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

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The McCormack Matter Omnibus Edition (Encore) (EP4273)

A dying prisoner sends Johnny searching for $100,000 in stolen jewels that were never recovered; murder follows. Original Air Dates: October 3-7, 1955 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Mary Jane Croft; Virginia Gregg; Marvin Miller; Forrest Lewis; Frank Gerstle; Herb Butterfield; Herb Ellis; Tony Barrett; Ken Christy; Jack Kruschen; Junius Matthews Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdet...

Dec 29, 20231 hr 11 minEp 68Transcript available on Metacast

Mercury Theatre: The Man Who Was Thursday (Encore) (EP4272)

Today's Mystery: In G.K. Chesterton’s classic, Gabriel Syme (Orson Welles) is a police detective infiltrating the anarchist council of Europe. Original Air Date: September 5, 1938Originating in New YorkStarring: Orson Welles; Eustace Wyatt; Edgar Barrier; Joseph Cotten; George Coulouris; Ray Collins 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 T...

Dec 28, 20231 hr 3 minEp 67Transcript available on Metacast

Screen Director's Playhouse: Spellbound (Encore) (EP4271)

Today's Mystery: A psychiatrist tries to unravel the mystery of a man who believes he murdered another psychiatrist. Will she find out the truth or become his next victim? Original Air Date: January 25, 1951 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Mercedes McCambridge; Joseph Cotten; Herb Butterfield; Howard McNear; William Tracy; James Nusser; John Blyforce Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donat...

Dec 27, 20231 hr 6 minEp 66Transcript available on Metacast

The Ford Theatre: The Adventure of a Bad Boy (Encore) (EP4270)

Today's Mystery: Ellery Queen investigates the attempted poisoning of a cantankerous woman. The most obvious suspect is her eight-year-old nephew. Original Air Date: January 4, 1948 Originating in New York Starring: Hugh Marlowe as Ellery Queen; Santos Ortega; Ted de Corsia; Sarah Fussell; Anne Seymour; John Gibson 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, Boi...

Dec 26, 20231 hr 9 minEp 65Transcript available on Metacast

The Saint: Santa Claus is No Saint (Encore) (EP4269)

Today's Mystery: While dressed as Santa, Simon is mistaken for a man who made off with an expensive necklace. Simon spends Christmas Eve trying to catch a thief and a murderer. Original Air Date: December 24, 1950 Originating in HollywoodStarring: Simon Templar 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://surv...

Dec 25, 202334 minEp 64Transcript available on Metacast

Campbell’s Playhouse: There’s Always A Woman (Encore) (EP4268e)

Today's Mystery: A private detective (Orson Welles) decides to give up on his one-man agency and go back to his job with the DA, but his wife is determined to make the agency work and finds herself investigating a murder case that makes life difficult for her husband. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 17, 1939 riginating from HollywoodStarring: Orson Welles; Marie Wilson; Richard Wilson; Everett Sloane; Mary Taylor; Frank Readick Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Supp...

Dec 24, 20231 hr 4 minEp 63Transcript available on Metacast

Dragnet: The Big Little Jesus (EP4268)

Today's Mystery:Friday and Smith search for a statue of the child Jesus stolen from a church on Christmas Eve. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 22, 1953 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Ben Alexander as Officer Frank Smith; Herb Vigran; Ralph Moody Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Welcome to our newest Patreon Supporter, Liz! Patreon Supporter of the Day: Sergey since May 2020 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://suppor...

Dec 23, 202345 minEp 62Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Nick Shurn Matter, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4267)

Today's Mystery:Johnny is in a quaint Michigan town on Christmas Eve and has to find a witness to a murder before a hired killer does. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: December 21, 22, and 23, 1955 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 Nick Shurn Episode 4 Animation When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon S...

Dec 22, 202351 minEp 61Transcript available on Metacast

Mr. Chameleon: The Woman's Weapon Murder Case (EP4266)

Today's Mystery:Mr. Chameleon reopens the case of a woman convicted of murdering her mother-in-law with poisoned candy. He is determined to get her freed in time for Christmas. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 22, 1948 Originating from New York CityStarring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Podcast Guests: Ron Ecklebarger of Classic Comedy of Old Time Radio , Andrew Rhynes of OTRWesterns , Vinny of I Love Old Time Radio Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Suppo...

Dec 21, 202346 minEp 60Transcript available on Metacast

Dangerous Assignment: Lecturing Professors (EP4265)

Today's Mystery: The son of a lecturing professor is missing from a boarding school in Stockholm and Steve needs to find him in order to break up an international spy ring. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 24, 1952 Originated in Hollywood Stars: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Ron, Patreon Supporter Since May 2020 I appear on I Love Old Time Radio as part of the Roun...

Dec 20, 202342 minEp 59Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Nick Shurn Matter, Episodes One and Two (EP4264)

Today's Mystery:Johnny suspects that a mobster murdered his business partner and has to find the only witness before the mobster does. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: December 19 and 20, 1955 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 I'm a guest on the Old Time Radio Westerns as part of our Round Robin Crossover When making your travel plans, remember http://joh...

Dec 19, 202344 minEp 58Transcript available on Metacast

The Falcon: Murder is a Knock Out (EP4263)

Today's Mystery:A Los Angeles mobster comes to New York searching for a woman who stole $75,000. Murder follows. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 20, 1949 Originating from New York Starring: Les Tremayne as the Falcon; Beverly Roberts I'm appearing on the Classic Comedy of Old Time Radio as part of our Round Robin Crossover Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: John Eric Patreon Support SInce March 2020 Support the show on a one-time basis a...

Dec 18, 202340 minEp 57Transcript available on Metacast

The Saint: Marvin Hickerson, Private Eye (Encore) (EP4262e)

Simon helps a wet-behind-the-ears farmer-turned-private-detective after he appears to have committed murder. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 3, 1950 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Vincent Price as the Saint 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...

Dec 17, 202332 minEp 56Transcript available on Metacast

Dragnet: The Truck Hijackers (EP4262)

Todays Mystery: Friday and Romero suspect an inside job in a series of truck hijackings. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 1, 1949 Originating from Hollywood Starred: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Raymond Burr as Ed Backstrand, Chief of Detectives; William Herb Butterfield Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Dianne since July 2023 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetect...

Dec 16, 202342 minEp 55Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Sea Legs Matter, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4261)

Today's Mystery: Johnny continues his investigation in Niciragua into the disappearance of a man and boat insured for a combined $400,000 Original Radio Broadcast Dates: August 1,2, and 3, 1956 Originating from Hollywood:Stars: 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 Pa...

Dec 15, 202351 minEp 54Transcript available on Metacast

Mr. Chameleon: The Case of the Man Who Expected Murder (EP4260)

Today's Mystery:Chameleon is called in to investigate when a playboy is found murdered, with a note indicating that if he dies unexpectedly, someone should question his fiancée. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 23, 1949 Originating in New York CityStarring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Jeffrey, Patreon Supporter Since July 2023 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.ne...

Dec 14, 202335 minTranscript available on Metacast

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 minEp 52Transcript available on Metacast

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 minEp 51Transcript available on Metacast

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 minEp 50Transcript available on Metacast

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 minEp 49Transcript available on Metacast

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 minEp 48Transcript available on Metacast

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 minEp 47Transcript available on Metacast

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 minEp 46Transcript available on Metacast

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 minEp 45Transcript available on Metacast

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 minEp 44Transcript available on Metacast

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 minEp 43Transcript available on Metacast

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 minEp 42Transcript available on Metacast

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 minEp 41Transcript available on Metacast

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 minEp 40Transcript available on Metacast

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 minEp 39Transcript available on Metacast