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

Sam Spade: The Rowdy Dowser Caper (EP4221)

Today's Mystery:Sam goes to a rural county to investigate the theft of $53,000 from a bank where an ex-client works. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 20, 1951 Originated from HollywoodStarred Steven Dunne as Sam Spade, Lurene Tuttle as Effie, Peggy Webber, Verna Felton, Sidney Miller, Alice Wellman, Charles Smith, Nestor Paiva, 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, P...

Oct 30, 202335 minEp 8Transcript available on Metacast

The Weird Circle: Murders in the Rue Morgue (Encore) (EP4220e)

The episode begins with a look at a story of the Prophet Daniel that many think is the first detective story. From "Can You Imagine That?" Original Radio Braodcast Date: 1940 A woman and her daughter are brutally killed after withdrawing 50,000 francs from the bank, and Dupin is on the case in Edgar Allan Poe’s first detective story. Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 2, 1944 Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatd...

Oct 29, 202341 minEp 7Transcript available on Metacast

Dragnet: Production 11 (aka: Sixteen Jewel Thefts) (EP4220)

Todays Mystery:Friday and Romero investigate a series of nightly jewelry thefts. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 18, 1949 Originated from Hollywood Starred: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday, Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero, Raymond Burr as Ed Backstrand, Chief of Detectives, Harry Morgan, Jack Kruschen, Herb Butterfield 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...

Oct 28, 202338 minEp 6Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Laughing Matter, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4219)

Today's Mystery:A comedian is taking threats on his life more seriously after there was an attempt on his life.Original Radio Broadcast Dates: June 13, 14, 15, and 1956 Originated from HollywoodStars: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar, Virginia Gregg, John Dehner, Lucille Meredith, Lawrence Dobkin, Gil Stratton, Harry Bartell, Don Diamond When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follo...

Oct 27, 202347 minEp 5Transcript available on Metacast

Mr. Chameleon: The Case of Death and the Talking Parrot (EP4218)

Today's Mystery:A fashion model is murdered in her apartment. The only witness? Her pet parrot. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 29, 1948 Originated in: New York CityStarred: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon 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 208-991...

Oct 26, 202339 minEp 4Transcript available on Metacast

Dangerous Assignment: The Butterfly Chasers (EP4217)

Today's Mystery:Steve parachutes into Brazil in pursuit of a party of lepidopterists, one of whom has a sensitive document that belongs to the US and has been auctioned off to the highest bidder. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 22, 1952 Originated in HollywoodStars: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner 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: Ad...

Oct 25, 202338 minEp 3Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Laughing Matter, Episodes One and Two (EP4216)

Today's Mystery: Johnny goes to Ensenada, Mexico to investigate threats against a beloved TV comedy star who's not beloved by anyone who works with him. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: June 11 and 12, 1956 Originated from Hollywood Stars: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar. Virginia Gregg, John Dehner, Lucille Meredith, Lawrence Dobkin, Gil Stratton, Harry Bartell, Don Diamond When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Take the listener survey… http://survey.greatdetectives.net ...

Oct 24, 202338 minEp 2Transcript available on Metacast

Sam Spade The Civic Pride Caper (EP4215)

Today's Mystery:Sam is hired to investigate the collapse of a civic auditorium, for which his client is being blamed. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 13, 1951 Originated from HollywoodStarred Steven Dunne as Sam Spade, Lurene Tuttle as Effie 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.greatdetectiv...

Oct 23, 202337 minEp 1Transcript available on Metacast

Nero Wolfe: The Midnight Ride (Encore) (EP4214e)

Nero Wolfe's dentist and Archie both receive a mysterious call from a woman, leading to a ride in the country to do away with them. Original Air Date: March 16, 1951 Originated in Hollywood Starred: Sidney Greenstreet as Nero Wolfe, Harry Bartel as Archie Goodwin 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://sur...

Oct 22, 202332 minEp 335Transcript available on Metacast

Dragnet: Production 10 (aka: The Maniac Murderer) (EP4214)

Todays Mystery:Friday and Romero hunt for a murderer who strangles and then disfigures his victims. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 11, 1949 Originated from HollywoodStarred: 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, Harry Morgan Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net . Mail a donatio...

Oct 21, 202336 minEp 334Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Indestructible Mike Matter, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4213)

Today's Mystery: After multiple attempts on the life of a bowery derelict who is insured for $50,000, Johnny is suspicious of the beneficiary. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: June 6, 7, and 8, 1956 Originated from Hollywood Stars: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar.Howard McNear, Lawrence Dobkin, Harry Bartell, Herb Vigran, Alan Reed, Roy Glenn When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Take the listener survey… http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Becom...

Oct 20, 202350 minEp 333Transcript available on Metacast

Mr. Chameleon: Mr. Chameleon's Strangest Murder Case (EP4212)

Today's Mystery:A publicity agent is murdered after harassing the wife of a wealthy Oklahoma oil man. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 15, 1948 Originated in: New York CityStarred: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon 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 2...

Oct 19, 202339 minEp 332Transcript available on Metacast

Dangerous Assignment: To Ask a Guy to Shoot You (EP4211)

Today's Mystery:Steve goes to Indonesia to get the help of an embittered ex-Navy officer to identify and stop a dangerous gun runner. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 15, 1951 Originated in Hollywood Stars: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner, Stacy Harris, Dan Riss, Paul Dubov, Betty Lou Gerson, Jakm Moyles Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. ' Mail a donation ...

Oct 18, 202331 minEp 331Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Indestructible Mike Matter, Episodes One and Two (EP4210)

Today's Mystery:Johnny is sent to investigate a suspicious insurance policy issued to a derelict. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: June 4 and 5, 1956 Originated from Hollywood Stars: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar. Howard McNear, Lawrence Dobkin, Harry Bartell, Herb Vigran, Alan Reed, Roy Glenn When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Take the listener survey… http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on T...

Oct 17, 202334 minEp 330Transcript available on Metacast

Sam Spade The Denny Shane Caper (EP4209)

Today's Mystery:A sixteen-year-old girl hires Spade to find her brother, a notorious criminal. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 6, 1951 Originated from HollywoodStarred Steven Dunne as Sam Spade, Lurene Tuttle as Effie, Cathy Lewis, Lou Merrill, William Conrad, Paul Frees, Jerry Hausner,Kathleen Freeman, William Tracy 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 159...

Oct 16, 202337 minEp 329Transcript available on Metacast

The Amazing Nero Wolfe: The Shakespeare Folio (Encore) (EP4208e)

Today's Mystery:Archie and a cabbie are attacked by a car after the cabbie buys a book to sit on. Wolfe discovers the book is a first edition Shakespeare Folio. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 30, 1945 Originated from Hollywood Starred: Francix X. Bushman as Nero Wolfe and Elliott Lewis as Archie Goodwind 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,...

Oct 15, 202336 minEp 328Transcript available on Metacast

Dragnet: Production 9 (aka: Benny Trounsel) (EP4208)

Todays Mystery:An informant is murdered but leaves behind clues to a narcotics ring operating in the city. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 8, 1949 Originated from Hollywood Starred: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday, Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero, Raymond Burr as Ed Backstrand, Chief of Detectives, Herb Butterfield, Stacy Harris, Herb Vigran Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net . Mail a ...

Oct 14, 202340 minEp 327Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Matter of Reasonable Doubt, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4207)

Today's Mystery:Johnny finds more evidence of shady goings on at a Nevada ranch owned by an elderly woman. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: May 30, 31, and June 1, 1956 Originated from Hollywood Stars: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar. Susan Whitney, Richard Crenna, Jeanette Nolan, Forrest Lewis, Inge Adams, Paul Richards, Jeanne Tatum When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783' Follow ...

Oct 13, 202347 minEp 326Transcript available on Metacast

Mr. Chameleon: The Lost Cousin Murder Case (EP4206)

Today's Mystery:A man is murdered after going to meet his long-lost cousin. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 1, 1948 Originated in: New York CityStarred: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon 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 208-991-4783 Follow us on In...

Oct 12, 202336 minEp 325Transcript available on Metacast

Dangerous Assignment: The Underground Press (EP4205)

Today's Mystery:Steve goes to Austria to obtain a dummy newspaper that has information on foreign agents. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 8, 1952 Originated in HollywoodStars: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner 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.great...

Oct 11, 202330 minEp 324Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Matter of Reasonable Doubt, Episodes One and Two (EP4204)

Today's Mystery:Johnny goes to Nevada when a local banker becomes concerned about an insured trust for her granddaughter. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: May 28 and 29, 1956 Originated from HollywoodStars: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar. Susan Whitney, Richard Crenna, Jeanette Nolan, Forrest Lewis, Inge Adams, Paul Richards, Jeanne Tatum When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Fol...

Oct 10, 202336 minEp 323Transcript available on Metacast

Sam Spade: The Vendetta Caper (EP4203)

Today's Mystery:A wealthy man hires Sam to find out why an even more wealthy neighbor is trying to ruin him Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 30, 1951 Originated from Hollywood Starred Steven Dunne as Sam Spade, Lurene Tuttle as Effie, Tony Barrett 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.greatdet...

Oct 09, 202339 minEp 322Transcript available on Metacast

Stars in the Air: House on 92nd Street (EP4202s)

Today's Mystery:An FBI undercover man infilitrates a Nazi spy ring that could send the secret of Process 97 to the Nazis. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 3, 1952 Originated from Hollywood Starred: Humphrey Bogart as Inspector George Briggs, Keefe Brasselle, Betty Lou Gerson, Lou Merrill, Herb Vigran, Shepard Menken, Paul Dubov, Bob Sweeney, Frank Nelson, Walter Wolf King Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetecti...

Oct 08, 202335 minEp 321Transcript available on Metacast

Dragnet: Production 8 (aka: The Big Missing, Missing Person Juanita Lasky)

Todays Mystery:A mother in Utah reports her adult daughter missing. Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 28, 1949 Originated from HollywoodStarred: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday, Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero, Raymond Burr as Ed Backstrand, Chief of Detectives 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...

Oct 07, 202341 minEp 320Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Tears of Night Matter, Episodes Three, Four, and Five (EP4201)

Today's Mystery:A case of mistaken identity leads Johnny to deliver a necklace from a racketeer to an insurance beneficiary. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: May 23, 24, and 25, 1956 Originated from HollywoodStars: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar, Virginia Gregg, Vic Perrin, Jack Kruschen, Jay Novello, William Conrad, Frank Gerstle, Marvin Miller, Will Wright When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call...

Oct 06, 202347 minEp 319Transcript available on Metacast

Mr. Chameleon: The Case of Death and the Blue Peacock (EP4200)

Today's Mystery:A man is killed after falling from the window of a swanky night club, and Mr. Chameleon suspects murder. Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 17, 1948 Originated in: New York CityStarred: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon 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 ...

Oct 05, 202336 minEp 318Transcript available on Metacast

Dangerous Assignment: A Stolen Treaty (EP4199)

Today's Mystery:Steve goes to Port Said in Egypt to retrieve a stolen signed treaty that was taken from a courier who was beaten and left for dead. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 25 1952 Originated in HollywoodStars: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner, Raymond Burr, Jack Moyles 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, ...

Oct 04, 202333 minEp 317Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Tears of Night Matter, Episodes One and Two (EP4198)

Today's Mystery:Johnny travels to Miami to find out why a widow waited two years to file a claim on her late husband's life insurance. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: May 21 and 22, 1956 Originated from HollywoodStars: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar, Virginia Gregg, Vic Perrin, Jack Kruschen, Jay Novello, William Conrad, Frank Gerstle, Marvin Miller, Will WrightWhen making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a ...

Oct 03, 202334 minEp 316Transcript available on Metacast

Sam Spade: The Kimberly Cross Caper (EP4197)

Today's Mystery:Steve is hired to protect a valuable necklace. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 23, 1951 Originated from Hollywood Starred Steven Dunne as Sam Spade, Lurene Tuttle as Effie, Wally Maher, Fritz Feld, Georgia Ellis, Sidney Miller, Olan Soule, Alice Wellman 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 a...

Oct 02, 202338 minEp 315Transcript available on Metacast

Dragnet: Production 7 (aka: City Hall Bomb) (EP4196)

Todays Mystery: Friday and Romero have less than half an hour to stop a man who's thratening to blow up City Hall unless the police release his brother. Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 21, 1949 Originated from Hollywood Starred: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday, Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero, Raymond Burr as Ed Backstrand, Chief of Detectives, Herb Butterfield as Lieutenant Lee Jones Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at ht...

Sep 30, 202338 minEp 314Transcript available on Metacast