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: Road Sabotage (EP4259)

Today's Mystery: Steve goes to Turkey to investigate sabotage on a road project that the U.S. is subsidizing and providing expertise for. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 17, 1952 Originating in Hollywood tars: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner, Vivi Janiss, Herb Ellis, Peter Leeds, Jan Arvan Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Janet, Patreon Supporter since August 2023 Support the show on a one-time bas...

Dec 13, 202338 minSeason 15Ep. 52

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Sea Legs Matter, Episodes One and Two (EP4258)

Today's Mystery:Johnny goes to Nicaragua to investigate the disappearance of a wealthy insured man aboard his insured yacht. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: July 30 and 31, 1956 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar, Harry Bartell, Lawrence Dobkin, Virginia Gregg, Parley Baer, Don Diamond, Russell Thorson When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you to our Patreon Support...

Dec 12, 202343 minSeason 15Ep. 51

The Falcon: Murder is a Bad Bluff (EP4257)

Today's Mystery:The Falcon is hired by a woman who's afraid that her fiancé is earning his money in the rackets. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 1, 1948 Originating from New York Starring: Les Tremayne as The Falcon; Joe DeSantis Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.ne t Patreon Supporter of the Day: Steve, since June 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 l...

Dec 11, 202339 minSeason 15Ep. 50

The Saint: The Horrible Hamburger (Encore) (EP4256e)

Today's Mystery:Simon and Louie get lost in Westchester County and stop for a hamburger, only to find a corpse after leaving. Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 10, 1950Originating in Hollywood Starring: Vincent Price as The Saint; Larry Dobkin as Louie Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.ne t 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...

Dec 10, 202334 minSeason 15Ep. 49

Dragnet: The Brick Bat Slayer (EP4256)

Today's Mystery: Friday and Romero search for a serial killer who breaks into the homes of women and murders them with a red brick. Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 24, 1949 Originating from HollywoodStarring: 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 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Pat, Patreon Supporter Since September...

Dec 09, 202343 minSeason 15Ep. 48

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Open Town Matter, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4255)

Today's Mystery:After a shooting outside of city hall, Johnny is more puzzled about the murder of a corrupt police chief in a wide open town with rampant corruption. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: July 25, 26, and 27, 1956 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Jeanne Tatum; Paul Dubov; Joseph Kearns; Stacy Harris; Russell Thorson When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank...

Dec 08, 202347 minSeason 15Ep. 47

Mr. Chameleon: The Case of Murder and the Smoking Gun (EP4254)

Today's Mystery:A young man emerges from a room holding a smoking gun. Inside the room is the body of a conman who'd been pretending to be a nobleman. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 16, 1949 Originating from New York CityStarring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Corey, Patreon Since March 2018 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, ...

Dec 07, 202338 minSeason 15Ep. 46

Dangerous Assignment: Riot (EP4253)

Today's Mystery:Steve goes to Vienna to investigate a shooting in which U.S. soldiers have been implicated in an attack on a mine across the border in Hungary. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 10, 1952 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell; Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner; Paul Dubov; Bob O'Connor; Paul Frees; Jeanne Tatum; Vivi Janis Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Delilah, Supporter since December 20...

Dec 06, 202339 minSeason 15Ep. 45

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Open Town Matter, Epiosdes One and Two (EP4252)

Today's Mystery: Johnny is sent to a small midwestern town where a corrupt police chief has been murdered, and his widow has filed a claim for payment on his insurance thirteen hours later. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: July 23 and 24, 1956Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Jeanne Tatum; Paul Dubov; Joseph Kearns; Stacy Harris; Russell Thorson When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatd...

Dec 05, 202337 minSeason 15Ep. 44

The Falcon: Murder is a Family Affair (EP4251)

Today's Mystery: A man whose about to be executed asks the Falcon to prevent his brother from murdering his cheating wife. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 27, 1945 Originated from New YorkStarred: James Meighan as the Falcon, Jackson Beck, John Gibson Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Laura, Patreon Supporter since June 2020 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO B...

Dec 04, 202336 minSeason 15Ep. 43

Police File: Mr. One by One (EP4250s)

The Australian Commonwealth Investigation Branch (CIB) seeks a gang of counterfeiters that are passing forged 10 pound notes. Original Radio Broadcast Date: Mid-1950s Originating from Sydney, Australia Australian Dragnet episode, "The Big Revenge" on Soundcloud Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: William since July 2023 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise...

Dec 03, 202334 minSeason 15Ep. 42

Dragnet: James Vickers (EP4250)

Today's Mystery: Friday and Romero have to find out why a man shot down a traffic cop. Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 17, 1949 Originating from HollywoodStarred: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday, Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero, Raymond Burr as Ed Backstrand, Chief of Detectives, Harry Morgan, and Herb Vigrand Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Welcome to our new Patreon Supporter, Kathleen Patreon Supporter of the Day:George, Patreon Supporter since Novem...

Dec 02, 202337 minSeason 15Ep. 41

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Star of Capetown Matter, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4249)

Today's Mystery: After being knocked out, Johnny takes a helicoper to board a cruise ship that contains the stolen diamond. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: July 18, 19, and 20, 1956 Originating from Hollywood Stars: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar. Jeanne Tatum, Virginia Gregg, Harry Bartell, Chester Stratton, Marvin Miller, D. J. Thompson, Tom Hanley, Ray Kemper Post episode discussion: Status of Bold Venture for Old Time Radio Adventure Podcast Also, are post-1955 Johnny Dollar and Jim Rockford of...

Dec 01, 202351 minSeason 15Ep. 40

Mr. Chameleon: The Case of the Marriage of Death (EP4248)

Today's Mystery:A man is murdered within a few minutes of being married. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 9, 1948 Originating from New York CityStarred: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Max, 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… http://survey....

Nov 30, 202338 minSeason 15Ep. 39

Dangerous Assignment: Italian Actress (EP4247)

Today's Mystery:Steve goes to Nice, Italy to find out who is behind a ring blackmailing American citizens by threatening relatives living in foreign countries. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 3, 1952 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell; Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner; Howard McNear; Betty Lou Gerson; Nester Paiva; Ben Wright; and Paul Dubo v Link to Pat Novak for Hire Quotes. Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter ...

Nov 29, 202331 minSeason 15Ep. 38

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Star of Capetown Matter, Episode One and Two (EP4246)

Today's Mystery:Johnny is sent to Capetown by a nervous insurance company to help protect a diamond owned by an eccentric and careless playboy. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: July 16 and 17, 1956 Originated from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Jeanne Tatum; Virginia Gregg; Harry Bartell; Chester Stratton; Marvin Miller; D. J. Thompson; Tom Hanley; Ray Kemper When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatde...

Nov 28, 202334 minSeason 15Ep. 37

The Falcon: Murder Knows No Borderline (EP4245)

Today's Mystery:While on vacation in Mexico, the Falcon finds himself tangling with a racketeer. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 13, 1945 Originated from New YorkStarring: James Meighan as the Falcon This episode includes discussion of the literary history of the Falcon and background on the second actor to play the Falcon, James Meighan Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: David, Patreon Supporter Since January 2019 Support the show on a ...

Nov 27, 202332 minSeason 15Ep. 36

Richard Diamond: The Charles Johnson Matter (Encore) (EP4244e)

Diamond is hired by a man who insists he was framed for passing counterfeit bills. Original Rebroadcast Date: September 13, 1953 Originating from HollywoodStarring Dick Powell as Richard Diamond The Great Detectives Present Richard Diamond podcast feed 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.greatde...

Nov 26, 202332 minSeason 15Ep. 35

Dragnet: The Sullivan Kidnapping (EP4244)

Todays Mystery:The daughter of the vice-president of a bank is kidnapped. Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 10, 1949 Originating 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; Herb Vigran ost-episode Question: Should AI be used to reconstruct lost episodes of old time radio from existing scripts? Gotham Radio Players Recreation of The Big Cop (Recreation begins at 35...

Nov 25, 202342 minSeason 15Ep. 34

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Shady Lane Matter, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4243)

Today's Mystery:Johnny learns that someone involved in the murder of a farmer's disabled wife has faced a murder charge before. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: July 11, 12, and 13, 1956 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Jeanette Nolan; Forrest Lewis; Shirley Mitchell; Will Wright; Bert Holland; 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 Patreon S...

Nov 24, 202348 minSeason 15Ep. 33

Mr. Chameleon: The Duel to the Death Murder Case (EP4242)

Today's Mystery:Two private detectives are found shot by the police in a way that looks like they killed each other in a duel. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 2, 1949 Originating from New York City Starring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon of the Day: Boz, Patreon Supporter Since April 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 23, 202339 minSeason 15Ep. 32

Dangerous Assignment: Nursery Rhyme (EP4241)

Today's Mystery:Steve goes to Stockholm to investigate a leak from a project the U.S. is participating in. He finds the head of the project murdered, and a nursery rhyme is the only clue to his killer. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 26, 1952 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell; Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner; Ken Peters; Kay Stewart; Tony Barrett; Dan Riss; Herb Vigran Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the...

Nov 22, 202329 minSeason 15Ep. 31

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Shady Lane Matter, Episodes One and Two (EP4240)

Today's Mystery:Johnny goes to a small Vermont town where an anonymously written note implicates a husband in the murder of his disabled, and insured, wife. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: July 9 and 10, 1956 Originated from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Jeanette Nolan; Forrest Lewis; Shirley Mitchell; Will Wright; Bert Holland; John Dehner When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.net Than...

Nov 21, 202340 minSeason 15Ep. 30

Academy Award Theatre: The Maltese Falcon (EP4239)

Today's Mystery: Sam Spade's search for the murderer in his partner puts him in the midst of intrigue among four dangerous characters, all trying to gain possession of an enameled jeweled falcon. Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 3, 1946 Originated from Hollywood Starring: Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade; Mary Astor as Brigid O'Shaughnessy; Sidney Greenstreet as Kasper Gutman; Gerald Mohr Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Charlie, Patreon Suppor...

Nov 20, 202338 minSeason 15Ep. 29

Let George Do It: Cause for Thanksgiving (EP4238s)

Today's Mystery:Riley calls George in to help out a speechless boy who may have witnessed a murder. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 20, 1950 Originated from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as George Valentine; Virginia Gregg as Brooksie; Wally Maher as Lieutenant Riley; Alan Reed; Dick Ryan; Tony Barrett; Jeffrey Silver; Steven Chase 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-tim...

Nov 19, 202337 minSeason 15Ep. 28

Dragnet: Eric Kelby (EP4238)

Todays Mystery:A man reports his wife missing, but investigators suspect murder. Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 3, 1949 Originated from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Harry Morgan as Captain Kearney; Herb Butterfield Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Welcome to our new Patreon Supporters: Ken and Laura Patreon Supporter of the Day: Peter-Patreon Supporter Since April 2020 Support the show on a one-ti...

Nov 18, 202340 minSeason 15Ep. 27

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Midas Touch Matter, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4237)

Today's Mystery:Johnny continues his investigation into the death of three men insured for up to a million dollars each .Original Radio Broadcast Dates: July 4, 5, and 6, 1956O riginated from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Johnny Jacobs; Herb Butterfield; Parley Baer; Barney Phillips; Shepard Menken; Roland Winters Sponsored by Green Archer Comics, makers of the new Yours Truly Johnny Dollar Comic Book series. You can buy the first issue and help crowdfund the s...

Nov 17, 202347 minSeason 15Ep. 26

Mr. Chameleon: The Orphonage Murder Case (EP4236)

Today's Mystery:The matron of an orphanage was murdered after writing a letter indicating that someone looked like one of the orphans. Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 26, 1949 Originated in: New York City Starring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you to our Patreon Supporter of the Day: Mimi Patreon Support SInce February 2016 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam ...

Nov 16, 202335 minSeason 15Ep. 25

Dangerous Assignment: The Private Sanitorium (EP4235)

Today's Mystery:Steve is sent to Bavaria to infiltrate a sanitarium, where an American journalist who is wanted for trumped-up charges behind the Iron Curtain is being held incommunicado. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 19, 1952 Originated in HollywoodStarring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell; Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner; Byron Kane; Paul Frees; Tony Barrett; Jack Kruschen; Jeanne Tatum Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you to our newest Patreon Suppo...

Nov 15, 202330 minSeason 15Ep. 24

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Midas Touch Matter, Episodes One and Two (EP4234)

Today's Mystery:Johnny is sent to Nevada, where three retired investment bankers were killed at a cave-in in a mine in which they'd invested. A local insurance agent suspects murder. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: July 2 and 3, 1956 Originated from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Johnny Jacobs; Herb Butterfield; Parley Baer; Barney Phillips, Shepard Menken; Roland Winters Sponsored by Green Archer Comics, makers of the new Yours Truly Johnny Dollar Comic Book ser...

Nov 14, 202341 minSeason 15Ep. 23