, 1961 on the CBS radio network. The series starred William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Howard McNear as Doc Charles Adams, Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, and Parley Baer as Deputy Chester Proudfoot. Doc's first name and Chester's last name were changed for the television program. Gunsmoke was notable for its critically acclaimed cast and writing, and is commonly regarded as one of the finest old time radio shows. Some listeners (such as old time radio expert John Dunning) have argued that the radio version of Gunsmoke was far more realistic than the television program. Episodes were aimed at adults, and featured some of the most explicit content of the day: there were violent crimes and scalpings, massacres and opium addicts.

THIS EPISODE:

June 27, 1953. CBS network. "Flashback". Sustaining. Stark vs. Colonel Beck. A contest complicated by Beck's son Brian and Cottonmouth...a cheating gambler! This is a network version. William Conrad, Parley Baer, Lawrence Dobkin, Sam Edwards, Lou Krugman, Joseph Du Val, Norman Macdonnell (director), Les Crutchfield (writer), Georgia Ellis, Rex Koury (composer, conductor), George Walsh (announcer), Howard McNear. 31:10. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Big Customer (Aired June 22, 1954)

Friday’s first partner was Sgt. Ben Romero, portrayed by Barton Yarborough, a longtime radio actor. When Dragnet hit its stride, it became one of radio’s top-rated shows. While most radio shows used one or two sound effects experts, Dragnet needed five; a script clocking in at just under 30 minutes could require up to 300 separate effects. Accuracy was underlined: The exact number of footsteps from one room to another at Los Angeles police headquarters were imitated, and when a telephone rang at Friday’s desk, the listener heard the same ring as the telephones in Los Angeles police headquarters.

THIS EPISODE:

June 22, 1954. NBC network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "The Big Customer". A special officer has been shot and the owner of a liquor store knifed to death during a robbery. One of the robbers has filthy finger nails! Jack Webb, Ben Alexander, George Fenneman (announcer). 25:35. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The After Hours (Aired June 10, 1960)

The Twilight Zone is a television anthology series created (and often written) by its narrator and host Rod Serling. Each episode (156 in the original series) is a self-contained fantasy, science fiction, or horror/terror story, often concluding with an eerie or unexpected twist. Although advertised as science fiction, the show rarely offered scientific explanations for its fantastic happenings and often, if not always, had a moral lesson that pertained to everyday life. The program followed in the tradition of earlier well written radio programs such as The Weird Circle and X Minus One. A popular and critical success, it introduced many Americans to serious science fiction ideas through television and also through a wide variety of Twilight Zone literatur.

THIS EPISODE:

June 10, 1960 - Program #7. Falcon Picture Group commercial release/syndication. "The After Hours". Sponsored by: The Hollywood Celebrity Diet. "A young woman goes gift-shopping in a department store and is trapped on the ninth floor when the store closes...even though no such floor exists." Stacy Keach (host), Dennis Etchison (adaptor), Carl Amari (producer, director), Roger Wolski (producer, director), Kim Fields, Rod Serling (writer), Taylor Miller, Doug James (announcer, performer), Rich Comeneck, Turk Moller, Linda Righter, Guy Berril, Lynn Foley, Natalia Reed, Lauren Patton, Irene Olsen. 37:02. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

A Trip To The Death House (Aired June 13, 1951)

"The Secret Files of Rex Saunders." Heard every Wednesday night at 7:30, this thriller is typical of radio mystery shows. However, it has one thing the others don't--that is a sauve Englishman by the name of Rex Harrison. Harrison turns in a better than average performance as a private detective. With the help of an assistant played by Leon Janey, the "dick" goes his way solving a new mystery each week. Impressing us most was the quiet manner in which Harrison plays his new role. Not once during the entire half hour show did he raise his voice enough to activate the decible meter on the KSMO switchboard. Most radio detectives are of the loud and fast talking type, who just love to order their girl friends and constituted police authorities around like mad. Harrison's show keeps away from this sort of thing.

THIS EPISODE:

June 13, 1951. NBC network. "A Trip To The Death House". Sponsored by: RCA Victor. Rex Harrison, Edward Adamson (writer), Himan Brown (director), Kenneth Banghart (announcer), Leon Janney, Anne Seymour. 28:31. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

A Trip To The Death House (Aired June 13, 1951)

"The Secret Files of Rex Saunders." Heard every Wednesday night at 7:30, this thriller is typical of radio mystery shows. However, it has one thing the others don't--that is a sauve Englishman by the name of Rex Harrison. Harrison turns in a better than average performance as a private detective. With the help of an assistant played by Leon Janey, the "dick" goes his way solving a new mystery each week. Impressing us most was the quiet manner in which Harrison plays his new role. Not once during the entire half hour show did he raise his voice enough to activate the decible meter on the KSMO switchboard. Most radio detectives are of the loud and fast talking type, who just love to order their girl friends and constituted police authorities around like mad. Harrison's show keeps away from this sort of thing.

THIS EPISODE:

June 13, 1951. NBC network. "A Trip To The Death House". Sponsored by: RCA Victor. Rex Harrison, Edward Adamson (writer), Himan Brown (director), Kenneth Banghart (announcer), Leon Janney, Anne Seymour. 28:31. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Rushville Murder (Aired January 6, 1950)

Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons was one of radio's longest running shows, airing (October 12, 1937 to April 19, 1955), continuing well into the television era. It was produced by Frank and Anne Hummert. The sponsors included Whitehall Pharmacal (as in Anacin, Kolynos Toothpaste, BiSoDol antacid mints, Hill's cold tablets and Heet liniment), Dentyne, Aerowax, RCA Victor and Chesterfield cigarettes. It aired on the NBC Blue network until 1947, when it switched to CBS. Bennett Kilpack began as Mr. Keen in 1937 with Phil Clarke stepping into the role late in the series. For 18 years the kindly Keen and his faithful assistant, Mike Clancy (Jim Kelly), entertained followers with their intuitive perception that kept listeners coming back for more. With 1690 nationwide broadcasts, Mr. Keen was the most resilient private detective in a namesake role.

THIS EPISODE:

January 6, 1950. CBS network. "The Case Of The Rushville Murder". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. A madwoman has escaped from the asylum and committed murder, but what about her sane sister? Frank Hummert, Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Bennett Kilpack, Lawrence Klee (writer), Larry Elliott (announcer). 28:47. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Nursemaid (Aired July 15, 1951)

The Saint first appeared in Radio in 1940 over Radio Athlone in Ireland. Radio Athlone's powerful transmitters broadcast The Saint throught the United Kingdom, often being picked up in The Netherlands and France. British Stage actor Terence De Marney was Radio's first Simon Templar. It wasn't until 1945 that The Saint aired over American Radio. Two of the scripts from the Radio Athlone run were adapted for the Leslie Charteris-penned Brian Aherne run over CBS in the Summer of 1945. The Saint owed it's debut over Radio to the extraordinary success of the Ellery Queen franchise. Ellery Queen had become so popular over Radio that it priced itself out of a sponsor. Emerson Drug, the maker of Bromo-Seltzer, decided that it would be more economical for them to abandon their Ellery Queen sponsorship over NBC and innaugurate a new series at a much lower cost. And so it was that Emerson Drug, Leslie Charteris, and producer/agent James Saphier brought the package to air over NBC for a three-month run between January and April 1945.

THIS EPISODE:

July 15, 1951. "The Nursemaid" - NBC network. aka: "No, My Darling Daughter". Sustaining. A wealthy old lady hires the Saint to protect her daughter from the gangsters she's hanging out with. After a murder, the old lady confesses! Leslie Charteris (creator), James L. Saphier (producer), Helen Mack (director), Peggy Webber, Barney Phillips, Frederick Shields, Hy Averback, Eda Reiss Merin, Gale Page, Glen Vernon, Tony Barrett, Don Stanley (announcer), Larry Roman (writer), Tom Conway, William Conrad. 29:02. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Curse Of The Golden Cross (Aired October 26, 1986)

The first Father Brown story was published in 1910 in the Saturday Evening Post, years before Chesterton had even converted to Roman Catholicism. Forty-eight Father Brown stories were published before Chesterton’s death, and for many, the unassuming Catholic priest, who solved mysteries through close observation and intuition, remains the model clerical detective, unmatched by any subsequent efforts by other authors. Not that these authors haven’t tried. Their success depends on the same factors by which we judge any piece of fiction in general and mystery fiction in particular: is the writing evocative or flat and cliched? Are the characters three-dimensional, or are they just types who do little but lie flat on the page? Do the situations in the narrative arise organically and naturally, or are they obvious constructs? And what does the religious identity of the detective add to the story? Is it relevant to the tale, or is it merely a gimmick in a narrative that could it have just as well have been told with a gas station attendant searching for clues instead? Father Brown was a natural for radio and he has appeared in several series on both sides of the Atlantic, most notably The Father Brown Stories which were originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4 between 1984 and 1987. They starred Andrew Sachs as Father Brown and Olivier Pierre as Monsieur Flambeau.

View Details

The Haunted Corpse (Aired July 25, 1957)

X MINUS ONE was an NBC science fiction series that was an extension, or revival, of NBC's earlier science fiction series, DIMENSION X. which ran from Apr. 8, 1950 through Sept. 29, 1951. Both are remembered for bringing really first rate science fiction to the air. The first X MINUS ONE shows used scripts from DIMENSION X, but soon created new shows from storied from the pages of Galaxy Magazine. The series was cancelled after the 126th broadcast on January 9, 1958. However, the early 1970s brought a wave of nostalgia for old-time radio; a new experimental episode, "The Iron Chancellor" by Robert Silverberg, was created in 1973, but it failed to revive the series. NBC also tried broadcasting the old recordings, but their irregular once-monthly scheduling kept even devoted listeners from following the broadcasts.

THIS EPISODE:

July 25, 1957. NBC network. "The Haunted Corpse". Sponsored by: Pabst Beer. Swapped bodies and a plan for immortality. The program closing has been deleted, the story is complete. The script was used subsequently on "X Minus One" on December 12, 1957. Frederick Pohl (author), Leon Janney, Jim Boles, Joseph Bell, Reese Taylor, Ernest Kinoy (adaptor), William Welch (producer), Daniel Sutter (director), Fred Collins (announcer). 20:10. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Sure Thing (Aired October 15, 1949)
Escape was radio's leading anthology series of high adventure, airing on CBS from July 7, 1947 to September 25, 1954. Since the program did not have a regular sponsor like Suspense, it was subjected to frequent schedule shifts and lower production budgets, although Richfield Oil signed on as a sponsor for five months in 1950. Despite these problems, Escape enthralled many listeners during its seven-year run. The series' well-remembered opening combined Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain with the introduction, intoned by Paul Frees and William Conrad: “Tired of the everyday routine? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all? We offer you... Escape!” Of the more than 230 Escape episodes, most have survived in good condition. Many story premises, both originals and adaptations, involved a protagonist in dire life-or-death straits, and the series featured more science fiction and supernatural tales than Suspense.

THIS EPISODE:

October 15, 1949. CBS network. "The Sure Thing". Sustaining. A strange cruise in the Caribbean, a triple murder, and that all important bank draft for $2 million dollars. The script was subsequently used on "Escape" on January 17, 1950. The program opening is upcut. John Bagni (writer), Gwen Bagni (writer), William Conrad, William N. Robson (producer, director), Fay Baker, Ian Wolfe, Sarah Selby, Del Castillo (special music arranger, conductor), John Hoyt, Don Diamond, Ted de Corsia. 28:43. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Double Exposure (Aired October 29, 1950)

This hard boiled spy drama began as an RKO Radio Pictures theatrical serial in the 1940s, went on radio in 1945, and then came to TV ten years later in this Syndicated series produced for distribution by NBC Films; Charles McGraw had been in many motion pictures before and after including "The Killers", "Spartacus" and "Cimarron"; in this series he played the title role of a man whose real name was supposedly Mike Waring, an American agent whose code name was "Falcon"; Later Charles McGraw starred in a short lived TV version of "Casablanca" (1955 - 1956) in the character of Rick; He also had a role on the detective drama "Staccato" (1959) Actor McGraw (whose birth name was Charles Butters) met an unfortunate death in real life when he fell through a shower glass door in 1980 at his home in Studio City, CA.

THIS EPISODE:

October 29, 1950. NBC network. "The Case Of The Double Exposure" . Sponsored by: Kraft. A hit man is paid $500 to rub out Jimmy Arcaro. A beautiful dame benefits, but loses $2 million when a dead man comes to life and promptly dies again. Les Damon, Ed Herlihy (announcer), Drexel Drake (creator). 28:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Death Is A Knockout (Aired June 12, 1947)

The Crime Club was broadcast by Mutual and produced and directed by Roger Bower. The post war stories were by various different authors and adapted for radio by among others Stedman Coles and Wyllis Cooper (writer of Lights Out and Quiet Please). The narrator played by Barry Thomson is the supposed curator of the Crime Club library. He speaks to the listener as if they have just arrived or phoned and requested one of the Club's books. The telephone rings, “Hello I hope I haven’t kept you waiting. This is the librarian, Silent Witnesses; yes we have that Crime Club book for you, come right over.” The organ plays suspenseful music, the door opens and the librarian says, “Ah you’re here, good take the easy chair by the window. Comfortable? The book is on this shelf…”He would take the book from the shelf and begin to tell the tale. The story would end with the Librarian informing you that there was a new Crime Club book available this week and every week in bookstores everywhere.

THIS EPISODE:

June 12, 1947. Mutual network. "Death Is A Knockout". Sustaining. A crime story with an unusual twist. The crook who tries to fix the prizefight is found murdered! Sydney Smith, Ted de Corsia, Bruce Smith, Stedman Coles (writer), Roger Bower (producer, director), Barbara Joyce, Arthur Vinton, Joan Tompkins. 29:08. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Esther Phillips Case (Aired August 2, 1953)

NBC 30 minutes Sunday at 9:30PM.Cast Paul Frees, James Edwards, Jester Hairston, Jay Loughlin, Jonathan Hole, Mady Norman, Don Brinkley (writer), Michael Samoge (? music), Warren Lewis (script supervisor), Homer Canfield (director), John Wald (announcer). Had a texture and sound not unlike Dragnet, indeed the influence was realized throughout the show. These were true stories of Crime and Punishment, the obvious difference that Dragnet began with the crime while Confession unfolded in reverse order, from the end. Confession was less noisy, it's theme was played on a single piano, but there was still the deadpan dialogue, the thief or killer giving his confession with an air of resignation and defeat. The criminal thus became a stream-of-consciousness narrator, with the action frequently cutting away into drama. "Names were changed to protect the legal rights of the subject"

THIS EPISODE:

August 2, 1953. NBC network. "The Esther Phillips Case". Sustaining. 9:30 P. M. Transcribed statements of actual crimes. Esther Phillips confesses to a string of robberies. The program opening and system cue are slightly upcut. The telephone-type recording beep heard throughout the show is very unneccessary. Paul Frees, Joel Davis, Les Tremayne, Alice Reinheart, George Pirrone, Charlotte Lawrence, Vivi Janis, Lou Rusoff (writer), Michael Samoge (music), Warren Lewis (script supervisor), Homer Canfield (director), John Wald (announcer). 29:26. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Traveling Man (Aired June 10, 1953)

The FBI in Peace and War was a radio crime drama inspired by Frederick Lewsis Collins' book, The FBI in Peace and War. The idea for the show came from Louis Pelletier who wrote many of the scripts. Among the show's other writers were Jack Finke, Ed Adamson and Collins. Airing on CBS from November 25, 1944 to September 28, 1958, it had a variety of sponsors (including Lava Soap, Wildroot Cream Oil, Lucky Strike, Nescafe and Wrigley's) over the years. Martin Blaine and Donald Briggs headed the cast.

THIS EPISODE:

June 10, 1953. CBS network. "The Traveling Man". Sponsored by: Brylcreme, Lava Soap, Nescafe. A young man double-crosses the stolen car ring he's been working for and heads west with his new bride. Martin Blaine, Don Briggs, Frederick L. Collins (creator), Betty Mandeville (producer, director). 29:40. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Mad Scientist Caper (Aired July 25, 1948)

The Adventures of Sam Spade was a radio series based loosely on the private detective character Sam Spade, created by writer Dashiell Hammett for The Maltese Falcon. The show ran for 13 episodes on ABC in 1946, for 157 episodes on CBS in 1946-1949, and finally for 51 episodes on NBC in 1949-1951. The series starred Howard Duff (and later, Steve Dunne) as Sam Spade and Lurene Tuttle as his secretary Effie, and took a considerably more tongue-in-cheek approach to the character than the novel or movie.

THIS EPISODE:

July 25, 1948. CBS network. "The Mad Scientist Caper". Sponsored by: Wildroot Cream-Oil. Raymond Fox is a famous but slightly insane inventor. He hires Spade to recover the secret formula for "Pentron." Sam promptly winds up in a hospital for the mentally deranged! Howard Duff, Lurene Tuttle, Dashiell Hammett (creator), William Spier (producer), Dick Joy (announcer), Robert Tallman (writer), Gil Doud (writer, director), Lud Gluskin (music director). 28:39. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"The Queen Of Spades" - Aired August 28, 1947

Cut from the cloth of tales woven by the imaginations of some of the most famous authors in history, Mystery In the Air was a Summer series consisting of mystery / horror shows. The series was hosted by Peter Lorre who also played the title role in a few of the shows and brings these brilliant horror classics to life spooktacularly, as no other could. Peter Lorre was one of the most popular horror stars of the forties, and with a supporting cast including such greats as Agnes Moorehead, Howard Culver, Lurene Tuttle, Joseph Kearns and Ken Christy, the production was destined to be a success. This collection can also be found included in the Peter Lorre Collection.

THIS EPISODE:

September 11, 1947. NBC network. "The Queen Of Spades". Sponsored by: Camels, Prince Albert. A Russian officer kills to learn the secret of the playing cards that cannot lose. Alexander Pushkin (author), Ben Wright, Henry Morgan (later known as "Harry Morgan"), Jack Edwards Jr., Luis Van Rooten, Lurene Tuttle, Michael Roy (announcer), Paul Baron (composer, conductor), Peggy Webber, Peter Lorre, Rolfe Sedan, Stan Waxman, Don Bernard (producer), Cal Kuhl (director). 29:38. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Edna Wolf Case (Aired August 9, 1950)
Diamond was a slick, sophisticated detective, with a sharp tongue for folks who needed it. Diamond enjoyed the detective life, but not as much as entertaining his girl, Helen Asher. After each show, he would croon a number to his Park Avenue sweetheart. Mr. Powell, a former song and dance man, was perfect for the role. He added an extra dimension to the 40's hokey private eye drama. Diamond was a rough gumshoe that would often get knocked on the head with a revolver butt or other items. His counterpart on the police force was Lt. Levinson who often accepted Diamond's help reluctantly. Levinson would claim to get stomach trouble whenever Diamond would call him and would take bicarbonate to settle his aching stomach. Although they always seem at odds with each other, Diamond and Levinson were best friends.

THIS EPISODE:

August 9, 1950. NBC network. "The Edna Wolf Case". Sponsored by: Rexall. Edna Wolf hires Diamond to get the goods on her husband for a divorce. Diamond comes up with a frame for murder. Dick Powell sings, "You Made Me Love You" after solving the case. This program was rebroadcast on September 20, 1953. The scene where Diamond is "taken for a ride" is similar to a scene in the program of February 2, 1951. Dick Powell, Virginia Gregg, Ted de Corsia, Wilms Herbert, Blake Edwards (writer), Hy Averback, Stacy Harris, Vic Perrin, Frank Worth (composer, conductor), Bill Forman (announcer), Jaime del Valle (producer, director). 32:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Black Ball (Aired November 6, 1949)

Rocky Jordan was a radio series about an American restaurateur in Cairo who each week became involved in some kind of mystery or adventure. The show was broadcast on CBS from October 31st 1948 to September 10th 1950. and then again from June 27th 1951 to August 22nd 1951. The character of Rocky Jordan had been introduced to listeners in a similar show called A Man Named Jordan that was broadcast in 1945 but set in Istanbul rather than Cairo. The two lead roles were those of Rocky Jordan and Captain Sam Sabaaya of the Cairo Police. For most of the show's history Jordan was played by veteran radio actor Jack Moyles, but he was replaced by a movie star, George Raft, for the brief 1951 run. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

November 6, 1949. CBS Pacific network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Black Ball". Rocky is mistaken for a gambler named Al Margo, who has been using Rocky's name to run up a large gambling debt. The imposter is soon found murdered. The program is referred to as, "The Rocky Jordan Show." Jack Moyles. 29:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Midnight Horseman (Aired December 11, 1961)

The series arose out of an improptu competition between The Far East Network and The Armed Forces Network-Germany. Both networks sent 15 ips audition tapes to the AFRTS Headquarters in Los Angeles and FEN Tokyo won the 'competition'. The AFRTS transcribed and distributed the Macabre series on October 4, 1961-- a month before FEN Tokyo recorded a ninth episode of Macabre for Christmas Day, titled Of Frankincense and Myrrh. FEN Launches Macabre on the lucky 13th of November 1961. Launched, appropriately enough on the 13th of November, 1961, the series ran for nine weeks, including a special Christmas Day broadcast, "Of Frankincense and Myrrh," and ending on January 8, 1962 with "Edge of Evil."

THIS EPISODE:

December 11, 1961. Program #5. AFRTS-FEN origination. "The Midnight Horseman". A good screamer. A painting of a black knight...with occult powers! The announcer mentions that it's Halloween, indicating a possible rebroadcast at a later date. Al Lepage (announcer). 26:40. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Tales Of The Texas Rangers"
"The Ice Man" (Aired March 2, 1952)

Tales of the Texas Rangers, a western adventure old-time radio drama, premiered on July 8, 1950, on the NBC radio network and remained on the air through September 14, 1952. Movie star Joel McCrea starred as Texas Ranger Jayce Pearson, who used the latest scientific techniques to identify the criminals and his faithful horse, Charcoal, to track them down. The shows were reenactments of actual Texas Ranger cases. The series was produced and directed by Stacy Keach, Sr., and was sponsored for part of its run by Wheaties. Captain Manuel T. "Lone Wolf" Gonzaullas, a Ranger for 30 years and who was said to have killed 31 men during his career, served as consultant for the series. The series was adapted for television from 1955 to 1957.

THIS EPISODE:

March 2, 1952. NBC network. "The Ice Man". Sustaining. Based on the events of September 17, 1948. A strange burglar who eats before he robs and who wields a mean ice pick is finally tracked down by the Rangers. Joel McCrea, Stacy Keach (producer, director), Hal Gibney (announcer), Tony Barrett, Lillian Buyeff, Whitfield Connor, Parley Baer, Phil Harris (NBC promo), Alice Faye (NBC promo), Bill Forman (NBC promo), Jack Paar (NBC promo). 29:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Bases Loaded (Aired June 14, 1946)

That strange publishing firm owned by Dan and Barbara Glenn - where each new novel is acted out by the Mystery House staff, before it is accepted for publication. Mystery House was a program in the 1950’s, but not your run of the mill type program. Actually it was more of a proving ground for novels. Dan and Barbara Glenn owned a publishing company named “Mystery House” located at 70 Park Avenue, New York City. Dan and Barbara decided to test some of their novels on a real listening audience. Each episode was taken from a novel they were planning on publishing. The entire staff at Mystery House was involved, everyone doing their part, whether it was rewriting to adapt it to radio, playing the parts or doing sound effects, everyone joined in. Sadly, not a lot is known about this series. Only 15 are known to exist.

THIS EPISODE:

June 14, 1946. Program #44. "Bases Loaded". Commercials added locally. Nanette Sargent, Forrest Lewis, Rye Billsbury (announcer). 26:03. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"The Saddle Shoes (Aired April 7, 1953) aka: Sophisticated Lady"

The 'hot potato' that "That Hammer Guy" had become ultimately resolved itself with the premiere of That Hammer Guy--over Mutual--on December 30, 1952, the beginning of a ninety-one episode series of hard-boiled Mickey Spillane mystery and adventure yarns. The series premiered with Inner Sanctum workhorse Larry Haines as Mike Hammer, aided by Jan Miner in the role of Velda, Hammer's secretary and love interest, as well as several other roles in the ensemble cast. By about three months into the run, the series attempts--rather unsuccessfully--to rename itself, Mickey Spillane-Mystery or Mickey Spillane, Mystery depending on the outlet. Neither name ever really took, and the majority of the newspaper and magazine listings of the era continued to refer to the series as either That Hammer Guy, Mike Hammer, or Mickey Spillane Mysteries. The nomenclature didn't seem to bother Mutual in the least, and its most loyal affiliate stations continued to air Mickey Spillane-Mystery with almost no interruptions, pre-emptions or day and time changes for its entire run. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

April 7, 1953. "The Saddle Shoes" aka: "Sophisticated Lady" - Mutual network. Sponsored by: Esquire Magazine, Kix, Camels (G & D Vermouth: local). Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer as rough and tough as ever. Mike's after a pair of saddle shoes after their owner shoots first to kill...and almost does. The system cue has been deleted. Larry Haines, Jan Miner, Mickey Spillane (creator), Edward Adamson (writer), Richard Lewis (director, co-producer), Ed Ladd (announcer). 29:18. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Introduces The Moonglows "We Go Together" (1956)
The Mel Blanc Show - The Broken Caruso Record (01-07-47)

The Broken Caruso Record (Aired January 7, 1947)

In 1936, Mel Blanc joined Leon Schlesinger Productions, which made animated cartoons distributed by Warner Bros. Blanc liked to tell the story about how he got turned down at the Schlesinger studio by music director Norman Spencer, who was in charge of cartoon voices, saying that they had all the voices they needed. Then Spencer died, and sound man Treg Brown took charge of cartoon voices, while Carl Stalling took over as music director. Brown introduced Blanc to animation directors Tex Avery, Bob Clampett, Friz Freleng, and Frank Tashlin, who loved his voices. The first cartoon Blanc worked on was Picador Porky as the voice of a drunken bull. He took over as Porky Pig's voice in Porky's Duck Hunt, which marked the debut of Daffy Duck, also voiced by Blanc. Blanc soon became noted for voicing a wide variety of cartoon characters from Looney Tunes, adding Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird, Pepé Le Pew and many others.

THIS EPISODE:

January 7, 1947. CBS network. Sponsored by: Colgate Tooth Powder, Halo Shampoo. "The Broken Caruso Record". Bud Hiestand (announcer), Hans Conried, Joe Walker, Joseph Kearns, Mary Jane Croft, Mel Blanc, The Sportsmen, Victor Miller and His Orchestra. 22:58. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Introduces The Moonglows "We Go Together" (1956)
The Mel Blanc Show - The Broken Caruso Record (01-07-47)

The Broken Caruso Record (Aired January 7, 1947)

In 1936, Mel Blanc joined Leon Schlesinger Productions, which made animated cartoons distributed by Warner Bros. Blanc liked to tell the story about how he got turned down at the Schlesinger studio by music director Norman Spencer, who was in charge of cartoon voices, saying that they had all the voices they needed. Then Spencer died, and sound man Treg Brown took charge of cartoon voices, while Carl Stalling took over as music director. Brown introduced Blanc to animation directors Tex Avery, Bob Clampett, Friz Freleng, and Frank Tashlin, who loved his voices. The first cartoon Blanc worked on was Picador Porky as the voice of a drunken bull. He took over as Porky Pig's voice in Porky's Duck Hunt, which marked the debut of Daffy Duck, also voiced by Blanc. Blanc soon became noted for voicing a wide variety of cartoon characters from Looney Tunes, adding Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird, Pepé Le Pew and many others.

THIS EPISODE:

January 7, 1947. CBS network. Sponsored by: Colgate Tooth Powder, Halo Shampoo. "The Broken Caruso Record". Bud Hiestand (announcer), Hans Conried, Joe Walker, Joseph Kearns, Mary Jane Croft, Mel Blanc, The Sportsmen, Victor Miller and His Orchestra. 22:58. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

I Love Adventure - Hearse On The Highway (07-11-48)
INTRO: Bob Plays - Earth, Wind & Fire "After the Love Has Gone" (1979)

Hearse On The Highway (Aired July 11, 1948)
This is a short-lived series for true fans of I Love A Mystery and Adventures By Morse. It serves as something of a bridge between the eras that the longer series' cover. Morse accomplishes this with a plausible back story and a somewhat implausible artifice to reunite the members of the A-1 Detective Agency after their dispersal during World War II. The story line for I Love Adventure resumes, appropriately enough, in post-World War II London where the top secret non-governmental agency known only as The 21 Old Men of 10 Gramercy Park, whose mission is to fight all enemies of international peace. Jack Packard [Michael Raffetto] was recruited by the 21 Old Men to lead a select group on assignments circling the globe. Packard never meets the 21 Old Men face to face. His assignments were given to him from behind a 20-foot by 40-foot, two-way mirror at 10 Gramercy Park, usually from a single spokeman for the 21 Old Men [Everett Glass]. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

July 11, 1948. Program #12. ABC network. "Hearse On The Highway". Sustaining. Jack and Doc try to stop a gang of hijackers. Michael Raffetto, Carlton E. Morse (producer), Barton Yarborough, Lou Krugman, Peggy Webber, Russell Thorson, Frank Richards, Rex Koury (organ), Frank Gerstle, Thomas J. Aherne (writer), Dresser Dahlstead (announcer). 29:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Lawyer And The Lady (Aired December 4, 1948)

Jeff Regan, Investigator was one of the three detective shows Jack Webb did before Dragnet (see also Pat Novak For Hire and Johnny Modero: Pier 23). It debuted on CBS in July 1948. Webb played JEFF REGAN, a tough private eye working in a Los Angeles investigation firm run by Anthony J. Lyon. Regan introduced himself on each show "I get ten a day and expenses...they call me the Lyon's Eye." The show was fairly well-plotted, Webb's voice was great, and the supporting cast were skillful. Regan handled rough assignments from Lion, with whom he was not always on good terms. He was tough, tenacious, and had a dry sense of humor. The voice of his boss, Anthony Lion, was Wilms Herbert. The show ended in December 1948 but was resurrected in October 1949 with a new cast.

THIS EPISODE:

December 4, 1948. CBS Pacific network. "The Lawyer and The Lady". Sustaining. Lawyer Joseph Kramer hires Regan, then gets shot while in his own office. Mrs. Kramer is shot and killed too. Regan gets decked by Spec Jameson, a 280 pound fat man with brass knuckles. Jack Webb, Herb Butterfield, Lawrence Dobkin, Carol Matthews, Lou Krugman, Marvin Miller, Herb Vigran, Mary Lansing, Bob Stevenson (announcer), Milton Charles (organist), Jackson Gillis (writer), E. Jack Neuman (writer), Sterling Tracy (producer). 30:56. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Carbon Fourteen (Aired January 25, 1948)

The seat of the crimes inevitably is a remote, glamorous area--Shanghai, Rangoon, Singapore, places like that--where the white man's burden is greatly complicated by espionage and skullduggery of one sort or another. One of the more attractive features of this show is its villains, who under no circumstances would commit the gaucherie of snarling: "I wanna see ya bleed to death--slow--". Mr. X's opponents are as suave and well-dressed as he is, know how to order the proper wines, and are, in short, as couth a collection of bad men as ever throttled a millionaire. In fact, the courtesy of Mr. X and his villains--even more when they're threatening to blow one another's brains out--could be held up as an example of matchless propriety to the very young. Besides Mr. X there are a couple of semi-permanent characters--one named Saigon or Paigon or Fagan or something, a minor league crook who usually helps X solve these things, and a girl who holds Mr. X's hand to help him think. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

January 25, 1948. "Carbon Fourteen" - CBS network. Commercials deleted. Bill Wilson, a physics teacher in Los Angeles, has been shot just after telling Ken Thurston about some missing carbon 14. Herbert Marshall, Leon Belasco, Cathy Lewis, Jack Johnstone (director), Sidney Marshall (writer), Wendell Niles (announcer), Johnny Green (composer, conductor). 26:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Registered Letter (Aired July 10, 1949)
Life with Luigi was a radio comedy-drama series which began September 21, 1948 on CBS. The story concerned Italian immigrant Luigi Basco, and his experiences as an immigrant in Chicago. Many of the shows take place at the US citizenship classes that Luigi attends with other immigrants from different countries, as well as trying to fend off the repeated advances of the morbidly-obese daughter of his landlord/sponsor. Luigi was played by J. Carrol Naish, an Irish-American. Naish continued in the role on the short-lived television version in 1952, and was later replaced by Vito Scotti. With a working title of The Little Immigrant, Life with Luigi was created by Cy Howard, who earlier had created the hit radio comedy, My Friend Irma. The show was often seen as the Italian counterpart to the radio show The Goldbergs, which chronicled the experience of Jewish immigrants in New York.

THIS EPISODE:

July 10, 1949. "The Registered Letter" - CBS network. Sustaining. Is Luigi's antique store in violation of the fire code? J. Carrol Naish, Alan Reed, Cy Howard (creator, producer), Mac Benoff (writer, director), Mary Shipp, Hans Conried, Ken Peters, Joe Forte, Lou Derman (writer), Lyn Murray (music director), Jody Gilbert, Paul Masterson (announcer). 27:13. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

CBS World News Today - War News (12-31-44)
CBS News' The World Today spawned numerous excellent news specials and regular broadcasts over the legendary history of the CBS Radio News Bureau. The hands-down standouts from CBS' Radio News division over the years that spanned the Golden Age of Radio were commentators H.V. Kaltenborn, Elmer Davis and Edward R. Murrow. The Golden Age of Radio spanned some of the most momentous news events of the Twentieth Century: the aftermath of World War I, The Wall Street Crash, The Great Depression, The League of Nations, World War II, The Korean War, and the Cold War Era. Competition for Radio news coverage of all of these historical eras was predictably stiff. NBC, CBS and MBS were the major players during this era. ABC came to the Radio news arena somewhat later during the Golden Era of Radio news coverage. News coverage during the rise of the Nazi party and the lead up to World War II was especially well covered by all three major networks of the era. Competing news bureaus, both independent and print media bureaus, kept a steady flow of fascinating coverage throughout the lead up to World War II, its prosecution and aftermath.

View Details

The CBS World News Today - "War News" (12-31-44)

CBS News' The World Today spawned numerous excellent news specials and regular broadcasts over the legendary history of the CBS Radio News Bureau. The hands-down standouts from CBS' Radio News division over the years that spanned the Golden Age of Radio were commentators H.V. Kaltenborn, Elmer Davis and Edward R. Murrow. The Golden Age of Radio spanned some of the most momentous news events of the Twentieth Century: the aftermath of World War I, The Wall Street Crash, The Great Depression, The League of Nations, World War II, The Korean War, and the Cold War Era. Competition for Radio news coverage of all of these historical eras was predictably stiff. NBC, CBS and MBS were the major players during this era. ABC came to the Radio news arena somewhat later during the Golden Era of Radio news coverage. News coverage during the rise of the Nazi party and the lead up to World War II was especially well covered by all three major networks of the era. Show Notes From Old Time Radio Downloads.

View Details

Nikoli Debarov (Aired April 22, 1953)

Dangerous Assignment stands as one of the most durable programs of its genre and era in the waning days of The Golden Age of Radio. Espionage or foreign intrigue dramas weren't particularly groundbreaking undertakings by the 1950s. Bulldog Drummond was the first of the more successful exemplars of Radio espionage and intrigue, running from 1941 to 1954, most often under the lead of the gifted character actor, George Coulouris. The Counterspy series had been well underway since 1942 and ran in one incarnation or another through 1954. The Man Called X had already aired--to great popular and critical acclaim--for almost five years prior to 1949. Indeed, within a year of airing Dangerous Assignment's Summer 1949 season, The Man Called X returned to the air for another two years. For one of those years, Dangerous Assignment and The Man Called X ran back to back in the NBC line-up. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

April 22, 1953. NBC network. Sustaining. Steve Mitchell is sent to London to be the bodyguard of "Nikoli Debarov"...who doesn't even exist! Adrian Gendot (writer), Bill Cairn (director), Brian Donlevy, Herb Butterfield, Jan Arvan, Jean Tatum, Jeanne Bates, John Storm (announcer), Paul Dubov, Robert Ryf (writer). 28:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Lipton Talent Scouts (05-15-50)

Godfrey's morning show was supplemented by a primetime variety show, Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts broadcasting from the CBS Studio Building at 49 East 52nd Street where he had his main office. This show, a showcase for rising young performers, was a slight variation of CBS's successful Original Amateur Hour. Some of the performers had made public appearances in their home towns and were recommended to Godfrey by friends or colleagues. These "sponsors" would accompany the performers to the broadcast and introduce them to Godfrey on the air. Two acts from the same 1948 broadcast were Wally Cox and The Chordettes. Both were big hits that night, and both were signed to recording contracts. Godfrey took special interest in The Chordettes, who sang his kind of barbershop-quartet harmony, and he soon made them part of his broadcasting and recording "family."

View Details

Rummage Sale (Aired January 15, 1952)
INTRO: Bob Plays Hall & Oates "Sara Smile" (1975)

Jim Jordan (Fibber) was born on a farm on November 16, 1896, near Peoria, Illinois. Marian Driscoll (Molly), a coal miner’s daughter, was born in Peoria on November 15, 1898. After years of hardship and touring in obscurity on the small-time show biz circuit, they arrived in Chicago in 1924, where they eventually performed on thousands of shows and developed 145 different voices and characters. Broadcast to the nation from WMAQ/Chicago, the show entertained America until March 1956, and continued on NBC’s Monitor until 1959. Jim Jordan died on April 1, 1988. Marian Jordan died on April 7, 1961. Fibber McGee and Molly was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1989. First Broadcast date April 16, 1935. Last Broadcast date September 6, 1959.

THIS EPISODE:

January 15, 1952. NBC network. Sponsored by: Pet Milk. The McGees are holding a "Rummage Sale" and Fibber comes up with some good merchandise to sell. Jim Jordan, Marian Jordan, Harlow Wilcox, Billy Mills and His Orchestra, The King's Men, Keith Fowler (writer), Phil Leslie (writer), Max Hutto (director), Bill Thompson, Richard LeGrand, Myra Marsh, Bea Benaderet, Coline Collins. 34:52. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The John Nelson Murder Case (Aired June 6, 1953)

Broadway Is My Beat, a radio crime drama, ran on CBS from February 27, 1949 to August 1, 1954. With Anthony Ross portraying Times Square Detective Danny Clover, the show originated from New York during its first three months on the air. The series featured music by Robert Stringer, and scripts by Peter Lyon. John Dietz directed for producer Lester Gottlieb (eventually succeeding him as producer). Bern Bennett was the original announcer. Beginning with the July 7, 1949 episode, the series was broadcast from Hollywood with producer Elliott Lewis directing a new cast in scripts by Morton S. Fine and David Friedkin. The opening theme of "I'll Take Manhattan" introduced Detective Danny Clover (played by Larry Thor), a hardened New York City cop who worked homicide "from Times Square to Columbus Circle -- the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world."

THIS EPISODE:

June 6, 1953. "The John Nelson Murder Case" - CBS network. Sustaining. In the Ruxton Hotel, John Nelson has been found stabbed to death. Larry Thor, Charles Calvert, Jack Kruschen, Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Alexander Courage (composer, conductor), Herb Butterfield, Irene Tedrow, Ben Wright, Hal Gerard, Tom Tully, Bill Anders (announcer). 29:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Six Shots At Midnight (Aired November 6, 1934)

Calling All Cars was one of radio’s earliest cop shows, dramatizing stories and introduced by officers from the Los Angeles and other police departments. The narrator of the program was speech professor Charles Frederick Lindsley, and the only other regular voice heard on the program week after week belonged to that of Sergeant Jesse Rosenquist of the L.A.P.D., whose name and voice were so unusually distinctive that he was retained for the show’s entire run. None of the actors on the show ever received on-air credit, but among the talent OTR fans can hear the likes of Elvia Allman, Jackson Beck, Charles Bickford, John Gibson, Richard LeGrand and Hanley Stafford, just to name a few.

THIS EPISODE
:

November 6, 1934. Program #50. CBS Pacific network (Don Lee network). "Six Shots At Midnight". Sponsored by: Rio Grande Oil. A murder has been committed on Riverside Drive. The system cue has been deleted. William N. Robson (writer, producer), Charles Frederick Lindsley (narrator). 30:44. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Bathtub (Aired April 1, 1952)

Opening in 1875, the Crime Museum at Scotland Yard is the oldest museum in the world purely for recording crime. The name Black Museum was coined in 1877 by a reporter from The Observer, a London newspaper, although the museum is still referred to as the Crime Museum. The idea of a crime museum was conceived by Inspector Neame who had already collected together a number of items, with the intention of giving police officers practical instruction on how to detect and prevent burglary. It is this museum that inspired the Black Musuem radio series. The museum is not open to members of the public but is now used as a lecture theatre for the curator to lecture police and like bodies in subjects such as Forensic Science, Pathology, Law and Investigative Techniques. A number of famous people have visited the musuem including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Harry Houdini, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Orsen Welles hosted and narrated the shows.

THIS EPISODE:

April 1, 1952. Program #25. Syndicated, WRVR-FM, New York aircheck. "The Bathtub". Participating sponsors. Edward Jones is married...very married. He has wives all over the place. The date is approximate. Syndicated rebroadcast date: February 26, 1975. Harry Alan Towers (producer), Orson Welles (narrator), Sidney Torch (composer, conductor), Ira Marion (writer). 26:59. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Plays Paaul Anka "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" (1958) #1 Hit
"The Dead White Lifeboat" (Aired April 24, 1955)Abbott Mysteries was a comedy-mystery radio program adapted from the novels of Frances Crane (1896-1981). Initially a summer replacement for Quick As a Flash, the series was heard on Mutual and NBC between the years 1945 and 1955. The Mutual series, sponsored by Helbros Watches, debuted June 10, 1945, airing Sundays at 6pm. Scripts were by Howard Merrill and Ed Adamson in the lighthearted tradition of Mr. and Mrs. North. Julie Stevens and Charles Webster starred as Jean and Pat Abbott, a San Francisco married couple who solved murder mysteries. In the supporting cast were Jean Ellyn, Sydney Slon and Luis Van Rooten. Moving to 5:30pm in 1946, Les Tremayne and Alice Reinheart took over the roles until the end of the series on August 31, 1947.

THIS EPISODE:

April 24, 1955. Program #12. NBC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Dead-White Lifeboat". Les Damon, Claudia Morgan, Frances Crane (creator), Howard Merrill (writer), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Ted Lloyd (producer), Dewey Bergman (composer, conductor), Harry Frazee (director, recordist), Santos Ortega, Maurice Tarplin, Katherine Barrett, Wayne Howell (announcer). 30:15. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Gracie Joins The Girl Scouts (Aired March 10, 1949)

Burns and Allen were an American comedy duo consisting of George Burns and his wife, Gracie Allen.Burns wrote most of the material, and played the straight man. Allen played a silly, addleheaded woman. Both attributed their success to the other, to the ends of their lives. Early on, the team had played the opposite roles until they noticed that the audience was laughing at Gracie's straight lines, so they made the change. Burns and Allen developed their popular routine over more than three decades of stage, radio, film, and television. Historians of popular culture have often stated that Allen was a brilliant comedian, whose entire career consisted of engaging in dialogues of "illogical logic" that left her verbal opponents dazed and confused, and her audiences in stitches. During a typical 23-minute episode of the Burns and Allen show, the vast majority of the dialogue and speaking parts were written for Allen, who was credited with having the genius to deliver her lengthy diatribes in a fashion that made it look as though she was making her arguments up on the spot. (One running gag on the TV show was the existence of a closet full of hats belonging to various visitors to the Burns household, where the guests would slip out the door unnoticed, leaving their hats behind, rather than face another round with Gracie.) A continuing joke on the show was that George would say, "Say good night, Gracie," and Gracie would say, "Good night Gracie!"

View Details

Cemetery (Aired February 15, 1972)

A transcribed syndication of original broadcasts from Lights Out. With its premiere on the nationwide NBC hookup in 1935, Lights Out was billed "the ultimate in horror." Never had such sounds been heard on the air. Heads rolled, bones were crushed, people fell from great heights and splattered wetly on pavement. There were garrotings, choking, heads split by cleavers, and, to a critic at Radio Guide, "the most monstrous of all sounds, human flesh being eaten." Few shows had ever combined the talents of actors and imaginative writers so well with the graphic art of the sound technician. Wyllis Cooper, who created, wrote, and produced it, was then a 36-year-old staffer in Chicago's NBC Studios.

THIS EPISODE:

February 15, 1972. Program #24. CBS network origination, syndicated rebroadcast. "Cemetery". Commercials added locally. A good tale of horror from the crypt. A visitor from beyond death. Syndicated program name: "The Devil and Mr. O." The story is also known as, "Scoop." Arch Oboler (writer, host). 29:17. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Deadly Snowflake (Aired May 26, 1948)

On television the D.A. had a name, Paul Garrett, and the radio version picked up this name in the final years when David Brian played the role. A key figure in the dramas was the D.A.'s secretary, Edith Miller (Vicki Vola). Created, written, and directed by former law student Ed Byron, the series was inspired by the early years of New York governor Thomas E. Dewey. It was Dewey's public war against racketeering which led to his election as governor. Phillips H. Lord, creator of Gangbusters, helped to develop the concept and coined the title. Byron lent an air of accuracy and immediacy to his scripts through close study of crime statistics, a library of criminology texts, following the newspapers, and even going around rough bars to gain tips, background, and color from crooks and police alike.

THIS EPISODE:

May 26, 1948. NBC network. "The Case Of The Deadly Snowflake". Sponsored by: Ipana, Sal Hepatica, Sentry Hair Cream. A blind safecracker named Laird Morton is planning a job with a getaway by boat. However, there is no honor among thieves! Jay Jostyn, Vicki Vola, Peter Van Steeden (music director), Robert Shaw (director), Phillips H. Lord (creator), Len Doyle, Edward Byron (producer, director). 29:30. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Blue Eyes (Aired June 6, 1946)

The gimmick in Rogue's Gallery was the presence of an alter ego, "Eugor," who arrived in the middle of the show to give Rogue enough information for his final deduction. Eugor was a state of mind, achieved when Rogue was knocked unconcious. Eugor would appear cackling like the host of Hermit's Cave and imparted some vital information the hero had overlooked. Rogue would then awaken with a vague idea of what to do next. Rogue's Gallery also starred different actors as Rogue, in later incarnations of the series, but Richard Powell was the most popular. This series preceded Richard Powell's most famous series, Richard Diamond, Private Detective. Rogue trailed lovely blondes and protected witnesses in the new tough guy persona of Dick Powell. This was the transition series for Powell in his quest to be recognized as an actor rather than a singer. It had some of the same cute elements that would make Richard Diamond a high spot four years later. During the summer of 1946, the show was billed as Bandwagon Mysteries, with a tip of the hat to the sponsor. In the summer of 1947, it was again revived on NBC Sundays for Fitch, with Barry Sullivan in the title role.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Plays Michael Jackson "Dancing Machine" (1973)
New Business Administration Course (02-11-51)

Our Miss Brooks, an American situation comedy, began as a radio hit in 1948 and migrated to television in 1952, becoming one of the earlier hits of the so-called Golden Age of Television, and making a star out of Eve Arden (1908-1990) as comely, wisecracking, but humane high school English teacher Connie Brooks. The show hooked around Connie's daily relationships with Madison High School students, colleagues, and pompous principal Osgood Conklin (Gale Gordon), not to mention favourite student Walter Denton (future television and Rambo co-star Richard Crenna, who fashioned a higher-pitched voice to play the role) and biology teacher Philip Boynton ( Jeff Chandler), the latter Connie's all-but-unrequited love interest, who saw science everywhere and little else anywhere.

THIS EPISODE:

February 11, 1951. "New Business Administration Course" - CBS network. Sponsored by: Colgate Toothpaste, Palmolive Shave Cream, Vel. The program was recorded December 27, 1950. Miss Brooks complains of a cold room in Mrs. Davis' house, and the temperature at Madison High. Who will teach the new course in "Business Administration?" Eve Arden, Larry Berns (producer), Al Lewis (writer, director), Verne Smith (commercial spokesman), Bob Lemond (announcer), Wilbur Hatch (music), Jane Morgan, Richard Crenna, Gale Gordon, Jeff Chandler, Gloria McMillan. 34:13. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Mimic (1950) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

Beyond Tomorrow (aka Beyond This World) was an American radio drama series developed for CBS in the spring of 1950. Beyond Tomorrow was meant to be CBS's first science fiction radio program. The show was announced in newspapers but it is not known if any episodes were actually broadcast. An audition show and three additional shows were transcribed to disk. In 2005, Beyond 2000 returned to the Seven Network under the new name of Beyond Tomorrow. The first episode aired 1 June 2005. Picking up where its predecessor left off, Beyond Tomorrow delves even deeper into the world of technological innovations and scientific breakthroughs. Topics range from how probes planted in the brain can now be used to battle Parkinsons disease and obsessive compulsive disorder, to how the grumpiness of North Sea oil workers has led to a cure being found for snoring. Segments from MythBusters, another Beyond Television production, also air as part of the program. The hour-long magazine style episodes feature breakthroughs in all areas of life including the environment, medicine, sport, computers, space, agriculture, transport, architecture, leisure and adventure. Beyond Tomorrow airs in the US on The Science Channel and on Discovery Channel Canada; The series has been criticised by some fans of the earlier "Beyond 2000" for featuring 'futuristic' technologies that are obsolete or have been in common use for several years.

View Details

Mr. Morgan (Aired May 24, 1947)
Call it hard-boiled screwball comedy. Very few writers have managed to combine the hardboiled detective novel and comedy. Jonathan Latimer succeeded with Bill Crane and Craig Rice did it with JOHN J. MALONE, her ne'er-do-well bibulous attorney. Despite being billed as "Chicago's noisiest and most noted criminal lawyer," Malone acts more like a private eye than a member of the court. And a particularly hard-drinking private eye, at that. Despite a rep for courtroom pyrotechniques, he's far more likely to be found at Joe the Angel's City Hall Bar than in any court. Along with his boozing buddies, Jake and Helene Justus, an affable young couple, he drank his way through a whole slew of novels and short stories, not to mention later film, radio and television appearances. Seemingly inept and irresponsible, he nevertheless somehow (luck of the Irish?) managed to crack the case everytime. He can also count on the aid of Captain Daniel von Flannagan of the Homicide Squad.

View Details

The Soft Spot (09-01-50)

This revival of Philip Marlowe was more favorably received, probably because of a combination of writing and acting. No one could duplicate the writing of Raymond Chandler, but this group of writers was very good. While Chandler's distinctive similes were largely lacking, the strong dry, sarcastic narration was there, and the way Gerald Mohr delivered the lines had a way of making you forget that they weren't written by Chandler. Mr. Mohr seemed born for the part of the cynical detective. His voice and timing were perfect for the character. In a letter to Gene Levitt, one of the show's writers, Raymond Chandler commented that a voice like Gerald Mohr's at least packed personality; a decided an improvement over his opinion of the original show. By 1949 the show had the largest audience in radio. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

September 1, 1950. "The Soft Spot" - CBS network. Sustaining. An old man dead in a flop house, a sot who carves wood, a fallen lady with an eye for gold lockets, and a snake with big ears all lead Marlowe to a soft spot in a killer's hard heart! Bill Bouchey, Edgar Barrier, Gene Levitt (writer), Gerald Mohr, Nestor Paiva, Paul Dubov, Peter Leeds, Raymond Chandler (creator), Richard Aurandt (music), Richard Sanville (director), Robert Mitchell (writer), Roy Rowan (announcer), Verna Felton, Vivi Janis. 28:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Giant Walks (Aired November 8, 1950)

2000 AD is known as the first of the network science fiction shows, although it ran on Mutual just a month prior to the introduction of the landmark series, Dimension X. It was a half hour of science fiction wonder in an exciting package. The stories have a charm that is always present in science fiction of the future that is written in the past. "When The Worlds Met" takes place "at the giant space port in Washington, temporary capitol of the federated world government as in April 21, 2000 Plus 20 (2020) crowds throng as audio and televox networks cover a space ship carrying in its space hold the first load of uranium taken from the pits of Luna, satellite of Earth.

THIS EPISODE:

November 8, 1950. Mutual network. "The Giant Walks". Sustaining. A mad scientist plans a race of thirty-foot giants to take over the world, and is well on the way toward succeeding. The broadcast may be dated November 5, 1950. Julian Schneider (writer), Joseph Julian, Lon Clark. 27:56. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Fatal Appointment (Aired January 16, 1952)

Barry Craig, Confidential Investigator is one of the few detective radio series that had separate versions of it broadcast from both coasts. Even the spelling changed over the years. It was first "Barry Crane" and then "Barrie Craig". NBC produced it in New York from 1951 to 1954 and then moved it to Hollywood where it aired from 1954 to 1955. It attracted only occasional sponsors so it was usually a sustainer.William Gargan, who also played the better known television (and radio) detective Martin Kane, was the voice of New York eye BARRY CRAIG while Ralph Bell portrayed his associate, Lt. Travis Rogers. Craig's office was on Madison Avenue and his adventures were fairly standard PI fare. He worked alone, solved cases efficiently, and feared no man.

THIS EPISODE:

January 16, 1952. NBC network. "Fatal Appointment". Sustaining. "A beautiful girl dies in a hotel room, a man gives all for love and an appointment for romance winds up in a rendezvous with death." William Gargan, Lou Vickert (? writer), Joan Alexander, Himan Brown (director), Don Pardo (announcer). 29:35. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: BOB: The Drifters "Save The Last Dance For Me" (#1 Hit) Atlantic Records
Blood On The Sun (Aired October 16, 1946)

John Dunning in his book,"On the Air, The Encyclopedia of Old Time Radio,"tells us why such a fine production lasted less than a year: "The House of Squibb, a drug firm, footed a stiff bill: up to $5,000 for the stars and $1,600 a week to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for use of the title. The production had all the class of a Lux or Screen Guild show…But the tariff took its toll, and after 39 weeks the series was scrapped." The Informer had to have Victor Mclaglen, and the Maltese Falcon, Humphrey Bogart, Sidney Greenstreet (this movie was his first major motion picutre role) plus Mary Astor for the hat trick. Suspicion starred Cary Grant with Ann Todd doing the Joan Fontaine role, Ronald Coleman in Lost Horizon, and Joan Fontaine and John Lund were in Portrait of Jenny. How Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Pinocchio were done is something to hear!

THIS EPISODE:

October 16, 1946. CBS network. "Blood On The Sun". Sponsored by: Squibb. A crusading newspaper editor in pre-war Japan uncovers the "Tanaka Plan" of world conquest. John Garfield, Jeff Chandler. 29:18. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Behind The Lines (Aired May 7, 1950)
Based on the book, Cloak and Dagger: The Secret Story of the O.S.S. by Corey Ford and Alistair McBain, the Radio rendition of these fascinating stories promised to keep any listener perched on the edge of their seat. Apart from describing the book upon which the new adventure series was based, the above is just about all the fanfare that was associated with the roll-out of NBC's only espionage program of the year. Fast-paced writing and direction proved to be an excellent underpinning for an espionage adventure drama based on factual events.

THIS EPISODE:

May 7, 1950. "Behind The Lines" - NBC network. Sustaining. 4:00 P. M. Colonel Corey Ford introduces the series before the story. An announcement is made that this is the first show of the series, but in an ambigiuous way. The stories are based on a book by Corey Ford and Alistair McBain. An American O. S. S. member parachutes into occupied Austria on a spying mission, but makes a serious mistake. Keep your eye on the button! The story is untitled in NBC records. The program of May 14, 1950 was pre-empted for a speech by President Truman. Joseph Julian, Berry Kroeger, Raymond Edward Johnson, Karl Weber (announcer), Winifred Wolfe (writer), Louis G. Cowan (producer), Ross Martin, Bernard Philips (?), Dolly Haas, Sherman Marks (director, supervisor), Jon Gart (music director), Corey Ford (host, author), Alistair MacBain (author). 29:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

A Salute To Broadway (Aired October 14, 1947)

The Milton Berle Show brought Berle together with Arnold Stang, later a familiar face as Berle's TV sidekick. Others in the cast were Pert Kelton, Mary Schipp, Jack Albertson, Arthur Q. Bryan, Ed Begley, vocalist Dick Forney and announcer Frank Gallop. The Ray Bloch Orchestra provided the music for the series. Sponsored by Philip Morris, it aired on NBC from March 11, 1947, until April 13, 1948. His last radio series was The Texaco Star Theater, which began September 22, 1948 on ABC and continued until June 15, 1949, with Berle heading the cast of Stang, Kelton and Gallop, along with Charles Irving, Kay Armen and double-talk specialist Al Kelly. It employed top comedy writers (Nat Hiken, brothers Danny and Neil Simon, Aaron Ruben), and Berle later recalled this series as "the best radio show I ever did... a hell of a funny variety show." It served as a springboard for Berle's rise as television's first major star.

THIS EPISODE:

October 14, 1947. NBC network. "Salute To Broadway" - Sponsored by: Philip Morris. Milton tries to buy tickets to a show. Frank Gallop (announcer), Milton Berle, Ray Bloch and His Orchestra. 29:00. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

**INTRO: Bob Plays "Go Away Little Girl" by The Happenings (1966) B.T. Puppy Records
creen Director's Playhouse - "Caged" (08-02-51)

Caged (Aired August 2, 1951)**

Screen Director's Playhouse is NBC's answer to Lux Theater and Screen Guild Players, both prosperous ventures on CBS. The rehash of old movies doesn't necessarily make the most vivid of radio plays but there seems to be no doubt that it attracts listeners by the hundredweight. And association with America's citadel of glamour lures the unsuspecting by the sheer weight of publicity. In this case, the association with Hollywood is even more tenuous than usual. Usually the same star that appeared in the movie shows up on the radio play, not all of them to great advantage.

THIS EPISODE:August 2, 1951. "Caged" starring Eleanor Parker as Marie Allen and Hope Emerson as Evelyn Harper. Caged tells the story of a teenage newlywed, who is sent to prison for being an accessory to a robbery. Her experiences while incarcerated, along with the killing of her husband, change her from a very frightened young girl into a hardened convict. This is one of the finest productions ever done for radio from Screen Director's Playhouse. The Academy Award performances by Parker and Emerson are nothing less than spectacular. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Black Serpent (Aired September 30, 1985)

Vanishing Point is the title of a science fiction anthology series that ran on Canadian Broadcasting Corporation Radio from 1984 until 1986, although the show would continue under different names and formats. A descriptive intro declared that Vanishing Point. The series was produced by Bill Lane in the CBC's Toronto studios. 1984-1986 There were 69 episodes in the original series. The series continued after that under various names and formats. "The point between reality and fantasy. Where imagination holds the key to new worlds. That point of no return---The Vanishing Point." Favorably compared to Rod Sterling's classic TV series, The Twilight Zone, these finely tuned radio dramas from the CBC provide compelling excursions into the realm of mystery and fantasy.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Plays The Dubs "Could This Be Magic" 1957 on "Gone Records"
The Classified Killer Matter (Aired February 23, 1954)

For over twelve years, from 1949 through 1962 (including a one year hiatus in 1954-1955), this series recounted the cases "the man with the action-packed expense account, America’s fabulous freelance insurance investigator, Johnny Dollar". Johnny was an accomplished 'padder' of his expense account. The name of the show derives from the fact that he closed each show by totaling his expense account, and signing it "End of report... Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar". Terry Salomonson in his authoritative "A Radio Broadcast Log of the Drama Program Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar", notes that the original working title was "Yours Truly, Lloyd London". Salomonson writes "Lloyd London was scratched out of the body of (the Dick Powell) audition script and Johnny Dollar was written in. Thus the show was re-titled on this script and the main character was renamed. Why this was done was unclear – possibly to prevent a legal run-in with Lloyd’s of London Insurance Company." Although based in Hartford, Connecticut, the insurance capital of the world, freelancer Johnny Dollar managed to get around quite a bit – his adventures taking him all over the world. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

February 23, 1954. CBS net origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Classified Killer Matter". An ad for a 1953 Cadillac leads to a murder in a Chicago snowstorm. John Lund. 28:21. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Demon Barber (Aired January 28, 1946)

His earliest cases, which he pursued as an amateur, came from fellow university students. According to Holmes, it was an encounter with the father of one of his classmates that led him to take up detection as a profession and he spent the six years following university working as a consulting detective, before financial difficulties led him to take Watson as a roommate, at which point the narrative of the stories begins. From 1881, Holmes is described as having lodgings at 221B Baker Street, London, from where he runs his private detective agency. 221B is an apartment up seventeen steps, stated in an early manuscript to be at the "upper end" of the road. Until the arrival of Dr. Watson, Holmes works alone, only occasionally employing agents from the city's underclass, including a host of informants and a group of street children he calls the Baker Street Irregulars. The Irregulars appear in three stories, "The Sign of the Four", "A Study in Scarlet" and "The Adventure of the Crooked Man".

THIS EPISODE:

January 28, 1946. Mutual network. "The Case Of Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber". Sponsored by: Petri Wines. Holmes and Watson try to keep an actor who is portraying a fiendish killer, from being driven crazy. Holmes fails when the actor is found with his throat slit, just as Sweeney Todd would have done it! Holmes almost makes a very serious mistake. The story is based on, "The Yellow Face." Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Harry Bartell (announcer), Denis Green (writer), Anthony Boucher (wrtier), Dean Fosler (music), Arthur Conan Doyle (author), Edna Best (producer). 31:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Young Man Axelbrod (Aired September 22, 1957)

The CBS Radio Workshop aired from January 27, 1956 through September 22, 1957 and was a revival of the prestigious Columbia Workshop from the 1930s and 1940s. Creator William Froug launched the series with this powerhouse two-part adaptation of "Brave New World" and booked author Aldous Huxley to narrate his famous novel. "We’ll never get a sponsor anyway," CBS vice president Howard Barnes explained to Time, "so we might as well try anything." The CBS Workshop regularly featured the works of the world’s greatest writers. including Ray Bradbury, Archibald MacLeish, William Saroyan, Lord Dunsany and Ambrose Bierce.

THIS EPISODE:

September 22, 1957. CBS network. "Young Man Axelbrod". Sustaining. An old Norwegian man decides to go to Yale. The last show of the series. Sinclair Lewis (author), William N. Robson (adaptator, director). 24:35. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

New Secretary "Leila" (Aired June 3, 1945)

Actor Harold Peary played the character during its transition from the parent show into the spin-off and later in a quartet of feature films released at the height of the show's popularity. On Fibber McGee and Molly, Peary's Gildersleeve was a pompous windbag who became a consistent McGee nemesis. "You're a haa-aa-aa-aard man, McGee!" became a Gildersleeve catch phrase. The character was given several conflicting first names on Fibber McGee and Molly, and on one episode his middle name was revealed as Philharmonic. Gildy admits as much at the end of "Gildersleeve's Diary" on the Fibber McGee and Molly series (10/22/40). He soon became so popular that Kraft Foods — looking primarily to promote its Parkay margarine spread — sponsored a new series with Peary's Throckmorton P. Gildersleeve as the central, slightly softened, and slightly befuddled focus of a lively new family.

THIS EPISODE:

June 3, 1945. "New Secretary Leila" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Kraft Parkay, Kraft Mustards. Gildersleeve hires Leila to be his secretary, not the best idea in the world! Claude Sweeten (music), Harold Peary, John Whedon (writer), Lillian Randolph, Louise Erickson, Richard LeGrand, Sam Moore (writer), Shirley Mitchell, Verne Smith (announcer), Walter Tetley. 29:48. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Mutiny On The Bounty (Aired January 13, 1939)

The Campbell Playhouse's third season was delayed for a week over some CBS/Campbell kerfuffle about the alleged fifth column theme of the proposed original script penned by John Houseman and Wyllis Cooper. Apparently the infamous, headline-grabbing Texas Representative Martin Dies and the earliest House of Representative misadventures that eventually evolved into the House Un-American Activities Committee had something to do with the season's postponement. So it was that the third season began with the second production, Air Mail to Red Riding Hood, on November 29, 1940, starring Miriam Hopkins and Humphrey Bogart. The remaining programs were heavily promoted up through Program 25, after which Campbell's detailed spot ads tailed off and few if any of the subsequent programs were announced by either title or stars.

THIS EPISODE:

January 13, 1939. CBS network. "Mutiny On The Bounty". Sponsored by: Campbell's Soup. The story of Captain Bligh and the men of "The Bounty" during a visit to Tahiti. Orson Welles reads an eloquent word portrait of ham radio operators. The intermission guest is Dorothy Hall, a ham radio operator who helped the residents of Pitcairn Island during an epidemic. Burgess Meredith, Carl Frank, Dorothy Hall, Edgar Barrier, Ernest Chappell (announcer), Frank Readick, Joseph Cotten, Memo Holt, Myron McCormick, Orson Welles (host), Ray Collins (narrator), Richard Wilson, William Alland. 59:12. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Forever Walking Free (Aired April 23, 1945)

Author's Playhouse was an anthology radio drama series, created by Wynn Wright, that aired on the NBC Blue Network from March 5, 1941 until October 1941. It then moved to the NBC Red Network where it was heard until June 4, 1945. Philip Morris was the sponsor in 1942-43. Premiering with "Elementals" by Stephen Vincent Benét, the series featured adaptations of stories by famous authors, such as “Mr. Mergenthwirker’s Lobbies” by Nelson Bond, "The Snow Goose" by Paul Gallico, "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs, "The Piano" by William Saroyan and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" by James Thurber. Cast members included Curley Bradley, John Hodiak, Marvin Miller, Nelson Olmsted, Fern Persons, Olan Soule and Les Tremayne. Orchestra conductors for the program were Joseph Gallicchio, Rex Maupin and Roy Shield. Directors included Norman Felton, Homer Heck and Fred Weihe.

THIS EPISODE:

April 23, 1945. NBC network, Chicago origination. "Forever Walking Free". Sustaining. A story of love in England during the war, with a supernatural ending. Arthur Seltzer, Bob Dearenforth, Cheer Brenson (?), Dorothy Quinnan (adaptor), Elwyn Owen (organist), Haskell Coffin, Herb Butterfield, McKinley Cantor (author), Norman Felton (producer), William Pigley. 29:37. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Retribution (Aired January 12, 1947)

When Grace Gibson recycled The Clock almost eight years after it left American airwaves, it apparently met with far more successful acceptance with Australian and South African listeners alike. Employing at least fifty-two of the same scripts as the American run, Grace Gibson simply recast and rerecorded the series for Australian syndication and ended up with a reasonably long-running hit on its hands. And though the key to the comparative success of the Grace Gibson produced series was its wide syndication, it takes nothing away from the comparative quality of either the performances or the productions themselves. Indeed, some sixty years later, the Grace Gibson run of The Clock has long been intermingled with its surviving American counterparts--often interchangeably.

THIS EPISODE:

January 12, 1947. Grace Gibson syndication. "Retribution". Sponsored by: Participting sponsors. Vera convinces her lover to kill her husband, but the hapless murderer soon sees the ghost of his victim. The ABC net series of "The Clock" ran a diferent prouction of the same script on September 25, 1947. Harp McGuire (as "The Clock"), Lawrence Klee (writer), Nigel Lovell, Margaret Christiansen, John Tate, Don Crosby, Gordon Glenwright, John Saul (director), Grace Gibson (proucer). 26:52. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Baradian Letters (Aired June 12, 1949)

The Adventures of Frank Race was a syndicated show, out of Bruce Ells Productions in Hollywood, and began airing on radio in the spring of 1949. A total of 43 episodes were produced, broadcast first on the East coast 1949-50, and then on the West coast 1951-52. The title hero was described in the introduction by announcer Art Gilmore with these words: "Before the war, FRANK RACE worked as an attorney, but he traded his law books for the cloak-and-dagger of the OSS. When the war was over, his former life was over too....adventure became his business!" Starring "Chandu The Magician" Star Tom Collins.

THIS EPISODE:

June 12, 1949. Program #7. Broadcasters Program Syndicate syndication. "The Adventure Of The Benadian Letters". Commercials added locally. Blackmail, murder and mayhem in Paris. Tom Collins, Tony Barrett, Buckley Angel (writer, director), Joel Murcott (writer, director), Bruce Eells (producer), Ivan Ditmars (organist), Art Gilmore (announcer). 34:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Between Life & Death (Aired March 24, 1944)

With the listening audience increasing in the spring and summer of 1928, the show's success prompted the Pepsodent Company to bring it to the NBC Blue Network on August 19, 1929. Amos was naïve but honest, hard-working and (after his 1933 marriage to Ruby Taylor) a dedicated family man. Andy was more blustering, with overinflated self-confidence. Andy, being a dreamer, tended to let Amos do most of the work. Their lodge leader, the Kingfish, was always trying to lure the two into get-rich-quick schemes. Other characters included John Augustus "Brother" Crawford, an industrious but long-suffering family man; Henry Van Porter, a social-climbing real estate and insurance salesman; Frederick Montgomery Gwindell, a hard-charging newspaperman; William Lewis Taylor, the well-spoken, college-educated father of Amos's fiancee; and "Lightning", a slow-moving Stepin Fetchit-type character.

THIS EPISODE:

March 24, 1944. "Between Life & Death" - NBC network. Commercials deleted. The Kingfish hires Andy to arbitrate a settlement between himself and the driver of the car that hit him. Special Guest is Victor Moore. The system cue has been deleted. Freeman Gosden, Charles Correll, Tobe Reed (announcer), Ernestine Wade, James Basquette, Victor Moore, Harlow Wilcox (announcer). 26:21. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Ethan Frome (Aired September 13, 1953)

Listeners get a taste of plays from the Broadway stage in this anthology series. The featured works were from authors as talented and varied as Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Noel Coward and William Shakespeare. Stars such as Vincent Price, Burgess Meredith, and Maureen Stapleton played roles in such notable dramas as The Glass Menagerie, Of Mice and Men and Macbeth. Plenty of comedies, including a performance of Arsenic and Old Lace starring Boris Karloff, were on the bill as well. As if to guarantee the show’s quality, it's host was John Chapman, a theater critic in New York City “where the American stage begins”. Show Notes From The Radiospirits.com.THIS EPISODE:
Ethan Frome (09-13-53) is set in a fictional New England town named Starkfield, where an unnamed narrator tells the story of his encounter with "Ethan Frome", a man with dreams and desires that end in an turn of events. The narrator tells the story based on an account from observations at Frome's house when he had to stay there during a winter storm. John Chapman (host), Owen Davis (stage adaptor), Donald Davis (stage adaptor), Edith Wharton (author), Geraldine Page, Robert Cenedella Luis Van Rooten, Arthur Maitland, Lawson Zerbe, Bill Lipton, Jane Webb, William (adaptor, transcriber),Welch (supervisor), Edward King (director), Fred Collins (announcer). 59:34. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Murder In Duplicate (Aired October 10, 1951)

Barry Craig, Confidential Investigator is one of the few detective radio series that had separate versions of it broadcast from both coasts. Even the spelling changed over the years. It was first "Barry Crane" and then "Barrie Craig". NBC produced it in New York from 1951 to 1954 and then moved it to Hollywood where it aired from 1954 to 1955. It attracted only occasional sponsors so it was usually a sustainer.William Gargan, who also played the better known television (and radio) detective Martin Kane, was the voice of New York eye BARRY CRAIG while Ralph Bell portrayed his associate, Lt. Travis Rogers. Craig's office was on Madison Avenue and his adventures were fairly standard PI fare. He worked alone, solved cases efficiently, and feared no man. As the promos went, he was "your man when you can't go to the cops.

THIS EPISODE:

October 10, 1951. NBC network. "Murder In Duplicate". A boxing champ is suspected of throwing a fight and a snoppy reporter feels he needs to hire Barry as a bodyguard. Sustaining. The system cue has been deleted. Arthur Jacobson (director), Edward King (announcer), Herb Vigran, William Gargan, John Roeburt (writer), Jeanne Bates, Herb Ellis, Hal Gerard, Julie Bennett. 31:47. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The White Willow Murder Case (Aired March 22, 1949)

Philo Vance was the detective creation of S. S. Van Dine first published in the mid 1920s. Vance, in the original books, is an intellectual so highly refined he seems he might be ghostwritten by P. G. Wodehouse. Take this quote from The Benson Murder Case, 1924, as Vance pontificates in his inimitable way: "That's your fundamental error, don't y' know. Every crime is witnessed by outsiders, just as is every work of art. The fact that no one sees the criminal, or the artist, actu'lly at work, is wholly incons'quential." Thankfully, the radio series uses only the name, and makes Philo a pretty normal, though very intelligent and extremely courteous gumshoe. Jose Ferrer played him in 1945. From 1948-1950, the fine radio actor Jackson Beck makes Vance as good as he gets. George Petrie plays Vance's constantly impressed public servant, District Attorney Markham. Joan Alexander is Ellen Deering, Vance's secretary and right-hand woman

THIS EPISODE:

March 22, 1949. Program #37. ZIV Syndication. "The White Willow Murder". Commercials added locally. A stockbroker is murdered while giving bad advice and romancing a gangster's girlfriend. Jackson Beck. 26:55. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Lost Watch (Aired December 7, 1952)
The Aldrich Family as a separate radio show was born as a summer replacement for Jack Benny in NBC's Sunday night lineup, July 2, 1939, and it stayed there until October 1, 1939, when it moved to Tuesday nights at 8 p.m., sponsored by General Foods's popular gelatin dessert Jell-O---which also sponsored Jack Benny at the time. The Aldriches ran in that slot from October 10, 1939 until May 28, 1940, moving to Thursdays, from July 4, 1940 until July 20, 1944. After a brief hiatus, the show moved to CBS, running on Fridays from September 1, 1944 until August 30, 1946 with sponsors Grape Nuts and Jell-O,.before moving back to NBC from September 05, 1946 to June 28, 1951 on Thursdays and, then, its final run of September 21, 1952 to April 19, 1953 on Sundays.

THIS EPISODE:

December 7, 1952. "The Lost Watch" - NBC network. Sustaining. Henry has lost his watch. Bobby Ellis, Jack Grimes, Clifford Goldsmith (writer), House Jameson, Katharine Raht, Dick Dudley (announcer). 29:08. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Weird Circle - The 4:15 Express (Aired January 17, 1944)

The primarily first-person narrative of most of the stories chosen made them relatively easy to convert into script form: introduce a narrator, establish the scene, and then carry on with the plot. And, of course, since they were out of copyright, there were no literary rights to be paid -- a sizeable cost savings for any producer looking to budget a weekly series, then or now. "The Weird Circle" was produced in New York City by the National Broadcasting Company, under the auspices of its Radio-Recording Division. Though best known for live programs over its Red and Blue Networks, NBC produced and recorded a great many shows for syndication to local stations.

THIS EPISODE:

January 17, 1944. Program #21. NBC syndication. "The 4:15 Express". Commercials added locally. A ghost on the train leads to robbery, and murder. The date is approximate. Amelia Edwards (author). 24:03. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"CBS Censor" (Aired August 18, 1957)

Stanley Victor Freberg (born August 7, 1926 in Los Angeles) is an American author, recording artist, animation voice actor, comedian, puppeteer and advertising creative director. The son of a Baptist minister, Stan Freberg grew up in Pasadena, California. His traditional upbringing is reflected both in the gentle sensitivity which underpins his work (despite his liberal use of biting satire and parody), and in his refusal to accept alcohol and tobacco manufacturers as sponsors (an impediment to his radio career when he took over for Jack Benny on CBS radio), as Freberg explained to Rusty Pipes; After I replaced Jack Benny in 1957 they were unable to sell me with spot announcements in the show. That would mean that every three minutes I'd have to drop a commercial in.

THIS EPISODE:

August 18, 1957. Program #6. "CBS Censor" - CBS network. Sustaining. Elderly Man River, Face The Funnies, The Rock Island Line. Stan Freberg, Billy May and His Orchestra, Daws Butler, June Foray, Peggy Taylor, Peter Leeds. 28:38. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Confidence Game (Aired May 4, 1945)

This Is Your FBI was a radio crime drama which aired in the United States on ABC from April 6, 1945 to January 30, 1953. FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover gave it his endorsement, calling it "the finest dramatic program on the air." Producer-director Jerry Devine was given access to FBI files by Hoover, and the resulting dramatizations of FBI cases were narrated by Frank Lovejoy (1945), Dean Carleton (1946-47) and William Woodson (1948-53). Stacy Harris had the lead role of Special Agent Jim Taylor. Others in the cast were William Conrad, Bea Benaderet and Jay C. Flippen. This Is Your FBI was sponsored during its entire run by the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (now AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company).

THIS EPISODE:

May 4, 1945. Blue Network. "The Confidence Game" A Crime Against Society". Sponsored by: The Equitable Life Assurance Society. William Roscoe, dressed as an Army officer, preys on lonely women and passes bad checks. The program has also been dated May 4, 1945. Frank Lovejoy (narrator), Arnold Moss, Charlotte Holland, Nathan Van Cleave (music), Carl Frank (announcer). 29:09. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Roy Rogers Show" - Hideaway (Aired February 22, 1952)
Roy Rogers was born to Andrew ("Andy") and Mattie (Womack) Slye in Cincinnati, Ohio, where his family lived in a tenement building on 2nd Street. (Riverfront Stadium was constructed at this location in 1970 and Rogers would later joke that he had been born at second base.) Dissatisfied with his job and city life, Andy Slye and his brother Will built a 12-by-50-foot houseboat from salvage lumber, and, in July 1912, the Slye family floated on the Ohio River towards Portsmouth, Ohio. Desiring a more stable existence in Portsmouth, the Slyes purchased land on which to build a home, but the flood of 1913 allowed them to move the houseboat to their property and continue living in it on dry land.

THIS EPISODE:

February 22, 1952. NBC network. Sponsored by: Post Cereals. Jake Gullick is within his rights when he refuses to allow a doctor to cross his land to treat a young girl with polio in the small town of "Hideaway" Roy yodels and sings, "The Trail To San Antone." Art Ballinger (announcer), Art Rush (producer), Robert Griffin, Charles Seel, Dale Evans, Forrest Lewis, Frank Hemingway, Herb Butterfield, Milton Charles, Pat McGeehan, Ray Wilson (writer), Roy Rogers, The Whippoorwills, Tom Hargis (director). 31:04. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold

View Details

The Queen Of Space (Aired November 15, 1952)
The success of the TV show spawned a radio version, which ran for 129 episodes from October 1952 to March 1955. The same cast of actors performed on both shows. The writers, scripts, adventures and director were quite different in radio versus TV incarnations. Naturally, the series lacked the adult sophistication of such shows as X Minus One, which focused on adapting short fiction by notable genre names as Robert A. Heinlein and Ray Bradbury. But as a throwback to the sort of Golden Age space opera popularized in the 1930s, the days of science fiction's infancy, by pioneering magazine editor Hugo Gernsback, Space Patrol is prized by OTR collectors today as one of radio's most enjoyable adventures.

THIS EPISODE:

November 15, 1952. ABC network. "The Queen Of Space". Sponsored by: Ralston Cereals (Space-O-Phone premium). Jelna Fenton is the owner of Trans-Orbit Lines, a freight line to the outer planets, with big plans! Ed Kemmer, Lyn Osborn, Nina Bara, Virginia Hewitt, Norman Jolley, Mike Mosser (producer), Larry Robertson (director), Lou Houston (writer), Dick Tufeld (announcer). 29:16. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Men Call Me Mad (Aired December 19, 1941)

Dark Fantasy was a short series with tales of the weird, adventures of the supernatural, created for you by Scott Bishop. The series aired as a horror drama on NBC between 1941 and 1942. Dark Fantasy was a series dedicated to dealings with the unknown. Originating from radio station WKY, Oklahoma City, it was written by Scott Bishop (of Mysterious Traveler and The Sealed Book fame) and was heard Fridays over stations. Tom Paxton served as announcer. The shows covered horror, science fiction and murder mysteries. Although a short series, the shows are excellent with some stories way ahead of their time. WKY's talented writer, Scott Bishop, was responsible for all of the scripts.

THIS EPISODE:

December 19, 1941. Program #5. NBC network, WKY, Oklahoma City origination. "Men Call Me Mad". Sustaining. A scientist shrinks himself to the size of an atom and enters a different world...threatened by a plague! He then falls in love with a beautiful princess in the miniature world. Scott Bishop (writer), Ben Morris, Fred Wayne, Murillo Scofield, Muir Hite, Daryl McAllister, Eleanor Naylor Corin. 24:51. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Operation Payroll (Aired February 28, 1951)

As must be immediately noticeable from the long list of movie actors heard in Crime Does Not Pay, this was not your everyday Golden Age Radio drama. Indeed, you might be forgiven if you fail to recognize more than a couple of Radio voice talents in the entire list. The Radio program was based on a very popular series of MGM Short Subjects they produced between 1935 and 1948 under the same name, Crime Does Not Pay. The Marcus Loew Booking Agency had owned radio station call sign WHN since 1946. In September of 1948, WHN changed their call sign to WMGM, in part to capitalize on a series of MGM programming projects they were attempting to introduce to a national audience. Programs such as The Adventures of Maisie, Crime Does Not Pay, MGM Theatre of The Air, and Dr. Kildare, all drew on material that MGM, as a Film Studio, already had in the can. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

February 28, 1951. Program #73. MGM syndication. "Operation Payroll". Commercials added locally. The date above is the date of the first broadcast of the program on WMGM, New York, from which this syndicated version may have been taken. Harold Vermilyea, Bob Williams (announcer), Marx B. Loeb (director), Ira Marion (writer), Jon Gart (composer, conductor), Burton B. Turkas (technical advisor). 25:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Dog Catcher (Aired 7, 1944)
The Life of Riley, with William Bendix in the title role, was a popular radio situation comedy series of the 1940s that was adapted into a 1949 feature film and continued as a long-running television series during the 1950s. The show began as a proposed Groucho Marx radio series, The Flotsam Family, but the sponsor balked at what would have been essentially a straight head-of-household role for the comedian. Then producer Irving Brecher saw Bendix as taxicab company owner Tim McGuerin in the movie The McGuerins from Brooklyn (1942). The Flotsam Family was reworked with Bendix cast as blundering Chester A. Riley, riveter at a California aircraft plant, and his frequent exclamation of indignation---"What a revoltin' development this is!"---became one of the most famous catch phrases of the 1940s. The radio series also benefited from the immense popularity of a supporting character, Digby "Digger" O'Dell (John Brown), "the friendly undertaker."Beginning October 4, 1949, the show was adapted for television for the DuMont Television Network, but Bendix's film contracts prevented him from appearing in the role. Instead, Jackie Gleason starred along with Rosemary DeCamp as wife Peg, Gloria Winters as daughter Barbara (Babs), Lanny Rees as son Chester Jr. (Junior), and Sid Tomack as Gillis, Riley's manipulative best buddy and next-door neighbor. John Brown returned as the morbid counseling undertaker Digby (Digger) O'Dell ("Well, I guess I'll be... shoveling off"; "Business is a little dead tonight").

View Details

Death Robbery Starring Boris Karloff (Aired July 16, 1947)
INTRO: Bob Plays The Skyliners "Since I Don't Have You" (1958)
Lights Out was created in Chicago by writer Wyllis Cooper in 1934, and the first series of shows (each 15 minutes long) ran on a local NBC station, WENR. By April 1934, the series was expanded to a half hour in length and moved to midnight Wednesdays. In January 1935, the show was discontinued in order to ease Cooper's workload (he was then writing scripts for the network's prestigious Immortal Dramas program), but was brought back by huge popular demand a few weeks later. After a successful tryout in New York City, the series was picked up by NBC in April 1935 and broadcast nationally, usually late at night and always on Wednesdays. Cooper stayed on the program until June 1936, when another Chicago writer, Arch Oboler, took over. By the time Cooper left, the series had inspired about 600 fan clubs. Cooper's run was characterized by grisly stories spiked with dark, tongue-in-cheek humor, a sort of radio Grand Guignol.

THIS EPISODE:

July 16, 1947. ABC network. "Death Robbery". Sponsored by: Schick Razors, Schick Pens. The opening words of the program ("Lights Out") are off-mike. A scientist brings his wife back from the dead...with pretty gruesome results. Lurene Tuttle romps through her part, leaving Boris in the dust. Boris Karloff, Lurene Tuttle, Paul Pierce (writer), Wyllis Cooper (writer), Bill Lawrence (producer, director), Leith Stevens (music), Ken Niles (announcer). 32:58. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Escaped Musician (1950) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

Charlie Chan was the Chinese detective created by Earl Derr Biggers. Over 40 Charlie Chan movies were done from the early 1930's through 1949, all of which starred non-Chinese actors as Charlie. Supposedly working as a Honolulu police detective, Charlie was almost always somewhere else, like Paris, Rio, LA, even Treasure Island…but he did have a wonderful home life, too, with a reported 14 children, including his famous #1, #2 etc. sons, ever intent on helping "pop" solve the case. Still, it's fun to hear ABC radio's daytime serial version of the Hawaiian family man who gave us all a little exotic wit and wisdom while uncovering dishonorable culprit. The other shows are more of "the incomparable" at work. Unfortunately, Chan on radio is very rare, the very opposite of the ubiquitous Charlie Chan movie reruns on TV. This is a mysterious absence even the great Charlie Chan might be needed to solve! Many mystery lovers sniff at Chan, But here's one more from Charlie that might apply…"Mind, like parachute, only function when open."

View Details

The Derringer Society (Aired July 08, 1946)

In The Casebook of Gregory Hood the spokesperson was initially the legendary and versatile Radio talent, Harry Bartell. The incorporation of a sponsor's spokesperson into the ensemble cast wasn't ground-breaking for the genre. Petri had introduced their flavor of the format with their first sponsorship of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes over MBS in October 1943 and for the three following years immediately preceding their sponsorship of The Casebook of Gregory Hood. But this wasn't the earliest product placement innovation in Radio. Burns and Allen had woven their various sponsors' products into their earliest scripts, as had Bob Hope with his sponsors, Jack Benny with his sponsors, and Fred Allen with his. The format, at least under Harry Bartell's watch, was seamlessly intertwined into each script, as well as even more complementary and entertaining for Bartell's contribution. The introductions completed, Harry Bartell would inquire as to the casebook adventure for the evening. Sandy or Gregory would frame the adventure and launch into the scripted mystery. One out of context sponsor break would occur at the midpoint of the script, with Bartell transitioning into a recap of the continuing adventure. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

View Details

The Big Children (Aired February 1, 1951)

Dragnet, the brainchild of Jack Webb, may very well be the most well-remembered, and the best, radio police drama series. From September, 1949 through February 1957, Dragnet's 30 minute shows, broadcast on NBC, brought to radio true police stories in a low-key, documentary style. The origins of Dragnet can be traced to a semi-documentary film, "He Walked by Night" from 1948, in which Webb had a small role. Both employed the same Los Angeles Police Department technical adviser, used actual police cases and presented the case in "just the facts" manner that became a hallmark of Dragnet. It is interesting to note that Webb employed that format in other radio series, some pre-dating the film mentioned above. Dragnet was a long running radio and television police procedural drama, about the cases of a dedicated Los Angeles police detective, Sergeant Joe Friday, and his partners. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

February 1, 1951. Program #86. NBC network. "The Big Children". Sponsored by: Fatima. Mrs. Kessler is missing. Her children are begging for food. One of them soon dies...aged twenty-two months! Jack Webb, Barton Yarborough. 30:20. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Courageous Come On (Aired September 8, 1949)

The show was at the top of the list among programs that had developed the technique of sound effects to a fine art. Each program was written with the sound in mind, not so much sound for sound's sake, but to advance the plot, add color or create atmosphere. Two sound effects men spent a reported ten hours in rehearsal for each broadcast, in addition to the time spent by the actors. East coast actors House Jameson, Don MacLaughlin, Phil Sterling and Lawson Zerbe [MBS] (Zerbe appeared as both David Harding and Harry Peters) were the only four actors to ever assume the role of David Harding--Jameson for the first two episodes only, replaced by Don MacLaughlin for the remainder of its twelve year run. Both Connecticut residents, House Jameson premiered in the role while Lord was still auditioning talent for the lead. By the third episode, Phillips H. Lord selected Don MacLaughlin for the role. MacLaughlin was by no means new to Radio, having already appeared in some 300 Radio productions since his debut over Radio in 1935. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

September 8, 1949. ABC network. "The Case Of The Courageous Come-On". Sponsored by: Pepsi Cola. A girl is "good at being bad" until she sees a blind spot. Is the sword mightier than the pen? After the drama, Vice President Barkley speaks about hiring disabled veterans. The system cue has been deleted. Don MacLaughlin, Mandel Kramer, Phillips H. Lord (producer), Jesse Crawford (organ), William Sweets (director), Palmer Thompson (writer), Alben Barkley. 29:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Unwritten Letter (Aired July 29, 1945)
Nick Carter, Master Detective - Nick Carter is the name of a popular fictional detective who first appeared in in a dime novel entitled "The Old Detective's Pupil" on September 18, 1886. In 1915, Nick Carter Weekly became Street & Smith's Detective Story Magazine. Novels featuring Carter continued to appear through the 1950s, by which time there was also a popular radio show, Nick Carter, Master Detective, which aired on Mutual from 1943 to 1955. Nick Carter first came to radio as The Return of Nick Carter. Then Nick Carter, Master Detective, with Lon Clark in the title role, began April 11, 1943, on Mutual, continuing in many different timeslots for well over a decade. Jock MacGregor was the producer-director of scripts by Alfred Bester, Milton J. Kramer, David Kogan and others. Background music was supplied by organists Hank Sylvern, Lew White and George Wright. Patsy Bowen, Nick's assistant, was portrayed by Helen Choate until mid-1946 and then Charlotte Manson stepped into the role. Nick and Patsy's friend was reporter Scubby Wilson (John Kane). Nick's contact at the police department was Sgt. Mathison (Ed Latimer).

THIS EPISODE:

July 29, 1945. Mutual network. "The Unwritten Letter". Sponsored by: Lin-X waxes and cleaning products. A man who died with a blank letter in his hand, and a murder solved after an interview with the corpse. Lon Clark. 29:12. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"New Year's Nightmare" (Aired January 5, 1947)

Written and directed by Robert A. Arthur and David Kogan, the series began on the Mutual Broadcasting System, December 5, 1943, continuing in many different timeslots until September 16, 1952. Unlike many other shows of the era, The Mysterious Traveler was without a sponsor for its entire run. The lonely sound of a distant locomotive heralded the arrival of the malevolent narrator, portrayed by Maurice Tarplin, who introduced himself each week in the following manner. This is the Mysterious Traveler, inviting you to join me on another journey into the strange and terrifying. I hope you will enjoy the trip, that it will thrill you a little and chill you a little. So settle back, get a good grip on your nerves and be comfortable -- if you can!

THIS EPISODE:

January 5, 1947. Mutual network. "New Year's Nightmare". Sustaining. A man goes on a year-end bender and wakes up a year later married to a strange woman. David Kogan (writer, producer, director), Maurice Tarplin, Robert A. Arthur (writer). 29:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: B.J. Thomas - "Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head" (1969) Sundance Kid
The Jack Paar Program "Children's Adventure Shows" (07-13-47)

Television and radio pioneer Jack Par has been called the most imitated personality in broadcasting. He virtually created the late-night talk show format as the host of The Tonight Show , one of television's longest continuously running programs. The Washington Post said, "Jack Paar was genuine, and the footprints he left on the loony moonscape of television are enormous; they will be there forever." As the stars of stage and screen were rising around him, Paar was becoming an icon himself, on television sets in the homes of millions of Americans across the country. During the Golden Age of television, Paar was its golden boy, charming guests and viewers alike. From 1957 to 1962, Paar was the king of late-night television as host of The Tonight Show, which NBC eventually renamed The Jack Paar Show.

THIS EPISODE:

August 17, 1947. NBC network. Sponsored by: Lucky Strike. "Little Known People Who Mean Absolutely Nothing:" A lady tree surgeon. Who will be Jack's "winter replacement?" Perhaps guest Jack Benny will win the talent contest. Jack plays the violin. The announcer gets the Lucky Strike slogan incorrect at the end of the show! Jack Paar, F. E. Boone (tobacco auctioneer), L. A. Speed Riggs (tobacco auctioneer), Hy Averback, The Page Cavanaugh Trio, Trudy Erwin, Jerry Fielding and His Orchestra, Elvia Allman, Florence Halop, Hans Conried, Jack Benny, Frank Nelson, Lionel Stander. 32:13. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Frontier Town"
The Glory Trail (1949) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

Frontier Town will forever reside in that twilight of the Western genre of Golden Age Radio--between the highly self-conscious adult Westerns of the mid- to late-1950s and the rock'em, sock'em, shoot-em-up juvenile adventure Westerns of the 1930s and 1940s. It's obvious from this series that Radio westerns were beginning to lean in an adult direction--but not without some kicking and screaming in the process. Radio's Gunsmoke was already in development and Television was making impressive inroads into Radio's commercial audience. With hundreds of Hopalong Cassidy and other western hero film reruns airing night and day over Television, the race was on to find a more rivetting format for the great American western. Jeff Chandler opens the series billed as 'Tex' Chandler, in the role of Chad Remington. He acquires a sidekick in Episode #1: a garrulous quasi-scoundrel by the name of Cherokee O'Bannon, a man of obvious mixed breeding--and morals. Cherokee O'Bannon is portrayed by Wade Crosby in a somewhat over the top rendition of W.C. Fields

View Details

Morgan's Vacation Agency (Aired May 28, 1947)
His usual signoff was, "Morgan'll be here on the same corner in front of the cigar store next week." But he continued to target sponsors whose advertising copy rankled him, and those barbs didn't always sit well with his new sponsors, either. When Eversharp sponsored his show to promote both Eversharp pens and Schick shaving razors and blades, Morgan threw this in during a show satirizing American schools: "They're educational. Try one. That'll teach you." Perhaps most notoriously, Life Savers candy dropped Morgan after he accused them of fraud for what amounted to hiding the holes in the famous life saver ring-shaped sweets. "I claimed that if the manufacturer would give me all those centers," Morgan remembered later, "I would market them as Morgan's Mint Middles and say no more about it." The irony is that Life Savers in the 1990s actually tried marketing Life Saver holes. He is also alleged to have said of his sponsor's Oh Henry! candy bar (after exhorting listeners to try one), "Eat two and your teeth will fall out."

View Details

The Jonathan Diamond aka: Rockwell Diamond (Aired June 23, 1944)
The Boston Blackie radio series, also starring Morris, began June 23, 1944, on NBC as a summer replacement for The Amos 'n' Andy Show. Sponsored by Rinso, the series continued until September 15 of that year. Unlike the concurrent films, Blackie had a steady romantic interest in the radio show: Lesley Woods appeared as Blackie's girlfriend Mary Wesley. Harlow Wilcox was the show's announcer. On April 11, 1945, Richard Kollmar took over the title role in a radio series syndicated by Frederic W. Ziv to Mutual and other network outlets. Over 200 episodes of this series were produced between 1944 and October 25, 1950. Other sponsors included Lifebuoy Soap, Champagne Velvet beer, and R&H beer.

THIS EPISODE:

June 23, 1944. "The Jonathan Diamond aka: Rockwell Diamond" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Rinso, Lifebuoy Soap. 10:00 P. M. The first show of the series. Blackie is arrested in Chicago. He's accused of taking $10,000 from a woman's grandfather. It's all the woman's plan to help her recover, "The Jonathan Diamond." The same script was subsequently used on "Boston Blackie" on August 27, 1946. Chester Morris, Harlow Wilcox (announcer), Richard Lane, Charles Cornell (organist), Jan Miner. 29:32. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Johnny Got His Gun (Starring Jimmy Cagney) Aired March 9, 1940

The original canon of scripts encompassed some ninety-plus original stories. And, as dyed in the wool Lights Out! fans will surely point out, a good number of Lights Out! stories were reprised among the Arch Oboler's Plays canon over the years as well. By the second year of Lights Out!, America was under the spell of the diminutive giant of a playwright, Archibald 'Arch' Oboler and his spellbinding, highly personalized writing style. While clearly a genius in his own right, it's also clear that much of his writing style had been informed by Wyllis Cooper at the least. Cooper's own writing style almost routinely employed a highly personalized point of view, so as to further attenuate the listening experience of his radioplays to the greatest degree. Given young Arch Oboler's close association with Cooper with Lights Out!, it's difficult to divorce Wyllis Cooper's writing style from Oboler's in many respects.

THIS EPISODE:

March 9, 1940. Blue Network. "Johnny Got His Gun". Sustaining. A dramatization of the superb, shocking best-seller about the legless, armless, blind, deaf and dumb war veteran. An eloquent anti-war statement, Cagney was never better on the air. Dalton Trumbo (author), Arch Oboler (adaptor, producer, director), James Cagney, Gordon Jenkins (composer, conductor), Verna Felton. 29:54. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Terminal Key (Aired September 3, 1951)
Bold Venture was a classy production from start to finish. At an estimated cost of $36,000 per taping week [or about $12,000 per episode], it pretty much had to have been. Even subtracting the Bogarts' contribution of $5,000 per episode, that still left $7,000 per episode to fund the remaining production costs. That's about $420,000 a week in today's dollars. More than enough budget to ensure a top notch production. The cost to the sponsor-subscribers reportedly varied between $25 a week to as much as $250 a week, depending on the size and reach of the target market(s). That would have yielded anywhere from $975,000 to $9.75M over the course of three years of Bold Venture's sales. Even arbitrarily averaging the varying theoretical sales would have yielded on the order of at least $5M to Ziv and company over three years. Subtracting even $1M in production and marketing costs would have yielded at least a $4M profit. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

September 3, 1951. Program #24. ZIV Syndication. "The Terminal Key". Commercials added locally. A dumbsounding jockey gives Slate the key to a locker at the bus station. Inside, there's a $100,000 in stolen money. Don't miss the finale...it's a shoot-out in a shooting gallery. Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Tony Barrett, Jester Hairston, Nestor Paiva, Henry Hayward (director), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), David Rose (composer, conductor). 26:34. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Johnny Got His Gun (Starring Jimmy Cagney) Aired March 9, 1940

The original canon of scripts encompassed some ninety-plus original stories. And, as dyed in the wool Lights Out! fans will surely point out, a good number of Lights Out! stories were reprised among the Arch Oboler's Plays canon over the years as well. By the second year of Lights Out!, America was under the spell of the diminutive giant of a playwright, Archibald 'Arch' Oboler and his spellbinding, highly personalized writing style. While clearly a genius in his own right, it's also clear that much of his writing style had been informed by Wyllis Cooper at the least. Cooper's own writing style almost routinely employed a highly personalized point of view, so as to further attenuate the listening experience of his radioplays to the greatest degree. Given young Arch Oboler's close association with Cooper with Lights Out!, it's difficult to divorce Wyllis Cooper's writing style from Oboler's in many respects.

THIS EPISODE:

March 9, 1940. Blue Network. "Johnny Got His Gun". Sustaining. A dramatization of the superb, shocking best-seller about the legless, armless, blind, deaf and dumb war veteran. An eloquent anti-war statement, Cagney was never better on the air. Dalton Trumbo (author), Arch Oboler (adaptor, producer, director), James Cagney, Gordon Jenkins (composer, conductor), Verna Felton. 29:54. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Torment Of Henrietta Robinson & Why She Killed (Aired September 7, 1953)

Crime Classics was a U. S. radio docudrama which aired over CBS from June 15, 1953 to June 30, 1954. Created, produced, and directed by radio actor/director Elliott Lewis, the program was basically a historical true crime series, examining crimes, and especially murders, from the past. It grew out of Lewis's personal interest in famous murder cases, and took a documentary-like approach to the subject, carefully recreating the facts, personages, and feel of the time period. Comparatively little dramatic license was taken with the facts and events, but the tragedy was leavened with humor, expressed largely through the narration.

THIS EPISODE:

September 7, 1953. CBS network. "The Torment Of Henrietta Robinson and Why She Killed". Sustaining. A lady of Troy New York in 1845, and her doll Cecily. Very insane and very homicidal. The last show of "the summer series." Ben Wright, Bernard Herrmann (composer, conductor), Betty Harford, Bob Lemond (announcer), David Friedkin (writer), Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Joseph Kearns, Lamont Johnson, Lou Merrill (host), Morton Fine (writer), Paula Winslowe, Sam Edwards, Sammie Hill. 29:24. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob - Mary Wells -" You Beat Me To The Punch" (1962)
The Jack Benny (Jello) Program - "The End To The Benny-Allen Feud" (Aired March 14, 1937)
Benny stayed on CBS until January 26, 1933. Arriving at NBC on March 17, Benny did The Chevrolet Program until April 1, 1934. He continued with sponsors General Tires, Jell-O and Grape Nuts. Lucky Strike was the radio sponsor from 1944 to the mid-1950s. The show returned to CBS on January 2, 1949, as part of CBS president William S. Paley's notorious "raid" of NBC talent in 1948-49. There it stayed for the remainder of its radio run, which ended on May 22, 1955. CBS aired reruns of old radio episodes from 1956 to 1958 as The Best of Benny.

THIS EPISODE:

March 14, 1937. "The End To The Benny-Allen Feud" - Red network, KFI, Los Angeles aircheck. Sponsored by: Jell-O. The program originates from The Grand Ballroom of The Hotel Pierre, New York City. "Bing" Shlepperman (Sam Hearn) offers to substitute for Kenny Baker, who's back in California. Mary sings! Jack sings the Jell-O commercial, interrupted by guest Fred Allen. Jack and Fred start an argument and wind up reminiscing about their days in Vaudeville, and they then sing a duet. Jack Benny, Don Wilson, Abe Lyman and His Orchestra, Mary Livingstone, Sam Hearn, Fred Allen, Harry Baldwin, Ed Beloin (writer), Bill Morrow (writer). 32:35. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Brother (Aired April 14, 1954)

21st Precinct was one of the realistic police drama series of the early- to mid-1950's that were aired in the wake of DRAGNET. Hard-boiled private detective series that often portrayed police as inept or incompetent were losing favor. NBC's Dragnet had proven that a realistic police show could attract and hold an audience. In 1953 CBS decided to use New York City as the backdrop for their own half-hour police series and focus on the day-to- day operations of a single police precinct. Actual cases would be used as the basis for stories. It was mentioned in each episode's closing by the announcer that, "Twenty-first Precinct is presented with the official cooperation of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association an organization of more than 20,000 members of the Police Department, City of New York."

THIS EPISODE:

April 14, 1954. "The Brother" - CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. The music fill has been deleted. Everett Sloane, John Ives (producer), Stanley Niss (writer, director), Eileen Palmer, Bryna Raeburn, Wendell Holmes, Joe DeSantis, Martin Newman, Santos Ortega, Art Hannes (announcer). 30:00. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Crab Louis Caper (Aired March 2, 1951)

The Adventures of Sam Spade was a radio series based loosely on the private detective character Sam Spade, created by writer Dashiell Hammett for The Maltese Falcon. The show ran for 13 episodes on ABC in 1946, for 157 episodes on CBS in 1946-1949, and finally for 51 episodes on NBC in 1949-1951. The series starred Howard Duff (and later, Steve Dunne) as Sam Spade and Lurene Tuttle as his secretary Effie, and took a considerably more tongue-in-cheek approach to the character than the novel or movie. In 1947, scriptwriters Jason James and Bob Tallman received an Edgar Award for Best Radio Drama from the Mystery Writers of America. Before the series, Sam Spade had been played in radio adaptations of The Maltese Falcon by both Edward G. Robinson (in a 1943 Lux Radio Theater production) and by Bogart himself (in a 1946 Academy Award Theater production), both on CBS.

THIS EPISODE:

March 2, 1951. NBC network. "The Crab Louis Caper". Sustaining. Sam is hired to find out how an Italian crab- fisher was killed. Was it an accident or murder? The story title is also known as, "View Of Fisherman's Wharf From The Water." Steve Dunne, Lurene Tuttle, William Spier (producer, editor, director), Lud Gluskin (composer), Robert Armbruster (conductor), Harold Swanton (writer), Dashiell Hammett (creator). 28:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Neat Strip (Aired December 11, 1949)

He was born Alfred Damon Runyan in Manhattan, Kansas, and grew up in Pueblo, Colorado, where Runyon Field and Runyon Lake are named after him. He was a third-generation newspaperman, and started in the trade under his father in Pueblo. He worked for various newspapers in the Rocky Mountain area; at one of those, the spelling of his last name was changed from "Runyan" to "Runyon", a change he let stand. After a notable failure in trying to organize a Colorado minor baseball league, Runyon moved to New York City in 1910. For the next ten years he covered the New York Giants and professional boxing for the New York American. In his first New York byline, the American editor dropped the "Alfred", and the name "Damon Runyon" appeared for the first time.

THIS EPISODE
:

December 11, 1949 - Program #50. Mayfair syndication. "Neat Strip" Commercials added locally. A burlesque queen falls for an ivy league type. John Brown, Damon Runyon (author), Russell Hughes (adaptor), Vern Carstensen (production supervisor), Richard Sanville (director). 28:19. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Box 13 - "Hunt And Peck" (Aired March 6, 1949)

Alan Ladd's early portrayals of Dan Holiday did tend to be a bit pat, somewhat sparse in depth, and even wooden in the beginning. Ladd hired some excellent voice talent for his project, and these superb, veteran Radio professionals set a pretty high bar for Ladd, himself. Box 13 is highly expositional, as are most programs of the genre, and Ladd's grovelly, gritty voice lends itself well to the production. But by Episode #6 it seems apparent that Alan Ladd was beginning to hit his stride in the role. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

March 6, 1949. Program #29. Mutual network origination, Mayfair syndication. "Hunt and Peck". Commercials added locally. Dan saves a man from the "chair" just a few hours before the end, but at the cost of an arm. Alan Ladd, Sylvia Picker, Rudy Schrager (composer, conductor), Vern Carstensen (production supervisor). 27:24. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Squeeze Play (Aired September 3, 1952)

I Was a Communist for the FBI was an American espionage thriller radio series with 78 episodes syndicated by Ziv to more than 600 stations in 1952-54. Made without FBI cooperation, the series was adapted from the book by undercover agent Matt Cvetic, who was portrayed by Dana Andrews.The series was crafted to warn people about the threat of Communist subversion of American society. The tone of the show is very jingoistic and ultra-patriotic. Communists are evil incarnate and the FBI can do no wrong. As a relic of the Joe McCarthy era, this show is a time capsule of American society during the Second Red Scare.

THIS EPISODE:

September 3, 1952. Program #20. ZIV Syndication. "Squeeze Play". Commercials added locally. The Party takes an interest in the Leo Bremmer trial, but an honest judge resists temptation. Dana Andrews, Truman Bradley (announcer), Olan Soule, Byron Kane, Henry Hayward (director), David Rose (music). 26:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Jack Writes His Will (Aired March 12, 1947)

Jack Carson, because of his size — 6 ft 2 in (1.9 m) and 220 lb (100 kg), had his first stage appearance as Hercules in a college production. During a performance, he tripped and took half the set with him. A college friend, Dave Willock, thought it was so funny he persuaded Carson to team with him in a vaudeville act—Willock and Carson—and a new career began. This piece of unplanned business would be typical of the sorts of things that tended to happen to Carson during some of his film roles. During the 1930s, as vaudeville went into decline owing to increased competition from radio and the movies, Willock and Carson sought work in Hollywood, initially landing bit roles at RKO.

View Details

Death Pays A Visit (Aired June 11, 1945)

The stories followed an effective formula in which a person's criminal acts were typically undone either by an overlooked but important detail or by their own stupidity. On rare occasions a curious twist of fate caused the story to end happily for the episode's protagonist. Ironic twist endings were a key feature of each episode. The Whistler himself narrated, often commenting directly upon the action in the manner of a Greek chorus, taunting the criminal from an omniscient perspective. Bill Forman had the title role of host and narrator. Others who portrayed the Whistler at various times were Gale Gordon, Joseph Kearns, Marvin Miller (announcer for The Whistler and The Bickersons and later as Michael Anthony on TV's The Millionaire), Bill Johnstone (who had the title role on radio's The Shadow from 1938 to 1943) and Everett Clarke. Cast members included Hans Conried, Joseph Kearns, Cathy Lewis, Elliott Lewis, Gerald Mohr, Lurene Tuttle and Jack Webb.

THIS EPISODE:

June 11, 1945. CBS Pacific network. "Death Pays A Visit". Sponsored by: Signal Oil. Jack Crowley needs $10,000 fast to cover the shortage in his accounts at the bank. Along comes laughing cousin Charlie for a weekend visit...with $10,000 in cash! The course of action called for seems obvious. Was it a coincidence that the "greedy" wife is named, "Trina?" George W. Allen (director), Lewis Reed (writer), Wilbur Hatch (music), Marvin Miller (announcer), Elliott Lewis. 29:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Champagne Glass (Aired September 30, 1952)

Opening in 1875, the Crime Museum at Scotland Yard is the oldest museum in the world purely for recording crime. The name Black Museum was coined in 1877 by a reporter from The Observer, a London newspaper, although the museum is still referred to as the Crime Museum. The idea of a crime museum was conceived by Inspector Neame who had already collected together a number of items, with the intention of giving police officers practical instruction on how to detect and prevent burglary. It is this museum that inspired the Black Musuem radio series. The museum is not open to members of the public but is now used as a lecture theatre for the curator to lecture police and like bodies in subjects such as Forensic Science, Pathology, Law and Investigative Techniques. A number of famous people have visited the musuem including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Harry Houdini, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Orsen Welles hosted and narrated the shows.

THIS EPISODE:

September 30, 1952. Program #26. Towers Of London syndication. "The Champagne Glass". Commercials added locally. The date is approximate. Orson Welles (narrator), Harry Alan Towers (producer), Sidney Torch (composer, conductor), Ira Marion (writer). 23:42. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Smoke Clings To The Hair (1944) *The Exact Date Is Unknown

The Secrets of Scotland Yard was initially hosted by Clive Brook, probably for the first year or so. To add to the air of authenticity, Brook sometimes discusses matters with Percy Hoskins, a 1950s crime expert and reporter for the London Daily Express. Hoskins knew every nook and cranny in London’s seedier districts and personally reported on many of the major crimes of the day. A student of crime, Hoskins was also one of the founders of the Saints and Sinners Club of London, an educational organization dedicated to true crime investigation methods and results. Brook had his own Scotland Yard experience previously when he played retired naval commander Stevenson in the 1936 film, "Scotland Yard Commands". American audiences will however probably more familiar with Brooks’ portrayal of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes in the 1932 film of the same name. Brook was eventually replaced by an actor portraying the character Superintendent X of Scotland Yard. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

View Details

Hostages with Virginia Gregg (Aired February 7, 1979)

Sears Radio Theater (SRT) was an anthology series of radio drama which ran weeknightly on CBS Radio in 1979, sponsored by the department-store chain; in its second year, 1980, it moved to the Mutual Broadcasting System and became the Mutual Radio Theater; the MBS series was repeats from the CBS run, until September of 1980, when a short season of new dramas was presented. The Mutual run was still most often sponsored by Sears. Often paired with The CBS Radio Mystery Theater on those stations which cleared it in its first season, the SRT offered a different genre of drama for each day's broadcast (one day was devoted to romance, one to crime drama, etc.), and each genre had its own host from week to week.

THIS EPISODE:

February 7, 1979. Program #3. CBS network. "Hostages". Sponsored by: Sears Roebuck and Company. Ken Gerard (writer), Vincent Price (host), Virginia Gregg, Vic Perrin, Olan Soule, Elliott Lewis (producer), Fletcher Markle (director). 35:40. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Wild Bill Hickock"
The Gold Maker (Aired November 19, 1950)

Guy Madison starred as Bill with Andy Devine as his sidekick, Jingles. (Now there’s a name you want to go through Hollywood with.) This Wild Bill Hickock was quick with his fists and a quip, but Jingles (dear god that nickname) got all his glory by using his immense girth to fight the bad guys. Jingles if you couldn’t tell was the comedic element in the series. And what is it with overweight sidekicks in westerns? See Cisco Kid’s partner, the jolly and rotund Pancho. The radio program lasted until 1954. The television show was started at the same time in 1951 and lasted until 1958.

THIS EPISODE:

November 19, 1950. Program #34. Mutual network. "The Gold Maker". Sponsored by: Kellogg's Corn Pops. A con-man is selling the secret of making gold. The system cue is added live, the date is approximate. Guy Madison, Andy Devine, Charles Lyon (announcer), Richard Aurandt (music), David Hire (producer), Paul Pierce (director), Parley Baer, Joseph Du Val, Fred Howard, Ralph Moody, Jack Moyles. 25:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Girl Who Cried Wolf (Aired December 15, 1950

Wolf drinks beer throughout the day and is a glutton. He employs a live-in chef, Fritz Brenner. He is multilingual and brilliant, though apparently self-educated, and reading is his third passion after food and orchids. He works in an office in his house and almost never leaves home, even to pursue the detective work that finances his expensive lifestyle. Instead, his leg work is done by another live-in employee, Archie Goodwin. While both Wolf and Goodwin are licensed detectives, Goodwin is more of the classic fictional gumshoe, tough, wise-cracking, and skirt-chasing. He tells the stories in a breezy first-person narrative that is semi-hard-boiled in style.

THIS EPISODE:

December 15, 1950. NBC network. "The Case Of The Girl Who Cried Wolf". Sustaining. The director of an "ecological foundation" has disappeared. Murder soon follows...ecologically! Part of the program closing and the system cue have been deleted. Sydney Greenstreet, Charles O'Neill (writer), J. Donald Wilson (producer, director), Lamont Johnson, Herb Butterfield, Don Stanley (announcer), Rex Stout (creator), Edwin Fadiman (producer), Lawrence Dobkin, Charlotte Lawrence, Monica Nealy, Howard McNear. 29:06. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Mr. & Mrs. North - Murder Mismanaged (Aired March 18, 1952)
Mr. and Mrs. North was a radio mystery series that aired on CBS from 1942 to 1954. Alice Frost and Joseph Curtin had the title roles when the series began in 1942. Publisher Jerry North and his wife Pam lived in Greenwich Village at 24 St. Anne's Flat. They were not professional detectives but simply an ordinary couple who stumbled across a murder or two every week for 12 years. The radio program eventually reached nearly 20 million listeners. The characters originated in 1930s vignettes written by Richard Lockridge for the New York Sun, and he brought them back for short stories in The New Yorker. These stories were collected in Mr. and Mrs. North (1936). Lockridge increased the readership after he teamed with his wife Frances on a novel, The Norths Meet Murder (1940), launching a series of 40 novels, including Death takes a Bow, Death on the Aisle and The Dishonest Murderer. Their long-run series continued for over two decades and came to an end in 1963 with the death of Frances Lockridge. Albert Hackett and Peggy Conklin had the title roles in the Broadway production Mr. and Mrs. North, which ran 163 performances at the Belasco Theatre from January 12, 1941, to May 31, 1941.

View Details

Mr. & Mrs. North - Murder Mismanaged (Aired March 18, 1952)
Mr. and Mrs. North was a radio mystery series that aired on CBS from 1942 to 1954. Alice Frost and Joseph Curtin had the title roles when the series began in 1942. Publisher Jerry North and his wife Pam lived in Greenwich Village at 24 St. Anne's Flat. They were not professional detectives but simply an ordinary couple who stumbled across a murder or two every week for 12 years. The radio program eventually reached nearly 20 million listeners. The characters originated in 1930s vignettes written by Richard Lockridge for the New York Sun, and he brought them back for short stories in The New Yorker. These stories were collected in Mr. and Mrs. North (1936). Lockridge increased the readership after he teamed with his wife Frances on a novel, The Norths Meet Murder (1940), launching a series of 40 novels, including Death takes a Bow, Death on the Aisle and The Dishonest Murderer. Their long-run series continued for over two decades and came to an end in 1963 with the death of Frances Lockridge. Albert Hackett and Peggy Conklin had the title roles in the Broadway production Mr. and Mrs. North, which ran 163 performances at the Belasco Theatre from January 12, 1941, to May 31, 1941.

View Details

INTRO: Bob - The Dubs "Chapel Of Dreams" (1957
The Adventures Of Ozzie & Harriet - Intellectual Problems ( Aired March 20, 1949)

When the real David and Rick got married, to June Blair and Kristin Harmon respectively, their wives joined the cast of Ozzie and Harriet, and the marriages were written into the series. (What was seldom written into the series was Ozzie's profession; mention of his lengthy and successful band-leading career was infrequent.) By the mid 1960s, America's social climate was changing, and the Nelsons' all American nuclear family epitomized the 1950s values and ideals that were quickly becoming a thing of the past. Ozzie, who wrote and directed all of the series' episodes, attempted to change with the times, but most viewers related the show to a long gone era.

THIS EPISODE:

March 20, 1949. "Intellectual Problems" - NBC network. Sponsored by: International Silver. Ozzie goes to the library to settle a bet about the Rover Boys, and winds up an authority on the Peloponnesian Wars. Radio Mirror Magazine awards a scroll to Ozzie and Harriet as the best husband and wife team on the air. The system cue has been deleted. Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Hilliard, Verne Smith (announcer), Tommy Bernard, Henry Blair, John Brown, Lois Corbett, Billy May (composer, conductor). 33:09. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boarding House Doublecross (Aired March 30, 1954) Rocky Fortune appeared on NBC for only a short run of 25 or 26 shows. The lead character, who goes by the name of Rocky Fortune but whose real name is Rocko Fortunato, was played by Frank Sinatra. Rocky, always ready with a wise remark, seems to be a magnet for trouble, most often with the variety of odd jobs he takes. There is frequently a beautiful woman involved, some good girls, some bad. Rocky's a tough guy who stays just inside of the law but we get an occasional glimpse of a soft heart beneath the hard exterior. It's a character that Mr. Sinatra plays nicely. Employed or not, Rocky possesed a variety of skills. During the course of the series, he worked as a process server, museum tour guide, cabbie, bodyguard, chauffeur, truck driver, social director for a Catskills resort and a carny.

THIS EPISODE:

March 30, 1954. NBC network. Sustaining. "Boarding House Doublecross"- The last show of the series. Rocky finds a new "pad" and trouble is waiting. Frank Sinatra, Frank Richards, Gloria Ann Simpson, Virginia Gregg, Eddie Fields, Andrew C. Love (director), James Eagles, Maurice Hart, George Lefferts (writer). 24:08. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Winsome Wildcat (Aired February 18, 1964)
Walk Softly, Peter Troy Detective Drama Aired on Springbok Radio from 10 December 1963 to 21 February 1964. This series was produced in the Durban Studios of Herrick Merril Productions. It starred Tom Meehan, John Simpson, and Merle Wayne. It was sponsored by Irving & Johnson, who also sponsored the "Gunsmoke" series which "Walk Softly, Peter Troy" replaced. A sequel to this series was heard on the English Radio Service from 19 May 1964 to 28 November 1964. The sponsors, Irving & Johnson, reportedly disliked the series, which is why it was discontinued on Springbok Radio and moved to the English Service. This was the first series on the English Service that came from an independent production house, not produced by the SABC. There was an Australian version of this radio series produced prior to the South African productions.

THIS EPISODE:

February 18, 1964. Program #11. Springbok Radio (South Africa) origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Winsome Wildcat". Rachel, the Lady Lion Tamer, has been kidnapped...or has she? Tom Meehan, Herrick Merril (producer), John Simpson, Merle Wayne. 24:57. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: The Spinners "Heaven On Earth" (1977)
"Caretaker" (Aired January 30, 1957)
Episodes of the show include adaptations of Robert Sheckley's "Skulking Permit," Bradbury's "Mars Is Heaven," Heinlein's "Universe" and "The Green Hills of Earth", " Pohl’s "The Tunnel under the World," J. T. McIntosh’s "Hallucination Orbit," Fritz Leiber’s "A Pail of Air" and George Lefferts' "The Parade". The program opened with announcer Fred Collins delivering the countdown, leading into this introduction (although later shows were partnered with Galaxy Science Fiction rather than Astounding Science Fiction): Countdown for blastoff... X minus five, four, three, two, X minus one... Fire!

THIS EPISODE:

January 30, 1957. NBC network. "Caretaker". Sustaining. An Earthman is rescued after spending twenty two years alone on a distant planet. Ted Osborne, Bill Lipton, Mason Adams, Raymond Edward Johnson, James H. Schmitz (author), Ernest Kinoy (adaptor), Betty Caine, William Welch (producer), Daniel Sutter (director), Fred Collins (announcer). 22:08. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Secret Word Is "Water" (Aired March 15, 1950)

Groucho Marx matches wits with the American public in four episodes of this classic game show. Starting on the radio in 1947, You Bet Your Life made its television debut in 1950 and aired for 11 years with Groucho as host and emcee. Sponsored rather conspicuously by the Dodge DeSoto car manufacturers, the show featured two contestants working as a team to answer questions for cash prizes. Another mainstay of these question and answer segments was the paper mache duck that would descend from the ceiling with one hundred dollars in tow whenever a player uttered the "secret word." The quiz show aspect of "You Bet Your Life" was always secondary, to the clever back-and-forth between host and contestant, which found Groucho at his funniest. It's in these interview segments that "You Bet Your Life" truly makes its mark as one of early television's greatest programs. Directed by: Robert Dwan.

View Details

The Dead Come Back (Aired June 14, 1946)
According to Billboard magazine, talent and production costs for Murder At Midnight averaged about $5000 per program, one of the higher costs of canned, syndicated programming of the era. But the investment shows. And indeed, well into its almost six years of syndication, the series continued to pull respectable audience shares. The talent included well known names such as Lawson Zerbe, Karl Swenson, Berry Kroeger, Lon Clark, Frank Readick, Elspeth Eric, Mandel Kramer, Michael Fitzmaurice, Alfred Shirley, and Raymond Edward Johnson--and his wife, among many other well-respected east coast actors of the era. Anton Leader, later famous for his Television work, directed the series. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

June 14, 1946. Program #9. KFI, Los Angeles origination, Cowan syndication, World transcription. "The Dead Come Back". Commercials added locally. Lefty O'Connor kills Dr. Miller and escapes from the asylum, but Dr. Miller returns again and again! Raymond Morgan (host), Joseph Julian, William Morwood (writer), Anton M. Leader (director), Charles Paul (organist), Louis G. Cowan (producer). 26:00. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"Leg Man" (Aired October 19, 1945)

Although Molle Mystery Theater was initially sponsored by Molle Shaving Cream, other sponsors (such as Bayer Aspirin, Ironized Yeast, Phillips Milk of Magnesia) also sponsored the program. Sometimes, when it was not sponsored by Molle, the program was called "Mystery Theater". The show was first heard on NBC, on 9/7/43. Time slot was originally Sunday nights at 9:00 PM, but was later moved to Tuesday at 9:00 PM, and Friday at 10:00 PM. In 1948, the show moved to CBS (Tues, 8:00 PM), and in 1951, it moved to ABC, where it was called "Mark Sabre", and heard on Wednesdays at either 8:00 PM or 9:30 PM. The shows were tight and tension filled, with a fine orchestra score and solid production values. Classic tales from well-known authors, as well as modern unknowns were presented, and the endings were often twists or shockers.

THIS EPISODE:

October 19, 1945. NBC network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "Leg Man". A bartender is shot behind the bar. The cops arrest a suspect and have an open and shut case. A reporter smells a rat and is determined to solve the case. AFRS program name: "Mystery Playhouse." John Gibson, Cornell Woolrich (writer, billed as "William Irish"), Bernard Lenrow (host, as "Geoffrey Barnes"). 25:25. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Flowers That Smelled Of Murder (Aired November 1, 1948)

Let George Do It was a radio drama series produced by Owen and Pauline Vinson from 1946 to 1954. It starred Bob Bailey as detective-for-hire George Valentine (with Olan Soule stepping into the role in 1954). Clients came to Valentine's office after reading a newspaper carrying his classified ad: "Personal notice: Danger's my stock in trade. If the job's too tough for you to handle, you've got a job for me. George Valentine. "The few earliest episodes were more sitcom than private eye shows, with a studio audience providing scattered laughter at the not-so-funny scripts. Soon the audience was banished, and George went from stumbling comedic hero to tough guy private eye, while the music became suspenseful.

THIS EPISODE:

November 1, 1948. Mutual-Don Lee network. "The Flowers That Smelled Of Murder". Sponsored by: Standard Oil, Chevron. A co-ed suspects that her professor of botany is about to be murdered. Having Jeff Chandler play a naive a bashful biology teacher talking with George Valentine's pretty assistant (whose name is Miss Brooks!) is such a coincidence that there must be some connection with the CBS comedy series "Our Miss Brooks," which went on the air only three and a half months previously. Bob Bailey, Frances Robinson, Wally Maher, Lurene Tuttle, Jeff Chandler, Tommy Cook, Theodore Von Eltz, Fay Baker, Herbert Rawlinson, Don Clark (director), Bud Hiestand (announcer), Eddie Dunstedter (composer, conductor), David Victor (writer), Herbert Little Jr. (writer). 29:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke"
The Boughten Bride (Aired July 12, 1952) The radio series ran from 1952 to 1961. John Dunning wrote that among radio drama enthusiasts, "Gunsmoke is routinely placed among the best shows of any kind and any time." The television series ran for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975, and lasted for 635 episodes. At the end of its run in 1975, Los Angeles Times columnist Cecil Smith wrote: "Gunsmoke was the dramatization of the American epic legend of the west. Our own Iliad and Odyssey, created from standard elements of the dime novel and the pulp Western as romanticized by [Ned] Buntline, [Bret] Harte, and [Mark] Twain. It was ever the stuff of legend."

The radio series first aired on CBS on April 26, 1952, with the episode "Billy the Kid", written by Walter Newman, and ended on June 18, 1961. The show stars William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Howard McNear as Doc Charles Adams, Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, and Parley Baer as Dillon's assistant, Chester Wesley Proudfoot.

THIS EPISODE:

July 12, 1952. CBS network. "The Boughten Bride". Sustaining. The stage has been robbed of $50,000, and also Mr. Carter's fiance! When the girl is returned to Dodge, she's not very eager to be with her husband-to-be. William Conrad, Parley Baer, John Stevenson, James Nusser, Frank Gerstle, John Meston (writer), Roy Rowan (announcer), Norman Macdonnell (director), Rex Koury (composer, conductor), Lawrence Dobkin, Patricia Walter, Mary Lansing, Herb Ellis, Jonathan Hole. 30:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The City At Your Fingertips (Aired July 20, 1950)
Broadcast on NBC, Nightbeat ran from 1949 to 1952 and starred Frank Lovejoy as Randy Stone, a tough and streetwise reporter who worked the nightbeat for the Chicago Star looking for human interest stories. He met an assortment of people, most of them with a problem, many of them scared, and sometimes he was able to help them, sometimes he wasn’t. The scripts were excellent, given that they had to pack in a lot in a short time, and there was a good supporting cast, orchestra, and sound effects. ‘The Slasher’, broadcast on 10 November 1950, the last show of season one, has a very loosely Ripper-derived plot in which Stone searches for an artist. Supporting actors included Parley Baer, William Conrad, Jeff Corey, Lawrence Dobkin, Paul Frees, Jack Kruschen, Peter Leeds, Howard McNear, Lurene Tuttle and Martha Wentworth.

THIS EPISODE:

July 20, 1950. "The City At Your Fingertips" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Wheaties. Randy Stone dials his phone at random and speaks to a woman about to be murdered by her insane husband. Barbara Dupar, William Lally (announcer), Frank Lovejoy, Frank Worth (composer, conductor), Jay Novello, Katherine Card, Larry Marcus (writer), Lurene Tuttle, Peter Leeds, Warren Lewis (director). 31:08. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Coney Island Nocturne (Aired July 10, 1947)

The Crime Club began life in 1928 with the publication of The Desert Moon Mystery by Kay Cleaver Strahan, and ceased publication in 1991. In the intervening 63 years, The Crime Club published 2,492 titles. Stories from this imprint were first dramatized on The Eno Crime Club, a detective series broadcast on CBS from February 9, 1931 to December 21, 1932, sponsored by Eno Effervescent Salts. The Crime Club novels were not adapted for the later Eno Crime Clues, heard on the Blue Network from January 3, 1933 to June 30. 1936. The Crime Club returned on the Mutual Broadcasting System as a half-hour radio series with adaptations from the Doubleday imprint. Each installment was introduced by the series host, The Librarian, portrayed by Barry Thomson and Raymond Edward Johnson (who was better known as the host of Inner Sanctum Mysteries). The series began December 2, 1946 and continued until October 16, 1947.

THIS EPISODE:

July 10, 1947. Mutual network. "Coney Island Nocturne". Sustaining. A dumb cop has his pocket picked on the boardwalk. His wallet is found later on a corpse. Stedman Coles (writer), Walter Kinsella, Joan Alexander. 29:04. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Kachin Story (Aired June 18, 1950)
Based on the book, Cloak and Dagger: The Secret Story of the O.S.S. by Corey Ford and Alistair McBain, the Radio rendition of these fascinating stories promised to keep any listener perched on the edge of their seat. Apart from describing the book upon which the new adventure series was based, the above is just about all the fanfare that was associated with the roll-out of NBC's only espionage program of the year. It was also one of the few solo productions that Wyllis Cooper undertook for NBC. It was also Cooper's first collaboration with British crime journalist Percy Hoskins, who would work with Cooper yet again on NBC's WHItehall-1212 a year hence. The combination of Hoskin's unfailingly accurate research and Cooper's lively, fast-paced writing and direction proved to be an excellent underpinning for an espionage adventure drama based on factual events.

THIS EPISODE:

June 18, 1950. NBC network. "The Kachin Story". Sustaining. 4:00 P. M. An O. S. S. operative is shot down in Burmese head-hunting country. With the help of an irish priest and his Kuching friends, the American battles a wiley Japanese commander, M. I. T., class of '37! Jackson Beck, Raymond Edward Johnson, Inge Adams, Winifred Wolfe (writer), Sherman Marks (director), Karl Weber, William Quinn, Joseph Julian, Everett Sloane, Jerry Jarrett, Jack Gordon (writer), Jon Gart (music director), Louis G. Cowan (producer), Alfred Hollander (producer), Bob Warren (announcer), Corey Ford (originator), Alistair MacBain (originator). 29:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Two Can Die As Cheaply As One (Aired April 17, 1950)

Murder By Experts was a radio drama anthology series that ran on American radio from 1949-1951, and was hosted first by John Dickson Carr, and later by Brett Halliday. Evidently, a mystery, authored by a leading crime fiction writer, was presented, and "guest experts," such as Alfred Hitchcock or Craig Rice, were invited to solve it. Or maybe not -- nobody seems to know much about this one. David Kogan, the writer/creator of Murder by Experts, also created and wrote The Mysterious Traveler. Guest experts: Alfred Hitchcock, Craig Rice. Guest stars: Ann Shepard, Larry Haines, Carl Eastman, Ann Sheperd, Bill Zuckert, Ralph Camargo, Burt Cullen, Lawson Zerbe, Marilyn Erskin.

THIS EPISODE:

April 17, 1950. Mutual network. "Two Can Die As Cheaply As One". Sustaining. An $80,000 bracelet falling through the roof of a cab leads detective Johnny Duke on a comic-murder thriller. Milton Lewis (writer), John Gibson, Marilyn Erskine, George Matthews, Jean Ellen, Ralph Bell, Bob Donnelly, Emerson Buckley (music director), Phil Tonken (announcer), Richard Dupage (composer), Robert A. Arthur (producer, director), David Kogan (producer, director), Brett Halliday (host), Lawson Zerbe. 29:40. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Menace From The Deep (Aired May 27, 1974)
Dad's Army" was a long running British comedy series created and written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft. The idea of a series came to Jimmy Perry when he realised that many people had forgotten about the contribution the Home Guard had made to the British Home Front during the years of the Second World War. Commencing in 1968, "Dad's Army" ran on BBC Television for 9 years with over eighty episodes spread within 10 series. The series is set in a small fictional seaside town called Walmington-on-Sea somewhere on the South Coast of England. "Dad's Army" is also remembered for its first class actors which starred amongst its credits, Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Arthur Wilson and Clive Dunn as Lance Corporal Jack Jones.

THIS EPISODE:

May 27, 1974 - "The Menace From The Deep"- Swallows Bank takes a direct hit during an air-raid, but the bomb fails to explode, leaving Mainwaring and Wilson stuck in the vault with it. When the Bomb Disposal officer retreats to collect the right tools, the platoon must take matters into their own hands. 27:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Dumb Luck (Aired September 22, 1957)
The FBI in Peace and War was a radio crime drama inspired by Frederick Lewis Collins' book, The FBI in Peace and War. The idea for the show came from Louis Pelletier who wrote many of the scripts. Among the show's other writers were Jack Finke, Ed Adamson and Collins. It aired on CBS from November 25, 1944 to September 28, 1958, and was produced and directed by Max Marcin and Betty Mandeville. The show had a variety of sponsors over the years, including Lava Soap, Wildroot Cream-Oil, Lucky Strike, Nescafe and Wrigley's. In 1955 it was the eighth most popular show on radio, as noted in Time.

THIS EPISODE:

September 22, 1957. CBS network. "Dumb Luck". Commercials deleted. A dumb blonde tries to pull an inheritance swindle and winds up marrying the insurance man she's trying to gyp! Martin Blaine, Don Briggs, Jackson Beck (narrator), Charita Bauer, Arthur Winters, Louis Pelletier (writer), Betty Mandeville (producer, director), Warren Sweeney (announcer), Frederick L. Collins (creator). 19:57. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Mystery Of The Blue Train Pt. 2 of 2 (1928)

The novel's plot is based on the 1923 Poirot short story The Plymouth Express (much later collected in book form in the US in 1951 in The Under Dog and Other Stories and in the UK in 1974 in Poirot's Early Cases). This novel features the first description of the fictional village of St. Mary Mead, which would later be the home of Christie's detective Miss Marple. It also features the first appearance of the minor recurring character, Mr Goby, who would later appear in After the Funeral and 'Third Girl'. The book also features the first appearance of Poirot's valet, George. The Times Literary Supplement gave a more positive reaction to the book than Christie herself in its issue of May 3, 1928. After recounting the set-up of the story the reviewer concluded: "The reader will not be disappointed when the distinguished Belgian on psychological grounds declines to suspect the arrested husband and, by acting on the suggestion of an ugly girl who consistently derides her preposterous mother, builds up inferences almost out of the air, supports them by a masterly array of negative evidence and lands his fish to the surprise of everyone".

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Frontier Gentleman"
"Big Sam For Governor" (Aired March 16, 1958)
Frontier Gentleman was a radio Western series heard on CBS from February 2 to November 16, 1958. Written and directed by Antony Ellis, it followed the adventures of J.B. Kendall (John Dehner), a London Times reporter, as he roamed the Western United States, encountering various outlaws and well-known historical figures, such as Jesse James and Calamity Jane. Written and directed by Antony Ellis, it followed the adventures of journalist Kendall as he roamed the Western United States in search of stories for the Times. Along the way, he encountered various fictional drifters and outlaws in addition to well-known historical figures, such as Jesse James, Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok. Music for the series was by Wilbur Hatch and Jerry Goldsmith, who also supplied the opening trumpet theme.

THIS EPISODE:

March 16, 1958. CBS network. "Big Sam For Governor". Sponsored by: Dodge. "Big Sam" is running for Governor and wants Kendall to write a nice story about him, and he won't take "no" for an answer! John Dehner, Jack Kruschen, Stacy Harris, Vic Perrin, Jean Carson, Harry Bartell, Charles Seel, John Wald (announcer), Antony Ellis (creator, writer, producer, director), Jerry Goldsmith (theme composer). 25:21. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Missing Salesman (Aired May 3, 1951)
Father Knows Best, a family comedy of the 1950s, is perhaps more important for what it has come to represent than for what it actually was. In essence, the series was one of a slew of middle-class family sitcoms in which moms were moms, kids were kids, and fathers knew best. Today, many critics view it, at best, as high camp fun, and, at worst, as part of what critic David Marc once labeled the "Aryan melodramas" of the 1950s and 1960s. The brainchild of series star Robert Young, who played insurance salesman Jim Anderson, and producer Eugene B. Rodney, Father Knows Best first debuted as a radio sitcom in 1949.The series began August 25, 1949, on NBC Radio. Set in the Midwest, it starred Robert Young as General Insurance agent Jim Anderson. His wife Margaret was first portrayed by June Whitley and later by Jean Vander Pyl. The Anderson children were Betty (Rhoda Williams), Bud (Ted Donaldson) and Kathy (Norma Jean Nillson). Others in the cast were Eleanor Audley, Herb Vigran and Sam Edwards. Sponsored through most of its run by General Foods, the series was heard Thursday evenings on NBC until March 25, 1954.

View Details

Mystery Of The Blue Train Pt. 1 of 2 (1928)

The Mystery of the Blue Train is a work of detective fiction by Agatha Christie and first published in the United Kingdom by William Collins & Sons on March 29, 1928 and in the United States by Dodd, Mead and Company later in the same year. The UK edition retailed at seven shillings and sixpence and the US edition at $2.00. The book features her detective Hercule Poirot. Poirot boards Le Train Bleu, bound for the French Riviera. So does Katherine Grey, who is having her first winter out of England, after having inherited a huge sum. While on board she meets Ruth Kettering, an American heiress bailing out from a marriage to meet her lover. The next morning, though, Ruth is found dead in her compartment, a victim of strangulation. The famous ruby, "Heart of Fire", which had recently been given to Ruth by her father, is discovered to be missing. Ruth's father, the American millionaire Rufus Van Aldin, and his secretary, Major Knighton, convince Poirot to take on the case. Ruth's maid, Ada Mason, says she saw a man in Ruth's compartment but could not see who he was. The police suspect that Ruth's lover, the Comte de la Roche, killed her and stole the rubies, but Poirot does not think he is guilty. He is suspicious of Ruth's husband, Derek Kettering, who was on the same train but claims not to have seen Ruth. Katherine says she saw Derek enter Ruth's compartment. This also throws suspicion on Derek when a cigarette case with the letter K on it is found.

View Details

The Garrulous Bartender (Aired July 24, 1949)

The Series was heard over all four networks over the following four years in initial syndication and rebroadcast. Given one's geographical location, a listener might well have been able to hear as many as three or four weekly airings of The Adventures of Frank Race. Seasoned writer Joel Murcott joined Broadcasters Program Syndicate for the express purpose of writing and supervising Bruce Eells' first two dramatic offerings, Frontier Town, starring Jeff Chandler under the tongue in cheek performing name 'Tex Chandler' and The Adventures of Frank Race initially starring durable and versatile character actor Tom Collins. Legendary composer Ivan Ditmars scored both the audition and production series. The audition for the series was recorded during February 1949. The audition featured Tom Collins as former attorney and O.S.S. officer, Frank Race.

THIS EPISODE:

July 24, 1949. Program #13. Broadcasters Program Syndicate syndication. "The Adventure Of The Garrulous Bartender". Commercials added locally. From $100,000 embezzlement, the trail leads to Juarez, Mexico, and murder. Tom Collins, Tony Barrett, Buckley Angel (writer, director), Joel Murcott (writer, director), Bruce Eells (producer), Ivan Ditmars (organist), Art Gilmore (announcer). 27:52. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Electronics In Communications" (07-02-46) and "The First American Patent" (08-20-46)

The series began about 1942 and were distributed, probably as a public service educational feature, for weekly programming. The early shows were discussions with Paul Shannon asking the questions, Dr. Phillips Thomas (research physicist for Westinghouse, specializing in electronics) answering the questions. The later programs were written by Dr. Thomas, but were dramatizations instead of the Q and A fomat. The programs themselves present a fascinating look at the state of scientific knowledge during the war and the immediate post-war years. Many of the topics are hopelessly outdated, a surprising number are still up to date and reflect the state of knowledge about the subject many years later. The purpose of instilling an interest in science in the general public is still as valid now as it was then. Even more important, the program themselves are good radio and interesting. Those listeners with little or no interest in science will still be captivated. The post-war programs feature an organist whose efforts range from mediocre to absolutely great! 28:57

View Details

Perry Como - "For The Good Times (August 1973)
The Canary Yellow Sack (Aired March 20, 1955)
Scripts were by Howard Merrill and Ed Adamson in the lighthearted tradition of Mr. and Mrs. North. Julie Stevens and Charles Webster starred as Jean and Pat Abbott, a San Francisco married couple who solved murder mysteries. In the supporting cast were Jean Ellyn, Sydney Slon and Luis Van Rooten. Moving to 5:30pm in 1946, Les Tremayne and Alice Reinheart took over the roles until the end of the series on August 31, 1947. Seven years later, the characters returned October 3, 1954, on NBC in The Adventures of the Abbotts, broadcast on NBC Sunday evenings at 8:30pm. The Abbotts were portrayed by Claudia Morgan and Les Damon. The NBC series ran until June 12, 1955.

THIS EPISODE:

March 20, 1955. Program #7. NBC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Canary-Yellow Sack". Les Damon, Claudia Morgan, Frances Crane (creator), Howard Merrill (writer), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Ted Lloyd (producer), Dewey Bergman (composer, conductor), Mandel Kramer, Jean Darling, Everett Sloane, Lon Clark, Harry Frazee (director, recordist). 30:09. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Doubtful Alibi (Aired November 6, 1948)

Frank Merriwell is a fictional character appearing in a series of novels and short stories by Gilbert Patten, who wrote under the pseudonym Burt L. Standish. The character also appears in numerous radio serials and comic books based on the stories. The model for all later American juvenile sports fiction, Merriwell excelled at football, baseball, basketball, crew and track at Yale while solving mysteries and righting wrongs. He played with great strength and received traumatic blows without injury. A biographical entry on Patten noted dryly that Frank Merriwell "had little in common with his creator or his readers." Patten offered some background on his character: "The name was symbolic of the chief characteristics I desired my hero to have. Frank for frankness, merry for a happy disposition, well for health and abounding vitality." Merriwell's classmates observed, "He never drinks. That's how he keeps himself in such fine condition all the time. He will not smoke, either, and he takes his exercise regularly.

THIS EPISODE:

November 6, 1948. NBC network. "The Doubtful Alibi". Sustaining. Frank uses a horseless carriage to put out a fire and some fancy detective work to catch the culprit responsible for it. Lawson Zerbe, Hal Studer, Elaine Rost, Harlow Wilcox (announcer), Burt L. Standish (creator). 29:21. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Doubtful Alibi (Aired November 6, 1948)

Frank Merriwell is a fictional character appearing in a series of novels and short stories by Gilbert Patten, who wrote under the pseudonym Burt L. Standish. The character also appears in numerous radio serials and comic books based on the stories. The model for all later American juvenile sports fiction, Merriwell excelled at football, baseball, basketball, crew and track at Yale while solving mysteries and righting wrongs. He played with great strength and received traumatic blows without injury. A biographical entry on Patten noted dryly that Frank Merriwell "had little in common with his creator or his readers." Patten offered some background on his character: "The name was symbolic of the chief characteristics I desired my hero to have. Frank for frankness, merry for a happy disposition, well for health and abounding vitality." Merriwell's classmates observed, "He never drinks. That's how he keeps himself in such fine condition all the time. He will not smoke, either, and he takes his exercise regularly.

THIS EPISODE:

November 6, 1948. NBC network. "The Doubtful Alibi". Sustaining. Frank uses a horseless carriage to put out a fire and some fancy detective work to catch the culprit responsible for it. Lawson Zerbe, Hal Studer, Elaine Rost, Harlow Wilcox (announcer), Burt L. Standish (creator). 29:21. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Charles Crandall Murder Case (Aired May 12, 1951)
Broadway Is My Beat, a radio crime drama, ran on CBS from February 27, 1949 to August 1, 1954. With music by Robert Stringer, the show originated from New York during its first three months on the air, with Anthony Ross portraying Times Square Detective Danny Clover. John Dietz directed for producer Lester Gottlieb. Beginning with the July 7, 1949 episode, the series was broadcast from Hollywood with producer Elliott Lewis directing a new cast in scripts by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. The opening theme of "I'll Take Manhattan" introduced Detective Danny Clover (now played by Larry Thor), a hardened New York City cop who worked homicide "from Times Square to Columbus Circle -- the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world." Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

May 12, 1951. "The Charles Crandall Murder Case" - CBS network. Sustaining. Charles Crandall is found murdered in an alley. He has no wallet, but he does have an expensive watch and a parking ticket! Charlie Crandall proves to be very much alive. Larry Thor, Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Alexander Courage (composer, conductor), Charles Calvert, Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Jack Kruschen, Lou Merrill, Jeanette Nolan, Joe Walters (announcer), Adam Williams, Peggy Webber, Joy Terry. 29:38. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Two Sharp Knives (Aired December 22, 1942)

Suspense was one of the premier programs of the Golden Age of Radio (aka old-time radio), and advertised itself as "radio's outstanding theater of thrills." It was heard in one form or another from 1942 through 1962. There were approximately 945 episodes broadcast during its long run, over 900 of which are extant in mostly high-quality recordings. Suspense went through several major phases, characterized by different hosts, sponsors and director/producers. There were a few rules which were followed for all but a handful of episodes: Protagonists were usually a normal person suddenly dropped into a threatening or bizarre situation. Evildoers must be punished in the end.

THIS EPISODE:

December 22, 1942. CBS network. "Two Sharp Knives". Sustaining. A story about a bumbling small town assistant police chief who's not as dumb as he seems to be. A wanted man is captured and later found hanging in his cell. The program has a surprise ending. The story was subsequently produced on "Suspense" on April 12, 1945 and June 7, 1945. Bernard Herrmann (composer, conductor), Dashiell Hammett (author), John Dietz (director), Stu Erwin, William Spier (producer, director, editor), John Dickson Carr (adaptor). 29:20. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Missing Electric Heater (Aired February 6, 1949)

CBS chairman Bill Paley, who was friendly with Arden, persuaded her to audition for the part. With a slightly rewritten audition script---Osgood Conklin, for example, was originally written as a school board president but was now written as the incoming new Madison principal---Arden agreed to give the newly-revamped show a try. Produced by Larry Berns and written by director Al Lewis, Our Miss Brooks premiered on CBS July 19, 1948. According to radio critic John Crosby, her lines were very "feline" in dialogue scenes with principal Conklin and would-be boyfriend Boynton, with sharp, witty comebacks. The interplay between the cast---blustery Conklin, nebbishy Denton, accommodating Harriet, absentminded Mrs. Davis, clueless Boynton, scheming Miss Enright---also received positive reviews.

THIS EPISODE:

February 6, 1949. "Missing Electric Heater" - CBS network. Sponsored by: Palmolive soap, Lustre-Creme shampoo, Palmolive shaving cream. Mr. Conklin is cracking down...at the same time an electric heater disappears from the storeroom. Eve Arden, Bob Lemond (announcer), Gale Gordon, Frank Nelson, Jane Morgan, Richard Crenna, Verne Smith (commercial spokesman), Jeff Chandler, Gloria McMillan, Larry Berns (producer), Al Lewis (writer, director), Wilbur Hatch (music). 26:47. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Man In The Lift (Aired October 5, 1964)

The Creaking Door stands on its own as a unique, well-produced, engaging supernatural thriller series on its own merit. The etymology of the name, The Creaking Door, bears some reflection. When legendary producer and director, Himan Brown first presented Inner Sanctum as one of three requested sponsorship candidates to Carter Products, he presented Inner Sanctum as The Creaking Door. Carter didn't care for the name, so on the spur of the moment Hi Brown suggested Inner Sanctum as an alternative, and voila, Radio history was made. The emphasis on high production values is perhaps the very reason that several early, morally challenged Radio traders felt they could get away with interspersing many of the Creaking Door episodes with their Inner Sanctum, Mysterious Traveler, and Strange Dr. Weird offerings to a still naive community of radio recording collectors. Although somewhat left-handed, it's still a compliment to both SABC and Springbok Radio that those early 'otr hooligans' managed to get away with the practice for well over 20 years. That takes nothing away from this excellent series in its own right.

View Details

Seven Hours To Freedom (Aired October 29, 1950)

Escape was radio's leading anthology series of high adventure, airing on CBS from July 7, 1947 to September 25, 1954. Since the program did not have a regular sponsor like Suspense, it was subjected to frequent schedule shifts and lower production budgets, although Richfield Oil signed on as a sponsor for five months in 1950. Despite these problems, Escape enthralled many listeners during its seven-year run. The series' well-remembered opening combined Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain with the introduction, intoned by Paul Frees and William Conrad: “Tired of the everyday routine? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all? We offer you... Escape!” Of the more than 230 Escape episodes, most have survived in good condition. Many story premises, both originals and adaptations, involved a protagonist in dire life-or-death straits, and the series featured more science fiction and supernatural tales than Suspense.

THIS EPISODE:

October 29, 1950. CBS network. "Seven Hours To Freedom". Sustaining. Escaped convicts take over a fishing boat and make a break to Mexico. The program was broadcast on the west coast on November 3, 1950. Barney Phillips, Bud Nelson (writer), Jack Kruschen, Jack Moyles, Lou Krugman, Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Roy Rowan (announcer), Stan Waxman. 29:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Murder Shows A Phantom Face (Aired April 7, 1955)
"There he goes across the street into the drugstore, steps on the scale, height: 6 feet, weight: 290 pounds, fortune: Danger. Who isit? THE FAT MAN." Brad Runyon was the Fat Man, played by Jack Scott Smart. The series was created by Dashall Hammott and was first heard on the ABC network Jan. 21, 1946. J. Scott Smart fit the part of the Fat Man perfectly, weighing in at 270 pounds himself. When he spoke, there was no doubt that this was the voice of a big guy. Smart gave a witty, tongue-in-cheek performance and helped make THE FAT MAN one of the most popular detective programs on the air. Smart also appeared in The March Of Time (early 1930s), the Theater Guild On The Air, Blondie, The Fred Allen Show, and The Jack Benny Program. There was also an version made in Australia, syndicated on the Artansa lable, about 1954. There are at least 36 shows available from vendors. The Australian Fat Man was played possibly by Lloyd Berrell. Although not featuring J. Scott Smart, who really fit the part, the series is quite good.

THIS EPISODE:

April 7, 1955. Program #34. Grace Gibson syndication (Australia). "Murder Shows A Phantom Face". Commercials added locally. Lloyd Berrill, Grace Gibson (producer), Dashiell Hammett (creator). 26:10. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Fibber Cuts Down Jesse James Tree (Aired January 17, 1950)

The program struggled in the ratings until 1940, when it became a national sensation. Within three years, it was the top-rated program in America. Few radio shows were more beloved than Fibber McGee and Molly. The program’s lovable characters included Mayor LaTrivia, Doc Gamble, Mrs. Uppington, Wallace Wimple, Alice Darling, Gildersleeve, Beulah, Myrt, and the Old Timer. 79 Wistful Vista was one of America’s most famous addresses and Molly’s warning to Fibber not to open the hall closet door (and his subsequent decision to do it) created one of radio’s best remembered running gags that audiences expected each week. Jim Jordan (Fibber) was born on a farm on November 16, 1896, near Peoria, Illinois. Marian Driscoll (Molly), a coal miner’s daughter, was born in Peoria on November 15, 1898. After years of hardship and touring in obscurity on the small-time show biz circuit, they arrived in Chicago in 1924, where they eventually performed on thousands of shows and developed 145 different voices and characters.

THIS EPISODE:

January 17, 1950. NBC network. Sponsored by: Johnson's Wax. "Fibber Cuts Down Jesse James Tree" for a "free" supply of firewood. Arthur Q. Bryan, Bill Thompson, Billy Mills and His Orchestra, Cliff Arquette, Don Quinn (writer), Elvia Allman, Gale Gordon, Harlow Wilcox, Herb Vigran, Jim Jordan, Marian Jordan, Phil Leslie (writer), Richard LeGrand, The King's Men. 29:34. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Unlucky Numbers (Aired June 15, 1950)

Casey, whose first name was never revealed, was the major crime photographer at the fictional Morning Express newspaper. With the help of reporter Ann Williams, he tracked down criminals and solved numerous crimes on this popular mystery-adventure series. Often a picture snapped at a crime scene led Casey to play detective. Jackson Beck and Bernard Lenrow were heard as Captian Logan and John Gibson played Ethelbert. Sponsors included Anchor-Hocking glass, Toni home permanet, Toni Creme Shampoo and Philip Morris cigarettes. Richard Carlyle and John Gibson portrayed the roles when the series premiered in April, 1951, but by June they were replaced by Darren McGavin and Cliff Hall. Ann Williams, a reporter on The Morning Express, was Casey’s girlfriend. During the summer of 1951 he acquired a partner in cub reporter Jack Lipman, who wrote copy to go with Casey’s pictures. This live series was set in and broadcast from, New York City. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

June 15, 1950. CBS network origination, AFRS rebroardcast. "Unlucky Number(s)". Staats Cotsworth ; John Gibson; Ken Roberts (AFRS announcer); Jan Miner; Herman Chittison (pianist); Archie Bleyer (composer); John Dietz (director); Alonzo Deen Cole (writer); George Harmon Coxe (creator);. 24:16 Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Axe And The Droot Family (Aired August 10, 1953)
Crime Classics was a U. S. radio docudrama which aired over CBS from June 15, 1953 to June 30, 1954. Created, produced, and directed by radio actor/director Elliott Lewis, the program was basically a historical true crime series, examining crimes, and especially murders, from the past. It grew out of Lewis's personal interest in famous murder cases, and took a documentary-like approach to the subject, carefully recreating the facts, personages, and feel of the time period. Comparatively little dramatic license was taken with the facts and events, but the tragedy was leavened with humor, expressed largely through the narration.

THIS EPISODE:

August 10, 1953. CBS network. "The Axe and The Droot Family: How They Fared". Sustaining. In Pennsylvania in 1795, the shortest distance to an inheritance is two crushed skulls. This is a network version. Lou Merrill (host), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Bernard Herrmann (composer, conductor), Mary Jane Croft, Clayton Post, Herb Butterfield, Sam Edwards, Paul Frees, Charles Davis, George Walsh (announcer). 30:08. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Pittsburgh Lil (Aired October 19, 1937)

Hard-nosed editor, Wilson, as played by Robinson would get the story no matter what it takes. Though sometimes over the top, Robinson was excellent in his role. The stories were well written and directed by William N. Robson as well as McGill. The skill of this group shows in making the series very good radio. The show was a big promoter of the free press and the first amendment with its opening sequence: "Freedom of the press is a flaming sword! Use it justly...hold it high...guard it well!" The second series began immediately in the 1943 season when the production moved from Hollywood to New York. Robinson left (Trevor left two years earlier as her career starting taking off) and McGill reorganized the series placing Edward Pawley in the role of Wilson opposite Fran Carlon as Lorelei. Pawley's Wilson was more mellifluous compared to the rather nasty Robinson.

THIS EPISODE:

October 19, 1937. CBS network. Sponsored by: Rinso. The first show of the series. Steve Wilson is portrayed as a throughly unpleasant scandal-monger who decides to reveal that Mrs. Radsmith, a noted socialite in Big Town, is really "Pittsburgh Lil" from Alaska. Edward G. Robinson, Claire Trevor, Hanley Stafford, Paula Winslowe, Bill Wright, Carlton KaDell (announcer). 28:31. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"Flashback: Mike Meets Archie" (1971)

All in the Family is often regarded in the United States as one of the greatest television series in history. Following a lackluster first season, the show soon became the most watched show in the United States during summer reruns and afterwards ranked number one in the yearly Nielsen ratings from 1971 to 1976. It became the first television series to reach the milestone of having topped the Nielsen ratings for five consecutive years. The episode "Sammy's Visit" was ranked number 13 on TV Guide's 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time. TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time ranked All in the Family as number four. Bravo also named the show's protagonist, Archie Bunker, TV's greatest character of all time. In 2013, the Writers Guild of America ranked All in the Family the fourth-best written TV series ever.
THIS EPISODE:

October 16, 1971. "Flashback: Mike Meets Archie" is the fifth episode aired during the second season and the 18th overall episode of CBS-TV's All in the Family. The episode first aired on October 16, 1971. The episode, whose script was co-written by series co-star Rob Reiner and Philip Mishkin, was directed by John Rich. A great episode with many hilarious moments. This is the one where Archie sings "God Bless America .

View Details

2 Episodes - "Fire Valley" (01-31-38) and "Murder In Long Cooley" (02-07-38)
Blair of the Mounties is the story of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police -- a fictional series based on the work of the Northwest Mounted Police before the World War I. It was a fifteen minute weekly serial heard every Monday for 36 weeks beginning January 31st, 1938 and running through the 3rd of October of 1938. It may have been on the air as early as 1935, although there’s no actual proof of this. Little is known of the series other than it followed the exploits of Sgt. Blair of the Northwest Mounted Police. and probably was the inspiration for Trendell, Campbell and Muir's Challenge of the Yukon. The series was written by Colonel Rhys Davies, who also played the Colonel Blair in the series. Jack Abbot played the Constable. Jack French, one of OTR’s best researchers says this about the series: “Blair is not restricted to Canada, as other Mounties, as we find him, in a few cases, in Great Britain, solving cases. Overall the series is amateurishly written, with the actor playing Blair coming accros as a bit stuffy.”

TWO EPISODES:

Blair Of The Mounties. January 31, 1938. Program #1. Walter Biddick syndication. "Fire Valley". Corporal Lesley has been, "Stolen Away By Ghosts." . 12:37.

February 7, 1938. Program #2. Walter Biddick syndication. "Murder In Long Cooley". Belle La Tour is on the trail to Fort MacAllister...during a blizzard. . 12:00.

View Details

Scream For Murder (Aired July, 1953)

Originally aired October 31, 1951 Barry Craig, Confidential Investigator is one of the few detective radio series that had separate versions of it broadcast from both coasts. Even the spelling changed over the years. It was first "Barry Crane" and then "Barrie Craig". NBC produced it in New York from 1951 to 1954 and then moved it to Hollywood where it aired from 1954 to 1955. It attracted only occasional sponsors so it was usually a sustainer. William Gargan, who also played the better known television (and radio) detective Martin Kane, was the voice of New York eye Barry Craig while Ralph Bell portrayed his associate, Lt. Travis Rogers. Craig's office was on Madison Avenue and his adventures were fairly standard PI fare. He worked alone, solved cases efficiently, and feared no man. As the promos went, he was "your man when you can't go to the cops. Confidentiality a speciality." Like Sam Spade, Craig narrated his stories, in addition to being the leading character in this 30 minute show. As an actor, William Gargan had played Ellery Queen in three movies, before being cast as Kane. After he left Martin Kane, Gargan landed on his feet. He signed a million dollar, seven year contract with MCA for the radio show Barry Craig, Confidential Investigator on NBC.

THIS EPISODE:

July 19, 1953. NBC network. "Scream For Murder". "A squabbling couple can always bury their differences. The question is, which of them doesn't mind an underground shelter? Marriages may be made in heaven, but they sometimes end up in the city morgue. William Gargan; John Roberts (writer); Don Pardo (announcer); Fran Carlon; Himan Brown (director);. 29:35 Episode Noyes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Wheel Of Life Caper (Aired July 11, 1948)

The Adventures of Sam Spade was a radio series based loosely on the private detective character Sam Spade, created by writer Dashiell Hammett for The Maltese Falcon. The show ran for 13 episodes on ABC in 1946, for 157 episodes on CBS in 1946-1949, and finally for 51 episodes on NBC in 1949-1951. The series starred Howard Duff (and later, Steve Dunne) as Sam Spade and Lurene Tuttle as his secretary Effie, and took a considerably more tongue-in-cheek approach to the character than the novel or movie. In 1947, scriptwriters Jason James and Bob Tallman received an Edgar Award for Best Radio Drama from the Mystery Writers of America. Before the series, Sam Spade had been played in radio adaptations of The Maltese Falcon by both Edward G. Robinson (in a 1943 Lux Radio Theater production) and by Bogart himself (in a 1946 Academy Award Theater production), both on CBS.

THIS EPISODE:

July 11, 1948. CBS network. "The Wheel Of Life Caper". Sponsored by: Wildroot Cream-Oil. Sam meets a mystery woman with no memory and a corpse that's been killed by a buzz saw! Sandra Gould replaces Lurene Tuttle as Effie, Sam's secretary. Howard Duff, Dashiell Hammett (creator), William Spier (producer, director), Sandra Gould, Gil Doud (writer), Robert Tallman (writer), Lud Gluskin (music director), Dick Joy (announcer). 28:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Busy Body (Aired June 18, 1949)

Dashiell Hammett introduced the new genre, and Sam Spade, in 1930 in his novel The Maltese Falcon. A few years later Raymond Chandler came along and perfected the type, with his detective, Philip Marlowe. Chandler introduced Marlowe in his first novel, The Big Sleep, and Philip Marlowe continued to solve crimes in six subsequent Chandler novels. Chandler had previously published a number of short stories featuring other detectives; however, Marlowe proved so popular that when the stories were later republished the author often switched the detectives to Philip Marlowe. Chandler's style was unique. His sparse style was full of wonderfully sharp similies and rich descriptive narration.

THIS EPISODE:

June 18, 1949. Program #38. CBS network. "The Busy Body". Sustaining. A corpse that keeps moving around and a nosey neighbor helps to solve a murder case. Gene Levitt (writer), Gerald Mohr, John Stevenson, Laurette Fillbrandt, Lois Corbett, Lynn Allen, Mel Dinelli (writer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Peter Leeds, Raymond Chandler (creator), Richard Aurandt (music), Robert Mitchell (writer), Roy Rowan (announcer). 29:43. Episode Notes From Boxcars711 OTR.

View Details

The Busy Body (Aired June 18, 1949)

Dashiell Hammett introduced the new genre, and Sam Spade, in 1930 in his novel The Maltese Falcon. A few years later Raymond Chandler came along and perfected the type, with his detective, Philip Marlowe. Chandler introduced Marlowe in his first novel, The Big Sleep, and Philip Marlowe continued to solve crimes in six subsequent Chandler novels. Chandler had previously published a number of short stories featuring other detectives; however, Marlowe proved so popular that when the stories were later republished the author often switched the detectives to Philip Marlowe. Chandler's style was unique. His sparse style was full of wonderfully sharp similies and rich descriptive narration.

THIS EPISODE:

June 18, 1949. Program #38. CBS network. "The Busy Body". Sustaining. A corpse that keeps moving around and a nosey neighbor helps to solve a murder case. Gene Levitt (writer), Gerald Mohr, John Stevenson, Laurette Fillbrandt, Lois Corbett, Lynn Allen, Mel Dinelli (writer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Peter Leeds, Raymond Chandler (creator), Richard Aurandt (music), Robert Mitchell (writer), Roy Rowan (announcer). 29:43. Episode Notes From Boxcars711 OTR.

View Details

War Bonds (Aired April 1, 1943)

The Aldrich Family as a separate radio show was born as a summer replacement for Jack Benny in NBC's Sunday night lineup, July 2, 1939, and it stayed there until October 1, 1939, when it moved to Tuesday nights at 8 p.m., sponsored by General Foods's popular gelatin dessert Jell-O---which also sponsored Jack Benny at the time. The Aldriches ran in that slot from October 10, 1939 until May 28, 1940, moving to Thursdays, from July 4, 1940 until July 20, 1944. After a brief hiatus, the show moved to CBS, running on Fridays from September 1, 1944 until August 30, 1946 with sponsors Grape Nuts and Jell-O,.before moving back to NBC from September 05, 1946 to June 28, 1951 on Thursdays and, then, its final run of September 21, 1952 to April 19, 1953 on Sundays.

THIS EPISODE:

April 1, 1943. NBC network. Sponsored by: Postum. Henry and Homer are out selling "War Bonds"...in a snowstorm....with a cow! The system cue has been deleted. Norman Tokar, Dan Seymour (announcer), Clifford Goldsmith (writer), Jack Miller (conductor). 28:58 Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Little Green Death (Aired March 18, 1977)

The late E.G. Marshall hosted the program every year but the final one, when actress Tammy Grimes took overA host of prominent actors from radio and screen performed on the series, including Agnes Moorehead, Joan Hackett, Mercedes McCambridge, Morey Amsterdam, Roy Thinnes, Keir Dullea, Fred Gwynne, Richard Crenna, Kim Hunter, Larry Haines, Morgan Fairchild, John Lithgow, and even a very young Sarah Jessica Parker. Actors were paid union scale at around $73.92 per show. Writers earned a flat rate of $350.00 per show. The production took place with assembly-line precision. Brown would meet with actors at 9:00 AM for the first reading of the script. He would then assign roles and recording would begin. By noon the recording of the actors was complete and Brown handed everyone their checks.

THIS EPISODE:

March 18, 1977. Program #618. CBS network. "Little Green Death". Sponsored by: G-E CB Radios, Buick, Contac, Allied Van Lines, True Value Hardware. A small town shop-keeper is accused of murder, and he can't deny it! Carol Teitel, E. G. Marshall (host), Kim Hunter, Nat Polen, Robert Dryden, Sam Dann (writer). 45:04. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: BOB - Barbara Lewis "Baby I'm Yours" (June 1965)
The Clock - Eddie - aka: Exclusive Story (11-13-47)

The Clock, is an Australian radio show, a dramatic thirty-minute suspense and mystery series. It was written by Lawrence Klee and narrated by "The Clock." First Broadcast in the United States was in November, 1946. It was syndicated by Grace Gibson syndication. At the time of production, the Australian accent, we now know and love, originating from the Irish and Cockney accents, was rather frowned upon by non other than Australians. The shows tried to sound neutral, then there was hope that the show could be sold to Great Britain and the United States. The show was bought by the ABC network in the States, although the ABC on the CD label (below) stands for the Australian Broadcast Company.

THIS EPISODE:

November 13, 1947. ABC network. "Eddie". Sustaining. A reporter falls in love with a beautiful widow, who is still suspected of killing her husband. The program may be dated November 3, 1948. The script was used on the program previously on May 25, 1947. The story is also known as "Angel With Two Faces," and "Exclusive Story." Alice Frost, Clark Andrews (director), Glenn Osser (conductor), Joe DeSantis, Lawrence Klee (creator, writer). 29:05. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Mile High Murders (Aired April 11, 1950)

The show was at the top of the list among programs that had developed the technique of sound effects to a fine art. Each program was written with the sound in mind, not so much sound for sound's sake, but to advance the plot, add color or create atmosphere. Two sound effects men spent a reported ten hours in rehearsal for each broadcast, in addition to the time spent by the actors. East coast actors House Jameson, Don MacLaughlin, Phil Sterling and Lawson Zerbe [MBS] (Zerbe appeared as both David Harding and Harry Peters) were the only four actors to ever assume the role of David Harding--Jameson for the first two episodes only, replaced by Don MacLaughlin for the remainder of its twelve year run. Both Connecticut residents, House Jameson premiered in the role while Lord was still auditioning talent for the lead. By the third episode, Phillips H. Lord selected Don MacLaughlin for the role. MacLaughlin was by no means new to Radio, having already appeared in some 300 Radio productions since his debut over Radio in 1935. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

April 11, 1950. ABC network. "The Mile High Murders". Sponsored by: Pepsi Cola. Mass murder is routine with a Cuban gang smuggling refugees to the United States. 29:06. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Nickel Plated Gun (Aired June 10, 1949)

Dragnet was a long running radio and television police procedural drama, about the cases of a dedicated Los Angeles police detective, Sergeant Joe Friday, and his partners. The show takes its name from an actual police term, a Dragnet, meaning a system of coordinated measures for apprehending criminals or suspects. Dragnet was perhaps the most famous and influential police procedural drama in American media history. The series gave millions of Americans a feel for the boredom and drudgery, as well as the danger and heroism, of real life police work. Dragnet earned praise for improving the public opinion of police officers. Actor and producer Jack Webb's aims in Dragnet were for realism and unpretentious acting. He achieved both goals and Dragnet remains a key influence on subsequent police dramas in many media. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

June 10, 1949. Program #2. "The Nickel Plated Gun" - NBC network. Sustaining. This program does not use the familiar "Dragnet" theme music. A nickel plated .44 caliber Smith and Wesson is used to shoot two cops and a lot more people. The police make extensive use of "I. B. M. machines" and a tape recorder to solve the case. Jack Webb, Barton Yarborough, Frank Lovejoy. 28:37. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Hunters (Aired February 3, 1965)

Theater Five was ABC's attempt to revive radio drama during the early 1960s. The series name was derived from its time slot, 5:00 PM. Running Monday through Friday, it was an anthology of short stories, each about 20 minutes long. News programs and commercials filled out the full 30 minutes. There was a good bit of science fiction and some of the plots seem to have been taken from the daily newspaper. Fred Foy, of The Lone Ranger fame, was an ABC staff announcer in the early 60s, who, among other duties, did Theater Five.

THIS EPISODE:

February 3, 1965. ABC network. "The Hunters". Commercials deleted. An alcoholic and his son go hunting in the woods...along with the father's bottle. Richard McCracken (writer), Ted Bell (producer, director), Jack C. Wilson (script editor), Alexander Vlas-Daczenco (composer), Glenn Osser (conductor), Fred Foy (announcer), Lee Bowman (executive producer), Neal Pultz (audfio engineer), Marty Folia (audio engineer), Ed Blainey (sound technician), George Petrie, Fran Carlon, Peter Fernandez, Jack Hurdle, Mark O'Daniels. 21:42. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob "MR. BASS MAN" Johnny Cymbal (1963)
The Laundry Mix-Up (Aired May 7, 1949)

Each episode of the program, particularly the Jack Webb episodes, follows the same basic formula; a foghorn sounds and Novak's footsteps are heard walking down the pier. He then pauses and begins with the line "Sure, I'm Pat Novak . . . for hire". The foghorn repeats and leads to the intro theme, during which Pat gives a monologue about the waterfront and his job renting boats. Jack Webb narrates the story as well as acts in it, as the titular character. Playing the cynic, he throws off lines such as "...about as smart as teaching a cooking class to a group of cannibals". He then introduces the trouble in which he finds himself this week. Typically, a person unknown to Pat asks him to do an unusual or risky job. Pat reluctantly accepts and finds himself in hot water in the form of an unexplained dead body. Police Inspector Hellman (played by Raymond Burr) arrives on the scene and pins the murder on Novak. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

May 7, 1949. Program #10. ABC network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "The Laundry Mix-up". The wrong shirt leads Novak to murder and grief. Jack Webb. 27:39. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Go Jump In The Lake (Aired February 13, 1950)

Let George Do It was a radio drama series produced by Owen and Pauline Vinson from 1946 to 1954. It starred Bob Bailey as detective-for-hire George Valentine (with Olan Soule stepping into the role in 1954). Clients came to Valentine's office after reading a newspaper carrying his classified ad: "Personal notice: Danger's my stock in trade. If the job's too tough for you to handle, you've got a job for me. George Valentine. "The few earliest episodes were more sitcom than private eye shows, with a studio audience providing scattered laughter at the not-so-funny scripts. Soon the audience was banished, and George went from stumbling comedic hero to tough guy private eye, while the music became suspenseful. Valentine's secretary was Claire Brooks, aka Brooksie (Frances Robinson, Virginia Gregg, Lillian Buyeff). Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

February 13, 1950. Mutual-Don Lee network. "Go Jump In The Lake". Sponsored by: Standard Oil. Terrence Doyle is in trouble with gambler Starky Bennett. Nobody seems to want Valentine, despite the time of the year. Several references are made to the program being broadcast on Valentine's day. Bob Bailey, Virginia Gregg, Don Clark (director), Eddie Dunstedter (composer, presenter), Bud Hiestand (announcer), David Victor (writer), Jackson Gillis (writer), Ken Christy, Dan O'Herlihy, William Conrad, Michael Ann Barrett, Walter Burke. 29:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Unpredictable Ozzie (Aired November 7, 1948)

Their sons, David and Ricky, did not join the cast until five years after the radio series began. The two boys felt frustrated at hearing themselves played by actors and continually requested they be allowed to portray themselves. Prior to April 1949, the role of David was played by Joel Davis (1944-45) and Tommy Bernard, and Henry Blair appeared as Ricky. Since Ricky was only nine years old when he began on the show, his enthusiasm outstripped his ability at script reading, and at least once he jumped a cue, prompting Harriet to say, "Not now, Ricky." Other cast members included John Brown as Syd "Thorny" Thornberry, Lurene Tuttle as Harriet's mother, Bea Benaderet as Gloria, Janet Waldo as Emmy Lou, and Dick Trout as Roger. Vocalists included Harriet Nelson, the King Sisters, and Ozzie Nelson. The announcers were Jack Bailey and Verne Smith. The music was by Billy May and Ozzie Nelson. The producers were Dave Elton and Ozzie Nelson.

THIS EPISODE:

November 7, 1948. "Unpredictable Ozzie" - NBC network. Sponsored by: International Silver. Ozzie is determined to break the daily routine and get out of his rut. Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Hilliard, Verne Smith (announcer), John Brown, Tommy Bernard, Janet Waldo, Henry Blair, Lurene Tuttle, Jack Kirkwood, Billy May (composer, conductor). 29:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Drunk & Bridge Jumper (Aired October 21, 1954)
Before the "Reality TV", there was "Reality Radio" and Night Watch was there. This show is a straight crime documentary with no music, sound effects, or actors. Police reporter Don Reid rode in a prowl car on the night shift with officers from the Culver City, California police department. While wearing a hidden microphone, he captures the sounds and voices of real life drama. From the worried child to the hardened criminal, their stories come through loud and clear. The names were changed to protect identities, but everything else in this gripping series is real.

THIS EPISODE:

October 21, 1954. "Drunk & Bridge Jumper"- CBS network. Sustaining. A drunk who tried to kick Don Reed in the teeth last night, has returned to the police station voluntarily. Donn Reed (police recorder), W. N. Hildebrand (Chief of Police), Sterling Tracy (producer, director), Jim Headlock (producer), Ron Perkins (technical advisor). 27:05. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Silver Scarab (Aired June 19, 1947)

The Man Called X started over Radio with the 1944 CBS Summer replacement run for Lux Radio Theatre, comprising a total of eight episodes. The only circulating exemplar from the first run is contained within the AFRS Globe Theatre canon of transcriptions. So, yet again, we are indebted to the incredible output of AFRS and AFRTS transcriptions over the years in preserving some of Radio's rarest exemplars from The Golden Age of Radio. But if one compares that circulating episode to the spot ad for the summer run in the sidebar, one sees the program promoted as a comedy-mystery. The 1944 CBS Summer season finale, Murder, Music and A Blonde Madonna, gives some credence to the way CBS promoted this first run. Starring Herbert Marshall as Ken Thurston, a private operative, with Han Conried as Egon Zellschmidt in this first incarnation of Ken Thurston's nemesis, and Mary Jane Croft appearing in the role of Ken's love interest, Nancy Bessington. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

June 19, 1947. CBS network. "The Silver Scarab". Sponsored by: Frigidaire. While in Cairo on the trail of pirate on the Red Sea, Ken Thurston is killed by three silver bullets. Herbert Marshall, Leon Belasco, J. Richard Kennedy (originator), Wendell Niles (announcer), Jack Johnstone (director), Sidney Marshall (writer), Johnny Green (composer, conductor). 26:11. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Mail Order Murders (Aired December 23, 1948)

As with many West Coast ensemble productions of the era, Michael Shayne: Private Detective soon evolved into a very secure set of well-explored character arcs, among which Cathy Lewis' character, Phyllis Knight, found herself more and more integrated into the scripts. Joe Forte's Lieutenant Farraday continued to grow into the role as well. If you're noticing a great many parallels between what you're reading--perhaps for the first time--about Michael Shayne, you might notice the increasing similarities to Let George Do It or Yours, Truly Johnny Dollar. Just as with a good gig, if a good formula is continuing to produce audience loyalty once you find the right ensemble/concept/scripting mix, then you'll naturally wish to milk it for all it's worth. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

December 23, 1948. Broadcaster's Guild syndication, AFRS rebroadcast. "The Case Of The Mail Order Murders". A murder letter and Demetrius, the organ grinder. Jeff Chandler, Jack Webb, William P. Rousseau (host, director), Brett Halliday (creator). 26:17. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"A Salute To Football" (Aired November 4, 1947)

The Milton Berle Show brought Berle together with Arnold Stang, later a familiar face as Berle's TV sidekick. Others in the cast were Pert Kelton, Mary Schipp, Jack Albertson, Arthur Q. Bryan, Ed Begley, vocalist Dick Forney and announcer Frank Gallop. The Ray Bloch Orchestra provided the music for the series. Sponsored by Philip Morris, it aired on NBC from March 11, 1947, until April 13, 1948. His last radio series was The Texaco Star Theater, which began September 22, 1948 on ABC and continued until June 15, 1949, with Berle heading the cast of Stang, Kelton and Gallop, along with Charles Irving, Kay Armen and double-talk specialist Al Kelly. It employed top comedy writers (Nat Hiken, brothers Danny and Neil Simon, Aaron Ruben), and Berle later recalled this series as "the best radio show I ever did... a hell of a funny variety show." It served as a springboard for Berle's rise as television's first major star.

THIS EPISODE:

November 04, 1947. NBC network. Philip Morris. "A Salute To Football". Milton goes to see the "Fighting Irish." See cat. #64207 for a similar "salute" but a different broadcast. Frank Gallop (announcer), Milton Berle, Ray Bloch and His Orchestra, Pert Kelton, Jack Albertson, Mary Shipp, Billy Sands, John Gibson, Al Kelly, Dick Farney (vocals). 26:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Behind The Locked Doors (Aired November 6, 1951)
Cast members included Jackson Beck, Lon Clark, Roger DeKoven, Elspeth Eric, Wendell Holmes, Bill Johnstone, Joseph Julian, Jan Miner, Santos Ortega, Bryna Raeburn, Frank Readick, Ann Shepherd, Lawson Zerbe and Bill Zuckert. Sound effects were by Jack Amrhein, Jim Goode, Ron Harper, Walt McDonough and Al Schaffer. "Behind the Locked Door," a popular episode which took place in total darkness, was much requested and was repeated several times during the years. The story involves two archaeologists who discover an old wagon train abandoned over one hundred years ago in an old cave. After a landslide traps them in the darkness, they are attacked by apparently human assailants and conclude that the descendants of the wagon train are still living in the cave.

THIS EPISODE:

November 6, 1951. Mutual network. "Behind The Locked Door". Sustaining. A gripping story about a man lost in a pitch black cave with a strangely affectionate creature he cannot see! David Kogan (writer, producer, director), Maurice Tarplin, Robert A. Arthur (writer). 26:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"The Revolt Of The Space Rats" (Aired November 28, 1953)The success of the TV show spawned a radio version, which ran for 129 episodes from October 1952 to March 1955. The same cast of actors performed on both shows. The writers, scripts, adventures and director were quite different in radio versus TV incarnations. Naturally, the series lacked the adult sophistication of such shows as X Minus One, which focused on adapting short fiction by notable genre names as Robert A. Heinlein and Ray Bradbury. But as a throwback to the sort of Golden Age space opera popularized in the 1930s, the days of science fiction's infancy, by pioneering magazine editor Hugo Gernsback, Space Patrol is prized by OTR collectors today as one of radio's most enjoyable adventures.

THIS EPISODE:

November 28, 1953. ABC network. "The Revolt Of The Space Rats". Sponsored by: Ralston cereals ("Name The Planet" contest), Test Pilot endorsement. Two bad guys on Pluto's third moon conspire to free Prince Bacaratti once again. Bela Kovacs, Dick Tufeld (announcer), Ed Kemmer, George Welsh (test pilot, commercial), Ken Mayer, Larry Robertson (producer, director), Lou Houston (writer), Lyn Osborn, Mike Devry (executive producer), Mike Mosser (creator), Norman Jolley. 28:52. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Adventure Of The Silent Tongue (Aired December 4, 1949)

The Adventures of Frank Race was a syndicated show, out of Bruce Ells Productions in Hollywood, and began airing on radio in the spring of 1949. A total of 43 episodes were produced, broadcast first on the East coast 1949-50, and then on the West coast 1951-52. The title hero was described in the introduction by announcer Art Gilmore with these words: "Before the war, Frank Race worked as an attorney, but he traded his law books for the cloak-and-dagger of the OSS. When the war was over, his former life was over too....adventure became his business!" Starring "Chandu The Magician" Star Tom Collins. Tom Collins, having recently completed his leading role as Chandu in the 1948 run of Chandu The Magician, returned to One Man's Family after The Adventures of Frank Race and almost got a bid to portray his Nick Lacey character from One Man's Family for the Television version of the series in 1949.

THIS EPISODE:

December 4, 1949. Program #32. Broadcasters Program Syndicate syndication. "The Adventure Of The Silent Tongue". Commercials added locally. A killer en route to the Chair asks Race to take a pair of baby shoes to his wife. A clue to $2 million bucks? Paul Dubov, Tony Barrett, Buckley Angel (writer, director), Joel Murcott (writer, director), Bruce Eells (producer), Ivan Ditmars (orgainist), Art Gilmore (announcer). 28:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"JiveTalk" (Aired May 18, 1946)
Archie Andrews, created in 1941 by Bob Montana, is a fictional character in an American comic book series published by Archie Comics, a long-run radio series, a syndicated comic strip and animation -- The Archie Show, a Saturday morning cartoon television series by Filmation, plus Archie's Weird Mysteries. Archie Andrews began on the Blue Network on May 31, 1943, switched to Mutual in 1944, and then continued on NBC from 1945 until September 5 1953. Archie was first played by Charles Mullen, Jack Grimes and Burt Boyar, with Bob Hastings as the title character during the NBC years.The sponsor was Swift Products. The Cast: Harlan Stone, Alice Yourman, Arthur Kohl, Gloria Mann, Rosemary Rice.

THIS EPISODE:

May 18, 1946. "JiveTalk" - NBC network. Sustaining. Archie and Jughead are hep! Archie tries to get a date with jive talk. It works! Don't miss the young audience tittering when Betty (the sound effects man) gives Archie a kiss. Bob Hastings, Harlan Stone, Alice Yourman, Ian Martin, Gloria Mann, Rosemary Rice, Carl Jampel (writer), Felix McGuire (organist), Charles Urquhart (director), Tex Antoine (announcer). 29:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Murder & The Missing Car (Aired May 11, 1950)
When Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons first debuted over the Blue Network on October 12, 1937, the show’s title accurately described Keen’s stock-in-trade; the “kindly old investigator” tracked down individuals who had mysteriously vanished, leaving behind their families, homes, jobs and other day-to-day activities. Keen (he never had a first name, unless it was “Peachy”) was assisted in these duties by an Irishman named Mike Clancy. Mike wasn’t much of a brainiac (the quote that comprises the title of this post was a semi-catchphrase that he seemed to use on the show every week) but he could use the necessary brawn when the situation called for it. Bennett Kilpack played kindly ol' Keen throughout most of the program’s run, as well as Philip Clarke and Arthur Hughes, while Jim Kelly took the role of Clancy. The series originally aired as a thrice-weekly fifteen-minute serial from 1937-43 (the show moved to CBS in 1942), providing more than ample time for Keen to solve even the most baffling of disappearances.

THIS EPISODE:

May 11, 1950. CBS network. "The Case Of Murder and The Missing Car". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. A body is found in a car trunk...and a false clue is found in the glove compartment. Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Bennett Kilpack, Richard Leonard (director), Lawrence Klee (dialogue), Larry Elliott (announcer). 33:58. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: The Classic IV "Please Be Mine" (1961) TWIST Records
Jeff Regan Investigator (Starring Jack Webb) - "The Man In The Door" (08-28-48)

The Man In The Door (Aired August 28, 1948)

Jeff Regan, Investigator was one of the three detective shows Jack Webb did before Dragnet (see also Pat Novak For Hire and Johnny Modero: Pier 23). It debuted on CBS in July 1948. Webb played JEFF REGAN, a tough private eye working in a Los Angeles investigation firm run by Anthony J. Lyon. Regan introduced himself on each show "I get ten a day and expenses...they call me the Lyon's Eye." The show was fairly well-plotted, Webb's voice was great, and the supporting cast were skillful. Regan handled rough assignments from Lion, with whom he was not always on good terms. He was tough, tenacious, and had a dry sense of humor. The voice of his boss, Anthony Lion, was Wilms Herbert. The show ended in December 1948 but was resurrected in October 1949 with a new cast; Frank Graham played Regan (later Paul Dubrov was the lead) and Frank Nelson portrayed Lion. This version ran on CBS, sometimes as a West Coast regional, until August 1950. Both versions were 30 minutes, but the day and time slot changed several times. A total of 29 episodes from this series are in trading currency.

THIS EPISODE:

August 28, 1948. CBS network. "The Man In The Door". Sustaining. A murdered architect is seen alive and well! Jeff looks into a complicated story of murder and embezzlement. Jack Webb, Wilms Herbert, Lou Krugman, Lurene Tuttle, Betty Lou Gerson, Dave Henderson, William Conrad, E. Jack Neuman (writer), Sterling Tracy (producer), Bob Stevenson (announcer), Richard Aurandt (music). 29:46. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Life Insurance Policy (Aired June 26, 1949)
Life with Luigi was a radio comedy-drama series which began September 21, 1948 on CBS. The story concerned Italian immigrant Luigi Basco, and his experiences as an immigrant in Chicago. Many of the shows take place at the US citizenship classes that Luigi attends with other immigrants from different countries, as well as trying to fend off the repeated advances of the morbidly-obese daughter of his landlord/sponsor. Luigi was played by J. Carrol Naish, an Irish-American. Naish continued in the role on the short-lived television version in 1952, and was later replaced by Vito Scotti. With a working title of The Little Immigrant, Life with Luigi was created by Cy Howard, who earlier had created the hit radio comedy, My Friend Irma. The show was often seen as the Italian counterpart to the radio show The Goldbergs, which chronicled the experience of Jewish immigrants in New York.

THIS EPISODE:

June 26, 1949. "Life Insurance Policy" - CBS network. Sustaining. Luigi takes out a $50,000 Life Insurance Policy. Next week, "Luigi" becomes the summer replacement for "Lum and Abner," at an earlier time. J. Carrol Naish, Alan Reed, Cy Howard (creator, producer), Hans Conried, Bob Stevenson (announcer), Mac Benoff (writer, director), Lou Derman (writer), Mary Shipp, Lyn Murray (music director), Jody Gilbert, Joe Forte, Ken Peters. 31:31. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke"
"The Buffalo Killers" (Aired June 7, 1952)

Two auditions were created in 1949. The first was very much like a hardboiled detective series and starred Rye Billsbury as Dillon; the second starred Straight Arrow actor Howard Culver in a more Western, lighter version of the same script. CBS liked the Culver version better, and Ackerman was told to proceed. But there was a complication. Culver's contract as the star of Straight Arrow would not allow him to do another Western series. The project was shelved for three years, when MacDonnell and Meston discovered it creating an adult Western series of their own. MacDonnell and Meston wanted to create a radio Western for adults, in contrast to the prevailing juvenile fare such as The Lone Ranger and The Cisco Kid. Gunsmoke was set in Dodge City, Kansas during the thriving cattle days of the 1870s. Dunning notes, "The show drew critical acclaim for unprecedented realism."

THIS EPISODE:

June 07, 1952. CBS network. "The Buffalo Killers". Sustaining. An albino buffalo skin is the clue to the murder of two buffalo hunters, and their father. Part of one promotional announcement has been deleted. Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear, Joel Murcott (writer), Stan Waxman, John Dehner, Lawrence Dobkin, Sam Edwards, Lillian Buyeff, Tom Holland, Mary Lansing, Rex Koury (composer, conductor), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Clancey Cassell (announcer), William Conrad, Parley Baer. 30:39. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"Lancerford" House (Aired January 24, 1969)

This series was written by Michael McCabe and was produced in South Africa. It was a replacement for another series McCabe produced, called SF68. That series adapted famous Sci-fi stories to radio, and it seems to have been the place where McCabe honed his craft. The subject matter to Beyond Midnight was more horror oriented, including madness, murder, and supernatural sleuths! What survives today doesn't involve a horror host per se, but a few include framing narration (by someone involved in the plot) while others just start up the story with no announcer or lead-in whatsoever. So it's possible the regular host or announcer was left off (edited out) of the recordings. The host-- if there was one-- may have only been heard by those who listened to this series when it first aired. It's another radio mystery we may never know for sure, but we're lucky to at least have some of the recordings! Show Notes From Radio Horror Hosts.

View Details

The Actor & The Alibi (Aired November 2, 1986)

When we consider the question of clerics and mysteries, the first figure most of us think of is G.K. Chesterton’s Father Brown. The first Father Brown story was published in 1910 in the Saturday Evening Post, years before Chesterton had even converted to Roman Catholicism. Forty-eight Father Brown stories were published before Chesterton’s death, and for many, the unassuming Catholic priest, who solved mysteries through close observation and intuition, remains the model clerical detective, unmatched by any subsequent efforts by other authors. Not that these authors haven’t tried. Their success depends on the same factors by which we judge any piece of fiction in general and mystery fiction in particular. Father Brown was a natural for radio and he has appeared in several series on both sides of the Atlantic, most notably The Father Brown Stories which were originally broadcast on BBC Radio 4 between 1984 and 1987.

View Details

INTRO: The Classic IV "The Island Of Paradise" (1962) TWIST Records
This Is Your FBI - "Shotgun Hadley" (Aired April 20, 1945)

This Is Your FBI was sponsored during its entire run by the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (now AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company). This is Your FBI had counterparts on the other networks. The FBI in Peace and War also told stories of the FBI, although some were not authentic. Earlier on, Gangbusters, and the previously mentioned Mr. District Attorney gave the authentic crime treatment to their stories. And Dragnet, and Tales of the Texas Rangers, took the idea on as well. Crime, especially true crime, was a genre in the magazines early on, with the Police Gazette and its predecessors in England printing lurid true crime stories prior to radio. This is Your FBI took the idea, and made it realistic, exciting and even informational.

THIS EPISODE:

April 20, 1945. Blue Network. "The Case Of Shotgun Hadley". Sponsored by: The Equitable Life Assurance Society. The story of a crime against the home: kidnapping. Lesley Woods, Frank Lovejoy (narrator), Nathan Van Cleave (music director), Mandel Kramer, Lawrence MacArthur (writer), Jerry Devine (producer), Carl Frank (announcer). 28:25. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Tape Recorder (Aired April 23, 1950)

Our Miss Brooks, an American situation comedy, began as a radio hit in 1948 and migrated to television in 1952, becoming one of the earlier hits of the so-called Golden Age of Television, and making a star out of Eve Arden (1908-1990) as comely, wisecracking, but humane high school English teacher Connie Brooks. The show hooked around Connie's daily relationships with Madison High School students, colleagues, and pompous principal Osgood Conklin (Gale Gordon), not to mention favourite student Walter Denton (future television and Rambo co-star Richard Crenna, who fashioned a higher-pitched voice to play the role) and biology teacher Philip Boynton ( Jeff Chandler), the latter Connie's all-but-unrequited love interest, who saw science everywhere and little else anywhere.

THIS EPISODE:

April 23, 1950. "The Tape Recorder" - CBS network. Sponsored by: Colgate Toothpaste, Lustre Creme Shampoo, Palmolive Soap. While Mr. Conklin is trying to economize, he finds himself buying a tape recorder, without even knowing it! Eve Arden, Al Lewis (writer, director), Jane Morgan, Richard Crenna, Gale Gordon, Gloria McMillan, Verne Smith (commercial spokesman), Jeff Chandler, Frank Nelson, Bob Lemond (announcer), Larry Berns (producer), Lester White (writer), Joe Quillan (writer), Wilbur Hatch (composer), Maurice Carlton (conductor). 34:45. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Roy Rogers Show"
Sid Kenyon Rustlers (Aired April 4, 1952)

Roy Rogers, born Leonard Franklin Slye (November 5, 1911 – July 6, 1998), was an American singer and cowboy actor, as well as the namesake of the Roy Rogers Restaurants chain. He and his wife Dale Evans, his golden palomino Trigger, and his German Shepherd dog, Bullet, were featured in over one hundred movies and The Roy Rogers Show. The show ran on radio for nine years before moving to television from 1951 through 1957. His productions usually featured a sidekick, often either Pat Brady, (who drove a jeep called "Nellybelle") or the crotchety George "Gabby" Hayes. Roy's nickname was "King of the Cowboys". Dale's nickname was "Queen of the West."

THIS EPISODE:

April 4, 1952. "Sid Kenyon Rustlers" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Post Cereals (pop-out trading cards premium). Lefty Roberts has returned to Paradise Valley with evil intentions. What's wrong with Lefty? Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, Pat Brady, Art Rush (producer), Fran Van Hartesfeldt (writer, director), Milton Charles (music). 31:10. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Pick The Winner (Aired March 20, 1949)
Broadcast from January to December 1949, "The Damon Runyon Theater" dramatized 52 of Runyon's short stories for radio. Damon Runyon (October 4, 1884 – December 10, 1946) was a newspaperman and writer. He was best known for his short stories celebrating the world of Broadway in New York City that grew out of the Prohibition era. He spun tales of gamblers, petty thieves, actors and gangsters; few of whom go by "square" names, preferring instead to be known as "Nathan Detroit", "Big Jule", "Harry the Horse", "Good Time Charlie", "Dave the Dude", and so on. These stories were written in a very distinctive vernacular style: a mixture of formal speech and colorful slang, almost always in present tense, and always devoid of contractions.

THIS EPISODE:

March 20, 1949. Program #12. Mayfair syndication. "Pick The Winner". Commercials added locally. Hot Horse Herbie, Cutie Andrews and Broadway travel to Florida to play the horses. They run into "The Professor," which is a horse of another color! Damon Runyon (author), John Brown, Richard Sanville (director), Russell Hughes (adaptor), Vern Carstensen (production supervisor), Frank Gallop (announcer). 27:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: The Commodores - "Three Times A Lady" (1978)
"Million Dollar Hunt" (Aired June 29, 1952) NBC first envisioned The Chase as a new Television feature. This was not uncommon during the later 1940s and early 1950s. Several Radio features straddled both media, with varying success. Developed as a psychological drama, the premise was that many life situations place their subjects in a 'chase' of one type or another. A chase for fame. A chase from peril. A chase to beat the clock. A chase to escape death. The added twist was the question of who is the hunter or the hunted in these situations. The scripts were faced paced, starred quality east coast talent and were well written. The series' plots and themes focused primarily on predominantly fear inducing pursuits of one form or another. Thus most of the scripts were fraught with tension of one type or another. Whether mental tension, physical peril or a mix of both, the abiding theme throughout the series was the the contrasts between the 'hunter' and the 'hunted' in such Life situations. NBC's Television version of The Chase was in production during May 1953. It was to star Doug Fowley as both narrator and performer.

THIS EPISODE:

June 29, 1952. "Million Dollar Hunt" - NBC network. Sustaining. A man robs the bank in which he works. Killing the bank guard and taking $1,000,000 in cash and his greedy wife with him, he begins a desperate attempt to escape to Mexico. Daniel Sutter (director, transcriber), Fred Collins (announcer), Cathleen Cordell, Lawrence Klee (creator, writer), Leon Janney, Scott Tennyson. 29:16. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"The Big Grab" (Aired June 29, 1950)

Dragnet was a long-running radio and television police procedural drama about the cases of a dedicated Los Angeles police detective, Sergeant Joe Friday, and his partners. The show takes its name from an actual police term, a "dragnet", meaning a system of coordinated measures for apprehending criminals or suspects. Dragnet debuted inauspiciously. The first several months were bumpy, as Webb and company worked out the program’s format and eventually became comfortable with their characters (Friday was originally portrayed as more brash and forceful than his later usually relaxed demeanor). Gradually, Friday’s deadpan, fast-talking persona emerged, described by John Dunning as "a cop's cop, tough but not hard, conservative but caring."

THIS EPISODE:

June 29, 1950. Program #55. NBC network. "The Big Grab". Sponsored by: Fatima. Professor Kessell's wife has been kidnapped. The show features a moving scene of a Seder. Jack Webb, Barton Yarborough. 29:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Have Gun Will Travel" - Like Father (Aired September 27, 1959)

Paladin lived in the Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, where he dressed in semi-formal wear, ate gourmet food, and attended opera. In fact, many who initially met him mistook him for a dandy from the East. When working, he dressed in black, used calling cards and wore a holster which carried characteristic chess knight emblems, and carried a derringer under his belt. The knight symbol is in reference to his name — possibly a nickname or working name — and his occupation as a champion-for-hire (see paladin). The theme song of the series refers to him as "a knight without armor." In addition, Paladin drew a parallel between his methods and the chess piece's movement: "It's a chess piece, the most versatile on the board. It can move in eight different directions, over obstacles, and it's always unexpected." Paladin was a former Army officer and a graduate of West Point.

THIS EPISODE:

September 27, 1959. CBS network. "Like Father". Sponsored by: Winston. Klell Thomas has been accused of murder in Yreka. Paladin is hired to find the truth. This is a quality upgrade, network, sponsored version. John Dehner, Virginia Gregg, Paul Dubov, Hugh Douglas (announcer), Frank Paris (producer, director), Tom Hanley (writer, sound effects), Anne Morrison, Jack Moyles, Ben Wright, Shirley Mitchell, Ralph Moody, Sam Edwards, Bill James (sound effects), Sam Rolfe (creator), Herb Meadow (creator). 23:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Brenner Pass Story (Aired June 4, 1950)
"Are you willing to undertake a dangerous mission for the United States, knowing in advance you may never return alive?" Cloak and Dagger first aired over the NBC network on May 7, 1950. It had a short run through the Summer on Sundays, changing to Fridays after its Summer run. The last show aired Oct. 22, 1950. This is the story of the WWII special governmental agency, the OSS, or Office of Strategic Services. Its mission was to develop and maintain spy networks throughout Europe and into Asia, while giving aid to underground partisan groups and developing espionage activities for Allied forces overseas.The show is based on the book of the same name by Lt. Col. Corey Ford and Major Alastair MacBain (who were associated with the OSS from its early days.) The dramas are not Hollywood-style, in that they sometimes end with plans foiled or leading characters dead.

THIS EPISODE:

June 4, 1950. NBC network. "The Brenner Pass". Sustaining. 4:00 P. M. Donald Harper, who was assigned to blow up an Italian highway and who succeeded with the help of a beautiful woman. Even though this O. S. S. agent did not live, his mission was a success. Hester Sondergaard, Boris Aplon, Sherman Marks (director, supervisor), Berry Kroeger, Virginia Payne, Raymond Edward Johnson, Karl Weber, Winifred Wolfe (writer), Louis Sorin, Jon Gart (music director), Louis G. Cowan (producer), Alfred Hollander (associate producer), Corey Ford (originator), Joseph Julian, Everett Sloane, Alistair MacBain (originator). 29:11. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Guests Jimmy Durante & Ann Sothern (Aired March 30, 1949)

Duffy's Tavern, an American radio situation comedy (CBS, 1941-1942; NBC-Blue Network, 1942-1944; NBC, 1944-1952), often featured top-name stage and film guest stars but always hooked those around the misadventures, get-rich-quick-scheming, and romantic missteps of the title establishment's malaprop-prone, metaphor-mixing manager, Archie, played by the writer/actor who co-created the show, Ed Gardner. In the show's familiar opening, "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," either solo on an old-sounding piano or by a larger orchestra, was interrupted by the ring of a telephone and Gardner's New Yorkese accent as he answered, "Duffy's Tavern, where the elite meet to eat. Archie the manager speakin'. Duffy ain't here — oh, hello, Duffy." Duffy, the owner, was never heard (or seen, when a film based on the show was made in 1945 or when a bid to bring the show to television was tried in 1954).

THIS EPISODE:

March 30, 1949. NBC network origination, Nostalgia Broadcasting Corporation syndication. Commercials added locally. "Guests Jimmy Durante and Ann Sothern" star in Archie's play, "The Mystery Of The Laughing Piano," or "Who Tickled The Ivories?" Ed Gardner does not appear on the program! Eddie Green, Charlie Cantor, Jimmy Durante, Ann Sothern, Matty Malneck and His Orchestra. 29:47. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: The Carpenters "Only Yesterday" (1975)
Dangerous Assignment - "Intercept Dr. Korvel" (Aired December 30, 1950)

This thirty-minute international spy adventure featured Steve Mitchell (Brian Donlevy), and investigator of crimes in exotic locations. 60 episodes. Herb Butterfield played the Commissioner and Betty Moran was the Commissioner's secretary. Other cast members were GeGe Pearson, Ken Peters, Betty Lou Gerson, Dan O’Herlihy. The director was Bill Cairn and the writer for the series was Robert Ryf. The opening was the same every week “Yeah, danger is my assignment. I get sent to a lot of places I can’t even pronounce. They all spell the same thing though, trouble.” He would be summoned to his boss’s office where he would be given his assignment; he would then fly halfway across the globe to save the day! The worldwide locations are dealt up with a feeling of local, and the characters that inhabit these far-away places with strange sounding names are solid and capably acted by veterans. Music is an almost harsh orchestra. Donlevy carries the plots with a world-weary and wary tone that makes sense, based on his occupation.

View Details

Riley Finds A Fox Fur Coat (Aired April 6, 1946)The radio program starring William Bendix aired on the ABC Blue Network from January 16, 1944 to June 8, 1945. Then it moved to NBC, where it was broadcast from September 8, 1945 to June 29, 1951. The supporting cast featured John Brown, who portrayed not only undertaker Digger O'Dell but also Riley's co-worker Gillis. Whereas Gillis gave Riley bad information that got him into trouble, Digger gave him good information that "helped him out of a hole," as he might have put it. Brown's lines as the undertaker were often repetitive, including puns based on his profession; but, thanks to Brown's delivery, the audience loved him.

THIS EPISODE:

April 6, 1946. NBC network. Sponsored by: Teel, Dreft. "Riley Finds A Fur Coat" on the bus and wins an argument with his conscience. William Bendix, Ken Carpenter (announcer), Frank Nelson, Paula Winslowe, Dink Trout, John Brown, Scotty Beckett, Elvia Allman, Irving Brecher (producer), Don Bernard (director), Lou Coslowe (music), Sharon Douglas. 27:39. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Ground Floor Window (Aired July 10, 1948)

The Radio City Playhouse was a half-hour of drama, sometimes comedy, often very exciting and suspenseful. The cast were made up of New York veterans of radio and stage, including Jan Minor and John Larkin as featured performers. The director, Harry W. Junkin, also served as the show's host and narrator. Each week the show introduced a new story, often written by well-known writers of fantasy and suspense such as Ray Bradbury, Cornell Woolrich, Agatha Christie and Paul Gallico. They were dramatized with a full orchestral soundtrack and excellent sound effects.

THIS EPISODE:

July 10, 1948. Program #2. NBC network. "Ground Floor Window". Sustaining. The script was subsequently used on "Radio City Playhouse" on October 23, 1949. Ernest Kinoy (writer), William Redfield, Harry W. Junkin (director), Bernard Grant, Marilyn Erskine, Anna Karen, Arthur Q. Bryan, Roy Shield (composer, conductor), Richard P. McDonough (NBC supervisor), Bob Warren (announcer). 28:38. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Never The Twain (Aired August 19, 1951)
The Whisperer was an American old-time radio show broadcast from July 8 to September 30, 1951 on NBC. It ran for only 13 episodes. The premise of the series was as improbable as its storylines. The protagonist was Philip Gault (Carleton G. Young), a lawyer who, due to some unexplained accident, lost his voice and could only speak in an eerie whisper. Gault infiltrates "the syndicate" in his native Central City to bring down organized crime from within; to the underworld, he becomes known as the Whisperer. Later, his voice is restored through surgery, but he continues to lead a double life as the Whisperer, relaying instructions from the syndicate bosses in New York (who don't know he's a mole) to their lackeys in Central City, whom Gault is actually setting up. By today's standards, the stories are dated and their message-mongering usually criticized as ham-fisted, the product of what might be considered the unenlightened attitudes of the time. The first episode ("Tea Time for Teenagers") is typical, an overwrought "it can happen here" melodrama about a syndicate plot to create "200 regular marijuana addicts" among high school students. The episode makes a blatant appeal to the moral indignation of its audience, ending with Gault advising PTA's to "show some of the fine educational films available on marijuana and how it leads to a worse addiction."

View Details

The Case Of The Eaton Brothers (Aired September 7, 1952)
This series was very similar to the Black Museum that was hosted by Orson Welles. Both the Black Museum and Whitehall 1212 drew their material from the files of Scotland Yard. The stories were true in every respect except that the names were changed to protect the innocent, as they say. The Whitehall 1212 series boasted that for the first time Scotland Yard opened its files and the producers promised to bring to the public authentic true stories of some of the most celebrated cases. Permission for these records came from Sir Harold Scott, Commissioner of the yard at that time. There is actually a Black Museum. This area is located on the lower ground floor of Scotland Yard and it does indeed contain articles that are closely associated with the solving of a crime. And "Whitehall 1212" was the actual emergency phone number for the yard at the time. The research for the shows was done by Percy Hoskins, chief crime reporter for the London Daily Express. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

September 7, 1952. "Case Of The Eaton Brothers" - NBC network. Sustaining. A letter, written on the stationery of a London newspaper, is an exhibit in the "Black Museum." A woman's body is found in a messy former wine shop. Marlene Corcoran's murderer confesses to a newspaper for five hundred pounds. The confession, however, is useless! Percy Hoskins (researcher), Wyllis Cooper (writer, director), Horace Braham, Harvey Hayes, Carl Harburg, Lester Fletcher, Maurice Delamore, Jared Burke, Lionel Ricou (announcer). 29:48. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Hall & Oates (Sara Smile) 1996
Your's Truly Johnny Dollar - "The Missing Archeologist" (02-24-50)
The Missing Archeologist (Aired February 24, 1950)
During this time, Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar attracted some of the best writers in Hollywood, including Jack Johnstone, E. Jack Neuman (using the pen name John Dawson), Robert Ryf, and Les Crutchfield. Bob Bailey also wrote a script while he was playing Johnny Dollar. He used the pen name Robert Bainter (Bainter was his middle name) as the scriptwriter for "The Carmen Kringle Matter", which was aired on Saturday, December 21, 1957 on the West Coast, and on the following day for the rest of the country. Bob Bailey, generally thought of as the most popular of the Johnny Dollars, brought a new interpretation to the character – tough, but not hard-boiled; streetwise, but not overly cynical, Bailey's Dollar was smart and gritty when he had to be. But Bailey's Johnny Dollar was also human. His character would get emotionally involved in a number of his cases.

THIS EPISODE:

February 24, 1950. "The Missing Archeologist" - CBS network. Sustaining. Bruce Lambert, an archeologist ("Who never should have left his tomb") has disappeared in Egypt. Lambert's sister asks Johnny to dig him up. Edmond O'Brien, Virginia Gregg, Jay Novello, Ed Begley, John Dehner, Pat McGeehan, Paul Dudley (writer), Gil Doud (writer), Leith Stevens (music), Jaime del Valle (producer, director), Roy Rowan (announcer). 33:26. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Hall & Oates (Sara Smile) 1996
Your's Truly Johnny Dollar - "The Missing Archeologist" (02-24-50)
The Missing Archeologist (Aired February 24, 1950)
During this time, Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar attracted some of the best writers in Hollywood, including Jack Johnstone, E. Jack Neuman (using the pen name John Dawson), Robert Ryf, and Les Crutchfield. Bob Bailey also wrote a script while he was playing Johnny Dollar. He used the pen name Robert Bainter (Bainter was his middle name) as the scriptwriter for "The Carmen Kringle Matter", which was aired on Saturday, December 21, 1957 on the West Coast, and on the following day for the rest of the country. Bob Bailey, generally thought of as the most popular of the Johnny Dollars, brought a new interpretation to the character – tough, but not hard-boiled; streetwise, but not overly cynical, Bailey's Dollar was smart and gritty when he had to be. But Bailey's Johnny Dollar was also human. His character would get emotionally involved in a number of his cases.

THIS EPISODE:

February 24, 1950. "The Missing Archeologist" - CBS network. Sustaining. Bruce Lambert, an archeologist ("Who never should have left his tomb") has disappeared in Egypt. Lambert's sister asks Johnny to dig him up. Edmond O'Brien, Virginia Gregg, Jay Novello, Ed Begley, John Dehner, Pat McGeehan, Paul Dudley (writer), Gil Doud (writer), Leith Stevens (music), Jaime del Valle (producer, director), Roy Rowan (announcer). 33:26. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Carmen (Aired May 31, 1952)

The radio show first aired on April 26, 1952 and ran until June 18, 1961 on the CBS radio network. The series starred William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Howard McNear as Doc Charles Adams, Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, and Parley Baer as Deputy Chester Proudfoot. Doc's first name and Chester's last name were changed for the television program. Gunsmoke was notable for its critically acclaimed cast and writing, and is commonly regarded as one of the finest old time radio shows. Some listeners (such as old time radio expert John Dunning) have argued that the radio version of Gunsmoke was far more realistic than the television program. Episodes were aimed at adults, and featured some of the most explicit content of the day: there were violent crimes and scalpings, massacres and opium addicts. Miss Kitty's occupation as a prostitute was made far more obvious on the radio version than on television. Many episodes ended on a down-note, and villains often got away with their crimes.

THIS EPISODE:

June 21, 1959. CBS network. "Carmen". Commercials deleted. After the army payroll has been robbed, an army Major threatens to declare martial law in Dodge. Connie Dell, a good girl keeping bad company, becomes the key to the crime. The script was used previously on the program on May 31, 1952 (see cat. #61440) and October 8, 1955 (see cat. #48982) and on the Gunsmoke television series on May 24, 1958. The program opening and closing have been deleted. William Conrad, Parley Baer, Howard McNear, John Meston (writer), Norman Macdonnell (director), Lynn Allen, Virginia Gregg, Barney Phillips, Jack Moyles, Lawrence Dobkin, George Walsh (announcer). 22:34. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Destination Moon (Aired June 24, 1950)
This show dramatized the work of such young writers as Ray Bradbury, Robert (Psycho) Bloch, Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, and Kurt Vonnegut. In-house script writer was Ernest Kinoy, who adapted the master works and contributed occasional storied of his own. Dimension X was a very effective demonstration of what could be done with science fiction on the air. It came so late that nobody cared, but some of the stories stand as classics of the medium. Bradbury's "Mars Is Heaven" is as gripping today as when first heard. His "Martian Chronicles" was one of the series' most impressive offerings. Dimension X played heavily on an "adventures in time and space, told in future tense" theme. Actors who worked regularly on the show included Joe Di Santis, Wendell Holmes, Santos Ortega, Joseph Julian, Jan Miner, Roger De Koven, John Gibson, Ralph Bell, John Larkin, Les Damon, and Mason Adams. It was directed by Fred Weihe and Edward King. The deep-voiced narrator was Norman Rose.

THIS EPISODE:

June 24, 1950. NBC network. "Destination Moon". Sustaining. The story is adapted from the George Pal movie of the same name. The story of the first expedition to the moon. The program is interrupted after eighteen minutes for a news bulletin announcing that North Korea has declared war on and has invaded South Korea. The closing credits have been deleted. Robert Heinlein (author), Wendell Holmes, Ralph Bell, Santos Ortega, Van Woodward (producer), Norman Rose (host), Edward King (director), Bob Warren (announcer), Roger De Koven, Ralph Bell. 30:02. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Paul Brewer Story (Aired December 24, 1951)

One can only imagine the number of Ad agencies, networks, sponsors, and syndicators that lined up month after month to pitch a Radio project to Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. That's undoubtedly a story in itself. What the Bogarts finally settled on has become something of a cult favorite in the world of Golden Age Radio. And they settled on a gem--for both its day and for generations of Golden Age Radio fans to come. The concept of Bold Venture had to have piqued the Bogarts' interest from the first pitch. Having already bought their beloved Santana schooner from Dick Powell and June Allyson, they'd become one of America's leading seafaring families within just a couple of years. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.
THIS EPISODE:

December 24, 1951. Program #40. ZIV Syndication. "The Paul Brewer Story". Commercials added locally. Shannon is asked to help return Paul Brewer, an escaped murderer, to jail. The story is also known as, "Escape From Guantanamo." David Rose (composer, conductor), Humphrey Bogart, Jester Hairston, Lauren Bacall, Henry Hayward (director), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Nestor Paiva. 27:34. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Paul Brewer Story (Aired December 24, 1951)

One can only imagine the number of Ad agencies, networks, sponsors, and syndicators that lined up month after month to pitch a Radio project to Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. That's undoubtedly a story in itself. What the Bogarts finally settled on has become something of a cult favorite in the world of Golden Age Radio. And they settled on a gem--for both its day and for generations of Golden Age Radio fans to come. The concept of Bold Venture had to have piqued the Bogarts' interest from the first pitch. Having already bought their beloved Santana schooner from Dick Powell and June Allyson, they'd become one of America's leading seafaring families within just a couple of years. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.
THIS EPISODE:

December 24, 1951. Program #40. ZIV Syndication. "The Paul Brewer Story". Commercials added locally. Shannon is asked to help return Paul Brewer, an escaped murderer, to jail. The story is also known as, "Escape From Guantanamo." David Rose (composer, conductor), Humphrey Bogart, Jester Hairston, Lauren Bacall, Henry Hayward (director), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Nestor Paiva. 27:34. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

George's Movie Career (Aired September 25, 1947)
Burns and Allen were an American comedy duo consisting of George Burns and his wife, Gracie Allen.Burns wrote most of the material, and played the straight man. Allen played a silly, addle-headed woman. Both attributed their success to the other, to the ends of their lives. Early on, the team had played the opposite roles until they noticed that the audience was laughing at Gracie's straight lines, so they made the change. Burns and Allen developed their popular routine over more than three decades of stage, radio, film, and television. Historians of popular culture have often stated that Allen was a brilliant comedian, whose entire career consisted of engaging in dialogues of "illogical logic" that left her verbal opponents dazed and confused, and her audiences in stitches. During a typical 23-minute episode of the Burns and Allen show, the vast majority of the dialogue and speaking parts were written for Allen, who was credited with having the genius to deliver her lengthy diatribes in a fashion that made it look as though she was making her arguments up on the spot.

View Details

They Met At Dorset (Aired February 23, 1943)

After a successful tryout in New York City, the series was picked up by NBC in April 1935 and broadcast nationally, usually late at night and always on Wednesdays. Cooper stayed on the program until June 1936, when another Chicago writer, Arch Oboler, took over. By the time Cooper left, the series had inspired about 600 fan clubs. Cooper's run was characterized by grisly stories spiked with dark, tongue-in-cheek humor, a sort of radio Grand Guignol. A character might be buried or eaten or skinned alive, vaporized in a ladle of white-hot steel, absorbed by a giant slurping amoeba, have his arm torn off by a robot, tortured or decapitated -- always with the appropriate blood-curdling acting and sound effects.

THIS EPISODE:

February 23, 1943. CBS network. "They Met At Dorset". Sponsored by: Ironized Yeast, Molle Shaving Cream. Two German soldiers parachute into England on a mission to rescue Rudolph Hess. Seeking shelter from the rain, they come upon a genuine haunted house. A good radio ghost story. Arch Oboler (writer, host), Frank Martin (commercial spokesman). 21:02. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Eric Spalding Concert (Aired January 13, 1950)

Candy Matson, in its various guises, was one of the ground-breaking lady detective anthologies from The Golden Age of Radio. Locally produced out of the KNBC studios in San Francisco, the series was produced, written and directed by Monty Masters and starred his wife, Natalie Masters, the former Natalie Park. One of only a handful of successful female-led radio noir detective dramas of the era, Candy Matson was the eighth attempt to launch a successful distaff gumshoe series over Radio. After the fine-tuning of the audition--and the green light from NBC--Candy Matson aired as 'Candy Matson, YUkon 2-8209', with expanded characterizations for both Rembrandt and Lt. Mallard and a somewhat 'friskier' Candy herself. The combination clicked. Monty Masters' snappy dialogue, regular references to Bay Area locations, sports teams, cultural attractions and historic landmarks made for a both entertaining and familiar local production. The Jack Webb influence was unmistakeable. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

View Details

Polly Morrison's Gun Collection (Aired July 28, 1944)

On April 11, 1945, Richard Kollmar took over the title role in a radio series syndicated by Frederic W. Ziv to Mutual and other network outlets. Over 200 episodes of this series were produced between 1944 and October 25, 1950. Other sponsors included Lifebuoy Soap, Champagne Velvet beer, and R&H beer. While investigating mysteries, Blackie invaribly encountered harebrained Police Inspector Farraday (Maurice Tarplin) and always solved the mystery to Farraday's amazement. Initially, friction surfaced in the relationship between Blackie and Farraday, but as the series continued, Farraday recognized Blackie's talents and requested assistance. Blackie dated Mary Wesley (Jan Miner), and for the first half of the series, his best pal Shorty was always on hand. The humorless Farraday was on the receiving end of Blackie's bad puns and word play. Kent Taylor starred in the half-hour TV series, The Adventures of Boston Blackie. Syndicated in 1951.

THIS EPISODE:

July 28, 1944. "Polly Morrison's Gun Collection" - NBC network, WEAF, New York aircheck. Sponsored by: Rinso, Lifebuoy Soap, Bulova (local). Boston Blackie is accused of murdering the caretaker of the Devon estate. His blood-stained coat proves that he's guilty. Chester Morris, Richard Lane, Charles Cornell (organ), Harlow Wilcox (announcer), Tony Barrett, Jan Miner. 29:35. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Final Payment (Aired December 11, 1948)

The stories were well written and directed by William N. Robson as well as McGill. The skill of this group shows in making the series very good radio. The show was a big promoter of the free press and the first amendment with its opening sequence: "Freedom of the press is a flaming sword! Use it justly...hold it high...guard it well!" The second series began immediately in the 1943 season when the production moved from Hollywood to New York. Robinson left (Trevor left two years earlier as her career starting taking off) and McGill reorganized the series placing Edward Pawley in the role of Wilson opposite Fran Carlon as Lorelei. Pawley's Wilson was more mellifluous compared to the rather nasty Robinson. The series' success continued on radio until 1952 leaving only the television version (which began in 1950). (Thanks to Robert G. Corder, author of a new biography of Edward Pawley.)

THIS EPISODE:

December 11, 1948. NBC network. "The Final Payment". Sponsored by: Lifebuoy, Rinso. Steve Wilson and Lorelei bust an obituary sales racket. Edward Pawley, Fran Carlon. 29:39. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Craig Norton (Aired April 20, 1948)
The production didn't stint on talent, as hinted above. No less than Ivan Ditmars provided the music direction and in addition to Herb Lytton as 'Fate', the varying casts included Lurene Tuttle, Larry Dobkin, Hal Sawyer, Gloria Blondell, Frank Albertson, Jerry Hausner, Howard McNear, Peter Leeds, Ken Peters, Daws Butler and William Johnstone. All in all a superb well of talent from which to draw each week. While a bit difficult to document, the production remains quite collectable and the perspective of the presentation is also unique for the era--or since for that matter. Diary of Fate is one of Radio's little, oft-overlooked gems that demand pulling out, polishing up for better enjoyment, then dutifully returning them to their preserve for another airing one day in the future.

THIS EPISODE:

April 20, 1948. Program #19. Finley syndication. "Craig Norton". Commercials added locally. Book 97, page 824. A reader for a literary agency is constantly reminded of his own miserable failure as an author. The date is subject to correction. No cast credits given. Larry Finley (producer). 28:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Beware The Walking Dog (Aired May 3, 1953)

Barry Craig, Confidential Investigator is one of the few detective radio series that had separate versions of it broadcast from both coasts. Even the spelling changed over the years. It was first "Barry Crane" and then "Barrie Craig". NBC produced it in New York from 1951 to 1954 and then moved it to Hollywood where it aired from 1954 to 1955. It attracted only occasional sponsors so it was usually a sustainer.William Gargan, who also played the better known television (and radio) detective Martin Kane, was the voice of New York eye BARRY CRAIG while Ralph Bell portrayed his associate, Lt. Travis Rogers. Craig's office was on Madison Avenue and his adventures were fairly standard PI fare. He worked alone, solved cases efficiently, and feared no man. As the promos went, he was "your man when you can't go to the cops. Confidentiality a speciality."Like Sam Spade, Craig narrated his stories, in addition to being the leading character in this 30 minute show. Nearly sixty episodes are in trading circulation today.

View Details

INTRO: Whitney Houston - "Didn't We Almost Have It All" (1987)
The Comfy Collar Shirt Company (Aired June 9, 1944)
Amos Jones and Andy Brown worked on a farm near Atlanta, Georgia, and during the episodes of the first week, they made plans to find a better life in Chicago, despite warnings from a friend. With four ham and cheese sandwiches and $24, they bought train tickets and headed for Chicago where they lived in a State Street rooming house and experienced some rough times before launching their own business, the Fresh Air Taxi Company. With the listening audience increasing in the spring and summer of 1928, the show's success prompted the Pepsodent Company to bring it to the NBC Blue Network on August 19, 1929.

THIS EPISODE:

June 9, 1944. NBC network. Commercials deleted. The start of the program is delayed for D-Day bulletins (Communique #8) and invasion news (four and a half minutes). The case of Andy and "The Comfy Collar Shirt Company". The system cue has been deleted. Freeman Gosden, Charles Correll, Harlow Wilcox (announcer), Elinor Harriot. 26:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Token (Aired January 18, 1953)

The first two seasons of General Electric Theater established the half-hour anthology format of adaptations of popular plays, short stories, novels, magazine fiction and motion pictures. "The Eye of the Beholder," for example, a Hitchcock-like telefilm thriller starring Richard Conte and Martha Vickers, dramatized an artist's relationship with his model from differing, sometimes disturbing psychological perspectives. The addition of Ronald Reagan as program host commencing the third season 26 September 1954 reflected GE's decision to pursue a campaign of continuous, consistent company voice advertising. The Reagan role of program host and occasional guest star brought needed continuity to disparate anthology offerings.

THIS EPISODE:

January 18, 1953. CBS network. "The Token". Sponsored by: General Electric. 8:30 P. M. (EST). After the story, Dana Andrews mentions that he recently flew from London to Bombay on "the only commercial jetliner in the world." It was the British built "Comet." He describes it as, "quite an experience." The program is announced as, "The General Electric Summer Theatre," despite the date above. It may have been recorded on the above date, but there are 13 other known shows in the series, and a 14 show series would be unusual. Dana Andrews, Joseph Hergeshimer (author), Ken Carpenter (announcer), John Meston (adaptor), Jeanne Bates, Georgia Ellis, Theodore Von Eltz, Harry Bartell, John Dehner, Wilbur Hatch (music), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director). 32:24. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Quincy Killers (Aired April 24, 1948)

Gang Busters was an American dramatic radio program heralded as "the only national program that brings you authentic police case histories." It premiered as G-Men, sponsored by Chevrolet, on July 20, 1935. After the title was changed to Gang Busters January 15, 1936, the show had a 21-year run through November 20, 1957. Beginning with a barrage of loud sound effects — guns firing and tires squealing — this intrusive introduction led to the popular catch phrase "came on like Gang Busters."The series dramatized FBI cases, which producer-director Phillips H. Lord arranged in close association with Bureau director J. Edgar Hoover.

THIS EPISODE:

April 24, 1948. Program #526. ABC network origination, syndicated, WRVR-FM, New York rebroadcast. "The Case Of The Quincy Killers". Participating sponsors. A father and son team specialize in kidnapping, theft and murder. This program is noted for its use of a melodeon instead of the usual organ. WRVR rebroadcast date: July 9, 1973. Ted Corday (director), Stanley Niss (writer), William Zuckert, Bill Smith, Phillips H. Lord (producer), Don Gardiner (announcer), Ben Hunter (KEX Portland Oregon announcer). 23:57. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Deathwatch In Boston (Aired November 15, 1948)

Raymond's closing was an elongated "Pleasant dreeeammsss?!" His tongue-in-cheek style and ghoulish relish of his own tales became the standard for many such horror narrators to follow, from fellow radio hosts like Ernest Chappell (on Cooper's later series, Quiet, Please) and Maurice Tarplin (on The Mysterious Traveler) to EC Comics' Crypt-Keeper in various incarnations of Tales from the Crypt. In interviews, EC publisher Bill Gaines stated that he based EC's three horror hosts not on Raymond but on Old Nancy, host of radio's earlier The Witch's Tale (1931-38). When Johnson left the series in 1946, he was replaced by Paul McGrath, who did not keep the "Raymond" name and was known only as "your host" or "Mr. Host."

THIS EPISODE:

November 15, 1948. Program #53. CBS network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "Deathwatch In Boston". A midnight visit by a raven that says, "It is later than you think!" Dr. Dickens meets "Charon" and his interesting pet. Dickens has a head in a box, Charon can predict who will die next, and the raven quotes Edgar Allan Poe! An interesting story. The program has also been identified as AFRS #114. Mason Adams, Ted Osborne, Fred Maytho (writer), Paul McGrath (host), Santos Ortega, Lesley Woods. 26:26. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Red Record (Aired August 20, 1952)

Warner Brothers released a film based on these accounts entitled "I Was A Communist For The FBI", starring with Frank Lovejoy as Cvetic. In 1952, in the midst of the Red scare of the 1950's, the Frederick W. Ziv Company produced the syndicated radio series with the same title as the movie. It was produced without assistance from the FBI, which refused to cooperate. I Was a Communist for the FBI consisted of 78 episodes syndicated by the Frederick W. Ziv Company to more than 600 stations, including KNX in Los Angeles, California, with original episodes running from April 23, 1952 to October 14, 1953. Each episode ended with Dana Andrew's well-remembered words, ""I was a Communist for the FBI. I walk alone". The show had a budget of $12,000 a week, a very high cost to produce a radio show at the time.

THIS EPISODE:

August 20, 1952. Program #18. ZIV Syndication. "The Red Record". Commercials added locally. Cvetic travels to Chicago looking for a "black book," possibly hidden inside a radio! The date is subject to correction. Dana Andrews, Truman Bradley (announcer), Barton Yarborough, Paul Richards, Harry Lang, Herb Vigran, David Rose (music). 27:00. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Ruby & the Romantics "Our Day Will Come" (1963)
Vanishing Point - Death & The Compass (Aired October 26, 1984)The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) began airing a fascinating range of classic, mystery, comedy, documentary, and supernatural drama throughout the 1970s to 1990s to a steadily expanding audience--both in Canada and throughout the northern portions of the U.S. The CBC's extensive Radio offerings were a fairly even mix of organic dramas and comedies showcasing Canada's own great actors, writers and production talent, as well as several popular transcribed, syndicated features from throughout the British Empire and the United States. Indeed many of America's most beloved, popular, versatile and award-winning character actors, musicians, and comedians were Canadian citizens who'd honed their craft in all manner of original Canadian Radio drama.

View Details

The Tom Cook Case (Aired August 20, 1949)

Dick Powell starred in the Richard Diamond, Private Detective radio series as a rather light-hearted detective who often ended the episodes singing to his girlfriend, Helen (Virginia Gregg). It began airing on NBC on April 24, 1949, picked up Rexall as a sponsor on April 5, 1950, and continued until December 6, 1950. The shows were written by Blake Edwards. Its theme, "Leave It to Love", was whistled by Powell at the beginning of each episode. With Camel cigarettes as a sponsor, it moved to ABC from January 5, 1951, to June 29, 1951, with Rexall returning for a run from October 5, 1951, until June 27, 1952. Substituting for Amos 'n' Andy, it aired Sunday evenings on CBS from May 31, 1953 until September 20, 1953.

THIS EPISODE:

August 20, 1949. "The Tom Cook Case" - NBC network. Sustaining. A young girl is run over in Central Park and young Tom Cook is accused of murdering her. A gangland rub-out takes place at the same time! Dick Powell sings, "There's Yes, Yes In Your Eyes." Blake Edwards (writer), David Ellis, Dick Powell, Ed Begley, Edward King (director), Eleanor Audley, Frank Lovejoy, Frank Worth (composer, conductor), Richard Sanville (director), Sam Edwards, Virginia Gregg, William Johnstone, Wilms Herbert. 29:35. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"The Mystery Man" (Aired June 4, 1949)

The Adventures of Frank Merriwell first ran on NBC radio from March 26 to June 22, 1934 as a 15-minute serial airing three times a week at 5:30pm. Sponsored by Dr. West's Toothpaste, this program starred Donald Briggs in the title role. Harlow Wilcox was the announcer. After a 12-year gap, the series returned October 5, 1946 as a 30-minute Saturday morning show on NBC, continuing until June 4, 1949. Lawson Zerbe starred as Merriwell, Jean Gillespie and Elaine Rostas as Inza Burrage, Harold Studer as Bart Hodge and Patricia Hosley as Elsie Belwood. Announcers were Mel Brandt and Harlow Wilcox, and the Paul Taubman Orchestra supplied the background music. A film serial entitled The Adventures of Frank Merriwell was created by Universal Studios in 1936.

THIS EPISODE:

June 4, 1949. NBC network. "The Mystery Man". Sustaining. Frank has to prove a man innocent of a 3-year-old crime to win a law scholarship and remain at Yale. Elaine Rost, Hal Studer, Harlow Wilcox, Lawson Zerbe, Paul Taubman (composer, conductor), Mel Brandt (announcer), Edward King (director), Hal Studer, Elaine Rost, Ruth Braun (writer), Gilbert Braun (writer), William Welch (writer), Burt L. Standish (creator). 29:30. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Dickens Other Christmas Story (Aired December 24, 1945)

In July 1845, Dickens contemplated forming a periodical focusing on the concerns of the home called The Cricket but the plan fell through, and he transformed his idea into a Christmas book in which he abandoned social criticism, current events, and topical themes in favour of simple fantasy and a domestic setting for his hero's redemption. The book was released on 20 December 1845 (the title page read "1846") and sold briskly into the New Year. Seventeen stage productions opened during the Christmas season 1845 with one production receiving Dickens's approval and opening on the same day as the book's release. Dickens read the tale four times in public performance. It has been dramatized in numerous languages and for years was more popular on stage than "A Christmas Carol." Vladimir Lenin publicly walked out of a performance of the "Cricket" play in the Soviet Union, calling it too sentimental, but it is less explicitly Christian than some of Dickens' other Christmas books. Best read as a fairy tale rather than realistic fiction, Cricket has been criticized for its sentimentality but contemporary readers were attracted to its depiction of the Victorian ideal of the happy home.

View Details

Christmas Special Entitled Present Arms (Aired December 25, 1968)

"Dad's Army" probably depicted more of an accurate version of the Home Guard than anyone could actually realise. Initially it was felt the series was maybe mocking England's finest hour and its first episodes were reviewed with great criticism. However, Jimmy Perry , David Croft and the cast felt that the show had many strengths and so did the steady flow of the British public which began following the Walmington-On-Sea platoon's exploits on Television each week. In 1969, "Dad's Army" embarked on its first Colour TV series, and with that success followed. A feature length film based on the series was made by Columbia Pictures in 1971, and a stage show based on the series toured the UK between 1975 - 76. The programme was also adapted for BBC Radio. Most of the cast are now no longer with us, but their memory lives on through regular repeats on BBC Television and UK Gold as well as many video and DVD releases.

THIS EPISODE:

December 25, 1968. "Present Arms" - It's Christmas Day 1940 and Mainwaring can't drop his sense of duty for even one day. He orders his men to parade and Wilson, being more relaxed about the whole affair, says they can wear civvies, but Mainwaring doesn't like the sergeant's sudden burst of decision making. The men arrive all dressed as Father Christmas, with various reasons why, Mainwaring views this as proof that you cannot be seen to let discipline drop for one moment. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

**INTRO: Bob Plays Michael Jackson "So This Is Christmas"
Author's Playhouse - Christmas By Injunction (12-21-41)

Christmas By Injunction (Aired December 21, 1941)**

Author's Playhouse was an anthology radio drama series, created by Wynn Wright, that aired on the NBC Blue Network from March 5, 1941 until October 1941. It then moved to the NBC Red Network where it was heard until June 4, 1945. Philip Morris was the sponsor in 1942-43. Premiering with "Elementals" by Stephen Vincent Benét, the series featured adaptations of stories by famous authors, such as “Mr. Mergenthwirker’s Lobbies” by Nelson Bond, "The Snow Goose" by Paul Gallico, "The Monkey's Paw" by W.W. Jacobs, "The Piano" by William Saroyan and "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" by James Thurber. Cast members included Curley Bradley, John Hodiak, Marvin Miller, Nelson Olmsted, Fern Persons, Olan Soule and Les Tremayne. Orchestra conductors for the program were Joseph Gallicchio, Rex Maupin and Roy Shield. Directors included Norman Felton, Homer Heck and Fred Weihe. The series was a precursor to several NBC radio programs of the late 1940s and early 1950s: The World's Great Novels, NBC Presents: Short Story and The NBC University Theater.

THIS EPISODE:

December 21, 1941. Red network. "Christmas By Injunction". Sustaining. The program originates from Chicago. A western town needs a young child at Christmas to receive the benefits from one of its citizens who has struck it rich. Carl Kroenke, Clarence Hartzell, Cliff Soubier, Curley Bradley, Dan Bowers, Eva Parnell, Fern Persons, Harriet Allen, Hilda Graham, Jack Mitchell (adaptor), Jerry Spellman, Michael Romano, O. Henry (author), Percy Hemus, Roy Shield (composer, conductor), Sidney Ellstrom. 32:20. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Bob Hope Show - "Christmas Presents" With Frank Sinatra (Aired December 24, 1952)

Hope first appeared on television in 1932 during a test transmission from an experimental CBS studio in New York. His career in broadcasting spanned sixty-four years and included a long association with NBC. Hope made his network radio debut in 1937 on NBC. His first regular series for NBC Radio was the Woodbury Soap Hour. A year later The Pepsodent Radio Show Starring Bob Hope began, and would run through 1953. Hope did many specials for the NBC television network in the following decades and these were often sponsored by Chrysler and Hope served as a spokesman for the firm for many years. Hope's Christmas specials were popular favorites and often featured a performance of "Silver Bells" (from his 1951 film The Lemon Drop Kid) done as a duet with an often much younger female guest star (such as Olivia Newton-John or Brooke Shields). His final television special was in 1996 with Tony Danza helping Hope present a retrospective about presidents of the United States. He also made a guest appearance on the NBC show "The Golden Girls" in the late 1980s.

View Details

INTRO: Nat King Cole Sings "The Christmas Song
Written by Bob Wells and Mel Tormé In June 1946

Scrooge The Miser (Christmas) 1953 *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

The Caltex Theater was an Australian Drama Anthology which aired from 1948 to 1960. It was a continuation of the Macquarie Radio Theatre (which began in 1941, with a name change in 1948). One-hour episodes aired weekly on Sunday evening at 8:00 PM. The cast included Richard Davies, Lyndall Barbour, Sheila Sewell, Alan White, Patricia Kennedy, and Keith Eden. Many of the productions were adaptations of popular movies, similar to Lux Radio Theatre in the U.S. At least 490 episodes were aired, but I know of only 6 that survive. Some of the plays include: ‘Crime and Punishment’, ‘Lass of Richmond Hill’, ‘Iris’, ‘Good-bye Mr Chips’, ‘The Petrified Forest’. Contributors: Caltex Oil (SPO), Hanson-Rubensohn Company, Sydney (SPO), Lawrence H. Cecil (PDR), E. Mason Wood (PDE), Walter Pym (PDR), Reginald Goldsworthy (PDR), Richard Lane (SCR), Kay Keavney (SCR), Fay Hardy (RES). Cast: Richard Davies, Lyndall Barbour, Sheila Sewell, Alan White, Patricia Kennedy, Keith Eden. Broadcast details: 1948-1960 ; Sundays on 2GB (and Macquarie Network) at 8.00pm. Notes: ‘Caltex Theatre’ was a continuation of ‘Macquarie Radio Theatre’ which began in 1941. One production per month came from 3AW Melbourne and was directed by Myles Wright, the other productions came from Sydney. Some Below Notes From The Old Time Radio Plot Spot.

View Details

Snowman (Aired December 19, 1951)

The Halls of Ivy featured Colman as William Todhunter Hall, the president of small, Midwestern Ivy College, and his wife, Victoria, a former British musical comedy star who sometimes felt the tug of her former profession, and followed their interactions with students, friends and college trustees. Others in the cast included Herbert Butterfield as testy board chairman Clarence Wellman; Willard Waterman (then starring as Harold Peary's successor as The Great Gildersleeve) as board member John Merriweather; and, Elizabeth Patterson and Gloria Gordon as the Halls' maid. The series ran 110 half-hour radio episodes from January 6, 1950 to June 25, 1952, with Quinn, Jerome Lawrence, and Robert Lee writing most of the scripts and giving free if even more sophisticated play to Quinn's knack for language play, inverted cliches and swift puns (including the show's title and lead characters), a knack he'd shown for years. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

December 19, 1951. "Snowman" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Schlitz Beer. President Hall is disturbed because his students haven't built a Christmas snowman in front of his house. The program may be dated February 10, 1950. Alan Reed (?), Arthur Q. Bryan, Benita Hume, Don Quinn (creator, writer), Gloria Gordon, Henry Russell (composer, conductor), Ken Carpenter (announcer), Nat Wolff (director), Ronald Colman, Walter Newman (writer). 27:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Delayed Christmas Present (Aired December 23, 1951)

Bill Forman had the title role of host and narrator. Others who portrayed the Whistler at various times were Gale Gordon, Joseph Kearns, Marvin Miller (announcer for The Whistler and The Bickersons and later as Michael Anthony on TV's The Millionaire), Bill Johnstone (who had the title role on radio's The Shadow from 1938 to 1943) and Everett Clarke. Cast members included Hans Conried, Joseph Kearns, Cathy Lewis, Elliott Lewis, Gerald Mohr, Lurene Tuttle and Jack Webb. Writer-producer J. Donald Wilson established the tone of the show during its first two years, and he was followed in 1944 by producer-director George Allen. Other directors included Sterling Tracy and Sherman Marks with final scripts by Joel Malone and Harold Swanton. Of the 692 episodes, over 200 no longer exist. In 1946, a local Chicago version of The Whistler with local actors aired Sundays on WBBM, sponsored by Meister Brau beer.

THIS EPISODE:

December 23, 1951. CBS Pacific network. "Delayed Christmas Present". Sponsored by: Signal Oil. The story of a nightclub singer's flight from a gangster, as told in a cheap Panamanian saloon. Betty Lou Gerson, Bill Bouchey, Bill Forman (announcer), Britt Wood (harmonica), Edward Bloodworth (writer), George W. Allen (producer), Marvin Miller, Wilbur Hatch (music), William Conrad. 31:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

From Season 5, Episode 14 'The Christmas Story' (First Aired Dec 19, 1954)

Father Knows Best is an American sitcom starring Robert Young, Jane Wyatt, Elinor Donahue, Billy Gray and Lauren Chapin. The series, which first began on radio in 1949, aired as a television show for six seasons with a total of 203 episodes. Created by Ed James, Father Knows Best follows the lives of the Andersons, a middle-class family living in the Midwestern town of Springfield. The state in which Springfield is located is never specified, but it is generally accepted to be located in the Midwestern United States. The show ran on CBS for only one season and was canceled the following year. It was picked up by NBC, where it remained for three seasons. After a second cancellation in 1958, the series was picked up yet again, by CBS, where it aired until May 1960.

THIS EPISODE:

December 19, 1954. "The Christmas Story" - The Andersons are preparing for the holidays. As they decorate the tree, they recall the story of how they managed to get that particular tree. As they are decorating their Christmas tree, the Andersons (Robert Young, Jane Wyatt, Elinor Donahue, Billy Gray and Lauren Chapin) recall the time they got snowbound and spent the holidays in a cabin with 'Ole Nick' who?

View Details

Scuttlebutt (05-16-52)

NBC Presents: Short Story first aired on February 21, 1951 as a natural extension of NBC's critically and popularly successful NBC University Theater productions, later retitled NBC Theater. Beginning in 1942, NBC had formalized its concept of the NBC University of The Air and its companion NBC Inter-American University of The Air. Throughout the mid-1940s NBC produced some twenty-five productions specifically designed to both educate and entertain. NBC Presents Short Story continued in that vein, devoting the first two minutes of each production to a brief history of the author of the work to be presented that evening. NBC Theater (the former NBC University Theater) ran through February 14, 1951. With the emphasis on retaining quality while at the same time lowering expenses, NBC introduced an anthology of the world's finest short stories. The series was to feature the greatest short story authors throughout history. And indeed the series went to great lengths to tout the authors of this fine series of classic short stories. The authors were some of history's most celebrated, award-winning writers. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

View Details

The Big Clock (Aired July 8, 1949)

The television version, produced and filmed at Hal Roach Studios, was broadcast for one season of 35 half-hour episodes on NBC, under the sponsorship of Eastman Kodak, airing from October 5, 1955 to September 12, 1956. Actors on the television series included John Wayne, Thomas Mitchell, Walter Brennan, Peter Lorre, Evelyn Ankers, Fay Wray, Errol Flynn, Edmond O'Brien, Buster Keaton, Buddy Ebsen, William Bendix, Robert Ryan, Brandon De Wilde, Laraine Day, George Sanders, Ward Bond, Rory Calhoun, Jack Carson, Neville Brand, Alan Young, Cloris Leachman, Edgar Buchanan, Peter Lawford, Marie Windsor, Charles Bickford, Zasu Pitts, Joe E. Brown, Jack Elam, Herb Shriner, Kim Hunter, Keenan Wynn, Jeanette MacDonald, Leo Durocher, Macdonald Carey, Ralph Bellamy, Basil Rathbone, Fred MacMurray, Jerry Mathers, Rod Steiger, Ray Milland, Alan Hale, Jr., Gower Champion, Marge Champion, Linda Darnell, Howard McNear, Dennis Hopper, and Leo Gordon. But there was one difference between the two versions of the program: while the radio program had presented only condensed versions of well-known plays and films, the television version presented mostly original dramas.

THIS EPISODE:

July 8, 1949. NBC network. "The Big Clock". Sponsored by: Pabst Beer. A good adaptation of the classic thriller about a crime reporter forced to track down a killer...himself! Ray Milland, Maureen O'Sullivan, William Conrad, Lawrence Dobkin, Tony Barrett, John Farlow (screen director). 29:12. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Dean Martin Sings "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1949)
The Christmas Gift (Aired December 19, 1948)

The Nelsons' deal with ABC gave the network itself the right to move the show to television whenever it wanted to do it---they wanted, according to the Museum of Broadcast Communications, to have talent in the bullpen and ready to pitch, so to say, on their own network, rather than risk it defecting to CBS (where the Nelsons began) or NBC. Their sons, David and Ricky, did not join the cast until five years after the radio series began. The two boys felt frustrated at hearing themselves played by actors and continually requested they be allowed to portray themselves. Prior to April 1949, the role of David was played by Joel Davis (1944-45) and Tommy Bernard, and Henry Blair appeared as Ricky. Since Ricky was only nine years old when he began on the show, his enthusiasm outstripped his ability at script reading, and at least once he jumped a cue, prompting Harriet to say, "Not now, Ricky." Other cast members included John Brown as Syd "Thorny" Thornberry, Lurene Tuttle as Harriet's mother, Bea Benaderet as Gloria, Janet Waldo as Emmy Lou, and Dick Trout as Roger. Vocalists included Harriet Nelson, the King Sisters, and Ozzie Nelson.

THIS EPISODE:

December 19, 1948. "The Christmas Gift" - NBC network. Sponsored by: International Silver. Ozzie gets a new phonograph player. Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Hilliard, Verne Smith (announcer), Tommy Bernard, Henry Blair, Billy May (composer, conductor). 29:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bobby Helms - "Jingle Bell Rock" (1957)
The Magic Christmas Tree (Aired December 24, 1950)

Our Miss Brooks, an American situation comedy, began as a radio hit in 1948 and migrated to television in 1952, becoming one of the earlier hits of the so-called Golden Age of Television, and making a star out of Eve Arden (1908-1990) as comely, wisecracking, but humane high school English teacher Connie Brooks. The show hooked around Connie's daily relationships with Madison High School students, colleagues, and pompous principal Osgood Conklin (Gale Gordon), not to mention favourite student Walter Denton (future television and Rambo co-star Richard Crenna, who fashioned a higher-pitched voice to play the role) and biology teacher Philip Boynton ( Jeff Chandler), the latter Connie's all-but-unrequited love interest, who saw science everywhere and little else anywhere.

THIS EPISODE:

December 24, 1950. CBS network. "The Magic Christmas Tree". Sponsored by: Colgate Toothpaste, Lustre-Creme Shampoo. The script was previously used on December 19, 1948, December 25, 1949 and subsequently on December 23, 1951, December 21, 1952 and December 25, 1955. Eve Arden, Larry Berns (producer), Al Lewis (writer, director), Verne Smith (commercial spokesman), Bob Lemond (announcer), Wilbur Hatch (music), Jane Morgan, Richard Crenna, Gale Gordon, Jeff Chandler, Gloria McMillan. 29:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: **Frank Sinatra From The (MOVIE) "It Happened in Brooklyn" 1947
Jule Styne (Music) & Sammy Cahn (Lyrics)

The Chop Suey Murder Case (Aired December 30, 1949)**

The fact that no one sees the criminal, or the artist, actu'lly at work, is wholly incons'quential." Thankfully, the radio series uses only the name, and makes Philo a pretty normal, though very intelligent and extremely courteous gumshoe. Jose Ferrer played him in 1945. From 1948-1950, the fine radio actor Jackson Beck makes Vance as good as he gets. George Petrie plays Vance's constantly impressed public servant, District Attorney Markham. Joan Alexander is Ellen Deering, Vance's secretary and right-hand woman. The organist for the show is really working those ivories, and fans of old time radio organ will especially enjoy this series. Perhaps one reason the organist "pulls out all the stops" is because there seems to be little, if any, sound effects on the show. Philo Vance, the radio series, does pay homage to the original books in that both were, even in their own time, a bit out of date and stilted. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

December 30, 1949. Program #76. ZIV Syndication. "The Chop Suey Murder Case". Commercials added locally. After a robbery and murder in Chinatown, Vance gets a jive-talking you Chinese assistant (who sounds like Charlie Chan's "Number One" son). The killer asks for an order of Din Yip Har...at $15,000 a dish! Jackson Beck, George Petrie, Joan Alexander. 30:00. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Plays Kenny G.
"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"
Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke"
A Christmas Story (Aired December 20, 1952)
The series was created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston There were over 480 episodes broadcast in the 9 years it had spanned. The radio show first aired on April 26, 1952 and ran until June 18, 1961 on the CBS radio network. The series starred William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Howard McNear as Doc Charles Adams, Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, and Parley Baer as Deputy Chester Proudfoot. Doc's first name and Chester's last name were changed for the television program. Gunsmoke was notable for its critically acclaimed cast and writing, and is commonly regarded as one of the finest old time radio shows. Some listeners (such as old time radio expert John Dunning) have argued that the radio version of Gunsmoke was far more realistic than the television program. Episodes were aimed at adults, and featured some of the most explicit content of the day: there were violent crimes and scalpings, massacres and opium addicts. Miss Kitty's occupation as a prostitute was made far more obvious on the radio version than on television. Many episodes ended on a down-note, and villains often got away with their crimes.

THIS EPISODE:

December 20, 1952. CBS network. "Christmas Story". Sustaining. A good Christmas story, told by Marshal Dillon to a stranger on a strange horse out on the prairie. Christmas in Dodge City. An excellent script, great radio! William Conrad, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Lawrence Dobkin, Harry Bartell, John Dehner, Howard McNear, Roy Rowan (announcer), Antony Ellis (writer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Rex Koury (music). 30:02. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Bob Plays Kenny G.
"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"
Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke"
A Christmas Story (Aired December 20, 1952)
The series was created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston There were over 480 episodes broadcast in the 9 years it had spanned. The radio show first aired on April 26, 1952 and ran until June 18, 1961 on the CBS radio network. The series starred William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Howard McNear as Doc Charles Adams, Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, and Parley Baer as Deputy Chester Proudfoot. Doc's first name and Chester's last name were changed for the television program. Gunsmoke was notable for its critically acclaimed cast and writing, and is commonly regarded as one of the finest old time radio shows. Some listeners (such as old time radio expert John Dunning) have argued that the radio version of Gunsmoke was far more realistic than the television program. Episodes were aimed at adults, and featured some of the most explicit content of the day: there were violent crimes and scalpings, massacres and opium addicts. Miss Kitty's occupation as a prostitute was made far more obvious on the radio version than on television. Many episodes ended on a down-note, and villains often got away with their crimes.

THIS EPISODE:

December 20, 1952. CBS network. "Christmas Story". Sustaining. A good Christmas story, told by Marshal Dillon to a stranger on a strange horse out on the prairie. Christmas in Dodge City. An excellent script, great radio! William Conrad, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Lawrence Dobkin, Harry Bartell, John Dehner, Howard McNear, Roy Rowan (announcer), Antony Ellis (writer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Rex Koury (music). 30:02. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Christmas Day (Aired December 25, 1946)
During the 1930s, as vaudeville went into decline owing to increased competition from radio and the movies, Willock and Carson sought work in Hollywood, initially landing bit roles at RKO. The radio also proved to be a source of employment for the team following a 1938 appearance on the Kraft Music Hall during Bing Crosby's period as program host. This led to a number of other appearances which would culminate in Carson's own radio show in 1943. From 1950-51, Carson was one of four alternating hosts of NBC's "4 Star Revue." Other hosts that season were Jimmy Durante, Ed Wynn. and Danny Thomas. The show aired Wednesday evenings. Carson's second season was his last with the comedy-variety program when its title was changed to "All Star Revue.

THIS EPISODE:

December 25, 1946. CBS network. Sponsored by: Campbell's Soup. A visit to Jack's house on "Christmas Day". Jack sings, "The House I Live In." Jack Carson, Arthur Treacher, Freddy Martin and His Orchestra, Dave Willock, Del Sharbutt (announcer), Norma Jean Nilsson, Irene Ryan, Stuart Wade (vocal), The Martin Men. 29:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

A Pail Of Air (Aired March 28, 1956)

X Minus One was an NBC science fiction series that was an extension, or revival, of NBC's earlier science fiction series, Dimension X. which ran from Apr. 8, 1950 through Sept. 29, 1951. Both are remembered for bringing really first rate science fiction to the air. The first X Minus One shows used scripts from Dimension X, but soon created new shows from storied from the pages of Galaxy Magazine. The series was cancelled after the 126th broadcast on January 9, 1958. However, the early 1970s brought a wave of nostalgia for old-time radio; a new experimental episode, "The Iron Chancellor" by Robert Silverberg, was created in 1973, but it failed to revive the series. NBC also tried broadcasting the old recordings, but their irregular once-monthly scheduling kept even devoted listeners from following the broadcasts.

THIS EPISODE:

March 28, 1956. NBC network. "A Pail Of Air". Sustaining. A story about the last family left on a frozen Earth. The script was used subsequently on May 6, 1974 on "Future Tense" and on "Audion Theatre" on September 1, 1990. Richard Hamilton, Rita Lloyd, Ronald Liss, George Lefferts (adaptor), William Welch (producer), Daniel Sutter (director), Eleanor Phelps, Fritz Leiber Jr. (author), Joe DeSantis, Pamela Fitzmaurice, Fred Collins (announcer). 29:08. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Santa Claus In Glass" (Aired December 25, 1950)

Let George Do It was a radio drama series produced by Owen and Pauline Vinson from 1946 to 1954. It starred Bob Bailey as detective-for-hire George Valentine (with Olan Soule stepping into the role in 1954). Clients came to Valentine's office after reading a newspaper carrying his classified ad: "Personal notice: Danger's my stock in trade. If the job's too tough for you to handle, you've got a job for me. George Valentine. "The few earliest episodes were more sitcom than private eye shows, with a studio audience providing scattered laughter at the not-so-funny scripts. Soon the audience was banished, and George went from stumbling comedic hero to tough guy private eye, while the music became suspenseful. Valentine's secretary was Claire Brooks, aka Brooksie (Frances Robinson, Virginia Gregg, Lillian Buyeff). Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

December 25, 1950. Mutual-Don Lee network. "Santa Claus in Glass". Standard Oil. A Christmas celebration features roasting duck and "another woman" with a surprising identity. Bob Bailey steps out of character to give Christmas greetings to listeners. Bob Bailey, Virginia Gregg, Irene Tedrow, Robert Griffin, Lawrence Dobkin, Bob Bruce, Barney Phillips, Bud Hiestand (announcer), David Victor (writer), Jackson Gillis (writer), Don Clark (director), Eddie Dunstedter (music). 29:43. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"Murder Rents A Room" (Aired June 5, 1947)

Crime club literary selections were all the rage during the first half of the 20th century. Doubleday was the first to form a literary Crime Club in 1928. Doubleday's distinctive 'Crime man' (left sidebar) was strategically imprinted on their Doubleday Crime Club selections. The Collins Publishing House in England had their Collins Crime Club launched in 1930, issuing Agatha Christie's first novel, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, as one of their first selections. The Collins Crime Club imprint (left sidebar) announced its Crime Club selections as "The sign of a good detective novel." Eno Fruit Salts, and the Columbia Basic Network joined forces in 1931 to air the Eno Crime Club. The program ran for two years over the Columbia Basic Network and for three years over NBC's Blue Network. During April 1933, the program was renamed Eno Crime Clues. The program ultimately left the air at the end of June 1936. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

June 05, 1947. Mutual network. "Murder Rents A Room". Sustaining. A rich man "dies" but most of his money is missing. The man's ne'er-do-well nephew is suspect. Sarah Elizabeth Mason (writer); Bill Smith; Cameron Prud'Homme; Helen Shields; Shirling Oliver; Stedman Coles (adaptor); Elspeth Eric;. 30:13. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: The Classic IV - "Limbo Under The Christmas Tree"
The Falcon - "The Case Of The Unwelcome Christmas Present" (Aired December 24, 1950)

This hard boiled spy drama began as an RKO Radio Pictures theatrical serial in the 1940s, went on radio in 1945, and then came to TV ten years later in this Syndicated series produced for distribution by NBC Films; Charles McGraw had been in many motion pictures before and after including "The Killers", "Spartacus" and "Cimarron"; in this series he played the title role of a man whose real name was supposedly Mike Waring, an American agent whose code name was "Falcon"; Later Charles McGraw starred in a short lived TV version of "Casablanca" (1955 - 1956) in the character of Rick; He also had a role on the detective drama "Staccato" (1959) Actor McGraw (whose birth name was Charles Butters) met an unfortunate death in real life when he fell through a shower glass door in 1980 at his home in Studio City, CA.

View Details

**INTRO: The Beach Boys "Little Saint Nick" (1964)
Broadway Is My Beat - "Nick Norman Santa Claus" (Aired December 24, 1949)

Broadway Is My Beat - Nick Norman Santa Claus aka: Santa Takes A Powder**

Broadway Is My Beat, a radio crime drama, ran on CBS from February 27, 1949 to August 1, 1954. With music by Robert Stringer, the show originated from New York during its first three months on the air, with Anthony Ross portraying Times Square Detective Danny Clover. John Dietz directed for producer Lester Gottlieb. Beginning with the July 7, 1949 episode, the series was broadcast from Hollywood with producer Elliott Lewis directing a new cast in scripts by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. The opening theme of "I'll Take Manhattan" introduced Detective Danny Clover (now played by Larry Thor), a hardened New York City cop who worked homicide "from Times Square to Columbus Circle -- the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world." Danny Clover narrated the tales of the Great White Way to the accompaniment of music by Wilbur Hatch and Alexander Courage, and the recreation of Manhattan's aural tapestry required the talents of three sound effects technicians (David Light, Ralph Cummings, Ross Murray). Bill Anders was the show's announcer. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

December 24, 1949. " Nick Norman Santa Claus" - CBS network. Sustaining. A Christmas show. Nick Norman is just out of Sing Sing after fifteen years and is scheduled to play Santa Claus for the P. A. L. The day before the big day, Santa Takes A Powder, while a miserly landlord demands his rent! This is a network version. Howard McNear, Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Gil Stratton, Shepard Menken, Peggy Webber, Larry Thor, Charles Calvert, Alexander Courage (composer), Wilbur Hatch (conductor), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Hal March, Bert Holland, Estelle Dodge, Joe Walters (announcer). 32:11. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Line Is Dead (Aired September 20, 1946)

According to Billboard magazine, talent and production costs for Murder At Midnight averaged about $5000 per program, one of the higher costs of canned, syndicated programming of the era. But the investment shows. And indeed, well into its almost six years of syndication, the series continued to pull respectable audience shares. The talent included well known names such as Lawson Zerbe, Karl Swenson, Berry Kroeger, Lon Clark, Frank Readick, Elspeth Eric, Mandel Kramer, Michael Fitzmaurice, Alfred Shirley, and Raymond Edward Johnson--and his wife, among many other well-respected east coast actors of the era. Anton Leader, later famous for his Television work, directed the series. The writing staff was also top-notch, with names such as Max Erlich, Joe Ruscoll and Robert Newman, among others

THIS EPISODE:

September 20, 1946. Program #23. KFI, Los Angeles origination, Cowan syndication, World transcription. "The Line Is Dead". Commercials added locally. A man who was nearly buried alive has a telephone installed in his coffin, in case it happens again! Raymond Morgan (host), Rafe Blau (writer), Raymond Edward Johnson, Mrs. Raymond Edward Johnson, Anton M. Leader (director), Charles Paul (organist), Louis G. Cowan (producer). 27:21. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"Christmas Present" (Aired December 17, 1944)
INTRO - Dean Martin - "Got My Love To Keep Me Warm" (1959)

The Life of Riley, with William Bendix in the title role, was a popular radio situation comedy series of the 1940s that was adapted into a 1949 feature film and continued as a long-running television series during the 1950s. The show began as a proposed Groucho Marx radio series, The Flotsam Family, but the sponsor balked at what would have been essentially a straight head-of-household role for the comedian. Then producer Irving Brecher saw Bendix as taxicab company owner Tim McGuerin in the movie The McGuerins from Brooklyn (1942). The Flotsam Family was reworked with Bendix cast as blundering Chester A. Riley, riveter at a California aircraft plant, and his frequent exclamation of indignation---"What a revoltin' development this is!"---became one of the most famous catch phrases of the 1940s.

THIS EPISODE:

December 17, 1944. Blue network, KECA, Los Angeles aircheck. Sponsored by: American Meat Institute. Riley has gotten a mysterious "Christmas Present". It's from Walla, Walla. Who is it from? William Bendix, John Brown, Ken Niles (announcer), Don Bernard (director), Lou Coslowe (music). 29:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Playing Hooky (Aired March 23, 1946)

The Life of Riley, with William Bendix in the title role, was a popular radio situation comedy series of the 1940s that was adapted into a 1949 feature film and continued as a long-running television series during the 1950s. The show began as a proposed Groucho Marx radio series, The Flotsam Family, but the sponsor balked at what would have been essentially a straight head-of-household role for the comedian. Then producer Irving Brecher saw Bendix as taxicab company owner Tim McGuerin in the movie The McGuerins from Brooklyn (1942). The Flotsam Family was reworked with Bendix cast as blundering Chester A. Riley, riveter at a California aircraft plant, and his frequent exclamation of indignation---"What a revoltin' development this is!"---became one of the most famous catch phrases of the 1940s. The radio series also benefited from the immense popularity of a supporting character, Digby "Digger" O'Dell (John Brown), "the friendly undertaker".

THIS EPISODE:

March 23, 1946. "Playing Hooky" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Teel, Dreft. Riley plays hooky from work, but when Junior plays hooky from school, Riley is incensed! Don Bernard (director), Irving Brecher (creator, producer), John Brown, Ken Carpenter (announcer), Lou Kosloff (music), Paula Winslowe, Scotty Beckett, William Bendix. 29:17. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Eager Witness (Aired August 27, 1949)

The first portrayal of Phillip Marlowe on the radio was by Dick Powell, when he played Raymond Chandler's detective on the Lux Radio Theater on June 11, 1945. This was a radio adaptation of the 1944 movie, from RKO, in which Mr. Powell played the lead. Two years later, Van Heflin starred as Marlowe in a summer replacement series for the Bob Hope Show on NBC. This series ran for 13 shows. On September 26, 1948, Gerald Mohr became the third radio Marlowe, this time on CBS. It remained a CBS show through its last show in 1951.

THIS EPISODE:

August 27, 1949. CBS network. "The Eager Witness". Sustaining. Marlowe tracks down the real killer after a witness at a trial seems to be too eager to testify. Raymond Chandler (creator), Gerald Mohr, Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Gene Levitt (writer), Robert Mitchell (writer), Mel Dinelli (writer), John Dehner, Michael Ann Barrett, Junius Matthews, Ben Wright, Lou Krugman, Lawrence Dobkin, Bud Widom, Richard Aurandt (music), Roy Rowan (announcer), George Harry (Joy Terry?). 29:34. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Pattern For Revenge (Aired October 2, 1949)

Rocky Jordan was a radio series about an American restaurateur in Cairo who each week became involved in some kind of mystery or adventure. The show was broadcast on CBS from October 31st 1948 to September 10th 1950. and then again from June 27th 1951 to August 22nd 1951. The character of Rocky Jordan had been introduced to listeners in a similar show called A Man Named Jordan that was broadcast in 1945 but set in Istanbul rather than Cairo. The two lead roles were those of Rocky Jordan and Captain Sam Sabaaya of the Cairo Police. For most of the show's history Jordan was played by veteran radio actor Jack Moyles, but he was replaced by a movie star, George Raft, for the brief 1951 run. Jay Novello played Sabaaya throughout the entire series. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

October 2, 1949. CBS Pacific network. "Pattern For Revenge". Sponsored by: Del Monte. Rocky's name is on a list of people to be killed...and one by one they are! This is a network, sponsored version. Jack Moyles, Jay Novello, Larry Thor (announcer), Richard Aurandt (composer, conductor), Larry Roman (writer), Gomer Cool (writer), Cliff Howell (producer, director). 29:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Flamingos are a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inducted Doo-Wop group from the United States, most popular in the mid to late 1950s and best known for their 1959 cover version of "I Only Have Eyes for You". Billboard magazine wrote: *"Universally hailed as one of the finest and most influential vocal groups in pop music history, the Flamingos defined doo wop at its most elegant and sophisticated.

Artists that have recorded the song include: Sunny Ozuna (1968), Robert Knight (1970), David Porter (1970), Carmen McCrae (1972), Jermaine Jackson (1972), The Escorts (1973) Erroll Garner(1974), Eddie Floyd (1977), The Main Ingredient (1981), Billy Paul (1985), Etta James (1999), George Benson (2000) and Boyz II Men (2017).*

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke"
"Shakespeare" (Aired August 23, 1952)
The radio show first aired on April 26, 1952 and ran until June 18, 1961 on the CBS radio network. The series starred William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Howard McNear as Doc Charles Adams, Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, and Parley Baer as Deputy Chester Proudfoot. Doc's first name and Chester's last name were changed for the television program. Gunsmoke was notable for its critically acclaimed cast and writing, and is commonly regarded as one of the finest old time radio shows. Some listeners (such as old time radio expert John Dunning) have argued that the radio version of Gunsmoke was far more realistic than the television program. Episodes were aimed at adults, and featured some of the most explicit content of the day: there were violent crimes and scalpings, massacres and opium addicts. Miss Kitty's occupation as a prostitute was made far more obvious on the radio version than on television. Many episodes ended on a down-note, and villains often got away with their crimes.

THIS EPISODE:

August 23, 1952. CBS network. "Shakespeare". Sustaining. A good story about a crazed Shakespearean actor who commits murder during a Kansas heat wave. Antony Ellis (performer, writer), Antony Ellis (performer, writer), Hans Conried, Howard McNear, Mary Lansing, Parley Baer, Roy Rowan (announcer), William Conrad. 30:03. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Malevolent Medic (Aired February 23, 1951)
The Adventures of Nero Wolf was first heard by a national audience. But again, many of the details of this second, Summer 1943 run of 13 episodes--other than its episode titles and its star, famous character actor Santos Ortega in the role of Nero Wolf--remain a mystery to this day. Indeed, we have only one representative episode of the 1944 run of The Adventures of Nero Wolf in circulation to date--and that lone episode is preserved only by its inclusion as a selection for the Armed Forces Radio Service's Mystery Playhouse series. The production run starred Santos Ortega in the role of Nero Wolf and Joseph Julian as Archie Goodwin.

THIS EPISODE:

February 23, 1951. NBC network. "The Case Of The Malevolent Medic". Sustaining. Mrs. Hal Horton, the wife of a wealthy industrialist, is in love with her doctor. However, Dr. Ben Sloane is planning to marry his nurse. When Mrs. Horton dies in the doctor's office, Mr. Horton suspects foul play. The system cue has been deleted. Sydney Greenstreet, Ruth Adams Knight (writer), Harry Bartell, Jeanne Bates, Mary Lansing, Don Stanley (announcer), Edwin Fadiman (producer), Rex Stout (creator), J. Donald Wilson (producer, director), Vic Perrin, William Johnstone, Ruth Paine. 29:44. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

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.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Tales Of The Texas Rangers"
The Devil's Share (Aired December 31, 1950)
Tales of the Texas Rangers, a western adventure old-time radio drama, premiered on July 8, 1950, on the US NBC radio network and remained on the air through September 14, 1952. Movie star Joel McCrea starred as Texas Ranger Jayce Pearson, who used the latest scientific techniques to identify the criminals and his faithful horse, Charcoal (or "Charky," as Jayce would sometimes refer to him), to track them down. The shows were reenactments of actual Texas Ranger cases. The series was produced and directed by Stacy Keach, Sr., and was sponsored for part of its run by Wheaties. Captain Manuel T. "Lone Wolf" Gonzaullas, a Ranger for 30 years and who was said to have killed 31 men during his career, served as consultant for the series.

THIS EPISODE:
December 31, 1950. NBC network. "The Devil's Share". Sustaining. On October 26, 1939, two brothers have an argument about money and a woman. Joel McCrea, Stacy Keach (producer, director), Hal Gibney (announcer), Joel Murcott (writer), Tony Barrett, Tom McKee, Parley Baer, Peggy Webber, Roy Glenn, Wilms Herbert, Rye Billsbury, Monty Fraser (sound effects), M. T. Lone Wolf Gonzaullas (consultant). 29:08. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Hanging Paperhanger (Aired August 5, 1945)
Nick's assistant, was portrayed by Helen Choate until mid-1946 and then Charlotte Manson stepped into the role. Nick and Patsy's friend was reporter Scubby Wilson (John Kane). Nick's contact at the police department was Sgt. Mathison (Ed Latimer). The supporting cast included Raymond Edward Johnson, Bill Johnstone and Bryna Raeburn. Michael Fitzmaurice was the program's announcer. The series ended on September 25, 1955. Chick Carter, Boy Detective was a serial adventure that aired weekday afternoons on Mutual. Chick Carter, the adopted son of Nick Carter, was played by Bill Lipton (1943-44) and Leon Janney (1944-45). The series aired from July 5, 1943 to July 6, 1945.

THIS EPISODE:
August 5, 1945. Mutual network. "The Hanging Paperhanger". Sponsored by: Lin-X waxes and cleaning products. A little old lady discovers an unusual racket when her landlord insists on new wallpaper for her room. Lon Clark. 26:09. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Katy Lane Murder Case (Aired July 25, 1954)

Broadway Is My Beat, a radio crime drama, ran on CBS from February 27, 1949 to August 1, 1954. With music by Robert Stringer, the show originated from New York during its first three months on the air, with Anthony Ross portraying Times Square Detective Danny Clover. John Dietz directed for producer Lester Gottlieb. Beginning with the July 7, 1949 episode, the series was broadcast from Hollywood with producer Elliott Lewis directing a new cast in scripts by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. The opening theme of "I'll Take Manhattan" introduced Detective Danny Clover (now played by Larry Thor), a hardened New York City cop who worked homicide "from Times Square to Columbus Circle -- the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world."

THIS EPISODE:

July 25, 1954. "The Katy Lane Murder Case" - CBS network. Sponsored by: Doublemint. Marty Lane has been pushed at a swimming pool and has a fractured skull, his wife Katy, later found dead. Larry Thor, Charles Calvert, Jack Kruschen, Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Alexander Courage (composer, conductor), Barney Phillips, Lou Merrill, Irene Tedrow, Cathy Lewis, Ted de Corsia, Bill Anders (announcer). 29:22. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The High Price Of Treason (Aired June 25, 1951)
Bold Venture is a 1951-1952 syndicated radio series starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Morton Fine and David Friedkin scripted the taped series for Bogart's Santana Productions. Salty seadog Slate Shannon (Bogart) owns a Cuban hotel sheltering an assortment of treasure hunters, revolutionaries and other shady characters. With his sidekick and ward, the sultry Sailor Duval (Bacall), tagging along, he encounters modern-day pirates and other tough situations while navigating the waters around Havana. Aboard his boat, the Bold Venture, Slate and Sailor experience "adventure, intrigue, mystery and romance in the sultry settings of tropical Havana and the mysterious islands of the Caribbean." Calypso singer King Moses (Jester Hairston) provided musical bridges by threading plot situations into the lyrics of his songs. Music by David Rose. Beginning March 26, 1951. . Heard on 423 stations, the 30-minute series earned $4000 weekly for Bogart and Bacall.

THIS EPISODE:

June 25, 1951. Program #14. ZIV Syndication. "Sailor Is Framed For Treason and Murder". Commercials added locally. A pair of spies have picked a patsy...and it's Sailor. Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Jester Hairston, Nestor Paiva, Henry Hayward (director), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), David Rose (composer, conductor). 26:44 Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Shopping Bag Lady (Aired April 12, 1956)
21st Precinct was one of the realistic police drama series of the early- to mid-1950's that were aired in the wake of DRAGNET. In 1953 CBS decided to use New York City as the backdrop for their own half-hour police series and focus on the day-to-day operation of a single police precinct. Actual cases were used as the basis for stories. "21st Precinct.., It's just lines on a map of the city of New York. Most of the 173,000 people wedged into the nine-tenths of a square mile between Fifth Avenue and the East River wouldn't know, if you asked them, that they lived or worked in the 21st. Whether they know it or not, the security of their persons, their homes, and their property is the job of the men of the 21st." The Precinct Captain acted as the narrator for the series.

THIS EPISODE:

April 12, 1956. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Shopping Bag Lady". Elderly Mary Klatovy is run down and killed by a taxi cab. It is determined that she has $9643 in cash in her shopping bag. Everett Sloane, Stanley Niss (writer, director), Ken Lynch, Harold Stone, Lola Peyser, Jan Miner, Les Damon, Frank Campanella, George Bryan (announcer). 27:07. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Christmas Shopping (Aired December 19, 1946)

Sponsors included Anchor-Hocking glass, Toni home permanet, Toni Creme Shampoo and Philip Morris cigarettes. Richard Carlyle and John Gibson portrayed the roles when the series premiered in April, 1951, but by June they were replaced by Darren McGavin and Cliff Hall. Ann Williams, a reporter on The Morning Express, was Casey’s girlfriend. During the summer of 1951 he acquired a partner in cub reporter Jack Lipman, who wrote copy to go with Casey’s pictures. This live series was set in and broadcast from, New York City.

THIS EPISODE:

December 19, 1946. CBS network. "Christmas Shopping". Sponsored by: Anchor Hocking Glass. Casey uses the nimble fingers of a pick pocket and a 10 ton truck to catch a pair of murderers. Tony Marvin (announcer), Staats Cotsworth, John Gibson, George Harmon Coxe (creator), Herman Chittison (piano), Alonzo Deen Cole (writer). 33:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Jailbreak (Aired February 22, 1953)

NBC first envisioned The Chase as a new Television feature. This was not uncommon during the later 1940s and early 1950s. Several Radio features straddled both media, with varying success. Developed as a psychological drama, the premise was that many life situations place their subjects in a 'chase' of one type or another. A chase for fame. A chase from peril. A chase to beat the clock. A chase to escape death. The added twist was the question of who is the hunter or the hunted in these situations. The scripts were faced paced, starred quality east coast talent and were well written. The series' plots and themes focused primarily on predominantly fear inducing pursuits of one form or another. Thus most of the scripts were fraught with tension of one type or another. Whether mental tension, physical peril or a mix of both, the abiding theme throughout the series was the the contrasts between the 'hunter' and the 'hunted' in such Life situations.

THIS EPISODE:

February 22, 1953. NBC network. "The Jailbreak". Sustaining. A tough cop goes under cover in a prison to get the goods on Monks, a very tough convict. Lawrence Klee (creator, writer), Fred Weihe (director, transcriber), Fred Collins (announcer), Larry Haines, Ralph Bell, Ken Williams, Kermit Murdock, Bernard Lenrow. 33:42. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Christmas Program (Aired December 18, 1947)

Burns and Allen are one of the most beloved couple in old time radio. They got started, like many of the greats of old time radio, in vaudeville, which is really just the touring popular entertainment in America prior to movies. Gracie was the sparkplug of the act, always the center of attention. George played the foil, the guy vainly trying to make sense of the ditzy world of Gracie. By the early 30s, Gracie was probably the best known woman on radio. Gracie often sang in a voice that showed she was also an excellent comedienne songstress. The shows had names after the sponsors, such as Maxwell House Coffee Time, or The Ammident Show - it was the Burns and Allen show to the public.

THIS EPISODE:
December 18, 1947. "Christmas Program"- NBC network. Sponsored by: Maxwell House Coffee, Jell-O. What does Gracie really want for Christmas? George is forced to guess. The Maxwell House production commercial is based on the tune, "Glow Worm." Gracie misreads her last line, on which the whole program was based. Tobe Reed (announcer), Hans Conried, Meredith Willson and His Orchestra, Bill Goodwin, Gale Gordon, Paul Henning (writer), Keith Fowler (writer), George Burns, Gracie Allen. 31:25. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Raiders On A Rubber Plantation (Aired February 3, 1951)
The Man Called X had already aired--to great popular and critical acclaim--for almost five years prior to 1949. Indeed, within a year of airing Dangerous Assignment's Summer 1949 season, The Man Called X returned to the air for another two years. For one of those years, Dangerous Assignment and The Man Called X ran back to back in the NBC line-up. Of the two foreign intrigue anthologies, NBC seemed to continue to favor the Herbert Marshall drama, The Man Called X. Whether in deference to Marshall's seniority, its former high ratings between 1944 and 1948, or simply out of perceived popularity, Dangerous Assignment, while airing ahead of The Man Called X, never seemed to get the buildup that The Man Called X invariably received. It may well have been as simple as a lack of sponsorship. For much of 1950 and 1951, both Dangerous Assignment and The Man Called X remained either network sustained or shared the sponsorship of Ford, Anacin, Chesterfield, and RCA Victor. Wheaties sponsored virtually the entire weekday, nighttime NBC line-up for three months, but Dangerous Assignment ran for the most part, network sustained for over half of its entire run. NBC transcribed Dangerous Assignment for syndication via its NBC Orthacoustic Transcription Series.

View Details

Adaptive Ultimate (03-26-49)

Escape was radio's leading anthology series of high adventure, airing on CBS from July 7, 1947 to September 25, 1954. Since the program did not have a regular sponsor like Suspense, it was subjected to frequent schedule shifts and lower production budgets, although Richfield Oil signed on as a sponsor for five months in 1950. Despite these problems, Escape enthralled many listeners during its seven-year run. The series' well-remembered opening combined Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain with the introduction, intoned by Paul Frees and William Conrad: “Tired of the everyday routine? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all? We offer you... Escape!”

THIS EPISODE:

March 26, 1949. CBS network. "The Adaptive Ultimate". Sustaining. A fascinating story about a young girl, about to die, who is given an experimental serum. She becomes an indestructible monster. Good radio. The program was recorded March 23, 1949. Edgar Barrier, Stacy Harris, Frank Gerstle, Lawrence Dobkin, Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), John Jessel (writer), Chets Virgin (adaptor), Herb Futran (adaptor), John Dunkel (editorial supervisor), Elsie Holmes, Tom Charlesworth, Anne Morrison, Ivan Ditmars (music), Roy Rowan (announcer). 29:32. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Bill & Father Christmas (Aired December 25, 1958)

Tony Hancock starred as an exaggerated version of his own character, a down-at-heel comedian living at the dilapidated 23 Railway Cuttings in East Cheam. Sid James played a criminally-inclined confidante who usually managed to con Hancock, while Bill Kerr appeared as Hancock's dim-witted Australian lodger. Moira Lister also appeared in the first series before being replaced by Andrée Melly for the next two, both playing love interests for Hancock's character. In the fourth and fifth series, Hattie Jacques played Griselda Pugh, live-in secretary to Hancock and occasional girlfriend of Sid James. The series broke from the variety tradition dominant in British radio comedy into the sitcom or Situation comedy genre. Instead of sketches, guest stars and musical interludes, humour developed from the characters and situations. Hancock's experiences were based in reality and observation. From the playlet "Look Back In Hunger" in The East Cheam Drama Festival episode, Galton and Simpson showed they were in touch with developments in the British theatre, the use of sighs and silent pauses in common with the work of Harold Pinter which began to emerge towards the end of the series' run. The measured pacing of these episodes were groundbreaking in the days of fast-talking Ted Ray, where every second of airtime had to be filled. With Galton and Simpson writing scripts prolifically, continuity was not priority, with details changed to suit the episode.

View Details

Public Furlough (Aired January 29, 1953)

A fine actor and voice talent in his own right, Elliott Lewis honed and polished his numerous performance and production skills from the mid-1930s forward for CBS. From his seemingly effortless natural progression from voice talent, to co-starring acting roles, to writing, early directing efforts, and production supervision, at each juncture Elliott Lewis continued to distinguish himself as a rare and versatile talent for CBS. Lewis' early work with Jack Benny and his Jell-O Program established his comedic timing and versatility. This connection would ultimately lead to one of Lewis' most memorable character roles as Remley, in the Phil Harris and Alice Faye Show.

THIS EPISODE:
January 29, 1953. CBS network. "Public Furlough". Sustaining. A bittersweet and brief romance between an army corporal and a movie star. Antony Ellis (performer, writer), Byron Kane, Cathy Lewis, Elliott Lewis, George Walsh (announcer), Hans Roemheld (composer), Herb Butterfield, Jerry Hausner, Lud Gluskin, Ray Noble (theme composer). 29:19. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Crackup (Aired September 14, 1950)

The FBI in Peace and War was a radio crime drama inspired by Frederick Lewis Collins' book, The FBI in Peace and War. The idea for the show came from Louis Pelletier who wrote many of the scripts. Among the show's other writers were Jack Finke, Ed Adamson and Collins. It aired on CBS from November 25, 1944 to September 28, 1958, it had a variety of sponsors (including Lava Soap, Wildroot Cream-Oil, Lucky Strike, Nescafe and Wrigley's) over the years. In 1955 it was the eighth most popular show on radio. Martin Blaine and Donald Briggs headed the cast. The theme was the March from Prokofiev's The Love for Three Oranges.

THIS EPISODE:

September 14, 1950. CBS network. "The Crackup". Sponsored by: Duz, Drene, Lava Soap. Three bank robbers are in hiding after a job. One of them has a bad case of the jitters. Martin Blaine, Don Briggs, Larry Haines, Louis Pelletier (writer), Len Sterling (announcer), Joe DeSantis, Jack Finke (writer), Vladimir Selinsky (music supervisor), Betty Mandeville (producer, director), Bud Collyer (commercial spokesman). 28:03. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Prescription (1952) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

Opening in 1875, the Crime Museum at Scotland Yard is the oldest museum in the world purely for recording crime. The name Black Museum was coined in 1877 by a reporter from The Observer, a London newspaper, although the museum is still referred to as the Crime Museum. The idea of a crime museum was conceived by Inspector Neame who had already collected together a number of items, with the intention of giving police officers practical instruction on how to detect and prevent burglary. It is this museum that inspired the Black Musuem radio series. The museum is not open to members of the public but is now used as a lecture theatre for the curator to lecture police and like bodies in subjects such as Forensic Science, Pathology, Law and Investigative Techniques.

THIS EPISODE:

Towers Of London syndication. "The Prescription". Commercials added locally. June Dawson is paralyzed and depressed. She leaves all her fortune to her nurse in a new will. The date is approximate. Orson Welles (narrator), Ira Marion (writer), Sidney Torch (composer, conductor), Harry Alan Towers (producer). 28:26. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Haircut (Aired October 5, 1952)
The Aldrich Family as a separate radio show was born as a summer replacement for Jack Benny in NBC's Sunday night lineup, July 2, 1939, and it stayed there until October 1, 1939, when it moved to Tuesday nights at 8 p.m., sponsored by General Foods's popular gelatin dessert Jell-O---which also sponsored Jack Benny at the time. The Aldriches ran in that slot from October 10, 1939 until May 28, 1940, moving to Thursdays, from July 4, 1940 until July 20, 1944. After a brief hiatus, the show moved to CBS, running on Fridays from September 1, 1944 until August 30, 1946 with sponsors Grape Nuts and Jell-O,.before moving back to NBC from September 05, 1946 to June 28, 1951 on Thursdays and, then, its final run of September 21, 1952 to April 19, 1953 on Sundays.

THIS EPISODE:

October 5, 1952. "Haircut" - NBC network. Sustaining. Can Henry be trusted in the barber shop? Three times? The date is approximate. Bobby Ellis, Clifford Goldsmith (writer), Dick Dudley (announcer), Katharine Raht, House Jameson, Johnny Fiedler. 30:10. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Poison Peddler (Aired February 24, 1949)

The show was at the top of the list among programs that had developed the technique of sound effects to a fine art. Each program was written with the sound in mind, not so much sound for sound's sake, but to advance the plot, add color or create atmosphere. Two sound effects men spent a reported ten hours in rehearsal for each broadcast, in addition to the time spent by the actors. East coast actors House Jameson, Don MacLaughlin, Phil Sterling and Lawson Zerbe [MBS] (Zerbe appeared as both David Harding and Harry Peters) were the only four actors to ever assume the role of David Harding--Jameson for the first two episodes only, replaced by Don MacLaughlin for the remainder of its twelve year run. Both Connecticut residents, House Jameson premiered in the role while Lord was still auditioning talent for the lead. By the third episode, Phillips H. Lord selected Don MacLaughlin for the role. MacLaughlin was by no means new to Radio, having already appeared in some 300 Radio productions since his debut over Radio in 1935. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

February 24, 1949. ABC network. "The Case Of The Poison Peddler". Sponsored by: Pepsi-Cola. An underworld "king" has a strange laugh, a painted store window and a ripped jacket leads to murder. Don MacLaughlin, Mandel Kramer, Phillips H. Lord (producer), Jesse Crawford (organ), William Sweets (director). 29:18. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Earl Chadwick Matter (Aired May 23, 1950)

Johnny often used his time when filling out his expense accounts to give the audience background information or to express his thoughts about the current case.No fewer than eight actors played Johnny Dollar. Dick Powell, of Rogue’s Gallery fame, cut the original audition tape, but chose to do Richard Diamond, Private Detective instead. Gerald Mohr, of The Adventures of Philip Marlowe fame, auditioned in 1955, prior to Bob Bailey getting the title role. Through the first three actors to play Johnny Dollar (Charles Russell, Edmond O'Brien, and John Lund), there was little to distinguish the series from many other radio detective series. Dollar was just another hard-boiled detective in a medium that was overloaded with the stereotype. Charles Russell, the first to play the role, would throw silver dollars to bellboys and waiters. Luckily, this trite gimmick did not survive long.

THIS EPISODE:

May 23, 1950. CBS network. "The Earl Chadwick Matter". Sustaining. Johnny flies to Bermuda to find out if a dead man really is. Possibly recorded May 11, 1950. Edmond O'Brien, Lillian Buyeff, Tudor Owen, Virginia Gregg, Walter Burke, John Dehner, Ben Wright, Ted Osborne. 33:20. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The William A Davis Case (Aired April 5, 1946)

I Deal in Crime ran for almost two years on ABC network radio and starred the very capable radio and Hollywood actor, William Gargan. In this, one of his many PI radio series (he’s best known, of course, for his role as Martin Kane), Gargan played Ross Dolan, described as a veteran detective who returned to his sleuthing job after his WW II service as a sailor. Or as Dolan puts it, “a hitch in Uncle Sugar’s Navy.”

THIS EPISODE:

April 5, 1946. "The William A Davis Case" - ABC network. Sustaining. William A. Davis ("If You Please") hires Ross Dolan to find his missing daughter. The story has some nice plot twists, but Ross Dolan is just too tough to believe. William Gargan, Skitch Henderson (composer, conductor), William Conrad, Ted Hediger (writer), Leonard Reeg (director), Dresser Dahlstead (announcer). 29:40. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Mean Old Man (Aired March 21, 1954)

Benny had been only a minor vaudeville performer, but he became a national figure with The Jack Benny Program, a weekly radio show which ran from 1932 to 1948 on NBC and from 1949 to 1955 on CBS, and was consistently among the most highly rated programs during most of that run. With Canada Dry Ginger Ale as a sponsor, Benny came to radio on The Canada Dry Program, beginning May 2, 1932, on the NBC Blue Network and continuing there for six months until October 26, moving the show to CBS on October 30. With Ted Weems leading the band, Benny stayed on CBS until January 26, 1933. Arriving at NBC on March 17, Benny did The Chevrolet Program until April 1, 1934. He continued with sponsors General Tires, Jell-O and Grape Nuts. Lucky Strike was the radio sponsor from 1944 to the mid-1950s. The show returned to CBS on January 2, 1949, as part of CBS president William S. Paley's notorious "raid" of NBC talent in 1948-49. There it stayed for the remainder of its radio run, which ended on May 22, 1955.

THIS EPISODE:

March 21, 1954. Program #372. CBS net origination, AFRS rebroadcast. Who is "The Mean Old Man?" Tune in and find out. AFRS program name: "The Jack Benny Program." The program was rebroadcast as "The Best Of Benny" on May 19, 1957. The script was originally used on the show March 4, 1951. Eddie Anderson, Dennis Day, Bea Benaderet, Sara Berner, Jack Benny, Don Wilson, Milt Josefsberg (writer), John Tackaberry (writer), Al Gordon (writer), Hal Goldman (writer), Hilliard Marks (producer, transcriber), Ralph Levy, The Sportsmen. 29:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

BOB: Intro - Ed Townsend "For Your Love" (1858"
The Father Who Had Nothing To Say (Aired September 13, 1948)
The few earliest episodes were more sitcom than private eye shows, with a studio audience providing scattered laughter at the not-so-funny scripts. Soon the audience was banished, and George went from stumbling comedic hero to tough guy private eye, while the music became suspenseful. Valentine's secretary was Claire Brooks, aka Brooksie (Frances Robinson, Virginia Gregg, Lillian Buyeff). As Valentine made his rounds in search of the bad guys, he usually encountered Brooksie's kid brother, Sonny (Eddie Firestone), Lieutenant Riley (Wally Maher) and elevator man Caleb (Joseph Kearns). For the first few shows, Sonny was George's assistant, but he was soon relegated to an occasional character.

THIS EPISODE:
September 13, 1948. Mutual-Don Lee network. "The Father Who Had Nothing To Say". Sponsored by: Standard Oil, Chevron. The son of a convicted murderer needs the help of George Valentine. Who killed Lillian Wayne? It's an old murder that needs to be solved, despite the desire of the convicted killer to have George mind his own business. Bob Bailey, Frances Robinson, Wally Maher, Luis Van Rooten, Bob Jellison, Herb Butterfield, Edward Marr, Harry Lewis, Bud Hiestand (announcer), Don Clark (director), Eddie Dunstedter (composer, conductor), David Victor (writer), Herbert Little Jr. (writer). 29:30. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"The Doctor's Dilemma" (Aired March 2, 1954) As hard as it may be to believe by today's standards, Rocky Fortune was Frank Sinatra's only dramatic Radio program from The Golden Age of Radio as the lead in a recurring role. As a variety guest performer, Sinatra's Radiography goes on and on and on. But this was the program that a great many of the growing number of fans of Sinatra's acting work really wanted to hear. NBC spared no expense to showcase this growing super-star of the 1940s and 1950s, and it shows in both production values and supporting voice talent. Frank Sinatra seemed very comfortable in the role of Rocco Fortunato--'Rocky Fortune'--and the scripts that George Lefferts and Ernest Kinoy wrote for Sinatra made for some fascinating adventures. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.
THIS EPISODE:

March 2, 1954. "The Doctor's Dilemma " - NBC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. A doctor's son has stolen $25,000 worth of narcotics from his father's office. Rocky pretends that he's a blackmailer and lays a trap. See cat. #88919 for a network version of this program Frank Sinatra, Raymond Burr, Norm Sickle (writer), Andrew C. Love (director), Maurice Hart, Jack Carroll, Georgia Ellis, Barney Phillips. 24:51. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Judas Face (Aired June 3, 1946)

The Whistler is one of American radio's most popular mystery dramas, with a 13-year run from May 16, 1942 until September 22, 1955.The Whistler was the most popular West Coast-originated program with its listeners for many years. It was sponsored by the Signal Oil Company: "That whistle is your signal for the Signal Oil program, The Whistler." Each episode of The Whistler began with the sound of footsteps and a person whistling. (The Saint radio series with Vincent Price used a similar opening.) The haunting signature theme tune was composed by Wilbur Hatch and featured Dorothy Roberts performing the whistling with the orchestra. The stories followed an effective formula in which a person's criminal acts were typically undone either by an overlooked but important detail or by their own stupidity. On rare occasions a curious twist of fate caused the story to end happily for the episode's protagonist. Ironic twist endings were a key feature of each episode. The Whistler himself narrated, often commenting directly upon the action in the manner of a Greek chorus, taunting the criminal from an omniscient perspective. Bill Forman had the title role of host and narrator. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

View Details

"Last Night" (Aired June 15, 1943)

One of the premier drama programs of the Golden Age of Radio, was subtitled "radio's outstanding theater of thrills" and focused on suspense thriller-type scripts, usually featuring leading Hollywood actors of the era. Approximately 945 episodes were broadcast during its long run, and more than 900 are extant. Suspense went through several major phases, characterized by different hosts, sponsors, and director/producers. Formula plot devices were followed for all but a handful of episodes: the protagonist was usually a normal person suddenly dropped into a threatening or bizarre situation; solutions were "withheld until the last possible second"; and evildoers were usually punished in the end.

THIS EPISODE:

June 15, 1943. CBS network. "Last Night". Sustaining. The story of a corpse in the rumble seat and a debt-ridden dude ranch. Kent Smith, Margo, Cornell Woolrich (author, based on his short story, "The Red Tide"), William Spier (adaptor, producer), Ted Bliss (director), Joseph Kearns ("The Man In Black"), Lucien Moraweck (composer), Lud Gluskin (conductor). 29:35. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

BOB: Intro - A Taste Of Honey "Boogie" OoGie (1978)
To Guard A Seal (Aired February 5, 1950)Richard Diamond, Private Detective came to NBC in 1949. Diamond was a slick, sophisticated detective, with a sharp tongue for folks who needed it. Diamond enjoyed the detective life, but not as much as entertaining his girl, Helen Asher. After each show, he would croon a number to his Park Avenue sweetheart. Mr. Powell, a former song and dance man, was perfect for the role. He added an extra dimension to the 40's hokey private eye drama. Diamond was a rough gumshoe that would often get knocked on the head with a revolver butt or other items. His counterpart on the police force was Lt. Levinson who often accepted Diamond's help reluctantly. Levinson would claim to get stomach trouble whenever Diamond would call him and would take bicarbonate to settle his aching stomach. Although they always seem at odds with each other, Diamond and Levinson were best friends.

THIS EPISODE:

February 5, 1950. "To Guard A Seal" - NBC network. Sustaining. Diamond is hired to be the bodyguard of Timothy...the seal. A funny show! Dick sings, "Cathy" after the show. Dick Powell, Ed Begley, Tony Barrett, Lawrence Dobkin, Edward King (announcer), Wilms Herbert, Fay Baker, Junius Matthews, Billy Bletcher, Frank Worth (music director), Russell Hughes (director), Blake Edwards (writer). 34:48. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Caroline Shelley (Aired March 15, 1950)

After the first ten films, the series eliminated the character of Kildare and focused instead on Gillespie. In the summer of 1949, MGM reunited Lew Ayres and Lionel Barrymore to record the radio series, The Story of Dr. Kildare, scripted by Les Crutchfield, Jean Holloway and others. After broadcasts on WMGM New York from February 1, 1950 to August 3, 1951, the series was syndicated to other stations during the 1950s. The supporting cast included Ted Osborne as hospital administrator Dr. Carough, Jane Webb as nurse Mary Lamont and Virginia Gregg as Nurse Parker, labeled "Nosy Parker" by Gillespie, with appearances by William Conrad, Stacy Harris, Jay Novello, Isabel Jewell and Jack Webb.

THIS EPISODE:

March 15, 1950. Program #9. MGM syndication. Commercials added locally. "Caroline Shelley" is a little girl in Blair Hospital with a bad appendix; an operation is needed immediately. Her parents have separated, leaving her a lonely little girl. Lew Ayres, Lionel Barrymore, Dick Joy (announcer), Walter Schumann (composer, conductor), William P. Rousseau (director), Jean Holloway (writer), Lurene Tuttle, Bea Benaderet, Marlene Ames, Jack Edwards, Max Brand (creator), Raymond Katz (producer). 28:21. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Diamond Noose (Aired August 4, 1953)

Mr. and Mrs. North was a radio mystery series that aired on CBS from 1942 to 1954. Alice Frost and Joseph Curtin had the title roles when the series began in 1942. Publisher Jerry North and his wife Pam lived in Greenwich Village at 24 St. Anne's Flat. They were not professional detectives but simply an ordinary couple who stumbled across a murder or two every week for 12 years. The radio program eventually reached nearly 20 million listeners. The characters originated in 1930s vignettes written by Richard Lockridge for the New York Sun, and he brought them back for short stories in The New Yorker. Their long-run series continued for over two decades and came to an end in 1963 with the death of Frances Lockridge.

THIS EPISODE:

August 4, 1953. CBS network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "The Diamond Noose". Pam's expensive diamond necklace from Aunt Harriet is missing from their apartment. Mr. Ryan, the janitor, is a prime suspect for the theft. Barbara Britton, Richard Denning, Frances Lockridge (creator), Richard Lockridge (creator). 23:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Deadline At Dawn Aka: Christmas Story (Aired December 14, 1948)

Hard-nosed editor, Wilson, as played by Robinson would get the story no matter what it takes. Though sometimes over the top, Robinson was excellent in his role. The stories were well written and directed by William N. Robson as well as McGill. The skill of this group shows in making the series very good radio. The show was a big promoter of the free press and the first amendment with its opening sequence: "Freedom of the press is a flaming sword! Use it justly...hold it high...guard it well!" The second series began immediately in the 1943 season when the production moved from Hollywood to New York. Robinson left (Trevor left two years earlier as her career starting taking off) and McGill reorganized the series placing Edward Pawley in the role of Wilson opposite Fran Carlon as Lorelei.

THIS EPISODE:

December 14, 1948. NBC network. "Deadline At Dawn" Aka: Christmas Story. Sponsored by: Lifebuoy Soap, Rinso. A protection mob is moving into the produce markets of Big Town. Steve Wilson pays a call on "Lard" Malone. Edward Pawley, Fran Carlon, Jerry McGill (writer, producer), Hugh James (announcer). 30:55. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Sam & The Psycho Ward (Aired August 2, 1946)

The Adventures of Sam Spade was a radio series based loosely on the private detective character Sam Spade, created by writer Dashiell Hammett for The Maltese Falcon. The show ran for 13 episodes on ABC in 1946, for 157 episodes on CBS in 1946-1949, and finally for 51 episodes on NBC in 1949-1951. The series starred Howard Duff (and later, Steve Dunne) as Sam Spade and Lurene Tuttle as his secretary Effie, and took a considerably more tongue-in-cheek approach to the character than the novel or movie. The series was largely overseen by producer/director William Spier.

THIS EPISODE:

August 2, 1946. ABC network. "Sam & The Psycho Ward". Sponsored by: Wildroot Cream-Oil. The fourth show of the series. The story title above is possibly correct, although it's announced indirectly. The program has also been referred to as, "The Death Of Dr. Denoff." A psychiatrist being blackmailed is killed by doing a "Brody" from his apartment window. His blackmailer is later found strangled! Howard Duff, Lurene Tuttle, Dick Joy (announcer), Dashiell Hammett (creator), William Spier (producer, director), Fred Esler. 29:04. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"The Thirteenth Guest" (Aired August 9, 1953)

Originally aired October 31, 1951 Barry Craig, Confidential Investigator is one of the few detective radio series that had separate versions of it broadcast from both coasts. Even the spelling changed over the years. It was first "Barry Crane" and then "Barrie Craig". NBC produced it in New York from 1951 to 1954 and then moved it to Hollywood where it aired from 1954 to 1955. It attracted only occasional sponsors so it was usually a sustainer. William Gargan, who also played the better known television (and radio) detective Martin Kane, was the voice of New York eye BARRY CRAIG while Ralph Bell portrayed his associate, Lt. Travis Rogers. Craig's office was on Madison Avenue and his adventures were fairly standard PI fare. He worked alone, solved cases efficiently, and feared no man. As the promos went, he was "your man when you can't go to the cops. Confidentiality a speciality." Like Sam Spade, Craig narrated his stories, in addition to being the leading character in this 30 minute show.

View Details

My Beloved Must Die (Aired July 22, 1945)

With The Sealed Book, each epsisode opened with the sound of the great gong, followed by Philip Clarke's observation that the Keeper of The Book had once again opened the door to the secret vault, within which was contained the 'great sealed book' recording 'all the secrets and mysteries of mankind through the ages.' At the end of all but the last episode, Clarke would tell listeners to tune in the following week when "the sound of the great gong heralds another strange and exciting tale from... the sealed book." Keep in mind that even though the 26 scripts of The Sealed Book were derived from The Mysterious Traveler, it's instructive to note that each production used a different cast than that of it's associated production from The Mysterious Traveler. And indeed, some of the production values were a cut above in The Sealed Book, as contrasted with their similar productions from The Mysterious Traveler. The Sealed Book was very much its own production. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

July 22, 1945. Program #19. Mutual network origination, Michelson syndication. "My Beloved Must Die". Commercials added locally. A fascinating tale of what happens to women who fall in love with the Devil! This program has also been dated September 23, 1945 on WGN, Chicago. Robert A. Arthur (writer), David Kogan (writer), Phillip Clarke (host), Jock MacGregor (producer, director). 29:55. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Lonesome Corpse (1945) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

The Haunting Hour is a work-in-progress collection within the holdings of many serious Radio Collectors. From the meager available productions currently in circulation it's clear that the series was popular for its time, at the very least. With a known run of at least 52 unique scripts and more doubtful further 39 to 52 scripts, it would appear that the series was in demand for at least four years--in and out of syndication. Given the high quality of NBC Network voice talent in the circulating episodes, one can well imagine that the remainder of the yet alleged, undiscovered, or uncirculated episodes have at least as much to recommend them. Thankfully, as with many other examples of Golden Age Radio productions, many of the existing episodes in circulation can be directly attributed to the efforts of the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service [AFRTS].

THIS EPISODE:

1845 - NBC syndication, WRVR-FM, New York aircheck. "The Case Of The Lonesome Corpse". Participating sponsors. Syndicated rebroadcast date November 8, 1974. See also cat #513 for a different version of the same broadcast. Herbert Wood (producer, director), Rosa Rio (organist), Tilden Brown (sound effects), George Stewart (recording supervisor), Steve Carlin (script supervisor), Berry Kroeger (narrator). 28:23. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

D Day (Aired June 7, 1950)
The Halls of Ivy featured Colman as William Todhunter Hall, the president of small, Midwestern Ivy College, and his wife, Victoria, a former British musical comedy star who sometimes felt the tug of her former profession, and followed their interactions with students, friends, and college trustees. Others in the cast included Herbert Butterfield as testy board chairman Clarence Wellman; Willard Waterman (then starring as Harold Peary's successor as The Great Gildersleeve) as board member John Merriweather; and Bea Benadaret, Elizabeth Patterson, and Gloria Gordon as the Halls' maids. Alan Reed (television's Fred Flintstone) appeared periodically as the stuffy English teacher, Professor Heaslip. The series ran 109 half-hour radio episodes from January 6, 1950, to June 25, 1952.

THIS EPISODE:

June 07, 1950. NBC network. "D Day" - Schlitz Beer. Phillip Weatherby wants to be a farmer, and is being expelled from the school of law, despite his father's desire for him to be a lawyer. Benita Hume, Bill Thompson, Cameron Blake (writer), Conrad Binyon, Don Quinn (creator, writer), Henry Russell (composer, conductor), Ken Carpenter (announcer), Nat Wolff (director), Ronald Colman. 29:21. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke"
False Witness (Aired September 14, 1958
The radio version ran from 1952 to 1961, and John Dunning writes that among radio drama enthusiasts "Gunsmoke is routinely placed among the best shows of any kind and any time." The television version ran for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975, and still remains the United States' longest-running prime time, live-action drama with 635 episodes ("Law and Order" ended in 2010 with 476 episodes). The half-hour animated comedy "The Simpsons", is slated for a 21st season in Fall 2010. In the late 1940s, CBS chairman William S. Paley, a fan of The Adventures of Philip Marlowe radio serial, asked his programming chief, Hubell Robinson, to develop a hardboiled Western series, a show about a "Philip Marlowe of the Old West." Robinson instructed his West Coast CBS Vice-President, Harry Ackerman, who had developed the Philip Marlowe series, to take on the task. Ackerman and his scriptwriters, Mort Fine and David Friedkin, created an audition script called "Mark Dillon Goes to Gouge Eye".

THIS EPISODE:
September 14, 1958. CBS network. "False Witness". Commercials deleted. Romy Hawkins seems to be an excellent eye witness. His testimony is going to get Tom Maury hanged. However, Romy is not the best of witnesses. The script was used on the Gunsmoke television series on December 12, 1959. William Conrad, Marian Clark (writer), Howard McNear, Harry Bartell, Sam Edwards, James Nusser, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), John Meston (editorial supervisor), George Walsh (announcer). 21:17. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"The Lady From The Sea" (Aired March 11, 1949)

Philip Morris invested heavily in radio advertising throughout the 1930s and ‘40s, often having two weekly programs on competing networks. The first, a variety show that ran for twelve seasons (1934-47) and combined musical and dramatic elements, was called Johnny Presents, essentially giving Roventini "top billing" above all the big name guests that appeared on the broadcasts. The cigarette company also sponsored Philip Morris Playhouse, a dramatic anthology series that lasted 14 seasons (1939-53), finally switching to television. Throughout it all, Johnny was a walking public relations campaign, reminding people of the product wherever he appeared. In exchange for $20,000 a year, Johnny promised never to appear in public without a bodyguard, and never to ride the New York subway during rush hour.

THIS EPISODE:

March 11, 1949. CBS network. "The Lady From The Sea". Sponsored by: Philip Morris, Revelation Pipe Tobacco. A movie starlet commits murder, and her lover takes the rap for her. When he gets out twenty years later, she isn't very grateful. Marlene Dietrich, William Spier (producer, editor, director), Johnny Roventini (commercial spokesman), Lud Gluskin (music director), Esther McCoy (author), Sylvia Richards (adaptor), Art Ballinger (announcer). 27:24. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Star Crossed Lovers (Aired April 13, 1947)
The unique programming wrinkle that ABC was apparently attempting to promote with The Clock was a mix of the traditional crime drama and the supernatural dramas of the previous fifteen years. One or the other of the two genres had been traditionally popular formats throughout the Golden Age of Radio era. To its credit, ABC gave The Clock all the time it needed to create an audience. It kept the series in pretty much the same timeslot throughout its seventy-eight episode run, maintained reasonably high standards of talent--both in front of and behind, the mike--and simply waited to see what developed.

THIS EPISODE:

February 28, 1956. Grace Gibson syndication. "Star-Crossed Lovers". Commercials added locally. The date above is the date of first broadcast in Australia. Cliff meets Juliet, and it's love at first sight. The script was first produced and broadcast in the U.S. on April 13, 1947 on the ABC network. Lawrence Klee (writer), Harp McGuire (as "The Clock"), Wendy Playfair, John Meillon, Barbara Brunton, Leon Peers, Joan Lord, John Saul (director), Grace Gibson (producer). 23:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: The Spinners - "One Of A Kind"(Love Affair) 1972
Battle School (Aired April 1, 1974)

"Dad's Army" was a long running British comedy series created and written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft. The idea of a series came to Jimmy Perry when he realised that many people had forgotten about the contribution the Home Guard had made to the British Home Front during the years of the Second World War. Commencing in 1968, "Dad's Army" ran on BBC Television for 9 years with over eighty episodes spread within 10 series. The series is set in a small fictional seaside town called Walmington-on-Sea somewhere on the South Coast of England. "Dad's Army" is also remembered for its first class actors which starred amongst its credits, Arthur Lowe as Captain Mainwaring, John Le Mesurier as Sergeant Arthur Wilson and Clive Dunn as Lance Corporal Jack Jones. In May 1940, Sir Anthony Eden makes his historic speech calling for men under and over the age of active service in the armed forces to form a local defence corps. In Walmington, the Local Bank manager George Mainwaring set's up the town's Local Defence Volunteers,with the assistance of his Bank Clerk, Arthur Wilson and the Local Butcher, Jack Jones. The LDV later become known as the Home Guard or affectionately (to the TV audience) "Dad's Army" as the platoon mainly consist of Old Soldiers.From week to week they would become entangled in many exploits while defending Walmington from a possible invasion and any interference from the Local Air Raid Warden.

View Details

"The Purloined Letter" (Aired September 17, 1948)

The NBC Theater was truly one well loved program. Beyond just its educational value, the combination of great stories... quality acting... and first class production made these shows wonderful entertainment. They are truly great radio and a highly accessible way to introduce YOUR kids to great American Literature! Dramatic anthology Offered novels, with programs for college credit. Broadcast History : July 30th, 1948 - February 14th, 1951 NBC. Mostly 60 minutes. Mostly aired on Sundays, with occasional weeknight airings. Announcer : Don Stanley Music : Albert Harris, Henry Russell Director : Andrew C. Love Writers : Claris A. Ross, Ernest Kinoy, George Lefferts, Jack C. Wilson Sound Effects : Bob Holmes, Rod Sutton.

THIS EPISODE:

September 17, 1948. "The Purloined Letter" is a short story by American author Edgar Allan Poe. It is the third of his three detective stories featuring the fictional C. Auguste Dupin, the other two being "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" and "The Mystery of Marie Rogêt". These stories are considered to be important early forerunners of the modern detective story. It first appeared in The Gift for 1845 (1844) and was soon reprinted in numerous journals and newspapers. 30:06. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Man Who Vanished (Aired July 6, 1948)
Cast members included Jackson Beck, Lon Clark, Roger DeKoven, Elspeth Eric, Wendell Holmes, Bill Johnstone, Joseph Julian, Jan Miner, Santos Ortega, Bryna Raeburn, Frank Readick, Luis van Rooten, Ann Shepherd, Lawson Zerbe and Bill Zuckert. Sound effects were by Jack Amrhein, Jim Goode, Ron Harper, Walt McDonough and Al Schaffer. "Behind the Locked Door," a popular, much-requested episode which took place in total darkness, was repeated several times during the years. Two archaeologists discover a century-old wagon train that had been sealed in a cave following a landslide. When their Native American guide is mysteriously and brutally attacked, the two, now lost in the darkness, conclude that the descendants of the wagon train are still living in the cave. The popularity of the series spawned other supernatural shows, such as The Sealed Book. With scripts by a Mysterious Traveler writer and Tarplin as host-narrator, The Strange Dr. Weird was a nearly identical program.

THIS EPISODE:

July 6, 1948. Mutual network. "The Man Who Vanished". Sustaining. An albino discovers the secret of invisibility, and promptly commits a murder. Wendell Holmes, Roger De Koven, Art Carney, Maurice Tarplin, Richard Coogan, Paul Taubman (music), Carl Caruso (announcer), Hal Reed (sound), Al King (broadcast engineer), Robert A. Arthur (writer, producer, director), David Kogan (writer, producer, director). 29:01. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Have Gun Will Travel"
"They Told Me You Were Dead" (Aired March 27, 1960)
Paladin's routine switch from the expensive light-colored suit of his genteel urbane persona in San Francisco to his alter ego who wears all-black attire for quests into the lawless and barren Western frontier is also a chess reference. Paladin was a former Army officer and a graduate of the West Point Military Academy. He was a polyglot, capable of speaking any foreign tongue required by the plot. He also had a thorough knowledge of ancient history and classical literature, and he exhibited a strong passion for legal principles and the rule of law. Paladin was also a world traveler. His exploits had included an 1857 visit to India, where he had won the respect of the natives as a hunter of man-eating tigers.

THIS EPISODE:

March 27, 1960. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "They Told Me You Were Dead". Ellen Stoneham, Paladin's love during the war, calls him to ask for help recovering her sons from the Indians. John Dehner, Ben Wright, Virginia Gregg, Lou Krugman, James Nusser, Lillian Buyeff, Bartlett Robinson, Ralph Moody, Sam Rolfe (creator), Herb Meadow (creator), Hugh Douglas (announcer), Frank Paris (producer, director), Tom Hanley (writer, sound effects), Bill James (sound effects). 25:10. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Perfect Script (Aired February 13, 1947)

When it comes to The Hall of Fantasy, there are some mysteries that persist to this day. Maybe that's appropriate, because it claimed to be "the series of radio dramas dedicated to the supernatural, the unusual, and the unknown." One mystery that remains unknown is who the announcer actually was. His lines were so over-the-top, maybe he wished to remain anonymous. But it's this same dead serious approach to monsters, horror, and the supernatural that makes this series so much fun to listen to in a modern context. Despite this campy dimension to the program, do not assume that the series wasn't scary. Many episodes were rather frightening.

THIS EPISODE:

February 13, 1947. Mutual network. Commercials deleted. An insane radio producer entices a script writer to his isolated beach house to write "The Perfect Script." Drugs and insanity await him. Robert Olsen (writer), Richard Thorne (performer, producer, director), Carl Grayson, Beth Colter, Nelson Hall, Earl Donaldson (music). 26:31. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Swastika On The Windmill (Aired July 30, 1950)

This is the story of the WWII special governmental agency, the OSS, or Office of Strategic Services. Its mission was to develop and maintain spy networks throughout Europe and into Asia, while giving aid to underground partisan groups and developing espionage activities for Allied forces overseas.The show is based on the book of the same name by Lt. Col. Corey Ford and Major Alastair MacBain (who were associated with the OSS from its early days.) The dramas are not Hollywood-style, in that they sometimes end with plans foiled or leading characters dead. The theme music was either identical or very similar to that used by Tales of the Texas Rangers. Sherman Marks directed. The cast consisted of The Hungarian Giant, played by Raymond Edward Johnson, and Impy, the Midget, played by Gilbert Mack.

THIS EPISODE:

July 30, 1950. NBC network. "The Swastika On The Windmill". Sustaining. 4:00 P. M. An O. S. S. operative enters Nazi occupied Holland to stay with his uncle and radio troop information to the Allied forces. Lester Fletcher, Harvey Hayes, Jared Burke, Gordon Stern, Francois Grimar, Basil Langton, Patricia Courtleigh, Beulah Garrick, Victor Chapin, Percy Hoskins (research), Wyllis Cooper (writer, director), Murray Ross (organist while John Gart is on vacation). 27:56. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

"Beyond Infinity" (Aired July 21, 1950)
This show dramatized the work of such young writers as Ray Bradbury, Robert (Psycho) Bloch, Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, and Kurt Vonnegut. In-house script writer was Ernest Kinoy, who adapted the master works and contributed occasional storied of his own. Dimension X was a very effective demonstration of what could be done with science fiction on the air. It came so late that nobody cared, but some of the stories stand as classics of the medium. Bradbury's "Mars Is Heaven" is as gripping today as when first heard. His "Martian Chronicles" was one of the series' most impressive offerings. Dimension X played heavily on an "adventures in time and space, told in future tense" theme. Actors who worked regularly on the show included Joe Di Santis, Wendell Holmes, Santos Ortega, Joseph Julian, Jan Miner, Roger De Koven, John Gibson, Ralph Bell, John Larkin, Les Damon, and Mason Adams. It was directed by Fred Weihe and Edward King. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

July 21, 1950. Episode Number #16. "Beyond Infinity" - A scientist in Europe has invented a machine that will shrink objects to the size of atoms and beyond. Original script by Villiers Gersen and featured in the cast were Les Damon, Lada Staviski, E. A. Krumschmidt and Joe De Santos. First Line : Starts with Wheaties commercial. (1:39) Somewhere in Europe a man is walking through the darkness down a cobblestone street. It’s early evening, only a little past eight. 29:25. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Bye Bye Narco (Starring Mel Torme) Aired April 29, 1974

Producer J.M. Kholos was a Los Angeles advertising man who acquired the rights to suspense novels, including Tony Hillerman's The Blessing Way, for radio adaptations. In some cases, the titles were changed. For example, the five-part "Desperate Witness" was an adaptation of The Big Clock by Kenneth Fearing. To create a strong package, Kholos followed through by lining up top actors, including John Astin, Edgar Bergen, Joseph Campanella, Richard Crenna, John Dehner, Howard Duff, Keenan Wynn, Richard Deacon, Patty Duke, Nina Foch, George Maharis, Susan Oliver, Brock Peters and Lurene Tuttle. The opening theme music was by Ferrante & Teicher. Don Hill produced the series for StudioHouse, which also produced the Salvation Army's Heartbeat Theatre. Counting each five-part show as five episodes, there were a total of 130 episodes. It failed to find a large audience due to the initial weekly serial format and the lack of promotion.

View Details

2 Episodes " Birth of the Balloon" (09-17-46 and "Dynamite" (10-08-46)

A wonderfully informative old time radio series can be found in Adventures In Research. With tales that are not only wonderfully dramatic, but at the same time extremely interesting and entertaining. Adventures In Research offers the listener accounts in American scientific research history. You will be enthralled, as will your children. Best of all, in regards to providing a great educational tool for children, the episodes are made for their attention span, and run approximately fifteen minutes. Hear about the development of the parachute; History of 1st Regular Radio Broadcast; learn about the George Westinghouse; be amazed at The First American Patent; the horrible Dread Scourge - Typhus; be in awe of The Man Who Found A Continent; and so much more wonderful history.

TODAY'S SHOW:

September 17, 1946 - Program #191. Westinghouse syndication. "The Birth Of The Balloon". Sustaining. A story about the Montgolfier brothers and the beginnings of manned flight. . 15 minutes.

October 8, 1946 - Program #194. Westinghouse syndication. "Dynamite". Sustaining. The history of dynamite and Alfred Noble. . 15 minutes. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Murderous Poet (Aired October 4, 1951)
Throughout the 1930s and '40s, Ann Sothern and Lucille Ball, like many performers in Hollywood, had not one but two careers - one in motion pictures and one on radio. MGM Studios had created the series of ten motion pictures based on a brash blonde with a heart "of spun gold." Maisie, the first in 1939, was from the book "Dark Dame" by the writer Wilson Collison, who did decades of scripting for the silver screen along with Broadway plays and magazine fiction. From the first, MGM wanted Ann Sothern to play Maisie.

THIS EPISODE:
October 4, 1951. Program #68. "Murderous Poet" - MGM syndication. Commercials added locally. Maisie becomes a wrestling manager after she meets Killer Diller, the poet, in a boxcar. The program has also been identified as program #80. The date above is the date of first broadcast on WMGM, New York City. Ann Sothern, Hans Conried, Marvin Miller, Sheldon Leonard, Ted de Corsia, John L. Green (writer), Harry Zimmerman (composer, conductor), Peter Leeds, Bud Hiestand (announcer). 28:05. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The First Aid Course (Aired June 3, 1951

Our Miss Brooks, an American situation comedy, began as a radio hit in 1948 and migrated to television in 1952, becoming one of the earlier hits of the so-called Golden Age of Television, and making a star out of Eve Arden (1908-1990) as comely, wisecracking, but humane high school English teacher Connie Brooks. The show hooked around Connie's daily relationships with Madison High School students, colleagues, and pompous principal Osgood Conklin (Gale Gordon), not to mention favourite student Walter Denton (future television and Rambo co-star Richard Crenna, who fashioned a higher-pitched voice to play the role) and biology teacher Philip Boynton ( Jeff Chandler), the latter Connie's all-but-unrequited love interest, who saw science everywhere and little else anywhere.

THIS EPISODE:

June 3, 1951. "The First Aid Course" - CBS network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. Miss Brooks has to take over teaching Madison High's first aid course. But first, a test of her abilities. The system cue has been deleted. Eve Arden, Al Lewis (writer, director), Jane Morgan, Gloria McMillan, Gale Gordon, Jeff Chandler, Richard Crenna, Larry Berns (producer), Mary Jane Croft, Wilbur Hatch (music). 30:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boomarang Pitch (Aired March 19, 1949)

The Adventures of Frank Merriwell first ran on NBC radio from March 26 to June 22, 1934 as a 15-minute serial airing three times a week at 5:30pm. Sponsored by Dr. West's Toothpaste, this program starred Donald Briggs in the title role. Harlow Wilcox was the announcer. After a 12-year gap, the series returned October 5, 1946 as a 30-minute NBC Saturday morning show, continuing until June 4, 1949. Lawson Zerbe starred as Merriwell, Jean Gillespie and Elaine Rostas as Inza Burrage, Harold Studer as Bart Hodge and Patricia Hosley as Elsie Belwood. The announcer was Harlow Wilcox, and the Paul Taubman Orchestra supplied the background music. There are at least three generations of Merriwells: Frank, his half-brother Dick, and Frank's son, Frank Jr. There is a marked difference between Frank and Dick.
THIS EPISODE:

March 19, 1949. NBC network. "The Boomerang Pitch". Sustaining. When Frank and Bart miss a train, an British cricket player saves the day for the Yale baseball team. Lawson Zerbe, Hal Studer, Elaine Rost, Harlow Wilcox (announcer), Burt L. Standish (creator). 29:31. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Juvenile Passenger (Aired July 3, 1949)

The Adventures of Frank Race was a syndicated show, out of Bruce Ells Productions in Hollywood, and began airing on radio in the spring of 1949. A total of 43 episodes were produced, broadcast first on the East coast 1949-50, and then on the West coast 1951-52. The title hero was described in the introduction by announcer Art Gilmore with these words: "Before the war, FRANK RACE worked as an attorney, but he traded his law books for the cloak-and-dagger of the OSS. When the war was over, his former life was over too....adventure became his business!" Starring "Chandu The Magician" Star Tom Collins.

THIS EPISODE:
July 3, 1949. Program #10. Broadcasters Program Syndicate syndication. "The Adventure Of The Juvenile Passenger". Commercials added locally. A fourteen-year-old girl has run away from an orphanage, accused of stealing jewelry. Tom Collins, Tony Barrett, Buckley Angel (writer, director), Joel Murcott (writer, director), Bruce Eells (producer), Ivan Ditmars (organist), Art Gilmore (announcer), Virginia Gregg, Jack Carrington, Michael Ann Barrett, Jack Kruschen, Bert Holland. 27:52. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Lux Radio Theater"
Winchester73 (Starring James Stewart) Aired November 12, 1951

Lux Radio Theater strove to feature as many of the original stars of the original stage and film productions as possible, usually paying them $5,000 an appearance to do the show. It was when sponsor Lever Brothers (who made Lux soap and detergent) moved the show from New York City to Hollywood in 1936 that it eased back from adapting stage shows and toward adaptations of films. The first Lux film adaptation was The Legionnaire and the Lady, with Marlene Dietrich and Clark Gable, based on the film Morocco. That was followed by a Lux adaptation of The Thin Man, featuring the movie's stars, Myrna Loy and William Powell. Many of the greatest names in film appeared in the series, most in the roles they made famous on the screen.

THIS EPISODE:

November 12, 1951. CBS network. "Winchester '73". Sponsored by: Lux. William Keighley (host), Jimmy Stewart, Stephen McNally, Julie Adams, Dan Riss, Herb Butterfield, Wally Maher, Tim Graham, William Johnstone, William Conrad, Robert Griffin, Steve Dunne, Charlie Lung, Jack Mather, Joseph Du Val, James Best, June Whitley, Earl Browne, Edward Marr, Suzan Ball (intermission guest), Robert L. Richards (screenwriter), Borden Chase (screenwriter), Stuart Lake (author), John Milton Kennedy (announcer), Dorothy Lovett (commercial spokeswoman), Earl Ebi (director), Rudy Schrager (music director), Charlie Forsyth (sound effects), Sanford Barnett (adaptor). 1:01:38. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Barry Manilow "Looks Like We Made It" (1977)
A Blueprint For Murder (Aired March 29, 1954)
Lux Radio Theater employed several hosts over the following year, eventually choosing William Keighley as the new permanent host, a post he held from late 1945 through 1952. After that, producer-director Irving Cummings hosted the program until it ended in 1955. For its airings on the Armed Forces Radio Service (for which it was retitled Hollywood Radio Theater), the program was hosted by Don Wilson in the early '50s. During its years on CBS in Hollywood, Lux Radio Theater was broadcast from the Lux Radio Playhouse located at 1615 North Vine Street in Hollywood, one block south of the intersection of Hollywood and Vine.

THIS EPISODE:
March 29, 1954. Program #117. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "A Blueprint For Murder". A good whodunit with a smashing conclusion. A little girl has been poisoned and her stepmother is suspect. AFRTS program name: "Hollywood Radio Theatre." Dan Dailey, Dorothy McGuire, Irving Cummings (host), Ken Carpenter (announcer), Rudy Schrager (music director), Yvonne Peattie, Fred MacKaye, Harry Shearer, Jonathan Hole, Barney Phillips, Jack Kruschen, William Conrad, Joyce McCluskey, Herb Butterfield, James Eagles, Charles Seel, John Larch, Edward Marr, Andrew Stone (screenwriter), Earl Ebi (director), Sanford Barnett (adaptor), Charlie Forsyth (sound effects). 58:42. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

A Tiger For The Lady (Aired February 8, 1948)
The Man Called X started over Radio with the 1944 CBS Summer replacement run for Lux Radio Theatre, comprising a total of eight episodes. The only circulating exemplar from the first run is contained within the AFRS Globe Theatre canon of transcriptions. So, yet again, we are indebted to the incredible output of AFRS and AFRTS transcriptions over the years in preserving some of Radio's rarest exemplars from The Golden Age of Radio. But if one compares that circulating episode to the spot ad for the summer run in the sidebar, one sees the program promoted as a comedy-mystery. The 1944 CBS Summer season finale, Murder, Music and A Blonde Madonna, gives some credence to the way CBS promoted this first run. Starring Herbert Marshall as Ken Thurston, a private operative, with Han Conried as Egon Zellschmidt in this first incarnation of Ken Thurston's nemesis, and Mary Jane Croft appearing in the role of Ken's love interest, Show Notes From The Digital Deli. THIS EPISODE:

February 8, 1948. CBS network. "A Tiger For The Lady". Commercials deleted. Ken Thurston traces a shipment of explosives to Porto Columbre, Panama, and crosses "El Tigre," the revolutionary. Herbert Marshall, Leon Belasco, Jack Johnstone (director), Sidney Marshall (writer), Johnny Green (composer, conductor), Wendell Niles (announcer). 27:11. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

INTRO: Rivieras "Count Every Star"
Health Food (Aired November 21, 1948) As both Phil and Alice were known singers, there were two musical numbers in each show, and they were always for real, except some of Phil's, which were for laughs. But Phil's band gave much more than music to the show. Frankie Remley was the band's left handed guitar player, with a sardonic sense of humor out of left field. The character was first done on The Jack Benny Show, and, of course, now on a show about the band itself, Frankie was even more obnoxious. Famed radio actor Elliott Lewis played him with relish. In fact, later in the run they actually started calling the character Elliott! (Elliott Lewis changes his name on the show from Frankie Remly to Elliott because Harris stopped leading Jack Benny's band--so he wasn't connected to Remly any more. A couple of actors well known on other shows were Gale Gordon and Walter Tetley. Gale Gordon (Principal Conklin on Our Miss Brooks) was Mr. Scott, the long-suffering Rexall representative, doing stealth commercials for Rexall, again like the The Jack Benny Show and Fibber McGee and Molly had done.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Roy Rogers Show" - The Map (Aired November 30, 1951)

The Slyes rented a small house near Mary. Leonard and his father immediately found employment as truck drivers for a highway construction project. They reported to work one morning, however, to learn their employer had gone bankrupt. The economic hardship of the Great Depression had followed them west, and the Slyes soon found themselves among the economic refugees traveling from job to job picking fruit and living in worker campsites. (He would later read John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath and marvel at its accuracy.) One day Andy Slye heard of a shoe factory hiring in Los Angeles and asked Leonard to join him in applying there for work. Leonard, having seen the joy that his guitar and singing had brought to the destitute around the campfires, hesitantly told his father that he was going to pursue a living in music. With his father's blessing, he and cousin Stanley Slye went to Los Angeles and sought musical engagements as The Slye Brothers.

THIS EPISODE:

November 30, 1951. NBC network. "The Map". Sponsored by: Post Cereals. Jonah witnesses a murder committed for the missing part of a map showing where stolen money is hidden. Roy sings, "Tumbling Tumbleweeds." Art Ballinger (announcer), Art Rush (producer), Arthur Q. Bryan, Bill Green, Charles Seel, Dale Evans, Forrest Lewis, Frank Hemingway, Milton Charles, Ray Wilson (writer), Roy Rogers, The Whippoorwills, Tom Hargis (director). 29:56. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Thing In The Hall (1968) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

The old-time radio era, sometimes referred to as the Golden Age of Radio, refers to a period of radio programming in the United States lasting from the proliferation of radio broadcasting in the early 1920s until the 1950s, when television superseded radio as the medium of choice for scripted programming and radio shifted to playing popular music. During this period, when radio was dominant and filled with a variety of formats and genres, people regularly tuned into their favorite radio programs. In fact, according to a 1947 C. E. Hooper survey, 82 out of 100 Americans were found to be radio listeners. Theatrer 10:30 was a Canadian Old Time Radio show. The date of the broadcast for the episodes is generally unknown. The shows are in the genres of horror, fantasy and mystery. It was a production of CBC Radio. This series aired from September 1968 through 1971, though air dates for particular episodes are unavailable.

View Details

"The Bishop Misbehaves" (Starring Charles Laughton) (05-25-52)
Theater Guild on the Air embarked on its ambitious plan to bring Broadway theater to radio with leading actors in major productions. It premiered September 9, 1945, on ABC with Burgess Meredith, Henry Daniell and Cecil Humphreys in Wings Over Europe, a play by Robert Nichols and Maurice Browne which the Theater Guild had staged on Broadway in 1928-29. Within a year the series drew some 10 to 12 million listeners each week. Presenting both classic and contemporary plays, the program was broadcast for eight years before it became a television series. Playwrights adapted to radio ranged from Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde to Eugene O'Neill and Tennessee Williams with numerous Broadway and Hollywood actors in the casts, including Ingrid Bergman, Ronald Colman, Bette Davis, Rex Harrison, Helen Hayes, Katharine Hepburn, Gene Kelly, Deborah Kerr, Agnes Moorehead, Basil Rathbone and Mary Sinclair.

THIS EPISODE:

May 25, 1952. NBC network. "The Bishop Misbehaves". Sponsored by: United States Steel. A cleric with ambitions to be a detective comes upon a robbery in progress and proceeds to solve the case in a unique manner. The series is also known as, "The United States Steel Hour." Charles Laughton, Vanessa Brown, Josephine Hull, Michael Evans, Walter Abel (host), George Hicks (commercial spokesman), Norman Brokenshire (announcer), Frederick Jackson (author), Homer Fickett (director), Max Wilk (adaptor), Stuart Burge, Niles McGuinness, Phillipa Bevins, Peter Forster, Bertram Tanswell, Frederick Rolfe, Lawrence Langner (supervisor), Armina Marshall (executive producer), Theresa Helburn, S. Mark Smith (editor), Harold Levey (composer, conductor). 56:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

A Gun For Dinosaur (Aired March 7, 1956)

X Minus One was an NBC science fiction series that was an extension, or revival, of NBC's earlier science fiction series, Dimension X, which ran from Apr. 8, 1950 through Sept. 29, 1951. Both are remembered for bringing really first rate science fiction to the air. The first X Minus One shows used scripts from Dimension X, but soon created new shows from storied from the pages of Galaxy Magazine. A total of 125 programs were broadcast, some repeats or remakes, until the last show of Jan. 9, 1958. There was a one-program revival attempt in 1973.

THIS EPISODE:

March 7, 1956. NBC network. "A Gun For Dinosaur". Sustaining. A hunt for thunder lizards eighty five million years ago. A good time travel story. The script was used subsequently on "Future Tense" during July, 1976. Alistair Duncan, Wendell Holmes, John Gibson, Donald Buka, Warren Parker, Alan Hewitt, L. Sprague de Camp (author), Fred Collins (announcer), Ernest Kinoy (adaptor), Daniel Sutter (director), William Welch (producer). 29:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Secret Word Is 'Heart' (Aired March 8, 1950)

Groucho Marx matches wits with the American public in four episodes of this classic game show. Starting on the radio in 1947, You Bet Your Life made its television debut in 1950 and aired for 11 years with Groucho as host and emcee. Sponsored rather conspicuously by the Dodge DeSoto car manufacturers, the show featured two contestants working as a team to answer questions for cash prizes. Another mainstay of these question and answer segments was the paper mache duck that would descend from the ceiling with one hundred dollars in tow whenever a player uttered the "secret word." The quiz show aspect of "You Bet Your Life" was always secondary, to the clever back-and-forth between host and contestant, which found Groucho at his funniest. It's in these interview segments that "You Bet Your Life" truly makes its mark as one of early television's greatest programs. Directed by: Robert Dwan.

THIS EPISODE:

March 8, 1950. Syndicated, WNEW-TV, New York audio aircheck. "The Secret Word Is 'Heart'. Participating sponsors. The first contestant is Anna Lingren. Syndicated rebroadcast date: March 21, 1975. Anna Lingren, Groucho Marx, George Fenneman (announcer), Jack Meakin (music). 31:08. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Man Who Invented Death (Aired January 6, 1950)
Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons was one of radio's longest running shows, airing (October 12, 1937 to April 19, 1955), continuing well into the television era. It was produced by Frank and Anne Hummert. The sponsors included Whitehall Pharmacal (as in Anacin, Kolynos Toothpaste, BiSoDol antacid mints, Hill's cold tablets and Heet liniment), Dentyne, Aerowax, RCA Victor and Chesterfield cigarettes. It aired on the NBC Blue network until 1947, when it switched to CBS. Bennett Kilpack began as Mr. Keen in 1937 with Phil Clarke stepping into the role late in the series. For 18 years the kindly Keen and his faithful assistant, Mike Clancy (Jim Kelly), entertained followers with their intuitive perception that kept listeners coming back for more. With 1690 nationwide broadcasts, Mr. Keen was the most resilient private detective in a namesake role.

THIS EPISODE:

October 06, 1949. CBS network. "The Case Of The Man Who Invented Death". Anacin, Kolynos Toothpaste, Heet. A modern alchemist has been electrocuted to learn his secrets. Bennett Kilpack, Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Lawrence Klee (dialogue), Larry Elliott (announcer). 29:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Vanishing Varmint (Aired July 11, 1944)

The success of Falcon films led to a radio series that premiered on the American Blue Network in April 1943, and aired for the next ten years on various networks. It was here that his transition into a private eye was finalized, with The Falcon, now called MICHAEL WARING working as a hardboiled insurance investigator, with an office and a secretary, Nancy. Barry Kroeger was the first radio voice of the Falcon, followed by James Meighan, Les Tremayne, George Petrie, and Les Damon. Nearly all the shows were broadcast from New York. Each show usually started out with a telephone call to The Falcon from a beautiful woman. Answering in his slightly British accent, he would reply to her and another adventure would follow. Waring was snappy and sarcastic with the incompetent police who were inevitably unable to solve the mysteries without his help. Like the films, the radio plots mixed danger, romance and comedy in equal parts.

THIS EPISODE:

July 11, 1944 - NBC network. "The Case Of The Vanishing Varmint". Sponsored by: Kraft Miracle Whip, Kraft Malted Milk. "Dead bodies, like bad pennies, always turn up!" Les Damon, Ed Herlihy (announcer), Drexel Drake (creator), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Richard Lewis (director), Eugene Wang (writer), Arlo (music), Charles Webster. 29:54. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Jack Hires A Bodyguard (Aired February 5, 1947)

Jack Carson, because of his size — 6 ft 2 in (1.9 m) and 220 lb (100 kg), had his first stage appearance as Hercules in a college production. During a performance, he tripped and took half the set with him. A college friend, Dave Willock, thought it was so funny he persuaded Carson to team with him in a vaudeville act—Willock and Carson—and a new career began. This piece of unplanned business would be typical of the sorts of things that tended to happen to Carson during some of his film roles. During the 1930s, as vaudeville went into decline owing to increased competition from radio and the movies, Willock and Carson sought work in Hollywood, initially landing bit roles at RKO. The radio also proved to be a source of employment for the team following a 1938 appearance on the Kraft Music Hall during Bing Crosby's period as program host. This led to a number of other appearances which would culminate in Carson's own radio show in 1943. From 1950-51, Carson was one of four alternating hosts of NBC's "4 Star Revue." Other hosts that season were Jimmy Durante, Ed Wynn. and Danny Thomas. The show aired Wednesday evenings. Carson's second season was his last with the comedy-variety program when its title was changed to "All Star Revue.

View Details

The Creaking Door - Don't Go Down The Mine (1953) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

When legendary producer and director, Himan Brown first presented Inner Sanctum as one of three requested sponsorship candidates to Carter Products, he presented Inner Sanctum as The Creaking Door. Carter didn't care for the name, so on the spur of the moment Hi Brown suggested Inner Sanctum as an alternative, and voila, Radio history was made. The emphasis on high production values is perhaps the very reason that several early, morally challenged Radio traders felt they could get away with interspersing many of the Creaking Door episodes with their Inner Sanctum, Mysterious Traveler, and Strange Dr. Weird offerings to a still naive community of radio recording collectors. Although somewhat left-handed, it's still a compliment to both SABC and Springbok Radio that those early 'otr hooligans' managed to get away with the practice for well over 20 years. That takes nothing away from this excellent series in its own right. The expositions were deftly introduced and shaded with just the right amount of chilling narrative. Not quite as chilling and melodramatic as Raymond Johnson, perhaps, but Peter Broomfield rightly camped up his delivery for The Creaking Door, and it worked. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

View Details

"The Larry Simmons Case" (1956) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.
Danger With Granger arrived too late in the Golden Age of Radio to have any real impact on the listening public. Mutual aired this show, starting in 1956, on Monday nights at 8:30 pm. It was a half hour show that featured a private eye in New York City, Steve Granger. His two primary companions were Cal Hendrix, a reporter who served as an all-purpose source of criminal info, and Jake Rankin, a police detective with whom he had a grudging rivalry. The writing on the show seemed to incorporate most of the standard cliche's of the P.I. world. Granger, who was both the star and the first-person narrator of the show (not an uncommon practice with radio gumshoes), never saw a woman, instead "he gave the doll the once-over." He didn't kick with his foot, he "lifted a size 10." Instead of paying cash, he "forked over numbered lettuce." In his investigations Steve Granger cooperates with the police and the FBI and other authorities.

View Details

The Royal Purple Scooter (Aired January 23, 1955)

Abbott Mysteries was a comedy-mystery radio program adapted from the novels of Frances Crane (1896-1981). Initially a summer replacement for Quick As a Flash, the series was heard on Mutual and NBC between the years 1945 and 1955. The Mutual series, sponsored by Helbros Watches, debuted June 10, 1945, airing Sundays at 6pm. Scripts were by Howard Merrill and Ed Adamson in the lighthearted tradition of Mr. and Mrs. North. Julie Stevens and Charles Webster starred as Jean and Pat Abbott, a San Francisco married couple who solved murder mysteries. In the supporting cast were Jean Ellyn, Sydney Slon and Luis Van Rooten. Moving to 5:30pm in 1946, Les Tremayne and Alice Reinheart took over the roles until the end of the series on August 31, 1947.

THIS EPISODE:

January 23, 1955. Program #1. NBC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Royal Purple Scooter". Les Damon, Claudia Morgan, Ann Corio, Mandel Kramer, Frances Crane (creator), David Pfeffer, Howard Merrill (writer), Dewey Bergman (composer, conductor), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Ted Lloyd (producer), Harry Frazee (director, recordist), Roger Tuttle (announcer). 30:01. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Frontier Gentleman"
"Holiday" (Aired November 9, 1958

Written and directed by Antony Ellis, it followed the adventures of journalist Kendall as he roamed the Western United States in search of stories for the Times. Along the way, he encountered various fictional drifters and outlaws in addition to well-known historical figures, such as Jesse James, Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok. Music for the series was by Wilbur Hatch and Jerry Goldsmith, who also supplied the opening trumpet theme. The announcers were Dan Cubberly, Johnny Jacobs, Bud Sewell and John Wald.

THIS EPISODE:

November 9, 1958. CBS network. "Holiday". Sponsored by: Kent, Plymouth. Cole Williams, a famous killer during the war, is dying in Batesville, Misouri. This is a network, sponsored version. John Dehner, Antony Ellis (writer, producer, director), Harry Bartell, Joseph Kearns, Virginia Gregg, Jack Moyles, Tom Hanley (writer), Richard Perkins, Helen Kleeb, Bud Sewell (announcer). 23:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Robert Perry Case (Aired January 14, 1949)

There were some unusual devices used in the show that help set it apart from other shows. There was no partner, assistant, or secretary for Johnny. The character closest to a continuing role was that of Pat McCracken of the Universal Adjustment Bureau, who assigned Johnny many of his cases. Another atypical aspect gave the show additional credibility – frequently, characters on the show would mention that they had heard about Johnny’s cases on the radio. Johnny often used his time when filling out his expense accounts to give the audience background information or to express his thoughts about the current case.No fewer than eight actors played Johnny Dollar. Dick Powell, of Rogue’s Gallery fame, cut the original audition tape, but chose to do Richard Diamond, Private Detective instead. Gerald Mohr, of The Adventures of Philip Marlowe fame, auditioned in 1955, prior to Bob Bailey getting the title role. Through the first three actors to play Johnny Dollar (Charles Russell, Edmond O'Brien, and John Lund), there was little to distinguish the series from many other radio detective series. Dollar was just another hard-boiled detective in a medium that was overloaded with the stereotype.

THIS EPISODE:

January 14, 1949. "The Robert W. Perry Case". An audition recording. Johnny is hired as a bodyguard for Mr. Perry, but a bomb goes off in his office when Johnny reports for duty. The script was subsequently used on the program on March 4, 1949 and March 3, 1950. Charles Russell, Paul Dudley (writer), Gil Doud (writer), Mark Warnow (music), Richard Sanville (producer, director). 29:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Big Tomato (Aired January 25, 1951)
Gradually, Friday’s deadpan, fast-talking persona emerged, described by John Dunning as "a cop's cop, tough but not hard, conservative but caring." (Dunning, 210) Friday’s first partner was Sgt. Ben Romero, portrayed by Barton Yarborough, a longtime radio actor. When Dragnet hit its stride, it became one of radio’s top-rated shows. While most radio shows used one or two sound effects experts, Dragnet needed five; a script clocking in at just under 30 minutes could require up to 300 separate effects. Accuracy was underlined: The exact number of footsteps from one room to another at Los Angeles police headquarters were imitated, and when a telephone rang at Friday’s desk, the listener heard the same ring as the telephones in Los Angeles police headquarters.

THIS EPISODE:

January 25, 1951. Program #85. NBC network. "The Big Tomato". Sponsored by: Fatima. A high school boy named Kenneth Morrow is killed in an auto accident. He had been using marijuana! Friday and the cops track down "The Big Tomato." The editors of "Motion Picture Daily" and "Fame" magazine name Jack Webb, "the most promising star of tomorrow" and Dragnet "the best radio program of its type" for 1950. Jack Webb, Barton Yarborough. 28:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Treasure Of Hang Lee (Aired May 29, 1949) Box 13 was a syndicated radio series about the escapades of newspaperman-turned-mystery novelist Dan Holliday, played by film star Alan Ladd. Created by Ladd's company, Mayfair Productions, Box 13 premiered in 1947. In New York City, it first aired December 31, 1947[1], on Mutual's New York flagship, WOR. To seek out new ideas for his fiction, Holliday ran a classified ad in the Star-Times newspaper where he formerly worked: "Adventure wanted, will go anywhere, do anything -- write Box 13, Star-Times." The stories followed Holliday's adventures when he responded to the letters sent to him by such people as a psycho killer and various victims. Sylvia Picker appeared as Holliday's scatterbrained secretary, Suzy, while Edmund MacDonald played police Lt. Kling.

THIS EPISODE:

May 29, 1949. Program #41. Mutual network origination, Mayfair syndication. "The Treasure Of Hang Lee". Commercials added locally. A trip to Chinatown gets Dan a priceless piece of jade, and the quest for a treasure. Vern Carstensen (production supervisor), Rudy Schrager (composer, conductor), Richard Sanville (director), Mark Hofling (writer), Alan Ladd, Sylvia Picker. 27:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Silent Witnesses (Aired March 27, 1947)
Crime club was a Mutual Network murder and mystery series, a product of the Doubleday Crime Book Club imprints found weekly in bookstores everywhere. The telephone rings "Hello, I hope I haven't kept you waiting. Yes, this is the Crime Club. I'm the Librarian. Murder Rents A Room? Yes, we have that Crime Club story for you.Come right over. (The organist in the shadowed corner of the Crime Club library shivers the ivories) The doorbell tones sullenly"And you are here. Good. Take the easy chair by the window. Comfortable? The book is on this shelf." (The organist hits the scary chord) "Let's look at it under the reading lamp." The Librarian, played by Raymond E. Johnson, begins reading the tale. Veteran Willis Cooper (Lights Out, Quiet Please) did some of the scripts from the Crime Club books.

THIS EPISODE:

March 27, 1947. Mutual network. "Silent Witnesses". Sustaining. A woman hears two shots while asleep. A corpse is found shortly afterward, with only one hole! Roger Bower (producer), Jock MacGregor (director), Jack McBride, Julie Stevens, Helen Shields, Dan Ocko, Barry Thompson, Joe DeSantis, Robert George Dean (writer), James Earthine (adaptor), Shirling Oliver. 30:04. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Have A Cigar (Aired June 1, 1951)

When Red Skelton was drafted in March 1944, Ozzie Nelson was prompted to create his own family situation comedy. The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet launched on CBS on October 8, 1944, moving to NBC in October 1948, and making a late-season switch back to CBS in April 1949. The final years of the radio series were on ABC (the former NBC Blue Network) from October 14, 1949 to June 18, 1954. In total 402 radio episodes were produced. In an arrangement that amplified the growing pains of American broadcasting, as radio "grew up" into television, the Nelsons' deal with ABC gave the network the option to move their program to television.

THIS EPISODE:

June 1, 1951. "Have A Cigar" - ABC network. Sponsored by: Heinz. Ozzie is determined to become a cigar smoker! Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Hilliard, David Nelson, Ricky Nelson, Verne Smith (announcer), John Brown, Herb Vigran, Billy May (composer, conductor), Frank Nelson. 29:46. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Cigar Box Bandit (Aired February 15, 1951)

The Lineup is a realistic police drama that gives radio audiences a look behind the scenes at police headquarters. Bill Johnstone plays Lt. Ben Guthrie, a quiet, calm-as-a-cupcake cucumber. Joseph Kearns (and from 1951 to 1953, Matt Maher) plays Sgt. Matt Grebb, a hot-tempered hot plate who is easily bored. The director and script writer often rode with police on the job and sat in on the police lineups to get ideas for The Lineup. They also read dozens of newspapers daily and intermeshed real stories with those that they used in the show. With Dragnet a smash hit, realism in police dramas was popular at the time this show aired. Don’t be caught without this radio show in your collection!

THIS EPISODE:

February 15, 1951. CBS network. Sustaining. "The Cigar Store Bandit" has the entire police force puzzled in this surprisingly good story with a twisted ending. David Young, Ed Begley, Eddie Dunstedter (music), Howard McNear, Jaime del Valle (producer, director), Joe Walters (announcer), John McIntire, Milton Geiger (adaptor), Peggy Webber, Wally Maher, Walter Catlett, William Johnstone. 28:13. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of Blackie Thompson (Aired December 8, 1945)
Gangbusters was an American dramatic radio program heralded as "the only national program that brings you authentic police case histories." It premiered as G-Men, sponsored by Chevrolet, on July 20, 1935. After the title was changed to Gang Busters January 15, 1936, the show had a 21-year run through November 20, 1957. Beginning with a barrage of loud sound effects — guns firing and tires squealing — this intrusive introduction led to the popular catch phrase "came on like Gang Busters."The series dramatized FBI cases, which producer-director Phillips H. Lord arranged in close association with Bureau director J. Edgar Hoover. Hoover insisted that only closed cases would be used.

THIS EPISODE:

December 8, 1945. Program #411. ABC network origination, WRVR-FM, New York rebroadcast. "The Case Of Blackie Thompson". Participating sponsors. The story of bank-robber Blackie Thompson, and his all-too-loyal girlfriend, Lila. WRVR rebroadcast date: May 16, 1974. The script was used previously on Gangbusters of February 24, 1940. Phillips H. Lord (producer). 21:22. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Incident At Indian Ford (Aired March 15, 1959)

The show was created by director Norman Macdonnell and writer John Meston Gunsmoke - The radio show first aired on April 26, 1952 and ran until June 18, 1961 on the CBS radio network. The series starred William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Howard McNear as Doc Charles Adams, Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, and Parley Baer as Deputy Chester Proudfoot. Doc's first name and Chester's last name were changed for the television program. Gunsmoke was notable for its critically acclaimed cast and writing, and is commonly regarded as one of the finest old time radio shows. Some listeners (such as old time radio expert John Dunning) have argued that the radio version of Gunsmoke was far more realistic than the television program.
THIS EPISODE:

March 15, 1959. CBS network. "Incident At Indian Ford". Commercials deleted. Marshal Dillon and Chester meet up with eight cavalry soldiers traveling with Mary Taber, who has just been ransomed back from the Arapahos. The script was used on the Gunsmoke television series on December 2, 1961. William Conrad, John Dunkel (writer), Howard McNear, Georgia Ellis, Jeanne Bates, Jack Moyles, Vic Perrin, Parley Baer, John Meston (editorial supervisor), George Walsh (announcer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director). 24:59. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Murdering Messenger (Aired August 25, 1949)

The show was at the top of the list among programs that had developed the technique of sound effects to a fine art. Each program was written with the sound in mind, not so much sound for sound's sake, but to advance the plot, add color or create atmosphere. Two sound effects men spent a reported ten hours in rehearsal for each broadcast, in addition to the time spent by the actors. East coast actors House Jameson, Don MacLaughlin, Phil Sterling and Lawson Zerbe [MBS] (Zerbe appeared as both David Harding and Harry Peters) were the only four actors to ever assume the role of David Harding--Jameson for the first two episodes only, replaced by Don MacLaughlin for the remainder of its twelve year run. Both Connecticut residents, House Jameson premiered in the role while Lord was still auditioning talent for the lead. By the third episode, Phillips H. Lord selected Don MacLaughlin for the role. MacLaughlin was by no means new to Radio, having already appeared in some 300 Radio productions since his debut over Radio in 1935. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.
THIS EPISODE:

August 25, 1949. ABC network. "The Case Of The Murdering Messenger". Sponsored by: Pepsi Cola. A fast-talking man poses as himself to impersonate someone else! The system cue has been deleted. William Sweets (director), Don MacLaughlin, Mandel Kramer, Jesse Crawford (organ), Phillips H. Lord (producer). 28:54. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Case Of The Purloined Corpse (Aired October 9, 1948)

Bill Rousseau's image of Michael Shayne was more after the pattern of Jack Webb's characterizations of Pat Novak for Hire, or Johnny Madero, Pier 23--but amp'd up about 150% in the process. From some seventeen potential candidates, Rousseau felt that Jeff Chandler was the natural pick over his peers. Chandler could both amp up the electricity of Shayne's character and raise the introductory prologues about 10 decibels, as well as completely reinventing Michael Shayne in Chandler's own mold. Chandler left the production after some 26 performances, to be replaced, briefly, by Film actor, Donald Curtis for two broadcast episodes. In even more of a transition, Michael Shayne returned to his roots in Florida for the last incarantion of Michael Shayne over Radio. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

October 9, 1948 - Broadcaster's Guild syndication, AFRS rebroadcast. "The Case Of The Purloined Corpse". The body vanishes, and with good reason. Jeff Chandler, Jack Webb, William P. Rousseau (host, director), Brett Halliday (creator). 26:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

Rainy Day Activity (Aired March 25, 1954)

Father Knows Best, a family comedy of the 1950s, is perhaps more important for what it has come to represent than for what it actually was. In essence, the series was one of a slew of middle-class family sitcoms in which moms were moms, kids were kids, and fathers knew best. Today, many critics view it, at best, as high camp fun, and, at worst, as part of what critic David Marc once labeled the "Aryan melodramas" of the 1950s and 1960s. The brainchild of series star Robert Young, who played insurance salesman Jim Anderson, and producer Eugene B. Rodney, Father Knows Best first debuted as a radio sitcom in 1949.The series began August 25, 1949, on NBC Radio. Set in the Midwest, it starred Robert Young as General Insurance agent Jim Anderson. His wife Margaret was first portrayed by June Whitley and later by Jean Vander Pyl. The Anderson children were Betty (Rhoda Williams), Bud (Ted Donaldson) and Kathy (Norma Jean Nillson). Others in the cast were Eleanor Audley, Herb Vigran and Sam Edwards. Sponsored through most of its run by General Foods, the series was heard Thursday evenings on NBC until March 25, 1954.

View Details

Reunion (Aired May 14, 1945)
Famous stories by celebrated authors: among them, Elementals (Stephen Vincent Benet), The Piano (William Saroyan), and The Snow Goose (Paul Gallico).March 5, 1941 till June 4, 1945, NBC; Blue Network until mid-October 1941, then the Red Network. Many briefly held 30m timeslots, including Sundays at 11:30, 1941-42; Wednesdays at 11:30, 1942-44; Mondays at 11:30, 1944-45. Sponsor was Philip Morris, 1942-43. Cast: John Hodiak, Fern Persons, Arthur Kohl, Laurette Fillbrandt, Kathryn Card, Bob Jellison, Nelson Olmsted, Marvin Miller, Olan Soule, Les Tremayne, Clarence Hartzell, Curley Bradley, etc. Orchestra: Rex Maupin, Roy Shield, J6seph Gallicchio. Creator: Wynn Wright. Directors: Norman Felton, Fred Weihe, Homer Heck, etc.

THIS EPISODE:

May 14, 1945. NBC network, Chicago origination. "Reunion". Sustaining. Henry Sinkin is a quiet accountant who inherits $500 and decides to make a big impression at his college reunion. Arthur Hern, Art Van Harvey, Charles Egleston, Elwyn Owen (organist), Inez Arsher (adaptor), Kay Miller, Kay Miller, Michael Romano, Nick Reikert, Norman Felton (producer), Phillips H. Lord, Stanley Gordon, Thomas Post, Vincent Sheean (author), William Fein. 28:37. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Blue Geranium - A Short Story (1952)

Jane Marple, usually referred to as Miss Marple, is a fictional character appearing in twelve of Agatha Christie's crime novels. Miss Marple is an elderly spinster who acts as an amateur detective, and lives in the village of St. Mary Mead. She is one of the most famous of Christie's characters and has been portrayed numerous times on screen. Her first published appearance was in issue 350 of The Royal Magazine for December 1927 with the first printing of the short story "The Tuesday Night Club" which later became the first chapter of The Thirteen Problems (1932). Her first appearance in a full-length novel was in The Murder at the Vicarage in 1930. Miss Jane Marple doesn’t look like your average detective.

THIS EPISODE:

1952 "The Blue Geranium" - A woman is warned by a psychic of the evil and danger in her house. On a full moon, she must watch for the signs: blue primrose means caution, blue hollyhock is danger, and blue geranium is death.

View Details

The Jack Benny Thanksgiving Program (11-29-53)
Benny was remarkable in many ways, but in none more than this: he built a character of every sour ingredient in life, but somehow his real personality trickled through and made it wonderful. Would a real miser act that way before 30 million people each week? The Benny of the air was a fraud, a myth, a creation. It should have surprised no one to learn — after years of toupee jokes that played so well into the vanity theme — that Benny never wore one. He overtipped in restaurants, gave away his time in countless benefit performances, and was lavish in his praise of almost everyone else. The Jack Benny Program is a classic comedy that is truly one of the best-loved programs from the Golden Age of Radio. It started life as The Canada Dry Program in 1932 on the Blue Network and finished off as The Lucky Strike Program on CBS in 1955. In between, it kept the audience in stitches and established Benny as one of America's all-time great comedians.

THIS EPISODE:

November 29, 1953."Thanksgiving Dinner" Sponsored by Lucky Strike. Jack and Mary go shopping for a Thanksgiving Turkey. Recorded November 19, 1953, the system cue is added live. The Sportsmen sing a Luckie commercial to the tune of, "Thanks." Portions of the script were used on October 2, 1949 and November 23, 1947. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

View Details

Home For Thanksgiving (Aired November 27, 1947)

Nonsectarian in its approach, Family Theater’s basic message was simply that of strengthening the family through faith in God and prayer. Each program was preceded by the familiar announcement: “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of”—a quote from Alfred, Lord Tennyson. And always worked in somewhere before the end of the show was the famous slogan that became Peyton’s signature: “The family that prays together stays together!” Father Peyton’s vision of the family is expressed in his book, The Ear of God: “The family was meant to be the cradle of religion,” he wrote. “Restore to the family its religious soul and you enrich the entire country, you strengthen civilization.”

THIS EPISODE
November 27, 1947. Mutual network. "Home For Thanksgiving". Sustaining. An American woman and her Austrian husband return to the city where he grew up. Arriving on Thanksgiving, they find only ruins. A fine Thanksgiving story. The script was susequently used on "Family Theatre" on February 4, 1953. Charles Boyer (host), Joan Leslie, Paul Henreid, True Boardman (writer), Tony La Frano (announcer), Max Terr (music), David Young (director). 28:57. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

View Details

The Thanksgiving Dinner (Aired November 20, 1951)
Life with Luigi was a radio comedy-drama series which began September 21, 1948 on CBS. The story concerned Italian immigrant Luigi Basco, and his experiences as an immigrant in Chicago. Many of the shows take place at the US citizenship classes that Luigi attends with other immigrants from different countries, as well as trying to fend off the repeated advances of the morbidly-obese daughter of his landlord/sponsor. Luigi was played by J. Carrol Naish, an Irish-American. Naish continued in the role on the short-lived television version in 1952, and was later replaced by Vito Scotti. With a working title of The Little Immigrant, Life with Luigi was created by Cy Howard, who earlier had created the hit radio comedy, My Friend Irma. The show was often seen as the Italian counterpart to the radio show The Goldbergs, which chronicled the experience of Jewish immigrants in New York.
THIS EPISODE:

November 20, 1951. "The Thanksgiving Dinner" - CBS network. Sponsored by: Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum. It's Thanksgiving, and Luigi misses having a family to celebrate with. America will be his guest. J. Carrol Naish, Alan Reed, Cy Howard (creator, producer), Mac Benoff (writer, director), Lou Derman (writer), Pat Burton (associate producer), Mary Shipp, Hans Conried, Joe Forte, Ken Peters, Lud Gluskin (music director), Charles Lyon (announcer), Jody Gilbert. 29:34. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod: Recent Episodes

Bob Camardella