Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - Let George Do It "The Harding Bookshop Mystery" (11-08-46)

The Harding Bookshop Mystery (Aired November 8, 1946)


Let George Do It was a radio drama series produced by Owen and Pauline Vinson from 1946 to 1954. It starred Bob Bailey as detective-for-hire George Valentine (with Olan Soule stepping into the role in 1954). Clients came to Valentine's office after reading a newspaper carrying his classified ad: "Personal notice: Danger's my stock in trade. If the job's too tough for you to handle, you've got a job for me. George Valentine." Valentine's secretary was Claire Brooks, aka Brooksie (Frances Robinson, Virginia Gregg, Lillian Buyeff). As Valentine made his rounds in search of the bad guys, he usually encounted Brooksie's kid brother, Sonny (Eddie Firestone), Lieutenant Riley (Wally Maher) and elevator man Caleb (Joseph Kearns). Sponsored by Standard Oil, the program was broadcast on the West Coast Mutual Broadcasting System from October 18, 1946 to September 27, 1954, first on Friday evenings and then on Mondays. In its last season, transcriptions were aired in New York, Wednesdays at 9:30pm, from January 20, 1954 to January 12, 1955. John Hiestand was the program's announcer. Don Clark directed the scripts by David Victor and Jackson Gillis. The background music was supplied by Eddie Dunstedter on the organ.

THIS EPISODE:

November 8, 1946. Mutual-Don Lee network. "The Harding Bookshop Mystery" - Sponsored by: Standard Oil, Chevron. An eccentric book dealer dies, and George is hired to find his missing money. The clue lies with Mary...and her little lamb! Bob Bailey, Frances Robinson, Eddie Firestone, Jane Morgan, Evelyn Scott, Paul McVey, Harry Bartell, Bud Hiestand (announcer), Polly Hopkins (writer), Owen Vinson (producer, director), Charles Dant (composer, conductor), Bud Hiestand (announcer). 29:29.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - Crime & Peter Chambers "Cufflink Is" (07-06-54)

Cufflink Is (Aired July 6, 1954)


This program was born from a detective book series and inspired by author Henry Kane who became the director and producer for the radio show. The series only ran five months, 30 minutes each episode, from April 6, 1954 to September 7, 1954. Peter Chambers was played by Dane Clark who also appeared on the Suspense radio shows. Chambers acted the role of a playboy detective with an eye for solving crime and a taste for the women. Bill Zuckert, who went on to guest star in many 1970s shows including The Mary Tyler Moore Show and the Partridge Family, plays Lt. Parker.

THIS EPISODE:

July 6, 1954. NBC network. "Cufflink Is" - Sustaining. Dane Clark, Henry Kane (creator, writer), Fred Collins (announcer), William Zuckert, William Griffis, Lesley Woods, Fred Weihe (director), Jim Jordan (promotional announcement), Marian Jordan (promotional announcement). 24:14.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - CBS Radio Mystery Theater "Killer's Helper" (09-07-76)

Killer's Helper (Aired September 7, 1976)


The CBS Radio Mystery Theater (or CBSRMT) was an ambitious and sustained attempt to revive the great drama of old-time radio in the 1970s. Created by Himan Brown (who had by then become a radio legend due to his work on Inner Sanctum Mysteries and other shows dating back to the 1930s), and aired on affiliate stations across the CBS Radio network, the series began its long run on January 6, 1974. The final episode ran on December 31, 1982. The show was broadcast nightly and ran for one hour, including commercials. Typically, a week consisted of three to four new episodes, with the remainder of the week filled out with reruns. There were a total of 1399 original episodes broadcast. The total number of broadcasts, including reruns, was 2969. The late E.G. Marshall hosted the program every year but the final one, when actress Tammy Grimes took over. Each episode began with the ominous sound of a creaking door, slowly opening to invite listeners in for the evening's adventure. At the end of each show, the door would swing shut, with Marshall signing off, "Until next time, pleasant...dreams?"

THIS EPISODE:

September 7, 1976. Program #514. CBS network. "Killer's Helper". Sponsored by: Budweiser, Contac. E. G. Marshall (host), Sam Dann (writer), Michael Wager, Joan Lovejoy, Robert Dryden, Evie Juster. 52 minutes.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - The Lineup "Murder In A Card Game" (12-24-52)

Murder In A Card Game (Aired December 24, 1952)


The Lineup is a realistic police drama that gives radio audiences a look behind the scenes at police headquarters. Bill Johnstone plays Lt. Ben Guthrie, a quiet, calm-as-a-cupcake cucumber. Joseph Kearns (and from 1951 to 1953, Matt Maher) plays Sgt. Matt Grebb, a hot-tempered hot plate who is easily bored. The director and script writer often rode with police on the job and sat in on the police lineups to get ideas for The Lineup. They also read dozens of newspapers daily and intermeshed real stories with those that they used in the show. With Dragnet a smash hit, realism in police dramas was popular at the time this show aired. Don’t be caught without this radio show in your collection!

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - Police Headquarters "2 Episodes" From 1932

Ep.1 "Red Dugan Murder" & EP.2 Laundry Truck-Napping" (1932)


There is not too much known about the series Police Headquarters. There are 39 known episodes of this police procedural series. The series was syndicated on NBC stations in 1932. Each episode is a complete story of 15 minutes, including the silent movie music at the beginning and end. There is not much to the story line: the police are notified of the crime; they investigate at the scene of the crime; and follow the leads to get their man. Best of all each story gives a glimpse into the 1930s and they are interesting to hear. Broadcasters Program Syndicate/Bruce Eells and Associates syndication. Music fill for local commercial insert.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - Rogue's Gallery "Lady With A Gun" (06-30-46)

Rogue's Gallery - Lady With A Gun (Aired June 30, 1946)


Rogue's Gallery came to the Mutual network on September 27, 1945 with Dick Powell portraying Richard Rogue, a private detective who invariably ended up getting knocked out each week and spending his dream time in acerbic conversation with his subconscious self, Eugor. Rogue's Gallery was, in a sense, Dick Powell's rehearsal for Richard Diamond, Private Detective. Powell played private detective Richard Rogue, who trailed luscious blondes, protected witness, and did whatever else detectives do to make a living. It was a good series, though not destined to make much of a mark. Under the capable direction of Dee Englebach and accompanied by the music of Leith Stevens, Powell floated through his lines with the help of such competents as Lou Merrill, Gerald Mohr, Gloria Blondell, Tony Barrett, and Lurene Tuttle. Peter Leeds played Rogue's friend Eugor, an obscure play on names with Eugor spelling Rogue backwards. The gimmick in Rogue's Gallery was the presence of an alter ego, "Eugor," who arrived in the middle of the show to give Rogue enough information for his final deduction. Eugor was a state of mind, achieved when Rogue was knocked unconcious. Eugor would appear cackling like the host of Hermit's Cave and imparted some vital information the hero had overlooked. Rogue would then awaken with a vague idea of what to do next. Rogue's Gallery also starred different actors as Rogue, in later incarnations of the series, but Richard Powell was the most popular. This series preceded Richard Powell's most famous series, Richard Diamond, Private Detective. Rogue trailed lovely blondes and protected witnesses in the new tough guy persona of Dick Powell. This was the transition series for Powell in his quest to be recognized as an actor rather than a singer. It had some of the same cute elements that would make Richard Diamond a high spot four years later. During the summer of 1946, the show was billed as Bandwagon Mysteries, with a tip of the hat to the sponsor. In the summer of 1947, it was again revived on NBC Sundays for Fitch, with Barry Sullivan in the title role. In 1950 the character again turned up in a two-year sustainer on the ABC Wednesday-night schedule. Chester Morris played the lead. Chester Morris was the original Boston Blackie.

THIS EPISODE:

June 30, 1946. Mutual network. "Lady With A Gun" - Sponsored by: Fitch's Shampoo. Rehearsal recording. After Matt Webb tries to start a fight in a nightclub with Richard Rogue, Mrs. Webb tries to hire him to investigate her husband. Rogue declines the case but finds himself involved the next day when Webb's body is found. Dick Powell blows a line and mutters "Holy Christ" before plowing on. Dee Englebach (producer, director), Dick Powell, Gerald Mohr, Jim Doyle (announcer), Leith Stevens (composer, conductor), Ray Buffum (writer), Peter Leeds. 28:50.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - The Buffalo Hunters (06-07-52)

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - The Buffalo Hunters (Aired June 7, 1952)


Gunsmoke - The radio show first aired on April 26, 1952 and ran until June 18, 1961 on the CBS radio network. The series starred William Conrad as Marshal Matt Dillon, Howard McNear as Doc Charles Adams, Georgia Ellis as Kitty Russell, and Parley Baer as Deputy Chester Proudfoot. Doc's first name and Chester's last name were changed for the television program. Gunsmoke was notable for its critically acclaimed cast and writing, and is commonly regarded as one of the finest old time radio shows. Some listeners (such as old time radio expert John Dunning) have argued that the radio version of Gunsmoke was far more realistic than the television program. Episodes were aimed at adults, and featured some of the most explicit content of the day: there were violent crimes and scalpings, massacres and opium addicts. Miss Kitty's occupation as a prostitute was made far more obvious on the radio version than on television. Many episodes ended on a down-note, and villains often got away with their crimes.

THIS EPISODE:

June 7, 1952. CBS network. "Buffalo Hunters". Sustaining. An albino buffalo skin is the clue to the murder of two buffalo hunters, and their father. Part of one promotional announcement has been deleted. Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear, Joel Murcott (writer), Stan Waxman, John Dehner, Lawrence Dobkin, Sam Edwards, Lillian Buyeff, Tom Holland, Mary Lansing, Rex Koury (composer, conductor), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Clancey Cassell (announcer), William Conrad, Parley Baer. 29:18.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - Escape "Shark Bait" (07-14-50)

Shark Bait (Aired July 14, 1950)


Escape was radio's leading anthology series of high adventure, airing on CBS from July 7, 1947 to September 25, 1954. Since the program did not have a regular sponsor like Suspense, it was subjected to frequent schedule shifts and lower production budgets, although Richfield Oil signed on as a sponsor for five months in 1950. Despite these problems, Escape enthralled many listeners during its seven-year run. The series' well-remembered opening combined Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain with the introduction, intoned by Paul Frees and William Conrad: “Tired of the everyday routine? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all? We offer you... Escape!” Of the more than 230 Escape episodes, most have survived in good condition. Many story premises, both originals and adaptations, involved a protagonist in dire life-or-death straits, and the series featured more science fiction and supernatural tales than Suspense. Some of the memorable adaptations include Algernon Blackwood's "Confession", Ray Bradbury's oft-reprinted "Mars Is Heaven," George R. Stewart's Earth Abides, Richard Connell's "The Most Dangerous Game," F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Diamond as Big as the Ritz," John Collier's "Evening Primrose", later adapted to TV as a Stephen Sondheim musical starring Anthony Perkins. Vincent Price and Harry Bartell were heard in the chilling "Three Skeleton Key," the tale of three men trapped in an isolated lighthouse by thousands of rats. The half-hour was adapted from an Esquire short story by the French writer George Toudouze.

THIS EPISODE:

July 14, 1950. CBS network. "Shark Bait". Sponsored by: Richfield Oil. A good story about gun runners during a Central American revolution, with a surprise ending. Antony Ellis (performer, writer), Harry Bartell, Harry Bartell (composer, conductor), John Dehner, Mary Shipp, Paul Frees, Steve Roberts, Thomas Hanlon (announcer), Will Geer, William Conrad, William N. Robson (director). 29:43.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - Pat Novak For Hire "Joe Dineen" (06-19-49)

Joe Dineen (Aired June 19, 1949)


Pat Novak, played by Jack Webb, was a private detective working out of Pier 19, a waterfront office in San Francisco. The stories were always very similar: Someone would hire him, (if not a beautiful woman, the job would lead to a beautiful woman) someone would get murdered, he would investigate the case, get beaten up by the thugs, and then the case would be solved and end with glorious violence. The closing was always the same; the listener would be told who had done what, to whom and why they had done it.

THIS EPISODE:

June 19, 1949. ABC network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. Who killed Joe Dineen, and why? And where is his safe deposit box? Jack Webb, Raymond Burr, Tudor Owen. 1/2 hour. Jack Webb, Raymond Burr, Tudor Owen, William P. Rousseau (producer, director), Herb Ellis, Parley Baer, George Fenneman (announcer), Basil Adlam (composer, conductor), Yvonne Peattie. 29:30.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - Suspense "Hitch-Hike Poker" (09-16-48)

Hitch-Hike Poker (Aired September 16, 1948)


Suspense was one of the premier programs of the Golden Age of Radio (aka old-time radio), and advertised itself as "radio's outstanding theater of thrills." It was heard in one form or another from 1942 through 1962. There were approximately 945 episodes broadcast during its long run, over 900 of which are extant in mostly high-quality recordings. Suspense went through several major phases, characterized by different hosts, sponsors and director/producers. There were a few rules which were followed for all but a handful of episodes: Protagonists were usually a normal person suddenly dropped into a threatening or bizarre situation. Evildoers must be punished in the end.

THIS EPISODE:

September 16, 1948. CBS network. "Hitch-Hike Poker". Sponsored by: Auto-Lite. A war veteran hitchhiking home for the weekend is picked up by a friendly guy in a convertible. His troubles are only beginning. Frank Martin (commercial spokesman), Ed Begley, Kaye Brinker, Lucien Moraweck (composer), Lud Gluskin (conductor), Gregory Peck, Anton M. Leader (producer, director), John Bagni (writer), Gwen Bagni (writer), Paul Frees (announcer), William Johnstone (commercial spokesman). 29:37.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - Murder By Experts "Summer Heat" (06-13-49)

Summer Heat (Aired June 13, 1949)


Murder By Experts was a radio drama anthology series that ran on American radio from 1949-1951, and was hosted first by John Dickson Carr, and later by Brett Halliday. Evidently, a mystery, authored by a leading crime fiction writer, was presented, and "guest experts," such as Alfred Hitchcock or Craig Rice, were invited to solve it. Or maybe not -- nobody seems to know much about this one. David Kogan, the writer/creator of Murder by Experts, also created and wrote The Mysterious Traveler.

THIS EPISODE:

June 13, 1949. Mutual network. "Summer Heat". Sustaining. A newly graduated lawyer awakes with a dead body in bed and has a very difficult time getting rid of that body! David Kogan (adaptor, director, producer), Phil Tonken (announcer), Bryna Raeburn, Ian Martin, Cameron Andrews, Andrew Evans (author), Emerson Buckley (conductor), John Dickson Carr (host), Lawson Zerbe, Richard Dupage (composer), Frank Behrens, William Zuckert, Robert A. Arthur (adaptor, director, producer). 29:39.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - 2000 Plus "The Other Man" (1950)

The Other Man (1950)


The fifties are when science fiction on radio came of age. America was facing a different threat, nuclear in nature. Instead of looking to the stars and seeing monsters, it began to look to the stars and see possibilities. At the start of the decade, there were at least four series for adults plus several for children. The first adult science fiction series to make it to radio was 2000 Plus. At the same time were NBC's Dimension X and CBS' Beyond Tomorrow though it has never been determined if Beyond Tomorrow ever made it past the audition stage. Dimension X used stories mostly by the best of the science fiction writers of the day. Others in the series were by the scriptwriting team of George Lefferts and Ernest Kinoy. While 2000 Plus was the first, it was Dimension X that shined. With excellent scriptwriters adapting stories of excellent science fiction writers, this series stood above its competition. Van Woodward, the producer said "We went the adaptation route simply bcause that's where the best stories are. Bright ideas for science fiction tales don't come on order; they're usually the product of a moment's inspiration, by a writer who is steeped in the field."

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - Blondie "Alexander's Scandal Sheet" (11-03-48)

Alexander's Scandal Sheet (Aired November 3, 1948


Not many cartoon strips from the 30's are still popular, but Blondie is one of the few. Still widely read today, Blondie was also made into movies and of course, radio. Her beau, soon to be husband, Dagwood and her were an unlikely match. Dagwood actually came from money and his parents were displeased with his choice of girlfriend, but boldly defying them, he accepted being disowned and married Blondie anyway. In the beginning, Blondie was a flapper and portrayed as a bit of an airhead, but marriage seemed to mature her and she was actually the more levelheaded of the two, often getting Dagwood out of the messes he got himself into when he would cry out "BLONDIEEEEEEEE!!"
Almost everyone could see a bit of themselves in the everyday lives of the Bumsteads and judging from the continued enjoyment of the characters, almost everyone still can. Truly a delightful show.

THIS EPISODE:

November 3, 1948. "Alexander's Scandal Sheet" - Program #61. NBC network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. Alexander decides to earn his own money, and starts a gossip newspaper. Arthur Lake, Penny Singleton, Hanley Stafford, Elvia Allman. 25:49.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - Box 13 "Speed To Burn" (06-26-49)

Speed To Burn (Aired June 26, 1949)


The premise of the program was that Dan Holiday was an author who wrote mystery novels. To get ideas for his novels he placed an advertisement in a newspaper saying "Adventure wanted, will go anywhere, do anything, Box 13." The ads always brought fun adventures of all kinds: from racketeer's victim to psychotic killer looking for fun. Most of the episodes were based on Dan Holiday replying to a letter he received at Box 13. He would generally solve a mystery in the process, and return to his office in time to enjoy a hearty laugh at the expense of Suzy, his amusingly stupid secretary. He would certainly not meet the strictest requirements for private eyes (not licensed, collected no fees from clients), but the definition should stretch to sneak him in under the rope. It was heard over the Mutual Broadcasting System as well as being syndicated. The series was produced by Mayfair Productions. Box 13, starring Alan Ladd as Dan Holiday. Sylvia Picker played Suzy, Dan Holiday's secretary and Edmond MacDonald as Lt. Kling. Other stars in the series were Betty Lou Gerson, Lurene Tuttle, Alan Reed, Luis Van Rooten, John Beal and Frank Lovejoy. Music was by Rudy Schrager and the writer was Russell Hughes. Announcer/Director was Vern Carstensen. The series was produced by Richard Sanville with Alan Ladd as co-producer.

THIS EPISODE:

Box Thirteen. June 26, 1949. Program #45. Mutual network origination, Mayfair syndication. "Speed To Burn". Commercials added locally. Why shouldn't a 1938 jalopy with a British tank engine go one hundred miles per hour? Alan Ladd, Albert Wagner (adaptor), Bernard Feins (writer), Gerald Mohr, Richard Sanville (director), Rudy Schrager (composer, conductor), Sylvia Picker, Vern Carstensen (production supervisor). 26:56.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - Crime Classics "The Good Ship Jane" (02-24-54)

The Good Ship Jane (Aired February 24, 1954)


Crime Classics was a U. S. radio docudrama which aired over CBS from June 15, 1953 to June 30, 1954. Created, produced, and directed by radio actor/director Elliott Lewis, the program was basically a historical true crime series, examining crimes, and especially murders, from the past. It grew out of Lewis's personal interest in famous murder cases, and took a documentary-like approach to the subject, carefully recreating the facts, personages, and feel of the time period. Comparatively little dramatic license was taken with the facts and events, but the tragedy was leavened with humor, expressed largely through the narration.

THIS EPISODE:

February 24, 1954. CBS network. "The Good Ship Jane: Why She Became Flotsam". Sustaining. A well written story of piracy and murder. Lou Merrill (host), Gary Montgomery, Ben Wright, Steve Roberts, Bob Lemond (announcer), Herb Butterfield, Paul Frees, William Johnstone, Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Bernard Herrmann (composer, conductor). 30:23.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - Bold Venture "With Friends Like These" (1952)

With Friends Like These (1952)


The Hollywood husband and wife team of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall set sail for adventure in the Bold Venture radio series in early 1951. There were well over 400 stations that aired the program. Since thiswas syndicated * the starting date varied from station to station but Mar 26, 1951 was the official date of the first show. Humphrey Bogart portrayed Slate Shannon, owner of a rundown Havana hotel, Shannon's Place. The action took place on land as well aboard Slate's boat, The Bold Venture, thus the title of the series. Lauren Bacall was his ward Sailor Duval, a stubborn and flirtatious young woman whose late father had willed her to Slate for her protection. Together the duo found adventure, intrigue, mystery and romance in the sultry settings of tropical Havana and the mysterious islands of the Caribbean.

THIS EPISODE:

Program #55. ZIV Syndication. "With Friends Like These". Commercials added locally. Slate's friend Rudy Keijon was killed five years ago in New Orleans. However, Rudy is alive and well and in Havana...tied up by a beautiful woman. Slate is held at gunpoint. Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Jester Hairston, David Rose (composer, conductor). 26:50.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - Barry Craig Confidential Investigator "Ghosts Don't Die In Bed" (09-07-54)

Ghosts Don't Die In Bed (Aired September 7, 1954)


Barry Craig, Confidential Investigator is one of the few detective radio series that had separate versions of it broadcast from both coasts. Even the spelling changed over the years. It was first "Barry Crane" and then "Barrie Craig". NBC produced it in New York from 1951 to 1954 and then moved it to Hollywood where it aired from 1954 to 1955. It attracted only occasional sponsors so it was usually a sustainer.William Gargan, who also played the better known television (and radio) detective Martin Kane, was the voice of New York eye BARRY CRAIG while Ralph Bell portrayed his associate, Lt. Travis Rogers. Craig's office was on Madison Avenue and his adventures were fairly standard PI fare. He worked alone, solved cases efficiently, and feared no man. As the promos went, he was "your man when you can't go to the cops. Confidentiality a speciality."Like Sam Spade, Craig narrated his stories, in addition to being the leading character in this 30 minute show. Nearly sixty episodes are in trading circulation today.

THIS EPISODE:

Barry Craig, Confidential Investigator. September 7, 1954. NBC network. "Ghosts Don't Die In Bed". Sustaining. A strange house on a stormy night, and a corpse in the library. The corpse is from an eighty year old murder! The last show of the season. William Gargan, Betty Lou Gerson, Virginia Gregg, Jack Moyles, Charlie Lung, Louis Vittes (writer), Arthur Jacobson (director), John Laing (announcer). 29:34.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Cisco Kid" - Valley Of Killers (1955)Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Cisco Kid" - Valley Of Killers (1955)

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Cisco Kid" - Valley Of Killers (1955)


Broadcast constantly sometimes once a week sometimes 3 times a week By Mutual, between 1942 and 1956. Western Drama mainly for the young ones or maybe just the young at heart. I say the young at heart, because The Cisco Kid and his likeable but simple partner Pancho were a couple of lovable rogues and because there was usually a lovely senorita around in every episode who fell madly in love with Sisco, there may well have been an element of lady listeners included in the audience rating figures. Here they were, these two Mexican bandits, travelling from sunset to sunset (because that's where they always road off to at the end of each episode) robbing the rich, but I wouldn't say giving it to the poor. At least they did it in a kind and humorous way. It was more a question of the victim being relieved of the heavy burden of his or her riches, rather than having some of their prized possessions taken away from them. Half the fun in the series was listening to Pancho try to explain in his simple Mexican way that the sheriff's posse was hard on their heels and to quote him, "Ceesco, eef they catch up with us, perhaps they weel keel us." At the beginning The Cisco Kid was played by Jackson Beck then later Jack Mather took over the role. Whilst Pancho was played first by Louis Sorin then by Harry Lang. Originally the Announcer was Michael Rye and the Director Jock McGregor and during the days of Jack Mather and Harry Lang the Producer was J. C. Lewis with the series being written by Larry Hays.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - Rocky Fortune "On The Trail Of A Killer" (01-05-54)

On The Trail Of A Killer (Aired January 5, 1954)


Rocky Fortune" about a wanderer that took odd jobs to support himself and never stayed in one place too long. He almost always seemed to meet beautiful women along with trouble. Sinatra was good and was proving to Hollywood that he could do serious work. When casting began for the movie "From Here To Eternity", Frank campaigned tirelessly for a part and because of that and a good word put in for him by Gardner, who he was now separated from, he won a part that would mark his return to Hollywood. Sadly for us, it also meant he didn't have time to do radio and "Rocky Fortune" was rather short lived, although it was popular. It only ran from 1953 - 1954, but" It was a very good year".

THIS EPISODE:

January 5, 1954. NBC network. - "On The Trail Of A Killer". Sustaining. Frank's good friend Ellie is, "fat, forty and frustrated." She marries a no-goodnik and is soon murdered. Rocky takes out in hot pursuit and nearly rides the rails...with his ticket punched with a bullet, "from here to eternity." Frank Sinatra, Paula Victor, Tom McKee, John Sutton, Barney Phillips, Jay Loft Lynn, Maurice Hart, Norm Sickle (writer), Andrew C. Love (director). 24:43.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - Casey Crime Photographer "Miscarriage Of Justice" (10-02-47)

Miscarriage Of Justice (Aired October 2, 1947)


The Adventures Of Casey, Crime Photographer for The Morning Express, were told in this series, which moved to television after a highly successful run on radio in the 1940’s. Casey hung out at the Blue Note Café, where the music was provided by the Tony Mottola Trio, and was friendly with Ethelbert, the bartender, to whom he recounted his various exploits. Richard Carlyle and John Gibson portrayed the roles when the series premiered in April, 1951, but by June they were replaced by Darren McGavin and Cliff Hall. Ann Williams, a reporter on The Morning Express, was Casey’s girlfriend. During the summer of 1951 he acquired a partner in cub reporter Jack Lipman, who wrote copy to go with Casey’s pictures. This live series was set in and broadcast from, New York City.

THIS EPISODE:

October 2, 1947. CBS network. "Miscarriage Of Justice". Sponsored by: Anchor Hocking Glass. A woman has been murdered twice? How can the killer be tried again after being freed the first time? Alonzo Deen Cole (writer), Archie Bleyer (music), Herman Chittison (piano), Jan Miner, Joe DeSantis, John Dietz (director), John Gibson, Santos Ortega, Staats Cotsworth, Tony Marvin (announcer), George Harmon Coxe (creator). 29:55.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - Bulldog Drummond "The Fatal Right" (10-14-46)

The Fatal Right (Aired October 14, 1946)


Bulldog Drummond has come to wreak havoc on unsuspecting killers, counterfeiters, and underworld characters. The opening of the show starts with a the sounds of footsteps, foghorn, then two shots ring out, followed by three blows of a police officer's whistle. Bulldog, who's really name is Hugh (played by George Coulouris), was a methodical crime-solving sleuth who let nothing get in his way of his goal, which was to put a stop to crime! Bulldog believed in uncomplicated and decisive means of getting his way with the lords of the underworld. This usually led to their swift capture, and the easing of the city's burden brought about by these ruthless thugs.

THIS EPISODE:

October 14, 1946. Mutual network. "The Case Of The Fatal Right". Sponsored by: Tums, N-R Tablets. Captain Drummond gets involved with a prize-fighter who gets murdered in the ring, poisoned by cyanide! Next week's story: "Thunder On The Range." Ned Wever. 29:54.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - Big Town "Murder In The Snow" (02-01-49)

Murder In The Snow (Aired February 1, 1949)


Big Town is a radio show that aired from 1937 to 1952. Edward G. Robinson had the lead role of Steve Wilson from 1937 to 1942. Claire Trevor was Wilson's society editor sidekick Lorelei Kilbourne, with Ona Munson taking over that role in 1940. Edward J. Pawley portrayed Wilson from 1942 until 1952 when Walter Greaza was heard as Wilson in the final episodes in the radio series. When Big Town moved to television, the program was telecast live, but in 1952 the production switched to film after the move from New York City to Hollywood. The television series ran on CBS from 1950 through 1954, continuing on NBC from 1955 through 1956. Repeat episodes aired on the DuMont Network (under the title City Assignment) while Big Town was still showing first-run episodes on CBS. Reruns were also shown under the titles Heart of the City, Headline and Byline Steve Wilson.

THIS EPISODE:

February 1, 1949. NBC network. "Murder In The Snow". Sponsored by: Lifebuoy Snow, Rinso. Screen star Linda Lane is going to tell the grand jury what she knows about the narcotics business in Big Town. Steve Wilson and his friends battle a snow storm to reach a train...but arrive too late! Edward Pawley, Fran Carlon, Jerry McGill (writer, producer), Dwight Weist (narrator). 29:29.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Six Shooter" - Cheyenne Express (03-07-54)

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Six Shooter" - Cheyenne Express (03-07-54)


The Six Shooter brought James Stewart to the NBC microphone on September 20, 1953, in a fine series of folksy Western adventures. Stewart was never better on the air than in this drama of Britt Ponset, frontier drifter created by Frank Burt. The epigraph set it up nicely: "The man in the saddle is angular and long-legged: his skin is sun dyed brown. The gun in his holster is gray steel and rainbow mother-of-pearl. People call them both The Six Shooter." Ponset was a wanderer, an easy-going gentleman and -- when he had to be -- a gunfighter. Stewart was right in character as the slow-talking maverick who usually blundered into other people's troubles and sometimes shot his way out. His experiences were broad, but The Six Shooter leaned more to comedy than other shows of its kind. Ponset took time out to play Hamlet with a crude road company. He ran for mayor and sheriff of the same town at the same time. He became involved in a delighful Western version of Cinderella, complete with grouchy stepmother, ugly sisters, and a shoe that didn't fit. And at Christmas he told a young runaway the story of A Christmas Carol, Substituting the original Dickens characters with Western heavies. Britt even had time to fall in love, but it was the age-old story of people from different worlds, and the romance was foredoomed despite their valiant efforts to save it. So we got a cowboy-into-the-sunset ending for this series, truly one of the bright spots of radio. Unfortunately, it came too late, and lasted only one season. It was a transcribed show, sustained by NBC and directed by Jack Johnstone. Basil Adlam provided the music and Frank Burt wrote the scripts. Hal Gibney announced.

THIS EPISODE:

March 7, 1954. NBC network. "Cheyenne Express" - Sustaining. Wilbur English, the man who shot Floyd Winters, needs protection from Winters' brother. Jimmy Stewart, Basil Adlam (music), Frank Burt (creator, writer), Jack Johnstone (director), John Wald (announcer), Herb Vigran, Frank Gerstle, Paul Richards, Barney Phillips. 29:33.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - Dimension X "Universe" (08-02-51)

Universe (Aired August 2, 1951)


Dimension X was first heard on NBC April 8, 1950, and ran until September 29, 1951. Strange that so little good science fiction came out of radio; they seem ideally compatible, both relying heavily on imagination. Some fine isolated science fiction stories were developed on the great anthology shows, Suspense and Escape. But until the premiere of Dimension X -- a full two decades after network radio was established -- there were no major science fiction series of broad appeal to adults. This show dramatized the work of such young writers as Ray Bradbury, Robert (Psycho) Bloch, Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, and Kurt Vonnegut. In-house script writer was Ernest Kinoy, who adapted the master works and contributed occasional storied of his own. Dimension X was a very effective demonstration of what could be done with science fiction on the air.

THIS EPISODE:

August 2, 1951. NBC network. "Universe". Sustaining. "The ship is all" to a group of interstellar travelers. The script was previously used on "Dimension X" on November 26, 1950 and subsequently on May 15, 1955. The program was rebroadcast on "Monitor" during April, 1975. Albert Buhrman (music), Bill Chambers (engineer), Edward King (director), George Lefferts (adaptor), Manny Segal (sound effects), Mason Adams, Max Russell (sound effects), Norman Rose (host), Peter Capell, Robert Heinlein (author), Wes Conant (sound effects), William Welch (producer), Fred Collins (announcer). 29:26.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711

Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod - The Burns & Allen Show "Guest Bob Burns" (02-23-43)

Guest Bob Burns (Aired February 23, 1943)


Burns and Allen are one of the most beloved couple in old time radio. They got started, like many of the greats of old time radio, in vaudeville, which is really just the touring popular entertainment in America prior to movies. Gracie was the sparkplug of the act, always the center of attention. George played the foil, the guy vainly trying to make sense of the ditzy world of Gracie. By the early 30s, Gracie was probably the best known woman on radio. Gracie often sang in a voice that showed she was also an excellent comedienne songstress. The shows had names after the sponsors, such as Maxwell House Coffee Time, or The Ammident Show - it was the Burns and Allen show to the public. Other fine radio actors were a part of the fun. Mel Blanc did the happy postman, and was also famous for his zany characters on The Jack Benny Show, and his own Mel Blanc Show. Elliott Lewis, a veteran of many radio dramas, played many of the bit parts on the Burns and Allen shows of the 40s. Burns & Allen were touring England in 1929 when they made their first radio appearance on the BBC. Gracie Allen died on August 27, 1964. George Burns died on March 9, 1996. First Broadcast date february 15th 1932. Last Broadcast date may 17th 1950.

THIS EPISODE:

February 23, 1943. CBS network. Sponsored by: Swan Soap. George and Gracie are preparing to leave town on a New York U. S. O. tour. Zelda Swinely wants to marry "Guest Bob Burns" (she sounds just like Judy Canova). Gracie announces that she's going to appear at Carnegie Hall while in New York. George Burns, Gracie Allen, Bill Goodwin, Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra, Jimmy Cash, Six Hits and A Miss, Bob Burns, Clarence Nash, Mel Blanc, Judy Canova (?). 28:50.

FOR THIS EPISODE AND HUNDREDS MORE, FOLLOW THIS LINK TO BOXCARS711