Old Time Radio Mystery Specials

A Canadian finds himself drawn into a world of myste Read more ...

In this special, we look back at the top five half-hour Old Time Radio programs of our 2024-2025 season, and one of our best Old Time Radio Snack Wagon episodes.First up, it's The Falcon in "The Case of the Jumping Jack":A woman hires The Falcon because she suspects that her husband has hired a private eye to follow her.Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 20, 1952Originating from New YorkStarring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Chuck Webster as Sergeant CorbettThen we turn to the Your Playhouse of Favorites production of "The Suicide Club":A bored crown prince, looking for excitement, joins a club of men who want to end their lives.Original Air Date: Sometime between 1947 and 1949Originating from New YorkStarring: Dwight Reese; Walter VaughnSpeaking of Robert Louis Stevenson, we turn to an excerpt from The Orson Welles Almanac wherein Welles reads Stevenson's lesser-known letter defending Father Damien against the scathing remarks of Reverend Dr. C.M. Hyde. This impassioned response, penned in 1890, highlights the stark contrasts between the selfless heroism of Father Damien and the hypocrisy of his critics.Join us as we explore the rich historical context and emotional weight of Stevenson's words, showcasing not only a brilliant literary takedown but also a tribute to compassion and service in the face of adversity. Welles's masterful narration brings this poignant piece to life, reminding us of the enduring legacy of Father Damien.Complete Text of Stevenson's letter:https://www.gutenberg.org/files/281/281-h/281-h.htmThen we turn to a surreal episode of Mr. and Mrs. North, "Call Me Choo Choo"Today’s Mystery:Pam and Jerry hear a clarinet being played in the middle of the country near a wrecked car.Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 9, 1947Originating from New York CityStarring: Joseph Curtain as Jerry North; Alice Frost as Pamela North; Larry Haines; Mandel KramerWe will also have a listen to one of our new series, Cloak and Dagger, about the true adventures of the OSS during WWII. Here is "Roof of the World":A husband and wife team of geologists are recruited by the IRS to journey into Tibet to seek the favor of the Dalai Lama. They find themselves in competition with two Nazi officers.Original Radio Broadcast: August 13, 1950Originating from New YorkStarring: Louise Barclay; Grant Richards; Raymond Edward Johnson; Stefan Schnabel; Berry Kroeger; Janice Gilbert; Karl Weber; Ralph Bell; Jerry JarrettThen we conclude with one of our most memorable guest-starring appearances in the Yours Truly Johnny Dollar story, "The Price of Fame Matter"Vincent Price summons Johnny Dollar when a $100,000 painting is stolen from his private collection.Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 2, 1958Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Vincent Price as Himself; Virginia Gregg; Howard McNear; Junius Matthews; Forrest Lewis; Tony BarrettSupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day:John, Patreon supporter since September 2016.Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Release Date: September 24, 2011Narcotics Commissioner Michael Barrows (Dick Powell) witnesses a Japanese sea captain throwing 100 slaves overboard to cover up a narcotics ring. Barrows is determined to get justice and sets out on a globe trotting adventure to break the ring and capture the murderous captain.Original Air Date: May 23, 1949Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netSupport the show on a one-time basis at https://support.greatdetectives.netMail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715GIve us a call at 208-991-4783Take the listener survey at https://survey.greatdetectives.netCheck out all our social media links and connect with us at https://www.greatdetectives.net

Today we take a look at the evolution of E. Jack Neumann's story that became the five-part Johnny Dollar serial.Jeff Regan: The Man in the ChurchRegan is hired for a simple job of delivering $5,000 to a man, but finds himself wanted for murder.Original Air Date: October 12, 1949Starring: Frank Graham as Jeff Regan; Frank Nelson; William Conrad; Sidney MillerNight Beat: Big John McMastersRandy Stone befriends an old-time racketeer and becomes concerned when he is shot.Original Air Date: March 4, 1951Starring: Frank Lovejoy as Randy Stone; William Conrad; Tudor OwenYours Truly Johnny Dollar: The San Antonio MatterJohnny goes to Saint Petersburg to investigate the killing of a mobster.Original Air Date: April 28, 1953Starring: John Lund as Johnny Dollar; John McIntire; Joseph Kearns; Jeanette Nolan; Virginia Gregg; Jay NovelloYours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Valentine MatterAfter investigating a hotel theft in New Orleans, Johnny befriends an old-time bootlegger in a bar.Original Air Dates: October 31-November 4, 1955Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Lillian Buyeff; Betty Lou Gerson; Barney Phillips; Will Wright; Forrest Lewis; Marvin Miller; Jay Novello; Jack MoylesSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Rose, Patreon supporter since June 2023Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectives

Release Date: May 07, 2011A man (Edmund O’Brien) is poisoned and spends his last days trying to find the man who murdered him.Original Air Date: June 21, 1951Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netSupport the show on a one-time basis at https://support.greatdetectives.netMail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Give us a call at 208-991-4783Take the listener survey at https://survey.greatdetectives.netCheck out our social media at https://www.greatdetectives.net