The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas

Today's Mystery: Simon Templar investigates a disturbing situation in the theater world when actor Mercer Bennett becomes convinced that the roles he plays onstage are coming true in real life. His latest play features the murder of his leading lady, Shari Babcock, and a previous attempt involving real bullets has left him fearing the worst. With several people harboring grudges and the final performance approaching, can the Saint uncover the truth before the curtain falls on a real-life tragedy?Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 14, 1951Originating from HollywoodCast:Vincent Price as Simon TemplarTheodore von Eltz as Mercer BennettMary Shipp as Shari BabcockEd Begley as Stuart JacksonMaggie Morley as Lola EnrightStanley Farrar as Arnold PrinceBob Clark as Charlie GlenwayHarry Brown as the doormanSupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Damien, Patreon supporter since February 2025Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.netMail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call 208-991-4783Become one of our friends on Facebook.Follow 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.

Today's Adventure: David Harding and Harry Peters travel to Switzerland after learning that a notorious international information broker is offering an American atomic scientist—and his knowledge of the nation's nuclear secrets—to the highest bidder. With foreign intelligence agents competing for the scientist's services, Harding must determine whether the scientist has betrayed his country and find a way to prevent America's atomic secrets from falling into enemy hands.Original Radio Broadcast: October 20, 1949Originating in New YorkCast:Don McLaughlin as David HardingMandel Kramer as Harry PetersMarks B. Loeb, directorPalmer Thompson, writerJesse Crawford, musicPhilip H. Lord, producerBob Shepard, announcerTo subscribe to this podcast and, go to https://greatadventures.info/Become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Shannon, Patreon supporter since January 2023.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 @radiodetectives

Todays Mystery: Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Frank Smith investigate the death of a 52-year-old music teacher whose body is discovered in an abandoned freight car, cradled in the arms of a young man who refuses to explain what happened. When the young man finally confesses to killing her, the detectives struggle to understand why he would murder a woman he claims to have loved deeply and who had devoted years to nurturing his musical ambitions.Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 10, 1952Originating from HollywoodCast:Jack Webb as Sgt. Joe FridayHerb Ellis as Sgt. Frank SmithVic PerrinHarry BartellJoyce McCluskeyJim Moser, writerWalter Schumann, musicTechnical advice from the office of Chief W.H. ParkerCaptain Jack Donahoe, Sgt. Marty Wynn, and Sgt. Vance Brasher, technical advisorsGeorge Fenneman, announcerSupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day:Dolly, Patreon supporter since November 2025.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…http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call 208-991-4783Become one of our friends on Facebook.Follow 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.

Today's Mystery: A redheaded woman is found shot dead in a black sedan on the outskirts of Las Vegas. Reporter Johnny Kalen soon finds himself investigating a second killing, a missing man named Scott Whitty, and a tangled web of relationships that may connect them all. As more troubling details emerge, Johnny and Police Chief Warren race to piece together the truth behind a string of violent deaths.Original Radio Broadcast:March 24, 1954Originating in New YorkCast:Michael O’Day as Johnny KalenEd Begley as Police Chief WarrenBrenna RayburnDanny AcCORita LynnGilbert MackBilly GraySupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Ken — Patreon supporter since January 2020Support 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…http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesBecome one of our friends on Facebook.Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

In this episode, we continue our journey through the surviving episodes of Charlie Chan’s Landini Murder Case, a 39-part serialized mystery based on Earl Derr Biggers’ final Charlie Chan novel, The Keeper of the Keys. This second omnibus brings together two more chapters from the original serial, continuing Charlie Chan’s investigation into the murders surrounding the guests at Pine View. Part 2 features “Who Killed Dr. Swan?” and “The Missing Key.”Original Radio Broadcast Date: 1936 and 1937Cast-Walter Connolly as Charlie ChanWho Killed Dr. Swan?Charlie Chan faces a new murder at Pine View when Dr. Swan, a suspected blackmailer, is found dead in an unoccupied house. With the guests already under suspicion in Ellen Landini’s murder, Chan investigates a conversation overheard on the night of the crime that could change the course of the case. But as questions about alibis and the missing house key emerge, the list of possible suspects grows.The Missing KeyThe search for Dr. Swan’s killer leads Charlie Chan to a missing key that may reveal who entered the house on the night of the murder. As Chan questions the household and examines the motives surrounding Landini’s estate, suspicion falls on those who may stand to benefit from her death. Then, during a search near the murder scene, Chan makes a discovery in the snow that could prove crucial to the investigation.Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: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�http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call 208-991-4783Become one of our friends on Facebook.Follow 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.

Today's Mystery: Johnny Dollar is looking forward to making amends with Betty Lewis when an unusual pattern catches his attention: a hot rod races past her home every morning, its engine backfiring at precisely the same spot. When Johnny discovers the car has a phony license plate, he suspects the noise is more than a nuisance. His investigation leads him to a dangerous scheme targeting a former attorney, but can Johnny uncover the plan before the next backfire turns deadly?Original Radio Broadcast Date:September 6, 1959Originating from HollywoodCast:Bob Bailey as Johnny DollarVirginia GreggForrest LewisBarney PhillipsTom HollandSupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day:Don, Michael, Claudia, and Artimo, Patreon Supporter since October 2021.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.

Today's Mystery: A strange murder draws Detective Danny Clover to a Manhattan apartment filled with occult symbols, a dead man, and a woman who barely survived the night. What first appears to be a bizarre suicide soon becomes connected to a series of deaths stretching back several years. As Clover follows the trail, he encounters a mysterious woman who claims to possess the power to determine who lives—and who dies.Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 18, 1952Originated in HollywoodCast:Larry Thor as Detective Danny CloverCharles Calvert as Sgt. Gino TartagliaJack Kruschen as Sgt. MuggavanSammy Hill as Maura SpencerLee MillarTruda MarsonLou MerrillMorton Fine and David Friedkin, writersElliott Lewis, directorAlexander Courage, composer and conductorBill Anders, announcer Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Bruce, Patreon supporter since July 2022Support 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�http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesBecome one of our friends on Facebook.Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Today's Mystery: Simon Templar becomes involved in a strange murder mystery after meeting a frightened man named Prebble, who believes he may be headed for prison because of a trained chimpanzee named Wenceslaus. When Prebble is murdered and the chimpanzee is subsequently killed, the Saint discovers that the animal may have been involved in the theft of valuable jewels. Simon follows the trail to a group of jewel thieves and must determine who killed Prebble and Wenceslaus—and who has the missing jewels.Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 10, 1950Originating from HollywoodStarred: Vincent Price as Simon TemplarCast:Maggie Morley as LolaGeorge Nees as Roland AmesSheldon Leonard as MaxTheodor von Eltz as HaigJack Moyles as PrebbleJerry Hausner as the MonkeySupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Todd, Patreon supporter since July 2025Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.netMail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call 208-991-4783Become one of our friends on Facebook.Follow 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.

Today's Adventure: CounterSpy chief David Harding investigates a charity racket operating among wealthy members of East Coast society. When a charity organizer connected to the World Refugee Fund is found to be running a fraudulent scheme, Harding sets a trap to uncover the criminal mastermind behind it. His investigation leads to Alfred Babson, a dangerous society figure whose operation involves threats, murder, and carefully timed plans. Harding must expose the racket before Babson can eliminate those who stand in his way.Original Radio Broadcast:October 11, 1949Originating in New YorkCast:Don McLaughlinMandel KramerKen Lynch as ZeroTo subscribe to this podcast and, go to https://greatadventures.info/Become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netSupport 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

Todays Mystery: Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Frank Smith investigate the abduction of an unidentified man from a downtown Los Angeles street. Bloodstains at the scene and an abandoned gray sedan suggest that the victim may have been seriously injured, but there are few clues to his identity or whereabouts. The investigation leads Friday and Smith through a missing car, conflicting stories, and two suspects with criminal records. As the detectives piece together the evidence, they must determine what happened to the missing man and whether he is still alive.Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 26, 1952Originating from HollywoodStarring:Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe FridayBarton Yarborough as Sergeant Frank SmithSupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Rebecca — Patreon supporter since August 2024Support 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…http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call 208-991-4783Become one of our friends on Facebook.Follow 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.

Today's Mystery: Prince George’s County reporter Arthur Milky becomes suspicious when a young child dies at a nursery home and the medical examiner determines that the boy’s severe head injuries could not have been self-inflicted.When the woman running the home offers conflicting explanations for the injuries, Milky begins investigating both the child’s death and the operator’s troubling history, determined to uncover evidence strong enough to establish what really happened.Original Radio Broadcast: January 27, 1954Originating in New YorCast:Lyle Sudrow as Arthur MilkyCourt BensonMaurice WellsLouis Van RootenBarbara WeeksJoan LorringTed OsborneSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day:Stuart, Patreon supporter since November 2022Support 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…http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesBecome one of ourf riends on Facebook.Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

In this episode, we serve up four classic old-time radio snacks, featuring a special Family Theater presentation for Citizenship Day, an episode of Family Doctor, a New Year's drama from Guest Star, and a classic performance by Orson Welles.Family Theater: Treasury of HomesIn honor of Citizenship Day, this episode features an excerpt from Family Theater, a dramatic anthology series that promoted family prayer and presented stories centered around American family life.This excerpt, Treasury of Homes, celebrates the pioneers who settled the American West and the immigrants who came to the United States seeking a better life. The story follows the Simmons family as they search for a place to build their new home and dream of the community that will eventually grow around them.The program also features a performance by John Charles Thomas singing The Homeland.Original Air Date: February 14, 1951Family Doctor: Error in DiagnosisIn this episode of Family Doctor, Dr. Grant Adams treats Griff Miller, an elderly man struggling to make the interest payment on the mortgage for his family boathouse.When the mortgage holder, lawyer Ralph Bates, prepares to foreclose, Doc Adams comes up with an unusual solution. By convincing Bates that he has chicken pox and later poison oak, the country doctor buys Griff enough time to save his property.The story offers a humorous look at the traditional image of the country doctor as a trusted community figure who cared for more than just his patients' physical health.Original Air Date: 1937Guest Star: Time is SacredSpend New Year's Eve with Bill Cooper and Louise Marston, two office workers who become trapped in an elevator when the power goes out.As they realize that the elevator cable may not hold until help arrives, the two strangers discover that they have fallen in love. With midnight approaching, they face what may be their final moments together.Starring Joan Leslie, this dramatic story combines romance, suspense, and a New Year's message about recognizing the importance of time.Original Air Date: December 26, 1948Mercury Theatre: I'm a FoolOrson Welles stars in this adaptation of Sherwood Anderson's story I'm a Fool.A young man attending a horse race attempts to impress a girl by pretending to be wealthy and claiming that his father owns one of the horses. His lies bring him closer to the girl, but as the evening comes to an end, he realizes the painful consequences of trying to be someone he isn't.This experimental Mercury Theatre broadcast presented three short stories in a single episode, making it an ideal example of the snack-sized radio storytelling featured on the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon.Original Air Date: August 8, 1938Subscribe to the Old Time Radio Snack Wagon at http://www.snackwagon.net or wherever you download your podcasts from.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 for another serving of old-time radio from the Golden Age of Radio.

Today's Mystery: Johnny Dollar is asked to help recover a priceless Cellini medallion stolen from the Louvre and believed to be smuggled into the United States aboard a ship carrying French wine. After traveling from Paris to San Francisco, Johnny turns to his underworld contacts for information and learns that the medallion may be hidden somewhere along the Embarcadero. His investigation takes a dangerous turn when he and Smoky Sullivan discover a murdered watchman and must locate the stolen treasure before it falls into the hands of a professional fence.Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 23, 1959.Originating from HollywoodCast:Bob Bailey as Johnny DollarVirginia Gregg as Smoky SullivanSupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Rebecca, Patreon supporter since February 2021Support 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…http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call 208-991-4783Become one of our friends on Facebook.Follow 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.