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 Ellen Dear Matter (EP4387)

Today's Mystery:Set sail on a treacherous journey with Johnny Dollar, the man with the action-packed expense account, as he embarks on a mission to safeguard a fortune in jewels. The sleek motor cruiser Ellen Dear carries a cargo worth over $300,000, but disaster strikes when the yacht sinks in deep waters. Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 6, 1957 Originated from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar,Virginia Gregg, Lawrence Dobkin, Howard McNear, Jay Novello, Jack Edwards, Barne...

May 10, 202445 minSeason 15Ep. 188

Mr. Chameleon: The Ailing Wife Murder Case (EP4386)

Today's Mystery:Are you ready to crack the case with Mister Chameleon? In this week's suspenseful episode, a seemingly devoted husband is found dead, and the suspects are closer to home than you'd think. With a failed business, an ailing wife, and a love affair that could be the motive for murder, it's up to Mister Chameleon to untangle the web of lies. Will he find the killer before the trail goes cold? Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 6, 1949 Originating from New York CityStarring: Karl Swe...

May 09, 202437 minSeason 15Ep. 187

Dangerous Assignment: Smuggling to the Iron Curtain (EP4385)

Today's Mystery:Join government agent Steve Mitchell on a pulse-pounding journey through Europe's underbelly in 'Dangerous Assignment.' When strategic materials start vanishing, Mitchell's quest leads him to the heart of Italy, where trust is a luxury and danger lurks in every shadow. From suspicious textile mills to clandestine meetings in dimly lit coffee houses, every step brings him closer to the truth – and to the barrel of a gun. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 6, 1953 Originated in Hol...

May 08, 202429 minSeason 15Ep. 186

Squad Room: Old Woman Found Shot (EP4384)

Today's Mystery: A late-night distress call from a professional building sends Detectives Scanlon and Grady into the depths of a crime that defies expectations. Amidst the echo of multiple shots fired, they find themselves piecing together the fragments of a life lived in the shadows. An old woman's untimely death in an empty office, a janitor with a story that doesn't quite fit, and a switchboard operator who knows more than she's telling. Original Radio Broadcast Date: Mid-1950s Originating in...

May 07, 202430 minSeason 15Ep. 185

The Falcon: The Case of the Invisible Thug (EP4383)

Today's Mystery:The Falcon is hired by a man who killed his ex-girlfriend's husband who hopes to dupe Mike into pinning the murder on his ex. Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 7, 1951 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as the Falcon; Maurice Tarplin 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://s...

May 06, 202443 minSeason 15Ep. 184

Dragnet: The Big Gangster, Part One (EP4382)

Today's Mystery:Friday and Romero have to find out who is trying to kill a major gang kingpin before they succeed and start a gang war. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 23, 1950 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Stacy Harris; Herb Butterfield Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Charlie, Patreon Supporter since July 2020 Support the show on a one-time basis at http:...

May 04, 202435 minSeason 15Ep. 183

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Squared Circle Matter (EP4381)

Today's Mystery:Johnny goes to Joplin, Missouri to investigate an insurance agent's suspicious about an insured boxer. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 30, 1956 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Harry Bartell; Herb Ellis; Vic Perrin; Jack Kruschen; Les Tremayne; Lawrence Dobkin 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: W...

May 03, 202437 minSeason 15Ep. 182

Mr. Chameleon: The Case of the Conceited Murderer (EP4380)

Today's Mystery:A famous photographer is murdered. Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 29, 1949 Originated from New York City Starring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Foll...

May 02, 202438 minSeason 15Ep. 181

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