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

Dragnet: The Big Bar (TV Soundtrack) (EP4286)

Today's Mystery:Friday and Smith look for a man who has committed a series of bar robberies and killed several of the victims. Original Television Broadcast Date: October 8, 1954 based on a Radio Play from November 10, 1949 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Ben Alexander as Frank Smith; Walter Sande; Harry Bartel; Dee Thompson; Eugene Iglesias; Dennis Weaver; Natalie Masters Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: ...

Jan 13, 202437 minSeason 15Ep. 82

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Crystal Lake Matter, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4285)

Today's Mystery:Johnny investigates the murder of an insured in a resort town. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: August 15, 16, and 17, 1956 Originated from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Richard Crenna; Charlotte Lawrence; Jeanne Tatum; Howard McNear; Forrest Lewis, Herb Ellis When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you to our Patreon Supporter of the Day: Jennifer, Patreon Suppo...

Jan 12, 202447 minSeason 15Ep. 81

Mr. Chameleon: The Case of the Elevator with Two Bodies (EP4284)

Today's Mystery:Two people are found murdered inside an elevator car. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 9, 1949 Originated from New York CityStarring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Tony, Patreon Supporter Since March of 2023 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...

Jan 11, 202436 minSeason 15Ep. 80

Dangerous Assignment: Colonel Chan (EP4283)

Today's Mystery:Steve goes to New Guinea, hoping to discover through talking with a notorious smuggler the identity and location of a Mr. Big in a gun-smuggling operation. Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 7, 1953Originating in Hollywood Starring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell; Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner; William Conrad; Paul Frees; Ray Dietrich; Betty Lou Gerson; Don Morrison Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Welcome to our latest patreon supporters, Jenny...

Jan 10, 202437 minSeason 15Ep. 79

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Crystal Lake Matter, Episodes One and Two (EP4282)

Today's Mystery:An investigation to the disappearance of a missing insured Denver businessman leads Johnny to a resort town. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: August 13 and 14, 1956 Originated from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Richard Crenna; Charlotte Lawrence; Jeanne Tatum; Howard McNear; Forrest Lewis; Herb Ellis When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you to our Patreon Suppo...

Jan 09, 202439 minSeason 15Ep. 78

The Falcon: The Amourous Bookkeeper (EP4281)

Today's Mystery:The Falcon is hired to find an unassuming bookkeeper who stole $30,000 from a dress company. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 14, 1950 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as the Falcon; Ken Lynch as Sergeant Corbett Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Guy, Patreon Supporter since September 2022 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boi...

Jan 08, 202439 minSeason 15Ep. 77

Dragnet: The Big Lamp (TV Soundtrack) (EP4280)

Todays Mystery:A criminal is acquitted, leaves LA, and returns. Friday and Ed Jacobs think he’s up to his old tricks. Original Television Broadcast: June 19, 1952 (radio script originally aired October 20, 1949) Originating from HollywoodStarring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Barney Phillips as Sergeant Ed Jacobs; Herb Butterfield as Lieutenant Lee Jones; Tol Avery; Eddie Firestone, Jr.; Ralph Moody; Parley Baer; Peggy Webber Support the show monthl...

Jan 06, 202437 minSeason 15Ep. 76

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Alder Matter, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4279)

Today's Mystery:In Caracas, Johnny has to try to save an insured oil man from being killed, but has to find his way through a web of lies by everyone in the house, including the insured. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: August 8, 9, and 10, 1956 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Gil Stratton; Harry Bartell; Barbara Fuller; John Dehner; Virginia Gregg; Don Diamond; Vivi Janiss; Tony Barrett When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one...

Jan 05, 202446 minSeason 15Ep. 75

Mr. Chameleon: The False Witness Murder Case (EP4278)

Today's Mystery:The older husband of an unhappy younger woman is murdered. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 2, 1949 Originating from New York City Starring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net P atreon Supporter of the Day: Louis, Patreon Supporter Since March 2018 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://...

Jan 04, 202448 minSeason 15Ep. 74

Dangerous Assignment: Street Car 17 (EP4277)

Steve goes to Trieste, Italy to meet someone on a street car with information about the location of a report on foreign knowledge of US atomic secrets. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 31, 1952 Originating in HollywoodStarring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell; Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner; Dan Rist; Paul Frees; Herb Ellis; Tony Barrett; Paul Dubov Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Ronda, Patreon Supporter Since October 2020 Suppo...

Jan 03, 202430 minSeason 15Ep. 73

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Alder Matter, Episodes One and Two (EP4276)

Today's Mystery:Johnny is sent to Venezuela to investigate why a wealthy oil man keeps changing his insurance beneficiary. The insured refuses to tell him anything, but gets Johnny to stay and save his life. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: August 6 and 7, 1956 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Gil Stratton; Harry Bartell; Barbara Fuller; John Dehner; Virginia Gregg; Don Diamond; Vivi Janiss; Tony Barrett When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair...

Jan 02, 202443 minSeason 15Ep. 72

Sherlock Holmes: The Iron Box (Encore) (EP4275)

An eighty-four-year-old Scottish lord who, because of being born on February 29, has been waiting 63 years for the inheritance he should have received when he was 21, finds out he’ll have to wait a little longer, and then Holmes reports that he was pushed out the window. Original Air Date: December 31, 1945 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes; Nigel Bruce as Doctor Watson Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis...

Jan 01, 202433 minSeason 15Ep. 71

Philip Marlowe: The Old Acquaintance (Encore) (EP4274e)

Marlowe is hired on New Year’s Eve to locate a missing fiancée, who disappeared on the same day that a dangerous convict broke out of prison .Original Air Date: December 26, 1948 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Gerald Mohor as Philip Marlowe Support the show monthly at 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...

Dec 31, 202336 minSeason 15Ep. 70

Studio One: Anthony Adverse (Encore) (EP4274)

Today's Mystery: A young adventurer is sent to the New World to find out why his guardian’s debtors haven’t been paying. He discovers that they’ve been missing for a year. Original Air Date: October 14, 1947Originating from New York Starring: Bud Collyer; Mercedes McCambridge; Fletcher Markle Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net upport the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to:...

Dec 30, 20231 hr 2 minSeason 15Ep. 67

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The McCormack Matter Omnibus Edition (Encore) (EP4273)

A dying prisoner sends Johnny searching for $100,000 in stolen jewels that were never recovered; murder follows. Original Air Dates: October 3-7, 1955 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Mary Jane Croft; Virginia Gregg; Marvin Miller; Forrest Lewis; Frank Gerstle; Herb Butterfield; Herb Ellis; Tony Barrett; Ken Christy; Jack Kruschen; Junius Matthews Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdet...

Dec 29, 20231 hr 11 minSeason 15Ep. 68

Mercury Theatre: The Man Who Was Thursday (Encore) (EP4272)

Today's Mystery: In G.K. Chesterton’s classic, Gabriel Syme (Orson Welles) is a police detective infiltrating the anarchist council of Europe. Original Air Date: September 5, 1938Originating in New YorkStarring: Orson Welles; Eustace Wyatt; Edgar Barrier; Joseph Cotten; George Coulouris; Ray Collins Support the show monthly at 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 T...

Dec 28, 20231 hr 3 minSeason 15Ep. 67

Screen Director's Playhouse: Spellbound (Encore) (EP4271)

Today's Mystery: A psychiatrist tries to unravel the mystery of a man who believes he murdered another psychiatrist. Will she find out the truth or become his next victim? Original Air Date: January 25, 1951 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Mercedes McCambridge; Joseph Cotten; Herb Butterfield; Howard McNear; William Tracy; James Nusser; John Blyforce Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donat...

Dec 27, 20231 hr 6 minSeason 15Ep. 66

The Ford Theatre: The Adventure of a Bad Boy (Encore) (EP4270)

Today's Mystery: Ellery Queen investigates the attempted poisoning of a cantankerous woman. The most obvious suspect is her eight-year-old nephew. Original Air Date: January 4, 1948 Originating in New York Starring: Hugh Marlowe as Ellery Queen; Santos Ortega; Ted de Corsia; Sarah Fussell; Anne Seymour; John Gibson Support the show monthly at 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, Boi...

Dec 26, 20231 hr 9 minSeason 15Ep. 65

The Saint: Santa Claus is No Saint (Encore) (EP4269)

Today's Mystery: While dressed as Santa, Simon is mistaken for a man who made off with an expensive necklace. Simon spends Christmas Eve trying to catch a thief and a murderer. Original Air Date: December 24, 1950 Originating in HollywoodStarring: Simon Templar Support the show monthly at 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://surv...

Dec 25, 202334 minSeason 15Ep. 64

Campbell’s Playhouse: There’s Always A Woman (Encore) (EP4268e)

Today's Mystery: A private detective (Orson Welles) decides to give up on his one-man agency and go back to his job with the DA, but his wife is determined to make the agency work and finds herself investigating a murder case that makes life difficult for her husband. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 17, 1939 riginating from HollywoodStarring: Orson Welles; Marie Wilson; Richard Wilson; Everett Sloane; Mary Taylor; Frank Readick Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Supp...

Dec 24, 20231 hr 4 minSeason 15Ep. 63

Dragnet: The Big Little Jesus (EP4268)

Today's Mystery:Friday and Smith search for a statue of the child Jesus stolen from a church on Christmas Eve. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 22, 1953 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Ben Alexander as Officer Frank Smith; Herb Vigran; Ralph Moody Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Welcome to our newest Patreon Supporter, Liz! Patreon Supporter of the Day: Sergey since May 2020 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://suppor...

Dec 23, 202345 minSeason 15Ep. 62

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Nick Shurn Matter, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4267)

Today's Mystery:Johnny is in a quaint Michigan town on Christmas Eve and has to find a witness to a murder before a hired killer does. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: December 21, 22, and 23, 1955 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Peggy Webber; Don Diamond; Ben Wright; Jack Kruschen; Barney Phillips; Sam Edwards; Ken Christy Nick Shurn Episode 4 Animation When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon S...

Dec 22, 202351 minSeason 15Ep. 61

Mr. Chameleon: The Woman's Weapon Murder Case (EP4266)

Today's Mystery:Mr. Chameleon reopens the case of a woman convicted of murdering her mother-in-law with poisoned candy. He is determined to get her freed in time for Christmas. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 22, 1948 Originating from New York CityStarring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Podcast Guests: Ron Ecklebarger of Classic Comedy of Old Time Radio , Andrew Rhynes of OTRWesterns , Vinny of I Love Old Time Radio Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Suppo...

Dec 21, 202346 minSeason 15Ep. 60

Dangerous Assignment: Lecturing Professors (EP4265)

Today's Mystery: The son of a lecturing professor is missing from a boarding school in Stockholm and Steve needs to find him in order to break up an international spy ring. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 24, 1952 Originated in Hollywood Stars: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Ron, Patreon Supporter Since May 2020 I appear on I Love Old Time Radio as part of the Roun...

Dec 20, 202342 minSeason 15Ep. 59

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Nick Shurn Matter, Episodes One and Two (EP4264)

Today's Mystery:Johnny suspects that a mobster murdered his business partner and has to find the only witness before the mobster does. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: December 19 and 20, 1955 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Peggy Webber; Don Diamond; Ben Wright; Jack Kruschen; Barney Phillips; Sam Edwards; Ken Christy I'm a guest on the Old Time Radio Westerns as part of our Round Robin Crossover When making your travel plans, remember http://joh...

Dec 19, 202344 minSeason 15Ep. 58

The Falcon: Murder is a Knock Out (EP4263)

Today's Mystery:A Los Angeles mobster comes to New York searching for a woman who stole $75,000. Murder follows. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 20, 1949 Originating from New York Starring: Les Tremayne as the Falcon; Beverly Roberts I'm appearing on the Classic Comedy of Old Time Radio as part of our Round Robin Crossover Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: John Eric Patreon Support SInce March 2020 Support the show on a one-time basis a...

Dec 18, 202340 minSeason 15Ep. 57

The Saint: Marvin Hickerson, Private Eye (Encore) (EP4262e)

Simon helps a wet-behind-the-ears farmer-turned-private-detective after he appears to have committed murder. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 3, 1950 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Vincent Price as the Saint Support the show monthly at 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...

Dec 17, 202332 minSeason 15Ep. 56

Dragnet: The Truck Hijackers (EP4262)

Todays Mystery: Friday and Romero suspect an inside job in a series of truck hijackings. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 1, 1949 Originating from Hollywood Starred: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Raymond Burr as Ed Backstrand, Chief of Detectives; William Herb Butterfield Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Dianne since July 2023 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetect...

Dec 16, 202342 minSeason 15Ep. 55

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Sea Legs Matter, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4261)

Today's Mystery: Johnny continues his investigation in Niciragua into the disappearance of a man and boat insured for a combined $400,000 Original Radio Broadcast Dates: August 1,2, and 3, 1956 Originating from Hollywood:Stars: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar.Harry Bartell, Lawrence Dobkin, Virginia Gregg, Parley Baer, Don Diamond, Russell Thorson When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you to our Pa...

Dec 15, 202351 minSeason 15Ep. 54

Mr. Chameleon: The Case of the Man Who Expected Murder (EP4260)

Today's Mystery:Chameleon is called in to investigate when a playboy is found murdered, with a note indicating that if he dies unexpectedly, someone should question his fiancée. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 23, 1949 Originating in New York CityStarring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Jeffrey, Patreon Supporter Since July 2023 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.ne...

Dec 14, 202335 min