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, Mathew Slade, Private Investigator, 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, William Wintersole, 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

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 minEp 241Transcript available on Metacast

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 minEp 240Transcript available on Metacast

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 minEp 239Transcript available on Metacast

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 minEp 238Transcript available on Metacast

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 detectives@radioarchives.com 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 minEp 237Transcript available on Metacast

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 minEp 236Transcript available on Metacast

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 minEp 235Transcript available on Metacast

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 minEp 234Transcript available on Metacast

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 minEp 233Transcript available on Metacast

Mr. Chameleon: The Vacation Murder Case (EP4428)

Today's Mystery:While on vacation, Mr. Chameleon is called on to investigate a murder and the theft of a $100,000 diamond brooch at a resort. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 24, 1949 Originating from New York City Starring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon 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 donation to: Ada...

Jun 27, 202442 minEp 232Transcript available on Metacast

Broadway's My Beat: The Andrew Jenkins Case (EP4427)

Today's Mystery:A woman visiting New York from Indiana for her anniversary reports her husband missing. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 6, 1949 Originating in New York City Starring: Anthony Ross as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Tom Hoyer; Charlotte Holland; Frank Butler; Jean Carson; Maurice Godfield Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Keith, Patreon Supporter since February 2017 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.gre...

Jun 26, 202442 minEp 231Transcript available on Metacast

Bulldog Drummond: The Case of the Double Death (EP4426)

Today's Mystery: While Drummond and Denny are dining at a restaurant, Denny's hat and umbrella disappear. Then Denny is arrested for murder based on the hat and umbrella being found at the murder scene. Original Radio Broadcast Date:April 16, 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: Lisa, Patreon Supporter since April 2016. Support the show on a one-...

Jun 25, 202434 minEp 230Transcript available on Metacast

The Falcon: The Case of the Practical Choker (EP4425)

Today's Mystery:Mike is hired by a gambler who is suspsected of murdering a man who owed him a large debt. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 25, 1951 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as the Falcon; Ken Lynch as Sergeant Corbett; Mandel Kramer; Ann Williams Article on the history of laws on margarine Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Tammee, Patreon Supporter Since September 2022 Support the show on a one-time basis at...

Jun 24, 202439 minEp 229Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Molly K. Matter Omnibus (Encore) (EP4424e)

Original Release Date: August 31, 2014 Today's Mystery:Johnny investigates the sinking of a boat with a $500,000 insurance policy and a captain who tries to stop him from getting to the truth. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: October 10-14, 1956 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Peter Leeds; Barney Phillips; Vic Perrin; James McCallion; Hy Averback When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporter...

Jun 23, 20241 hr 9 minEp 228Transcript available on Metacast

Dragnet: The Big Knife (EP4424)

Today's Mystery:Joe Friday and Ben Romero are summoned to a local high school where there have been a series of knifings of female students. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 11, 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: April, February 2017 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: A...

Jun 22, 202436 minEp 227Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Meek Memorial Matter (EP4423)

Today's Mystery:Johnny investigates the theft of a first draft of the Gettysburg Address from a private museum in New Bedford, Massachusetts, which is owned by a wealthy, blind woman. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 3, 1957 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Lawrence Dobkin; Marvin Miller; Bert Holland; Virginia Gregg; Peggy Webber; Jack Moyles; Hans Conried When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters ...

Jun 21, 202447 minEp 226Transcript available on Metacast

Mr. Chameleon: The Case of the Murdered Movie Star (EP4422)

Today's Mystery:A snobbish "gentleman" movie star is murdered. Original Radio Broadcast Date:August 17, 1949 Originating from New York City Starring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon 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...

Jun 20, 202452 minEp 225Transcript available on Metacast

Dangerous Assignment: Picking up a Bomb (EP4421)

Today's Mystery: Steve is called to Saigon when a reporter tried to blackmail him into carrying a suitcase containing a bomb. Original Radio Broadcast Date:July 8, 1953 Originated in HollywoodStars: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner, Jack Moyles, Jan Arvann, Hal Girard, Ted de Corsia Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Robert, Patreon Supporter since March 2024 Support the show on a one-time basis at ht...

Jun 19, 202431 minEp 224Transcript available on Metacast

Bulldog Drummond: Murder Vivits Venus (EP4420)

Today's Mystery: Denny spots a woman in a Crinoline dress hanging from the flagpole of an office building. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 19, 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: Kerry, Patreon Supporter since November 2018 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15...

Jun 18, 202438 minEp 223Transcript available on Metacast

The Falcon: The Case of the Superfluous Murder (EP4419)

Today's Mystery: A man calls The Falcon to find out who betrayed him. The Falcon arrives to find him dead with a suicide note written. However, Sergeant Corbett suspects murder. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 18, 1951 Originating from New YorkStarring: Les Damon as the Falcon; Ken Lynch as Sergeant Corbett Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: April, Patreon Supporter Since February 2017 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://suppo...

Jun 17, 202435 minEp 222Transcript available on Metacast

Dragnet: The Big Badge (EP4418)

Today's Mystery:A man impersonating a police officer is robbing and assaulting couples in parked cars. Joe Friday and Ben Romero have to catch him. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 4, 1950 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Peggy Webber; Herb Butterfield Blog post about the real-life badge bandit Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Robert, Patreon Supporter since Marc...

Jun 15, 202435 minEp 221Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Templeton Matter (EP4417)

Today's Mystery:Johnny goes to Boston to investigate a burglary at the largest jewelry firm in Boston, which led to the shooting of a police officer. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 10, 1957 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; John Dehner; Peter Leeds; Vic Perrin; James McCallion; Stacy Harris; Virginia Gregg; Marvin Miller When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.net T...

Jun 14, 202436 minEp 220Transcript available on Metacast

Mr. Chameleon: The Case of the Murdered Girl's Ears (EP4416)

Today's Mystery:The wife of a store buyer is murdered. But is it really her? Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 10, 1949 Originating from New York City Starring: Karl Weber as Mister Chameleon Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: James, Patreon Supporter since December 2022 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 surve...

Jun 13, 202439 minEp 219Transcript available on Metacast

Dangerous Assignment: Find Anthony Targu (EP4415)

Today's Mystery:Steve travels to Montreal to investigate the supposed death of notorious racketeer Anthony Targu and the mysterious disappearance of Dr. Franklin Dorberg, a well-known plastic surgeon. Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 1, 1953 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell; Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner; Paul Frees; Vivi Janiss; Ben Wright; Peter Leeds; William Conrad Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of...

Jun 12, 202434 minEp 218Transcript available on Metacast

Bulldog Drummond: The Subway Murder Case (EP4414)

Today's Mystery: A mysterious man with amnesia asks Captain Drummond to meet him on a subway, alleges someone's try to kill him and is then murdered. Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 12, 1943 Originating in New York Starring: Ned Wever as Bulldog Drummond, Luis Van Rooten as Denny, Jackson Beck Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Tony, Patreon Supporter since March 2024 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetect...

Jun 11, 202442 minEp 217Transcript available on Metacast

The Falcon: The Case of the Mighty Muscle (EP4413)

Today's Mystery: The Falcon is hired by the girlfriend of a member of a criminal syndicate who'd been extorted to doublecross his boss and then murdered right in front of her. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 11, 1951 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Ken Lynch as Sergeant Corbett; Ralph Bell; Bill Zuckert Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Sergey, Patreon Supporter since May 2020 Support the show on a one-time ...

Jun 10, 202435 minEp 216Transcript available on Metacast

Dragnet: The Big Job (EP4412)

Today's Mystery:While the police are trying to apprehend a fugitive, a police officer is murdered. Joe Friday and Ben Romero set out to bring the fugitive to justice. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 27, 1950Originating from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Herb Butterfield Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day:John, Patreon Supporter since September 2016 Support the show on ...

Jun 08, 202433 minEp 215Transcript available on Metacast

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Kirbey Will Matter (EP4411)

Today's Mystery:Johnny goes to a Lake Mojave resort to investigate the suspicious death of a fishing guide. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 3, 1957 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Barney Phillips; Shirley Mitchell; Stacy Harris; Carleton Young; Forrest Lewis; Frank Nelson; John Dehner When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you to o...

Jun 07, 202441 minEp 214Transcript available on Metacast

Mr. Chameleon: The Snapshot in the Park Murder Case (EP4410)

Today's Mystery: A man is murdered after his father-in-law receives photos of him in the park with another woman. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 3, 1949 Originating from New York CityStarring: Karl Weber as Mister Chameleon Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Luce, 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, Idah...

Jun 06, 202438 minEp 213Transcript available on Metacast

Dangerous Assignment: Capture James C. Stoller (EP4409)

Today's Mystery: Steve goes to Syria to intercept and capture an America traitor and Communist propagandist. Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 24, 1953 Originated in HollywoodStars: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell, Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner, Jan Arvan, Vivi Janus, Paul Frees, Paul Dubov Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Jim and Rachel, Patreon Supporters since March 2016 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://suppor...

Jun 05, 202435 minEp 212Transcript available on Metacast
The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio podcast - Listen or read transcript on Metacast