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

Bulldog Drummond: The Island of Death (EP4516)

Today's Mystery:Captain Drummond and Denny pursue an escapee from a mental asylum with homicidal intentions across an isolated island. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 12, 1948 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: Daniel, Patreon supporter since October 2023. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation...

Oct 08, 202431 minSeason 15Ep. 331

The Falcon: The Case of the Broken Fingerprint (EP4515)

Today's Mystery: A man who is having an affair is murdered. Original Radio Broadcast Date:June 20, 1951 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: Pam, Patreon Supporter since February 2024 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 ht...

Oct 07, 202433 minSeason 15Ep. 330

Old Time Radio Snack Wagon Smorgasboard (EP4514e)

In August 2023, we launched the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon, featuring a variety of short old time radio programs. In this episode, we offer five samples of the type of programs we feature on the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon. Family Doctor: False Witness "Hello there, this is the Family Doctor...." Join us as we travel back in time to a small town, where Doctor Grant Adams dispenses medicine for the body and common sense advice for the soul, in this little-known family drama series from the 1930s. ...

Oct 06, 20241 hr 24 minSeason 15Ep. 329

Dragnet: The Big Youngster (EP4514)

Today's Mystery: Joe Friday and Ben Romero investigate when a young lawyer's office is vandalized. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 17, 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:Alexandra, Patreon Supporter since September 2016. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donat...

Oct 05, 202432 minSeason 15Ep. 328

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Heatherstone Players Matter (EP4513)

Today's Mystery: Johnny is called in to protect a Shakespearean actor and producer who is hated by everyone in a Shakespearean radio festival he's putting on. Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 14, 1957 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Lawrence Dobkin; Richard Crenna; Sam Edwards; Frank Gerstle; Herb Vigran; Hans Conried Article on Yours Truly Johnny Dollar returning to the air in Iran. When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollara...

Oct 04, 202451 minSeason 15Ep. 327

Mr. and Mrs. North: The Contagious Confession (EP4512)

Today's Mystery: Lieutenant Weigand calls the Norths in on the case of the murder of a wealthy man where multiple conflicting confessions have gone him baffled. Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 22, 1943 Originating from New York City Starring: Joseph Curtain as Jerry North; Alice Frost as Pamela North; Frank Lovejoy as Bill Weigand Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day:James, Patreon supporter since June 2015 Support the show on a on...

Oct 03, 202436 minSeason 15Ep. 326

Broadway's My Beat: The Eugene Bullock Murder Case (EP4511)

Today's Mystery:A visitor to New York is found dead in a rundown sanitarium, and he is missing $5,000. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 19, 1949Originating in Hollywood Starring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jerry Hausner; Bea Benaderet; Alan Reed; Tony Barrett; Joseph Kearns; Georgia Ellis Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Philip, Patreon Supporter since June 2023. Support th...

Oct 02, 202442 minSeason 15Ep. 325

Bulldog Drummond: Murder Has an Open Mind (EP4510)

Today's Mystery: A woman feigns a horseriding accident to get Bulldog Drummond's help and tells him to go to a Penny Arcade and speak to a mentalist. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 28, 1948 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: Jesse, Patreon Supporter since June 2016. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Ma...

Oct 01, 202433 minSeason 15Ep. 324

The Falcon: The Case of the Sweet Swindle (EP4509)

Today's Mystery: An unethical competing detective tries to pass off a young woman as the long-lost daughter of a friend of The Falcon. Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 13, 1951 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Florence Halop; Jackson Beck; Ralph Bell Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Joanna, Patreon Supporter since June 2022. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donati...

Sep 30, 202436 minSeason 15Ep. 323

Campbell's Playhouse: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Encore) (EP4508e)

While trying to retire, Poirot investigates the murder of a rich man in the country. Original Air Date: November 12, 1939 Originating in New York Starring: Orson Welles as Hercules Poirot and Dr. Sheppard; Edna May Oliver as Caroline Shepherd; Alan Napier; Brenda Forbes; Mary Taylor; George Colouris; Ray Collins; Everett Sloane 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 Bo...

Sep 29, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 15Ep. 322

Dragnet: The Big Actor (EP4508)

Today's Mystery: Joe Friday and Ben Romero investigate the theft of narcotics from a Catholic hospital pharmacy. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 10, 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: Christine, Patreon supporter since July 2020. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Ma...

Sep 28, 202440 minSeason 15Ep. 321

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Felicity Feline Matter (EP4507)

Today's Mystery: Johnny goes to Reno to find out who is trying to kill a cat whose owner left him $60,000. Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 7, 1957 Originated from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Jack Edwards; Howard McNear; Edgar Barrier; Chester Stratton; Virginia Gregg; Will Wright; Joan Banks; Bill James 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...

Sep 27, 202436 minSeason 15Ep. 320

Mr. and Mrs. North: Murder by the Book (EP4506)

Today's Mystery: The uncle of an aspiring author pulls a gun on Jerry and is shot in the scuffle. He's found dead from a knife wound. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 2, 1943 Originating from New York City Starring: Joseph Curtin as Jerry North; Alice Frost as Pamela North; Maurice Tarplin as Lieutenant Bill Weigand Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Shannon, Patreon Supporter since January 2023 Support the show on a one-time basis a...

Sep 26, 202439 minSeason 15Ep. 319

Broadway's My Beat: The Sgt. Gordon Ellis Murder Case (EP4505)

Today's Mystery: An upstate police officer is murdered while transporting a prisoner who had been about to turn state's evidence. The prisoner then escapes. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 12, 1949 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jane Morgan; Peggy Webber; Doris Singleton; Joseph Kearns; Herb Butterfield; Sidney Miller Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of ...

Sep 25, 202436 minSeason 15Ep. 318

Bulldog Drummond: Devil Flats (EP4504)

Today's Mystery: Captain Drummond goes to a ghost town rumored to be haunted, in order to investigate the disappearance of an Eastern reporter. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 21, 1948 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: Jeremy, Patreon supporter since February 2016 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail...

Sep 24, 202430 minSeason 15Ep. 317

The Falcon: The Case of the Proud Papa (EP4503)

Today's Mystery: A woman, who was trying to con a gullible married man into robbing his loan shark father-in-law, is murdered. Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 6, 1951 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 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idah...

Sep 23, 202438 minSeason 15Ep. 316

Escape: The Target (EP4502s)

Today's Mystery: An insurance investigator has tracked a man, who embezzled $100,000, to Chile. Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 18, 1954 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Whitfield Connor as Vic Kennedy; Jay Novello; Mary Jane Croft; Herb Butterfield; Hans Conreid Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Mimi, Patreon Supporter since February 2016. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a don...

Sep 22, 202436 minSeason 15Ep. 315

Dragnet: The Big Dare (EP4502)

Today's Mystery: Joe Friday and Ben Romero investigate the murder of a woman who was found in her own home. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 3, 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: David, Patreon Supporter since March 2021 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donat...

Sep 21, 202432 minSeason 15Ep. 314

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Funny Money Matter (EP4501)

Today's Mystery: Johnny goes to Oklahoma to investigate an insured man who paid $4,500 in annual insurance premiums with counterfeit money. Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 30, 1957 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; G. Stanley Jones; John McIntire 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: Sean, Patre...

Sep 20, 202438 minSeason 15Ep. 313

Mr. and Mrs. North: Russian Restaurant Murder (EP4500)

Today's Mystery: A hat check girl in a Russian restaurant is murdered.Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 2, 1943 Originating from New York City Starring: Joseph Curtin as Jerry North; Alice Frost as Pamela North, Maurice Tarplin as Lieutenant Bill Weigand Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Stephanie, Patreon supporter since March 2020. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Ad...

Sep 19, 202438 minSeason 15Ep. 312

Broadway's My Beat: The Mei Ling Murder Case (EP4499)

Today's Mystery: Danny investigates the murder of a woman who'd been carrying a valuable statue smuggled out of China. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 5, 1949 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Barton Yarborough; William Conrad; Junius Matthews; Jerry Hausner Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Will, Patreon Supporter since February 2019 Support the...

Sep 18, 202437 minSeason 15Ep. 311

Bulldog Drummond: Death Loops the Loop (EP4498)

Today's Mystery:The owner of a small amusement park dies of heart failure on a roller coaster. His daughter suspects murder and turns to Captain Drummond for help. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 10, 1948 Originating in New York Starring: Ned Wever as Bulldog Drummond; Luis Van Rooten as Denny; Mercedes McCambridge Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Carissa, Patreon supporter since March 2024. Support the show on a one-time basis at...

Sep 17, 202434 minSeason 15Ep. 310

The Falcon: The Case of the Unwelcome Wife (EP4497)

Today's Mystery: A manager of a gambling den faces death if he doesn't recover $100,000 he embezzled to give to a conwoman. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 27, 1951 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Maurice Tarplin; Bill Zuckert Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Rae, 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...

Sep 16, 202441 minSeason 15Ep. 309

Escape: The Red Forest (EP4496s)

Special brought to you by the request of Chief of Detectives Patreon Fats Today's Story: A motorist finds himself trapped in a Western wildfire. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 2, 1953 Originating in Hollywood Starring: William Conrad as Wally; Georgia Ellis as Jan; Parley Baer; John Dehner; Jay Novello; Tom Tully Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Fats, Patreon Supporter since May 2024 Support the show on a one-time basis at http:...

Sep 15, 202443 minSeason 15Ep. 308

Dragnet: The Big Gent, Part Two (EP4496)

Today's Mystery: Joe Friday and Ben Romero continue their search for a robber and murderer. Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 27, 1950 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Peggy Webber; Barney Phillips; and Herb Butterfield Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Michael, Patreon supporter since March 2016. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetecti...

Sep 14, 202447 minSeason 15Ep. 307

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Parley Barron Matter (EP4495)

Today's Mystery: Johnny investigates the disappearance of a retired chemist. Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 23, 1957 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Lawrence Dobkin; Jeanette Nolan; Will Wright; Harry Bartell; Virginia Gregg; Barney Phillips; Stacy Harris 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: Jennifer, Patre...

Sep 13, 202450 minSeason 15Ep. 306

Mr. Chameleon: The Party Girl Murder Case (EP4494)

Today's Mystery: A disabled man's wife, who had worked as an escort, is murdered. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 16, 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: BookGeek28 Patreon Supporter Since December 2021 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Bo...

Sep 12, 202447 minSeason 15Ep. 305

Broadway's My Beat: The Val Dane Murder Case (EP4493)

Today's Mystery: A famous author is found dead of starvation in a locked room full of canned food. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 25, 1949 Originated in Hollywood Stars: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover, Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia, William Conrad Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Julie, Patreon Supporter since August 2018. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a dona...

Sep 11, 202438 minSeason 15Ep. 304

Bulldog Drummond: Death Rides a Racehorse (EP4492)

Today's Mystery: A horse-racing jockey calls Captain Drummond for help but is murdered before Drummond can speak to him. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 3, 1948 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: 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...

Sep 10, 202432 minSeason 15Ep. 303

The Falcon: The Case of the Curious Cop (EP4491)

Today's Mystery: A policeman disappears while trying to shake down a gambling joint owner. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 20, 1951 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Ken Lynch as Sergeant Corbett; Mandel Kramer Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Mark, Patreon supporter since January 2016. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise,...

Sep 09, 202447 minSeason 15Ep. 302