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

Dangerous Assignment: Strategic Base Sabotaged (EP4379)

Today's Mystery:Steve goes to New Guinea in search of a dock worker who is suspected of sabotaging the construction of a joint U.S.-Australia-New Zealand strategic base. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 29, 1953 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell; Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner; Ben Wright; Betty Lou Gerson; Martha Wentworth; Paul Frees Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Joshua, Patreon Supporter Since F...

May 01, 202429 min

Squad Room: Mother of Two Murdered (EP4378)

Today's Mystery:Scanlon and Webster are called in to investigate when a woman is found dead in a dirty manufacturing loft. Original Radio Broadcast Date: 1953 or 1954 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Originating in New York Patreon Supporter of the Day: Peter, Patreon Supporter since March 2023 Starring: Bill Zuckert as RJ Scanlon; Chuck Webster as James Brady Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Bo...

Apr 30, 202435 minSeason 15Ep. 179

The Falcon: The Case of the Baby Brother (EP4377)

Today's Mystery:The elder brother of a man who committed suicide wants Waring to find the woman he believes drove his brother down a dark path so that he can get rid of her. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 17, 1950 Originating from New YorkStarring: Les Damon as the Falcon; Ken Paxton as Sergeant Corbett; Mandel Kramer, Maurice Tarplin Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Margie, Patreon Supporter since September 2016 Support the show on a...

Apr 29, 202439 minSeason 15Ep. 178

Dragnet: The Big Boys (EP4376)

Today's Mystery: Friday and Romero get a tip on four young fugitive gunmen from San Francisco. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 16, 1950 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Herb Butterfield; Harry Bartell Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon 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 don...

Apr 27, 202438 minSeason 15Ep. 177

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Rasmussen Matter (EP4375)

Today's Mystery: Johnny searches Los Angeles for the widow of an insured man who died in Malaya, and whose father-in-law desperately wants to meet her. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 16, 1956 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Jeanne Tatum; Eric Snowden; Roy Glenn; Will Wright; Frank Nelson; Jack Kruschen When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.net Tha...

Apr 26, 202447 minSeason 15Ep. 176

Mr. Chameleon: The Bizarre Motive Murder Case (EP4374)

Today's Mystery:The fiancée of a classical musician is murdered at one of his concerts. Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 22, 1949 Originated from New York CityStarring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Frank, Patreon Supporter since January 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 surve...

Apr 25, 202440 minSeason 15Ep. 175

Dangerous Assignment: A Trap in Freedom House (EP4373)

Today's Mystery:Steve goes to London to investigate an apparent traitor at an organization that's supposed to help refugees from behind the Iron Curtain, but is instead getting them sent back. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 22, 1953 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell; Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner; Jan Arvan; Jean Tatum; Jeanne Bates; Tony Barrett; Paul Dubov Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day:Ryan, Pa...

Apr 24, 202432 minSeason 15Ep. 174

The Thin Man: The Moon Murder (EP4372)

Today's Mystery:Nick and Nora are hoping for romance under a full moon. Instead, they stumble across a dead man being buried in the middle of the street. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 25, 1945 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Luce, Patreon Supporter Since April 2021 Originating in New York Starring: Les Tremayne as Nick Charles; Claudia Morgan as Nora Charles; Larry Haines Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatd...

Apr 23, 202430 minSeason 15Ep. 173

The Falcon: The Case of the Raw Deal (EP4371)

Today's Mystery:Mike Waring is hired by a group of businessmen who were robbed of $65,000 in cash at a high stakes poker game. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 10, 1950 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as the Falcon; Ken Paxton as Sergeant Corbett; Larry Haines Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Margie, Patreon Supporter since September 2016 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a do...

Apr 22, 202439 minSeason 15Ep. 172

Dragnet: The Big Thank You (EP4370)

Today's Mystery: A parole officer asks Friday and Romero to look into the apparent disappearance of a woman who had a convicted murderess paroled to her. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 9, 1950 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Herb Butterfield; Jack Kruschen; Don Diamond Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Dan, Patreon Supporter Since March 2016 Support the show o...

Apr 20, 202431 minSeason 15Ep. 171

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Burning Carr Matter (EP4369)

Today's Mystery:Johnny goes to Sarasota to investigate a series of fires at lumber yards, and finds himself investigating a murder. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: December 9, 1956 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Parley Baer; Vic Perrin; Bob Bruce; Harry Bartell; Vivi Janiss; Tony Barrett; Junius Matthews When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you...

Apr 19, 202437 minSeason 15Ep. 170

Mr. Chameleon: The Rooftop Murder Case (EP4368)

Today's Mystery:A woman is pushed off the roof of an eighteen-story building. Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 15, 1949 Originated from New York City Starring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Information from Kootenai County on Clark House Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Maggi, Patreon Supporter Since January 2019 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boi...

Apr 18, 202441 minSeason 15Ep. 169

Dangerous Assignment: Find Lenny Fenway (EP4367)

Today's Mystery: Steve travels to Tibet to rescue an American pilot who provides the key to a critical mission to re-supply Chinese nationalists. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 15, 1953 Originatimg in Hollywood Starring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell; Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner; Frank Gerstle; Paul Dubov; Sidney Miller; Stacy Harris Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Damien, Patreon Supporter since March 2023 Support the show o...

Apr 17, 202431 minSeason 15Ep. 168

Ellery Queen: The Green Gorillas (EP4366)

Today's Mystery: Ellery Queen teams up with a teenage boy to infiltrate a street gang. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 12, 1947 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Originating in New York Patreon Supporter of the Day:Jan, Patreon Supporter Since December 2019 Starring: Lawrence Dobkin, Charlotte Keane, Bill Smith, and Ed Latimer, Mandel Kramer Armchair Detective: Jose Ferrer Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to...

Apr 16, 202434 minSeason 15Ep. 165

The Falcon: The Case of the Harried Husband (EP4365)

Today's Mystery:A gigolo who is trying to scam and doublecross various people is murdered. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 3, 1950 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Ken Paxtor as Sergeant Corbett; Jackson Beck Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Julie, Patreon Supporter Since September 2018 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, ...

Apr 15, 202437 minSeason 15Ep. 166

Dragnet: The Big Kill (EP4364)

Today's Mystery:Friday and Romero investigate the murder of a police officer in his home.Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 2, 1950 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Stacy Harris; Jack Kruschen; Herb Butterfield Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Don, Patreon Supporter since October 2021 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail...

Apr 13, 202436 minSeason 15Ep. 165

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Royal Street Matter (EP4363)

Today's Mystery:Johnny goes to New Orleans to investigate why the owner of an insured, burnt-out antique shop hasn't filed a claim, and has expressed no interest in doing so .Original Radio Broadcast Dates: November 25, 1956 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Forrest Lewis, Lou Merrill; Lawrence Dobkin; Frank Gerstle When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.net...

Apr 12, 202439 minSeason 15Ep. 164

Mr. Chameleon: The Organ Grinder Murder Case (EP4362)

Today's Mystery:A young man is shot to death after trying to quit stealing jewelry. Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 8, 1949 Originating 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 July 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 listener survey at htt...

Apr 11, 202439 min

Dangerous Assignment: Boy Is Used as Courier (EP4361)

Today's Mystery: Steve is hired as tutor to a French boy with a near photographic memory whose father believes his current tutor is using to smuggle top secret information. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 8, 1953 Originated in HollywoodStars: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner, Jeanne Bates, Paul Frees, Larry Dobkin, Jay Novello Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Laura, Patreon Supporter since November 202...

Apr 10, 202430 minSeason 15Ep. 162

Ellery Queen: The Adventure of the Wounded Lieutenant (EP4360)

Today's Mystery :A former police detective is disabled while serving overseas and his battalion members are killed after a native waiter reports their planned attack. But how did the spy know? Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 18, 1943 Originating in New York From the Office of War Information, taken from the network broadcast of a 30 minute episode Starring: Sydney Smith as Ellery Queen, Marian Shockley, Santos Ortega, Ted de Corsia Armchair Detectives: Virginia Fields and Ed Sullivan Web...

Apr 09, 202424 minSeason 15Ep. 161

The Falcon: The Case of the Stooge's Errand (EP4359)

Today's Mystery:The Falcon is hired to locate a boxing promoter who cheated two men out of a combined $40,000, but has a clever way to make sure they can't collect. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 26, 1950 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as the Falcon; Ken Lynch as Sergeant Corbett; Mandel Kramer; Ralph Bell; Bill Zuckert Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Bruce, Patreon Supporter since November 2019 Support the show on a o...

Apr 08, 202437 minSeason 15Ep. 160

Dragnet: The Big Grifter (EP4358)

Today's Mystery:Friday and Romero face off against a veteran con-man. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 23, 1950 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: Charlie, Patreon Supporter since October 2019 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 159...

Apr 06, 202434 minSeason 15Ep. 159

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Markham Matter (EP4357)

Today's Mystery:Johnny goes to San Francisco because a high value company client has seemingly disappeared and her husband is acting suspicious. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: November 18, 1956 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Lois Corbett; Frank Nelson; Virginia Gregg; Bert Holland; Paula Winslowe; John Dehner When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you to our Pa...

Apr 05, 202437 minSeason 15Ep. 158

Mr. Chameleon: The Case of the Murdered Gold-Digger (EP4356)

Today's Mystery:A woman in flashy clothes is murdered in the driveway of a married man who swears he never ever saw her before. Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 1, 1949Originating from New York City Starring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day:Shawna, Patreon Supporter since June 2019 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise...

Apr 04, 202444 minSeason 15Ep. 157

Dangerous Assignment: Rescue Rick Perez (EP4355)

Today's Mystery:Steve goes to Venezuela to rescue a U.S. agent who was investigating a Latin American revolutionary organization. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 1, 1953 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell; Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner; Paul Frees; Paul Dubov; Ben Wright; Betty Lou Gerson; Don Diamond Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Doug, Patreon Supporter since June 2015 Support the show on a one-t...

Apr 03, 202432 minSeason 15Ep. 156

Ellery Queen: The Adventure of the Income Tax Robbery (EP4354)

Today’s Mystery:A private detective turns to Ellery for help when his income tax blank is stolen, along with sensitive information that could expose his wealthy clients to blackmail. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 12, 1942 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Originating in New York Starring: Carleton Young as Ellery Queen; Marian Shockley; Ted De Corsia; Santos Ortega; Maurice Tarplin Armchair Detectives: Manda Hedrom and Mayor Howard W. Jackson of Baltimore (Over the p...

Apr 02, 202436 minSeason 15Ep. 155

The Falcon: The Case of the Puzzling Pinup (EP4353)

Today's Mystery:A reporter comes to The Falcon to ask him to take part in a blackmail scheme and then dies. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 19, 1950 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Larry Haines Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Martin, Patreon Supporter since September 2017 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho ...

Apr 01, 202437 minSeason 15Ep. 154

Hollywood Star Time: Hot Spot (EP4352s)

Today's Mystery:Based on the movie I Wake Up Screaming , a Broadway promoter is suspected of murdering an up-and-coming actress, by a dogged police officer who always gets his man .Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 27, 1946 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Brian Donlevy as Frankie Christopher; Vincent Price as Ed Cornell; Lurene Tuttle; Gloria Blondell; Theodore Von Elt; Harry Bartell; David Ellis; Elliott Reid My review of I Wake Up Screaming Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetecti...

Mar 31, 202437 minSeason 15Ep. 153

Dragnet: The Big Girl (EP4352)

Today's Mystery:Friday and Romero investigating a series of robberies, beatings, and shootings committed by a beautiful woman. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 9, 1950 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: David, Patreon Supporter since March 2021 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetecti...

Mar 30, 202442 minSeason 15Ep. 152

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Big Scoop Matter (EP4351)

Today's Mystery: Johnny goes to New York to protect a friend, a reporter on the trail of a big story, who has already had multiple attempts on his life. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 11, 1956 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Russell Thorson, Barney Phillips, Stacy Harris, Larry Thor, Parley Baer, Les Tremayne When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatdetectives....

Mar 29, 202442 minSeason 15Ep. 151