Somenotableepisodesinclude"The Brooklyn Brain,""The Flying Saucers,""The Robot Killer,""A Veteran Comes Home,"and"Men from Mars."Intotal,32episodesareknown,withonlyupto15survivingtoday.Theserieswaspraisedforitscharmandintensemusicandacting,reflectingthepost-WWIIatomicandColdWareras.
-21stPrecinct[21st-precinct]
21stPrecinct,alsoknownasTwenty-FirstPrecinctandTwentyFirstPrecinct,wasapolicedramaradioshowthatairedonCBSfromJuly7,1953,toJuly26,1956.TheshowwasinitiallyasummerreplacementforMyFriendIrmaandwasproducedincooperationwiththePatrolmen's Benevolent Association of the City of New York. The series presented true criminal stories from a policeman'sperspective,eventhoughthe21stPrecinctdidnotexistduringtheshow's run.
Thefictionalprecinct,however,wascloselybasedontheUpperEastSide's 23rd Precinct in Manhattan. Stanley Niss served as the producer, writer, and director, with Everett Sloane, James Gregory, and Les Damon playing the role of Captain Frank Kennelly. Other cast members included Ken Lynch as Lt. Matt King, Harold Stone as Sgt. Waters, and Santos Ortega as Lt. Gorman.
Theshow's opening and closing focused on the responsibility of the 21st Precinct officers in providing security for the people living and working within their jurisdiction. The series gained popularity after the success of Dragnet, as audiences were eager to learn about true-to-life police stories. While the events depicted in 21st Precinct were less gritty than in Dragnet, the show'sstorieshighlightedthenobleactionsofeverydaycopsfacingeverydaychallenges,makingtheworldasaferplacefortheircommunities.
Theshowinitiallyairedin1965-66andfeaturedengagingwritingbyAdrianSteedandDouglasLaws,whowerebothwell-knownfiguresintheSouthAfricanradioscene.DespitebeingfromSouthAfrica,theshow's accents are minimal, making it easy for international listeners to enjoy. With its compelling plots, high production values, and excellent audio quality, 33 Half Moon Street offers an entertaining experience for fans of detective stories and who-dun-its.
Notableepisodesinclude"Parson's Pride,""A Bag of Coal for Mr. Lazenby,"and"Green for Danger."Throughoutitsrun,theshowdevelopedaloyalfanbase,followingthedeterminedAubreyMasonashetacklesvariouschallengingassignmentswithdeterminationandskill.Immerseyourselfinthegrippingworldof33HalfMoonStreet,wherenocaseistoouncommon,andsuccessisalwaysguaranteed.
Setin221bHarleyStreet,London,theseriesshowcasedDr.Morelle's unique talent for using psychological profiling to solve complex murder cases. Often challenged by the interruptions of his secretary, Dr. Morelle relied not on physical evidence but his understanding of the human mind to reveal the true culprit in each self-contained story.
TheshowbeganasasummerreplacementforBobHope's show on NBC, and its success led to year-round broadcasts starting in 1944, with various sponsors including Bristol Myers, Tums, Ford Motors, and Revere Cameras. The radio show'spopularityeventuallyledtoa1948MGMmovie,starringJanePowellasJudy,alongsideElizabethTaylor,WallaceBeery,RobertStack,andCarmenMiranda.Thestoryalsomadeitswaytothecomicbookworld,withNationalPeriodicalPublicationspublishingADatewithJudyfrom1947to1960.
AtelevisionadaptationairedonABCfrom1951to1953,withPatCrowleyandMaryLinnBellerbothtakingontheroleofJudyFoster.Theradioshow's creators, Jerome Lawrence and Aleen Leslie, developed the series based on Leslie's"One Girl Chorus"columninthePittsburghPress.Overall,ADatewithJudyremainsamemorabledepictionofteenagelifefromthe1940sand1950s.
AbbottandCostellobegantheirradiocareeronKateSmith's program in 1938 before getting their own show in 1940. Throughout the 1940s, they became one of the top radio comedy acts, famous for their rapid-fire wordplay and hilarious confusion, particularly in classic routines like "Who'sonFirst?". Bud Abbott (born 1895) and Lou Costello (born 1906) first teamed up in 1935 at the Eltinge Burlesque Theater in New York and went on to leave a lasting impact on comedy through their radio and television work.
-AcademyAwardTheater[academy-award-theater]
AcademyAwardTheaterwasaCBSradioanthologyseriesthatairedfromMarch30,1946,toDecember18,1946.Itfeatured30-minuteadaptationsofplays,novels,orfilmsstarringatleastoneOscar-nominatedperformer.Contrarytothetitle's implication, the show didn'tonlyadaptOscar-winningfilmsbutofferedawiderangeofpiecesfromHollywood's finest actors, actresses, and technicians.
AdventureAhead!wasacaptivatingOldTimeRadioshowthatairedduringthesummerof1944.Aimedatyoungpeople,especiallyyoungmen,itfeaturedfourteenexceptionaladventurenovelsandstoriesfromAmerica's foremost fiction writers. The show revolved mainly around boys seeking adventure and excitement in various scenarios, including working with the FBI, training a puppy, joining the circus, and being adopted by pirates.
Theshow's primary theme centered around defending freedom, both domestically and abroad, and served as an inspiration for young people coping with the ongoing World War II. While it targeted a younger male audience, the series was appreciated by listeners of all ages due to its high-quality storytelling and performances.
TheAdventuresofChampionwasaWesternserialradiodramathatairedin1949and1950,focusedontheadventuresofGeneAutry's horse, Champion, and a young boy named Ricky West. Set on the Flying A Ranch, the show centered around the faith and loyalty between Ricky, his adopted Uncle Smoky, their dog Rebel, and the wild horse Champion, who only allowed Ricky to ride him. The series touched upon gold mines, rustlers, and Indian problems in five-installment story arcs, running from Monday to Friday. The Adventures of Champion was a spin-off from Autry'sMelodyRanchradioprogramandlateradaptedintoatelevisionseriesthatairedonCBSduringthe1955-1956season.However,despitetheshow's popularity, little is known about the cast, with many of the lead performers remaining unidentified.
TheAdventuresofPhilipMarlowewasahard-boileddetectiveradioseriesfeaturingRaymondChandler's private eye character, Philip Marlowe. First airing on NBC on June 17, 1947, the show starred Van Heflin as Marlowe and was a summer replacement for Bob Hope. The series moved to CBS in 1948 with Gerald Mohr as Marlowe, garnering the largest audience in radio by 1949. The CBS version ran until September 29, 1950, with a short summer run in 1951. Notably, the program had no sponsor for most of its time on the air.
PhilipMarlowewasamorecomplex,cultured,andethicaldetectivecomparedtootherhardboileddetectivesofthetime.MarlowewasportrayedbyactorssuchasDickPowell,RobertMitchum,andHumphreyBogartinmovies,aswellasVanHeflinandGeraldMohrinradioadaptations.Theshow's writing often featured sarcastic narration and was highly acclaimed, especially the CBS version, which was more widely received than the NBC adaptation.
-AfloatwithHenryMorgan[afloat-with-henry-morgan]
AfloatwithHenryMorganwasayouth-orientedAustralianradioseriesthatairedin1933,featuring52episodeseachabout12minutesinlength.ProducedbyandstarringGeorgeEdwards,knownforhisworkonFrankenstein,DrJekyllandMrHyde,andotherAustralianseries,theshowwassetintheCaribbeanandrevolvedaroundstorylinesinvolvingpirates,Aztectreasures,andthrillingadventures.Edwards,nicknamed"the Man with a Thousand Voices,"showcasedhisexceptionaltalentbyplayingmultipleroles,producinguptosixdifferentcharactervoicesinasinglescenetosaveonproductioncosts.TheshowshouldnotbeconfusedwiththeUS-basedHenryMorganShow.
AladdinLampwasaradioshowthatairedinthe1930s,featuringSmilin' Ed McConnell as "The Aladdin Lamp Man" on WLW in Cincinnati, Ohio. Smilin'EdpromotedAladdinKeroseneLampswithgreatsuccess,becomingawell-knownradiopersonality.By1948,theshowwasavailableon145ABCstationsasa15-minuteorcondensed5-minuteprogramdesignedforelectriclampdealers,likelyoriginatingafter1948.
Theshowtargetedhousewives,withSmilin' Ed using his friendly charm and folksy music to engage the audience before pitching Aladdin lamps. The show would include a song, entertainment, and a promotion for both kerosene and electric versions of Aladdin Lamps. Smilin'EdwasaccompaniedbyanorganandpianoplayedbyIrmaAllenandDelOwen.
AladdinLamps,producedbyTheMantleLampCompanyofAmericabasedinChicago,wereanimprovementonthetraditionaloillamp,withacircularwickthatheatedachemicallytreatedmantleprovidingabrightwhitelight.Smilin' Ed McConnell would later become the pitchman for Buster Brown Shoes and earn a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Aladdin Lamp radio show provided a unique approach to reaching housewives, intertwining entertainment and promotion in its four and a half minute spots.
ThecastincludedRogerDresslerasNarrator&CommissionerMatthewWhite,LindaGaryasMauraCassidy,BrucePhillipMillerasSETCaptainJonGraydon,CoreyBurtonasStarlabControllerJerryLyden&ResearchAssistantTim,andChuckOlsenasSETCaptainBuddyGriff.Theshow's soundtrack was composed by Jim Kirk, performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, and included many realistic sound effects recorded on an oil tanker in a San Pedro dry dock.
Alka-SeltzerTime(alsoknownasTheAlka-SeltzerShow)wasa15-minuteweekdayradioseriesthatairedonCBSRadioandtheMutualBroadcastingSystemfrom1949to1954.TheshowfeaturedbaritoneCurtMasseyandMarthaTilton,alsoknownas"the liltin' Martha Tilton",whoperformed"informal song sessions"withCountryWashburneandHisOrchestra.TheannouncerwasFordPearson.Theshowincludedavarietyofpopularsongsandsomethemeshowssuchas"Go West"and"Salute to Hawaii".MarthaTiltonwasapopularjazzsingerwhohadworkedwiththelikesofJimmyDorseyandBennyGoodman,whileCurtMasseywasatalentedmusicianandcomposer,bestrememberedasthecomposerandsingerofthePetticoatJunctionTVshowthemesong.Thepaircontinuedtoperformtogetherduringthelate1950s,evenrecordinganalbum,"We Sing the Old Songs"(1957).
AllStarWesternTheatrewasapopularradioshowinthemid-1940s,offeringlistenersauniqueblendofadventure,broadhumor,andmusicalvariety.SetagainstaWesternbackdrop,theshowfeaturedperformancesby"The Riders of the Purple Sage,"frontedbyFoyWilling.GueststarslikeJohnnyMackBrownmadeappearancesinactionsketchesandhumorousskitsthatprovidedalight-heartedalternativetomoreintenseradioprograms.
CreatedinHollywood,theshowfeaturedWesternswingmusic,apopularstyleinthatera,andwasrecordedliveinfrontofastudioaudience.TheAllStarWesternTheatresharedasimilarformatwithRoyRogers' radio show, in which Foy Willing and the Riders of the Purple Sage also performed. Today, 66 out of the 78 produced episodes are available for fans to enjoy, transporting listeners on a nostalgic journey through the entertaining world of Old Time Radio.
GosdenandCorrellmetin1920andstartedtheirradiocareersinChicagobeforelaunching"Amos 'n' Andy"in1928.Althoughcriticizedforrelyingonracialstereotypesanditsblackfaceorigins,theshowbecameanationalsensation,particularlyduringthe1930s.Itsnationwideaudiencewasestimatedat40million,andtheshow's influence on American entertainment is undeniable. The end of its run coincided with changing perceptions of its portrayal of racial stereotypes.
AnEveningwithGrouchoisacaptivatinglookatthelifeoftherenownedcomedianGrouchoMarxandtheMarxBrothers,asnarratedbyGrouchohimself.BornJuliusHenryMarxin1890,Grouchostartedhisstagecareeraged15andeventuallyfoundsuccessalongsidehisbrothersinthemusicalcomedy,I'll Say She Is. He became famous for his characteristic stooped posture, glasses, cigar, and thick greasepaint mustache and eyebrows.
Theshowiscraftedfromthreeseparateperformancesin1972:NewYork's Carnegie Hall, C.Y. Stephens Auditorium at Iowa State University, and San Francisco'sMasonicAuditorium.GrouchosharespersonalstoriesandperformssongsfromMarxBrothers' stage shows and movies. The Carnegie Hall show features an introduction by Dick Cavett, and Marvin Hamlisch provides an opening overture and piano accompaniment. The recording was released as a double album by A&M Records, with a limited edition edited single picture disc in 1978 and a compact disc version later available. In 2018, An Evening with Groucho was selected for preservation in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress due to its cultural, historical, and artistic significance.
ArchOboler's Plays was a radio anthology series that aired on NBC Radio from March 25, 1939, to March 23, 1940, and was later revived on Mutual from April 5 to October 11, 1945. Created, written, produced, and directed by Arch Oboler, the show featured original works of fiction that explored the human psyche and were known for their stream-of-consciousness technique. The series was the first to have a writer'snameinthetitle,pavingthewayforradioasanartform.Theshowboastedastellarlineupofleadingfilmactors,suchasIngridBergman,JamesCagney,KatharineHepburn,andPeterLorre.
Oboler,knownforhiseccentricpersonalityandinnovativestorytellingtechniques,gainedpopularityforhisworkonLightsOutwhichexperimentedwithsoundeffectsandboldnarrativesthatsparkedcontroversies.Inhisventure,ArchOboler's Plays, he used some of his scripts in his later series, Everyman'sTheater.Asastaunchanti-Nazi,healsoincludedanti-Fascistthemesinhiswork,especiallyduringWorldWarII.
In2020,theNovember18,1939episode"The Bathysphere"wasaddedtotheLibraryofCongress' National Recording Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic importance.
ArchieAndrewswasanOldTimeRadiositcomadaptedfromthepopularcomicstripofthesamename.Theshow's purpose was to target and engage a teenage audience, delivering situation comedy both on air and during live broadcasts. Airing from May 31, 1943, to September 5, 1953, the show was broadcast across Blue Network, Mutual, and NBC at different periods. It was produced by Kenneth W. MacGregor, with music by George Wright and sound effects by Agnew Horine.
BarrieCraigworkedsolofromhisMadisonAvenueoffice,andthecastincludedthelikesofRalphBell,ElspethEric,ParkerFennelly,andothers.DonPardowastheannouncerfortheseries.AmongGargan's other roles, he starred as the similar character Martin Kane, Private Eye.
ThisuniquedetectiveseriestakeslistenersonajourneythroughNewYork's crime-ridden streets in the post-war era, providing a mix of humor and intrigue in ten digitally restored and remastered episodes.
BehindtheMikewasanOldTimeRadioshowthatairedonNBC's Blue Network from September 15, 1940, to April 19, 1942, providing a behind-the-scenes look at radio broadcasting. The show was hosted by the renowned radio personality, Graham McNamee, and featured interviews with various on-air personalities, technicians, engineers, producers, sound effect artists, actors, musicians, and more.
AfterMcNamee's death on May 9, 1942, the series changed its name to This is the Truth, then Nothing But the Truth, and continued until June 7, 1942. Another program with the title Behind the Mike also aired on CBS Radio during the 1931-32 season.
"Beulah"airedonCBSRadiofrom1945to1954andonABCTelevisionfrom1950to1953.ItwasthefirstsitcomtostaranAfricanAmericanactress,becomingABCTV's first hit situation comedy and the first hit TV sitcom without a laugh track. The show revolved around the character Beulah Brown, a housekeeper and cook for the Henderson family. Initially portrayed by white male actor Marlin Hurt, African American actress Hattie McDaniel took over the role in 1947, becoming the first black woman to star in a network radio program. McDaniel was later replaced by Lillian Randolph and then by Amanda Randolph. The show started as a spin-off of the "Fibber McGee & Molly" series and gained popularity for Marlin Hurt'suniqueportrayalofablackwoman,despitecontroversysurroundingthecaricaturesofAfricanAmericans.
"The Black Museum"isaradiocrime-dramaseriesproducedbyHarryAlanTowers,firstbroadcastintheUSAontheMutualnetworkin1952andlaterinEuropeonRadioLuxembourgin1953.Basedontrue-lifecasesfromScotlandYard's Crime Museum, each episode revolves around an item or evidence connected to a murder. Orson Welles narrates and hosts the show, setting the scene and providing commentary throughout the episodes. With scripts written by Ira Marion and music composed by Sidney Torch, the series takes listeners on a journey through grim tales of homicide, adapting stories from the objects housed in the infamous museum previously closed to the general public.
BlondieisasituationalcomedyradioshowadaptedfromChicYoung's long-running comic strip featuring the adventures of the Bumstead family. The show aired on multiple networks from 1939 to 1950, with Arthur Lake starring as Dagwood Bumstead and Penny Singleton as Blondie Bumstead for most of its run. The show'spremisecenteredaroundthelifeofmarriedcoupleBlondieandDagwoodastheynavigatedtheirdailylives,withDagwoodoftengettingintohumorousmishaps.
BobandRaywereanAmericancomedyduoconsistingofcomediansBobElliottandRayGoulding,popularfortheirsatiricalanddeadpanhumor.TheybegantheircareersasradioannouncersinBoston,andtheirimpromptu,pleasantbanterledtotheirownshowonWHDH,"Matinee with Bob and Ray,"in1946.Thisshowfeaturedcompletelyimprovisedandirreverenthumor,withtheduoshowcasingtheirwitandversatility.Arecurringfeaturewassoapoperaparodies,suchas"The Life and Loves of Linda Lovely".BobandRay's later routines were more carefully scripted and timed, allowing them to create classic characters like Wally Ballou, Roving Reporter, and sketch parodies like "Mr. Trace, Keener than Most Persons." Their career spanned over five decades, and this collection showcases their comedic genius, especially during their most polished period of mid-1950s radio.
CombiningelementsfromBogartandBacall's past on-screen collaborations, the show had music by David Rose and scripts by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. Calypso singer King Moses (Jester Hairston) provided musical bridges by threading plot situations into the lyrics of his songs. A total of 57 episodes are now known to exist out of the original 78 episodes produced.
BostonBlackieisafictionaldetectivecharactercreatedbyauthorJackBoyle.Initiallyportrayedasasafecrackerandjewelthief,heeventuallybecameadetectiveknownasthe"enemy to those who make him an enemy, friend to those who have no friend."ThecharacterappearedinColumbiaPicturesfilmswithChesterMorrisplayingtheleadrolebetween1941and1949.
TheBostonBlackieradioseriesbeganonJune23,1944,onNBCasasummerreplacementforTheAmos'n'AndyShow,starringChesterMorris.RichardKollmartookoverthetitleroleintheseries,whichwassyndicatedbyFredericW.ZivfromApril11,1945,toOctober25,1950.Over200episodeswereproducedduringthistime,featuringLesleyWoodsasBlackie's girlfriend Mary Wesley, Maurice Tarplin as Inspector Farraday, and Jan Miner as Mary in the ZIV syndicated series.
Box13wasasyndicatedradiodramathatairedinvariouscitiesintheUnitedStatesfromOctober1947.ItstarredAlanLaddasDanHoliday,anewspapermanturnedmysterynovelistseekingideasforhisfiction.Heplacedanadinthenewspaperreading"Adventure wanted, will go anywhere, do anything – write Box 13, Star-Times."Respondingtothelettershereceived,Holidayfoundhimselfinvariousadventuresinvolvingcrime-solvingandmystery.TheshowwasproducedbyMayfairProductionsandfeaturedSylviaPickerasHoliday's secretary Suzy and Edmund MacDonald as police Lt. Kling. Several guest actors appeared on the show, and the series was known for its high adventure and storytelling that didn'talwaysinvolveamurdereachweek.
BroadwayisMyBeatisaradiocrimedramathatairedonCBSfromFebruary27,1949,toAugust1,1954.SetinNewYorkCity,theshowfollowsDetectiveDannyClover,playedbyAnthonyRossandlaterbyLarryThor,ashesolvescrimesinthebustlingTimesSquarearea.Knownforitsgrittydialogueandauthenticcitysoundeffects,theshowcaptivatesaudienceswithitsrealisticportrayaloflifeandcrimeonthe"Great White Way."DirectedbyJohnDietzandlaterbyElliottLewis,BroadwayisMyBeatisahard-boileddetectivedramafeaturingatalentedsupportingcastandmemorableperformances.Thevividdescriptionsandmelancholymonologuesaboutthecityfurtherenhancetheshow's appeal to mystery fans.
BulldogDrummondisaclassicAmericanradiocrimedramathatairedonMutualfromApril13,1941,toMarch28,1954.Theshow's central character, Bulldog Drummond, was created by British author H.C. McNeile and portrayed a relentless British investigator with a knack for crime detection and apprehending criminals. Drummond and his sidekick Denny (played by various actors over the years) solved many murder cases and dealt with radium thieves to counterfeiters. The show was initially set in Great Britain but later moved to the United States.
TheshowwassponsoredbytheRioGrandeOilCompanyandfeaturedintroductoryremarksbyofficersoftheLosAngelesPoliceDepartment.Asaprecursortofuturepolicedramas,suchasDragnet,CallingAllCarshelpedimprovelawenforcement's public image by portraying them as dedicated public servants. The series later found syndication through different sponsors across the United States, further expanding its reach and influence on the radio drama genre.
Someofthefascinatingstoriesfeaturedincludeaboyattackedbya10ftbird,a92-year-oldwomangrowingathirdsetofteeth,andamanfalling15,000feetfromanairplaneandsurviving.Theshow's format teases several oddities before presenting them in a 15-minute episode, often concluding with a vignette about an old or popular song of the era.
Theshow's opening featured a ringing telephone, with Candy answering, "Candy Matson, YU 2-8209" before the theme song "Candy" played. The series was praised for its strong female lead and use of actual San Francisco locations in its storylines. Despite its popularity, the show never gained a national audience or a permanent sponsor, remaining a West Coast favorite. Candy Matson concluded with a twist ending as Ray proposed to Candy, leading to their marriage and Candy'sretirementfromdetectivework.
RecordedinNewYork,CBSRMTcapturedthenostalgiaofOldTimeRadio,appealingtobotholderandyoungeraudiences.Theprogram's spine-chilling atmosphere and engaging storytelling made it a popular late-night treat for many listeners.
TheCBSRadioWorkshop,anexperimentaldramaticradioanthologyseries,airedfromJanuary27,1956,untilSeptember22,1957.Knownas"radio's distinguished series to man's imagination,"itwasarevivalofearlierColumbiaWorkshopbroadcasts,bringingbacksomeoftheoriginalwritersanddirectors.TheserieswasoneofthelasteffortsbyAmericannetworkradiotoattractandretaintheaudiencethathadtransitionedtotelevisionafterWorldWarII.
Theshowpremieredwithatwo-partadaptationofAldousHuxley's Brave New World, narrated by Huxley himself. The series was known for its unique approach to sound effects and featured music by composers like Bernard Herrmann, Jerry Goldsmith, Amerigo Moreno, Ray Noble, and Leith Stevens. Many renowned writers'workswereadaptedfortheseries,includingpiecesbyJohnCheever,RobertA.Heinlein,SinclairLewis,H.L.Mencken,EdgarAllanPoe,ChristopherIsherwood,FrederikPohl,JamesThurber,MarkTwain,andThomasWolfe.
"Challenge of the Yukon,"alsoknownas"Sergeant Preston of the Yukon,"wasalong-runningradioadventureseriescreatedbyGeorgeW.Trendle,thestationownerofDetroit's WXYZ. A Northern genre story, the series began airing on February 3, 1938. The show followed Sergeant William Preston of the Northwest Mounted Police and his loyal Alaskan husky, Yukon King, as they fought evildoers in the Northern wilderness during the 1890s Gold Rush. The action-packed stories featured the duo helping injured trappers, catching smugglers, and saving people from wild animals.
Theshowexperiencedvariousnamechanges,firstknownas"Challenge of the Yukon,"then"Sergeant Preston of the Yukon"inthe1950s.ManyactorsplayedtheroleofSgt.Prestonovertheyears,withPaulSuttonbeingthemostprominent.Thetalentedanimalsoundeffectsartists,DeweyColeandlaterTedJohnstone,providedYukonKing's barks and howls.
Airedonnumerousnetworksandre-formattedasitevolved,"Challenge of the Yukon"entertainedaudienceswithengagingstorylines,livelymusic,andstrongheroesbothhumanandcanine.
TheAdventuresofCharlieChanisanintriguingcollectionofradioepisodesfeaturingthefictionaldetectiveCharlieChan,createdbyEarlDerrBiggers.Airingonfournetworksfrom1932to1948,theshowstarredWalterConnollyandserializedadaptationsofBiggers' novels. Charlie Chan, a Chinese-Hawaiian detective based in Honolulu, embarks on global journeys filled with thrills, excitement, comedy, and pearls of wisdom. Despite his busy career, Chan maintains a strong family life, with his 14 children, including Numbers 1 and 2 sons, often assisting him in solving cases. Known for his exotic wit and wisdom, Charlie Chan'sadventuresareararegemintheworldofradiodetectiveshows,withcompleteserialrecordingsbeingscarce,andthefullstorylinesoftenincomplete.TuneintoexperiencethewitandcharmofthismodernChinesesage!
ChickCarter,BoyDetectivewasapopularAmericanold-timeradiocrimedramaseriesforyouth,airedontheMutualBroadcastingSystemfromJuly5,1943toJuly6,1945.Theshowfeatured15-minuteepisodes,centeredaroundChickering"Chick"Carter,theadoptedsonofandassistanttoNickCarterofNickCarter,MasterDetectivefame.AsaspinoffoftheelderCarter's show, both programs were products of the Street and Smith publishing company and aimed to engage fans of all ages in their crime-solving pursuits. Episodes ended in cliffhangers, urging young listeners to stay tuned for the next installment.
Theshow's cast included Bill Lipton, Leon Janney, Jean and Joanne McCoy, Gilbert Mack, Bill Griffis, and Stefan Schnabel. Fritz Block directed the program and was also one of the writers, along with Walter B. Gibson, Ed Gruskin, and Nancy Webb. Charles Michelson acted as the producer.
ClubCarSpecialwasanengagingold-timeradioshowbroughttoyoubytheHearstNewspaperSyndicate.TheshowoffersasneakpeekintothecontentoftheupcomingSundaynewspaper,providinglistenerswithanentertainingpreviewduringmid-weekradiobroadcasts.ListenersaretreatedtosketchesadaptedfromcartoonsandshortreviewsofhumorousarticleswrittenbysomeofAmerica's most renowned humorists, including O.O. McIntyre, Will Rogers, George Eads, Stan Hilman, Arthur 'Bugs' Bayer, Milt Gross, and Damon Runyon. Join the Club Car Special for an enjoyable and witty journey through the pages of Hearst'sSundaynewspapers.
CommandPerformancewasaradioshowbroadcastontheArmedForcesRadioNetwork(AFRS)between1942and1949,specificallydesignedtoentertainU.S.troopsduringWWII.TheshowfeaturedtopperformersofthedaysuchasBingCrosby,FrankSinatra,andJudyGarland,whovolunteeredtheirtalents,puttingonashowbasedonrequestsfromservicemembers.TheAFRSrecordedandshippedtheseprogramstothetroopsstationedoverseas.CommandPerformance's success helped pave the way for the creation of other similar shows, such as Request Performance and G.I. Journal.
CommandPerformancewasprimarilyintendedfortheU.S.troopsservingoverseasduringWWII,andtherefore,withfewexceptions,itwasnotbroadcasttothegeneralpublicoverdomesticU.S.radiostations.Thepurposewastoboostthemoraleoftheservicememberswhilekeepingthatexclusiveconnectionbetweentheperformersandthetroops.Infact,itwasconsideredthe"best program that the American Public never heard."Onlyinarareinstance,suchasonChristmasEve1942,didtheWarDepartmentallowabroadcastofCommandPerformancefordomesticlistenersinordertoforgealinkbetweentheservicemenabroadandthefolksontheHomeFront.
Duringthewar,radiostationsactivelycoordinatedwithgovernmentsandmilitaryagencies,providingaccurateandtimelynewsaboutthemajoreventsandbattlesthatunfoldedduringthetumultuousyearsof1939to1945.OnD-Day,June6,1944,radiobroadcastingplayedacrucialroleinkeepingthepublicinformedofthemassivealliedinvasionofNormandy,France.Thesehistoricbroadcastsnotonlyprovidedreal-timeupdatestoeagerlistenersbutalsoservedasameansofboostingmorale,maintainingunity,andfuelingthepublic's determination to see the conflict through.
CrazyHillbillyShowwasa1930sradiobroadcastoriginatinginNewYorkCity,sponsoredbytheCrazyHotel,ahealthspainMineralWells,Texas,knownforthecurativepropertiesofitsmineralwaters.CreatedbyCarrP.CollinsandHalCollins,theshowfeaturedOldTimeymusic,aprecursortoBluegrass,withrootsinfolkmusicfromtheBritishIsles,Europe,andAfrica,playedonstringedinstrumentsandharmonica.Theshow's advertising promoted the benefits of Crazy Water, a mineral water that was eventually turned into mineral salts to be more easily shipped and reconstituted with tap water. Though the claims made by the Collins brothers about the benefits of Crazy Water were not as extreme as some patent medicine salesmen, their claims eventually caught the attention of the Federal Government when the Pure Food and Medicine regulations were enacted. The Crazy Hillbilly Show'smixofmusicandpromotionforCrazyWatermadeitauniqueandentertainingradioshowofitstime.
TheCrazyWaterCrystalProgram,a15-minutecommercialforaPatentMedicineelixir,airedregionallyandonNBCnetworksbetween1935-1940fromthelobbyoftheCrazyWaterHotelinMineralWells,Texas.Theshow's host promoted Crazy Crystals, a snowy residue originating from the Crazy Well, believed to have healing properties. In exchange for the advertisement, listeners enjoyed early Country Western and Bluegrass music played by mostly country and hillbilly groups. The program contributed to a booming tourist industry in Mineral Wells, based on the alleged health benefits of the local waters. Actress Mary Martin featured on the show before achieving fame on Broadway and in Hollywood. A large Crazy Water Crystal sign was displayed during the 1992 Grand Ole Opry opening, and a photo of Hank Snow singing on the program is exhibited in the museum.
TheseriesstarredDaneClarkasPeterChambers,aplayboydetectivewithaneyeforsolvingcrimeandatasteforbeautifulwomen.TheshowwasknownforitsglibdialoguethatplayedintoClark's reputation as a screen tough guy. A total of 21 episodes from the series are available. Other actors involved in the show include Fran Carlon, Roger DeKoven, and William Griffis, among others. Crime and Peter Chambers was short-lived, lasting only five months; however, it remains a notable piece of radio detective history.
CruiseofthePollParrotisasyndicatedchildren's radio serial launched in 1937 to promote Poll Parrot Shoes, a children'sshoelinebyInternationalShoeCompany.Setin1858inNewBedford,Massachusetts,theshowfollowsCaptainRoyDalton(voicedbyMarvinMiller)andhiscrewastheyembarkonawhalingvoyageaboardtheship,PollParrot.Theadventure-filledandwell-researchedstoriesarebothentertainingandeducational,providingfactualinformationaboutthewhalingindustry.
Theshow's main voice, Miller, was a talented actor who went on to work in numerous radio shows, films, and the 1950s TV series, "The Millionaire". Cruise of the Poll Parrot was designed to be sold to local radio stations and shoe stores, with the series available in blocks of 13, 26, or 39 episodes. This unique marketing approach helped boost shoe sales for International Shoe Company as they competed against Buster Brown, the leader in children'sshoesatthetime.
DangerousAssignmentwasanaction-packedOldTimeRadioshowairingfrom1949to1953,featuringfilmactorBrianDonlevyasSteveMitchell,aUSspecialagenttaskedwithgettinginandoutofdangeroussituations.HerbButterfieldco-starredastheCommissioner,whoassignsmissionstoMitchell,whileBettyMoranplayedTheCommissioner's secretary. The show took place in various exotic locations, with atmospheric music and skilled voice actors adding drama and suspense.
DangerousAssignmentwasalsoadaptedintoasyndicatedtelevisionseriesandanAustralianradioseries.WhilenotasiconicasshowslikeEscapeandTheThirdMan,DangerousAssignmenthadasolidfanbaseandsetthestageforfuturespynovelsandfilms,suchasIanFleming's first James Bond novel, Casino Royale, in 1952.
DangerouslyYourswasacaptivatingOldTimeRadioshowsponsoredbyVicksthatinitiallyairedin1944.FeaturingHollywoodstarVictorJoryastheleadingman,thisromanticadventureseriesranforatotalofsixteenepisodes,withelevenofthemavailableforcollectorstoday.Focusedheavilyonromance,theshowoftenspotlightedtendermomentsbetweenlovers,withactionandadventureservingasabackdrop.Inlate1944,DangerouslyYourswasrebrandedasVicksMatineeTheater,whichwentontobroadcastanadditionaltwenty-fiveepisodes—includingrepeatsfromearlierepisodes—withtwenty-twoofthemstillknowntoexist.ListenerswouldtuneineachSundaytoindulgeinahalf-hourofromanceandadventure,broughttoyoubytheVicChemicalCompany's popular nose drops, vapor rubs, and other products.
TheDelmoreBrothers,AltonandRabon,werecountrymusicpioneersandstarsoftheGrandOleOpryinthe1930s.BornintopovertyinElkmont,Alabama,theyblendedgospel-styleharmonieswithtraditionalfolkmusicandtheblues,helpingcreatetheemerginggenreofcountrymusic.Theybeganrecordingin1931andsignedacontractwithVictorRecord's Bluebird label in 1933. The Delmore Brothers became regulars on the Grand Ole Opry and gained popularity, but disagreements with Opry management caused them to leave in 1939. They continued to play and record throughout the 1940s but never reached the same level of success.
Someoftheirbest-knownsongsinclude"Brown's Ferry Blues,""Gonna Lay Down My Old Guitar,"and"Fifteen Miles from Birmingham."Rabondiedoflungcancerin1952,andAltonwentontowriteaseriesofshortstoriesandhisautobiography.TheDelmoreBrotherswereinductedintotheNashvilleSongwritersHallofFamein1971,theAlabamaMusicHallofFamein1989,andtheCountryMusicHallofFamein2001.TheirinfluencecanbeseeninartistssuchasBobDylan,theEverlyBrothers,andtheBeatles.
Itshouldbenotedthattheaudioqualityofthisshowisnotgreat,butthey're the only ones available.
"Democracy in America"isacaptivatingradioseriesbasedonAlexisdeTocqueville's influential book published in 1835. It follows his journey through America with companion Gustave de Beaumont, as they explore various aspects of American life. This 14-episode adaptation originally aired on NBC and CBC in 1962, and was produced by the Division of General Education of New York University in collaboration with the Fund for Adult Education. Featuring engaging acting from Barry Morse as Tocqueville and Alan King as Beaumont, the show combines music, sound effects, and expert commentary to create a lively educational experience. Two special preview episodes include panel discussions hosted by historian Dorothy Gordon, offering additional insights into Tocqueville'sobservationsonAmericansociety.
ErnestKinoyandGeorgeLeffertsservedasthein-housescriptwriters,adaptingstorieswhilealsocontributingtheirownoriginalwork.Theshow's signature echoing "DIMENSION X-X-X-X" opened each episode, signaling listeners that they were about to embark on a journey into a different world. The series, directed by Fred Weihe and Edward King, featured actors such as Joe Di Santis, Wendell Holmes, Santos Ortega, and Jan Miner. Norman Rose, the deep-voiced narrator, set the tone with his iconic opening line, "Adventures in time and space...told in future tense..."
Duringits17-monthrun,whichincludedafive-monthhiatus,DimensionXproduced50episodes.Theshow's successful formula would later inspire NBC'sXMinusOne(1955-58),whichfeaturedmanyofthesameactorsandscripts.DimensionX's legacy is still evident today, as all 50 episodes have been preserved and can be enjoyed by radio enthusiasts and science fiction fans alike.
DownOurWayisacaptivatingOldTimeRadioshowfromtheearly1930sthatcapturestheessenceofsmall-townAmerica.TheshowfollowsthelifeofEliJenkins,alocalgrocerwhoservesasapillarofsupportforhisneighbors.Eli's endearing personality and his wife Jenny'sdelicioushome-cookedmealsmakeforaheartwarmingexperience.Thestorylineshowcasestheeverydayjoysandtrialsofsmall-townlife,includingneighborhoodpolitics,localevents,andthecamaraderieamongcommunitymembers.
Addingatouchofmagictotheshow,thelocalchoirregularlymeetsatEli's grocery store, with choir hymnals blending seamlessly into the plot. This glimpse into a simpler time offers listeners a 30-minute escape into a world filled with faith, warmth, and nostalgia.
Dr.I.Q.TheMentalBankerQuizShowwasapopularradioandtelevisionquizprogramthatairedfrom1939to1959.Theshow's format was straightforward and featured host Lew Valentine asking questions from the stage to audience members, who served as contestants. Broadcasted from theaters in various cities across the nation, the show handed out cash prizes in silver dollars and featured other fun segments like the Biographical Sketch and The Lady in the Balcony quiz.
Dr.Kildarewasaradioshowproducedforsyndicationin1949atWMGM,NewYork.BasedonthepopularDr.Kildaremoviesfromthelate1930sandearly1940s,theshowstarredLewAyresasyoungandidealisticDr.JamesKildareandLionelBarrymoreasthecrustyyetloveablediagnosticianDr.LeonardGillespie.SetinBlairGeneralHospitalinNewYork,theshowfollowedKildare's battles with hospital administration and the various challenges encountered by the medical staff.
Dragnet,createdbyJackWebb,wasapopularradiopolicedramaseriesthatairedonNBCfromSeptember1949toFebruary1957.Basedontruepolicestories,theshowpresentedcasesinadocumentarystyleandfollowedthelifeofdedicatedLosAngelespolicedetectiveSergeantJoeFridayandhispartners.Theshow's name originated from the police term "dragnet," which refers to a system of coordinated measures for apprehending criminals or suspects. Dragnet introduced the American public to both the thrilling and mundane aspects of police work and helped improve public opinion of police officers. Webb'sfocusonauthenticityandunpretentiousactinghasmadeDragnetakeyinfluenceonsubsequentpolicedramasacrossvariousmediaplatforms.Theshow's cultural impact remains strong, with its iconic four-note introduction and opening narration still well-known today.
Duffy's Tavern was an American radio situation comedy that aired from 1941 to 1951 on several networks, including CBS, NBC-Blue Network, and NBC. Set in New York City, the show was built around Archie, the tavern'smanager,whowasplayedbyEdGardner.FeaturingregularslikeMissDuffy,CliftonFinnegan,Eddiethewaiter,andClancythecop,theshowconversedabouttheeverydaylivesofNewYorkersandoftenfeaturedcelebritygueststars.TheshowwascreatedbyEdGardner,whoalsobroughttalentedwriterslikeAbeBurrows,LarryGelbart,andDickMartintoworkonthescripts.Althoughtheshowwasultimatelycanceledin1951,itleftalastinginfluenceonpopularculture,inspiringvariousreferencesandadaptationsinfilms,TVseries,andotherformats.
EdgarBergenwasanAmericanactorandradioperformer,knownforhisventriloquismandhissidekick,CharlieMcCarthy.Bergengainedpopularityintheradioindustrywithhisvocalperformancesandskillfulcharacterizations.Heappearedonvariousradioprogramsfrom1937to1956,mostnotablytheChaseandSandbornRadioHour,whichremainedinthetopfiveforadecade.Theshowfeaturednumerousgueststarsandentertainedaudienceswithitswittyreparteeandengagingcharacters,suchasMortimerSnerdandEffieKlinker.RadioaudienceslovedBergen's act, even though it showcased ventriloquism without a visual component. By defying expectations, Bergen enjoyed a successful career, entertaining millions on the radio with his unique performances.
EscapewasadramaticadventureanthologyradioseriesthatairedonCBSfrom1947to1954.Despitefrequentscheduleshiftsandlowerproductionbudgets,Escapegainedaloyalfollowingduringitsseven-yearrun.Knownforitsthrillingstoriesandhigh-qualityproduction,theshowfeaturedbothadaptationsofclassicworksbyfamouswriters,aswellasnewpiecesbyunknowntalent.Over200episodesofEscapewereproduced,highlightingthetalentsofpopularradioactorssuchasWilliamConrad,JohnDehner,JackWebb,ElliottLewis,GeorgiaEllis,andFrankLovejoy.Theprogram's well-remembered opening phrase, "Tired of the everyday grind? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all? We offer you... Escape!", set the stage for the captivating and suspenseful stories to follow. Many episodes, including both West Coast and East Coast broadcast versions, have survived in good condition, making Escape an enduring favorite among old-time radio enthusiasts.
ExploringTomorrow,anAmericanold-timeradioshow,airedontheMutualBroadcastingSystemfromDecember4,1957,toJune13,1958.ThissciencefictionanthologyshowwasnarratedbyJohnW.Campbell,editorofAstoundingMagazine,whohelpedshapethecareersofmanynotablesciencefictionauthorsofthetime.Asthe"first science fiction old time radio show of science-fictioneers, by science-fictioneers, and for science-fictioneers,"itfocusedonthemeslikethefutureofmankind,spacetravel,andotherworlds.
Theshow's producer-director was Sanford Marshall and featured announcers Bill Mahr and Guy Wallace. The cast included Mandel Kramer, Bryna Raeburn, Lawson Zerbe, Lon Clark, Mason Adams, Connie Lembcke, Larry Haines, Don Douglas, Bret Morrison, and Charlotte Sheffield. The theme song for Exploring Tomorrow was "As Time Goes By." Notably, the series showcased scripts written by celebrated science fiction authors like Randall Garrett, Gordon R. Dickson, Robert Silverberg, Isaac Asimov, Philip K. Dick, Poul Anderson, John Fleming, Raymond E. Banks, George O. Smith, and Tom Godwin.
Thoughonlytwelveofthethirty-nineepisodeswereeveraired,listenerscanjoinDr.Adamsasheuseshumorandwisdomtonavigatevariouschallengesfacedbythegood-heartedcitizensofCedarton.Hisclosingcatchphrase:"This is the family doctor. I'll be in to see you again right soon. Goodbye…"invitesaudiencestovisitthecharmingtownagainandagain.
"Fibber McGee and Molly"wasapopularAmericanradioshowthatairedfrom1935-1959createdbyhusband-wifeteamJimandMarianJordan.SetinthefictionaltownofWistfulVista,theshowfollowedthelifeofFibberMcGee,achronicstoryteller,andhispatientandunderstandingwife,Molly.Featuringanensemblecastandawealthofrecurringcharacters,theshowbecamethecountry's top-rated radio series in the 1940s. Writer Don Quinn was instrumental in shaping the characters and stories for the show. The series was also known for cleverly integrating advertising into the plot, with announcer Harlow Wilcox delivering Johnson'sWaxcommercialsinawaythatavoidedcommercialbreaks.Althoughitenjoyedincrediblesuccessontheradio,theshow's transition to television in 1959-1960 was short-lived and unsuccessful.
FireFighterswasasyndicatedradioseriesproducedin1948thatairedinvariousmarketsacrosstheUnitedStatesintotheearly1950s.Theshowwaspraisedforpromotingfiresafetyandhighlightingmodernfirefightingtechniques.ItfollowedtheadventuresofrookiefirefighterTimCollinsandfirechiefBobCody,andwaswrittenbyFrankJones,starringCameronPrud'Homme and Lyle Sudrow. Fire Fighters is a captivating and informative program that sheds light on the true-to-life stories of fire fighters, a group of unsung heroes who risk their lives to combat the deadly enemy of fire. Each episode typically follows a fire-related mystery that is solved through interviews, research, and discussion. The show gained strong civic support and even had a Firefighters Club, which encouraged fire safety education for children.
TheFirstNighterProgramwasapopularradioanthologycomedy-dramaseriesthatairedonCBSfrom1930to1949andlateronNBCfrom1952to1953.TheshowtransportedlistenerstoopeningnightofvariousplaysatalittletheaterjustoffTimesSquare.TheseriesprimarilyfocusedonromanticcomediesandfeaturedleadingactorssuchasDonAmeche,LesTremayne,OlanSoule,JuneMeredith,BettyLouGerson,andBarbaraLuddy.Theshow's popularity helped launch Don Ameche'scareerinmovies.Sadly,outofover750episodes,lessthan40arebelievedtohavesurvived.
TheserieshadMr.FirstNighterguidingtheaudiencethroughthetheaterexperience,withepisodesshowcasingcompleteandseparateoriginalplayseachweek.ThefamousFirstNighterOrchestraprovidedthemusic,andtheshowwaspopularforitsannualChristmasepisode,"Little Town of Bethlehem."TheseriesranonmultipleradionetworksandwassponsoredbyTheCampanaCompany,whichbenefitedfromtheshow's exposure, making its Italian Balm the best-selling hand lotion in the United States in the 1930s.
Airingasapopular"barter/trade"program,5MinuteMysteriesofferedshortmysteryplotsthatengagedlistenersandpromotedlocalproductsandservices.Thesemini-mysteriesinvolvedpiecingtogethercluesandchallengedtheaudiencetosolvethemysterybeforethesleuthrevealedthesuspect.Eachepisodewasdesignedtoaccommodatelocaladvertisements,andthelocalannouncerintroducedtheepisode,presentedtheadvertiser's message, and concluded with other local information. Enjoy testing your detective skills with this collection of engaging and suspenseful bite-sized mysteries.
Theradioseries,whichaired26episodes,waslargelyanadaptationofthecomicstrip,withafewdeviationsandadditionalstories.FlashGordonwasalsothesubjectofa60-episodedailyshow,exploringfurtherinterplanetaryadventures.In1966,actorBusterCrabbe,whohadplayedFlashinearlierfilmserials,reprisedtheroleintwoaudio-dramasonanLPtitled"The Official Adventures Of Flash Gordon."
Frankenstein,producedbyGeorgeEdwards,wasacaptivatingradioseriesadaptedfromMaryShelley's novel, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus. The story follows Baron Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant yet mad scientist, who embarks on a daring experiment to create life from the parts of deceased corpses. Throughout its 13 episodes, which aired until 1932, the show explores themes of ambition, horror, and the consequences of playing god. The timeless tale of Frankenstein continues to intrigue audiences with its captivating premise and powerful storytelling.
FrontierFightersisasyndicatedOldTimeRadioshowfromthe1930sthattakeslistenersonahistoricaljourneythroughtheearlydaysoftheAmericanWest.Each15-minuteepisodeexploresthestoriesofbraveexplorersandheroeswhofacedincredibleoddstocontributetothetamingoftheWildWest.TheshowhighlightsexcitingmomentsinAmericanhistory,fromRobertLaSalle's navigation of the Mississippi River to Lewis and Clark'sexpeditiontotheWestCoast.JointheadventuresoficonicfigureslikeJohnC.FremontandZebulonPikeasyouexperiencetheunfoldingofNorthAmericanhistory.FrontierFightersoffersauniqueandengagingaudioexperienceforfansofhistoryandWesterndrama.
FrontierTown,anAmericanradioadventureserial,wassyndicatedbyBruceEellsProductionsandairedbetween1950-53.Thefirstbroadcasttookplacein1949,withtheshowspanning47episodes,airingondifferentstationsanddays.SetintheWildWest,theseriesfollowsChadRemington,acrime-fightingattorney,asheseeksjusticeforhisfather's murder in the small town of Dos Rios.
OriginatingintheNationalLife&AccidentInsuranceCompany's radio studio, it eventually moved to the Ryman Auditorium in 1943, and later, in 1974, to the Grand Ole Opry House. Membership in the Opry still remains a coveted achievement in the country music industry.
Theshow's popularity helped establish Nashville as America's"country music capital,"andasaprominentpartofthecity's identity, it attracts visitors and listeners from around the world.
Overthecourseofits22episodes,theshowadapted20-minutescenesfromadiverserangeofplayslike"Dark Victory,""Little Women,""A Tale of Two Cities,""What Every Woman Knows,""The Devil and Daniel Webster,""Young Mr. Lincoln,"and"A Doll's House."WithcaptivatingperformancesbyJanePowell,JoanCaulfield,HenryFonda,GeneTierney,andEddieAlbert,GreatScenesfromGreatPlaysmaynotbeaswell-knowntoday,butitshigh-caliberandthought-provokingstoriescertainlymakeitworthrevisitingforfansofclassicradiodrama.
Gunsmokegainedfurtherdistinctioninitsfirstfewyears,asitremainedunsponsored,allowingthecreatorstoexploreadultthemesandmaintainthegrittyatmospherewithoutinterference.WilliamConrad's portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon and the talented ensemble cast, including Parley Baer, Howard McNear, and Georgia Ellis, have cemented the show'slegacyasagroundbreakingradiodramaenjoyedbyfansofclassicradio.
"Have Gun, Will Travel"isanAmericanWesternradioandtelevisionseriesthatairedfrom1957to1963.CombiningWesternandPrivateEyegenres,thestoryrevolvesaroundPaladin,aprincipledgun-for-hireplayedbyJohnDehnerontheradioandRichardBooneonTV.SetintheOldWest,Paladinworksforpeoplewhomhebelieveswerewrongedandcanpay.Thecharacterstemsfromawealthyfamily,iswell-educated,andhasastrictpersonalcodeofhonor.
ThepopularTVseries,whichhad225episodes,successfullytransitionedtoradio,airing106episodesbetween1958and1960.Theradioshow,producedbytheCBSRadioNetwork,wasoneofthelastradiodramasfeaturingcontinuingcharactersandincludedbothadaptationsandoriginalstories.Notably,StarTrek's Gene Roddenberry was one of the lead writers for the series.
HelloAmericans,a1942-43CBSRadioseries,wascreatedtopromoteinter-AmericanunderstandingandfriendshipduringWorldWarII.Produced,directed,andhostedbyOrsonWelles,theshowwasmadeaspartofWelles' contribution to the war effort, influenced by his interest in Latin and South American culture. Aired on Sundays at 8 p.m. ET, the series ran for 12 episodes, with its last broadcast on January 31, 1943. Sponsored by the Office of the Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs, it featured actors from Welles'sMercuryTheatrerepertoryensemble.
Intheradioshow,Cassidy's character was significantly more civilized than in the original novels, acting as a knight of the range and a man of morals. This character transformation made the radio adaptation more appealing as a "juvenile adventure program" and a "western adventure drama."
Theradioshowgainedpopularityduetoitsconnectionwiththeexistingmovieandtelevisionseries.Theradio,television,andmoviesblendedtogetherseamlesslyandfedoffeachother's success, cementing Hopalong Cassidy as a multimedia sensation.
ILoveaMysteryisanAmericanradiodramaseriesthatairedfrom1939to1944,featuringthreefriendswhoranadetectiveagencyandtraveledtheworldinsearchofadventure.CreatedbyCarltonE.Morse,theseriesstarredcharactersJackPackard,DocLong,andReggieYork,allplayedbyvariousactorsovertheyears,includingTonyRandallasReggie.Theshow's plots ranged from mystery and adventure to supernatural horror, often taking the characters to exotic locations. The series aired on NBC and the Blue Network, as well as CBS and the Mutual Broadcasting System with various sponsorships. I Love a Mystery saw revivals in 1948 under the title I Love Adventure, and later on Mutual from 1949 to 1952. Despite its popularity, few series have survived in a listenable state, with only two complete series and several partially surviving or reconstructed series available for fans.
InnerSanctumMysterieswasahighlypopularold-timeradioshowthatairedfrom1941to1952.Itfeaturedstoriesofmystery,terror,andsuspense,settingastandardforhorrornarratorswithitstongue-in-cheek,darkhumor,anduniquetone.TheshowwascreatedbyproducerHimanBrownandfeaturedaspookyorganscorebyLewWhite.RaymondEdwardJohnsonservedastheshow's original host, introducing himself as "Your Host, Raymond," and later replaced by Paul McGrath in 1945. Its iconic creaking door sound effect, which opened and closed each episode, gave the show an eerie atmosphere that resonated with listeners. Boris Karloff, Claude Rains, and Frank Sinatra were among the well-known guest stars in the early years of the program.
FollowingWebb's departure in 1949, actors Frank Graham and Paul Dubov took over the role of Jeff Regan. The series came to an unexpected end after the sudden death of Frank Graham in 1950. Although never airing beyond CBS'WestCoastnetwork,JeffRegan,Investigatorremainsastrongexampleofmid-centurydetectivedramas,thankstoitsimpressivecastandtalentedwriters.
Underthecareofhisguardian,Mr.Randall,ownerofRandallBrothersCircus,JerryattendsFairOakstoobtainthestructureandinstructionheneedstoreachhisfullpotential.There,heengagesinathletics,continuesridingashedidwiththecircus,andmakesaclosefriendinhisnewroommate,Lee.Thoughsomecadetsmayharborjealousyorill-willtowardsJerry,heremainssteadfastindoingwhat's right and seeks guidance when necessary.
ListenerscanfollowJerry's journey at Fair Oaks and learn about his earlier exploits in Jerry of the Circus, a series that will delight all who join in on these captivating adventures.
JerryoftheCircusisacharmingandheartwarmingchildren's Old Time Radio show from 1937 that tells the story of Jerry Dugan, an orphan who joins the Randall Brothers Circus with his dog, Rags, after the death of his family. The 15-minute episodes follow their adventures as they become part of the circus family, meeting a variety of interesting characters such as Bumps the clown, Patsy the trapeze artist, and Major Mike, the star attraction on the midway. Over 125 episodes and 30+ hours of content invite listeners of all ages to run off to the circus with Jerry and Rags, as they not only entertain but also discover the truth about Jerry'slong-lostunclewhoisanamnesiacbig-gamehunter.Thefollow-upseries,JerryatFairOaks,continuesJerry's story as he attends a military academy.
JohnSteele,Adventurer,firstairedin1949,andofferedthrillingentertainmentsetagainstexoticbackdrops.TheseriesstarredDonDouglasasJohnSteele,arovingadventurerwhoheldvariousjobsinexoticlocations.NarratedbyafriendofSteele's, the stories often focused more on the people he met than on Steele himself. John Steele, Adventurer was known for its fast-paced action and adventurous plots, reminiscent of popular action magazines of the time, such as All-Story and Argosy.
Theseriesfeaturedatalentedcast,includingTedMallieastheannouncer,andwell-knownradiopersonalities,suchasJohnLarkin,JackEdwards,andBrynaRaeburnassupportingactors.ElliotDrakedirectedtheshow,whilethemusic,whichaccentuatedtheshow's mysterious and adventurous tone, was produced by Sylvan Levin and later, Doc Whipple.
Althoughnotashighlyratedasotherradioshows,JohnSteele,Adventurergainedadedicatedfanbaseforitscaptivatingstoriesandengagingcharacters.Onememorabledetailwasthecreativeuseofanechochambertorepresentacharacter's thoughts, making it an innovative and adventurous show for its time.
AiringdailybetweenThanksgivingandChristmasin1938,JonathanThomasandHisChristmasontheMoonisacaptivatingchildren's series following the adventures of six-year-old Jonathan Thomas and his quest to rescue Santa Claus and his teddy bear Guz from the Squeebubblians on the moon. Produced in 1938, the show may not have achieved the commercial success of its counterparts like The Cinnamon Bear or Jump Jump and the Ice Queen, but it offers a well-written and enthralling story that includes interactions with characters from Lewis Carroll'sclassic,AliceinWonderland.GatherthekidsandJonathanThomasthisholidayseasononhisthrillingjourneytosaveSantaClausandmakeChristmasmagicalforeveryone.
TheseriesbeganwithJourneytotheMoon(laterknownasOperationLuna)in1953,setin1965,whichwasChilton's prediction for when humans would first walk on the moon. The show'spopularitysurgedastherocketlaunchedtowardsthemoon,andbythefinalepisode,8millionpeopleweretuningin.LaterseriesincludedTheRedPlanetandTheWorldinPeril.
JumpJumpandtheIceQueenisa1947OldTimeRadioshowcreatedbythehusband-wifeteamofMaryMcConnellandHarryHickox.The24-partChristmasadventurefeaturesTim,anorphanwhoembarksonajourneytotheNorthPoletoaskifSantawillrememberhisfriendsattheorphanage.Onhisquest,TimmeetsJumpJumpandacastofcolorfulcharactersthathelphimsaveSanta's reindeer from the evil Ice Queen and ultimately save Christmas.
LetGeorgeDoItwasanAmericanradiodramaseriesthatairedfrom1946to1954,createdbyOwenandPaulineVinson.TheshowstarredBobBaileyasdetective-for-hireGeorgeValentine,whogainednotorietythroughhisnewspaperclassifiedad.Initiallystartingasasitcomstyledshow,itquicklytransitionedintoasuspensefultoughguyprivateeyeseries.Valentine's secretary, Claire Brooks (aka Brooksie) was played by various actresses including Frances Robinson, Virginia Gregg, and Lillian Buyeff. Other characters included Sonny (Eddie Firestone), Lieutenant Riley (Wally Maher), and Caleb (Joseph Kearns).