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

Molle Mystery Theatre: Corpus Delecti (EP4454s)

Today's Mystery: A police detective has 48 hours to find proof of the innocence of his brother, who is on death row. Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 17, 1947 Originating in New York Starring: Ken Lynch Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Jim, Patreon Supporter since April 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 listen...

Jul 28, 202434 minSeason 15Ep. 262

Dragnet: The Big Smart Guy (EP4454)

Todays Mystery: A woman is murdered in the apartment she shares with her husband. Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 8, 1950 Originating from Hollywood Starred: 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:Teresa, Patreon Supporter since October 2020 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box...

Jul 27, 202432 minSeason 15Ep. 261

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Melancholy Memory Matter (EP4453)

Today's Mystery: Johnny is called in to investigate the disappearance of a major league pitcher. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 28, 1957 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Lillian Buyeff; Richard Beals; Barney Phillips; Frank Nelson; Harry Bartell; Richard Crenna; Lawrence Dobkin; Tom Hanley When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you t...

Jul 26, 202442 minSeason 15Ep. 260

Mr. Chameleon: The Murder Clue of the Embalmed Body (EP4452)

Today's Mystery: An embalmed body is found in the back of a speeding station wagon. Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 14, 1949 Originating from New York City Starring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon; Frank Butler as Sergeant Dave Arnold Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Jeff, Patreon Supporter since July 2020 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 1591...

Jul 25, 202435 minSeason 15Ep. 259

Broadway's My Beat: Ruth Jennings (EP4451)

Today's Mystery: Danny has to mediate between a young woman who wants to find her father, and her ex-convict father, who wants the state to tell her that he's dead. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 22, 1949 Originating in New York City Starring: Anthony Ross as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Art Carney; Jean Carson; Nancy Franklin; Charles Penman; Julian Noa; Paul Luther Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: James, Patreon Supporter since June ...

Jul 24, 202437 minSeason 15Ep. 258

Bulldog Drummond: Murder in the Death House (EP4450)

Today's Mystery: Bulldog Drummond goes to visit a man he sent to death row, who has information he wants to trade for clemency. Drummond finds him dead in his cell. Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 10, 1945 Originating in New York Starring: Ned Wever as Bulldog Drummond; Luis Van Rooten as Denny Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: GbO, Patreon Supporter Since December 2022 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.gre...

Jul 23, 202436 minSeason 15Ep. 257

The Falcon: The Case of the Witty Widow (EP4449)

Today's Mystery:A blackmailer is murdered and suspicion falls on the woman he was blackmailing. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 18, 1951 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as the Falcon; Ken Lynch as Sergeant Corbett Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Mike, Patreon Supporter since March 2023 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 8371...

Jul 22, 202434 minSeason 15Ep. 256

Dragnet: The Big Fake (EP4448)

Today's Mystery: A man accuses a police officer of robbing and beating him. Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 1, 1950 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: Jim, 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, Boise, Idaho 8371...

Jul 20, 202433 minSeason 15Ep. 255

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Ming Toy Murphy Matter (EP4447)

Today's Mystery: Johnny is called in by an eccentric insured man to find his missing "talking" Pekinese dog. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 14, 1957 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; G. Stanley Jones; Herb Ellis; Joseph Kearns; Jay Novello; Bill James; 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 Supporter o...

Jul 19, 202437 minSeason 15Ep. 254

Mr. Chameleon: The Case of the Snarling Corpse (EP4446)

Today's Mystery: Mr. Chameleon is called in when a doctor suspects that a man who died of lockjaw was actually murdered. Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 7, 1949 Originating from New York City Starring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon; Frank Butler as Sergeant Dave Arnold Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Diane, Patreon Supporter since July 2022 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a ...

Jul 18, 202440 minSeason 15Ep. 253

Broadway's My Beat: The Rita Rondell Murder Case (EP4445)

Today's Mystery: A young businessman from Arkansas reports that a woman tried to blackmail him. Then she's found dead. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 1, 1949 Originating in New York CityStarring: Anthony Ross as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Jeanne Carson; John Forsyth Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Harold, Patreon Supporter since September 2017. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donati...

Jul 17, 202442 minSeason 15Ep. 252

Bulldog Drummond: Help Wanted (EP4444)

Today's Mystery:Captain Drummond leaves town on a train. A man dies while asking him to be paged at the train station. Denny hires his own valet and sets out to solve the case himself. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 13, 1945 Originating in New York Starring: Luis Van Rooten as Denny Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Cathy, Patreon Supporter since February 2024 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives...

Jul 16, 202439 minSeason 15Ep. 251

The Falcon: The Case of the Unsilent Butler (EP4443)

Today's Mystery:Mike has to protect a model for a new oil detector from an unscrupulous private investigator. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 11, 1951 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as the Falcon; Ralph Bell; Maurice Tarplin; Elspeth Eric Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Steve, Patreon Supporter since May 201 9Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box...

Jul 15, 202436 minSeason 15Ep. 250

Ellery Queen: The Vanishing Magician (Encore) (EP4442e)

An old vaudeville magician makes a wager for $25,000 that he can disappear from a house under the nose of New York’s finest. Original Air Date: November 6, 1943 Originating in New York Starring Sidney Smith as Ellery Queen Support the show monthly at https://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… http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a c...

Jul 14, 202437 minSeason 15Ep. 249

Ellery Queen: Adventure of the Circus Train (Encore) (EP4442)

A long-time circus owner is murdered on a train. Original Air Date: March 27, 1943 Originated in New York Stars: Carleton Young as Ellery Queen Support the show monthly at https://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… http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives...

Jul 13, 202438 minSeason 15Ep. 248

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Alvin Summers Matter Omnibus (Encore) (EP4441)

Today's Mystery:Johnny goes to Mexico in search of a man who embezzled $75,000 Original Radio Broadcast Dates:October 24-28, 1955 Originated from HollywoodStars: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar, Virginia Gregg, Marvin Miller, Don Diamond, Tony Barrett, Parley BaerIncludes portion of interview with John Abbott. Listen to the full interview here . When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Take the list...

Jul 12, 20241 hr 23 minSeason 15Ep. 247

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Valentine Matter Omnibus (Encore) (EP4440)

Today's Mystery: Johnny initially comes to New Orleans to investigate a hotel theft but becomes involved in finding out who’s making attempts on life of a retired Prohibition-era Racketeer Original Radio Broadcast Dates: October 31-November 4, 1955 Originated from Hollywood Stars: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar, Lillian Buyeff, Betty Lou Gerson, Barney Phillips, Will Wright, Forrest Lewis, Marvin Miller, Jay Novello, Jack Moyles When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Bec...

Jul 11, 20241 hr 14 minSeason 15Ep. 246

Forecast: Deductions Deluxe: The Problem of the Painted Poodle (Encore) (EP4439)

Private Detective Roger Boon is called in to find out why a wealthy woman’s poodle was painted green. Originated in Hollywood Starring: Adolphe Menjou, Verree Teasdale Original Air Date: July 28, 1941 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… http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Become one of...

Jul 10, 202440 minSeason 15Ep. 245

The Thin Man: Nora's Night Out (Encore) (EP4438)

Nora is out all night, breaks a mirror, and asks another man to marry her. Nick suspects she's been drugged. Things get even more serious when they find a corpse. Original Air Date: October 6, 1944 Originating in New YorkStarring David Gothard as Nick Charles, Claudia Morgan as Nora Charles Support the show monthly at https://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 Ta...

Jul 09, 202429 minSeason 15Ep. 244

The Thin Man: The Case of the Wandering Corpse (Encore) (EP4437)

A corpse disappears along with a necklace, Nick bought for Nora as an anniversary present, and its place is another corpse. Original Air Date: October 10, 1943 Originating in New YorkStarred: Les Damon as Nick Charles, Claudia Morgan as Nora Charles Support the show monthly at https://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.gr...

Jul 08, 202433 minSeason 15Ep. 243

Lux Radio Theater: The Thin Man (Encore) (EP4436e)

Nick Charles, a retired private detective, is drawn back to detection with the insistence of his wife, Nora, when a former client is suspected of several murders. Original Air Date: June 8, 1936 Originating in Hollywood Starring: William Powell as Nick Charles; Myrna Loy as Nora Charles Support the show monthly at https://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 t...

Jul 07, 20241 hr 8 minSeason 15Ep. 242

Dragnet: The Big Key (EP4436)

Todays Mystery:The big clue to who left a woman's body in a churchyard is a key found near her body. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 25, 1950 Originating from HollywoodStarring: 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: Shannon, Patreon Supporter since August 2023 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO B...

Jul 06, 202436 minSeason 15Ep. 241

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Clever Chemist Matter (EP4435)

Today's Mystery:Johnny is sent to New Jersey to investigate an allegation by an insured's daughter that her father, a famous chemist, was pressured into changing his beneficiary to his research partner. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 17, 1957 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Harry Bartell; Howard McNear; Forrest Lewis; Jack Kruschen; Russell Thorson; Frank Gerstle; Bob Bruce When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com B...

Jul 05, 202437 minSeason 15Ep. 240

Mr. Chameleon: The Mistreated Wife Murder Case (EP4434)

Today's Mystery:Mr. Chameleon investigates the murder of a wealthy abusive husband. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 31, 1941 Originating from New York CityStarring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon; Frank Butler as Sergeant Dave Arnold Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Loren, Patreon Supporter since September 2021 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15...

Jul 04, 202442 minSeason 15Ep. 239

Broadway's My Beat: A Fixed Prize Fight (EP4433)

Today's Mystery:Danny suspects a prize fight involving a promising young boxer is going to be fixed. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 27, 1949 Originating in New York CityStarring: Anthony Ross as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Gilbert Mack; Jean Carson; Julie Stevens; William Quinn; James Goss; Peter Capell; Paul Luther; Ted Jewett Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Lisa, Patreon supporter since October 2021 Support the show on a one-time...

Jul 03, 202440 minSeason 15Ep. 238

Bulldog Drummond: The Dinner of Death (EP4432)

Today's Mystery:The District Attorney is poisoned with a cocktail before a banquet honoring a crusading reporter. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 23, 1945 Today’s program was provided by Radio Archives. Email [email protected] to get a free audiobook, a free ebook, and free old time radio collection. Originating in New YorkStarring: Ned Wever as Bulldog Drummond; Luis Van Rooten as Denny; Larry Haines Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Support...

Jul 02, 202438 minSeason 15Ep. 237

The Falcon: The Case of the Gangster's Girl (EP4431)

Today's Mystery:The girlfriend of a man in the numbers racket hires The Falcon to get her boyfriend sent to prison so she can get away from him. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 4, 1951 Originating from New YorkStarring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Jan Miner; Larry Haines; Bill Zuckert Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Ken, Patreon Supporter since November 2023 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a ...

Jul 01, 202431 minSeason 15Ep. 236

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Chesapeake Fraud Matter Omnibus (Encore) (EP4430e)

Today's Mystery:Johnny goes to Baltimore to investigate a credible report of an allegedly dead man, whose insurance policy was paid out, being seen alive in Denver. Original Release Date: September 7, 2014 Original Radio Broadcast Dates: October 17-21, 1955 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Jeanne Bates; D. J. Thompson; Hy Averback; Will Wright; John Dehner; Tony Barrett; Paul Dubov; Forrest Lewis When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com ...

Jun 30, 20241 hr 10 minSeason 15Ep. 235

Dragnet: The Big Pug (EP4430)

Today's Mystery:Joe Friday and Ben Romero search for two men who robbed and beat an elderly cafe owner. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 18, 1950 Originating from HollywoodStarring: 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: Sarah Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, I...

Jun 29, 202437 minSeason 15Ep. 234

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Suntan Oil Matter (EP4429)

Today's Mystery:Johnny goes to Palm Springs to investigate the theft of a $75,000 necklace owned by the wife of a wealthy wildcat oilman. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 10, 1957 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Barbara Eiler; Paula Winslowe; Forrest Lewis; Frank Nelson; Sam Edwards; Austin Green; Shepard Menken When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you to o...

Jun 28, 202437 minSeason 15Ep. 233