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

Mathew Slade: Who Killed My Penpal? (EP4648)

Today's Mystery: Slade goes to Los Angeles to find out what happened to the penpal of an eccentric millionaire. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 22, 1964 Originating from Hollywood Starring: William Wintersole as Mathew Slade; Sylvia Walden as Jonesy; Norman Belkin as Sid Dinelli Aired as Starlight Mystery Theater. Also known as Matthew Slade, Private Investigator. Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Paul, Patreon supporter since M...

Mar 11, 202534 minEp 138Transcript available on Metacast

The Falcon: The Case of the King of Hearts (EP4647)

Today's Mystery: A gambler's wife wrote $18,000 in checks and won't tell him what they were for. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 11, 1952 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corbett; Mandel Kramer Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Katherine, Patreon supporter since June 2021 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 159...

Mar 10, 202534 minEp 137Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Broderick Matter Omnibus (EP4646s)

Today's Mystery: Johnny looks for an insurance beneficiary for a policy with a heartwarming story, and finds disillusionment in the course of a coast-to-coast search. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: November 14-18, 1955 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Eleanor Audley; Barbara Eiler; Virginia Gregg; Carleton Young; Harry Bartell; Herb Ellis; John Dehner; Marvin Miller; Tony Barrett; Frank Gerstle; Chester Stratton; Lawrence Dobkin When making your travel plans, re...

Mar 09, 20251 hr 18 minEp 136Transcript available on Metacast

Dragnet: The Big Hold-Up (EP4646)

Today's Mystery: Joe Friday and Ben Romero are on the trail of The Rattlesnake Bandit, a sadistic robber who holds up couples in cars and inflicts violence for the pleasure of it. Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 4, 1951 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Amy, Patreon supporter since August 2024. Support the show on a one-time ba...

Mar 08, 202537 minEp 135Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Sunny Dream Matter (EP4645)

Today's Mystery: Johnny investigates a series of supposedly accidental deaths occurring at a rest home. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 1, 1957 Originated from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Junius Matthews; Lawrence Dobkin; Virginia Gregg; Bert Holland; Peggy Webber When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you to our Patreon Supporters of the Day: James, Cyndi, K...

Mar 07, 202534 minEp 134Transcript available on Metacast

Mr. and Mrs. North: The Premature Corpse (EP4644)

Today's Mystery: The Norths find themselves entrenched in the sordid dealings of a prospective writer and his family. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 12, 1952 Originating from New York City Starring: Joseph Curtain as Jerry North; Alice Frost as Pamela North Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Pippen, Patreon supporter since March 2022 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: A...

Mar 06, 202531 minEp 133Transcript available on Metacast

Broadway's My Beat: The Tommy Stafford Murder Case (EP4643)

Today's Mystery: A jeweler's messenger is found murdered on a Coney Island Roller Coaster. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 14, 1950 Originated in Hollywood Stars: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover, Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia, Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan, Byron Kane, Betty Lou Gerson, Sylvia Simms, Jerry Hausner, Peter Leeds Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Scott, Patreon supporter since June 2016. Suppor...

Mar 05, 202536 minEp 132Transcript available on Metacast

Mathew Slade: Passage to Tangiers (EP4642)

Today's Mystery: Matt takes an assignment from two fantastic characters in Morocco to hunt a fantastic treasure. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 8, 1964 Originating in Hollywood Starring: William Wintersole as Mathew Slade Aired as Starlight Mystery Theater. Also known as Matthew Slade, Private Investigator. Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Doc, Patreon supporter since February 2016 Support the show on a one-time basis at http:...

Mar 04, 202530 minEp 131Transcript available on Metacast

The Falcon: The Case of the Fatal Fix (EP4641)

Today's Mystery: The father of a young gangster who committed suicide hires Waring to find the head of the rackets. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 4, 1952 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Ralph Bell Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Rebecca "the cat lady", Patreon supporter since August 2024. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, ...

Mar 03, 202537 minEp 130Transcript available on Metacast

Sam Spade: The Dry Martini Caper/ Mr. Moto: The Case of the Dry Martini (Twice Told Tale) (EP4640s)

Today's First Mystery: Sam Spade is hired by a man who is then shot down in front of him with a carbine. Original Release Date: August 1, 1948 Starring: Howard Duff as Sam Spade; Lurene Tuttle as Effie; Jack Webb; WIlliam Conrad Today's 2nd Mystery: While investigating an international narcotics ring, Mr. Moto finds himself in the center of the murder of the owner of an import-export company who was shot with a carbine. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 20, 1951 Originating from New York St...

Mar 02, 20251 hr 7 minEp 129Transcript available on Metacast

Dragnet: The Big Family (EP4640)

Today's Mystery: A prominent businessman disappears without a trace. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 28, 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: Damien, Patreon supporter since March 2024. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913,...

Mar 01, 202536 minEp 128Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Hope to Die Matter (EP4639)

Today's Mystery: Johnny is called in when an insurance policy is issued that will pay off $250,000 if a woman dies. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 24, 1957 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; G. Stanley Jones; Ben Wright; Virginia Gregg, Shirley Mitchell; Marvin Miller When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you to our Patreon Supporter of the Day: E...

Feb 28, 202536 minEp 127Transcript available on Metacast

Mr. and Mrs. North: Million Dollar Murder (EP4638)

Today's Mystery: A woman with amnesia in a red dress gets a ride from the Norths and is shot. Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 5, 1950 Originating from New York City Starring: Joseph Curtain as Jerry North; Alice Frost as Pamela North; Bill Zuckert Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Rachel, Patreon supporter since June 2022 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham,...

Feb 27, 202533 minEp 126Transcript available on Metacast

Broadway's My Beat: The Ernie Cauldwell Murder Case (EP4637)

Today's Mystery: A man has confessed to murdering a Southern County Sheriff's Deputy who was in town to get him extradited Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 7, 1950 Originated in Hollywood Stars: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover, Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia, Barton Yarborough, Peter Leeds, ; Byron Kane; Jerry Hausner; Betty Lou Gerson ; Jack Kruschen; Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Judith, Patreon supporter sin...

Feb 26, 202540 minEp 125Transcript available on Metacast

Mathew Slade: The Secret Grey Man (EP4636)

Today's Mystery: Slade finds himself at Morro Bay in a mystery involving an old army buddy who is a secret agent. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 25, 1964 Originating in Hollywood Starring: William Wintersole as Mathew Slade Aired as Starlight Mystery Theater. Also known as Matthew Slade, Private Investigator. Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Shawn, Patreon supporter since June 2021. Support the show on a one-time basis at http:...

Feb 25, 202527 minEp 124Transcript available on Metacast

The Falcon: The Case of the Weeping Willow (EP4635)

Today's Mystery: A friend of Mike's is murdered after deciding to expose his boss, who was running a drug racket. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 27, 1952 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corbett; Mandel Kramer; Ralph Bell Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Gus, Patreon supporter since August 2024. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation...

Feb 24, 202545 minEp 123Transcript available on Metacast

Nero Wolfe: A Slight Case of Perjury (EP4634s)

A man is acquitted of murder on perjured testimony and hires Wolfe to locate the real killer. Original Air Date: April 6, 1951 Starring: Sidney Greenstreet as Nero Wolfe; Harry Bartel as Archie Goodwin; William Johnstone; Mary Lansing; Jeanne Bates; Barney Phillips; Paul Marion; Ken Peters Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Alex, Patreon Supporter since August 2020 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.ne...

Feb 23, 202537 minEp 122Transcript available on Metacast

Dragnet: The Big Break (EP4634)

Todays Mystery: Joe Friday and Ben Romero deal with a dangerous armed robber who keeps escaping. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 14, 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: Ja'ree, patreon supporter since June 2024. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to:...

Feb 22, 202536 minEp 121Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Shy Beneficiary Matter (EP4633)

Today's Mystery: Johnny's called in to find a missing life insurance beneficiary who turns out to be wanted for murder. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 17, 1957 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Lawrence Dobkin; Virginia Gregg; Jack Kruschen; Jeanette Nolan; Russell Thorson; Howard McNear When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you to our Patreon Su...

Feb 21, 202533 minEp 120Transcript available on Metacast

Mr. and Mrs. North: Charles Wyatt Murdered (EP4632)

Today's Mystery: The Norths find a man just convicted of fraud dead in a hotel room. Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 30, 1951 Originating from New York City Starring: Joseph Curtain as Jerry North; Alice Frost as Pamela North; Ralph Bell Get 10% off your purchase of MollyBz Cookies (I get a commission) Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Guy, Patreon supporter since September 2022. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://sup...

Feb 20, 202531 minEp 119Transcript available on Metacast

Broadway's My Beat: The Hope Anderson Murder Case (EP4631)

Today's Mystery: Danny investigates when a young woman is found shot dead in a fountain. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 31, 1950 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Frances Chaney; Jody Gilbert; Don Orrick; Herb Butterfield Get 17% off your purchase of the Fulton Fish Market (I receive a commission) Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Larry, Patreon ...

Feb 19, 202536 minEp 118Transcript available on Metacast

Mathew Slade, Private Investigator: Pattern for a Frame (EP4630)

Today's Mystery: Mathew finds himself accused of murder while working with a Congressman on a corruption probe of a racketeer. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 11, 1964 Originating in Hollywood Starring: William Wintersole as Mathew Slade; Sylvia Walden as Jonesy; Norman Belkin as Sergeant Sid Dinelli; Karl Swenson as Lieutenant Flagg Aired as Starlight Mystery Theater. Also known as Matthew Slade, Private Investigator. Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreo...

Feb 18, 202532 minEp 117Transcript available on Metacast

The Falcon: The Case of the Jumping Jack (EP4629)

Today's Mystery: A woman hires The Falcon because she suspects that her husband has hired a private eye to follow her. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 20, 1952 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corbett Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Ken, Patreon supporter since January 2020 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO B...

Feb 17, 202537 minEp 116Transcript available on Metacast

Dragnet: The Big Picture (EP4628)

Today's Mystery: Joe Friday and Ben Romero investigate a racket that's taking advantage of teenage girls and getting them to pose for pornographic pictures. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 7, 1950 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Herb Butterfield; Stacy Harris Get 17% off your purchase of the Fulton Fish Market (I receive a commission) Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter ...

Feb 15, 202533 minEp 115Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Alkali Mike Matter (EP4627)

Today's Mystery: An eccentric, wealthy man, with life insurance, is dead, and Johnny's old friend Meg is the prime suspect. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 10, 1957 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Harry Bartell; Virginia Gregg; Dick Keith; Peter Leeds; Jeanne Tatum; Frank Gerstle When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you to our Patreon Supporter...

Feb 14, 202531 minEp 114Transcript available on Metacast

Mr. and Mrs. North: Who KIlled Mr. Stefano? (EP4626)

Today's Mystery: A popular baritone is murdered, and suspicion falls on his agent's secretary, but Pam thinks she's innocent. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 6, 1950 Originating from New York City Starring: Joseph Curtain as Jerry North; Alice Frost as Pamela North; Hanley Stafford Get 10% off your purchase of MollyBz Cookies (I get a commission) Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Mona, Patreon Supporter since June 2016. Support ...

Feb 13, 202532 minEp 113Transcript available on Metacast

Broadway's My Beat: The Francie Green Murder Case (EP4625)

Today's Mystery: Danny is called in to find out why someone is trying to murder a twenty-year-old cigarette girl. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 24, 1950 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia Get 17% off your purchase of the Fulton Fish Market (I receive a commission) Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Deborah, Patreon Supporter since October 2024 Suppor...

Feb 12, 202537 minEp 112Transcript available on Metacast

Mathew Slade: A Sweet Scent of Mystery (EP4624)

Today's Mystery:A woman asks Slade for help because she believes her daughter was murdered. Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 27, 1964 Originating in Hollywood Starring: William Wintersole as Mathew Slade; Sylvia Walden as Jonesy Aired as Starlight Mystery Theater. Also known as Matthew Slade, Private Investigator Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Ken, Patreon supporter since November 2023 Support the show on a one-time basis at ...

Feb 11, 202528 minEp 111Transcript available on Metacast

The Falcon: The Case of the Happy Helpmate (EP4623)

Today's Mystery: Mike decides to give a bank guard with a record a break and not tell his employer about the felony conviction. Murder follows. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 13, 1952 Originating in New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corbett; Maurice Tarplin Get 10% off your purchase of MollyBz Cookies (I get a commission) Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Bernie, Patreon supporter since June 2024. Suppo...

Feb 10, 202536 minEp 110Transcript available on Metacast

Dragnet: The Big Car (EP4622)

Today's Mystery: Joe Friday and Ben Romero investigate a series of fifteen market robberies. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 30, 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: Liz, Patreon supporter since December 2023 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Ada...

Feb 08, 202537 minEp 109Transcript available on Metacast