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

Sherlock Holmes: The Red Headed League (Encore) (EP4593)

Today’s Mystery: Sherlock Holmes investigates the case of a man who was hired to do nominal work for a mysterious league of red-headed men. Original Air Date: October 12, 1947Originating in New York Starring: John Stanley as Sherlock Holmes and Alfred Shirley as Doctor Watson 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 ...

Jan 06, 202534 minEp 78Transcript available on Metacast

NBC University Theater: Trent’s Last Case (Encore) (EP4592e)

Today's Mystery: Amateur detective Philip Trent tells the story of the case that ended his detective career. Original Air Date: July 30, 1950 Originating in Hollywood Starring Dan O'Herlihy as Philip Trent 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.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-...

Jan 05, 20251 hr 2 minEp 77Transcript available on Metacast

Miss Pinkerton Incorporated (Encore) (EP4592)

Today's Mystery: A young female law student inherits her uncle’s detective agency, planning to sell it, but decides to take on a job guarding a priceless emerald. Original Air Date: July 12, 1941 Originating in Hollywood Starring Joan Blondell and Dick Powell For more series with one or two episodes in circulation, check out the Rare Detectives of Old TIme Radio feed . Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdete...

Jan 04, 202536 minEp 76Transcript available on Metacast

San Francisco Final (Encore) (EP4591)

Today's Mystery: Reporter Mike Rivera investigates mass extortion in Chinatown. Recorded: July 26, 1954 Originating in Hollywood Starring Jeff Chandler as Mike Rivera For more series with one or two episodes in circulation, check out the Rare Detectives of Old TIme Radio feed . 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 listen...

Jan 03, 202533 minEp 75Transcript available on Metacast

The Lone Wolf: The Golden Santa (Encore) (EP4590)

Today's Mystery: A woman gets Michael to help her search for her six-inch-high golden statue of Santa Claus. Original Air Date: January 1, 1949 Originating in Hollywood Starring Walter Loy as Michael Lanyard For more series with one or two episodes in circulation, check out the Rare Detectives of Old TIme Radio feed . 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 ...

Jan 02, 202532 minEp 74Transcript available on Metacast

Casey, Crime Photographer: Hot New Year’s Eve Party (Encore) (EP4589)

Today's Mystery: Casey and Ann begin the New Year by looking into an arson/murder and the related kidnapping of a college professor. Original Air Date: January 1, 1948 Originating in New YorkStarring Staats Cotsworth as Casey 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.greatdetectives.net Give u...

Jan 01, 202539 minEp 73Transcript available on Metacast

Let George Do It: Needle in the Haystack (Encore) (EP4588)

Today's Mystery: A florist from Mexico City hires George to find a dozen roses in Pasadena ... during the Tournament of Roses. Murder follows. Original Air Date: January 2, 1950 Originating in Hollywood Starring Bob Bailey as George Valentine and Virginia Gregg as Brooksie 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 su...

Dec 31, 202433 minEp 72Transcript available on Metacast

Philip Marlowe: The House that Jacqueline Built (Encore) (EP4587)

Marlowe is hired to find a missing house on New Year’s Eve.Original Air Date: December 31, 1949 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Gerald Mohr as Philip Marlowe 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.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagr...

Dec 30, 202434 minEp 71Transcript available on Metacast

Lux Radio Theater: Captain Carey, USA (Encore) (EP4586e)

Today's Mystery: A former O.S.S. officer returns to Italy after World War II to locate the person who betrayed him and his compatriots to the Nazis. Original Air Date: February 2, 1953Originating in Hollywood Starring Charlton Heston as Webster Carey 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....

Dec 29, 20241 hr 6 minEp 70Transcript available on Metacast

Dragnet: The Big Church (EP4586)

Today's Mystery: A woman reports receiving threats for attending a new church. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 2, 1950 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Virginia Gregg Support the show monthly at 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: Adam Graham, PO Box...

Dec 28, 202432 minEp 69Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Bum Steer Matter (EP4585)

Today's Mystery:Johnny gets a mysterious invitation to a ranch in Colorado and finds the insured owner dead of anthrax. The owner's daughter suspects murder. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 6, 1957 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Jeanne Tatum; Will Wright; Jack Edwards; Howard McNear; Sam Edwards; Forrest Lewis When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at https://patreon.greatdet...

Dec 27, 202434 minEp 68Transcript available on Metacast

Mr. and Mrs. North: The Mystery of the Triggerman (EP4584)

Today's Mystery:An ex-con wants the Norths' help to save a man his boss asked him to kill. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 30, 1945 Originating from New York CityStarring: Joseph Curtain as Jerry North; Alice Frost as Pamela North; Ralph Bell Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.ne t Patreon Supporter of the Day: Cathy, 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 B...

Dec 26, 202437 minEp 65Transcript available on Metacast

Broadway's My Beat: The Dion Hartley Murder Case (EP4583)

Today's Mystery:A satirist with many enemies offers Danny $50,000 to his favorite charity to prevent his murder. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 17, 1950 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Mugavin; Anne Stone; Virginia Gregg; Elliott Reid; Ted Osborne; Bert Holland Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: James, Patreon supporte...

Dec 25, 202441 minEp 66Transcript available on Metacast

This is Your FBI: The Return of Saint Nick (EP4582)

Today's Mystery: FBI Special Agent Jim Taylor delays his vacation home. to find a Settlement House Santa Claus who disappeared. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 22, 1950 Starring Stacy Harris as Special Agent Jim Taylor, Jeffrey Silver, Peggy Webber, Roland Winters, Victor Rodman Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Kerry, Patreon Supporter since November 2018 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail ...

Dec 24, 202439 minEp 63Transcript available on Metacast

The Falcon: The Case of the Unwelcome Christmas Present (EP4581)

Today's Mystery: A man who bought a fur coat goes for his girlfriend for Christmas turns to The Falcon when dangerous people want it back. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 24, 1950 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Larry Haines; Ralph Bell Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: James, Patreon supporter since July 2022 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Ada...

Dec 23, 202432 minEp 64Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Nick Shurn Matter Omnibus (EP4580s)

Today's Mystery: At Christmastime, Johnny has to find a beautiful woman, who is the only one who knows the truth behind the murder of a New York club owner, before the killer does. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: December 19-23, 1956 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Peggy Webber; Don Diamond; Ben Wright; Jack Kruschen; Barney Phillips; Sam Edwards; Ken Christy When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Pat...

Dec 22, 20241 hr 24 minEp 63Transcript available on Metacast

Dragnet: Production 8 (aka the Big Missing/Juanita Lasky) (EP4580)

Todays Mystery: At Christmastime, Joe Friday and Ben Romero try to find a missing daughter from Utah. Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 28, 1949 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Raymond Burr as Sergeant Ed Backstrand, Chief of Detectives; Herb Butterfield Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Russell, Patreon Supporter since October 2016. Support the show on a one-tim...

Dec 21, 202440 minEp 62Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Missing Mouse Matter (EP4579)

Today's Mystery: Johnny is called in around Christmas to find a "singing mouse" that disappeared from a wealthy man's house ahead of a performance at a children's hospital. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 23, 1956 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Mary Jane Croft; Howard McNear; Parley Baer; G. Stanley Jones; Bill James; Lawrence Dobkin; Richard Beals When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at...

Dec 20, 202436 minEp 61Transcript available on Metacast

Mr. and Mrs. North: Frisbie Proves His Point (EP4578)

Today's Mystery: When a mystery tries to stage a mock murder in the middle of a crowd in Times Square, the Norths find themselves in a real murder. Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 17, 1945 Originated from New York City Starred: Joseph Curtain as Jerry North, Alice Frost as Pamela North Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: James, Patreon Supporter since March 2020 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives...

Dec 19, 202438 minEp 60Transcript available on Metacast

Broadway's My Beat: Nick Norman, Santa Claus (EP4577)

Today's Mystery: On Christmas Eve, a recently released convict who's set to play Santa Claus at a Police Athletic League club Christmas party is taken away in a big car by mobsters. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 24, 1949 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Howard McNear; Gil Stratton; Shepard Menken; Peggy Webber; Hal March; Bert Holland; Estelle Dodge Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdete...

Dec 18, 202436 minEp 59Transcript available on Metacast

Martin Kane: October 29, 1953 (EP4576)

Today's Mystery:Martin Kane is hired by a man accused of robbery and murder to find the gun and the real killer. Original Air Date: October 29, 1953 Originating in New YorkStarring: Mark Stevens at Martin Kane; King Calder as Lieutenant Gray Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Shiralee, Patreon Supporter since March 2018 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 159...

Dec 17, 202434 minEp 58Transcript available on Metacast

The Falcon: The Case of the Gold Ring (EP4575)

Today's Mystery: While on vacation in the Florida Keys, Waring gets mixed up in a murder when a woman comes to his room to plead for his help with a dangerous Cuban criminal. Rehearsal of program that aired on February 21, 1952 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The FalconSupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Scott, Patreon supporter since June 2016 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a don...

Dec 16, 202435 minEp 57Transcript available on Metacast

Police Blotter: Homicide by Hurricane (Encore) (EP4574e)

An inventor is killed by his own wind tunnel. Original Air Date: 1957 Originating in New York Starring: Bill Zuckert as Sergeant Brad Peters 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.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectiv...

Dec 15, 202431 minEp 56Transcript available on Metacast

Dragnet: The Big Meet (EP4574)

Today's Mystery: Joe Friday goes undercover to complete a large drug buy. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 26, 1950 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Stacy Harris; Herb Butterfield Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Vincent, Patreon supporter since June 2019. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Gra...

Dec 14, 202438 minEp 55Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Doubtful Dairy Matter (EP4553)

Today's Mystery: Johnny is called in to investigate a fire that destroyed a silo at a dairy ranch. Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 9, 1957 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Paul Dubov; Will Wright; John Dehner; Harry Bartell; Parley Baer; Forrest Lewis 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: Delilah, Patreon...

Dec 13, 202431 minEp 54Transcript available on Metacast

Mr. and Mrs. North: The Norths Discover Christopher Columbus (EP4572)

Today's Mystery: On the eve of Columbus Day, the Norths see a man dressed as Christopher Columbus jump out of a building. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 11, 1944 Originating from New York City Starring: Joseph Curtain as Jerry North; Alice Frost as Pamela North; Frank Lovejoy Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: James, Patreon Supporter since July 2022 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail...

Dec 12, 202435 minEp 53Transcript available on Metacast

Broadway's My Beat: The Julie Dixon Murder Case (EP4571)

Today's Mystery: Danny investigates the disappearance of a "Cinderella girl" who is engaged to a high priced lawyer. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 10, 1950 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jay Novello; Junius Matthews; Lawrence Dobkin; Virginia Gregg; Vivi Janis; William Johnstone Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Allan, Patreon supporter sinc...

Dec 11, 202436 minEp 52Transcript available on Metacast

Operation Danger (EP4570)

Today's Mystery: A Captain in Army Counter-intelligence teams up with a British Intelligence Agent to track down the source of diamonds to finance a new Nazi plan. Audition Date: June 25, 1950 Originating in Hollywood Starring Howard Culver as Captain Ethan Allen Rogers, Joan Banks, Ben Wright, Paul Frees, Theodore Von Eltz, Fritz Feld, Rick Vallen 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....

Dec 10, 202437 minEp 51Transcript available on Metacast

The Falcon: The Case of the Missing Patient (EP4569)

Today's Mystery: The widow of a kindly doctor is accused of his murder but she suspects a rough-looking character who showed up for medical care and then disappeared. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 17, 1952 Originating from New York Starred: Les Damon as the Falcon, Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corbett, Larry Haines Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Doug, Patreon Supporter since September 2023 Support the show on a one-time basis at http:...

Dec 09, 202435 minEp 50Transcript available on Metacast

Hearthstone of the Death Squad: The Unheeded Warning Murder Case (Encore) (EP4568e)

A secretary is warned to leave her job, and a murder occurs in her office. Original Air Date: August 30, 1951 Originating in New York Starring Alfred Shirley as Inspector Hearthstone 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.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Insta...

Dec 08, 202435 minEp 49Transcript available on Metacast