Radio Retropolis: Recent Episodes
Radio Retropolis
A network of podcasts under several genres relating to the retro pop culture field and how these features are relevant to everyone today. Retro doesn't mean old. It's about a style and a vibe that gives you your passion.
These podcasts will consist of classic radio dramas and commentary from Jim Romanovich, blogs, new interviews from individuals who contributed to the pop culture experience, and high-end audio documentaries.
Last time, Clark, Perry White and Lois Lane were determined to expose the crooked DA Parker only to be confronted and then threatened by an Invisible Man that there would be serious consequences if the story was made public by their paper. Commentary on Clark Kent's bravery (which is still questioned by others) and who Bud Collyer was in real life away from Superman. Plus, we'll find out what Collyer really thought of Joan Alexander (Lois).
Clark, Lois and Perry investigate a crooked District Attorney who's been making deals with gangsters. They're startled to discover that the DA has an invisible, yet deadly, ally. Commentary on the public fascination of invisible men of the 30s and 40s, the problem with Perry White in this episode, and how Lois Lane starts to warm up to Clark Kent.
Friday and Romero investigate the whereabouts of recently stolen vehicles that leads them to the city’s salvage yards. Commentary of how a popular saint came to be and then was demoted.
A doctor is severely beaten, robbed and near death. A narcotics addict is the prime suspect. Commentary on the facts about narcotic addiction and crime. Plus, the interesting dynamic between Joe and his mother.
Commentary tonight on the Yellow Mask's henchman Lefty bearing a strong resemblance to Joe Pesci's Leo Getz character in Lethal Weapon II. We also question why the need for Clark to physically change into Superman when the room is completely dark.
Clark, Lois, Jimmy and Commissioner Malone are now all trapped in the tank and Clark has to figure out how Superman is going to save them without revealing his secret identity.
In the last episode, Clark almost blew his cover with Jimmy when Jimmy saw Superman, not Clark, fighting the henchman. But now they know where the Yellow Mask is. The Yellow Mask, however, is on to them and has a special surprise waiting.
A man is severely beaten and the assailants are nowhere to be found. The beaten man knows who attacked him yet refuses to file a report. Commentary on police protection realities and the father of the accordion.
Clark decides to grab the Yellow Mask as he comes for the jewels, but will he have to reveal himself as Superman to do so? Or will the Yellow Mask have a another plan to thwart any prospect of being captured by the police?
Clark, Commissioner Malone and Jimmy are in hot pursuit of the yellow mask hanks to Lois’ call yet unbeknownst to Clark, the Yellow Mask was listening on the other extension and took steps to set up a trap of his own.
Clark assumed correctly that the Yellow Mask was going to break Chickee out of jail to get the jewels and also correctly assumed that he’d send his henchman who don’t know what Chickee loos like. So, Clark enlists the help of Lois Lane who steps in for Chickee whom he hopes will help lead him right to the Yellow Mask.
Friday and Romero investigate the body of a murdered woman. Her husband and his best friend claim to be equally baffled by her death but do one or both know more than they’re admitting? Commentary on how Dragnet revelation of guilt is similar to the five stages of death.
Superman confronted the mysterious girl to reclaim the jewels only to have her earn her name as “mysterious” when she simply vanished into thin air. Will she be found or was her fate sealed by one misstep? Commentary on the return of Joan Alexander (Lois lane) and the immense chemistry she and Bud Collyer had as Clark and Lois. Also, we look at a blooper from the Yellow Mask.
Clark has figured out where the girl, the yellow mask, and the jewels are. It turns out that tunnel where she escaped is right under the abandoned skyscraper. But the Yellow Mask is in for another surprise. Commentary on the pomposity of being a villain in comic books and how they can be their own worst enemy. Also, the discussion of the absence of Superman and why that's a good thing for Clark Kent.
For the past year a confidence man named Benton has been cheating women by proposing marriage and then stealing their money. Unfortunately the radio episode of March 29, 1951 does not exist and therefore this is the television audio from December 10, 1953. Commentary on Armed Forces Network and why this episode just missed the mark.
While tracking the mysterious woman by plane and train, Clark and Jimmy are baffled by the girl’s sudden disappearance in the cave although Clark is starting to put the pieces together of the crown jewels. Commentary on how Clark is one tough crime reporter and why he has to feign weakness at times with Lois Lane who sees him as nothing but a coward.
Jimmy and Clark leave the train and check into a hotel thanks to a wire from Perry White, or so they thought. The yellow Mask is behind wire and the mystery girl tracks them to the hotel and enters the room where Jimmy is sleeping.
Jimmy had given the Yellow Mask an empty package and now the Yellow Mask and the mystery girl are in collusion that puts Jimmy right in the cross hairs of danger.
A woman is found murdered in her apartment and the only clue is a trunk that she never opened. Commentary on while people kill, plus some fun Jack Webb facts including a famous skit with Johnny Carson.
In our last episode, The Yellow Mask made his move to terrify Jimmy Olsen to get the information on the missing jewels even if that means killing both Olsen and Kent.
While Friday and Romero investigate a man who was pulled from his car on a deserted street who was also robbed and severely beaten , the police duo encounter an unexpected tragic event. Commentary on the dramatic turn of events before Act 2 and the creative choice Dragnet made for the rest of the episode.
Last time, Jimmy and Clark were traveling by train back to Metropolis when $5 million in jewels lands in the next compartment from the window. With Superman investigating, Jimmy is left alone when the Yellow Mask boards the train.
On the train back to Metropolis, Clark and Jimmy witness the hand off of a valuable collection of jewels, stolen by the Yellow Mask which leads to the abduction of Clark, Jimmy, Lois and Commissioner Malone in this exciting new 15 part adventure!
On New Year's Eve, Detectives Friday and Romero must investigate a senseless cop killing. Commentary on ambush style attacks on police today compared to the 1950s.
With the newspaper clipping of the latest robbery as now Superman and Batman’s only clue in finding Robin, Jonesy carries Robin’s unconscious body at the foot of the building as he prepares to silence him once and for all. JR comments on the end of the season and what's to come.
Boris Karloff returns in our Lights Out episode podcast as a scientist determined to bring his recently deceased wife back to life. Commentary on Karloff's connection to making the dead rise and the discussion of what many of the mad scientists, in spite of their brilliance, fail to realize when bringing the dead back to life. Finally, a an extended look at Wyllis Cooper, Arch Oboler and the entire Lights Out legacy.
A railroad signalman is visited by a mysterious figure every time a horrific train accident is about to occur. Commentary on author Charles Dickens' real life experience, including a near fatal train derailment, that led to his writing the original story. An exceptional episode.
Friday and Romero are on the hunt for a married con artist couple who has been scamming churches and committing insurance fraud for over two years and have always eluded the law at every turn. Commentary on the sadness of this episode which really changes slows the pacing for this episode. Also commentary on the polio epidemics of 1949 and 1952.
Superman and Batman feel completely helpless upon finding Spider’s place completely empty with no trace of Robin whatsoever. Spider, who has no other choice, is planning to kill Robin. JR speaks on the recent controversy over the Superman franchise.
A worried mother calls the police and reports that her four year old twin girls have been missing for hours. This episode aired on February 15, 1951. Unfortunately, the audio quality of the episode suffers greatly. Since many early Dragnet television scripts were nothing more than the radio scripts, we have decided to present a special audio podcast of the television version of The Big Crime which aired September 9, 1954 as the third episode of Dragnet’s 4th TV season. Commentary on the horrendous content of this episode from 1951 and 1954 and how our instant media today has desensitized our feelings towards horrific images in what has become the new normal.
Friday questions Henry Ross, a suspect in a man's disappearance, which Friday believes is actually a murder. Commentary on the unusual format of this episode which starts right at the interrogation and never lets up. Plus, we discuss the first uses of the polygraph machine.
An eight-year-old boy and his sister have been going from door to door begging for food even though they are from well to do parents. Commentary on yet another award won by Dragnet. This one was The Motion Picture Herald Association with Fame Award. Also discussed are the millions of children abused each year and why this episode may have had special meaning for star Jack Webb.
As Kent and Wayne are close to figuring out who the real Monkey Burglar is, Spider is planning one last job to pin on Robin. But this could be the end for both Robin and Billy, who is the real Monkey Burglar. JR comments on Radio Retropolis.
A cameraman and his sound man are looking to get the ultimate interview-with a ghost. Commentary on the problems with this episode making it one of the worst in the Lights Out catalogue.
Lamont Cranston and Margot Lane attend a private party given by a crazy millionaire who believes that he's an Italian Duke from the 12th century. He and his mad scientist friend plan a night of destruction to fulfill a prophecy. Can the Shadow figure it out in time to prevent the worst? Commentary to follow episode.
In Act 2, Quinn Williams is a young man who upon returning money he stole from a client finds the client dead and now has team up with a girl, Bricky, from his hometown to clear his name. But as they gather revealing clues in the dead man’s apartment, a sudden sound is heard at the door. JR speaks on this being the very last of the hour episodes of Suspense. He looks at what went wrong and what's next.
In Act 1, a young man steals money from his client and has a change of heart and decides to return it before its reported missing. When he returns to the apartment, his client is found murdered. JR comments on the lightness of the act with a Thin Man approach to it.
Using the gymnastic medal, they’re only clue, they found ten boys who won the award and are positive ONE will be revealed as the Monkey Burglar. The audio for this episode is very rough at best but you can still hear what’s going on and follow the adventure. JR speaks on the two big issues Batman faces in this episode
Liz is a finalist in a radio script writing contest. But in order to win she, George, Iris, and Rudolph now have to perform it on the local radio station. Commentary on the musical Show Boat plus Gale Gordon's tie to another very important character referenced in this episode.
A band of dope peddlers launches a full-scale operation in Los Angeles targeting high-school children. Commentary on the recent commendation both Dragnet and Jack Webb received for the best new star of tomorrow and excellence in programming.
Just when all hope was lost in not only catching the Monkey Burglar but in finding Robin, Kent makes the discovery of a gymnastic medal they believe belongs to the real Monkey Burglar. JR comments on the continuing problem with Batman in this serial.
A British officer and his servant in India make use of their eastern mystic powers to avenge the death of the officer’s brother at the hands of thugs in Chicago. Commentary on why this episode, although enjoyable, was a rare miss for Wyllis Cooper.
Lamont Cranston and Commissioner Weston witness a condemned man being hanged at the prison, but they later learn he's somehow still alive and killing off the jury members who sent him to the death house. Plus, commentary to follow.
A young man needs money soon to pay a debt or he’s a dead man who devises a plan to get the insurance money off his mother’s boarder who doesn’t have long to live. JR speaks about stars Fay Bainter and Tony Barrett. Plus, the reason why they aired a 30 minute episode instead of their hour long program.
The trap Kent had planned using Robin as bait backfired when the Spider and Jonesy intercepted those plans and kidnapped both Robin and Jimmy Olsen. JR comments on the tribute paid to Superman by the National Conference of Christians and Jews and the problems they faced throughout the years.
Liz is concerned when George wants to check her will which turns to fear once she's convinced George wants to do her in when she finds a one way airline ticket and a receipt for some arsenic and some rope. Commentary on the behind scenes story about the I Love Lucy episode called Lucy thinks Ricky is Trying to Murder Her from this script as well as the rarely heard audio clip from the never aired pilot episode of I Love Lucy about Ricky's will upsetting Liz.
A pair of hold-up men known as "The Kid Bandits" are robbing and beating their victims. They're young and brutal with no pattern to their operation. But a pack of matches may be Friday and Romero’s best lead. Commentary on the first scene which shows a much more informal, off duty friendship between Friday and Romero.
Clark Kent gets Henderson to agree to release Robin for 48 hours in his custody to bait a trap for the real Monkey Burglar. But someone else is wise to Kent’s plan. JR comemnts on an Adventures of Superman television episode similar to this story.
Saladine and Erlich are two warlocks in the eternal battle between good and evil with Erlich using his black magic to control zombies in destroying the world. Saladine is the only one who can stop him. Commentary on the real origins of the zombie and how they were represented here as compared to those in Night of the Living Dead, 28 Days Later, and, of course, the television phenomenon The Walking Dead.
Two spies are gaining War Department secrets with the help of a spiritualist who reads people's minds.
In Act 2, Eric Strange is investigating the murder of his researcher friend Leland Rogers, when a speeding car tries to run him over. Who was driving? Who wants him dead? And why? JR comments on the real "blind spot. Plus, actor Edmond O'Brien.
In Act 1, Eric Strange, an author-turned-bodyguard, vows to protect his employer, a famous pollster, from someone who is trying to kill him. When the man winds up dead, the police think it’s suicide. Strange believes it was murder and sets out to prove it putting himself in mortal danger. JR reviews the Act.
As Robin was identified by the victim as the Monkey Burglar including the fact that he could not provide an alibi without giving up his identity as Dick Grayson, Inspector Henderson decides to detain Robin for 48 hours while he builds a case against him. JR comments on the tribute to Superman from Radio Mirror Magazine.
In the second part of our Women’s Right story, Liz and Iris have bet George and Rudolph that they can hold down a job, and the boys have bet the girls that they can take care of the housework and cooking. Commentary on the origins of the Equal Rights Amendment and its failure to ratify. Plus, a look at one of the all-time Classic I Love Lucy TV episodes from which these radio scripts were used.
Walter Harrison is on the window ledge of a downtown building, thirteen stories above the street threatening to leap to his death at exactly 2 pm just 22 minutes from now. Commentary on this great real-time episode when everything happens in 22 minutes.
Kent, Batman and especially young Robin were stunned when Inspector Henderson identified the Monkey Burglar as…Robin. Jr comments on the big faux pas in this episode.
A man who is slated for execution is out into a cell believed to be haunted A cop killer refuses to confess, so he gets put in a cell allegedly haunted by the ghost of another cop killer to see if that'll make him crack. Commentary on the brilliance of how Wyllis Cooper uses our deepest darkest fears about death to terrify us even more. Plus, we look at Cooper's follow up series called Quiet, Please.
Three airplanes flying to Argentina have disappeared, which leads The Shadow to a mad scientist in the Amazon with a serum that makes people older.
In Act 2, Sid Latch, after accidentally being responsible for the death of Hollywood movie star Roger Miles, continues to evade police with Iris-except can he trust the people who seem to want to help him? JR comments on the unacceptable animal abuse in the storyline to prove a point as well as the great twist ending.
Sid Latch, a loner living with his dog in Montana, comes across a belligerently drunk Hollywood movie star, Roger Miles, who is accidentally killed while trying to harm Sid's dog, and decides to go on the run with his girlfriend, Iris. JR speaks on the foresight of social justice in 1948 that is extremely relevant today.
A new mystery begins as Perry White frantically tells Kent there is a new kind of acrobatic criminal who appears to scale tall buildings and rob very wealthy people. JR speaks on the need for Batman in this episode.
Liz and Iris are excited about the equal rights amendment and demand equality with George and Atterbury. Commentary on United Mine Workers president John L. Lewis whose news announcement from CBS starts this episode. Plus we look back on the history of Bonbons and today's guest star who appeared in the cult classic Reefer Madness.
A man nicknamed "The Rattlesnake Bandit", who is fast and prone to attack violently, takes great pleasure in beating his victims senseless before shooting them for no reason at all. Commentary on Robert "Rattlesnake" James who most likely was the loose inspiration for this story and left a trail of inventive, horrific murders.
Superman subverts Uncle Ed’s small plane carrying the dry ice that forces rain clouds to empty before hitting Freeville and commands the pilots instead to fly to Abner’s cabin where, unbeknownst to Superman, Lois and Abner are about to be killed. Commentary on what makes a good serial and the one trait about villains you will always find.
A difficult rehearsal for a murder scene in a Lights Out radio episode is interrupted by an eccentric old man peddling coffins just in case someone needed one in the near future. Commentary on guest actor Charles Eggleston as the coffin salesman who may be best remembered for his one appearance on the hit sitcom The Honeymooners.
A mummy's curse seems valid when a strange death ray kills those who enter an Egyptian exhibit at a museum.
In Act 2 of Suspicion, as both Captain Finlay and Sgt. Keeley conduct their separate investigations of the murder in which Corporal Mitchell seems the likeliest suspect as he was last seen with the murder victim alive. Commentary on the original sublot of this story. Plus Robert Young's and Robert Mitchum's turbulent lives are explored.
In Act 1 of Crossfire, a man is murdered, and a homicide detective and an Army sergeant conduct parallel investigations to figure out whodunnit. Commentary on connection in style to Dragnet.
With Lois and Abner’s lives in peril, Superman is many miles away but makes a startling discovery that may solve this mystery once and for all. JR comments on why the writers chose a certain course of action from Superman instead of something more dramatic.
Liz wants to hire the town's new interior decorator, Andrew, to redecorate her house, but George tells her she'll have to do the job all by herself. Commentary on the greatness of Gale Gordon.
A wealthy businessman is thought to have committed suicide although murder has not been ruled out. Friday and Romero investigate the suspicious circumstances and make a startling discovery. Commentary tonight on the Dragnet pattern of determining the guilty party. Plus, we look at the possibility with present day technology how one can or cannot carry out the deed that one of our characters actually does in 1950 Los Angeles.
Abner Sykes explains to Lois and Clark that he can prove how his machine has been manipulating the weather. JR comments on George Reeves' appearance on I Love Lucy.
John Phillips is having an affair with his pretty secretary and he fears it won't be long before his wife finds out. With his secretary’s growing infatuation and Lucille heading down to the office that same day, John finds himself consumed by both passion and guilt and wondering how to get out of it. Commentary on inner conflict, passivity and how both can ultimately lead to suicide.
Enemies of the United States have developed a germ that could wipe out the entire army, eventually leaving the U.S. open to invasion. The Shadow must hurry and find out who is behind it and if a cure is available.
In Act 2 of Suspicion, with Mr. Mummery recovering from his poisoning attempt, he is determined to get to the truth of who wants him dead. Is it the escaped Mrs Andrews? Is Mrs Sutton really Mrs. Andrews? Or is there another possible motive? JR comments on the second acts shortcomings. Plus, star Sam Jaffe.
In Act 1 of Suspicion, a man suspects his new cook is trying to poison his wife and him. Commentary on the coalminer's strike of 1948 per the newsflash at the head of the episode.
After saving Abner Sykes, the telegrapher who had recently disappeared from the burning cabin, Superman in the guise of his alter ego Clark Kent phones Lois to tell her she needs to go out on the street and wait for a friend to pick her up and bring her to his location. JR comments on Lois and Superman's first solo meeting and flight.
George talks Liz into teaching Wally, the son of the bank's newest director, Mr. Forsythe, how to dance the Samba, and Wally gets a crush on Liz. Commentary on the I Love Lucy adaptation of this episode called Young Fans that also includes a teenage Dick Crenna in both the radio and TV versions, Jim Backus channeling his inner Mr. Magoo, and listening to Lucy and Richard Denning break character at the end.
Friday and Romero deal with a dangerous robber who sets out to prove no jail can hold him. Commentary on the real life copycat escape of three inmates at the Santa Ana jail in 2016.
Lois thinks she wrapped up the entire story with Uncle Ed’s un-American speech against the veterans. However, Clark believes there is much more to the story. The drought itself! JR comments on the reality of man-made weather!
A 1945 frightening story of a trip to the moon and back, a nuclear bomb, and all taking place September 20, 2000. Commentary on the irony of this broadcast which was before the bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. References made to the Trinity test in New Mexico which occurred just 12 days before this broadcast.
During the performance of an opera, a premier tenor loses his voice. The audience think nothing wrong of this, until, a sandbag falls on another performer, killing him, when the same opera plays again. Each performance of the opera leads to another unfortunate occurrence and only the Shadow can solve the mystery.
In Act 2, while Olivia, the niece, spies on Danny and discovers some suspicious information in his belongings, a dead body is also discovered on Mrs. Bramson’s estate. Commentary on how suspense and terror is created by a simple ticking clock. Plus, the story was adapted with two different endings. Why?
In Act 1, An elderly woman takes in a new charming servant whom she treats as a son while the niece is suspicious and decides to dig into his past. JR speaks on how Robert Montgomery came to choose this story for Suspense.
Lois and Jerry believe they are both in the clear walking through the woods to the highway, yet what they don’t know is that quicksand is mere steps ahead. JR comments on use of the word "Heaven" as opposed to "God" in these episodes. Plus, what is the big deal with "quicksand" in the 1940s?
Liz and Iris tell George and Atterbury that if the boys won't take them to the Country Club Dance, then the girls will go anyway, with somebody else! Commentary on the similarities to an I Love Lucy episode although never adapted for television, the Essex Roadster the girls buy, and a young man in the guest cast who eventually grew up to command John Rambo.
A pair of phony talent scouts are targeting young girls with dreams of stardom in Hollywood. Commentary tonight on the tragedy of fame and fortune plus Jim shares a very personal tragic story about a close friend of his.
Lois Lane and veteran Jerry Barton, who were secretly observing the controversial rally given by the ex-governor against the homesteaders, found themselves at the end of a couple of rifles. JR comments on the "Uncle Ed" character.
Because he has thrown away a flower from her grave, a grief-stricken widower believes he has doomed his dead wife to haunt a darkened cemetery forever. Commentary on this new summer revival of the Wyllis Cooper scripts and why Arch Oboler felt taking over from Cooper was the best decision he ever made.
Several kidnappings and burglaries have been committed by someone who has managed to evade the police and security guards, but there have been no ransom notes and no high-value items taken. After a friend of Margot's also vanishes,The Shadow investigates and discovers an abandoned sewer system in the area where the crimes have taken place. During a search, Margot falls through the floors of a rotting tunnel and ends up in a place filled with chained captors.
JR hosts this special hour-long podcast welcoming in Season 5 of the worldwide hit drama The Chosen based on the life and teachings of Jesus and the relationships with his followers. This podcast is The Chosen101 for the regular people who believe this is just another Jesus show. This is a must hear podcast you won't regret.
In Act 2, Vince and Cliff discover the broken safe and dried blood in the closet where Vince dragged the murdered body from his dream. Was it a dream? The clues say a murder was committed and Vince appears to know all about it. Commentary on the careers of Eddie Bracken and William Conrad.
In Act 1, a man dreams of having committed a murder that may have actually happened when he discovers little clues to that fact. Commentary on dreams of murder and why some dreams come true.
With Kent out of town, veteran homesteader Jerry Barton and Lois Lane approach the secret location of where the rally will take place that will expose the secret of Freeville. JR comments on how racism has been taken to the next level to make a point to Superman listeners.
Liz is convinced that she is a musical talent, but when a music professor tells her she'll never be a singer, she decides to take up songwriting. Commentary on the music featured in this episode and the answer to whether Lucille Ball can really sing or not.
Over a four month period, fifteen food markets have been held-up and robbed. The assailant is well dressed and well armed. Commentary on why people choose to make false confessions such as what Frank Pollard did in the opening scene. Plus, a look at the potential creative problems of this episode as well as a probable rare technical mistake.
Homesteader veteran Barton convinces Lois Lane to join him on a secret mission to what he promises will reveal the truth about what’s going on in Freeville. But can he be trusted? JR comments on why Lois Lane's negativity towards Clark probably affected why she hasn't been heard much in this series.
Arch Oboler stars as himself preparing his next horror masterpiece for Lights Out, who finds the monster his brain conceived has come to life. Commentary on why Oboler became the star of this episode, which was the very last episode in the 1942-43 season and version of the series. We also discuss if this episode story was the right choice for fans. Finally, we share a rare 1973 interview with Mercedes McCambridge as she talks about her early days in radio and why radio is still her preferred choice.
Lamont and Margo visit a secluded island, where Lamont receives a telepathic message from a native that men are robbing the diamond mine on the island.
In Act 2, LA Police Detective Brub Nicolai made the discovery of the dead woman whom we, the listener, know was last seen alive with Dix Steele. The police have not made any connection to Steele so far, but the six degrees of separation is slowly closing in on him. Commentary on the comparison between the ending in the novel and the feature film starring Humphrey Bogart.
In Act 1 tonight, Dix Steele is an ex-airman with a deadly secret involving the murder of a young woman in his past, who decides to help his friend, an LA Police Detective, solve a new murder involving a young woman. Commentary on what makes a good mystery as seen through the eyes of a murderer.
As Clark walks Lois to her hotel room, he uses his X-ray vision which detects a detonator behind the door but is too late in preventing Lois from opening it and instead triggers a massive explosion sure to kill anyone nearby. JR speaks on why conflicts are black and white in Superman.
To save money thanks to Liz’ bad bookkeeping, George takes over the bill paying duties which include one major luxury for Liz to be eliminated-the beauty parlor. Commentary following the episode on the importance of Richard Denning to the success of the series.
Friday and Romero are on the hunt for a few slimy swindlers who use the obituaries to prey on grief-stricken families selling worthless merchandise. Commentary on Friday getting visibly upset which is a rarity during questioning. Plus a look at character actor Robert Clarke and Jack Webb friend and writer Raymond Breen whose name was used as one of swindlers here and why Webb chose to do so.
Abner Sykes, the town’s telegrapher, was about to tell Lois and Clark what was happening in Freeville when he was gunned down before he could say anything. JR comments on Lois Lane's penchant for trouble. Plus, the polio epidemic of 1947.
A couple walking down the beach one night come across an old man writing names in the sand and the dates when they'll die. Commentary on the accountable decisions we make in life and how tentative that life really is.
A killer in prison manages to enact his revenge on those who sent him up by placing their dead bodies in a wax museum.
Although the inquest firmly points the finger of guilt towards Steven and John as the key suspects, there are still many secrets yet to uncover as to what really led to this murder that pushes each character to the razor’s edge of sanity. Commentary on whether Steven was a sociopath or an extreme narcissist as well as a comparison between two brothers in one of the most popular situation comedies of all time!
In Act 1, a man accidentally murders his maid when she refuses his advances and enlists his brother to help sink her body into the river. Commentary on the relationship of the two brothers as to why one would assist in the cover-up.
As Kent was being warned by telegrapher Sykes to leave town immediately, a dazed Lois Lane suddenly appears falling into his arms unconscious. JR comments on how this episode resembles the television series with the relationship of Lois and Clark.
The Atterburys have bought a new car, but Rudolph refuses to teach Iris how to drive. So, Liz readily volunteers to be Iris's driving instructor. Commentary on cost of living in 1950 and how much money Atterbury might have made. Plus a look at the pioneering partnership of two women- Lucille Ball and writer Madelyn Pugh- in creating the Liz character.
Arson is suspected in a cover-up of a gruesome double murder. Commentary on why this is one of the best Dragnet episodes so far. This episode was one of the first to be adapted for television for its brilliance. The final ten minutes are exceptional Dragnet drama not to be missed!
Kent learns though Gazette editor Leonard that homesteading war veterans were committing acts of vandalism due to the drought and most likely confronted Lois for covering the story. JR comments on how this plotline correlates to the hard hitting "hate" stories from 1946.
Michael and Eve are newlyweds who travel to the 102nd floor of a skyscraper overlooking New York City. As a raging storm approaches, they decide to head back down to the main floor but find that none of the elevator attendants are at their station. Walking their way back down, they soon come to the horrible realization that everyone in the city has inexplicably vanished.
Unbeknownst to the passengers, munitions for a band of revolutionaries are being smuggled on the luxury steamship "Amazon." When the conspirators find out that their plans might be thwarted, they plan to blow up the ship, killing those on board.
In Act 2, Vangie suspects she is being played the fool after Harry spends all his time with her sister Grace in his quest to control the family business. When the gas heater begins to leak in her room slowly suffocating her, it may be because somebody wants her dead.
When a successful businessman is tragically killed, a mysterious stranger shows up to announce to his three daughters that he is their father’s business partner. JR speaks on how the elements of mystery is set in this episode that leads to several possibilities.
Kent has arrived in Freeville and suspects something dangerously evil is going on in the small village when Lois Lane has now gone missing. JR comments on the life of Superman himself- Bud Collyer.
Liz buys a book that tells the danger signs to look out for to tell if your husband is being unfaithful, and George has them all! We look at the "misunderstanding" plot line that was the staple for many great sitcoms including Three's Company. We also take a look at show sponsors Jello and Log Cabin syrup which are still powerhouse brands to this day.
Friday and Romero investigate the abduction of a three day old baby from Mercy Hospital. Commentary on Hispanic mothers and emphasis on family. Also a look at the guest actors who gave these excellent performances. One of Dragnet's finer moments.
Kent races to Freeville to check in on the welfare of Lois Lane who sent a series a bizarre telegrams to Perry White. JR speaks on why a story on a simple drought is more significant that it appears.
A rich man is hooked on his mistress and plans to leave his wife. But there is a far greater force at work who refuses to let that happen. Commentary on how this episode misfired, what could have made it better, and the real story about the show's sponsor Ironized Yeast.
Lamont and Margot visit an island to find out why a dozen ships have vanished in "The Graveyard of the Pacific."
As the attacks continue, suspicion focuses on the avenger’s description of a tall, distinguished person very similar to our Mr. Sleuth…the lodger! JR speaks on how this story's emphasis would have been different if told through Mr. Sleuth. Plus, updates on the real Jack the Ripper!
Robert Montgomery doing double duty tonight as both the narrator and as the mysterious man who rents a room from a couple at a time when a serial killer terrorizes 1888 London. JR speaks on the special history of this episode with Suspense radio series.
With Lois going on her own determined to find the truth about the drought in Freeville, Perry White is shaken by a telegram he received from Lois asking him to get her out of town at once. JR speaks about the blooper with Julian Noa who plays Perry White.
Liz is playing "cops and robbers" with little Tommy Wood from next door, and lets him handcuff her and George with what turn out to be real handcuffs. Commentary on the classic handcuff formula used in several sitcoms as well as this being adapted into the classic I Love Lucy TV episode. Also, comic legend Dick Tracy, silent movie icon Rudolph Valentino, and the actor who plays little Tommy, Johnny McGovern, are discussed.
Friday and Romero investigate a woman who is receiving life-threatening letters and phone calls and need to find this stalker before she winds up dead. Commentary on how this was a departure from its regular procedural format and how mental illness was treated in 1950.
As Superman puts the final move on Zara to end his racketeering terror, Perry White goes into a rage when he receives bad news from one of his reporters from the small village of Freeville. In part 2 of his commentary, JR discusses the downfall of George Reeves' career and conspiracies surrounding his death.
A young man finds himself among a group of people who look alike and are several hundred years old.
A brilliant scientist, who has discovered the secret formula for a super-powered explosive, has been kidnapped and tortured to madness by foreign nationals. As the formula resides only in his mind, they kidnap a second person- a famous psychiatrist-who is their only hope in extracting it from the scientist's brain. Lamont Cranston, as the Shadow, and Margo Lane learn of the dastardly plot by a telepathic phone call from the psychiatrist and work against time and international waters to thwart the evil plot.
Frank Jeremy, Eve’s husband, has been found guilty of murder and now Eve must figure out a way to prove his innocence. Commentary on comparison to the novel from which the radio episode was based. Plus, The Brown Derby Restaurant.
A Hollywood starlet, her producer husband, and a prominent actress sets the tone to this warped story of jealousy, passion and murder. Yet not everything is as it seems and not everything plays out as expected. Commentary on Prince Michael Romanoff of the famed Romanoff's Restaurant in Hollywood.
As Kent sets a trap for the racketeers at their own game, the fates of Lois Lane and Luisa rapidly becomes a life- threatening situation. Commentary on the life and career of TV Superman George Reeves part 1.
Liz vows to finish knitting George a sweater by Christmas by taking a few regretful shortcuts. Commentary on the ointment Unguentine and why that line was funny. Plus, Eleanor Audley as George's mom and the connection between Lucille Ball's new movie Miss Grant Takes Richmond and a classic I Love Lucy episode.
Sgt. Friday tries to trap Howard Scully, a careful narcotics wholesaler, by posing as a buyer. Commentary on Joe Friday's tough character when faced with a situation of having to actually kill someone...or be killed.
Kent has concluded that finding Lois Lane alive and well may be only a dim hope. Plus, JR reviews Super/Man the Christopher Reeve Story.
A man takes his unfaithful wife down into the labyrinth of corridors beneath a large department store very late one night to 'show her around. But his sinister intentions backfire when they encounter a thing that should not exist.
When a blind street singer is killed, the Shadow goes after a band of extortionists who prey on the city's street beggars.
James Cagney returns in Act 2 as gangster Ben Grace and his love for June may prove fatal in his desire for money and power. Commentary on Cagney's stellar performance. Plus, more concern on the hour long format.
In Act 1, James Cagney stars as Ben Grace, a gangster torn between his love for June Lyons, a reform politician's campaign manager, and his desire for money and power. Adapted from the James M. Cain novel. Commentary on the previous Radio Retropolis podcast of this episode as a half hour story.
As Superman looks to break up the racketeers’ plot at daybreak, Lois is in peril for her very life. Commentary on one of the most infamous murders of all time that occurred on this very day.
Liz and Iris are humiliated when they can't read the menu at a French restaurant, so they decide to take French lessons from a handsome Frenchman.
An expert check forger has hit the city of Angels. The suspect is an unassuming middle-aged woman-who has taken in over $20,000. Commentary on the everyday minutia Friday and Romero face and why these unassuming moments are among the most brilliant in Dragnet episodes.
The racketeers, knowing that Superman is gathering proof against them, removes all evidence of fraud. Commentary on South Africa in 1947 as it relates to this episode.
During the days of King George III, a man becomes obsessed with his profession as the state executioner, reveling in his work as he sends criminals to their death at the gallows. Turned callous and bloodthirsty by his job, the executioner purposefully withholds evidence that would prove his next victim innocent. Commentary tonight on the true horror of what Arch Oboler provided in Lights out, how we address limitations in our own minds, the prospect of death, and fighting our demons.
Two pyromaniacs hold Margot Lane hostage and it's up to the Shadow to use his powers of psychological manipulation to rescue her.
Act 2 of tonight’s story features Sam Spade looking for a valuable tooth that was smuggled into the US via some dental work in an unsuspecting patient who now has ended up murdered which we discovered right before the end of Act 1. Commentary on Sam Spade and why this hour long format is problematic after only two episodes.
Private Investigator Sam Spade is looking for a valuable tooth that was smuggled into the US via some dental work in an unsuspecting patient. Commentary on The Maltese Falcon and the new format.
Kent has no clue that Lois is in danger as she looks to expose this phony fortune teller in an inheritance racket. Commentary on real fortune teller scams of the 1940s.
George and Rudolph get tickets to the Homecoming football game at their alma mater and decide not to take the wives. When Liz and Iris catch their husbands in a compromising situation at the game on their television, they go undercover to get to the truth. Commentary on the final interview given by actor Jerry Hausner and his bitterness towards Lucy and Desi on how he was treated.
A man posing as a doctor is burglarizing homes in the city. Commentary on William H. Parker, Los Angeles Police Chief, who in this episode gives Dragnet and Jack Webb a citation for merit for the authentic portrayal of the LAPD. Parker modeled his tenure as chief after Dragnet.
When Lois investigates the source of this inheritance news, she tracks down the real beneficiary only to learn that the woman already knew of her inheritance. Commentary on the evolution of Superman's costume through the years.
An exiled megalomaniac Russian leader of a cold dreary island named Sakhalin intimidates his people through torture and random murder until one day the Czar sends a bureaucratic official to inspect the region. Commentary on mental disorders relating to different stages of sadism as .characterized by the lead in this episode. We also look at the czars of Russia and what caused their immediate downfall in 1917.
For the last three months, a lunatic huntsman has been torpedoing ships at sea from his pirate submarine. Lamont Cranston, aka The Shadow, reads about the disasters and investigates.
Tonight’s story about a man with amnesia caught in a murder plot concludes with Act 2. Commentary on other adaptations of this story in very famous movies. Plus, our new narrator and star Robert Montgomery.
In Act 1 of the new hour long episode format, this is the story of a man who wakes on the street one day only to discover he lost three years of his life under a different name and is wanted for murder. Commentary on new format and the plot device of this episode about "losing time".
Lois Lane returns to the Daily Planet and receives news that she is about to inherit $1 million. We discuss Joan Alexander, the voice of Lois Lane, and compare all the other actresses who portrayed Lois.
After dating the Coopers’ postman, Mr. Negley, for three years, Katy feels that their relationship is not going anywhere, so she enlists Liz's help.
A store clerk has been murdered and all Friday knows is that the killer is well dressed and escapes using taxis. Commentary on the specific detail of the beverages being consumed and why Webb felt it was important to focus on these minor moments. Plus, we'll discuss why Joe Friday's catchphrase is "Just the Facts, Ma' am" -or was it?
Clark Kent finds himself in a awkward situation after catching that bullet that he must now convince Inspector Henderson, who witnessed everything, that he is not Superman. Commentary on the return of Lois Lane as this story ends quickly. Plus, JR on working remotely.
A jealous professor murders and mummifies the bodies of his wife and her lover in an ancient South American jungle heat-shrinking process but finds he can’t escape his torturous thoughts. Commentary on the real life story in which this episode was based as well a short introspection on the laws surrounding crimes of passion at that time.
An Indian mystic tries to save his brother from the electric chair by kidnapping the Governor.
The comedy husband and wife team of Ozzie and Harriet in a not so funny story about money from an inheritance and murder. Commentary on the career of Ozzie and Harriet along with superstar son Ricky Nelson.
While Superman awaits further news of the racketeers, Dave Powers stares down the barrel of a loaded gun while Inspector Henderson makes a startling discovery that could change everything. Commentary on Superman's identity and the TV series "Superman and Lois".
As Christmas is around the corner, Liz realizes that she neglected to save her money for presents. So, she takes up babysitting to earn money while George thinks she’s stepping out with another man. Commentary on one scene heard here that would never be allowed on the television version of the show as the NAB passed a Code of Conduct in 1951 that was felt for over three decades.
Friday goes undercover as a hit man to prevent a man from murdering his wife.` Commentary on Jack Webb's role in Marlon Brando's first film The Men as well as his characterization of Friday's undercover role as being similar to his Pat Novak, For Hire character-a series he did the year before Dragnet.
Professor Blessing and Froggy with plan in hand to murder diner owner Dave Powers, sets out to complete their task tonight. Commentary on the evolution of the "S" insignia on the Superman chest shield.
A woman inherits a mysterious island and finds it populated with inhuman creatures. Commentary on the basic conflict since humans evolved-the haves and the have nots.
The Shadow must expose and save the lives of several government officials targeted by the White Legion, a group of vigilantes taking justice into their own hands, who are willing to make attacks in broad daylight without fear of retaliation.
Tonight, a gambler experiences a string of wins that results in his worst luck ever. Commentary on the classic comedy bit "That’s Good, That’s Bad". Plus, star Dan Duryea.
While Superman looks to uncover the phony scheme, the racketeers are planning the murder of diner owner Dave Powers who knows too much. Commentary on why Superman's legacy is about "saving a cat".
George's mother decides to move to Sheridan Falls to be close to George, and moves in with Liz and George, to Liz'dismay, while she is looking for an apartment.
Commentary following the episode on Guest Star profiles of Peter Leeds and Eleanor Audley
Tonight’s case-Thieves are breaking into homes all over the city stealing furniture with no leads available. Commentary on a casting misfire with this episode as well as a rare blooper.
After Superman rushes the unconscious Jimmy to the hospital to save his life after being shot, Dave Powers must now come clean with all he knows. JR speaks on the shift in America a year after the end of the war.
This is the classic 1938 and 1942 Arch Oboler tale that was re-adapted in 1962 for a Halloween audio collection called Drop Dead. This may be the actual 1942 broadcast with a new intro from Oboler or it could be entirely new. This is an episode about a chicken heart that grows and grows as it consumes the planet and all mankind in an epic doomsday tale. Commentary on origin of this actual recording, why it was only 7 minutes and 42 seconds long, and why this was considered the most infamous Lights Out episode of all time.
An inmate who's about to go to the electric chair, convinces his brother to seek revenge on those who put him on death row.
Poe’s most psychologically frightening stories for radio in which a prisoner tells his story of torment as he describes his night of torture before his execution. JR speaks on Edgar Allan Poe's greatness of manipulating terrifying images for the listener. Plus, star Jose Ferrer.
Dave Powers, the man swindled by Professor Blessing to buy the diner for $2000, called Kent about being victimized in this diner scheme but soon recanted when Kent and Jimmy went to meet him in person. JR speaks about the memorable Cotton Bowl game January 1, 1947.
For the series July 4th holiday episode and season finale, the cast and crew decided to do a best-of episode for fans. The episode starts with Liz working on her scrapbook. She and George reminisce about when Liz learned to drive and got her license, when Liz signed an affidavit swearing never to interrupt George's stories again, and when the butcher thought that Liz had a crush on him.
Tonight is the case of a small bakery shop being held up and a man and his daughter who are shot dead. Commentary from two different sources with two completely different assessments on Jack Webb and what he brought to Dragnet.
As Kent gets back to his routine at the planet, Professor Blessing and his henchman Froggy are plotting their next racketeering scheme. JR speaks compares diners from 1946 and 2024.
A critically acclaimed episode about a bickering married couple trapped in their apartment by a doppelgänger. Commentary on how this episode and a classic Twilight Zone episode share similarities.
Lamont Cranston and Margot arrive in a fishing village where a cult that engages in human sacrifice has set up shop in the home of a rich and slightly senile old woman suspected of being behind the death of the preacher who objected to their presence.
A psychological study with three men examining the theories of what makes a good detective story followed by an example of one which focuses on the crime itself and not the solution. Commentary on the end of an era for Suspense.
Superman races against time to save Perry White from his executioner’s bullet. Meanwhile, a familiar foe returns to Metropolis with a new scheme to get easy money. JR speaks on what to expect for Superman as we begin 1947.
A chirping cricket in Liz and George's hearth is driving George crazy, but Liz is convinced that it means good luck.
An elderly couple have suddenly disappeared from a fashionable neighborhood in Los Angeles. There’s no trace of them not a clue to their whereabouts. The final five minutes are not to be missed. Commentary on the brilliant dramatic conclusion of this episode which is why Dragnet is a standout series.
Superman goes up against Brock Nielsen, the racketeer, with his own urgent sense of justice to get a confession since Perry White’s fate is only moments away. JR comments on Superman's favorite method of interrogation.
A dictator who is looking to break the depth record in a newly designed bathysphere is about to be tested even more than he realized by the scientist who created the diving bell. Commentary comparing and contrasting this plot and that of a classic episode from Rod Serling's Twilight Zone!
A hypnotist sabotages a flying torpedo. Later, he tries to use it to destroy the headquarters where several officials of the war department are meeting.
A ventriloquist is under suspicion of murder and the only witness is the ventriloquist’s dummy. Commentary on other great "dolls coming to life" movies and programs.
Superman is racing against time as Perry White has only ten more minutes to live. JR talks about Superman's Christmas soliloquy, returning WWII Black veterans, and Jackson Beck missing a cue!
An accomplished check forger is working the city and his victims are small businessmen. The police know his MO but not his identity. Commentary on Joe Friday's off duty home life plus the background of Folsom Prison.
Perry White’s life is hanging by a thread and Kent is frantically looking for clues to save the editor from his deadly fate. JR comments on post WWII real life scams that Superman speaks about. Plus, a familiar voice from a past episode returns.
A demented old hag and her hunchback son kidnap four boys and hold them captive in their mansion. Two criminals also stay in the mansion, using the place as a hideout.
An author hears strange music and other noises from apartments surrounding him only to find out its tenants are being murdered. Commentary on star and the original shock jock Henry Morgan.
While Kent may have found a clue in the whereabouts of Perry White, the racketeers have stepped up their campaign to destroy the campaign to expose them. JR comments on the real returning veterans and why these radio dramas are a better barometer of the times than the news.
Liz fully expects to be elected President of her women's club, but ends up in a less than desirable position.
Friday must find a police officer who disappears on patrol duty and any attempt to contact him by car radio fails. Commentary on police officer killed on duty in 1950 compared to today as well as one funny scene with Joe Friday with a drunk character who reminds us of the great Foster Brooks.
Perry once again ignores Kent’s advice after escaping the explosion, thanks to Superman, by publishing another scathing article against the racketeers that has now led to his abduction. JR questions the science behind Superman's ability to fly.
Tonight we showcase a remake episode of Lights Out that audiences first heard on May 12, 1937 and was an immediate classic that Arch Oboler brought the script back for his 1942-43 era which is what we have here. It’s the story of a family renting a creepy old house who write off the warnings of the old caretaker, until they hear organ music in the middle of the night and their son claims to have conversations with an old woman who is clearly not there. Or is she?
A Senator is framed on bribery charges. The Shadow has figured out the devilish plot if only he can prove it before witnesses are killed.
A woman who runs into an old friend on the subway bragging about her lucky breaks in life decides she wants her life and plots to eliminate her…permanently. Commentary on murderous tendencies in all of us.
With Kent totally unaware of what’s been planned, time is running out for the Daily Planet and Perry White as the Daily Planet is scheduled to be blown up this very night. JR talks about whether George Reeves actually wanted to do a season 7 of The Adventures of Superman and what was planned after his death.
George and Liz accidentally lock themselves in the attic, and Katy is gone for the day!
A deliberate case of destruction of private property has occurred. Friday confronts a rebellious teenager who is the most likely suspect. Commentary on juvenile crime through the years plus the final scene between the judge and the kid and Jack Webb's focus on parental responsibilities.
Perry White ignores Kent’s warning against antagonizing these racketeers which results in a bomb being planted which will destroy the Daily Planet building and all that are in it. JR talks about the Pep cereal campaign button scheme.
What would happen to the man who was so ugly that children would scream in fright when they saw him, who was such a shocking spectacle that even his mother's life became unbearably unhappy? How would such a man react to people and to love? This is a sentimental tale of a hideously deformed man seeking love in a cruel world.
A terrorist claiming to be The Shadow is poisoning the Department of Sanitation's water supply, and only the real Shadow can deduce who is behind the diabolical crime.
A man rejected by his estranged wife decides to kill her and uses a gullible, smitten woman to unknowingly carry out the deed. Commentary on star Dennis O'Keefe.
With the Daily Planet and the Metropolis Police Department teaming up to squash these racketeers, Perry White decides to publish a scathing article that may cost him his life. JR talks about real racketeers of 1946 and how Superman got it right.
Liz is determined not to be left out of the baseball game at the Annual Bank Outing, so she persuades her neighbor Mr. Wood to teach her how to play the game.
A large hospital in Los Angeles is held up and $10,000 in high-grade narcotics is stolen. The trail leads to a Hollywood set where fiction and truth collide. Great commentary on how the answers we want are prolonged by LIFE as one's daily routine may prolong the anticipation of the dramatic conclusion of another life. The answer we want is prolonged by LIFE outside our realm. A beautifully written script.
With Superman desperately searching for Jimmy and Beanie who are trapped in the burning building, he realizes there is more to this racket that goes much deeper into corruption than he thought. Commentary on why this is a most relevant serial for 1946 America.
A college student and her friend go pay a surprise visit on an aunt she hasn't seen for a while. But it is they who get the surprise when they encounter the aunt's cat.
An evil businessman kidnaps his partner and keeps him in a burial vault. He wants him to sign a confession stating how he killed himself by drowning.
A woman, Barbara, who married for money meets Alex whom she instantly falls in love with. At the same time an old boyfriend resurfaces who still has feelings for her. Seeing an opportunity to escape her marriage to be with Alex, she schemes to frame her old boyfriend for the murder of her husband. JR speaks on what could have been a better plot twist than what was heard.
Jimmy and Beanie’s peril becomes more frightening as they find themselves tied in a building engulfed in flames and nobody knows they are there. JR comments on the marketing trick used in the Pep Cereal Comic Buttons.
Liz and George arrive home from vacation to find that someone has been ordering strawberry ice cream from the milkman every day, and the pink trail leads to the doorstep of their new neighbors, Mr. & Mrs. Wood, and their ten children.
Detective Sergeant Joe Friday in homicide detail. Investigates the brutal knifing murder of a woman in her own home and the unusual circumstance around it. Commentary on the simplicity of story which made it even more interesting along with the real story of Mendocino State Hospital and the connection to a very famous cult, plus part 3 with Bill Roddy on one of his biggest radio gaffes, and Jack Webb's smoking habit.
Kent is unaware of the serious danger Jimmy and Beanie are in as an even bigger threat is looming that will hasten their demise. JR comments on the importance of Jimmy Olsen in the radio episodes and what each of the main characters brings to the series.
Two nefarious opportunists stuck in Brazil stumble across a spider as big as a dog, deep in the jungle. Obviously, this is their ticket home if they can catch it-before IT catches them!
An explorer deep in the Amazon jungle is saved from near death by an old hermit whose only request for saving the explorer’s life is that he be read Dickens novels all day long…for the rest of his life. JR comments on the sad life of Richard Ney. Plus we look at writer Richard Breen's working relationship with Jack Webb.
Jimmy and Beanie are on their own as they try to expose the phony song publishers as racketeers, but unfortunately for them the racketeers are suspicious. JR comments on Your Hit Parade which Jimmy mentions.
Liz hears about the Atterbury’s Halloween party and is upset that she and George just weren't invited. So she decides to throw her own and invite all her friends who turn out to be busy that night.
Three people have been shot down in a twelve thousand dollar hold-up. One of the bandits is apprehended, convicted and sent to prison for life, while Frank Chaney, the rich man murderer, is still at large. Commentary on the ballad of Joe Friday in which the success he has as a cop is polar opposite to his life away from the badge. Also, part 2 of our conversation with San Francisco radio legend and roommate to Jack Webb on his greatest broadcasting achievement.
Jimmy, upon believing racketeers have extorted $500 from Poco for their phony song publishing company, decides to go undercover to expose them. JR comments on the Christmas Seals PSA in this episode.
Two network secretaries find themselves the object of bizarre occurrences while typing out a script for Lights Out. Mercedes McCambridge, who just appeared in the episode Execution, returns to fine form as Oboler secretary Bernice whose very sanity is given the ultimate test.
A mystery writer plagiarizes an unreleased and thought to be unknown manuscript of Edgar Allan Poe as his own to which he has received high accolade. But someone else knows his secret which could ruin him. JR speaks on box office hit films that were sued for plagiarism.
While Kent and White are anguishing over what could Poco be doing, Jimmy decides to take matters into his own hands and enlists Beanie to help find the truth. JR counts down the The Best Superman Movies of All Time.
Liz can't seem to follow through on anything without changing her mind. After George complains, Liz is determined to finish everything she starts, including an old unfinished letter that she finds in her desk, telling George she's leaving him.
Friday has to track down a rich man on a who continues to rob and kill people, even after an eighteen year stay in prison. Commentary and part 1 of an exclusive interview with legendary San Francisco radio announcer Bill Roddy who housed Jack Webb in the mid 40s right before Webb's success.
Superman rescues Poco from the refrigerated train car in time just to find out that he ahas disappeared once again. JR counts down the Top Superman Actors of All Time.
The Captain and his Sergeant hit a landmine in their jeep and escape with nothing more than a scratch. But by enemy aircraft open fire on them and they find themselves in a mysterious world where nothing makes sense. Are they dead? Are they in suspended animation?
A dancer and news reporter get involved with murder and a mysteriously valuable item known only as The Blue Hour. Commentary on stars Claire Trevor and Sidney Miller.
With Poco’s life in danger trapped inside a refrigerated freight car, his only hope is if Superman and Batman could rescue him in time. JR discusses Poco's history on the series.
Liz and George's visit to their next-door neighbors, the Stones, turns into a disaster when George tries to repair the Stones' new television set by himself.
In our first remake, and an important one at that as this episode all takes place in real time, Friday and Romero are faced with a deadline to stop a madman who is threatening to blow up city hall just 28 minutes from the start of this broadcast. Commentary on how this episode's script was used as the pilot for the television series. Also focused on co star Barton Yarborough who passed away shortly after filming the second episode.
As Kent continues the ruse of recovering from an explosion to hide his secret identity, we learn that Perry White has been shot and by a most unlikely suspect. JR speaks on the subject of style and why one choice changes the who dynamic and not for the better.
Several bomb explosions are caused by a man who hates crowds. The police are unable to make any progress and the town becomes more scared.
A Nazi soldier publicly executes 50 women by hanging to punish a town that refused to hand over a defender. But as each are hanged, the Nazi aggressor notices something strangely familiar about each woman. Something that begins to terrify him.
A man thought to be drowned three years ago suddenly shows up in town looking to resume the life he knew although one suspects there is another motive in his return. Commentary on why this was one of the best Suspense episodes of the entire series so far.
Superman does his best to protect his secret identity by getting the Metropolis police department involved in using forensic technology to identify the culprits. However, any information they find may expose the truth. JR comments on the rushed ending.
Liz's gossiping hair stylist forgets what she's doing and mistakenly dyes Liz's hair black. Now nobody recognizes Liz, so she decides to pose as another woman and flirt with George to test his faithfulness.
A dead body was found in the streets in the early hours of the morning and there’s only one clue- a set of skid marks on the pavement.
Superman devises a plan to get his letter back from Eyebrows and Buster, yet he may have opened himself up to even more danger for himself and Bruce Wayne. JR comments on the lack of efficiency being becoming Batman.
A recently married woman is brought to madness while living in her husband's creepy manor.
This was a remake of a previous Lights Out episode called The Dream with Boris Karloff that probes the subconscious instinct of a person where the desire to kill cannot be controlled.
A comedy writer decides to frame his competitor for murder. But as this title suggests, things don’t always go according to plan. Commentary on why this "twist" missed the mark.
Superman desperately tries to retrieve his letter revealing his secret identity that Eyebrows and Buster now believe is authentic. Fortunately, he has one ally who can help him- Batman. JR comments on the Clark Kent/Bruce Wayne dynamic.
Liz’ tonsils have to come out and she does everything possible to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Professor Kessell's wife has been taken by a man posing as a cop. There is no sign of her whereabouts or the identity of the kidnapper.
While Kent searches for his letter, the two thugs who found it have their own plans. JR comments on how the thugs missed the clues to Kent's identity.
The Shadow meets an exotic woman from his past. He soon discovers that she has been trained in the remote and mysterious area of India, the same place where he learned his power to control minds and make himself invisible.
A brutish man, who has been tormented since he was a small boy for his physical ugliness, finds a good woman who will marry him in spite of his appearance. However, his tortured past continues to haunt him which leads him to his only solution to stop the pain-murder. Commentary on the double meanings within this episode.
Kent learned that Perry had lost Kent’s letter- the letter given to him that reveals Kent’s secret identity as Superman. His worst fears are about to come true as the letter was discovered by two men who were astonished when they read the letter. JR comments on what Superman's role should be in society.
Scanning her old high school yearbook, Liz decides she's old, and everything George does to try to snap her out of it just makes things worse.
The owner of a fur store has been shot and killed and the only lead is a missing fur coat.
Superman has returned safely from apollo only to learn, as Kent, that letter revealing is secret identity has been lost. JR comments on why Kent's glasses are a good disguise.
A poor sailor wins three thousand dollars in a sweepstakes but his friend Tony has other plans for the money.
A man who's looking for a job mistakenly becomes involved with a bank robbery. He is later sentenced to death for a cop killing he didn't commit.
When the captain of the tugboat Alphabet requires all crew to perform their tasks in alphabetical order, things get even stranger when the crewman start to disappear in alphabetical order fearing the their mad captain is responsible. Commentary on understanding the clues to the guilty party. Plus, actor John Lund.
Superman races through space back to earth after saving Apollo from destruction to stop Perry from opening the letter he as Kent left for him pending his demise to explain everything-including his secret identity. Commentary on the need for Superman's dual identity.
George and Mr. Atterbury buy presents for their wives, and Iris's present, a mink coat, is delivered to Liz's house by mistake.
Reports of several women that have been beaten and robbed and the victims have been unable to identify the criminals. Commentary tonight on LAPD Chief Worton as well as Dragnet announcer George Fenneman.
Jimmy and Carl Edwards are alone, while Clark goes to stop the dynamo, and they hear footsteps coming toward them. But it’s not Alana.
In a very special episode, Detective Sergeant Joe Friday investigates a case of a man who accuses a rookie cop of beating him up, robbing him, and breaking his arm. Commentary tonight relates this episode from 60 years ago and what was known as Bloody Christmas to the recent tensions with police in the news.
A mysterious woman on the island, Alana, tries to persuade Clark and Jimmy to leave the island as they are in grave danger. This just makes them all the more curious about the secret she was keeping.
A woman has been murdered and her identity unknown. The body shows the marks of a savage attack and Friday, who is assigned to homicide detail, must find the murderer. Commentary tonight on how Dragnet avoids the usual procedural in this episode and provides a bit of a mystery.
Clark and Jimmy arrive on the island and are determined to uncover the strange mystery before them.
Having wrapped up the bathysphere adventure, Clark and Jimmy find a turtle with a cryptic message that says HELP scratched on its shell that leads them to a huge castle built on the deserted island.
Tonight is the conclusion of this exciting serial which may resolve some issues and present new ones. Escobar still has the gold and he is determined to get rid of Thorpe and Kent. Jimmy intercepts a letter from Escobar meant for them and takes it upon himself to investigate. As we know, when Jimmy is around, the outcome is never good.
Friday is assigned to robbery detail in which his assignment focuses on an elderly woman on her way to the bank has been robbed and beaten senseless by cruel and ruthless suspects. Commentary on NBC Red Network and NBC Blue Network and how it evolved into NBC and ABC.
Clark and Jimmy are awaiting the Juanita to enter the harbor while, unbeknownst to them, Escobar has planted mines set to explode once the Juanita arrives. Will Clark figure it out before it’s too late? If so, will he be able to become Superman without Jimmy catching on?
Jimmy and Bill Wentworth were in dire straits as the wooden building they were hiding in was set on fire by Escobar. In the meantime, Superman (Kent) is desperate to save Maddox and may not realize there are other lives in danger.
Detective Sergeant Friday is assigned to the juvenile bureau as he searches for a potential killer who roams the halls of one of the high schools in the city brutally slashing the female students. JR commentary on exceptional use of the cat toying with the mouse as Joe Friday expertly ropes in the assailant.
Last time, Jimmy and Bill Wentworth, another Daily Planet reporter sent by Perry White to check on Clark, tried to rent a boat to get to the Juanita. Jimmy , of course, blows their cover and Escobar takes notice. Upon leaving, Wentworth and Jimmy spot a couple of Escobar’s thugs coming quickly after them. Is there gig up? Or will they find a way out?
Escobar lurks in the shadows awaiting Thorpe’s and Maddox’ in order to steal the treasure at whatever cost no matter who they have to kill.
The situation is dire as the diving bell with Thorpe and Gleason broke free and is at the bottom of the ocean with no hope of retrieval. But there is a new danger on board the Juanita that shifts the balance of power to the forces of evil.
For two months, "The Badge Bandit", who is a depraved criminal, has struck fifteen times in which men and women have been robbed and brutally attacked and Joe Friday comes to a new realization.
As a hurricane intensifies, the thrashing waves rock and drag Thorpe and his bathysphere closer to the jagged rocks. Can Kent as Superman save Thorpe and the ship at the same time without exposing his secret identity or will one of the two have to be sacrificed?
In the last episode, Professor Thorpe's air supply mysteriously got cut off and Kent can’t reach Maddox either. Who or what is responsible for this deadly situation? Can Kent as Superman save both Thorpe and Gleason?
There’s sunken gold-a two million dollar treasure at the bottom of Octopus Bay. Will Escobar capture them and hijack the bathysphere to claim the bounty for their own? Can Clark break away in time to have Superman save the day?
The Police receive information that an escaped criminal, Alfred Garvey, is hiding out in the City. While searching for him at a hotel Garvey shoots an off-duty cop who is also a close friend of Friday and Romero.
Octopus tattoos, maps and espionage. It seems for now Thorpe Kent and Maddox have the upper hand, but there is more that Thorpe knows that he isn’t telling.
A tapping SOS from down below cause Thorpe and Kent to rush to the rescue. But they will soon be in for the shock of their lives when Thorpe discovers who it is and the danger that will follow.
In the early hours of the morning a woman pedestrian is struck down by a hit and run driver. In their search for the driver, they wait for the victim to recover to testify only to discover that she has disappeared. Who is this victim and does she know more than she’s letting on?
Clark travels to the South Seas to see an experimental bathysphere in action. Desperados try to hijack the bathysphere to steal gold from a sunken ship.
A gang of "Hitch-Hike Bandits" have committed assaults, robberies and attempted murders. Their victims are army officers stationed the city.
Clark and the gang faced more peril in the pyramid as the floor gave way beneath them as they ended just as they gazed upon the mummy Ashta. Was it her curse? Or was there something more nefarious going on?
The group is on a quest to find the secret temple where the mummified body of Princess Ashta lies. But first Clark stays back as he senses a deceit and as Superman investigates.
Last time Clark and Dover met a man named Bert who seemed to know a lot about the Princess Ashta, the mummy and the treasure. But there is another danger that Superman must first tend to before it’s too late.
Last time Clark and Major Dover were trapped in an underground dungeon with hundreds of natives closing in for the kill. Can Clark get them out of this situation without exposing using his super strength?
The high schools in the city have been flooded with obscene literature. When the cops stamp out one source a dozen more spring up. It’s Friday’s job to stop it at the top.
Last time, Clark and Major Dover are almost killed as they approach the pyramid and the man who tried to kill them is killed himself before he was forced to talk. What mystery lies ahead?
While under the protection of Sergeant Friday, notorious hoodlum Gus Valentine has been shot to death and a gang war is threatened if his followers seek revenge. Friday must find the killers before they wreak havoc on innocent lives.
Clark searches for Lois as we quickly race to a quick exciting conclusion to the mystery of the Pillar of fire. Audio once again is a little rough.
Attempts have been made on notorious hoodlum, Gus Valentine, whose death could lead to open gang war. Even though he's on the wrong side of the law, the cops must protect him. But, can Friday and company really protect him?
Clark and Lois come to a huge wall surrounding Graves End and find a little resistance from some of its town members that turned violent.
Lois and Clark investigate a mystery in the village of Graves' End, where people are being driven away by a pillar of fire in this short three-part adventure.
The conclusion. Last time Jimmy discovers a map to the secret room from a pattern in the wallpaper and he and his Aunt Lou leave to investigate. Now it all comes to a head and some may not survive.)
Last time a man named Quimby came calling late at night claiming to be collecting the rent. Clark didn’t buy it and Jimmy’s cousin Chris is deeply involved. We pick up the action at breakfast the next morning.
Four young hoodlums wanted for a series of robberies are headed for the city. They’re armed, reckless and cold-blooded. Friday must stop them before their violence spree leads to tragedy.
When we last left Clark and Jimmy, they captured one of the smugglers, who is still unconscious and are now fearful for Aunt Louisa’s safely as they rush back to the house before it’s too late.
Annie Johnson, a woman on parole from a murder conviction, is suspected of harming Laura Muller, who has disappeared.(Dragnet Voted Best New Series by Radio & Television )
A strange occurrence of events leads Clark and Jimmy to think smugglers might be using the Lighthouse as a point of entry. Is Jimmy’s Aunt Louisa a victim or is she more involved than she wants to admit?
Jimmy barely escapes death thanks to Superman, but now he and Clark must follow the trail to the mysterious light.
Jack Carver, just out of Folsom, is suspected of killing a cop for revenge. Friday poses as a criminal in jail to find the missing murder weapon.
While visiting Jimmy's aunt in New England, Clark and Jimmy discover a ring of smugglers.
Lois' young friend opens a new amusement park and the owner of a rival park plots to close her down...at any cost!
Lois' young friend opens a new amusement park and the owner of a rival park plots to close her down...at any cost!
An expert confidence man has resumed operations in the city. His criminal record dates back thirty-five years. He’s a master in the art of the gentle swindle. It’s Friday’s job to stop him.
Lois' young friend opens a new amusement park and the owner of a rival park plots to close her down...at any cost!
Lois' young friend opens a new amusement park and the owner of a rival park plots to close her down...at any cost!
Lois' young friend opens a new amusement park and the owner of a rival park plots to close her down...at any cost.
Joe Friday is assigned to Robbery Detail. Sixteen persons have been robbed and beaten senseless. The victims described the assailant as a tall beautiful woman. It’s Friday’s job to stop her.
Lois' young friend opens a new amusement park and the owner of a rival park plots to close her down...at any cost.
When a doll factory is destroyed in a mysterious explosion, Lois and Clark discover that the factory owners have been smuggling a new super-explosive inside the dolls.
In a special episode for parents, Joe Friday is on the search for two little girls, aged seven and eleven who are missing.
When a doll factory is destroyed in a mysterious explosion, Lois and Clark discover that the factory owners have been smuggling a a very dangerous element inside the dolls that puts both Lois and Perry White in peril.
When a doll factory is destroyed in a mysterious explosion, Lois and Clark discover that the factory owners have been smuggling a a very dangerous element inside the dolls that puts both Lois and Perry White in peril.
When a doll factory is destroyed in a mysterious explosion, Lois and Clark discover that the factory owners have been smuggling a a very dangerous element inside the dolls that puts both Lois and Perry White in peril.
The conclusion. For seven months, Sergeant Joe Friday has been working with federal and state agents in breaking a narcotics ring. They’ve apprehended the small fry, next in the line, the big man. Commentary to follow.
When a doll factory is destroyed in a mysterious explosion, Lois and Clark discover that the factory owners have been smuggling a a very dangerous element inside the dolls that puts both Lois and Perry White in peril.
A vicious criminal, a dealer in narcotics, has resumed operations in his city. Sergeant Friday goes undercover to try to get evidence on the Flats gang of pushers. Commentary to follow.
When a doll factory is destroyed in a mysterious explosion, Lois and Clark discover that the factory owners have been smuggling a a very dangerous element inside the dolls that puts both Lois and Perry White in peril.
Lois and Clark visit her Uncle Horace, a meteorologist who's made surprisingly accurate predictions. They discover that he's developed a machine capable of producing freak weather patterns, in which a gang of thugs discover and use for their own nefarious deeds. Commentary to follow
Two armed bandits have robbed a large jewelry store in his city. One of the suspect escapes but one is apprehended and identified as an army buddy of Friday’s. Shortly after he is sent to prison, he escapes and Friday is faced with the final showdown.
Lois and Clark visit her Uncle Horace, a meteorologist who's made surprisingly accurate predictions. They discover that he's developed a machine capable of producing freak weather patterns, in which a gang of thugs discover and use for their own nefarious deeds. Commentary to follow
Lois and Clark visit her Uncle Horace, a meteorologist who's made surprisingly accurate predictions. They discover that he's developed a machine capable of producing freak weather patterns, in which a gang of thugs discover and use for their own nefarious deeds.
Lois and Clark visit her Uncle Horace, a meteorologist who's made surprisingly accurate predictions. They discover that he's developed a machine capable of producing freak weather patterns, in which a gang of thugs discover and use for their own nefarious deeds. Commentary to follow
A gang of holdup men rob and kill the manager of a dance hall. A stake-out yields their capture. After a trial, two of the gang break out of jail. Commentary after episode.
Lois and Clark visit her Uncle Horace, a meteorologist who's made surprisingly accurate predictions. They discover that he's developed a machine capable of producing freak weather patterns, in which a gang of thugs discover and use for their own nefarious deeds.
Lois and Clark visit her Uncle Horace, a meteorologist who's made surprisingly accurate predictions. They discover that he's developed a machine capable of producing freak weather patterns, in which a gang of thugs discover and use for their own nefarious deeds.
Clark flies solo on this next adventure as a new mystery takes him to the Arctic, searching for a missing explorer and a secret treasure. Commentary after episode.
Clark flies solo on this next adventure as a new mystery takes him to the Arctic, searching for a missing explorer and a secret treasure. Commentary after episode.
Friday investigates the murder of a professional organist who was killed by a man who entered the garbage chute. Commentary after episode.
Clark flies solo on this next adventure as a new mystery takes him to the Arctic, searching for a missing explorer and a secret treasure. Commentary after episode.
Clark flies solo on this next adventure as a new mystery takes him to the Arctic, searching for a missing explorer and a secret treasure. Commentary after episode.
Clark flies solo on this next adventure as a new mystery takes him to the Arctic, searching for a missing explorer and a secret treasure. Commentary after episode.
Clark flies solo on this next adventure as a new mystery takes him to the Arctic, searching for a missing explorer and a secret treasure. Commentary to follow.
$8000 worth of Chinese jade has been stolen by a vicious criminal. The only clue is found through an observant six-year-old boy. Commentary after episode.
Clark covers the unveiling of a new national monument in Boulder City, where the reform-minded governor is threatened by an assassination attempt. Commentary to follow.
Clark covers the unveiling of a new national monument in Boulder City, where the reform-minded governor is threatened by an assassination attempt. Commentary to follow.
A rash of crimes has broken out in the city. Suspicion points to an organized gang of juveniles. Detective Sergeant Joe Friday has been assigned to Juveniles Bureau and it's his job to stop them. Commentary on the juvenile delinquency issues of the 1950s.
Clark covers the unveiling of a new national monument in Boulder City, where the reform-minded governor is threatened by an assassination attempt. Commentary to follow.
Mr. Reynard's mother has been murdered and his wife is suspected of being the killer. Commentary to follow.
Clark covers the unveiling of a new national monument in Boulder City, where the reform-minded governor is threatened by an assassination attempt. Commentary to follow.
Clark covers the unveiling of a new national monument in Boulder City, where the reform-minded governor is threatened by an assassination attempt.
Clark covers the unveiling of a new national monument in Boulder City, where the reform-minded governor is threatened by an assassination attempt. Commentary to follow.
Clark and Jimmy travel to Bridger Field, where test planes have been mysteriously crashing. In this final chapter, they uncover this dangerous new weapon that may even harm Superman.
A gang of hijackers have started to work in the city and truckloads of valuable merchandise have vanished. Businessman Thomas Laval admits to being involved.
Clark and Jimmy travel to Bridger Field, where test planes have been mysteriously crashing.
A homicidal maniac who uses a brick-bat leaves the murder weapon behind but there are no finger prints or clues to the killers identity. Commentary to follow.
Clark and Jimmy travel to Bridger Field, where test planes have been mysteriously crashing.
Clark and Jimmy travel to Bridger Field, where test planes have been mysteriously crashing. Commentary to follow.
Clark and Jimmy travel to Bridger Field, where test planes have been mysteriously crashing. Commentary to follow.
A police officer has been shot and mortally wounded. One of the suspects has been apprehended, but the other is still at large. The last three minutes are as thrilling as it gets! Commentary to follow.
Clark and Jimmy travel to Bridger Field, where test planes have been mysteriously crashing. Commentary to follow
Jimmy Olsen's mother is being terrorized by Gyp Donelli and his protection racket. Although Superman stops the scheme, Donelli takes revenge. Commentary to follow.
Jimmy Olsen's mother is being terrorized by Gyp Donelli and his protection racket. Although Superman stops the scheme, Donelli takes revenge. Commentary to follow.
In one of the most emotional and hardest hitting episodes yet, Friday has to find a kidnapped girl with a $30,000 ransom on her head signed by "The Wolf". Commentary to follow.
Jimmy Olsen's mother's candy store is being terrorized by Gyp Donelli and his protection racket. Commentary to follow.
A woman has suddenly disappeared from her home and her husband is acting suspiciously. Commentary to follow.
Jimmy Olsen' s mother's candy store is being terrorized by Gyp Donelli and his protection racket. Commentary to follow.
Jimmy Olsen goes to Clark Kent for help. His mother's candy store is being terrorized by Gyp Donelli and his protection racket. Commentary to follow.
The mysterious "Myra" has been using teams of youngsters to break into and steal valuables from parked automobiles. In three months they have broken into two hundred and fifty cars, and property mounting well in to thousands of dollars have been stolen. Two useful members of the gang have been apprehended but the all important brains of the criminal ring are still at large.
Superman helps Dr. Beecham, a famous scientist and adventurer, who is being menaced by South American natives who want the sacred emerald that he's brought to America. Commentary to follow.
Superman helps Dr. Beecham, a famous scientist and adventurer, who is being menaced by South American natives who want the sacred emerald that he's brought to America. Commentary to follow.
Superman helps Dr. Beecham, a famous scientist and adventurer, who is being menaced by South American natives who want the sacred emerald that he's brought to America. Commentary to follow
An gang of "blitz bandits" have started to work in Los Angeles. Their pace is fast with Three to Four and even five robberies each night including liquor stores and restaurants. The criminals are not amateurs they are well armed and dangerous. A young cop begins his career at the same time.
Superman helps Dr. Beecham, a famous scientist and adventurer, who is being menaced by South American natives who want the sacred emerald that he's brought to America. Commentary to follow.
Superman helps Dr. Beecham, a famous scientist and adventurer, who is being menaced by South American natives who want the sacred emerald that he's brought to America. Commentary to follow.
A sudden wave of jewel thefts is sweeping the city. In sixteen days, sixteen burglaries have been committed, one each night. They bear the same trademark; thousands of dollars of jewels are missing. The thief is a master of his trade and it is Friday and Romero's job to get him.
Superman helps Dr. Beecham, a famous scientist and adventurer, who is being menaced by South American natives who want the sacred emerald that he's brought to America. Commentary to follow
The Yellow Mask threatens the town of Dyerville with destruction by holding the town hostage for a million dollars. Commentary to follow.
A homicidal maniac has killed and mutilated several young women on a cold and rainy night in. Commentary to follow.
The Yellow Mask threatens the town of Dyerville with destruction by holding the town hostage for a million dollars. Commentary to follow.
The Yellow Mask threatens the town of Dyerville with destruction by holding the town hostage for a million dollars. Commentary to follow.
The Yellow Mask threatens the town of Dyerville with destruction by holding the town hostage for a million dollars. Commentary to follow.
A small-time narcotics user named Benny Trounsel has been beaten to death shortly after tipping the cops to a new narcotics ring in town. Commentary to follow
Lois is at the San Miguel Prison for a feature story, when the Wolfe organizes a prison riot to cover his escape. Superman quells the riot, but the Wolfe gets away. Commentary to follow.
Lois is at the San Miguel Prison for a feature story, when the Wolfe organizes a prison riot to cover his escape. Superman quells the riot, but the Wolfe gets away. Commentary to follow.
Detective Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Ben Romero are working the day watch on the Juanita Lasky missing person case. Commentary to follow.
Clark discovers that the head of a large mining company is a murderer. Commentary to follow.
Superman successfully saved Captain Anderson and the papers from the save before the Madison exploded and are now back at Perry White's office to discuss the plan going forward.. Commentary to follow.
Vernon Carney is threatening to blow up City Hall with a bomb if his brother isn't freed from jail by nine o'clock. Commentary to follow.
Superman races against time to catch up to Pemberton and Dineen before they destroy the steamship Madison. Commentary to follow.
Kent's star witness was stabbed and is in the hospital. Will she survive long enough to tell him everything? Commentary to follow.
A malicious robber is impersonating a police officer, usually striking when there's a red traffic light. Raymond Burr takes over as Chief of Detectives Ed Backstrand.
Kent discovers that the head of a large mining company may be a murderer. Commentary to follow.
A well liked waitress named Helen Corday has been murdered with a steel pipe. Can Friday and Romero find the culprit?
Professor Dalgren's atomic beam machine is hijacked by the Yellow Mask who is threatening to blow up the Daily Planet!
Superman heads to the laboratory of Dr. Dalgrin to foil the plans of the Yellow Mask. Commentary to follow.
A cop on a stake-out is killed by a shotgun blast from three quick-trigger gunmen in a bar. The killers are trapped in an apartment house. Commentary to follow.
Dr. Dalgren's atomic beam has been stolen by "The Yellow Mask" who plans to blow up the Daily Planet Building. Commentary to Follow
A train switch is thrown while Superman is introduced to a new villain-The Yellow Mask! Commentary to follow.
A criminal dubbed "The Werewolf" by the media has beaten up and robbed eighteen women. This big, ugly man always seems to be one step ahead of Friday, Romero and the other cops.
The Wolfe is threatening railway lines in the west. Will Superman be on time to save the railway? Commentary to follow.
A nickel plated .44 caliber Smith & Wesson is used to shoot two cops as well as a lot more people. Can Friday and Romero find the criminals in time? Commentary to follow.
The child from Krypton lands on Earth as a grown-up man. He takes the name Clark Kent, and applies for a reporter job at the Daily Planet. Editor Perry White isn't interested, but Clark wins him over by getting the story of the Wolfe, a mysterious figure who's threatening railway lines in the west. Will America's newest citizen, in his true persona as Superman, be on time to save the railway?
Krypton is doomed so Jor-El sends his only son to Earth in order to save him. Commentary to follow
Although Superman miraculously saved Apollo and returned it to its natural orbit, the leader of the planet, Roz, returns to his evil ways by abducting Thane and Lalo which will surely result in their deaths. Commentary on the comparison of this serial with Hitler, the Third Reich, and giving Superman a victory.
A prosperous young man has a bizarre fascination with fire and conjures a fiery elemental maiden who commands him to perform heinous acts as her newly acquired servant. Commentary to follow.
Several explosions on Apollo surely signify the ultimate doom of the planet unless Superman can try the one thing that may save the planet and its people. But will Superman himself be the ultimate sacrifice? Commentary on recent emails received about the critique of Jimmy Olsen in The Adventures of Superman.
An innocent man who was wrongly sent to prison for murdering a woman who was afraid of him when he smiled at her, is now set free but angry towards all women whom he feels are responsible. Will he kill for real this time out of revenge? Commentary on how comedians have a difficult time playing it straight in drama. Plus, a look at the career of Donald O'Connor.
Superman heads back through space, gear in tow, in a final ditch effort to first find and then save Apollo and its millions of inhabitants from certain annihilation if that hasn’t already happened. Commentary on the Around the World Cut Out Dolls the show was offering on boxes of Krumbles.
After viewing some old home movies, Liz and Iris decide to go on a diet and compete to see who can lose the most! Commentary to follow.
With Apollo now out of its orbit and out of sight, can Superman race through space and not only find the planet, but save it and the people on it before it’s too late. Commentary on Dr. Millicent is really what Dr. La Serne became in the television series. Plus, the PSA on Junior Red Cross.
A story about a woman who has the most amazing recurring dreams, night after night after night.
Upon leaving Apollo for Earth temporarily to get some scientific reinforcement to withstand the elements of Apollo, he faces a greater issue flying through space with the sun drawing him in to what would be his implosive demise. Commentary on the response to the Least Favorite Superman episode Mr. Zero.
A bank employee sees an opportunity for a big score and decides to stage his "death", commit the deed, and escape with a new identity. But, fate has other plans. Commentary on the origins of the episode title. Plus, star Walter Abel.
Although Superman seems to have gained the upper hand, he fears his time is limited and must find a way to survive long enough to save the planet, his friends, as well as himself. Commentary on The Camp Fire Girls PSA and the controversy around the organization.
It's vacation time, and Liz and George have decidedly different plans. He wants to go camping with a trailer he borrowed from a friend, while she'sset on a glamorous vacation at Moosehead Lodge.
PODCAST FINALE! In the final original episode of the radio series which makes this our final Dragnet radio Show podcast, Smith and Friday investigate an unidentified dead man found in a motel room. Commentary on why we chose to do this podcast. Plus, a look back at Dragnet.
Rendered unconscious by the lack of life saving oil needed to save Superman, one of the giants carried Superman deep into the depths beneath the temple to the pool of sacred oil. Commentary to follow continues the Top 5 Least Favorite Adventures of Superman episodes of All Time. Today, #1!
Two American college students, looking for some action, in Paris get more than they bargained for when they attend a ball looking to meet some beautiful Parisian women, but instead find some unusual masked guests who have a greater plan for the evening. Commentary to follow.
Roz, the leader of Apollo, sentences Superman and his Apollonian friend Thane to die, Superman, who is growing weaker in the foreign atmosphere must find a way to get more of the burning oil which restores his strength. Commentary to follow continues the Top 5 Least Favorite Adventures of Superman episodes of All Time. Today, #2!
When one of the partners at a law firm is selected to be the next district attorney, the other partner through a fit of deadly jealousy vows to make sure that he himself shall be appointed to the position. Commentary on the title of the episode and its clever use. Plus Miracle on 34th street actor and star tonight Jerome Cowan.
Superman insists on seeing the Roz of Apollo to convince him that he is there to save the planet. But the Roz sees Superman as an intruder and means to do them harm. Can Superman change his mind in time? Commentary to follow continues the Top 5 Least Favorite Adventures of Superman episodes of All Time. Today, #3
It’s the green eyed monster versus the brown eyed beast as Liz is jealous when George’s partner at a horse-riding club is a beautiful woman-and Liz’ nemesis! So, she decides to take up riding to keep an eye on them. Commentary to follow.
A drug abuser is suspected of peddling heroin at his home that appears to include members of his family. Commentary on the Ethan Crumbley case in which his parents were sent to jail for his crime.
Will Dr. Millicent’s conclusion that Superman will never been seen again now be coming true since Superman is on the verge of being turned into a lifeless statue of stone thanks to Apollo’s ruthless leader Roz? Commentary to follow continues the Top 5 Least Favorite Adventures of Superman episodes of All Time. Today, #4!
An Irish reprobate, jealous of his brother's fiancé and their mother's favoritism, plots his brother's death. Unfortunately, you can't keep a good man down-even after death. Commentary to follow.
A woman kills her rich husband and talks another into giving her an alibi leaving her brother-in-law accused of the crime in what appears to be the perfect murder. Commentary on radio Retropolis patreon, lost old time radio episodes, and star Lynn Bari.
After a full week away from Earth, Superman awakens on the planet Apollo to a very unexpected and unpleasant situation. Commentary to follow starts the Top 5 Least Favorite Adventures of Superman episodes of All Time. Today, #5!
George tells Liz that she needs to stand up for her rights and stop letting people push her around. So when Liz loses a penny in a broken gum machine, she vows to get her penny back no matter what the cost. Commentary to follow.
Friday and Smith arrest an alleged dope pusher who specializes in hooking young kids. But the arrest may prove illegal allowing the pusher to go free. Commentary after the episode on recent ruling that led to this episode. Plus, how Chesterfield convinced many people to spend millions of dollars on the new Accuray "healthier" cigarette.
At the clinic, Dr. Milicent shares with Perry, Lois and Jimmy that Clark Kent is gone forever. Commentary to follow on the legitimacy of the doctor giving greater impact to the story.
Two German commandos air-dropped into England to retrieve Rudolf Hess hide out in an abandoned farmhouse, yet find it occupied. They murder the inhabitants or so they think. Commentary to follow.
Gloria Swanson stars as a mystery writer who is told that a murder has been committed in her town and decides she wants to help solve it. Commentary on the career of Swanson.
Jimmy shares a letter from Clark to Perry and Lois that Clark has left town and may never come back. Commentary on why Superman didn't just eliminate the Nazis and other global threats of the 1940s.
Liz goes to see a doctor about her absentmindedness, and then reports her car to be stolen when she forgets that George dropped her off at the doctor!
Friday and Smith prepare to face two unruly brothers known as dope addicts and robbers are heading to the city. Commentary on the transition in the mid 50's from drama to a new radio sensation- rock and roll!
With Superman flying all around the warehouses looking for any clue, Herman, under Pearley’s orders, has a gun pointed at Biff, Mary and Jimmy ready to execute them. Plus the #1 Greatest Adventures of Superman episode of all time!
At a college, after a student is refused membership in a fraternity he decides to pay them all back. On the brink of madness, he enacts his revenge by using his scientific skills and creates a chemical that he believes can dissolve through anything-even an entire building.
A man takes a bank job with the intent of heisting a huge sum of money. Along the way, he meets a woman with the same plan. Commentary on character actors and stars. Plus, featured star Alan Baxter.
Kent is concerned that Mary and Jimmy have not communicated with him as he goes to the Dependable messenger company owned by Pearley and finds it locked and abandoned. Instead of the usual Superman open, Bud Collyer’s voice as Superman is heard encouraging kids to remind their parents to get out and vote in the election which is to take place the next day Tuesday November 5th. Plus, the 5 Greatest Adventures of Superman episodes of all time! Today, #2!
When George's mother comes to visit, Liz hopes to drive her out by spreading ragweed and other allergy-inducing plants around the house, but her plan backfires when George's mother starts dating her allergist.
Friday goes undercover as a “mark” to expose a blond swindler who conned a man out of $40,000. Commentary on racism and breaking barriers in classic radio.
Pearley’s henchman Herman, who suspected Jimmy and Mary as spies from the beginning, nabs the kids in the fog and leads them to the river where they will soon meet their fate. Plus, The 5 Greatest Adventures of Superman episodes of all time. Today, #3!
While digging a hole to plant a tree, a man uncovers an ancient Roman coffin. Inside he discovers something that would have been better left forever buried. Commentary to follow.
The lives of a wheelchair bound woman with a phobia of touching anything metal, her caretaker and her kleptomaniac sister are turned upside down when a blackmailer is found dead in their house. Commentary on the weak premise. Plus, Broadway star Eva La Gallienne.
Although Mary and Jimmy were able to skate their latest skirmish with Pearley, they decided to follow Pearley which leads them right back into the worst trouble they could ever imagine in which escape is not an option. Plus, The 5 Greatest Adventures of Superman episodes of all time. Today, #4!
As an April Fool's joke, Liz plans to plant a lipstick-smeared handkerchief in George's coat pocket when she is surprised to find there is already a lipstick smeared handkerchief in his pocket in which George himself is stupefied. Commentary to follow.
A dead body is discovered by a night watchman along with several empty beer bottles and red dyed hair found on the victim’s jacket. Episode commentary on why the audience is Joe Friday and how Jack Webb creatively makes that happen.
Jimmy and Mary are unaware that Pearley and his henchmen, who know the two are spies, are waiting for them at the messenger office while Superman believes his friends are now safe. Plus, we countdown the 5 Greatest Adventures of Superman episodes of all time. This episode is #5!
Mac Rogan is put on trial for the brutal knife murder of his wife, though he swears it was perpetrated by a man named Mark Street. Mac swears to have vengeance on his wife's killer no matter what the cost, planning to mutilate him in the same way as his wife. He makes it perfectly clear that he will not allow anything, not even the cold grave itself, deter him from his deadly mission.
A brother helps his sister by hiding the dead body of her abusive husband while being confronted with a series of unfortunate coincidences along the way. Commentary on why this is one of the worst Suspense episodes.
Mary and Jimmy Olsen, posing as Jimmy Miller, are set to meet the big boss who has now discovered that Mary tipped off the Daily Planet in distributing the phony bills. Commentary on how these 1946 Superman episodes may have contributed to the drop in juvenile delinquency.
George needs a new secretary, so Liz enrolls in secretarial school so she can fill the position. Commentary to follow.
A woman tells Friday and Smith that a robbery is being planned-by her ex-convict husband. Episode commentary on the natural life arc of a dramatic series and why later episodes tend to be lesser than the earlier ones.
Although Mary is in Pearley’s good graces once again, Herman, his brutish henchman, decides to take Mary’s fate into his own hands as he slips up behind her with knife in hand. Commentary on the Superman Crusader Ring.
As Arch Oboler didn't want to give anything away about this episode, neither will we! Except for this...when extraordinary things happen to ordinary people, their worlds begin to change as well as those they impact. Commentary to follow.
The story of a hated movie star queen’s stand-in, the movie star’s new husband, and murder. Commentary on the senseless plot and lack of motive. Plus, star June Havoc.
Inspector Henderson decides to raid Pearley’s office despite Kent’s objections that it will expose Mary as the informant. Commentary on the stopping distance needed for Superman's various speeds.
Liz finds her old piano in the attic,and decides to take piano lessons to prove to George how much musical talent she has.
Friday and Smith are dispatched to a burglary in progress in which an elderly couple are shot. Commentary to follow on the horrible first act followed by the brilliant second act.
Mary has been exposed as a rat and is abducted by Pearley’s henchmen unless she can convince them otherwise. Meanwhile, Inspector Henderson, believing Mary may have double crossed him is about to make a decision that could get her killed if Kent doesn’t intervene. Commentary on the controversy of "Truth, Justice and the American Way".
An angry husband vents his rage by calling his wife a heartless cat, only to witness his accusations take on a disturbing reality when she begins a strange feline transformation. Commentary to follow.
An out of work Shakespearean actor, realizing his wife is about to run off with their handsome boarder, makes a deal to fake his suicide so he can collect the $20,000 life insurance policy which will be paid to the widow. Episode commentary on the connections between this story and Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Mary is deep undercover with very dangerous people to work Kent’s plan to expose the real source behind the counterfeit ring. Commentary on the secret to successful serial writing.
George is bringing Mr Barton home to dinner with an eye to be invited to be one of the speakers on his forum-until Liz charms Barton with her seeming intelligence which she now has to showcase in the civic forum.
A woman posing as a housemaid has been stealing valuables from the homes where she has worked. Commentary following episode on Webb co-star Ben Alexander who plays Detective Frank Smith.
In order to prove her innocence, Clark devises a plan for Mary Hinnick that Inspector Henderson must approve or she goes to jail for passing counterfeit money. Commentary on more scripted obstacles which is the formula for serial writing.
A doctor creates an elixir that speeds up his physical and mental processes, which he uses to commit robberies. But like any cutting edge drug, it eventually exhibits some nasty side effects. Commentary to follow.
A writer is found dead after the actress in his play threatens to kill him and must act quickly to establish an alibi. Episode commentary on star Angela Lansbury.
After Lois’ arrest for passing the same counterfeit money, Jimmy decides that he can tell Kent who he’s protecting. Commentary on the 8 things you may not know about Superman.
Liz and George bet each other that they can each go for 24 hours without telling a lie. A bet that leads to disastrous results.
Friday and Smith investigate a police sergeant who is accused of taking $3500 from a woman to keep her husband out of jail. Commernt5ary on how this was valiant return to classic form for Webb. Plus actress Helen Kleeb.
Jimmy refuses to give up the person he’s protecting even if it means going to prison for five years. Commentary on why Lois Lane is rarely heard in the radio series yet is prominent in every other version of Superman.
Two city women vacationing in the country crash their canoe and seek help within the dark woods. Coming upon a cabin, the women are met by a strange fiddler who has other plans for these two women setting the stage for potentially tragic consequences. .
An emotionally abused housewife employs and then falls in love with a handyman who showers her with affection. But at what cost? What truth is he hiding? Episode commentary on how a female writer handles lead female characters. Plus, star Virginia Bruce.
Kent and White are horrified to learn that Jimmy has been arrested for passing counterfeit bills…and knew about it. Commentary on why we get two minutes of information in a 15 minute episode.
Liz notices that her marriage license has George's name misspelled. Now Liz is convinced that she and George aren't legally married!
A brilliant teenage boy has been stealing food and books, yet he has no home they can find. Commentary on police bias and how Webb missed a golden opportunity in the end.
Time is of the essence for Superman in the search for Robin who was wept out to sea, while a weakened Batman continues to tread water holding on the Mr. Grayson. But, Kent soon discovers a new threat is brewing. Commentary on the next serial coming up!
A suburban couple are astounded when a small meteor crashes into their yard and they bring it inside, only to find that it houses a malevolent alien mind.
Robert Mitchum makes his Suspense debut tonight as a desperate man who meets a desperate woman who together plot to murder her husband who just happens to be his exact lookalike. Commentary on both stars of this episode-Mitchum and Lucille Ball favorite Mary Jane Croft showing her serious side.
Superman takes a weakened Alfred from the bat boat wreckage back to Metropolis for medical care. Will Alfred have the strength to tell Superman where to find Batman, Robin and Grandpa Grayson who are now treading water in the open sea? Commentary on the meat shortages of 1946 referenced by Batman.
Katy the maid is sweet on Mr. Dabney, the butcher, and Liz offers to help. But when Liz's valentine to George gets switched with her check to pay the butcher's bill, Mr. Dabney gets the wrong idea. Commentary to follow.
A series of tavern robberies by and man known as "The Whale" and his partner leads to the shooting of a cop. Commentary on continuous use of colorful witnesses uncharacteristic of Dragnet.
Batman, Dick Grayson and Dick’s Grandfather are discovered by Marsh and are doomed to die on the yacht unless Superman, who noticed the bat boat was gone, gets there in time. Commentary on the hazards of shooting movies on water.
A woman wants her mother in law dead and drowns her. But she just won't stay dead. Episode commentary to follow.
Ava Gardner plays a woman married to a prison warden who happens to pick up a hitchhiker who just escaped from prison. Commentary on the tumultuous life of Ms. Gardner.
With Batman and Alfred’s boat being fired upon by the yacht, Batman instructs Alfred to go find Clark Kent while he will swim under water for a sneak attack. Commentary on another popular phrase. Plus, what makes for a good serial.
Liz goes over her budget again and George cuts off her allowance. Soon they're eating nothing but beans as Liz has several cases of those she bought "on sale". On top of all that, the electricity and telephone have been disconnected.
A man cashing bad payroll checks all over town has been using a rented car. Commentary on how Dragnet soundmen created the 300+ sound effects used in every episode.
With Batman and Alfred in pursuit by boat, Robin has been spotted by Marsh on the yacht and has quickly stowed away with the hopes that he will not be discovered. Commentary on Davy Jones Locker.
A newspaper gets a new owner who decides to purge the staff, leading one columnist to commit suicide. On the drive home late one night, he finds out how his mistreatment of others comes back to haunt him. Episode commentary to follow.
When a bookie is murdered, two rival detectives try to find the real killer. Commentary on star Richard Conte best as Don Barzini in The Godfather.
Bruce Wayne is stunned when a messenger delivers a personal letter to him from Dick Grayson which to Bruce can only mean one thing-that Dick is alive! Commentary on the evolution of the Bat Boat!
Liz is determined to have a new dress to wear to the Atterburys' party, even if she has to make it herself! Episode commentary follows.
A six-year-old girl has been kidnapped off the street with a demand for $50,000 in ransom. Commentary on larger than life, uncharacteristic performances from guest cast Webb previously would not allow.
Certain that Robin suffered a fatal blow from Marsh, Superman and Batman find no traces of him or where Marsh could be headed. Commentary on the Mickey Mouse copyright lapse and how this affects Superman.
Three servicemen (one French, one Australian, and one African-American) bunk with each other in a train compartment on Christmas night after a long battle day during WWI. Seeing a bright star in the night sky, they each share the same dream that they are the Three Wise Men about to witness a Holy birth.
A man awakens to find out his car was not only stolen, but his wife was found in the trunk-dead. Commentary on unsung Suspense writer and actor Elliot Lewis. Plus, movie actors who fail at being radio actors.
As Kent and Wayne race around the country picking up new leads to Larsen, whom they don’t know was killed by Marsh, Dick Grayson is shot point blank by Marsh and feared dead. Commentary on Superman sponsor Kellogg's Krumbles cereal.
Liz buys a book that says that the way to get along with your husband is to share all of his interests. Unfortunately for George, it's more than he can handle.
The owner of a small delicatessen reports that he has been robbed. An apologetic boxer gives himself up to the police after the robberies. Commentary of character actress, and a favorite of Webb's, Virginia Gregg.
With the motive for Marsh exposed, Dick Grayson faces certain death which would mean he would inherit the Grayson fortune. Commentary on Marsh's evil plan. Plus, the the joy of flying with Superman at 1000 mph.
A timid milquetoast obtains an empty chest at an auction which raises the ire of his already brutish wife. While he is being mercilessly tortured by her emotional abuse, the trunk becomes a frighteningly relevant focal piece that shows its true purpose. Episode commentary to follow.
Kirk Douglas makes his Suspense debut tonight as a man who believes he is about to inherit $50,000 from his dying uncle and doesn’t want to share it with his unknowing wife who wants a divorce. Commentary on the life and career of Douglas.
Larsen warns that in just a few minutes Dick Grayson would be dead thanks to this mysterious Mr. Marsh who has his own special connection to Grayson. Can Superman and Batman reach him in time? Commentary on the failure of two villains working as a team.
Liz goes over to meet the new neighbor and winds up minding a four-month old baby overnight.
A loan company has been robbed. There are two suspects, however a wooden leg may have all the answers. Commentary on the Coke machine which was used in this episode. Plus, the making of Dragnet for radio.
With Bruce Wayne and Jimmy in danger of soaring over the rocky falls to a sure death, their only hope is that Superman will get the message in time to save them both. Commentary on Superman announcer and character actor Jackson Beck.
A woman firmly believes a man became stuck in the wall of her bank as he was attempting to walk through it. However, no one believes her as she frantically searches for help to save him.
Phil Silvers stars as an elevator operator who inadvertently gets involved with mob activities when he notices feet dangling out of a carpet roll being carried out and is told to keep his mouth shut. Commentary on star Phil Silvers.
Larsen admits to the captured Dick Grayson that he was able to fake his death with an ancient drug to exact his ultimate revenge. Commentary after the episode on the legacy of Bruce Wayne.
Liz gives advice to her adolescent neighbor, Sally Hopkins, on how to snare the boy she likes, but her meddling only makes things worse and puts George right in the middle.
An elderly woman claims $300 was stolen from her. Her sister says she made it all up. Who is telling the truth? Commentary after episode on Chesterfield cigarettes and writer Frank Burt.
Kent and Wayne are worried that Jimmy Olsen and Dick Grayson have fallen into the hands of the very much alive Eric Larsen. Commentary on whether a "fake death" drug actually exists.
Two old ladies go on a cruise to get away from it all. They soon realize that this cruise holds a dark secret from their past which will now determine their future.
A homicide lieutenant who brings in a murder suspect that ballistics prove is the wrong person believes he still has the right suspect and now has to prove it. Commentary on star Howard da Silva as well as this episode's real life connection to Dragnet.
At the prison cemetery, Kent is alarmed when both the Warden Hobbs and Bruce Wayne fall unconscious upon the opening Larsen’s empty casket. Commentary on Batman's portrayer, Matt Crowley.
George pretends to be sick to keep an eye on the handsome artist who is spending all day at the house, painting Liz's portrait. Commentary on the success of the radio series leading into I Love Lucy.
A man in a plaid sports coat is shot while robbing a liquor store and killing the owner. Commentary on the population explosion of Los Angeles in the 50's.
Jim takes a few moments to speak candidly to the Radio Retropolis community about what they can expect for season 9. More fun, more original podcasts, returning favorites, plus we're saying goodbye to one podcast that we have been doing since season 1.
He speaks about why this podcast showcases these classic Old time radio episodes in his "refreshingly new" way as the motto states. As a 40 year television veteran from hosting to producing many top programs and documentaries mostly focusing on the pop culture theme, hear about his mission and why after 8 seasons he continues to do this podcast each and every year.
Season 9 begins September 11th at 1pm Eastern/8pm Pacific with the first of the very last episodes of Dragnet.
See you then!
DARK SHADOWS: INTO THE LIGHT OUR 12 EPISODE PODCASTS ARE BACK EXCLUSIVELY FOR RADIO RETROPOLIS VIP PATREONS TAKE ME TO DARK SHADOWS NOW! Twelve exclusive installments celebrating the 50th celebration of the cult classic DARK SHADOWS are now back and are exclusive to Radio Retropolis VIPs!
Series commentary and exclusive, in depth conversations with those who were there with answers to questions you have always wanted to know. We highlight the revealing secrets behind this amazing television phenomenon!
Never before has such a revealing, extremely candid conversation with the stars of Dark Shadows been done. Relive some of the great moments one more time including:
*Why John Karlen felt Dark Shadows was a mistake in his career.
*Mitch Ryan's confessions on his alcoholism and being fired
*David Selby's last moments with Dan Curtis
*Lara Parker's admission that Humbert Allen Astredo was influential to her role.
*Roger Davis finally addresses the controversy with Joan Bennett.
*Kathryn Leigh Scott on being Josette and sharing the mania around the series.
*Jerry Lacy reveals how he created Reverend Trask and whether he was the true villain.
*Dan Curtis curator Jim Pierson shares behind the scenes info on the Dark Shadows empire.
Jim wraps another successful season of Radio Retropolis and shares the the surprises in store for the summer and the new fall season Stay informed at www.radioretropolis.com
One of the series greatest horror episodes involves a young couple who just bought a home that has a werewolf who terrorizes them each night. Commentary on the supernatural plot which is foreign ground for Suspense. Did they go there? Plus, star Robert Taylor.
Just as Superman and Henderson were regrouping on their strategy, Superman notices a private telephone wire that runs from Brower’s house out to the Bay which may be the sole clue that will lead him to the island estate where Grayson and Perry White are held. Commentary on why Peli was wrong in his strategy and a look into what makes for a strong defense.
Tonight's bonus podcast features the two existing Johnny Madero episodes-Find Pete Sutro and Fatal Auction- believed to be Jack Webb's rip off show after he left Pat Novak for Hire for the first time in 1947. Commentary on the chain of events that led Jack Webb from Pat Novak to Johnny Madero to Jeff Regan back to Pat Novak and finally Dragnet.
$80,000 in uncut diamonds are stolen which may be connected to a murdered woman. Commentary on why Webb chose to make Dragnet's violence occur "off-microphone".
Superman found a car at the bottom of the river that just may be the car that abducted Grayson. But will it give him the clues he needs to save both Grayson and Perry White from sure death? Commentary on the sudden Inspector Henderson/Superman buddy-buddy relationship.
Johnny, an ex-con just released from prison, is consumed with revenge after his partner Gordon Fitzroy double crossed him in a botched jewelry heist in which the dynamite blast severely disfigured him. Commentary on the convoluted plot. Plus, star Chester Morris.
Kent, who raced back to Grayson’s house after being duped by Smith, realizes he is too late and that two men kidnapped the publisher. Commentary on why Peli's plan makes no sense and why violent conflict will always exist.
FINAL EPISODE! After a priest asks Novak to meet him at the church, a shot is fired and for the final time in this series, things look bad for Novak. Commentary on the seriousness of the episode in which Novak does have a heart. Plus we learn Hellman's true motives. Finally, the last Pat Novak Top 5 Zingers of the Week!
Friday and Smith are assigned to take down a phony emerald ring when a man gets swindled out of $1500. Commentary on why Dragnet is first and foremost a drama series. Plus, a look at the state of smog in 1955 Los Angeles.
Kent has an idea how to trap Smith and needs Planet publisher Grayson’s assistance. But Smith may have a plan of his own to thwart Kent’s trap. Commentary on the tragic events of the 1946 Calcutta Killings that occurred on this day.
Judy Garland makes her Suspense debut tonight as a fast food car hop who must catch her bus for her ride home and accepts a ride to the depot from her last customer of the evening which leads to unfortunate circumstances. Commentary on the tragic life of Garland.
As Smith is about to roll the presses on the anti-World Peace Federation front page story, Kent has seconds to find a way to stop him without revealing his super strength. Commentary on the production of newspapers in the 1940s and the art of war.
Two gunmen are looking for Joe Dineen and since Dineen was last seen in one of Novak’s boats, they think Novak knows where he is. Commentary on the clues between Hellman and Novak that they enjoy being a team. Plus the Pat Novak Zingers of the Week!
Friday and Smith investigate a series of burglaries that is taking place at new housing developments. The burglar kills pet birds whenever he can. Commentary on why this is such a great episode and a throwback to Dragnet's classic first season.
Kent, desperately trying to find Perry White, finally gets through to John Grayson who in his weakened state is trying to tell Kent the real story. Commentary on Smith's confrontation with Kent.
Hume Cronyn plays a bank employee who blackmails a coworker to help him murder his wife. Commentary on the decades long love story between Cronyn and Jessica Tandy.
Superman, who was able to get to Grayson before he perished on the boat, must get him medical aid quickly or he will die. Commentary on who was the BEST actor to portray Superman.
Novak’s old flame Georgie Lampson hires him to take her out in his boat to meet a freighter with an important package. Commentary on Webb's other radio series Johnny Madero Pier 23 and Jeff Regan, Investigator. Plus, the Pat Novak Top 5 Zingers!
Friday and Smith are assigned the case of a man posing as an actor who has been successfully passing forged checks over the past several months. Commentary on Frank's "sugar" diet. Plus, check forgery through the centuries.
Clark received some devastating news by phone that the odds of saving Perry and the World Peace Organization are now a near impossibility against tremendous odds. Commentary on the Superman Legacy timeline.
A man who wants his freedom from his estranged wife and will do anything to get it. Even murder. Commentary on why humans making animal sounds does not work on radio. Plus, star Jack Carson.
After finally making an appearance and saving Jimmy's life, Superman gets a tip from one of the henchmen that Joe Barton, the man who abducted Perry, is at the Miller hotel which may be where he is holding Perry. Commentary on why this is a good plotline.
Novak is hired to follow a large woman from a bowling alley and steal her green bag. Unfortunately for him, many are after the bag and will kill to get it. Commentary on William Conrad filling in for Raymond Burr as Hellman. Plus, the Pat Novak Top 5 Zingers.
Friday and Smith are assigned to a case with a suspect hooked on narcotics described as armed and dangerous after one robbery victim was shot execution style in the head. Commentary on the real 1950's for many.
Although Inspector Henderson got a tip about the taxi driver and the scuffle, he, Clark and Lois have no idea that the tip will lead them to Jimmy and Boris instead as the gunman is moments away from executing them both. Commentary on the promotion of the very first modern bikini.
A man who was brought back to life finds he has the uncanny ability to see the truth in others and cannot lie about it no matter what the deception. Commentary on accidents on a movie set including star tonight Brian Donlevy. Plus, tragedy on the movie Rust.
On Jimmy's way to meet the man at the newspaper club to get a message from Perry, the taxi driver discloses that he was the one that Jimmy had last seen with Perry White. Plus, we do a little trivia from Superman the Movie.
Novak witnesses an old man being hit by a car. Before he dies, the old man gives Novak an envelope to deliver to a man named John St. John. Commentary on the history of Haight Street. Plus, The Pat Novak Top 5 Zingers!
Friday and Smith investigate a junior high school has been broken into three times in the past six weeks each time causing extensive damage to the school’s cafeteria. Commentary on the rise of juvenile delinquency post WWII in spite of the prosperous times.
After Perry defies Smith, he ends up missing. Jimmy, at home, receives a call from a mystery man to come to the newspaper club presumably at the request of Perry, to retrieve important papers. Commentary on the purpose of a "bridge" episode.
A happily married woman is contacted by a man she knew several years ago who knows her criminal past and will keep quiet for a price. Commentary on brilliant twists. Plus star Rita Hayworth.
Kent discovers a clause in Perry's contract that gives him editorial control which causes Smith to drastic measures to make sure Perry not get in his way. Commentary on Joef Stalin and the beginning of the Cold War. Plus, a look at Mickey Rooney who was mentioned in the episode.
A woman in a bar hires Novak to pick up a geranium plant at a corner flower shop and deliver it to an address. When a car veers off course and hits him, that’s just the beginning of his trouble. Commentary on San Francisco's Seven Hills. Plus, the Pat Novak Top 5 Zingers!
Assigned to Robbery Detail, Friday and Smith are on the case of a strong arm hold up man who has been terrorizing the downtown area for the last three weeks. Commentary on the brand new invention-The Phone-a-Deck speakerphone used for the first time by the Dragnet team.
Perry and Clark, after getting confirmation from publisher Grayson that Homer Smith is in charge, must now figure out how to stop this takeover from succeeding withdrawing its support of World Peace Federation. Commentary on possible source of evil influence in the story.
A meek henpecked husband fantasizes that he is the screen persona of Edward G. Robinson so he can muster the courage to kill his wife. Commentary on the Robinson's dual role and production process of this episode. Plus, a look at Robinson himself.
Perry White is confronted by a new threat within the Planet that threatens the World Peace Federation as well as the Daily Planet itself. Commentary on how this story serves as a cautionary tale to today's political divide.
When Novak inadvertently gets another customer's laundry, he tracks down the other customer to swap packages and soon finds himself mixed up in trouble and murder. Commentary on how unaffected the characters are by violence and murder. Plus, the Top 5 Novak Zingers!
A man is the prime suspect in a series of burglaries and car thefts. Is he the right guy? Commentary on Dragnet's television budget, Jack Webb's cut, and why he was forever angry with NBC. Plus a look at another popular series earnings by comparison.
With Bruce Wayne drugged, Cawkins can now get back to snooping around the secret closet where he would discover Superman’s costume. Will Superman get back in time to divert Cawkins for good? Commentary on why the serial had to end as it did.
A soldier returning from overseas learns his girlfriend is marrying a very rich man and tricks her into letting him help her murder him all the while planning to frame her for the crime as his revenge. Commentary on the short lived career of star John Lund.
Cawkins while rummaging through Kent’s apartment is about to find the one thing that will expose Kent as Superman. Commentary on The Adventures of Superman season 1 episode The Stolen Costume, violence on the series, and why Bruce Wayne here is a failure.
Novak is hired to keep tabs on a woman named Wendy Morris by a man who suspects that her husband who has returned from military duty overseas is an imposter. Commentary on how not having Hellman, aka Raymond Burr, hurts the series dynamic. Plus the Novak Top 5 Zingers!
Two men force their way into a woman’s car, where they kidnap, rob and assault her, leaving contact lenses behind as a clue. Commentary exploring the clues in scripts that show Jack Webb may no longer be writing Dragnet.
Kent, feeling that he finally outsmarted Cawkins at the rally thanks to Bruce Wayne stepping in as Superman, was thrown through a loop when Cawkins claimed that Superman was a fraud unless he could see him fly. Commentary on the many flaws in Kent's execution in protecting the truth.
A woman who murdered her husband four years ago and was ruled not guilty of the crime ends up marrying another man who just happens to be the brother of the assistant district attorney who tried to have her hung in the previous trial. Commentary on the tragic life of star Rita Hayworth.
Superman must make a public appearance at the Metropolis Stadium at the World Peace Federation Rally tonight. So, Cawkins decides to spend the whole evening with Clark Kent. Commentary on why this is a clever episode and how Cawkins represents the listener in this serial.
Novak closes up shop early and finds a man with a gun in his apartment. The man knocks Novak out and takes his boat. It shows up later all smashed up with a dead man and a hotel key inside. Commentary on Jocko's increased presence in this episode not being a good thing. Plus the Top 5 Novak Zingers!
A woman reports that her sister has disappeared, and that her brother-in-law killed her. Friday and Smith investigate and find suspicious looking blood stains in the garage. Commentary on script changes in plot outcomes. Plus, the legacy of the former Camarillo State Mental Hospital made famous by the rock band The Eagles.
Cawkins, with the help of Lois Lane, lock Kent in the Planet safety vault that won’t open until morning to prove that he is Superman. But Kent doesn’t know that he was set up for this ultimate test. Commentary on the logistics in actually pulling this off.
A man shoots and kills a police officer during a robbery and during his escape on a train sits next to a woman and young boy whom he learns are the wife and son of the man he killed. Commentary on Roma Wine spokespersons.
After failing to prove he was Superman thanks to Kent’s quick thinking, Cawkins enlists Lois Lane in his new plan to reveal Kent is Superman. Commentary on the irony of having Lois involved.
Novak is hired by a woman to frighten a man named Dixie Gillian by telling him a man named Adrian wants him to leave town by morning. Commentary on Novak's self-deprecation and the seemingly "hatred" between he and Hellman.
A flower shop is robbed and the hold-up men shot and killed...but the bodies disappear. Commentary on how the crime witnesses have a formula to how they are written.
Scotland Yard detective Herbert Cawkins is about to prove Kent is Superman and offers one simple test. Prick Kent's finger with a pin. Commentary on the method Kent uses to try and avoid being revealed as Superman.
Stan accepts an invitation from his friend Eric to go to Eric’s mountain cabin for a hunting trip despite their tumultuous past. When Stan comes across a series of notes about the cabin exploring several ways to commit a murder, he is convinced Eric plans to kill him. Commentary on the other programs in the competing time period to Suspense. Plus our actors step out of character in the tag.
A mystery man wants to meet with Kent because he knows without a shadow of a doubt who Superman is-Clark Kent! Commentary on why this is going to be a great and most anticipated serial.
Novak’s old friend Sam Tolliver pays him a visit looking for a quick favor. When the deal goes bad, Novak must track down Sam to clear his own name of murder. Commentary on Novak having a friend, why "style" is important in this series, and the Top 5 Pat Novak Zingers!
A man has been found beaten to death in bed. The next-door neighbor may provide a clue as to who might have murdered him. Commentary on former Dragnet writer James Moser and his falling out with Jack Webb.
Dictator Rex is headed to the United States for a surprise atom bomb attack. Will the answer solve the mystery of Sturgeon’s whereabouts? And will Superman be able to stop the attack before it’s too late? Commentary on the television series Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Plus, why Superman had to exclaim "Up, Up and Away!" each time he flew.
After a small argument, a man’s wife storms out and presumably heads to her mother’s house. She never arrives and is nowhere to be found. Commentary on the dark side of actor Robert Young who stars in this episode.
Perry White goes into action rigging a Daily Planet contest to find any connection to the word Zaluto which is their only clue to locate Atomic Bomb specialist Dr. Alonzo Sturgeon who is current under the control of the evil Bolimar dictator. Commentary on the difference between Perry White on radio with John Hamilton's performance on the television series.
A concerned priest hires Novak to pick up a prison escapee once under his care. A small pit stop before bringing the prisoner back to the priest leads to big trouble for Novak. Commentary on the symbolic value of the priest for Novak. Plus Raymond Burr who plays Hellman. And the Top 5 Pat Novak Zingers!
An old man is threatening to kill the man who poisoned his dog...and anyone else who tries to stop him. Commentary on breaking the fourth wall in this episode which never happens.
Dr. Alonzo Sturgeon, powerless under the influence of the evil drug, is now more vulnerable than ever in which he may release the secrets of the Atom Bomb to the evil Bolimar dictator before Superman can trace the origin of the only clue he has-Zaluto. Commentary on Black Americans voting in the Georgia primary election for the first time in this day.
A meek accountant can take it no longer and finally takes a stand as he blames his wife for his failures and decides to poison her. Commentary on the harsh realities of fulfilling one's dream.
Horatio has a clue that he believes will lead them right to Dr. Sturgeon. Commentary on the double edged sword of how national tragedies unite the country yet create a sense of xenophobia.
Novak is hired by a woman who wants him to meet with notorious gambler Joe Candono to pay off her brother's sizable gambling debt. but runs into a group of thugs instead. Novak is knocked out and wakes up next to a dead body. Commentary on the femme fatale angle, Sgt. Marty Wynn who consulted on Dragnet but hated this series, plus The Pat Novak Top 5 Zingers!
A burglar sets the houses he robs on fire after taking the valuables. The cops have no clues until some old coins are taken during one of the burglaries. Commentary on guest star Walter Sande as the perfect Jack Webb actor.
While chasing after Sturgeon’s abductor, Carlos, Lois and Horatio are surprised when Carlos turns on them with a gun and forces them into his car into the night. Superman waits for the critically injured pilots he saved to revive. Commentary on male writers on why Lois' gender in 1940s made her an easy scapegoat.
A woman desperately tries to escape her husband who reads her thoughts and controls her mind. Commentary on what's real and what's not. Plus, director William Spier is featured.
With Superman having no luck in tracking Dr. Sturgeon’s plane, he changes back into Clark Kent to return to the Brownsville airport radio tower with the hope of tracking the lost plane. Commentary on the recent news of Henry Cavill no longer playing Superman.
A beautiful and mysterious redhead gives Novak $300 to stay away from prize fighter Rory Malone, who he has never met. Later, the boxer's manager also offers Novak $300 to watch Malone that evening, which is when the trouble begins. Commentary on Tudor Owen who pays Jocko. Also the Pat Novak Top 5 Zingers!
A man who pawned an expensive emerald ring is later tied to a jewelry robbery when the gems are found in a bus station locker. Commentary on the electric guitar which Frank happens to notice is for sale.
The plane carrying Dr. Sturgeon that Kent was tracking has now completely vanished from site with no trace of the doctor anywhere. Is he now lost forever in the hands of South American terrorists who want to take over the world. Commentary on yet another update in the tumultuous world of DC Comics, Henry Cavill, and Superman.
A doctor engages in a most dangerous experiment to prove that man will not commit murder if any of five key conditions are met and is to give five random people money, position and power for life if they murder him with the promise that nothing will ever be traced back to them for the killing. Would they do it? The doctor bets his life that they won’t which may be the worst bet he ever made. Commentary on star Henry Daniel who makes for a great villain even when he's not.
Lois and Horatio Horn following the clues to locate Carlos, enter a warehouse where is supposed to be But he was ready for intruders and set the warehouse ablaze with both Lois and Horatio trapped inside. Commentary on why South America was a haven for Nazi war criminals.
Novak is hired by a mysterious woman to retrieve the contents of a safe deposit box, which puts Novak in danger and leads to murder. Commentary on life on the waterfront and Novak's overly descriptive observation on the grisly. Plus the Top 5 Novak Zingers!
In the past five weeks, an unidentified holdup man has robbed twelve drugstores stealing money and narcotics. Commentary on the script once again plying up the comedy with an offbeat Capra-esque scene in the first act.
As Superman is taking care of business in Shanghai China, Lois and Horatio investigate a lead that takes them to a building adjacent to the vacant lot Kent discovered as a false lead. Inside Horatio discovers a secret panel leading to a warehouse where the duo are confronted by three men with machine guns. Commentary on an incident in the summer of 1946 that tragically changed the lives of many native Americans forever.
This is the story of Ernest – a cataleptic who finds himself motionless on the morgue slab about to be embalmed because everyone thinks he’s dead-except for one person who found a letter in his coat stating what to do in case he was found in such a state. Yet she doesn’t know if he is even in trouble at all. Commentary on Real life cataleptics who were almost buried alive and why this episode is the best example of great suspense.
Now that the International Scientific Society was discovered to be a phony organization that never existed, Kent and Henderson fret over losing the one clue they thought they had with the fear the atom bomb formula and its professor is now firmly in the hands of some very bad men who could destroy the world. Commentary on the misquoted quote "Lead on, Macduff".
A famous jockey hires Novak to find his missing racehorse, Fleet Lady. At the stables, Novak meets both the seductive owner of the horse as well as a dead body. Commentary on Webb and Burr's machine gun dialogue rhythm. Plus the Top 5 Novak Zingers!
A man is reported missing by his wife. His drinking companion, knows...but isn't talking. Commentary on the funny opening sequence and its similarities to Don Knotts as Barney Fife.
Although Lois and Horatio survived the crash, the duo are now fighting for their lives to river debris as they float down the current to the treacherous rocky falls ahead with them getting weaker by the moment. Commentary on Horn's phrase "By Gulliver!"
In a bizarre tale, a man takes the train home and murders his wife with a poker. He hops back on the train to take it to work believing no one would remember he was on the train and therefore he could claim he was at work the whole time. In fact, that’s exactly what happened so what could go wrong? Commentary on what makes this a "black comedy".
When the coded message sending Superman to a mountain lodge proved to be a false lead, the lodge caretaker provided a forwarding address in Metropolis where the abductors now reside. However, that address was nothing but an empty lot leaving Superman without a clue of where to go next to find the professor. Commentary on the bumbling duo of Lois and Horatio as well as what Superman's "true" identity really is.
A woman who casually bumps into Novak one night claiming amnesia suddenly drops dead leaving Novak as the primary suspect in her murder. Commentary on Burr's Hellman, why characters have no emotional connection to violence and the Top 5 Novak Zingers!
The department gets a call from a man who tells you his wife has failed to keep an appointment. There's no trace of her and is feared kidnapped, yet her husband seems to know who did it. Commentary on the tar and feathering done n this episode.
Although Perry White completely dismisses Horn’s assumption that an American atomic scientist is to be kidnapped, Kent wisely decides to go the scientist’s house with Horn and Lois Lane to investigate. Commentary on the history of the Irish cop.
A man still in love with a woman who doesn’t want him decides to kill her and has a surefire alibi guaranteed to not get caught. Commentary on murdering an already dead person and a very non-political political take on how perspective guides our emotions and life's convictions.
One Horatio F, for French, Horn is desperate to reach Perry White with what he believes is a bombshell front page story for the Daily Planet. Commentary on the seriousness of this serial despite its comedic guest character.
Jack Webb is back for the first of 19 episodes of the most classic era of Pat Novak For Hire. In tonight’s premiere episode Novak goes to the bank to deposit $100, only to find that someone else has deposited $1000 in his account. Commentary on The brief history with Jack Webb and this series. Plus the episode's Top 5 Novak Zingers!
A tavern has been robbed and a couple shot. One of the bandits has also been shot and is dying, so Friday and Smith must get to the hospital and question him about the ringleader who put everything in motion. Commentary on Webb pushing the "verisimilitude" a little too far in this episode.
James Stewart and Donna Reed reunite for this radio performance of arguably the most revered Christmas movie of all time despite its dark premise of a man who considers himself a failure and wants to commit suicide on Christmas Eve. Yet, the film’s director Frank Capra managed to give his George Bailey a real empathetic mission and James Stewart’s crushing performance made George a most tortured hero. In order to take advantage of the stars and the film recently being in theatres, they decided to perform this radio adaptation on March 10, 1947.
In 1947, Samuel Goldwyn and RKO pictures brought forth a classic Christmas romance movie based on a 1928 novel written by Robert Nathan about an angel sent to help a young bishop who prayed for guidance but instead fell in love with the Bishop’s wife. The Bishop’s Wife was released on December 7, 1947 receiving excellent reviews eventually becoming an annual yuletide classic. Just two months later, the original cast Cary Grant Loretta Young and David Niven reunited for a one time only radio performance.
In December, 1947, about 6 months after the feature film was released, the entire starring cast from the film reunited one time and one time only for a tremendous radio adaptation. So for first and last time on radio together, Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, Natalie Wood, and Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle starring in the Lux Radio Theatre production about a kindly old man who may be the real Santa Claus. Miracle on 34th Street was broadcast on December 22, 1947.
On Christmas Eve 1939, Lionel Barrymore as Scrooge teamed with Orson Welles and his Mercury Theatre for this Campbell Playhouse production which aired on the CBS Radio Network.This is the classic Christmas Eve story of a rich miser named Scrooge whose soul will be doomed unless three spirits can lead him to redemption. Commentary on Lionel Barrymore as well as how the production came about.
Liz is so full of old-fashioned Christmas spirit that she borrows an antique sleigh from a local antique store and goes caroling. Commentary on Christmas in the suburbs in 1949 and the tradition of the true meaning of Christmas. Plus, guest star Peter Leeds was considered one of the best straight men in the business. We discuss what it takes to be a great straight man and why only a few are considered great.
A Dragnet classic and a departure from the typical hard line approach as Christmas comes to the L.A. Police Department. A call comes in to the burglary division that a statue of the baby Jesus has been stolen from an historic Spanish church. The priest implores Friday and partner Frank Smith to find the statue before tomorrow morning's Christmas Day mass. The last five minutes are not to be missed.
In order to avoid jail for life, Matt Riggs decided to kill Perry White, his nephew, and Jimmy with a high-powered rifle at the Unity baseball game. Commentary on the history and impact of the Ku Klux Klan and why this Superman story was key in the fight against them.
Matt Riggs filled with hate enters his home in order to kill Chuck for betraying him, comes across his sister-in-law who he threaten to kill as well. Commentary on the broadcast history of the Superman on radio.
A photographer inadvertently takes a picture of a “hit” and before he can develop the negative, two mean dressed as cops pick him up. Commentary on star Michael O'Shea and what he and Lou Costello have in common.
Matt Riggs, on the run, appears at the house of his Clan superior Cedric Wilson, Grand Imperial Mogul of the Clan of the Fiery Cross to engage his assistance to save the Clan. Commentary on what drives many membership organizations. Plus, one of Superman's weaknesses is mentioned here for the first time.
Liz thinks George’s Christmas stag party is just an excuse to ditch the wives and hang with the boys. Not letting that sit well, Liz decides to crash the party in disguise. Commentary on why a certain joke got a huge laugh plus musical conductor Wilbur Hatch.
In one of the series' most controversial and shockingly compelling episodes in which NBC and Jack Webb received thousands of complaints, a young boy and his .22 caliber rifle he was going to get for Christmas are both missing. Commentary on the political fallout of this episode.
Superman flies with Chuck to the clearing in the woods where Perry and Jimmy were taken yet no one is there although they did leave behind the hot tar and feathers. The race to find the duo now intensifies. Commentary on a missed opportunity.
Through simple voice recognition, Kent was able to identify Chuck Riggs as the boy who called him. Now he has to convince the frightened boy that lives are in danger and he will do all he can to protect him if he will only tell him who the Clan is. Commentary on how this Superman story affected the Ku Klux Klan at the time.
A man wakes up after being knocked out only to find he is being kidnapped and will soon be murdered by a hired assassin. Commentary on star Sheldon Leonard as well as what led to the Rural Purge of 1971.
With the situation even more dire for Perry and Jimmy, Kent has a flash of hope as he said he knows how he can find the boy who phoned him if he’s not too late! Commentary on how this series maximizes its voice talent. Plus, the Rules of Three.
Liz and George have their pictures taken for their Christmas cards, but then can't agree on which shot to use. Commentary on why I Love Lucy only did one holiday episode, plus we look at series sponsor Sanka.
A man is thought to have committed suicide when a gun is found in his hand. Commentary on the real crime forensic LAPD scientist Raymond Pinker who is front and center in this episode.
With Perry and Jimmy’s lives hanging by a thread, Chuck Riggs, Matt’s nephew, is conflicted about whether he should come forward to expose his uncle and the Clan for fear that he too may suffer the same fate. Commentary on the undercurrents of brutality and deadly threats epitomizing the seriousness of this story.
An overworked man who can never put his work aside decides to put aside his business and take a stroll around town. While out, he overhears a murder plot with a surprising victim. Commentary on the accelerated pacing of the episode making for great suspense. Plus, star Leon Ames.
Matt Riggs, the Grand Scorpion of the Fiery Cross decides to go to extreme measures to silence Perry and Jimmy. Commentary on how racially progressive this episode was . On the flipside, Perry White just doesn't get the seriousness of his dire situation.
A young man enters headquarters and confesses to stealing a truck and killing a man. Commentary on missing a key element from Friday's investigation. Plus, we look at being convicted of a murder one does not do.
Defying Kent’s advice, Perry and Jimmy decided to drive back to Perry’s house when they were driven off the road by carloads of the Clan in white sheets descending upon them. Commentary on DC doing right by Henry Cavill and the Superman legacy.
Four passengers on a bus had just left a mental hospital when the driver received word that an insane patient escaped. When the bus gets stuck in the snow, the driver realizes that one of them on the bus is the escaped patient. Commentary on the character layers in this episode in which everyone is set up as potentially guilty. Plus, star Elliot Reid.
After Perry White blasted the Fiery Cross Clan in the Planet newspaper after their attempts on Tommy Lee’s life, Perry, upon arriving home that night was shocked to find a burning cross on his lawn. Commentary on why Perry White's petulance and how this episode betrayed the "style" of drama the story set forth.
Novak is asked to watch an apartment. Hellman shows up at the apartment investigating a murder case with a $10,000 reward. Commentary on this being Ben Morris' last episode available as Pat Novak and why he didn't achieve the same greatness in the role as Jack Webb.
A jewelry store was robbed of $5000. The only clue is blood left on the scene from broken glass. Commentary on what Jonathan Hole, Cecil Kellaway and Jim Backus have in common. Plus, we look at how history can devalue great performances.
With Tommy throwing himself into the raging river rapids to escape the Clan, young Chuck Riggs, Tommy's former rival, has been desperately trying to reach Clark Kent to warn him of the Clan’s actions. Commentary on the similarities between the Clan of the Fiery Cross and the Ku Klux Klan.
A wife is taking her mentally insane husband by train to a special clinic where he will be treated. But the husband wonders if she really wants him to get well. Commentary on star June Duprez.
After Superman foils two attempts by the Fiery Cross to harm Tommy Lee, they decide on a nighttime ambush at to tar and feather him. Commentary on what tar and feathering really is and the purpose behind it.
A woman hires Novak as a bodyguard, but when she leaves the car to make a phone call, he is carjacked by a thug who seems to know who she is and who he is. Commentary on how Ben Morris had to replace Jack Webb and the problems the series had going forward.
A recently divorced woman is soon found murdered and stuffed in a trunk. Commentary on two ironic Star Trek connections with one of our guest stars.
Matt Riggs and other members of the Clan of the Fiery Cross have appeared at the Unity House baseball field with a deadly plan to get their point across. Commentary on racial slurs and the one used in this episode referring to Chinese people.
A man learns who will win a rigged contest and decides to make a deal with the soon to be winner-a Mr. Smith. Commentary on what makes for great "suspense". Plus, star Hume Cronyn.
Jimmy shares the horrible news of the burning cross on the Lee front lawn with Kent who says he knows why they are being targeted. What he and Jimmy don’t know is that Jimmy is also being targeted. Commentary on why the writers chose the Lees as the racist target and why that even with a positive message, there was a level of hypocrisy in radio at that time.
As Inspector Hellman wraps up a murder investigation in which a bookkeeper is murdered by his landlady, someone approaches Novak about retrieving papers the bookkeeper was holding for him. Commentary regarding recent news about San Francisco flagship station KGO, the original home of Pat Novak, For Hire.
Assigned to the Business Office, Friday and Smith work this special shift to help curtail the reported 170 crimes that are predicted to occur during the next 24 hours. Commentary on the reversal in the 'Defunding the Police' campaign in Minneapolis due to the astronomical violent crimes committed following defunding.
Chuck and his Uncle Matt are headed to a big secret meeting in which Matt will use Chuck’s experience with Tommy to his advantage to incite a violent response from his constituents against Tommy and his family. Commentary on how this story came about and the rise of the Ku Klux Klan in America beginning with DW Griffith's Birth of a Nation.
A man wakes up in a hospital bed and finds himself locked away in an asylum for the criminally insane. Commentary on the tumultuous life of everybody's favorite TV father, Robert Young. Plus , George Zucco and the Mummy movies from Universal.
Superman faces his most critical and dangerous opponent ever. It's his fight against a a white hooded group whose purpose is to eliminate any person or group in America who is of a different race, color and religion in what is considered the most infamous Superman serial of all time. Commentary on why they chose Jimmy Olsen to be the main protagonist of this serial.
In tonight’s first episode, Novak is hired as a bodyguard on a drive from Tahoe to San Francisco by a bookie. While stopped at a gas station, he meets a female hitchhiker who later turns up dead in the trunk of the car. Commentary on star Ben Morris taking over the role of Pat Novak and why Jack Webb was not part of the series in 1947.
Jamie Lee Curtis was interviewed for the television special CHILLER 13: GREAT AMERICAN SLASHERS in 2013. Only a few seconds were heard. Listen now to the complete interview as she talks about why Laurie Strode was a trailblazer, what she thinks of the legacy of Michael Myers,why she did Halloween H20 and why she almost walked off the movie. Finally, hear her one requirement in her agreeing to do Halloween: Resurrection. With the release of the 40th anniversary of Halloween, you'll learn how this interview may have revealed the seed to that film being made.
In this never before heard interview just three years before her death, Debra Hill shares EXCLUSIVELY how the locations used for Halloween were instrumental in the film's success as well as well as collaborating with director John Carpenter in how she was key in the development of the characters. Plus, we look at the amazing accomplishments of Hill's career that unfortunately was cut short by her untimely death in 2005.
Orson Welles put on a dramatic, very well acted radio play that put the nation into a perilous frenzy which began the biggest controversy of the decade! Millions of Americans shrieked in terror as to what they thought was the world coming to an end! It changed how we approached radio and television forever.
This is the original unedited broadcast WITH commentary!
This program examines the frailty of the world in 1938, its real horrors, and the fallout of Welles popularity in which he never recovered. The real horror of the 1930's only escalated with this broadcast. The world was about to enter into a new phase of terror in which the The War of the Worlds Mercury Theatre broadcast was simply the metaphor of what was to come-World War II and the Rise of the Third Reich!
This program explains much of the hysteria caused by this broadcast, the scandal that followed, and the question of whether it could ever happen again.
In 1938 , Orson Welles Mercury Theatre on the Air created this most faithful version of Bram Stoker’s novel beautifully adapted from the diary format of the book to an audio diary given by Dr. Seward whose perspective gives the pacing of the story many new dynamics. Brilliant performances and a lush soundtrack set this version of Dracula above the rest. Agnes Moorehead plays Mina and Orson Welles plays the dual role of Dr. Seward and Dracula.
Commentary includes background on the Stoker novel, plus the many different adaptations of Dracula, Orson Welles' red hot star status, and why this version still holds up as one of the best!
When we left Lois, Jimmy and Mary, they were bound and locked in in car that was plunging fast down the hill into a water filled quarry just seconds away from certain death. Will Superman get the information from a beaten-up Vincent in time? Commentary the realities of political victories. Plus, a look into the next serial Clan of the Fiery Cross-he most infamous radio serial of the entire series.
A con artist who is looked upon as a great man in Pratt County, is planning to scam $50,000 at the expense of the people in a phony water scheme. Commentary on Alan Hale and his fascinating life.
Just as Superman has finally figured out Vincent’s hideaway, Jimmy Lois, and now Mary are bound and taken away in the back of a car at gunpoint to be eliminated. Commentary on Superman taking Vincent on a ten mile high ride.
A gang has been breaking into neighborhood stores and nobody knows how they do it. Extensive commentary on the Top 10 Shows of the 1950s according to its standing in the pop culture universe. We also examine why some 1950's favorites didn't make the cut.
While Superman is frantically looking for Lois and Jimmy, the captive duo are visited by Mary who wants to help them escape but is stopped when one of Vincent’s henchmen calls out to her. Commentary on a recent articled called 7 Ways Warner Bros. has Completely FAILED Henry Cavill's Man Of Steel In The DC Extended Universe.
An out of work actor is manipulated to murder his rich wife to pay off his corrupt agent. Commentary on motive of one key character. Also, scriptwriter Robert L. Richards.
A ward goes to his rich caretaker for money as he desperately wants to marry the woman of his dreams. When the caretaker refuses to give him the money, the ward resorts to desperate measures to collect the entire fortune . Commentary on creator/producer Himan Brown and the legacy of the Inner Sanctum Mysteries. FINAL PODCAST EPISODE OF THE SERIES.
When both Lois and Jimmy fail to show up for an appointment, Clark begins to suspect the worst. Commentary on how this story as well as the darker tone elevated the Superman series to number 1 in the ratings.
A pusher out for revenge and a stake-out at a bar may help solve the case when several thousands of dollars of morphine have been stolen. Commentary on morphine addiction in the early 20th century. Plus, the ViewMaster!
Jimmy spots the motionless Lois Lane on the office floor unaware that the same fate is awaiting him as Mary makes her next move. Commentary on where Superman in 2022 ranks with today’s audience.
A wife is terrified when she learns that her new husband has a criminally insane twin brother who is about to arrive for a visit. Commentary on the classic Kurosawa film Rashômon, writer Cyril Endfield who was known for a very important invention we use every day, and racial biases as displayed in one of the characters in this episode.
A woman finds a dead body in a taxi. She calls the police for protection which turns out to be a very big mistake. Commentary on why this episode is misremembered as something different. Plus star Joan Lorring.
At the Daily Planet to retrieve one of the letters, Chickee confronted Lois Lane and struck her on the head with a paperweight leaving Lois motionless on the floor. Commentary on Gro-Pup Dog Food which was one of the series' sponsors.
When a narcotics ring gets one teenager hooked on heroin, he walks into the police station and asks for help yet refuses to give the names of his suppliers. Commentary on narcotics use in the 1950s.
Perry, Clark, Lois and Jimmy in their solidarity by dismissing what they call an empty bluff. However, when they went to check on the letters’ security, they were shocked to find all were missing. Commentary on why crimefighters and mysteries were much better in the 1940s as opposed to current day.
A man goes on a date with a woman whose jealous ex shows up looking to fight. When the man kills the ex. He his found guilty of murder and set to be hanged. Commentary on star Jackie Cooper.
A honeymooning couple witness a murder and start on a night of horror as the killer chases them. Commentary on the previous version of this episode and actor Mason Adams.
As Jimmy nearly exposes Chickee’s real plan of finding that evidence, she contemplates eliminating Jimmy rather than face the wrath of Vincent for not getting the vital evidence that exposes his corruption. Commentary on what happened on tis day when a white baseball player played in the Negro league for the first time.
A man has been shot and killed on a busy street corner. There's no apparent motive or lead to the killer. Commentary on the real Civilian Chief Forensic Specialist Raymond Pinker whose technological advances in forensics were the main inspiration behind Dragnet.
Vincent, who believes Lois knows where the evidence is against him, instructs Chickee to get the information from her. Commentary on Lois' cluelessness given that she she is a keen reporter.
A prominent and brilliant lawyer kills his unfaithful girlfriend during a heated argument and now has to use his exceptional legal intellect to establish an alibi. Commentary on Claude Rains who played the lead in the film version of this episode. Plus, the film Dual in the Sun is discussed which featured tonight's lead Joseph Cotton.
The story of a lonely cemetery caretaker whose obsession with his prized flowers makes him turn violent to anyone in its presence. Commentary on why this was a standout Inner sanctum episode.
Superman looks for Planet reporter Sloan whom he believes was tossed into the Metropolis River by Al Vincent’s gang and fears he might be too late to save him. Commentary on the stereotypical Bogart inspired henchmen in this episode.
Roger Davis is a leading man like no other. He is imaginative, very intelligent, and extremely well-spoken.On Dark Shadows he played Vicky Winters' soulmate Peter Bradford and his modern counterpart Jeff Clark. He followed that up with Ned Stuart, then Dirk Wilkins and finally artist Charles Delaware Tate.The stories of Roger Davis we have all heard mostly focused on some negative antics that have been told and re-told through the years. But, here we also talk about;his significant contributions to Dark Shadows that gave the show some of its finest moments. In this episode, Roger is at his most candid and may have you thinking twice about what you always believed.
Roger Davis is a leading man like no other. With his down home demeanor and devilish charm, he is an actor, producer and voice-over artist, who is most remembered for taking over the role of Hannibal Heyes on the troubled ABC series Alias Smith and Jones. He became one of the most successful and recognizable voice-over artists of the past several decades, doing hundreds of ads for products including Anacin pain reliever, Brut cologne and McDonald’s restaurants. On Dark Shadows he played Vicky Winters' soulmate Peter Bradford and his modern counterpart Jeff Clark. He followed that up with Ned Stuart, then Dirk Wilkins and finally artist Charles Delaware Tate.
Last time we talked with the original Burke Devlin himself Mitchell Ryan! In that hour we discussed his early days of becoming an actor and working with some heavy weight actors such as Robert Mitchum, Clint Eastwood, and Jim Carrey. We also touched a little upon his descent into alcoholism that ultimately cost him the role of Burke Devlin. In this next hour, we expand upon that greatly as well as much more on Dark Shadows and his fellow actors.
So in this second and final hour we talked about:
- Going to work on Dark Shadows while dealing with heavy alcohol addiction.
- Working with David Ford (Sam Evans, Dark Shadows), Louis Edmonds, David Henesy, Dennis Patrick, John Karlen and Joel Crothers.
- His feelings on Alexandra Moltke ( Vicki) and why he loved working with Nancy Barrett (Carolyn)
- Memories of Jonathan Frid and dealing with fame.
- How the cast of Dark Shadows dealt with his alcoholism, especially Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans).
- On missing tapings of Dark Shadows and the day he was fired.
- Being in last stages of alcohol rejection of life.
- The moment he bottomed out and decided to make a lifesaving change.
- On working on other daytime soaps, the good and the bad.
- Playing the heavy Gen. McAllister on Lethal Weapon and working with Mel Gibson and Danny Glover.
- Working with Donald Pleasance on Halloween 6: The Curse of Michael Myers and being a part of a legendary horror franchise.
- On why he loved being on Dharma and Greg and why the show abruptly ended.
Burke Devlin was anti-hero leading man bent on revenge on the family who wrongly sent him to prison for five years. When Dan Curtis was looking for the right actor to lead the show, he found him in Mitchell Ryan. But Ryan's time at Dark Shadows was tumultuous much to his own doing. Even so, he was magnificent in the part leaving a huge hole when he was fired a year later.
In part 1, we only touch the surface of Dark Shadows as Ryan's career was long, varied, and very successful. Topics discussed:
- Why he said he felt he didn’t exist until he became an actor.
- On working with Robert Mitchum who became a lifelong friend.
- Working the early days of live TV , Broadway at night and George C. Scott.
- Learning from Lee Strasberg and the Actor’s Studio.
- Working with Clint Eastwood on High Plains Drifter and Magnum Force.
- Memories of Jim Carrey on set of Liar Liar.
- About the rumor where he was told he would never work again for turning down this role.
- On juggling his Broadway play Wait Until Dark and Dark Shadows.
- On working the early days of Dark Shadows and dealing with low ratings.
- On how he felt about Anthony George and what would have happened had he stayed.
John Karlen is unpredictable. He is unapologetic. He is unfiltered. He is a great actor. He is best known to many of us as Willie Loomis on Dark Shadows as well as his Emmy Winning role as Harvey Lacey on Cagney and Lacey.
For the next hour, he shares some of the most intimate memories and feelings of the past that you have never heard quite like this. He is a man who is razor sharp, witty, funny and yet he lives with a great sense of self-disappointment in life.
Topics of discussion include:
-
His rough home life and dropping out of school
-
Being in Korea living an adventurous life
-
His views on other actors, acting schools, and inspirations
-
On playing Willie Loomis and replacing James Hall
-
On how Tyne Daly helped him win his Emmy as Harvey Lacey on Cagney and Lacey
-
On how his gambling addiction and fast lifestyle led him down a path of no return
This is part 2 of our SIXTH installment celebrating 50 years of the cult classic DARK SHADOWS! Series commentary and exclusive cast interviews highlight the revealing secrets behind this amazing television phenomenon!
In this second and final hour, Lara Parker (Angelique Bouchard Collins) shares some of her most private thoughts looking back on life, books, and Dark Shadows.
-
Why Grayson Hall wasn't happy Lara got the role of Angelique.
-
Why to this day she believes she wasn't good on the show.
-
Discusses her successful second career as a novelist creating new stories for the Dark Shadows characters.
-
Memories on and off set with Dark Shadows cast members including Joan Bennett, Kathryn Leigh Scott, John Karlen, David Selby and her special chemistry with Humbert Allen Astredo.
-
Why she was glad when Dark Shadows ended.
-
Her biggest career regret.
A 12 part 50th celebration of the cult classic DARK SHADOWS! Series commentary and exclusive interviews highlight the revealing secrets behind this amazing television phenomenon! Angelique herself, Lara Parker, is interviewed.
-
Why she dropped her southern roots in favor of a New York state of mind.
-
Why she thought they made a mistake casting her as Angelique.
-
How Jonathan Frid helped her win the role.
-
Angelique or Josette? Who was the real true love of Barnabas?
-
On working closely with Jonathan Frid.
-
Overly zealous fans and death threats.
-
Why she loved the Bramwell/Catherine story.
A 12 part 50th celebration of the cult classic DARK SHADOWS! Series commentary and exclusive interviews highlight the revealing secrets behind this amazing television phenomenon! In this podcast, Jerry Lacy, the Reverend Trask!
How David Ford and Nancy Barrett got him the job.* How being Humphrey Bogart became his trademark. How his shyness became his greatest obstacle to overcome. How he created the look and style of the Reverend Trask.* The Reverend Trask versus Gregory Trask. Which was his favorite? Why he asked Dan Curtis to write him off the show. * Why Barnabas Collins and Trask were the ultimate foes.
A 12 part 50th celebration of the cult classic DARK SHADOWS! Series commentary and exclusive interviews highlight the revealing secrets behind this amazing television phenomenon! In this podcast, David Selby, Quentin Collins, shares his fond memories of the show and career.
- The truth behind the rivalry with Jonathan Frid and why he wrote Jonathan a letter.
- Why he would have played Quentin forever.
- Why he had to keep his marriage under wraps as a teen idol!
- The comparisons of Elvis and Quentin.
- How crowd hysteria prevented him from attending his own event!
- His amazing connection to Abraham Lincoln!
- Why he turned down the role of Gary Ewing!
- The private prayer sessions with Jane Wyman on the set of Falcon Crest!
- His emotional memories of Dan Curtis’ final days.
Kathryn Leigh Scott discusses the behind the scenes drama on Dark Shadows as well as going from the ingenue to the leading lady!
The turning point where Maggie Evans became the obsession of one Barnabas Collins.* Maggie and Joe and the real life bond with Joel Crothers. On working with David Ford and Grayson Hall who both tried to intimidate her. Best advice Joan Bennett gave her.* Why Mitchell Ryan was missed after he was fired and her reunion with him as Burke Devlin 50 years later! Why she quit and what Dan Curtis told her. * Becoming a popular author, publisher and discussing her newest book that deals with the illness that took the life of her husband in 2011.
June 27, 2018 marks the 52nd anniversary of DARK SHADOWS! Series commentary and exclusive interviews highlight the revealing secrets behind this amazing television phenomenon!
Episode 2 BACK TO COLLINSPORT is an hour long highlight from the cast. The actors speaks very candidly about their roles and the show itself. Some answers will surprise you. Most answers you never heard in this great of detail until now.
Stars featured in EXCLUSIVE NEW INTERVIEWS:
* Kathryn Leigh Scott
* David Selby
* Jerry Lacy
* Lara Parker
* John Karlen
*Plus one SPECIAL STAR who will be heard ONLY in a full interview in one of our upcoming podcasts!
In this hour, we discuss:
* Auditioning for the show
* Remembering Jonathan Frid
* Acting inspirations
* The Death of Dan Curtis
* Flubs and TelePrompters
* What made the series successful
and much, much more!
Part 2 our in-depth look from concept to cancellation of the original series Dark Shadows (1966-71) with Jim Pierson, creator Dan Curtis' right hand man. He's been associated with Dan Curtis Productions for over twenty years as promotional director and producer. Topics discussed include:
-
How Jonathan Frid's nervousness helped Barnabas Collins be a success.
-
How ABC almost cancelled the series after 6 months.
-
Why Joan Bennett decided to do the show.
-
Why certain actors were fired and replaced.
-
How this soap changed daytime television.
-
How a phenomenon gets cancelled.
-
plus much more behind the scenes analysis.
The first of twelve installments celebrating the 50th celebration of the cult classic DARK SHADOWS! Series commentary and exclusive interviews with answers to questions you have always wanted to know highlight the revealing secrets behind this amazing television phenomenon!
Episode 1 is a two-part in-depth look from concept to cancellation with Jim Pierson, creator Dan Curtis' right hand man. He's been associated with Dan Curtis Productions for over twenty years as promotional director and producer. Topics discussed include:
-
How Jonathan Frid's nervousness helped Barnabas Collins be a success.
-
How ABC almost cancelled the series after 6 months.
-
Why Joan Bennett decided to do the show.
-
Why certain actors were fired and replaced.
-
How this soap changed daytime television.
-
How a phenomenon gets cancelled.
-
plus much more behind the scenes analysis.
The owner of an auction house has been robbed and assaulted. A partially burned book of matches provides the only clue. Commentary on the Ground Civilian Corps , President Truman and the Hydrogen bomb.
In the last episode, Chickee revealed to Vincent’s men that there will be a raid on his campaign to expose their racketeering. Chickee unknowingly put Planet reporter Sloan in danger. Commentary on President Truman's public address on the railroad strike on this day.
A terribly unstable woman who was recently jilted by her boyfriend blames his mother for the break-up and believes she can will him back into her life. Soon after, the mother is mysteriously murdered. Commentary on author/scriptwriter Lucille Fletcher and how she writes women differently than her counterparts. Plus, actress Nancy Kelly.
A man traveling alone picks up a female hitchhiker who he believes he has killed. But she keeps coming back everywhere he looks. Commentary on the confusion regrading cataloguing this episode. Plus a look at the popular theme of being a car when the horror occurs and whether Inner Sanctum was a "supernatural" show.
Lois falls for Al Vincent’s mole Chickee’s innocent routine to work in the Daily Planet. Chickee is now in place to retrieve those letters that will expose Vincent’s corruption. Commentary on life as a 1950's juvenile delinquent.
A pair of unique tennis shoes is the evidence that a string of house burglaries was committed by a wealthy young boy. Commentary on why this character was chosen as the guilty party.
Al Vincent has a plan to retrieve the Higgins letters, which will ruin his crooked campaign, from the Daily Planet where they are kept safeguarded. Commentary on definitive agendas of good and evil in political characters.
A fire investigator fears his wife is a pyromaniac when a series of unexplained fires occur around the neighborhood. Commentary on the major problems of this episode which is surprisingly considered one of the best episodes in Suspense.
A retired artist in need of cash sells his brain to the evil Dr. Tarleton, who dies under strange circumstances that very day! Commentary on past and current sponsors of the series.
A new serial begins with a tough election campaign and a dire warning for Lois Lane, who is invited to speak on behalf of a favored candidate, is warned by the opposing candidate’s gangster henchman to not show up. Commentary on Lois's constant criticism of Clark's lack of courage.
Two robbers who are armed and dangerous hold up several places. After they're captured, they're sprung from jail by another gunman with a machine gun. Commentary on why 1954 was significant for the telephone.
JR checks in on what a great season 7 we had and a look into what's coming in season 8 when the the podcast returns with all new original episodes in September 2022!
Frank Hill fires point blank at Superman who somehow seems to be severely affected by the bullets fired into him. Does Hill know the secret to Superman’s vulnerability? Commentary after the episode about the lesson Superman teaches the listener.
A great suspense story about an artist who gives safe harbor to a jewel thief to finish his portrait that he had started before the bloody crime took place. The artist figures out where the jewels are hidden and the innocent waitress who is somehow involved which now changes everything for him. Commentary on the figurative meaning of this story and star Vincent Price.
A former convict is sharing a ride with a dying man who claims he has a half million dollars inheritance from his blind uncle. When the man dies, the convict assumes the identity of the dead man to collect the fortune. Commentary on why this is a good mystery. Plus, star Wendell Corey and why Kirk Douglas hated him although he gave his eulogy.
With Kent getting Jimmy’s message from the organ grinder’s daughter, Maria, he has only a split second to get to the high-rise building. The problem that Jimmy is no longer there and instead is moments away from being tossed from the bridge into the cold river below. Commentary following the episode on Jimmy's unlikelihood of surviving a 200' drop off the bridge into the river, yet one survived from 30,000 feet!
A father claims that his thirteen-year-old girl has been kidnapped from her home and her dog is also missing. Friday thinks they have the suspect but are surprised when they case takes an about face. Commentary on the disturbing nature of this episode and how1950's lack of social sensitivities compare to today.
Jimmy is bound and gagged in the back of the sedan on his way to watery death, At the same time, the organ grinder’s daughter, Maria, notices Jimmy’s note and coin. Commentary following the episode on Kent's inability to lie.
A woman has learned that she won $150,000 in a sweepstakes contest. The problem is that the winning stub is in her husband’s suit jacket. The suit jacket they just buried him in. Yet, we soon find out there is a little more going on than just a simple sweepstakes ticket that puts people on edge. Commentary on why this is the epitome of what a Suspense episode should be.
A woman picks up a mysterious hitchhiker on the side of the road who seems to know all about her. When he promises to reveal the killer of her husband if she marries him, she agrees. But did she just sign her own death certificate? Or is there something even more sinister afoot? Commentary on why Everett Sloan's performance as Garth in the first version from September 4, 1945 was far superior to tonight's version even though acting choices were the same.
Frank Hill, the leader of the Guardians of America, has ordered Jimmy’s death by binding him and dropping him off the bridge into the river. However, one glimmer of hope for Jimmy could lie in the hands of an organ grinder if only he could figure out that he must get Jimmy’s message to Kent. Commentary on Jimmy's limited ability to reach Kent due to `1946 technology.
A dead body is found floating in the lake in MacArthur Park. Friday goes undercover to find the gang selling the heroin that killed him. Commentary on why this undercover stint by Friday doesn't ring as true as past episodes.
Frank Hill, the big boss, revealed his identity to Jimmy and proceeded to introduce this mystery man shown to him as one whom he knows very well and one who just sealed Jimmy’s fate. Commentary on what would have been a "super" choice for Superman and Jimmy to stay in contact in what is a fail in this serial, but has since been corrected in future Superman programs and movies.
A blind detective receives a visit from a woman who claims she is being blackmailed and later whose husband winds up murdered. The woman is suspect, yet she had been with the detective the whole time. Who is blackmailing her? And who killed her husband. Commentary on author Baynard Hardwick Kendrick in which whose novel this script was based. Plus star, Brian Donlevy.
An elderly woman is blackmailed by her nephew once he finds out that she killed her husband with a fireplace poker. Commentary on the confusing character choices. Plus, why the ending had to be as such.
Kent makes a deal with art gallery owner Adolf Klein, a contributor to the youth center, to plant a fake story in the Planet that the artwork in his gallery was slashed so that they may finally catch the main boss behind these hate crimes. But there may be another who knows about the fake story. Commentary on "bridge" episodes and Superman leaving Jimmy on his own more than not.
A special officer has been shot and the owner of a liquor store knifed to death during a robbery. Commentary on the troubled life of news commentator Don Hollenbeck whose death this very day put a period on what the NY Times sadly calls a largely forgotten man.
Charlie the bartender and Muggs’ henchman refuses to let Jimmy leave to tell his “uncle” he will be late. In reality, Jimmy needs to get word to Kent about the car bomb that Muggs will plant on Perry White’s car tonight. Commentary on behind the scenes of The Adventures of Superman in how George Reeves refused the "hoist" contraption to make him fly after an on-set accident.
A husband and wife take on a new maid who begins to fall in love with the husband. The husband in turn convinces the maid to help him kill his wife. Commentary on star Gregory Peck's debut performance on Suspense.
The story of a man who schemes to capitalize on a seven-years-in-the-making insurance scam involving the deceased former husband of this man’s current wife. What he didn’t expect is for the dead man’s second wife to suddenly appear wanting her cut. Commentary on why there is no such thing as the perfect crime.
Jimmy finds himself in deep trouble as his cover is blown and Muggs and his gang have tracked him back to Kent’s apartment where Jimmy is helpless and all alone. Commentary on the contuining antisemitism post WWII that directly inspired this serial storyline.
Tonight, the mongers are planning to kill two birds with one stone as their plan to car bomb the car carrying Dr. Leeds just happens to be driven by Planet editor Perry White. How is Jimmy going to be able to warn White while not giving away his cover? Commentary on 900 Jewish refugees refused U.S. asylum in 1939.
A psychiatrist provides shelter for a murderer on the run-in order to get him to commit another murder. Commentary on the layering of the plot. Plus, star Paul Henreid.
Jimmy relays to Kent that Muggs is going set a car bomb to go off to kill Dr. Leeds however Kent finds out that Leeds doesn’t own a car. So whose car will be tagged? Commentary on antisemitism pre-WWII.
A man is captured after a string of bank robberies but breaks out of jail after just a few months. Commentary on how Jack Webb almost wasn't Joe Friday on the television version of the series.
After the knifing of Rabbi Stone by the Hate Mongers, Kent and Jimmy desperately try and persuade Inspector Henderson to stay the course so they can bring down the big man. Commentary on Superman voice actors.
A man runs off with a gangster’s wife to Havana and when she ends up murdered, he becomes the prime suspect. Commentary onj the life and career of star Cary Grant.
Agnes Moorehead stars tonight as a woman who bears a striking resemblance to the girlfriend of an escaped convict. When her car breaks down, a curious stranger offers her a ride to her destination. Commentary on the life and career of Moorehead to follow.
When Jimmy finds out the next attack is going to be on a Jewish Temple, he frantically tries to reach Clark Kent. Commentary on the violence shiftmg to attempted murder in this story.
A deranged man, with many guns, is holding his wife and child are prisoners thinking he’s a cowboy defending his fort against attack from the Indians. Commentary on the mental hospital in Camarillo California.
When Jimmy’s is tasked to commit an act of religious violence by slashing valuable paintings to show his loyalty, Jimmy goes to Kent to share his dilemma. Commentary on Hitler's reasoning for persecuting the Jews.
A doctor wanting to leave his wife for another woman takes a tragic coincidental opportunity to adopt a new life. But his past actions may have some lethal consequences. Commentary on the life and career of star James Stewart.
A husband, his beautiful young wife and his canary birds are living a quiet and peaceful life until one night a man shows up who turns out to be the former attendant at Crag Mount asylum for the insane where a homicidal inmate, who had been kept under control by the singing of canaries, had recently escaped. Commentary on star Boris Karloff.
With Jimmy in jail for his protection, the head of the hate monger’s association sent his lawyer to get Jimmy out of jail so he could be under their “protection”. Commentary after the episode.
A market has been robbed and the only suspect is a man who appears to have come into a great deal of money lately. The only clue is a cheap broken watch. Commentary on cuisine of the 1950s,. Plus, the introduction of Irish Coffee as mentioned in this episode.
Last time, Kent pulled Jimmy’s chestnuts out of the fire when he got him out of the pool room before Muggs found out everything. Now Jimmy is worried he may have blown his opportunity to nab Muggs, Dutch and the big leader. Commentary on why Catholics were also the target for religious persecution in post WWII.
A cat’s scratch has the ability to turn young actresses into stars. Yet, the handyman, who has a hatred of cats, believes the cat is evil. Commentary on star Fay Bainter. Plus, potassium chloride's effects on the body which was used as the death weapon tonight.
A railroad stationmaster is tormented by the ghost the man whose death he may have caused when he didn’t signal the train to stop. Commentary on the career of star Luis Van Rooten. Plus new sponsor Mars Candy Bar.
Dutch, who was hit by a car as he was running back to the pool hall to tell Muggs that Jimmy was a spy, has escaped from the hospital. Jimmy frantically worries that Muggs may show up and blow his cover. Commentary on certain slang that just does not translate well today.
Stolen payroll checks are being passed all over town with no clues until an ex-check forger comes forward to help. Commentary on check forgery, and the Supreme Court ruling on this day to abolish segregation.
Jimmy met Muggs, became part of the gang and went to the drugstore to phone Kent to update him. Unbeknownst to Jimmy, he was followed by Muggs lieutenant Dutch who overheard the entire conversation and is now headed back to Muggs to put the drop on him. Commentary on societal waves and the overall failure of one recent wave- #bringbackourgirls.
A gambler takes a cross-country ride in the hopes of changing his luck in the biggest long shot of his life. Commentary on star George Coulouris and writer Harold Swanton.
A guilt ridden man whose wife was killed when she fell off a cliff, believes her spirit lives in another woman he met at her grave. Commentary on Henry J. Taylor’s program Your Land and Mine which was promoted at the end of this episode.
Jimmy preparing to be part of Mugg’s gang as a spy to get to the main person behind the ethnic and religious targeted violence in the city. Commentary on post WWII life in Japan.
A woman has been found badly beaten and it is believed to be by her husband until they find a second woman beaten up the same way. Commentary on technical advisor Captain Jack Donahoe.
With the operation a success, Clark now has to prove to Perry and Lois just how he was able to get from Chicago to Metropolis in under and hour. But first Superman has to dodge a real bullet as Lois is about to make a huge discovery. Commentary contrasting Superman's flight speed with his inability to change into Suprman quickly.
A man in need of money is presumed dead in a car accident in which he now can collect $50,000 insurance money if only those who might expose him are eliminated. Commentary on how somebody always knows something when a crime occurs. Plus the Hollywood Star Playhouse replacement series. Finally announcer Norman Brokenshire getting banned from CBS.
Kent, in Chicago, is looking for a needle in the haystack as he tries to locate the only brain surgeon in the country to save the young boy Danny O’Neill’s life. Commentary on Superman's apparent time travel and speed of light while carrying the surgeon in his arms.
A traffic cop has been randomly executed in cold blood at an intersection. Commentary on Virginia Gregg and the importance of the no name actors that carried these episodes and why they were constantly hired.
Kent proposes to Jimmy that they only way to exposed the hate group is for him to go undercover and join the gang which could cost him his life. Commentary on Bud Collyer's acting habit that may have annoyed his co-stars.
Tonight’s episode is about twin brothers who get into a heated argument in which one fakes committing suicide just so he can kill his brother and life his life which was filled with riches. Yet every man’s life holds some secret. This dead brother’s secret may be more than what he bargained. Commentary on why this was a great drama. but not a great Suspense episode. Also, actor Jerry Hausner and how he gfot fired from I Love Lucy.
A mansion is for sale. The problem is when people buy it, they end up dead in a few days. Commentary on comparisons to a previous episode caled The Scream and why this fails to live up to the talent of its actors.
Jimmy’s young friend, Danny O’Neill who witnessed a vandalism, is met by those same street thugs and gets severely beaten. Plus ,Kent finds out that Jimmy is in the hospital. Commentary on past villains compared to the villains in this serial.
An organized gang of shoplifters, who specializes in high end suits, is preying on Los Angeles department stores. Commentary on the short-lived series running after Dragnet called Crime and Peter Chambers with Dane Clark.
Tonight, starts a new dark tale as well as a whole brand-new opening as a friend of Jimmy’s is witness to vandalism of a store and soon winds up in the hospital fighting for his life. Commentary to follow.
A man confronts his wife and best friend having an affair, murders them both, and hiding the bodies so they’ll never be found to receive a lighter sentence. But this is only half the plan. Commentary after the episode on the convoluted plot and a look into double jeopardy law.
A mystery writer vacationing on Skeleton Bay witnesses a murder. But instead of calling for help, offers to help the killer hide the body. Commentary on the great performances, yet illogical chain of eventy. Plus, Bromo Seltezer and star Charlotte Holland.
Batman has figured put that one of the men responsible for shooting Candy Myers, abducting him and taking the money is a taxi driver who just happened to overhear the rouse in his cab. So now the clock is ticking to find Candy and the money. Commentary on Superman production schedule and why serials like The Story of the Century was needed.
Fourteen women have been robbed and beaten, yet each gives a different description of their assailant. Commentary on why the "dragnet" tactic was dissolved and thoughts about bringing police and community together. Plus, the advent of policewomen in the LAPD as we hear in this episode.
In our last episode, the practical joke all of sudden took a darker tone when an unknown gunman shot Candy Myers and stole the $20,000 from Kent’s apartment. Who else could have possibly known about this prank? Or was it someone on the inside? What about Candy’s fate? Commentary on testing your Superman trivia.
An abusive old, rich and invalid woman is poisoned by her dutiful spinster niece who cared for her and the old woman’s greedy nephew looking to inherit all her money. Commentary after the episode on actress Marsha Hunt and her colorful career.
A truck driver is compelled to pick up a beautiful hitchhiker night after night on the same route who is transporting caskets. Commentary on fate always winning in the end. Plus, is this story a re-take on another classic radio episode?
Clark’s prank ramps up the tension as his hired guns take Perry, Lois and Jimmy out on boat into the middle of the harbor to some unknown fate. Commentary on the dark turn of the serial.
In the juvenile division, Friday and Smith receive a note from a concerned 15-year-old girl of her friend’s heroin addiction. Commentary on Joe Friday's personal life and the big question that we all ask.
Kent/Superman turned the tables on Perry, Lois, and the rest by making Perry’s house disappear? With four episodes to go including this one, just how will this end? Will this just stay all fun and games or will there be some dire consequences with all of these jokes? Commentary on the sinister aspect to these "jokes".
When one friend embezzled $100,000 from his company, his co-worker friend takes matter into his own hands before the auditors find the discrepancy and uses more company money for illegal betting on a long shot to win his money back. Commentary on the weak, comedic take of this episode compared to how Rod Serling handled it on The Twilight Zone.
A newly married woman who now lives in her husband’s old family mansion finds that her husband has been recently released from an asylum after being accused of knifing his first wife. Commentary on why Martin Gabel and Everett Sloane, featured in this episode, are cast frequently in these shows. Plus, how a line reading can change an audience's perception of truth.
Kent, as Superman, flies to the Metropolis PD so Kent can meet with Inspector Henderson after he finds the missing $20,000 in his closet. After meeting with Henderson, Kent, solves this puzzling mystery. Commentary that the mystery is now solved. Plus a Superman stunt with Perry White's house.
A pair of masked gunmen are identified by one of the customers in the bank with the trail leading to a car rental agency. Commentary on actress Geogia Ellis who also played Miss Kitty on Gunsmoke. Plus, the history of Gunsmoke on radio and television.
Kent’s sanity is taken for a spin when Batman now enters the mystery telling Kent to prepare for the shock of his life. Commentary on Candy Meyers and his connection to Clark kent. Candy appeared in one epoisode of the Superman television series in 1952.
A reporter finds the long-lost argyle album but dies of a heart attack right before he was about to tell his friend where he hid it. Or was he murdered? Commentary after the episode on Robert Taylor who was not well cast for this episode.
A husband framed for the murder of his wife goes on the run to find and kill the murderer. Now a murderer himself, a female photographer captures the incident on film and blackmails him. Commentary on series' themes of fate and insanity. Plus star Alice Reinheart.
Kent worries that the same fate as Perry has befallen Jimmy when someone claiming to be Kent asks Jimmy. Commentary on the character of Ms. Bacharach who also appeared in one episode of the Superman television series.
A man walks into the precinct and confesses to Sergeant Friday that he's murdered a young woman. Commentary on technical advisor Jack Donahoe and the connection to The Black Dahlia.
Kent, who is now with Lois, went back to the house as instructed by Perry and was baffled to see the setting has changed as well as the owner himself baffled. In addition to that, Perry is now missing. Commentary on the Lois/Clark dynamic.
A man drops off his girlfriend in front of a store to deliver a package. When she doesn’t return, he goes inside to find her only to be told that nobody has ever seen a girl matching her description before. Commentary on star Lee Bowman.
A man is haunted by ghostly calls from his dead wife on the hour every hour saying he will die at 2am. Commentary on the clever twists in tonight's story.
Just as Clark hangs up from Lois who had just asked him to bring another $10,000 to the location, in through his door walks…Lois Lane. If this is Lois, then who was on the phone? Commentary on Abbot and Costello's skit Two Tens for a Five
A man with a false moustache is suspected of robbing a supermarket. Commentary on L&M Tobacco and the little white lies told to sell more cigarettes.
In a bizarre state of occurrences Lois winds up missing, leaving her apartment in shambles only to call Perry later to ask for $10,000 for the story of the century. Commentary on the real value of $10,000 and a certain slang word Jimmy uses.
A woman has vivid premonitions of her husband stabbing her with an icepick and decides to take action to prevent her deadly outcome. Commentary on Elliot Lewis replacing Joe Kearns as our announcer and why he was called "Mr. Radio".
A man leads his wife into a pine grove to murder her yet lacks the courage to do so. When he wishes her dead a man suddenly shows up and does the deed. But is she dead? Commentary on what's real and what's not within the law of dramatic logic.
Clark Kent had just received a call from Perry White asking him to get Lois and come to his home as it's a matter of life and death. Clark, on his way to pick up Lois, encounters something wrong. Something very wrong. Commentary on this being a remake.
A hot-rodder has run down a pregnant woman while she was crossing the street...without ever slowing down. Commentary after the episode on 1950's car culture in Los Angeles.
With Lois and Manford left for dead in the dust storm by Schroeder, it’s now up to the Man of Steel to save her, get Schroder and salvage the dragon’s teeth. Commentary on Pep cereal button charcaters of Pop Jenks and Harold Teen. Plus, why Superman is in no rush to save Lois.
Schroder decides to get off the train after Lois arouses suspicion with her telegram and go the rest of the way by car. Superman, however, is still expecting to find them on the train. Commentarty on the Great Dust Bowl of the 1930s and why the dust storm in this episode was so significant.
With Lois now as Schroeder’s hostage on their way to San Francisco, will Superman be able to put the pieces together before they leave the country? Commentary on Kent's absent-mindedness and why he chooses to let his secret slip.
A tie salesman is haunted by the ghost of a beautiful actress when he rents her old room. Commentary on the miscasting of Lloyd Nolan as the protagonist.
A man is granted the power to kill just by wishing it. Commentary after the episode on stars Ken Lynch and Ann Shepherd.
Clark and Lois’ plane was forced down short of San Francisco. Clark, as Superman, flies to San Francisco to meet the train carrying Charles Schroeder and the jade teeth not knowing that Schroeder is in the town where the plane landed and Lois all alone. Commentary on the PSA Campfire Girls.
A man finds the brutally beaten dead body of his elderly female neighbor. The evidence overwhelmingly points to her husband. Commentary on the revisionist history of Jack Webb and Dragnet and why critics are wrong.
Kent learned that the murderer already left town with missing jade teeth by train to San Francisco and then head to China. He and Lois decided to take a plane and head him off before he does. Commentary on the various Lois Lanes throughout the years.
A man is suspected of killing a neighbor for her money and to stop her from her horrendous singing. Commentary on tonight's star Zachary Scott.
A sculptor murders his wife and assumes a new identity as a tombstone cutter. Five years later a woman walks into his life demanding he pay her regularly for the secret he thinks she knows. Commentary at the end of the episode on the weak motive for descent to madness. Plus, actor Berry Kroeger.
Lois and Perry receive a message from Superman to meet him in an old deserted house at midnight for the full story. But are they heading for a deadly trap? Commentary on the liberties Superman writers have to take for sake of story.
A young mother and her nine-month-old baby have disappeared after threats had been made against her life. Commentary on the drama that ran after Dragnet cxalled Rocky Fortune starring Frank Sinatra.
With Wan murdered and Superman being the last person to be with him while alive, Lois believes Superman knows something and doesn’t understand why Kent is opposed to her investigating him. Plus, more commentary on how Perry and Lois don't appreciate Superman.
A scientist makes a bet with an artist for $50,000 that he cannot work with him every day for two years straight. Commentary on tonight's star Lee J. Cobb.
An artist’s wax figurine of the devil is stolen from his workshop. Shortly thereafter, a mysterious hooded faceless man appears who wants a wax face mask. A mask in the artist’s image. Commentary after the episode on the legend of Bloody Mary. Plus, actors Joan Banks and Martin Gabel.
With Perry in the hospital fighting for his life after drinking the poisoned tea from Dr. Wan, Lois, who followed Perry and Clark to Dr. Wan’s jewelry store, is about to drink that very same poisoned tea. Commentary on how Lois doesn't seem to revere Superman as much here as other Lois Lanes.
The body of a woman has been found in a downtown office building, beaten to death with a piece of lead pipe. Commentary on the first mass vaccination of children against polio begins.
After accepting Dr. Wan’s request to secure the Dragon’s teeth, Perry drinks some tea offered by Wan and immediately collapses. It has been poisoned. Commentary on Superman's newfound familiarity with Jimmy, Lois and Perry.
In a grim New England Town one Halloween night, a baby is born under the unholiest circumstances. Commentary on the style of this episode reminiscent of Orson Welles' War of the Worlds also as a Halloween broadcast.
A man is asked to investigate the murder of a woman to whom he finds himself strangely attracted. Commentary at the end of the episode on casting the same actors over anjd ovber again.
Perry White and Kent are headed to Dr. Wan’s jewelry store at the behest of a frantic request from Perry’s old friend. Commentary on the symbolism of the dragon in ancient Chinese culture.
A confidence man is selling $10,000 of perfectly cut, blue-white diamonds that turn out to be nothing more than $250 of zirconium. Commentary on Crime Prevention Week and the comparisons of crime in 1954 to that of today.
Superman succeeded in destroying the ants by drowning the ants by flooding the city, in the meantime the moon dwellers are boring holes to escape what they think is a danger which is causing the tunnels to flood and drown Jimmy, Poco and the professor. Commentary on the issues with this serial and the heavier direction the series will take.
A woman named Sarah has a predilection for stealing money from men and then causing them extreme harm once she gets their money. Commentary on the dramatic career of Lucille Ball who stars tonight.
A woman learns that her new husband is insane and a killer. Commentary on the Inner Sanctum plotline formula you can almost always count on.
With Superman returning from the moon surface, he and the rest of the group are dumbfounded as to how to stop the red ants who are now using leaves to ferry themselves across the moat and into the city itself. Commentary on the Battle of the Two Lois Lanes.
A man and a woman have been terrorizing and robbing merchants around the city who are also capable of murder. Commentary on why Frank Smith's replacement for the episode and why Friday couldn't go solo.
With Superman away battling the murderous red ants in the tunnel, millions more have now made their way to the moat and towards the city itself. Commentary counting down the five top Superman villains of all time.
A man gets into a violent confrontation with his landlord who winds up dead. The man decides to hide in the house attic while police come to investigate the landlord's death. Commentary on box office star Henry Fonda who makes his debut appearance tonight.
A woman burned as a witch returns to enact revenge on those who condemned her. Commentary on the true story of the Salem Witch Hunt as well as dispelling some untruths.
Superman and Jimmy found the professor and poco in the underground city, but now a new threat of over a million red ants are destroying everything in sight as they approach the city. Commentary comparing this serial with the 1951 film Superman and the Molemen.
Four children are found alone in a filthy house with their alcoholic mother returning several days after a binge to demand them back from child welfare. Commentary on NBC news anchor John Cameron Swayze
While searching for Poco and the professor, Superman and Jimmy discover an underground city protected by two huge creatures with incredible strength charge the duo. Continuing the commentary on I Love Lucy episode "Lucy and Superman" with an interview with Doris Singleton who appeared with George Reeves in that episode.
A man, tortured by his past, finds himself faced with those sins one Halloween night when he will be hunted and killed within 24 hours unless he can find a way to stay alive. Commentary after the episode on how the twist compared to an episode of MASH.
Superman discovers that while searching for the missing Poco, the professor has now disappeared. Commentary on the I Love Lucy episode "Lucy and Superman" with a sound clip from Little Ricky himself Keith Thibbodeaux.
A clothing store has been burglarized and the ex-convict assistant manager is suspected. Commentary on a look at what killed the radio and movie stars of the 1950s.
While searching for Poco, Superman tried to crash through a wall and ended up falling into a ravine deep out of sight. Jimmy and the professor fear all hope is lost. Plus, we take our final moment with Jack Larson and he shares his thoughts on what happened the night George Reeves died.
A con man poses as reverend and confesses his intent to steal $50,000 from the church to an ill parson who can’t move or speak. Commentary on star Joseph Cotten.
After 218 podcasts, this bonus episode is a special look back at the Shadow radio series including rare interviews from those who were there including Bret Morrison, Grace Matthews, Gertrude Warner, Andre Baruch, Ken Roberts, and Shadow author and creator Walter B. Gibson.
A woman, who operates a carousel, gets involved with a man whose date was murdered the night they rode the carousel, and she thinks he’s out to murder her too. Commentary on the Inner sanctum formula of villains. Plus, did Dark Shadows actor Thayer David borrow some mannerisms from one of this episode's characters for his insane, haunted Matthew Morgan role?
Jimmy trying to get a drink from the river, fell deep and out of sight as Superman tries frantically to search for him. But there are hundreds of eyes on scaly creatures quickly headed their way. More with our exclusive interview with Jack Larson.
An elderly woman has disappeared until a young child comes forward and identifies her murderer. Commentary on the actual rights of police and those of the questioned during a murder investigation. Plus, a look at what makes for a great Dragnet script.
The half human half monkeys were believed to have abducted Poco. Superman, Jimmy and the professor were able to find the land below where they lived and decided to push forward to find their friend. Plus, an exclusive interview continues with Jimmy Olsen himself , Jack Larson, never before heard until now.
A wife blackmails her husband who wants a divorce after he accidentally hits and kills a man with his car. Commentary on crimes of passion, justifiable homicide and star George Murphy.
Soon after the execution of a criminal boss whose conviction was the result of Lamont Cranston’s investigation, the sister of the dead crime boss plots to exact revenge against Him. Commentary on Gertrude Warner who took over the role of Margo Lane. Plus, how this episode, the very last of the series, was one of the best.
A fugitive steals the identity of a man claiming to be a long-lost brother coming home to his sister whom he hasn’t seen in 20 years to collect a large inheritance. Commentary on some great twists in the story. Plus, star Amzie Strickland and her Mayberry connection.
Superman went searching for Poco leaving Jimmy and the professor alone in the rocket ship. A scratching sound led to some gaseous substance infused in the cabin that knocked both out. Just then, the scratching continued. Commentary on George Reeves from an exclusive interview with Jack Larson, Jimmy Olsen on the Adventures of Superman.
A young girl has been found near death in a cheap hotel room apparently from an attempted suicide. Commentary on the rise of young female suicides between 1950-55
Jimmy, Poco, and Twiddle must protect themselves against the winged creatures who have been tearing apart their ship while Superman frantically searches for the beam in order to find the ship’s landing point. Plus, part 4 of our exclusive interview with the late Jack Larsen (Jimmy Olsen, TV's Adventures of Superman).
A man wants to commit the perfect murder and get away with it. It doesn’t matter who it is as long as he doesn’t get caught. Commentary on whether there is such a thing as a "perfect murder". Plus, stars Joseph Cotton and Gale Gordon, with Gordon in a very unfunny role in this episode and why nobody wanted him for comedies.
Strange things happen when Lamont and Margo are lured to an old house for what turns out to be a hoax by a Hollywood director. Unfortunately, one of the hoaxes showing an actor pretending to be hanged turned out that he was actually murdered. Commentary on Grace Matthews, who plays Margo, marking her very last episode with the series.
A man believes he has witnessed a murder. But when he starts to piece the clues together, he is shocked to find that all of the evidence points to him as the murderer. Commentary on what makes for a great Inner Sanctum episode.
Superman decides to follow the beam straight to the moon to find the trio as they try to fend off the moon creatures attacking the ship. Plus, part 3 of our exclusive interview with Jack Larsen (Jimmy Olsen from TV's Adventures of Superman).
A gang of drunk of counterfeiters have hit the city and the only clue comes from a drunk in a Turkish bath. Commentary on how the FCC ruled over the police use of the two way radio.
The rocket got back on track on the beam and finally reached the moon. But rather than touch the moon and return, it somehow got remained on the far side of the moon. Commentary includes part 2 of our exclusive interview with the later Jack Larsen (Jimmy Olsen, TV's Adventures of Superman).
A librarian notices a book was returned with torn pages that she pieces together in what appears to be a ransom note... yet nobody is known to have been kidnapped. Commentary on some of the issues of the episode as well as a spotlight on star Myrna Loy. Plus, should we cancel Gone With The Wind?
A wealthy eccentric woman who lives in a mansion near the Lotus Park Zoo and those in her house have been killed by one of the zoo's escaped apes. Lamont, however, believes there is more behind these killings and investigates to get to the truth. Commentary on if gorillas can kill by hugging. Plus, the theory of when there are two villains explained.
A woman named Clara is in fear of her dead sister’s return for vengeance since she believes she was responsible for her sister’s death. Commentary on Inner Sanctum competing with Suspense and the formula they decide to make them different.
Gus must try to reconnect the beam to the rocket. Following the episode, the first of several clips from a very exclusive NEVER BEFORE heard interview from an icon of the Superman family.
A wave of burglaries have taken place against women all with brand new fur coats. Commentary on guest star Carolyn Jones best known as Morticia from the Addams Family.
In our last episode, stuck in space, Jimmy sent pigeons back to earth to reach Superman with the hope of being rescued. Superman, who received the pigeon's note, must now find the tiny rocket suspended 10,000 miles above the earth. Commentary on space exploration in the 1940s.
A widower moves back into a place he once owned with his wife who passed away and tells his landlady he just got married again yet she is nowhere to be seen. Commentary on writer Lucille Fletcher and actor Don DeFore, best known for the TV series Hazel.
While sightseeing on a remote tropical island, Lamont and Margo come across a dark legend that summons Zanlaghora, a dwarf god who seeks murderous revenge against those who use the ring of Mahlalayee. Commentary on the grisly tone of these recent episodes. Plus, producer/director of The Shadow, John Cole.
A taxi driver, held at gunpoint, explores his destiny as he recounts his night after he picks up a killer who takes him on a fateful, murderous journey. Commentary on the brilliant performance of Larry Haines and how one's fate cannot be changed.
When we last checked in on Jimmy, Poco and professor Twiddle, the Radar Rocket had fallen off the beam which left the trio suspended in outer space with limited oxygen and very little time before it’s depleted. Commentary on Jimmy’s bright idea to send his pigeons back to earth to get a note to Superman.
A gang has hijacked and robbed a bank truck that contains $100,000. Commentary on Jack Webb friend and frequent guest star Herb Ellis.
Jimmy, Poco, and Professor Twiddle are about to embark along the radar beam to the far side of the moon. Commentary on how they travel in space that defies even comic book logic.
This is considered the best Suspense episode of all time and ranks among the finest radio broadcasts in the history of all radio performances. It’s the story of an invalid who overhears a phone conversation about a murder that is to take place that night. Commentary on what elements make for great dramatic suspense and why this episode rightly qualifies as not only the best Suspense episode of all time, but one of the top radio programs of all time.
A gambling czar who was accused of murdering his first wife marries another woman who learns of his past. She contacts Lamont and Margot for protection in fear that history may repeat itself. Commentary on violence in radio and the comics which led the industry to quickly self regulate itself before the government intervened.
A waiter overhears a plot to murder a man and warns the intended victim. But the police captain believes the waiter orchestrated the murder attempt. When the man eventually winds up dead, the captain believes he now has the evidence to put the waiter away for good. Commentary on why this was a great episode, but not a great Inner Sanctum episode.
Jimmy and Poco go to the home of Professor Twiddle who claims he has built a rocket to take them all to the moon. Commentary on the change of style in this serial and not necessarily for the better.
An organized gang of pick pockets is targeting the city including robbing an old man of his life savings of $5,200 cash. Commentary on the phone exchanges in use at that time when Friday gives his as Michigan 5211. Also, character actor Herb Vigran.
The dynamic trio discovered where the heist was going to be held and are now lying in wait to make their final assault, yet the burglars are nowhere to be seen. Could Superman and the others have miscalculated their clues? Commentary on the Boris character misfire. Plus, a look into how the next serial could betray The Adventures of Superman established dramatic style.
Peter Lorre returns as a sad, disturbed man who holds a police station hostage as he tells them the story of how he was forced to kill because nobody loved him. Commentary on the final decision made by the lead character. Plus, the tragic life of Peter Lorre.
Margot unknowingly purchases stolen art treasure at an auction valued at ten times more than she paid and there are some looking to kill in order to get it. Commentary on the various Shadows. Plus, a rare interview with the final Shadow-Bret Morrison from December 13, 1973.
An elderly woman who received a letter from a now dead man claiming she swindled him states he will return from the dead one year after his death... which is this very night. Commentary on series creator Himan Brown, the origins and legalities surrounding the infamous creaking door. Plus, how corporations killed the radio star.
Superman, Batman and Robin, learned the burglars are planning a $50 million heist to take place tonight yet they have no idea how or where they can pull this off. Commentary on the value of Robin and the essentials needed for a great superhero.
Robin made radio contact with Batman and Superman only for them to hear several shots and then silence. Once they found the walkie talkie Robin was using was filled with bullet holes, their worst fears were being realized. Commentary on Superman's lightning speed of flight with Batman hanging on.
A gang of truck hijackers has stolen 14 loaded trucks as well as kidnapped and beaten one of the drivers. Commentary on the history of color television.
Batman and Superman now on the search for Robin head to Inspector Henderson’s office for help in finding the young crimefighter. Commentary on the problems with a very emotional Batman.
A delusional man falls for the woman of his dreams and sets a path of destruction for those who he believes keep him from that dream. Commentary on the comparisons of this episode and the classic James Cagney film Angels With Dirty Faces.
Drama meets reality when a play about a murderer who knifes his victims is happening to the cast and crew of the play…for real. Commentary on the continuing question "Is The Shadow really needed?"
A man who stole money from his company runs down and kills a hitchhiker who just happens to be the guy who embezzled the stolen money from him. A series of eyewitnesses seem to easily track him down everywhere he goes. Commentary on how lack of sympathetic characters affects the drama. Plus, actors Ted Osborne and Alice Reinheart who began as a child prodigy.
Superman saw something strange high in the air and decided to investigate. After several minutes, with Batman and Robin fearing his doom, a large figure crashed back to earth wearing a blue costume and red cape. Was it Superman? Commentary on the slow pacing of this serial and why writers make the choices they do.
Kent promises Henderson that he will find the imposter committing the crimes or Superman will surrender himself to the police. Commentary on who Candy Myers is and a Hitchcock plot staple known as a "McGuffin".
In the past two months, a 4’ 7” 97-pound thief known as the milk-bandit has broken into 18 markets. Commentary on Jack Webb's difficulties as a writer when scripting episodes from the heart. Plus, actor Sammy Ogg.
Kent and Wayne head to Inspector Henderson’s office since he made the breaking news announcement that identified the bank robber as Superman. Commentary on the horrible change in actors voicing Inspector Henderson. Plus TV's Inspector Henderson, Robert Shayne, who also fought the House Un-American Activities Committee.
A disfigured man comes to dinner every night at the same diner who scares away the customers and refuses to leave. Commentary on food rationing in 1945. Plus a look at an episode scrambling for talent at the last minute and landing radio voice actor Gerald Mohr who later became a DC and Marvel superhero.
A curse followed by several deaths are tied into of a crown encrusted with diamonds and jewels once owned by a seventh century Norse king. Commentary on actor Robert Dryden who went from classic radio drama to National Lampoon.
A man and a woman are gravely injured in an explosion at a lighthouse that is rumored to be filled with a treasure of gold coins. Commentary on a miscue between the actors. Plus, actress Barbara Weeks and, no, not that Barbara Weeks.
Superman finally shows up claiming that Batman and Robin never radioed him even though they had. Is it because Superman was in the process of robbing the bank after all? Commentary on comparison to Superman TV episode of the same theme. Plus could a person to be hypnotized to kill?
Batman is convinced there are two Supermans with the evil one committing the crimes. Superman believes that he is blacking out due to the atomic exposure from The Atom Man. Commentary on the illogical timeline of events in the investigation.
A new gang has started a wave of supermarket robberies, but the prime suspect has an airtight alibi in Phoenix. Commentary on Jack Webb's stance on race and those lawbreakers in which he was more sympathetic.
In Bensen City, as Kent and Wayne investigate the next robbery in which the man in red and blue flew, Kent exclaims that he is the man committing these crimes. Commentary on Bruce Wayne being more heroic than Batman.
A woman conspires with her lover to have him murder her husband. Commentary on the noir aspect of the episode. Plus, the story of how a real estate gimmick to sell homes in Hollywood became the international symbol of where stars are born.
Lamont and Margot investigate a series of strange disappearances of three blonde women in the deserted theater district on Doom Street. Commentary on the power of radio and the theatre of the mind as we recount the unspoken horror of this episode in the murders of the three women.
A woman who stands before an empty grave, was told she murdered and buried a man in the same area yet she doesn’t remember. She believes she is another woman whom she learns died six years ago. Commentary on a if this story was a gaslighting attempt or one based in delusion. Plus, how Steve McQueen developed his on screen persona.
After being asleep for six hours, Kent was shocked when Bruce Wayne called and said another bank had been robbed and the person of interest had a red and blue costume and…flew. Commentary on Kent's mental state and the thought that someone absolutely identifies you in a felony you did not commit.
A teen gang war is about to erupt in the city and Friday and Smith must act quickly before someone is killed. Commentary on the back to basics strategy of what Dragnet does best.
Last time, not only were Kent and Bruce Wayne shocked that a person resembling Superman had committed robberies and giving to charities, but they were stunned to find a charity donation card had Superman’s own handwriting on it. Commentary on Bruce Wayne taking the lead as a pleasant surprise.
A violent intruder has taken over the house of a spinster woman and her invalid mother as their “guest”. Commentary on how this great plot set-up misfired. Plus, star Joan Lorring. Also, Joseph Kearns who this time was a featured character and not the announcer.
A man blackmails a woman for $10,000 who will tell her father, if he doesn't get the money, that she murdered her mother a few years ago. Commentary on logic of the Shadow's appearance in this episode. Plus, guest star Joseph Julian.
A mysterious stranger warns a man not to drive his car as he will be killed. At that moment, a man steals his car just as it explodes. His wife, whom he knows is responsible for the explosion, is shocked to see her husband alive. He tells her that since she wants him dead, she should murder him for real. Commentary on the moral of this episode. Plus, star Arnold Moss.
Kent and Bruce Wayne investigate series of bank robberies committed by one person who possesses superhuman strength and was seen wearing a blue outfit with a red cape. Commentary on the similarity to the Superman television episode The Face and the Voice.
Friday and Smith investigate the severe beating of a woman and the mentally disturbed man who is suspected of assaulting her. Commentary on why men who beat their wives in the 1950s were treated as victims as is the case in this episode. Plus guest star Vivi Janiss.
Kent figures out the radio transmitters in the watches were done through the jeweler. In a warehouse somewhere in town where Jimmy and Lois are imprisoned, they are startled as the door opens to reveal their captor. Commentary on the darker turn Superman is about to take in the serials down the road that focus on hate crimes which was prevalent post WWII.
A woman is taken hostage during a bank robbery as the robbers escape by car to the border. During this time, the woman finds a comforting attraction to her kidnapper. Commentary on star Bonita Granville. Plus, why this potentially great story failed as a Suspense episode.
Lamont and Margot investigate a sanitarium that is used as a front to hide fugitives who go on committing crimes and plan on stealing $50,000 in one firm’s securities. Commentary on star Stefan Schnabel. Plus a look at the most controversial presidential campaign in 1948- until Trump/Biden of 2020- when Thomas E. Dewey was guaranteed the win over Harry S. Truman.
A stumblebum drifter uses his last penny on a weighing machine that also gives him his fortune which reads “Danger, Fortune and Marriage await you.” Things go from bad to worse when the prophecy turns out to be true. Commentary on where the episode failed and what would have been a better alternative.
Although Kent has figured out the mystery of the talking cat, he still does not know what happened to Jimmy and Lois . Superman seeks out Mr. Grayson, publisher of The Daily Planet, to how he came about acquiring those wristwatches. Commentary on the origins of Dick Grayson, aka Robin, The Boy Wonder.
Superman spotted the hearse that he believes is responsible for the abductions of Lois and Jimmy. While on pursuit, the hearse crashes and kills the driver leaving Superman without a clue as what to do next. Commentary on only having the core characters in every episode and how this affects the story.
Sergeant Friday goes undercover to trap a gang posing as narcotic cops to con out of town businessmen. Commentary on golfer Ben Hogan who became the spokesperson for Chesterfield cigarettes.
In our last episode, the Siamese cat gave another dire warning to Kent that Perry was going to do him harm. But, this may have been the one opening Kent was hoping for as he ecstatically tells Perry he knows what makes that cat talk. Commentary on the one logical flaw in this plot premise.
A blind cobbler who is adept at identifying people through their footsteps is talking to a cop about how he had waited years to kill a man. Commentary on star J. Carroll Naish. Plus, the episode's one big flaw.
A man orders a coffin and is immediately struck dead by car. His family believes the curse of Obi is coming true in which their home and everyone in it is set to be destroyed on October 24th. This very day. Commentary on what was happening on October 24, 1948.
A woman runs into a large mentally challenged man in a cemetery who is said to be waiting for Lola- a woman who died and was buried in this cemetery a year ago. Commentary on writer and star Bob Sloan and actress Mercedes McCambridge who scared the wits out of everyone in the movie The Exorcist.
In Kent’s apartment with Perry White and the talking Siamese cat, Kent states that the cat is ready to talk and talk right now! Commentary on the repetition of dialogue and the "stretching of the rubber band".
Perry and Clark Kent race over to Jimmy’s home after Perry’s phone call with Jimmy’s mom told him that Jimmy is sleeping in bed. When they get there, they are surprised to find not Jimmy, but a black cat! Commentary on the buffoonish sider of Perry White. Plus, Ancient Egyptian practices with cats.
Thanks very much for giving us five wonderful seasons. It's hard to believe we have achieved that milestone as we are just getting started!
As we are now on hiatus until September 14, 2020, look for some special encore podcasts for the summer that we will make available once again we're sure you'll enjoy. Plus, enjoy all of Season Five's podcasts you haven't had time to listen to yet.
Then, join us again this September for all new podcasts on returning series such as Dragnet, The Shadow, Suspense, Inner Sanctum and Superman as well as some special surprises throughout the season.
I did an interview on what I do with Radio Retropolis with tech guru Marc Saltzman for his national radio show Tech Talk on Radio America. Also Canada too. In Los Angeles, it airs on AM640 KFI at 1pm Pacific today just 40 minutes from now.-Jim Romanovich
For the holidays, enjoy a binge of the the first 4 episodes of WHO SHOT THE DAYTIME SOAP RAW through January 1, 2016 that are now available
Ep #1-OJ Simpson Versus The Daytime Soap
The OJ Simpson Bronco chase and subsequent trial forever changed the face of television programming-especially the daytime soap which suffered the most.
Who Shot The Daytime Soap Raw-#2 The Aftermath Pt 1 and Pt 2
Daytime soaps pick up the pieces, some to desperate lengths, to get viewers back. But the die was cast and it was survival of the fittest.
Who Shot The Daytime Soap Raw #3-Black Thursday
ABC decides to cancel both All My Children and One Life To Live on the same day which seemed to be the final straw on the life of daytime soaps. But did ABC underestimate the power of the viewer? Exclusive interviews with deep reflection and insight from those who were there. Don’t miss these special extended interviews from Julie Hanan Carruthers, Susan Lucci and Alicia Minshew.
Who Shot The Daytime Soap Raw #4-Michael Muhney, The Dark Prince
One of daytime's most powerful and controversial actors candidly chats about his humble beginnings, being an actor, his approach to Adam Newman, activism in the Academy, and working with Eric Braeden. Recorded in 2013 shortly before his final day on Y&R.
ABC decides to cancel both All My Children and One Life To Live on the same day which seemed to be the final straw on the life of daytime soaps. But did ABC underestimate the power of the viewer? Exclusive interviews with deep reflection and insight from those who were there.