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

Sam Spade: The Prisoner of Zenda Caper (EP4233)

Today's Mystery:Sam receives a summons and a $100 retainer from a reclusive silent film star. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 30, 1948 Originated from HollywoodStarring: Howard Duff as Sam Spade, Lurene Tuttle as Effie, Wally Maher Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Robert, Patreon Supporter since March 2019 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho ...

Nov 13, 202329 minSeason 15Ep. 22

Richard Diamond: Timothy the Seal (Encore) (EP4232e)

Today's Mystery:Richard Diamond is hired to play bodyguard to a seal. Original Air Date: February 5, 1950 Originated from Hollywood Starring Dick Powell as Richard Diamond 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://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://inst...

Nov 12, 202333 minSeason 15Ep. 21

Dragnet: Myra, the Redhead (EP4232)

Todays Mystery:Friday and Romero have caught two teenagers breaking into their car. Can they use them to find the mastermind behind hundreds of car burglaries? Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 1, 1949 Originated 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 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Support of the Day: Adrienne- Patreon Supporte...

Nov 11, 202340 minSeason 15Ep. 19

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar:The Long Shot Murder, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4231)

Today's Mystery: Johnny continues to investigate the case of a doctor and his wife whom the insurance company fears might need a payout soon. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: June 27, 28, and 29, 1956 Originated from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Vic Perrin; Lillian Buyeff; Russell Thorson; James McCallion; Edgar Barrier; Don Diamond; Herb Butterfield When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Support the show as a monthly patreon support ...

Nov 10, 202347 minSeason 15Ep. 19

Mr. Chameleon: The Curious Murder of Clubfoot Louie (EP4230)

Today's Mystery:A mob boss's henchman is murdered and the body spirited away before the police can examine it. Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 19, 1949 Originated in: New York CityStarring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon supporter of the day: Michael, Patreon Supporter Since August 2016 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 837...

Nov 09, 202337 minSeason 15Ep. 18

Dangerous Assignment: Mr. Alexander's File (EP4229)

Today's Mystery: Steve goes to Turkey to intercept a thief before he sells a sensitive file before to the highest bidder. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 12, 1952 Originated in Hollywood Starring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell; Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner; Harry Bartel Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Welcome to new Patreon supporter Tazy Patreon Supporter of the Day: Rachel, Patreon Supporter Since June of 2022 Support the show on a one-time basis at ht...

Nov 08, 202332 minSeason 15Ep. 17

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Long Shot Matter, Episodes One and Two (EP4228)

Today's Mystery: Johnny goes to California to investigate when an insurance agent received a note indicating they'd have to pay off on a policy insuring a wealthy doctor and his wife. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: June 25 and 26, 1956 Originated from Hollywood Stars: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar, Virginia Gregg, Vic Perrin, Lillian Buyeff, Russell Thorson, James McCallion, Edgar Barrier, Don Diamond, Herb Butterfield When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Take the li...

Nov 07, 202333 minSeason 15Ep. 16

Sam Spade: The Hail and Farewell Caper (EP4227)

Today's Mystery:A nervous man sets Spade on the case of a man who is about to be executed at San Quentin. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 27, 1951 Originated from Hollywood Starring: Steven Dunne as Sam Spade; Lurene Tuttle as Effie; Paul Frees; Olan Soule; Junius Matthews; Wally Maher; Sidney Miller; Cathy Lewis; Lou Merrill; Edwin Max 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...

Nov 06, 202338 minSeason 15Ep. 15

Sherlock Holmes Guy Fawkes Day Special (EP4226s)

Today is Guy Fawkes Day and we celebrate with two different Guy-Fawkes-related Sherlock Holmes adventures. First, in The Fifth of November, a man named James Stuart comes to Baker Street pleading for Holmes' help, as he fears his cousin, Guy Falkenberry, is going to blow him up.Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 5, 1945Originated from Hollywood Starring: Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes; Nigel Bruce as Doctor Watson. Second, in The Guy Fawkes Society, Holmes and Watson find a man with his ...

Nov 05, 20231 hr 11 minSeason 15Ep. 14

Dragnet: Police Academy (EP4226)

Today's Mystery:Friday and Romero hunt for a gang of blitz robbers, while an army buddy of Friday's enters the police academy. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 25, 1949 Originated from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Raymond Burr as Ed Backstrand, Chief of Detectives; Jeff Chandler; Herb Vigran Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mai...

Nov 04, 202339 minSeason 15Ep. 13

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Pearling Matter, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4225)

Today's Mystery:Did a wealthy businessman fake his death to gain the attention of a missing daughter? Johnny doesn't believe it. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: June 20, 21, and 22, 1956 Originated from HollywoodStars: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Mary Jane Croft; Forrest Lewis; Jeanette Nolan; Russell Thorson; Michael Ann Barrett; Jack Petruzzi; Barbara Fuller; Herb Ellis; Marvin Miller When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Take the listener survey at http://survey....

Nov 03, 202346 minSeason 15Ep. 12

Mr. Chameleon: The Rich Uncle Murder Case

Today's Mystery:A retired sea captain is murdered right after giving his niece a copy of a will leaving her everything he owns .Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 5, 1949 Originated in: New York City Starring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon 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://survey.greatdetectiv...

Nov 02, 202343 minSeason 15Ep. 11

Dangerous Assignment: The Smuggling Racket (EP4223)

Today's Mystery:Steve Mitchell is sent to Havana to meet an informant and break up a smuggling racket. He soon finds himself investigating the murder of the informant. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 5, 1952 Originated in Hollywood Starring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell; Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner; Harry Bartell; Herb Ellis; Kay Stewart; Tony Barrett; Nestor Paiva Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.g...

Nov 01, 202336 minSeason 15Ep. 10

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Pearling Matter, Episodes One and Two (EP4222)

Today's Mystery:A news report states that a wealthy businessman is dead, but the report is erroneous. An insurance company suspects an attempt to manipulate the stock market. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: June 18 and 19, 1956 Originated from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Mary Jane Croft; Forrest Lewis; Jeanette Nolan; Russell Thorson; Michael Ann Barrett; Jack Petruzzi; Barbara Fuller; Herb Ellis; Marvin Miller When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.c...

Oct 31, 202336 minSeason 15Ep. 9

Sam Spade: The Rowdy Dowser Caper (EP4221)

Today's Mystery:Sam goes to a rural county to investigate the theft of $53,000 from a bank where an ex-client works. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 20, 1951 Originated from HollywoodStarred Steven Dunne as Sam Spade, Lurene Tuttle as Effie, Peggy Webber, Verna Felton, Sidney Miller, Alice Wellman, Charles Smith, Nestor Paiva, 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, P...

Oct 30, 202335 minSeason 15Ep. 8

The Weird Circle: Murders in the Rue Morgue (Encore) (EP4220e)

The episode begins with a look at a story of the Prophet Daniel that many think is the first detective story. From "Can You Imagine That?" Original Radio Braodcast Date: 1940 A woman and her daughter are brutally killed after withdrawing 50,000 francs from the bank, and Dupin is on the case in Edgar Allan Poe’s first detective story. Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 2, 1944 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatd...

Oct 29, 202341 minSeason 15Ep. 7

Dragnet: Production 11 (aka: Sixteen Jewel Thefts) (EP4220)

Todays Mystery:Friday and Romero investigate a series of nightly jewelry thefts. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 18, 1949 Originated from Hollywood Starred: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday, Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero, Raymond Burr as Ed Backstrand, Chief of Detectives, Harry Morgan, Jack Kruschen, Herb Butterfield 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...

Oct 28, 202338 minSeason 15Ep. 6

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Laughing Matter, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4219)

Today's Mystery:A comedian is taking threats on his life more seriously after there was an attempt on his life.Original Radio Broadcast Dates: June 13, 14, 15, and 1956 Originated from HollywoodStars: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar, Virginia Gregg, John Dehner, Lucille Meredith, Lawrence Dobkin, Gil Stratton, Harry Bartell, Don Diamond When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follo...

Oct 27, 202347 minSeason 15Ep. 5

Mr. Chameleon: The Case of Death and the Talking Parrot (EP4218)

Today's Mystery:A fashion model is murdered in her apartment. The only witness? Her pet parrot. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 29, 1948 Originated in: New York CityStarred: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon 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://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991...

Oct 26, 202339 minSeason 15Ep. 4

Dangerous Assignment: The Butterfly Chasers (EP4217)

Today's Mystery:Steve parachutes into Brazil in pursuit of a party of lepidopterists, one of whom has a sensitive document that belongs to the US and has been auctioned off to the highest bidder. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 22, 1952 Originated in HollywoodStars: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner 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: Ad...

Oct 25, 202338 minSeason 15Ep. 3

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Laughing Matter, Episodes One and Two (EP4216)

Today's Mystery: Johnny goes to Ensenada, Mexico to investigate threats against a beloved TV comedy star who's not beloved by anyone who works with him. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: June 11 and 12, 1956 Originated from Hollywood Stars: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar. Virginia Gregg, John Dehner, Lucille Meredith, Lawrence Dobkin, Gil Stratton, Harry Bartell, Don Diamond When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Take the listener survey… http://survey.greatdetectives.net ...

Oct 24, 202338 minSeason 15Ep. 2

Sam Spade The Civic Pride Caper (EP4215)

Today's Mystery:Sam is hired to investigate the collapse of a civic auditorium, for which his client is being blamed. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 13, 1951 Originated from HollywoodStarred Steven Dunne as Sam Spade, Lurene Tuttle as Effie 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://survey.greatdetectiv...

Oct 23, 202337 minSeason 15Ep. 1

Nero Wolfe: The Midnight Ride (Encore) (EP4214e)

Nero Wolfe's dentist and Archie both receive a mysterious call from a woman, leading to a ride in the country to do away with them. Original Air Date: March 16, 1951 Originated in Hollywood Starred: Sidney Greenstreet as Nero Wolfe, Harry Bartel as Archie Goodwin 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://sur...

Oct 22, 202332 minSeason 14Ep. 335

Dragnet: Production 10 (aka: The Maniac Murderer) (EP4214)

Todays Mystery:Friday and Romero hunt for a murderer who strangles and then disfigures his victims. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 11, 1949 Originated from HollywoodStarred: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday, Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero, Raymond Burr as Ed Backstrand, Chief of Detectives, Herb Butterfield as Lee Jones, Harry Morgan Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net . Mail a donatio...

Oct 21, 202336 minSeason 14Ep. 334

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Indestructible Mike Matter, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4213)

Today's Mystery: After multiple attempts on the life of a bowery derelict who is insured for $50,000, Johnny is suspicious of the beneficiary. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: June 6, 7, and 8, 1956 Originated from Hollywood Stars: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar.Howard McNear, Lawrence Dobkin, Harry Bartell, Herb Vigran, Alan Reed, Roy Glenn When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Take the listener survey… http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Becom...

Oct 20, 202350 minSeason 14Ep. 333

Mr. Chameleon: Mr. Chameleon's Strangest Murder Case (EP4212)

Today's Mystery:A publicity agent is murdered after harassing the wife of a wealthy Oklahoma oil man. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 15, 1948 Originated in: New York CityStarred: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon 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://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 2...

Oct 19, 202339 minSeason 14Ep. 332

Dangerous Assignment: To Ask a Guy to Shoot You (EP4211)

Today's Mystery:Steve goes to Indonesia to get the help of an embittered ex-Navy officer to identify and stop a dangerous gun runner. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 15, 1951 Originated in Hollywood Stars: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner, Stacy Harris, Dan Riss, Paul Dubov, Betty Lou Gerson, Jakm Moyles Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. ' Mail a donation ...

Oct 18, 202331 minSeason 14Ep. 331

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Indestructible Mike Matter, Episodes One and Two (EP4210)

Today's Mystery:Johnny is sent to investigate a suspicious insurance policy issued to a derelict. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: June 4 and 5, 1956 Originated from Hollywood Stars: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar. Howard McNear, Lawrence Dobkin, Harry Bartell, Herb Vigran, Alan Reed, Roy Glenn When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Take the listener survey… http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on T...

Oct 17, 202334 minSeason 14Ep. 330

Sam Spade The Denny Shane Caper (EP4209)

Today's Mystery:A sixteen-year-old girl hires Spade to find her brother, a notorious criminal. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 6, 1951 Originated from HollywoodStarred Steven Dunne as Sam Spade, Lurene Tuttle as Effie, Cathy Lewis, Lou Merrill, William Conrad, Paul Frees, Jerry Hausner,Kathleen Freeman, William Tracy 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 159...

Oct 16, 202337 minSeason 14Ep. 329

The Amazing Nero Wolfe: The Shakespeare Folio (Encore) (EP4208e)

Today's Mystery:Archie and a cabbie are attacked by a car after the cabbie buys a book to sit on. Wolfe discovers the book is a first edition Shakespeare Folio. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 30, 1945 Originated from Hollywood Starred: Francix X. Bushman as Nero Wolfe and Elliott Lewis as Archie Goodwind 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,...

Oct 15, 202336 minSeason 14Ep. 328