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

The Falcon: The Case of the Double Nephews (EP4329)

Today's Mystery:The manager of a jewelry concern calls in The Falcon when he's accused of stealing thousands in jewels. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 22, 1950 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as the Falcon Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Gavin, Patreon Supporter Since November 2021 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...

Mar 04, 202434 min

Twice Told Tale - The McCoy: Three Wayward Girls and Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Starlet Matter (EP4328s)

Once again, we take a look at an old time radio script that was recycled. In this case, the script was a pilot for a new radio series, The McCoy, and then was reused as an episode of Yours Truly Johnny Dollar. The McCoy is called in by an agent who fears that one of his clients, a promising actress, will be murdered. While they're talking, a phone call comes in and they learn she was strangled to death. Originating in Hollywood Audition date: April 24, 1951 Starring: Howard Duff as The McCoy; Si...

Mar 02, 20241 hr 14 minSeason 15Ep. 127

Dragnet: The Big Escape (EP4328)

Today's Mystery:Joe Friday arrests an old army buddy for armed robbery.Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 5, 1950 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Herb Butterfield; Stacy Harris. Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Max, Patreon Supporter Since November 2015 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, ...

Mar 02, 202445 minSeason 15Ep. 12

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Primrose Matter, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4327)

Today's Mystery:Johnny gets into Primrose Camp, where he suspects two robbers are hiding out with $100,000 and finds the owners living in fear and being pushed around by a phony nephew. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: October 10, 11, and 12, 1956 Originated from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Marvin Miller; Junius Matthews; Herb Ellis; D. J. Thompson; Herb Butterfield; Tony Barrett; Barbara Eiler When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of ou...

Mar 01, 202446 minSeason 15Ep. 125

Mr. Chameleon: The Case of the Target for Murder (EP4326)

Today's Mystery:A woman wearing a fortune in jewels is murdered after leaving a night club. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 27, 1949 Originated from New York CityStarring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Lisa, Patreon Supporter since October 2021 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 s...

Feb 29, 202436 minSeason 15Ep. 124

Dangerous Assignment: Black Market in Jewels (EP4325)

Today's Mystery:Steve is sent to break up a black market founded on jewel thefts that is destabilizing the Mediterranean. To fight them, Steve plans to steal a necklace before the thief can Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 25, 1953 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell; Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner; Dan Riss; Hal Gerard; Betty Lou Gerson; Paul Dubov; Tony Barrett Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Rae,...

Feb 28, 202431 minSeason 15Ep. 123

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Primrose Matter, Episodes One and Two (EP4324)

Today's Mystery: Johnny goes to Arizona in search of a gang of robbers who stole a $100,000 payroll and have already committed murder. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: October 8 and 9, 1956 Originated from Hollywood Stars: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar.Marvin Miller, Junius Matthews, Herb Ellis, D. J. Thompson, Herb Butterfield, Tony Barrett, Barbara EilerW hen making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Support our Listener support campaign Fill out our advertising survey at http...

Feb 27, 202447 minSeason 15Ep. 122

The Falcon: The Case of the Careless Client (EP4323)

Today's Mystery:A woman hires The Falcon to protect her from a racketeer who wants to kill her, but she isn't telling him the whole story. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 15, 1950 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as the Falcon, Mandel KramerSupport our Listener Support campaign! Take our Special Advertising survey at https://adsurvey.greatdetectives.net Become one of our Patreon supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Delilah, Patreon Supporter...

Feb 26, 202444 minSeason 15Ep. 121

Police Headquarters: KO'd and Infiltrating the Mob (EP4322s)

Today's Mysteries :Episode 18:A police captain takes in a night at the fights and finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation when the winning boxer drops dead .Episode 20:An officer goes undercover in hopes of recovering uncut diamonds stolen from a jewelry store. Original Radio Broadcast Date: 1932 Originated in New YorkSupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Tommy, Patreon Support Since August the show on a one-time basis at http://suppo...

Feb 25, 202435 minSeason 15Ep. 120

Dragnet: The Roseland Roof Murders (EP4322)

Todays Mystery:Friday and Romero search for a trigger-happy gang of hold-up men. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 29, 1949 Originating from HollywoodStarred: 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:James, Patreon Supporter since July 2022 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box ...

Feb 24, 202433 minSeason 15Ep. 119

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Picture Postcard Matter, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4321)

Today's Mystery: Johnny searches a quaint Swiss ski resort for $100,000 ski resort while trying to avoid being the next person murdered. Original Radio Broadcast Dates:October 3,4, and 5, 1956 Originated from Hollywood Stars: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar.Lucille Meredith, Vic Perrin, Forrest Lewis, Stan Jones, Ben Wright When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.ne t Thank you to our Patreon Supporter of the ...

Feb 23, 202447 minSeason 15Ep. 118

Mr. Chameleon: The Case of the Bewildering Body on the Bowery (EP4320)

Today's Mystery: A man is found in rags in the Bowery but Chameleon finds evidence that the well-groomed man doesn't belong there. Original Radio Broadcast Date:April 20, 1949 Originated from New York City Starred: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Jim and Rachel, Patreon Supporter Since March 2016 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box...

Feb 22, 202435 minSeason 15Ep. 115

Dangerous Assignment: Doctor Mitsuko Kidnapping (EP4319)

Today's Mystery: Steve goes to Tokyo to get to the bottom of the kidnapping of a prominent scientist by Americans claiming to be with the U.S. government. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 18, 1953 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner, Paul Frees, Paul Dubov, Peter Leeds, Rye Bilsbury, Sidney Miller Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Shawn, Patreon Supporter since June 202...

Feb 21, 202430 minSeason 15Ep. 114

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Picture Postcard Matter, Episodes One and Two (EP4318)

Today's Mystery:Johnny goes to Zurich on the trail of $100,000 in stolen, uncut diamonds. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: October 1 and 2, 1956 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Lucille Meredith; Vic Perrin; Forrest Lewis; Stan Jones; Ben Wright 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:Rob, Patreon Supporter Since December 202...

Feb 20, 202443 minSeason 15Ep. 115

The Falcon: The Case of the Talented Twin (EP4317)

Today's Mystery:A woman hires Mike Waring to find a hit-and-run driver. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 1, 1950 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as the Falcon; Ken Lynch as Sergeant Corbett; Mandel Kramer Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Lesley, Patreon Supporter Since November 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 T...

Feb 19, 202429 minSeason 15Ep. 114

Dranget: .22 Rifle for Christmas (EP4316)

Todays Mystery: A boy disappears before Christmas with his present - a .22 rifle. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 22, 1949 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Herb Butterfield; Peggy Webber; William Johnstone Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Paul, Patreon Supporter Since March 2016 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net Mail...

Feb 17, 202444 minSeason 15Ep. 113

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