The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio - podcast cover

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Adam Graham Radio Detective Podcastswww.spreaker.com
Are you ready for a mystery? Get ready to unleash your inner sleuth. Every day Monday-Saturday, we feature a different detective audio drama from the Golden Age of Radio. Our current mystery-solving line-up of radio detectives includes The Adventures of the Falcon, Hot Copy, Broadway's My Beat, Mr. and Mrs. North, Yours Truly Johnny Dollar, and Dragnet.

Whether you want to listen to a mystery before going to sleep or enjoy some drama while driving, or just feel nostalgia for old-school radio fiction, we have you covered with six audio dramas every week.


Podcast Award finalist Host Adam Graham has been your guide through dozens of old-time radio detective series since 2009. He provides insightful commentary and humor after each episode and responds to listener questions and feedback. You can subscribe to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from your favorite podcast app or by visiting our website at http://www.greatdetectives.net.

We are currently in our fifteenth season of provided suspenseful mystery dramas. Our podcast feed captures the last 1,000 episodes we've released including all of seasons thirteen and fourteen, and part of season twelve. We have created two archive feeds: Volume 1, which features our first three seasons and Volume 2, which features seasons four-six, and Volume 3 which will feature Seasons Seven through Nine.

Our feed includes old time radio recorded in Los Angeles, New York, and also Australia.

The current actors featured in our old time radio detective podcast include Les Damon, Bob Bailey, Larry Thor, Alice Frost and Joseph Curtin, Betty Lou Gerson, and Jack Webb. Other actors featured within the past 1,000 include Howard Duff, Glenn Langan, Herbert Marshall, Gerald Mohr, Joel McCrea, Les Tremayne, Jackson Beck, Santos Ortega, Ned Wever, Karl Swenson, and more.

Episodes

Mr. and Mrs. North: Don't Cry Wolf (EP4668)

Today's Mystery: A man takes action against his oldest friend and his business advisor and then accuses Jerry of plagiarism. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 11, 1952 Originating from New York City Starring: Joseph Curtain as Jerry North; Alice Frost as Pamela North Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.ne t Patreon Supporter of the Day: Rachel, Patreon supporter since June 2022. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation ...

Apr 03, 202537 minSeason 16Ep. 159

Broadway's My Beat: The Marcia Dean Murder Case (EP4667)

Today's Mystery: A bank teller confesses to stealing $20,000 to secure the release of his kidnapped wife. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 12, 1950 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan; Howard McNear; Joseph Granby; Virginia Gregg; Hal Marsh; Marlene Ames Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Kelli, Patreon supporter since...

Apr 02, 202542 minSeason 16Ep. 158

Charlie Chan: The Landini Murder Case: The Chinese Suspect/The Barking Dog (EP 7 and 8)(EP4666)

Today's Mystery:Inspector Chan thwarts a suspect's escape. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: 1935 or 1936 Originating in Los Angeles Starring: Walter Connolly as Inspector Charlie Chan Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Insta...

Apr 01, 202541 minSeason 16Ep. 157

The Falcon: The Case of the Burning Bridges (EP4665)

Today's Mystery: A receptionist overhears her boss, the owner of an import-export company, making a suspicious sale, and turns to The Falcon for help. Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 1, 1952 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corbett Larry Haines; Bill Zuckert Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Eddie, Patreon supporter since July 2023 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.g...

Mar 31, 202539 minSeason 16Ep. 156

Dragnet: The Big Tomato (EP4664)

Today's Mystery: Joe Friday and Ben Romero investigate who sold drugs to a high school senior who ended up dying under the influence in a car accident. Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 25, 1950 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Rosa, Patreon supporter since January 2020 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.grea...

Mar 29, 202531 minSeason 16Ep. 155

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Latin Lovely Matter (EP4663)

Today's Mystery: Johnny is called in to investigate the case of a beautiful Latin dancer who keeps changing her beneficiary every few months. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 29, 1957 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Lucille Meredith; Lawrence Dobkin; James McCallion; Harry Bartell When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you to our Patreon Supporter...

Mar 28, 202536 minSeason 16Ep. 154

Mr. and Mrs. North: The Heavenly Body (EP4662)

Today's Mystery: A reporter who is about to reveal who fingered a murdered mob boss is shot and killed at a swanky restaurant. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 4, 1952 Originating from New York City Starring: Joseph Curtain as Jerry North; Alice Frost as Pamela North; Bill Zuckert Get a video recorded from me at my Cameo Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Yigal, Patreon supporter since March 2023. Support the show on a one-time basis...

Mar 27, 202533 minSeason 16Ep. 153

Broadway's My Beat: The Thelma Harper Murder Case (EP4661)

Today's Mystery:The girlfriend of a man whose wife attempted suicide is murdered. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 5, 1950 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan; Sheldon Leonard; Jane Webb; Eleanor Audley; Jack Kruschen; Stanley Ferrer Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Monica, Patreon supporter since March 2019 Support th...

Mar 26, 202538 minSeason 16Ep. 152

Hot Copy: Smooth as Silk (EP4660)

Today's Mystery: Anne investigates the sale of black market nylons. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 7, 1944 Originating from Chicago Starring: Betty Lou Gerson as Anne Rogers; Virginia Payne as Spritely Poole Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Referenced in this Episode: Hot Copy Radio Theater Episode Referenced: Trouble in Tunisia Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, I...

Mar 25, 202558 minSeason 16Ep. 151

The Falcon: The Case of the Happy Hoodlum (EP4659)

Today's Mystery: With gunmen from Detroit in town to kill a gangster, The Falcon is afraid that an old army buddy of the same description might be killed by mistake. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 25, 1952 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corbett; Maurice Tarplin Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Tom, Patreon supporter since August 2022 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://supp...

Mar 24, 202535 minSeason 16Ep. 150

Dragnet: The Big Dance (EP4658)

Today's Mystery:Joe Friday investigates a series of hold-ups. Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 18, 1951 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Robert, Patreon supporters since AUgust 2016 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take ...

Mar 22, 202532 minSeason 16Ep. 149

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Happy Family Matter (EP4657)

Today's Mystery: An insured man wants Johnny to pick which of his three children will be the beneficiary of his life insurance policy. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 15, 1957 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; John Dehner; Lawrence Dobkin; Peter Leeds; Virginia Gregg; Shirley Mitchell, Paul Dubov When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you to our Pa...

Mar 21, 202532 minSeason 16Ep. 148

Mr. and Mrs. North: Death Trap (EP4656)

Today's Mystery: An elderly neighbor of the North's is kidnapped. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 26, 1952 Originated from New York City Starred: Joseph Curtain as Jerry North, Alice Frost as Pamela North, Bill Zuckert Get 10% off your purchase of MollyBz Cookies (I get a commission) Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Ryan, Patreon supporter since May 2023. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.ne...

Mar 20, 202530 minSeason 16Ep. 147

Broadway's My Beat: The Max Wendell Murder Case (EP4655)

Today's Mystery: A druggist is murdered in front of Danny and the death is tied to a shooting and robbery at a Pharmaceutical plant. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 28, 1950 Originated in Hollywood Stars: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover, Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia, Howard McNear, Paul McVey, Clayton Post, Sylvia Syms,Jeanette Nolan Get 17% off your purchase of the Fulton Fish Market (I receive a commission) Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.ne...

Mar 19, 202538 minSeason 16Ep. 146

Hot Copy: Death Studies the Angles (EP4654)

Today's Mystery: The anti-vice candidate for mayor dies suddenly. The coroner says it was heart failure, but Anne think he was murdered. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 27, 1944 Originating from Chicago Starring: Betty Lou Gerson as Anne Rogers, Virginia Payne as Spritely Poole Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Mark, Patreon supporter since March 2020 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Ma...

Mar 18, 202539 minSeason 16Ep. 145

The Falcon: The Case of the Shooting Star (EP4653)

Today's Mystery: A star with a reputation for paying tough guys wants to hire The Falcon to investigate phony threats on his life in order to gain publicity to bolster his troubled career. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 18, 1952 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corbett; Ken Lynch; Ralph Bell; Bill Zuckert Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Jack, Patreon supporter since November 20...

Mar 17, 202537 minSeason 16Ep. 144

Suspense: Crank Letter (EP4652s)

Today's Mystery: A police lieutenant is notified that a doctor has received threatening letters. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 21, 1960 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as Lieutenant Paul Nieman; Lyle Sudrow as Dr. Don Frasier; Phil Meader; Larry Haines Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Keith, Patreon supporter since February 2017 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation t...

Mar 16, 202532 minSeason 16Ep. 143

Dragnet: The Big Jump (EP4652)

Today's Mystery: Joe Friday and Ben Romero go to a building where a mentally disturbed man is threatening to jump off a 13-story building. Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 11, 1951 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Stacy Harris Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Emily, Patreon Supporter since February 2021 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.g...

Mar 15, 202535 minSeason 16Ep. 142

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Hapless Hunter Matter (EP4651)

Today's Mystery: Johnny goes to New York state to investigate the death of an insured with a $500,000 who was shot and killed by a drunk hunting guide while on a trip with an insurance beneficiary. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 8, 1957 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; John Stephenson; Parley Baer; Forrest Lewis; Carleton G. Young Discussed: Georgia Rural Telephone Museum When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of ou...

Mar 14, 202529 minSeason 16Ep. 141

Mr. and Mrs. North: Dead Giveaway (EP4650)

Today's Mystery: A woman's brother escapes a mental institution, then Pam finds her murdered, and then the body disappears. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 19, 1952 Originating from New York City Starring: Joseph Curtain as Jerry North; Alice Frost as Pamela North Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Charlie, Patreon supporter since October 2019. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a dona...

Mar 13, 202533 minSeason 16Ep. 140

Broadway's My Beat: The Elaine Hill Murder Case (EP4649)

Today's Mystery: A perfume demonstrator is found murdered in the room of an out-of-town salesman. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 21, 1950 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen; Edwin Max; Elliott Reid; Tony Barrett; Joyce McCluskey; Virginia Gregg Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Shawn, Patreon supporter since June 2021. Support the sh...

Mar 12, 202535 minSeason 16Ep. 139

Mathew Slade: Who Killed My Penpal? (EP4648)

Today's Mystery: Slade goes to Los Angeles to find out what happened to the penpal of an eccentric millionaire. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 22, 1964 Originating from Hollywood Starring: William Wintersole as Mathew Slade; Sylvia Walden as Jonesy; Norman Belkin as Sid Dinelli Aired as Starlight Mystery Theater. Also known as Matthew Slade, Private Investigator. Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Paul, Patreon supporter since M...

Mar 11, 202534 minSeason 16Ep. 138

The Falcon: The Case of the King of Hearts (EP4647)

Today's Mystery: A gambler's wife wrote $18,000 in checks and won't tell him what they were for. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 11, 1952 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corbett; Mandel Kramer Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Katherine, Patreon supporter since June 2021 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 159...

Mar 10, 202534 minSeason 16Ep. 137

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Broderick Matter Omnibus (EP4646s)

Today's Mystery: Johnny looks for an insurance beneficiary for a policy with a heartwarming story, and finds disillusionment in the course of a coast-to-coast search. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: November 14-18, 1955 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Eleanor Audley; Barbara Eiler; Virginia Gregg; Carleton Young; Harry Bartell; Herb Ellis; John Dehner; Marvin Miller; Tony Barrett; Frank Gerstle; Chester Stratton; Lawrence Dobkin When making your travel plans, re...

Mar 09, 20251 hr 18 minSeason 16Ep. 136

Dragnet: The Big Hold-Up (EP4646)

Today's Mystery: Joe Friday and Ben Romero are on the trail of The Rattlesnake Bandit, a sadistic robber who holds up couples in cars and inflicts violence for the pleasure of it. Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 4, 1951 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Amy, Patreon supporter since August 2024. Support the show on a one-time ba...

Mar 08, 202537 minSeason 16Ep. 135

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Sunny Dream Matter (EP4645)

Today's Mystery: Johnny investigates a series of supposedly accidental deaths occurring at a rest home. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 1, 1957 Originated from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Junius Matthews; Lawrence Dobkin; Virginia Gregg; Bert Holland; Peggy Webber When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you to our Patreon Supporters of the Day: James, Cyndi, K...

Mar 07, 202534 minSeason 16Ep. 134

Mr. and Mrs. North: The Premature Corpse (EP4644)

Today's Mystery: The Norths find themselves entrenched in the sordid dealings of a prospective writer and his family. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 12, 1952 Originating from New York City Starring: Joseph Curtain as Jerry North; Alice Frost as Pamela North Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Pippen, Patreon supporter since March 2022 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: A...

Mar 06, 202531 minSeason 16Ep. 133

Broadway's My Beat: The Tommy Stafford Murder Case (EP4643)

Today's Mystery: A jeweler's messenger is found murdered on a Coney Island Roller Coaster. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 14, 1950 Originated in Hollywood Stars: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover, Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia, Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan, Byron Kane, Betty Lou Gerson, Sylvia Simms, Jerry Hausner, Peter Leeds Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Scott, Patreon supporter since June 2016. Suppor...

Mar 05, 202536 minSeason 16Ep. 132

Mathew Slade: Passage to Tangiers (EP4642)

Today's Mystery: Matt takes an assignment from two fantastic characters in Morocco to hunt a fantastic treasure. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 8, 1964 Originating in Hollywood Starring: William Wintersole as Mathew Slade Aired as Starlight Mystery Theater. Also known as Matthew Slade, Private Investigator. Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Doc, Patreon supporter since February 2016 Support the show on a one-time basis at http:...

Mar 04, 202530 minSeason 16Ep. 131

The Falcon: The Case of the Fatal Fix (EP4641)

Today's Mystery: The father of a young gangster who committed suicide hires Waring to find the head of the rackets. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 4, 1952 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Ralph Bell Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Rebecca "the cat lady", Patreon supporter since August 2024. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, ...

Mar 03, 202537 minSeason 16Ep. 130