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

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Meg's Palace Matter, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4315)

Today's Mystery:After getting beat up outside of Meg's place, Johnny is even more determined to find out who's threatening to burn her out. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: September 26, 27, and 28, 1956 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Jack Kruschen; Byron Kane; Forrest Lewis; Bert Holland; Stan Jones; Bob Bruce; Austin Green; Harry Bartell When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at p...

Feb 16, 202447 minSeason 15Ep. 112

Mr. Chameleon: The Amazing Thomas and Blifton Murder Case (EP4314)

Today's Mystery:Two business partners send letters to the police alleging that the other is going to kill them. They're found dead in their office, poisoned with different poisons. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 13, 1949 Originating from New York CityStarring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Sean, Patreon Supporter since June 2018 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net...

Feb 15, 202438 minSeason 15Ep. 111

Dangerous Assignment: Family Squabble (EP4313)

Today's Mystery: Steve goes to the Belgian congo to resolve a family dispute between two women that's threatened the U.S. access to a strategic mineral mine. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 11, 1953 Originated in HollywoodStars: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner, Peter Leeds, Tony Barrett, Ben Wright, Betty Lou Gerson. Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Shiralee-Patreon Supporter since March 2018 Suppo...

Feb 14, 202433 minSeason 15Ep. 110

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Meg's Palace Matter, Episodes One and Two (EP4312)

Today's Mystery:Johnny goes to a small New England seaside town where the feisty owner of a rundown cafe has been threatened with having her place burnt down. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: September 24 and 25, 1956 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar, Virginia Gregg, Jack Kruschen, Byron Kane, Forrest Lewis,Bert Holland, Stan Jones, Bob Bruce, Austin Green,Harry Bartell When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Sup...

Feb 13, 202435 minSeason 15Ep. 109

The Falcon: The Case of the Friendly Target (EP4311)

Today's Mystery:The Falcon is hired to find out who tried to kill an ex-crook. Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 24, 1950 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Jonathan, Patreon Supporter Since March 2020 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://su...

Feb 12, 202430 minSeason 15Ep. 108

Dragnet: The Garbage Chute Murder (EP4310)

Today's Mystery:An organist is found murdered in her apartment, and the police can figure out the killer got in. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 15, 1949 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Herb Butterfield Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Blaine, Patreon Supporter Since January 2017 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. M...

Feb 10, 202433 minSeason 15Ep. 107

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Imperfect Alibi Matter, Episodes Four and Five (EP4309)

Today's Mystery:Johnny digs through a string of lies and conflicting accounts in trying to solve the murder of a wealthy young executive. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: September 20 and 21, 1956 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Tony Barrett; Shirley Mitchell; Will Wright; Chester Stratton; Ted de Corsia; Barney Phillips; Lillian Buyeff; Harry Bartell When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supp...

Feb 09, 202434 minSeason 15Ep. 106

Mr. Chameleon: The Lost Bride Murder Case (EP4308)

Today's Mystery:A bride is found murdered on the day of her wedding.Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 6, 1949 Originating from New York City Starring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.ne t Patreon Supporter of the Day: Garrick, Patreon Supporter of the Day Since January 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...

Feb 08, 202436 minSeason 15Ep. 105

Dangeorus Assignment: Arnold Freed Kidnapped (EP4307)

Today's Mystery:Steve goes to Greece, where he's to follow the trail of phony documents in hopes of finding a kidnapped American scientist. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 4, 1953 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell; Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner; Jan Arvan; Paul Dubov; Paul Frees; Ramsay Hill; Tony Barrett Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Tom, Patreon Supporter Since April 2019 Support the show on...

Feb 07, 202429 minSeason 15Ep. 104

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Imperfect Alibi Matter, Episodes One and Three (EP4306)

Today's Mystery:Johnny is called in when a young business executive's window is shattered by a bullet while he's driving. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: September 17 and 19, 1956 Plot details on Episode 2 from The Who Is Johnny Dollar Matter, Volume 1 by John Abbott (Affiliate link) Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Tony Barrett; Shirley Mitchell; Will Wright; Chester Stratton; Ted de Corsia; Barney Phillips; Lillian Buyeff; Harry Bartell When maki...

Feb 06, 202443 minSeason 15Ep. 103

The Falcon: The Case of the Worried Champion (EP4305)

Today's Mystery:A boxing champ trying to defend his title calls in the Falcon with suspicions that his opponent is concealing a gambling operation around the fights. Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 10, 1950 Originating from New YorkStarring: Les Damon as the Falcon Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Welcome to our latest Patreon supporter: Karen Patreon Supporter of the Day: Ken, Patreon supporter since March of 2020 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://su...

Feb 05, 202433 minSeason 15Ep. 102

Suspense: The Man Who Murders People (EP4304s)

Today's Mystery:The commuter train to Roseville becomes the setting for a deadly game of cat and mouse, passengers grapple with the terror of a serial killer at large. With every twist and turn of the conversation, the line between hunter and prey blurs, leading to an electrifying climax that will leave listeners in suspense! Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 13, 1960 Originating in New York Starring: Vivian Smolen; George Petrie; Alan Manson; Maurice Tarplin Support the show monthly at pa...

Feb 04, 202436 minSeason 15Ep. 101

Dragnet: The Jade Thumb Rings (EP4304)

Today's Mystery:Friday and his partner Romero race against the clock to recover $8,000 worth of stolen Chinese jade. The only lead? A vicious criminal and a six-year-old witness with a wild imagination. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 8, 1949 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Herb Butterfield Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: George, Patreon Supporter Since O...

Feb 03, 202439 minSeason 15Ep. 100

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Confidential Matter, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4303)

Today's Mystery:Johnny's investigation of a deceased friend and colleague who embezzled $80,000 leads him to Panama. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: September 12, 13, and 14, 1956 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Jack Edwards; Russell Thorson; Shirley Mitchell; Stacy Harris; Bob Miller; Harry Bartell; Vic Perrin; Frank Gerstle When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatdet...

Feb 02, 202448 minSeason 15Ep. 99

Mr. Chameleon: The Handprint on the Ceiling Murder Case (EP4302)

Today's Mystery:A man is found murdered in an empty house with a handprint on the ceiling. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 30, 1949 Originating from New York CityStarring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: James, Patreon Supporter since October 2022 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 ...

Feb 01, 202438 minSeason 15Ep. 98

Dangerous Assignment: The Hunt for Charon (EP4301)

Today's Mystery:Steve goes to Mexico to follow a clue to a dangerous international killer. Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 28, 1953 Originating in HollywoodStarring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell; Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner; Dan Riss; Tony Barrett; Eve McVeagh; Herb Butterfield; Herb Ellis; Jan Arvan Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Corey, Since March 2018 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetective...

Jan 31, 202430 minSeason 15Ep. 97

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Confidential Matter, Episodes One and Two (EP4300)

Today's Mystery: In a swirl of old memories and new shock, Johnny is summoned to unravel the sordid unraveling of a once-trusted friend. Ed Morgan, known for his honest life, is posthumously accused of embezzling a staggering $80,000. As Johnny steps into the fog of San Francisco to trace Ed's last steps, he encounters a parade of characters who paint a picture of a man living beyond his means, a man whose life had taken a mysterious turn upon meeting the enigmatic widow, Nikki Barrett. But as J...

Jan 30, 202437 minSeason 15Ep. 96

The Falcon: The Case of the Quarrelsome Quartet (EP4299)

Today's Mystery:After collecting the ransom from kidnapping a racketeer, four crooks have a falling-out that leads to murder. Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 3, 1950 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as the Falcon; Ken Lynch as Sergeant Corbett; Jackson Beck; Larry Haines Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: John and Kristine, Patreon Supporters March of 2018 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectiv...

Jan 29, 202437 minSeason 15Ep. 95

Dragnet: The Spring Street Gang (EP4298)

Today's Mystery: Friday and Smith search for a juvenile gang that's been committing burglaries, robberies, and rapes. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 1, 1949 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Herb Butterfield Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Rich, Patreon Supporter Since March 2020 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Ma...

Jan 27, 202437 minSeason 15Ep. 94

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Curse of Kamashek Matter, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4297)

Today's Mystery: Johnny plan sto go to Egypt for the opening of the tomb of Kamashek .Original Radio Broadcast Dates:September 5,6, and 7, 1956 Originated from Hollywood Stars: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar, Paul Dubov; Alan Reed; Richard Crenna; Virginia Gregg; Ben Wright; Forrest Lewis; Eric Snowden; Barney Phillips; James McCallion; Les Tremayne When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you to our...

Jan 26, 202451 minSeason 15Ep. 93

Mr. Chameleon: The Dinner of Death Murder Case (EP4296)

Today's Mystery:A man is poisoned after a dinner prepared by his daughter and his wife, who are about the same age. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 23, 1949 Originating from New York CityStarring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Nolan, Patreon Supporter Since April 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 8...

Jan 25, 202442 minSeason 15Ep. 92

Dangerous Assignment: Leak of Strategic Materials (EP4295)

Today's Mystery:Steve goes to Burma to the famous "Road to Mandalay" in order to stop a gang of robbers who are intercepting strategic supplies being sent by the U.S. to its allies in the Pacific. Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 21, 1953 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell; Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner; Ben Wright; Ramsey Hill; Vivi Janiss; Paul Frees; Alice Backes Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: ...

Jan 24, 202430 minSeason 14Ep. 91

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Curse of Kamashek Matter, Episodes One and Two (EP4294)

Today's Mystery:The uncle of a wealthy heir calls Johnny in to protect his nephew, who wants to go on an expedition to Egypt to unearth the tomb of an Egyptian Pharaoh. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: September 3 and 4, 1956 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Paul Dubov; Alan Reed; Richard Crenna; Virginia Gregg; Ben Wright; Forrest Lewis; Eric Snowden; Barney Phillips; James McCallion; Les Tremayne When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com ...

Jan 23, 202433 minSeason 15Ep. 90

The Falcon: The Case of the Disappearing Doll (EP4293)

Today's Mystery:The leader of a gang of robbers hires The Falcon to find his girlfriend, who disappeared with $80,000 that they stole from a payroll. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 30, 1950 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as the Falcon; Mandel Kramer Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Russell, Patreon Supporter Since October 2016 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: ...

Jan 22, 202431 minSeason 15Ep. 89

Dragnet: The Mother-in-Law Murder (EP4292)

Todays Mystery:An elderly woman with an acrimonious relationship with her daughter-in-law is found murdered. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 24, 1949 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Raymond Burr as Ed Backstrand, Chief of Detectives; Herb Butterfield as Lt. Lee Jones Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Don, Patreon Supporter since October 2021 Support the sho...

Jan 20, 202436 minSeason 15Ep. 88

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Kranesburg Matter, Episode Three, Four, and Five (EP4291)

Today's Mystery:The investigation into a stolen pearl necklace becomes a murder.Original Radio Broadcast Dates: August 29, 30, and 31, 1956 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Howard McNear; Forrest Lewis; Paul Richards; Mary Jane Croft; Virginia Gregg; James McCallion; Shirley Mitchell; 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 Patreon Suppor...

Jan 19, 202448 minSeason 15Ep. 87

Mr. Chameleon: The Firebug Murder Case (EP4290)

Today's Mystery:A grocery store owner is found dead in a fire, but he had been shot to death. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 16, 1949 Originating from New York CityStarring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Haskell, Patreon Supporter since August 2015 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 liste...

Jan 18, 202434 minSeason 15Ep. 8

Dangerous Assignment: The Blue Lion (EP4289)

Today's Mystery:Steve goes to London to root out a phony passport racket. His only clue? A seven-year-old newspaper. Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 14, 1953 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell; Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner; Virginia Gregg; Ben Wright; Don Morrisson; Dan O'Herlihy Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.ne t Patreon Supporter of the Day: Susan, Patreon Supporter since October 2018 Support the show on a one-time basis at h...

Jan 17, 202432 minSeason 15Ep. 85

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Kranesburg Matter, Episodes 1, 1-A, and 2 (EP4288)

Today's Mystery: Johnny goes to a small Ohio town where a jewel thief is ready to hand over a stolen pearl necklace ... for a price. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: August 24, 27, and 28, 1956 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Howard McNear; Forrest Lewis; Paul Richards; Mary Jane Croft; Virginia Gregg; James McCallion; Shirley Mitchell; Russell Thorson When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at patreo...

Jan 16, 202452 minSeason 15Ep. 84

The Falcon: The Case of the Larcenous Lark (EP4287)

Today's Mystery:A song writer, whose business manager is embezzling from him, is murdered. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 23, 1950 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as the Falcon; Ralph Bell; Larry Haines Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Robert, Patreon Supporter Since December 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 Ta...

Jan 15, 202430 minSeason 15Ep. 83