The Adventures Of Philip Marlowe - The King In Yellow (07-08-47)

The King In Yellow (Aired July 8, 1947)

Dashiell Hammett introduced the new genre, and Sam Spade, in 1930 in his novel The Maltese Falcon. A few years later Raymond Chandler came along and perfected the type, with his detective, Philip Marlowe. Chandler introduced Marlowe in his first novel, The Big Sleep, and Philip Marlowe continued to solve crimes in six subsequent Chandler novels. Chandler had previously published a number of short stories featuring other detectives; however, Marlowe proved so popular that when the stories were later republished the author often switched the detectives to Philip Marlowe. Chandler's style was unique. His sparse style was full of wonderfully sharp similies and rich descriptive narration. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

July 8, 1947. NBC network. "The King In Yellow". Sponsored by: Pepsodent, Trim (hair tonic with olive oil!). A trumpet player named King Leopoldi is being blackmailed. King dies and more murders follow. The program is referred to as "The Pepsodent Program." Sounds like Gerald Mohr (who would later play the lead) is in the cast. Van Heflin, Raymond Chandler (creator, writer), Milton Geiger (adaptor), Gerald Mohr, Wendell Niles (announcer), Lyn Murray (composer, conductor). 31:09. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Gangbusters - The Case Of The Tennessee Valley Killer (12-20-47)

The Tennessee Valley Killer (Aired December 20, 1947 )

The series dramatized FBI cases, which producer-director Phillips H. Lord arranged in close association with Bureau director J. Edgar Hoover. Hoover insisted that only closed cases would be used. The initial series was on NBC Radio from July 20 - October 12, 1935. It then aired on CBS from January 15, 1936 to June 15, 1940, sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive and Cue magazine. From October 11, 1940 to December 25, 1948, it was heard on the Blue Network, with various sponsors that included Sloan's Liniment, Waterman pens and Tide. Returning to CBS on January 8, 1949, it ran until June 25, 1955, sponsored by Grape-Nuts and Wrigley's chewing gum. The final series was on the Mutual Broadcasting System from October 5, 1955 to November 27, 1957.

THIS EPISODE:

December 20, 1947. Program #508. ABC network origination, syndicated, WRVR-FM, New York rebroadcast. "The Case Of Troy Blankenship". Participating sponsors. The public enemy #1 loves bright new cars. He wears only red shirts and limps. A case of cow doctors, cock-fights and cracked safes. WRVR rebroadcast date: May 9, 1974. The syndicated rebroadcast is announced as, "The Case Of The Tennessee Valley Killer." Arthur Vinton, Will Geer, Don Gardiner (announcer), Phillips H. Lord (producer). 30:15. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index. Cat.# 11851.  

 

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Frontier Town" - The Canyon Of Wanted Men (06-04-49)

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Frontier Town"
"The Canyon Of Wanted Men" (Aired June 4, 1949)

Chandler's characterization of Chad Remington is forceful, dynamic and melodramatic and runs for the first twenty-three episodes. Veteran Film, Television and Radio actor Reed Hadley then assumes the role of Chad Remington for the remaining 24 installments. The contrast between the two characterizations is quite evident, but doesn't interfere with either the continuity of the main character or the flow of the episodes. Both principal actors acquit themselves well in the role. Wade Crosby in the role of Cherokee O'Bannon plays it well over the top, but that's what sidekicks do, after all.

THIS EPISODE:

June 4, 1949. Program #14. Broadcasters Program Syndicate/Bruce Eells and Associates syndication. "The Canyon Of Wanted Men" aka: The Case Of The Wells Fargo Robbery. Music fill for local commercial insert. A gang of crooks trapped in a canyon take a hostage and blow up the dam. Jeff Chandler is billed as "Tex" Chandler. Jeff Chandler, Wade Crosby, Bob Mitchell (organist), Ivan Ditmars (possible organist), Bill Forman (announcer), Paul Franklin (writer, director), Bruce Eells (producer). 29:00. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Aldrich Family - "April Fool's Day" (04-01-42)

April Fool's Day (Aired April 01, 1942) *Date is subject to correction.

Henry's parents, Sam and Alice, were portrayed by House Jameson and Katharine Raht, his sister Mary was played by Charita Bauer among others, and his usual girlfriend, Kathleen Anderson, was voiced by Mary Shipp. The role of Henry's best friend, Homer Brown, was played by Jackie Kelk (as well as Jack Grimes, Michael O'Day and John Fiedler). Homer's parents were Arthur Vinton and Agnes Moorehead, among others. Eddie Bracken appeared in the earlier shows as friend Dizzy Stevens. The show's announcers included Harry Von Zell, Dan Seymour and Dwight Weist. The Aldrich Family lived at 117 Elm Street in Centerville, USA (state unknown). Henry and his friend Homer attend Central High School with an assortment of other friends. Henry's father Sam is a lawyer and his mother Alice is a homemaker. Henry Aldrich was an endearingly bumbling kid growing awkwardly into adolescence, and The Aldrich Family often revolved around Henry's misadventures with his friends and girls.

THIS EPISODE:

April 01, 1942. (AKA:  April 02, 1942 *The Date Is Subject To Correction.) - NBC network. Postum, Birdseye Frozen Foods. It's "April Fool's Day", and the practical jokes get out of hand.  Dan Seymour (announcer), Jack Miller (conductor), Clifford Goldsmith (writer). Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index. Cat. # 61483.

The Mayor Of The Town - "Amy Lou Goes To War" (09-20-42)

INTRO: Bob Remembers The Fiestas "So Fine" (1959) STEREO
"Amy Lou Goes To War" (Aired September 20, 1942)

Conrad Binyon as the mayor's ward, Butch. Gloria McMillan as Sharlee Bronson, Butch's best girl. Priscilla Lyon as Holly-Ann, the mayor's granddaughter. Also: Will Wright, Sharon Douglas, Irvin Lee, Marjorie Davies, and other Hollywood actors. Producer: Murray Bolen; later Knowles Entrikin. Director: Jack Van Nostrand. Writers: Jean Holloway, Leonard St. Clair, Howard Blake, Erna Lazarus, etc.; Howard Breslin and Charles Tazewell wrote alternate weeks, ca. 1945. Orchestra:. Gordon Jenkins (ca. 1943); Bernard Katz (1945); Frank Worth. Sound Effects: David Light, Mary Ann Gideon.

THIS EPISODE:

September 20, 1942. "Amy Lou Goes To War" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Swan Soap, Rinso. Amy Lou, the town tomboy, has volunteered to join the nurses overseas, and serves on Bataan. The last few seconds of the program have been deleted. Agnes Moorehead, Gordon Jenkins and His Orchestra, Harlow Wilcox, Jean Holloway (writer), Jerry Hausner, Lionel Barrymore, Stanley Farrar, Veola Vonn (commercial). 32:38. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.
 

Life With Luigi - "Luigi's Toothache" (05-08-49)

Luigi's Toothache (Aired May 8, 1949)

Life with Luigi was a radio comedy-drama series which began September 21, 1948 on CBS. The story concerned Italian immigrant Luigi Basco, and his experiences as an immigrant in Chicago. Many of the shows take place at the US citizenship classes that Luigi attends with other immigrants from different countries, as well as trying to fend off the repeated advances of the morbidly-obese daughter of his landlord/sponsor. Luigi was played by J. Carrol Naish, an Irish-American. Naish continued in the role on the short-lived television version in 1952, and was later replaced by Vito Scotti. With a working title of The Little Immigrant, Life with Luigi was created by Cy Howard, who earlier had created the hit radio comedy, My Friend Irma.

THIS EPISODE:
 
May 8, 1949. "Luigi's Toothache" - CBS network. Sustaining. Luigi has a toothache. J. Carrol Naish, Alan Reed, Cy Howard (creator, producer), Mary Shipp, Hans Conried, Ken Peters, Joe Forte, Mac Benoff (writer, director), Lou Derman (writer), Lyn Murray (music director), Bob Stevenson (announcer). 27:32. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Molle Mystery Theater - "Killer Come Back To Me" (05-17-46)

Killer Come Back To Me (Aired May 17, 1946)

Although Molle Mystery Theatre was initially sponsored by Molle Shaving Cream, other sponsors (such as Bayer Aspirin, Ironized Yeast, Phillips Milk of Magnesia) also sponsored the program. Sometimes, when it was not sponsored by Molle, the program was called "Mystery Theater". The show was first heard on NBC, on 9/7/43. Time slot was originally Sunday nights at 9:00 PM, but was later moved to Tuesday at 9:00 PM, and Friday at 10:00 PM. In 1948, the show moved to CBS (Tues, 8:00 PM), and in 1951, it moved to ABC, where it was called "Mark Sabre", and heard on Wednesdays at either 8:00 PM or 9:30 PM. The shows were tight and tension filled, with a fine orchestra score and solid production values. Classic tales from well-known authors, as well as modern unknowns were presented, and the endings were often twists or shockers.

THIS EPISODE:

May 17, 1946. Program #202. NBC network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "Killer Come Back To Me". AFRS program name: "Mystery Playhouse." A gun moll changes a young punk into an experienced bank robber...or at least his double. Ray Bradbury (author), Richard Widmark, Alice Reinheart, Alexander Semmler (composer, conductor), Bernard Lenrow (host, as "Geoffrey Barnes"). 29:55. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Philo Vance - "The Argyle Murder Case" (06-27-50)

Argyle Murder Case (Aired June 27, 1950)

Philo Vance was the detective creation of S. S. Van Dine first published in the mid 1920s. Vance, in the original books, is an intellectual so highly refined he seems he might be ghostwritten by P. G. Wodehouse. Take this quote from The Benson Murder Case, 1924, as Vance pontificates in his inimitable way: "That's your fundamental error, don't y' know. Every crime is witnessed by outsiders, just as is every work of art. The fact that no one sees the criminal, or the artist, actu'lly at work, is wholly incons'quential." Thankfully, the radio series uses only the name, and makes Philo a pretty normal, though very intelligent and extremely courteous gumshoe. Jose Ferrer played him in 1945. From 1948-1950, the fine radio actor Jackson Beck makes Vance as good as he gets. George Petrie plays Vance's constantly impressed public servant, District Attorney Markham. Joan Alexander is Ellen Deering, Vance's secretary and right-hand woman. The organist for the show is really working those ivories, and fans of old time radio organ will especially enjoy this series. Perhaps one reason the organist "pulls out all the stops" is because there seems to be little, Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

June 27, 1950. Program #69. ZIV Syndication. "The Argyle Murder Case". Commercials added locally. An actor's dead body is found on a ferryboat. The body has on all new clothes...and argyle socks that don't match. Jackson Beck. 32:03. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Father Knows Best - "A House Full Of Junk" (05-10-51)

A House Full Of Junk (Aired May 10, 1951)

Father Knows Best, a family comedy of the 1950s, is perhaps more important for what it has come to represent than for what it actually was. In essence, the series was one of a slew of middle-class family sitcoms in which moms were moms, kids were kids, and fathers knew best. Today, many critics view it, at best, as high camp fun, and, at worst, as part of what critic David Marc once labeled the "Aryan melodramas" of the 1950s and 1960s. The brainchild of series star Robert Young, who played insurance salesman Jim Anderson, and producer Eugene B. Rodney, Father Knows Best first debuted as a radio sitcom in 1949.The series began August 25, 1949, on NBC Radio. Set in the Midwest, it starred Robert Young as General Insurance agent Jim Anderson. His wife Margaret was first portrayed by June Whitley and later by Jean Vander Pyl. The Anderson children were Betty (Rhoda Williams), Bud (Ted Donaldson) and Kathy (Norma Jean Nillson). Others in the cast were Eleanor Audley, Herb Vigran and Sam Edwards. Sponsored through most of its run by General Foods, the series was heard Thursday evenings on NBC until March 25, 1954.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Overland Express (10-31-52)

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke"
"Overland Express" (Aired October 31, 1952)

The radio version ran from 1952 to 1961, and John Dunning writes that among radio drama enthusiasts "Gunsmoke is routinely placed among the best shows of any kind and any time." The television version ran for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975, and was the United States' longest-running prime time, live-action drama with 635 episodes. In 2010, Law & Order tied this record of 20 seasons (but only 456 episodes). At the end of its run in 1975, Los Angeles Times columnist Cecil Smith wrote "Gunsmoke was the dramatization of the American epic legend of the west. Our own Iliad and Odyssey, created from standard elements of the dime novel and the pulp western as romanticized by Buntline, Harte, and Twain. It was ever the stuff of legend.

THIS EPISODE:

October 31, 1952. CBS network. "Overland Express". Sustaining. While taking an escaped killed named Joe Bodrie back to Dodge, Matt and Chester find plenty of action aboard a stagecoach. One of the public service announcements mentions that CBS News will be using "Univac" to predict election returns. The script was used on the Gunsmoke television series May 31, 1958. Clancey Cassell (announcer), James Nusser, John Meston (writer), Junius Matthews, Lawrence Dobkin, Lou Krugman, Parley Baer, Ralph Moody, Vic Perrin, William Conrad. 30:09. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index. Cat. #39952.  

Barry Craig Confidential Investigator - "Corpse On Delivery" (10-31-51)

Corpse On Delivery (Aired October 31, 1951)

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 specialty.

THIS EPISODE:

October 31, 1951. NBC network. "Corpse On Delivery". Sustaining. Joey Florio has jumped bail and Barrie Craig has been hired to find him. A corpse slows down the search. Amzie Strickland, Don Pardo (announcer), Himan Brown (director), John Roeburt (writer), William Gargan. 28:03. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Adventures Of Maisie - "Cupid On The Farm" (03-02-50)

Cupid On The Farm (Aired March 2, 1950)

The series ran two seasons, and was revived in 1949 as a syndicated program, now called The Adventures of Maisie. Included in the repertory cast were Hans Conreid (later on Life with Liugi), Sheldon Leonard, Joan Banks, Elvia Allman, Bea Benadaret, and Sandra Gould. The radio show continued in the tried and true Maisie tradition of one part adventure of the emotional kind, one part romance, and one part laughs. To the end Maisie was the single girl, as this allowed her to get involved in continuing adventures of many kinds. These radio adventures of a liberated American "dame" from Brooklyn were tailored to post-WWII, and featured Maisie making her way (and having her way, most of the time) on both sides of the Atlantic. Maisie's favorite comment - "Likewise, I'm sure." Sothern, due in great part to the Maisie films type-casting, would ultimately admit she was "a Hollywood princess, not a Hollywood queen." But in its time, the Maisie series in film and on radio made her known and loved the world over.

THIS EPISODE:

March 2, 1950. "Cupid On The Farm" - Program #15. MGM syndication. Commercials added locally. Maisie's working down on the farm, trying to get two lovers to tie the knot. The date above is the date of first broadcast on WMGM, New York City. Ann Sothern,  , Harry Zimmerman (composer, conductor), Jack McCoy (announcer), Sammie Hill, Sheldon Leonard, Sidney Miller, Will Wright. 29:59. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

A Life In Your Hands - "Boarder Killed" (09-13-49)

A Life In Your Hands - Boarder Killed (09-13-49)

Boarder Killed (Aired September 13, m1949) Here we bring you A Life in Your Hands, a murder and courtroom melodrama which ran on the radio from 1949 - 1952. It portrays a truthful and objective view of various murder stories. The format of the shows is that of interviews - with witnesses on both sides providing their stories. The hero in the story is the fictitious Jonathan Kegg who is seeking the truth behind these mysterious cases. He represents neither the defense nor the prosecution, but rather is a man on a journey for justice. Cast: Ned LeFevre (Jonathan Kegg-1949) Mike Wallace (Narrator (1949)) Lee Bowman (Jonathan Kegg-1951) Carlton Kadell (Jonathan Kegg (1950,52), Narrator) Erle Stanley Gardner ((Creator)) Director: John Cowan, Homer Heck, Patrick Murphy, Jack Simpson.

THIS EPISODE:

 

September 13, 1949."Boarder Killed" NBC network. Raleigh Cigarettes, Sir Walter Raleigh Pipe Tobacco. There's been a murder in Mrs. O'Malley's boarding house. It's Bill Smith, the boarder that everyone hates. The last program of the season, "People Are Funny" returns to this time slot next week. Erle Stanley Gardner (creator), Ned LeFevre, Mike Wallace (announcer, billed as "Myron Wallace"), Bob McKee (writer), Homer Hecht (director), Jack Simpson (producer), Clarence Hartzell (? The Judge), Adele Scott (organist). 29:11. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index. Cat# 81734.

Rocky Jordan - "The Lady From Istanbul" (08-28-49)

The Lady From Istanbul (Aired August 28, 1949)

Rocky Jordan (Jack Moyles/George Raft) is the proprietor of the Café Tambourine located, according to the announcer, "not far from the Mosque Sultan Hassan," though he is originally from St. Louis. As an American restaurateur in a North African country, Jordan is somewhat similar to the Rick Blaine character in the film Casablanca, though the Café Tambourine is apparently a much less salubrious venue than Rick's Bar. The announcer describes it as being "Crowded with forgotten men, and alive with the babble of many languages". Each episode sees Jordan confronted with a "crime, a mystery, a beautiful woman, or a combination of the three". Precisely why Jordan is in Egypt is left deliberately vague, though he apparently has enemies in St. Louis so can't go back home. Sam Sabaaya (Jay Novello) is the police captain who apprehends the criminals at the end of each adventure.

THIS EPISODE:

August 28, 1949. CBS Pacific network. "The Lady From Istanbul". Sponsored by: Del Monte Foods. A beautiful woman with no past brings adventure to Rocky in old Cairo. Jack Moyles, E. Jack Neuman (author), Larry Roman (adaptor), Gomer Cool (adaptor), Jay Novello, Cliff Howell (producer, director), Richard Aurandt (composer, conductor), Larry Thor (announcer). 29:47. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Rocky Fortune (Starring Frank Sinatra) - "On The Trail Of A Killer" (01-05-54)

INTRO: Bob Remembers Larry Chance & The Earls (1963)
On The Trail Of A Killer (Aired January 5, 1954)

Both Frank Sinatra's and Ava Gardner's careers were approaching critical junctures--a publicists dream, but rapidly dimming any possibility for a continuation of Rocky Fortune, or any other such Radio vehicle for Frank Sinatra. NBC had auditioned two other such detective genre vehicles for Sinatra--'Frankie Galahad, Private Detective', and an Erle Stanley Gardner series. Some intriguing prospects to be sure. If only . . . .Rocco Fortunato was a young New Yorker on his way up and out of the endless dead-end jobs his employment agency was sending him on, like the oyster-shucking job they sent him to that yielded only a handful of 'clams' for his efforts--but a bonus of 12 big hot pearls in the bargain. And much as Alan Ladd's character in Box 13, Rocky Fortune was clearly ready for a more vibrant, exciting, and financially rewarding career change. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:
 
January 5, 1954. "On The Trail Of A Killer" NBC network. 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). 23:53. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Suspense - "Fire Burn & Cauldron Bubble" (04-06-43)

"Fire Burn & Cauldron Bubble" (Aired April 6, 1943)

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:

April 6, 1943. CBS network. "Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble". Sustaining. The "Man In Black" (Ted Osborne) introduces Paul Lukas in a story about a famous actress who is killed by a long blade through her eye while watching MacBeth. A tale well calculated... Bernard Herrmann (composer, conductor), John Dickson Carr (host), John Dietz (director), Paul Lukas, Robert Simmons, Ted Osborne, William Spier (producer, director, editor). 29:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

X Minus One - "Knock" (05-22-55)

"Knock" (Aired May 22, 1955)

X Minus One was an NBC science fiction series that was an extension, or revival, of NBC's earlier science fiction series, Dimension X. which ran from Apr. 8, 1950 through Sept. 29, 1951. Both are remembered for bringing really first rate science fiction to the air. The first X Minus One shows used scripts from Dimension X, but soon created new shows from storied from the pages of Galaxy Magazine. The series was cancelled after the 126th broadcast on January 9, 1958. However, the early 1970s brought a wave of nostalgia for old-time radio; a new experimental episode, "The Iron Chancellor" by Robert Silverberg, was created in 1973, but it failed to revive the series. NBC also tried broadcasting the old recordings, but their irregular once-monthly scheduling kept even devoted listeners from following the broadcasts. All episodes of the show survive.

THIS EPISODE:

May 22, 1955. NBC network. "Knock". Sustaining. The last man on Earth sat in a room, there was a knock on the door. The script was previously used on "Dimension X" on May 6, 1950. The program was rebroadcast as part of "Monitor" during July, 1974. One public service announcement has been deleted. William Welch (producer), Fred Weihe (director), Fred Collins (announcer), Ernest Kinoy (adaptor), Alexander Scourby, Lori March, Luis Van Rooten, Frederic Brown (author). 28:20. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Your's Truly Johnny Dollar - "The Royal Street Matter" (11-25-56)

The Royal Street Matter (Aired November 25, 1956)

The weekday serialized episodes are generally acknowledged as some of the finest radio detective shows ever produced. There were fifty six multi-part shows in all: fifty four five-part shows, one six-part show, and one nine-part show. The serialized episodes continued until November 2, 1956 when the series again reverted to a once a week, thirty minute format. Bob Bailey continued in the lead, until "The Empty Threat Matter" of November 27, 1960, when the Hollywood run ended. The guest stars and supporting casts were always first rate, attracting the best radio actors in both Los Angeles and New York. Pat McCracken was played by several actors – most frequently, by Larry Dobkin. Particularly noteworthy was the work of Virginia Gregg, who played many roles, including Johnny's girlfriend Betty Lewis. Harry Bartell was also a frequent guest, who did many of the Spanish dialect roles when Johnny went to a Latin American country. Other frequent guest performers were Parley Baer, Tony Barrett, John Dehner, Don Diamond, Sam Edwards, Herb Ellis, Frank Gerstle, Stacy Harris, Jack Kruschen, Forrest Lewis and Howard McNear.  Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

November 25, 1956. CBS network. "The Royal Street Matter". Sustaining. A New Orleans antique shop has had a fire, but the owner refuses to file a claim! Why? Bob Bailey, Virginia Gregg, Forrest Lewis, Lou Merrill, Lawrence Dobkin, Frank Gerstle, Dan Cubberly (announcer). 30:20. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Nightfall - "Love and The Lonely One" (07-04-80)

"Love and The Lonely One" (Aired July 4, 1980)

Nightfall was a radio drama series produced and aired by CBC Radio from July 1980 to June 1983. While primarily a supernatural/horror series, Nightfall featured some episodes in other genres, such as science fiction, mystery, fantasy, and human drama. Some of Nightfall's episodes were so terrifying that the CBC registered numerous complaints and some affiliate stations dropped it. Despite this, the series went on to become one of the most popular shows in CBC Radio history, running 100 episodes that featured a mix of original tales and adaptations of both classic and obscure short stories. Nightfall was created by producer Bill Howell, who was known at the time for his work on CBC Playhouse and the cult adventure series, Johnny Chase: Secret Agent of Space. When CBC Radio was revamped and given an expanded budget in 1980, Howell approached the newly appointed head of radio drama, Susan Rubeš, about his idea for a supernatural/horror anthology series. Though not a fan of the horror genre, Rubeš greenlit the production. Bill Howell served as executive producer of Nightfall at CBC Toronto for the first two seasons. The third season was produced by Don Kowalchuk at CBC

THIS EPISODE:

July 04, 1980. Program #1. CBC network, Toronto origination, NPR syndication. "Love and The Lonely One". Sustaining. A medical student receives a strange invitation from the cadaver in his anatomy class! The first show of the series. Henry Ramer is the host with a very distinctive voice, using the name "Larry Kranst.". Jay Bowen, John Graham (writer), Elva Mai Hoover, John Stocker, Mignon Elkins, Graham Haley, John Jessop (recording engineer), Bill Robinson (sound effects), John Douglas (senior script editor), Henry Ramer (host), Nina Callaghan (production assistant, Bill Howell (producer, director). 27:04. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index. Cat# 39686.

2000 Plus - "A Veteran Comes Home" (07-05-50)

A Veteran Comes Home (Aired July 5, 1950)

2000 AD is known as the first of the network science fiction shows, although it ran on Mutual just a month prior to the introduction of the landmark series, Dimension X. It was a half hour of science fiction wonder in an exciting package. The stories have a charm that is always present in science fiction of the future that is written in the past. "When The Worlds Met" takes place "at the giant space port in Washington, temporary capitol of the federated world government as in April 21, 2000 Plus 20 (2020) crowds throng as audio and televox networks cover a space ship carrying in its space hold the first load of uranium taken from the pits of Luna, satellite of Earth.

THIS EPISODE:

July 5, 1950. Mutual network. "A Veteran Comes Home". Sustaining. A soldier returns to Earth after five years of fighting in the Martian wars, to find his wife and son waiting. Lon Clark, William Griffis, Sherman H. Dreyer (creator, producer), Robert Weenolsen (producer), Joan Shea, Helen Shea, Charles Smith, Emerson Buckley and His Orchestra, Elliot Jacoby (composer), Walt Shaver (sound), Adrian Penner (sound), Ken Marvin (announcer), Bob Albright (engineer). 28:17. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

21st Precinct - "The Case Of The Sailor's Family" (08-04-53)

The Case Of The Sailor's Family (Aired August 4, 1953)

The Precinct Captain acted as the narrator for the series.The official title of the series according to the series scripts and the CBS series promotional materials was 21ST PRECINCT and not TWENTY-FIRST PRECINCT or TWENTY FIRST PRECINCT which appears in many Old-Time Radio books. In 1953 CBS decided to use New York City as the backdrop for their own half-hour police series and focus on the day-to-day operations of a single police precinct. Actual cases would be used as the basis for stories. It was mentioned in each episode's closing by the announcer that, "Twenty-firstPrecinct is presented with the official cooperation of the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association an organization of more than 20,000 members of the Police Department, City of New York."

THIS EPISODE:
 
August 4, 1953. "The Case Of The Sailor's Family" - CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. A Sailor's Family is missing after a fire. Everett Sloane, John Ives (producer), Stanley Niss (writer, director), Ken Lynch. 27:25. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Wild Bill Hickock" - Death At Sunset Trail (03-14-52)

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Wild Bill Hickock"
Death At Sunset Trail (Aired March 14, 1952)

Wild Bill Hickock (Hickok) was a real life Civil War soldier, sharpshooter, gunfighter and lawman of the Old West. He was an adventurer who had many brushes with death, but they were greatly exaggerated by the stories told about him in various media. His fame lives on, not so much for his real life tales, but because he was the first dime novel hero, he appears in various movies, television shows, and this old time radio program. His tale comes to a sad, yet iconoclastic end. He was killed while playing a round of poker. His hand was aces and eights. For those who know poker, that’s known as the ‘Dead Man’s Hand.’ Wild Bill started on the radio in 1951 as a kids western show. It emphasized the tracking down the bad guys and fighting for the law rather than the shootin, poker playin, rough and tumble Civil War vet, who lies about his life to get good publicity aspects of Wild Bill’s life. The show is in the tradition of the Lone Ranger and the Cisco Kid. Guy Madison starred as Bill with Andy Devine as his sidekick, Jingles.

THIS EPISODE:

March 14, 1952. Program #61. Mutual network. "Death At Sunset Trail". Sponsored by: Kellogg's Pep (aerodoodle racket/beanie premiums). Big Ben Bogart has cheated eight people with a phoney land scheme, and is about to cheat the ninth, unless Wild Bill and Jingles act fast. The system cue is added live. Guy Madison, Andy Devine, Charles Lyon (announcer), Richard Aurandt (music), David Hire (producer), Paul Pierce (director), Larry Hayes, Ken Christy, Frederick Shields, Howard McNear. 25:23. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Night Beat - "Vincent & The Painter" (06-19-50)

Vincent & The Painter (Aired June 19, 1950)

Broadcast on NBC, Nightbeat ran from 1949 to 1952 and starred Frank Lovejoy as Randy Stone, a tough and streetwise reporter who worked the nightbeat for the Chicago Star looking for human interest stories. He met an assortment of people, most of them with a problem, many of them scared, and sometimes he was able to help them, sometimes he wasn’t. It is generally regarded as a ‘quality’ show and it stands up extremely well. Frank Lovejoy (1914-1962) isn’t remembered today, but he was a powerful and believable actor with a strong delivery, and his portrayal of Randy Stone as tough guy with humanity was perfect. The scripts were excellent, given that they had to pack in a lot in a short time, and there was a good supporting cast, orchestra, and sound effects.

THIS EPISODE:

June 19, 1950. "Vincent And The Painter" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Wheaties. Alfred Wyman is a strange artist who wants to kill the wealthy Miss Gleason because she killed Vincent. Frank Lovejoy, Frank Martin (announcer), Warren Lewis (producer, director), Wilms Herbert, Martha Wentworth, Frank Worth (music), Russell Hughes (writer), Ben Wright, Jeanette Nolan, Lawrence Dobkin. 29:31. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The New Adventures Of Michael Shayne - "The Case Ofd The Blood Stained Pearls" (07-29-48)

INTRO: Bob Remembers Little Anthony & The Imperials "Tears On My Pillow" (1958)
The New Adventures Of Michael Shayne - The Case Old The Blood Stained Pearls (07-29-48)

Michael Shayne was a fictional sleuth created by Brett Halliday (a pen name for author Davis Dresser) who was first initiated into the fraternity for detectives in the 1939 novel "Dividend of Death". Dresser based the character on a “tall and rangy” brawler who once saved his life during a braw in a Mexican cantina. The Shayne character would go on to appear in 69 novels, plus a long-running mystery magazine—and in 1941, was brought to the silver screen in Paramount’s Michael Shayne, Private Detective, an adaptation of Dividend of Death  that starred Lloyd Nolan, and paved the way for six additional B-mysteries to follow. The New Adventures of Michael Shayne—premiered on July 15, 1948 starring Jeff Chandler.

THIS EPISODE:

July 29, 1948. Broadcaster's Guild syndication. "The Case Of The Blood-Stained Pearls". Commercials added locally. An old man finds the three largest pearls in the world. These syndicated programs were recorded 1948 to 1950. Jeff Chandler, William P. Rousseau (host, director), Brett Halliday (creator), John Duffy (composer, conductor), Don W. Sharpe (producer). 26:18. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Our Miss Brooks - "Principal Conklin Comes To Madison High" (07-19-48)

Principal Conklin Comes To Madison High (Aired July 19, 1948)

Our Miss Brooks, an American situation comedy, began as a radio hit in 1948 and migrated to television in 1952, becoming one of the earlier hits of the so-called Golden Age of Television, and making a star out of Eve Arden (1908-1990) as comely, wisecracking, but humane high school English teacher Connie Brooks. The show hooked around Connie's daily relationships with Madison High School students, colleagues, and pompous principal Osgood Conklin (Gale Gordon), not to mention favourite student Walter Denton (future television and Rambo co-star Richard Crenna, who fashioned a higher-pitched voice to play the role) and biology teacher Philip Boynton ( Jeff Chandler), the latter Connie's all-but-unrequited love interest, who saw science everywhere and little else anywhere.

THIS EPISODE:

July 19, 1948. CBS network. "Principal Conklin Comes To Madison High". Sustaining. The first show of the series. Osgood Conklin becomes the new principal of Madison High after a traffic accident with Miss Brooks! On November 1, 1948, the Mutual-Don Lee series "Let George Do It" featured a bashful botany teacher; George Valentine's pretty assistant was named, "Miss Brooks!" Eve Arden, Jane Morgan, Richard Crenna, Jeff Chandler, Noreen Gammill, Larry Berns (producer, director), Al Lewis (writer), Wilbur Hatch (composer, conductor), Bob Stevenson (announcer), Joe Forte (as Mr. Conklin). 29:54 Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

This Is Your FBI - The Fugitive Traveler (06-06-47)

The Fugitive Traveler (Aired June 6, 1947)

This Is Your FBI was a radio crime drama which aired in the United States on ABC from April 6, 1945 to January 30, 1953. FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover gave it his endorsement, calling it "the finest dramatic program on the air." Producer-director Jerry Devine was given access to FBI files by Hoover, and the resulting dramatizations of FBI cases were narrated by Frank Lovejoy (1945), Dean Carleton (1946-47) and William Woodson (1948-53). Stacy Harris had the lead role of Special Agent Jim Taylor. Others in the cast were William Conrad, Bea Benaderet and Jay C. Flippen. This Is Your FBI was sponsored during its entire run by the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States (now AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company). This is Your FBI had counterparts on the other networks. The FBI in Peace and War also told stories of the FBI, although some were not authentic.

THIS EPISODE


June 6, 1947. Program #280. ABC network. "The Fugitive Traveler". The Equitable Life Assurance Society. How to get a witness before the grand jury in time, even though he's been kidnapped!. Doris Noland, Ed Gargan, Frederick Steiner (composer, conductor), Gil Stratton, Herb Ellis, John Sheehan, Larry Keating (announcer), Stacy Harris, William Conrad, William Woodson (narrator). 29:36. (See 03-21-22 For Episode Notes)

Space Patrol - "The Hermit Of Pluto" (02-12-55)

The Hermit Of Pluto (Aired February 12, 1955)

The stories followed the 30th-century adventures of Commander Buzz Corry (Ed Kemmer) of the United Planets Space Patrol and his young sidekick Cadet Happy (Lyn Osborn) —- yes, Cadet Happy —- as they faced nefarious interplanetary villains with diabolical schemes. The success of the TV show spawned a radio version, which ran for 129 episodes from October 1952 to March 1955. The same cast of actors performed on both shows. The writers, scripts, adventures and director were quite different in radio versus TV incarnations. Naturally, the series lacked the adult sophistication of such shows as X Minus One, which focused on adapting short fiction by notable genre names as Robert A. Heinlein and Ray Bradbury. But as a throwback to the sort of Golden Age space opera popularized in the 1930s, the days of science fiction's infancy, by pioneering magazine editor Hugo Gernsback, Space Patrol is prized by OTR collectors today as one of radio's most enjoyable adventures.
 

THIS EPISODE:

 
February 12, 1955. ABC network. "The Hermit Of Pluto". Sustaining. A gang is after a prospector who's discovered a deposit of "stronolite" on Pluto. Bela Kovacs, Dick Wesson (announcer), Ed Kemmer, Helen Mosser (executive producer), Ken Mayer, Larry Robertson (producer, director), Lou Houston (writer), Lyn Osborn, Mike Mosser (creator), Norman Jolley. 28:35. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Let George Do It - "A Matter Of Honor" (01-21-52)

A Matter Of Honor (Aired January 21, 1952 )

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.

THIS EPISODE:

January 21, 1952. Mutual-Don Lee network. "A Matter Of Honor". Sponsored by: Standard Oil. Strange tricks at a magician's convention lead to murder...and that's no illusion! What is "The Deadly Avenger," and how did it lead to homicide? Bob Bailey, Virginia Gregg, Bud Hiestand (announcer), Eddie Dunstedter (composer, conductor), Ken Christy, David Victor (writer), Jackson Gillis (writer), Gladys Holland, Lee Patrick, Kenneth Webb (director), Ted Osborne, Lawrence Dobkin, George Neise. 29:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Roy Rogers Show" - Loco Weed (02-08-52)

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "The Roy Rogers Show"
"Loco Weed" (Aired February 8, 1952)

After completing the 8th Grade, Leonard Slye (Roy Rogers) attended high school at McDermott, Ohio. When he was 17 his family returned to Cincinnati, where his father began work at a shoe factory. He soon decided on the necessity to help his family financially, so he quit high school, joined his father at the shoe factory, and began attending night school. After being ridiculed for falling asleep in class, however, he quit school and never returned. Leonard and his father felt imprisoned by their factory jobs. In 1929, his older sister Mary was living at Lawndale, California with her husband. Father and son decided to quit their shoe factory jobs. The family packed their 1923 Dodge for a visit with Mary and stayed four months before returning to Ohio.

THIS EPISODE:

February 8, 1952. "Loco Weed" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Post Cereals. The cattle on John Kennedy's ranch are dying of a mysterious loco weed poisoning. Artie Kerner can sell the same ranch many times over! Roy calls a square dance to the tune, "Raggedy Ann." The Hollywood editor of "Exhibitor Magazine" presents Roy and Dale with an award. Art Ballinger (announcer), Art Rush (producer), Charles Smith, Dale Evans, Forrest Lewis, Frank Hemingway, Herb Butterfield, Howard McNear, Martha Shaw, Milton Charles, Ray Wilson (writer), Roy Rogers, The Whippoorwills, Tom Hargis (director). 30:08. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

In The Name Of The Law - "I Didn't Do Nothing" (08-02-36)

I Didn't Do Nothing (Aired August 2, 1936)

In the Name of the Law was a True Crime radio show from 1936. It says "In the name of the law, we bring you another of the thrilling stories in this exciting series, taken from actual police case files. "In the name of the Law, we bring you another of the thrilling stories in this exciting series, taken from actual police case files."Two home invaders pick the wrong house and force the home owner (John Snyder) to take them to the targeted neighbors, two elderly brothers who were rumored to have cash and bonds. During the hold up, one of the brothers was shot to death. An angry town insisted on immediate results. The State Police joined the local Sherif and the search was on.

THIS EPISODE:


August 2, 1936. Program #13. Syndicated. "I Didn't Do Nothing". Commercials added locally. Two robbers take the life savings from two old farmers. One of them is killed, the other is beaten unmercifully. 26:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Life Of Riley - "Riley Quits His Job" (02-17-50)

 Riley Quits Hi Job (Aired February 17, 1950)

The radio series also benefited from the immense popularity of a supporting character, Digby "Digger" O'Dell (John Brown), "the friendly undertaker."Beginning October 4, 1949, the show was adapted for television for the DuMont Television Network, but Bendix's film contracts prevented him from appearing in the role. Instead, Jackie Gleason starred along with Rosemary DeCamp as wife Peg, Gloria Winters as daughter Barbara (Babs), Lanny Rees as son Chester Jr. (Junior), and Sid Tomack as Gillis, Riley's manipulative best buddy and next-door neighbor. John Brown returned as the morbid counseling undertaker Digby (Digger) O'Dell ("Well, I guess I'll be... shoveling off"; "Business is a little dead tonight").

THIS EPISODE:
 

February 17, 1950. NBC network. 'Riley Quits His Job" - Sponsored by: Pabst Beer. Riley loses his job, so Peg goes to work as a waitress. A funny show! This is a network, sponsored version. Paula Winslowe, Jimmy Wallington (announcer), Irving Brecher (producer), Alan Lipscott (writer), Stanley Waxman, Alan Reed, Barbara Eiler, Lou Coslowe (music), Bobby Ellis, Sidney Tomack, William Bendix, Reuben Ship (writer), John Brown. 29:32. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" -"I Don't Know" (12-06-52)

Gunsmoke - "I Don't Know" (Aired December 6, 1952)

Howard McNear starred as Dr. Charles Adams in the radio series, with Milburn Stone portraying Dr. Galen Adams in the television version. In the radio series, "Doc" Adams was initially a self-interested and somewhat dark character with a predilection for constantly attempting to increase his revenue through the procurement of autopsy fees. However, McNear's performances steadily became more warm-hearted and sympathetic. Most notably, this transformation began during (and progressed steadily following) the July 1952 episode "Never Pester Chester", in which a physician with a more compassionate and devoted temperament is essential to the plotline when Chester is near-fatally injured by two trouble-making Texas drovers. Doc Adams' backstory evokes a varied and experienced life: In some episodes, he had educational ties to Philadelphia; in others, he spent time as ship's doctor aboard the gambling boats that plied the Mississippi River, which provided a background for his knowledge of New Orleans (and acquaintance with Mark Twain).

 

THIS EPISODE:

 

December 06, 1952. CBS network. "I Don't Know". Sustaining. Little Danny Birch brings Marshal Dillon and Chester out to the ranch...and a secret about his father. The program closing has been deleted, the story is complete. William Conrad, Parley Baer, Michael Ann Barrett, John Dehner, Lawrence Dobkin, Richard Beals, Lee Millar Jr., Antony Ellis (writer), Rex Koury (composer, conductor). 28:30.   Cat.#39957 Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Adventures Of Sam Spade - "The Lawless Caper" (08-29-48)

INTRO: Bob Plays Maurice Williams & the Zodiacs 1960 #1 Hit
The Lawless Caper (Aired August 29, 1948)

The Adventures of Sam Spade was a radio series based loosely on the private detective character Sam Spade, created by writer Dashiell Hammett for The Maltese Falcon. The show ran for 13 episodes on ABC in 1946, for 157 episodes on CBS in 1946-1949, and finally for 51 episodes on NBC in 1949-1951. The series starred Howard Duff (and later, Steve Dunne) as Sam Spade and Lurene Tuttle as his secretary Effie, and took a considerably more tongue-in-cheek approach to the character than the novel or movie. In 1947, scriptwriters Jason James and Bob Tallman received an Edgar Award for Best Radio Drama from the Mystery Writers of America.

THIS EPISODE:

 

August 29, 1948. CBS network. "The Lawless Caper". Sponsored by: Wildroot Cream-Oil. Johnny Lawless is just out of the pen. A dead body soon ends up in Spade's bed, and promptly vanishes! Howard Duff, Dashiell Hammett (creator), William Spier (producer, director), Lurene Tuttle, Robert Tallman (writer), Gil Doud (writer), Rene Garriguenc (composer), Lud Gluskin (conductor), Dick Joy (announcer). 31:03. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Crime Club - "Murder On Margin" (05-22-47)

Murder On Margin (Aired May 22, 1947)

The program ran for two years over the Columbia Basic Network and for three years over NBC's Blue Network. During April 1933, the program was renamed Eno Crime Clues. The program ultimately left the air at the end of June 1936. The Eno Crime Club franchise was by way of a pretend Crime Club for Radio. No book tie-ins were ever associated with Eno Fruit Salts' sponsorship of the program. The program was, however, during its era viewed as a natural extension of the book club phenomena. Crime or mystery book clubs joined other monthly or quarterly selected book clubs for all manner of literary interests. Science fiction book clubs had been popularized as early as the 1920s, as well as romance fiction book clubs, supernatural thriller book clubs, and of course, childrens' book clubs Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

 

THIS EPISODE:

 

May 22, 1947. Mutual network. "Murder On Margin". Sustaining. When a stock broker is murdered, his shoes provide the needed clue. Roger Bower (producer), Jock MacGregor (director), Jack McBride, Julie Stevens, Helen Shields, Dan Ocko, Barry Thompson, Joe DeSantis, Robert George Dean (writer), James Earthine (adaptor), Shirling Oliver. 29:54. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Broadway Is My Beat - "The Helen Carrol Murder Case" (10-13-50)

The Helen Carrol Murder Case (Aired October 13, 1950)

Danny Clover narrated the tales of the Great White Way to the accompaniment of music by Wilbur Hatch and Alexander Courage, and the recreation of Manhattan's aural tapestry required the talents of three sound effects technicians (David Light, Ralph Cummings, Ross Murray). Bill Anders was the show's announcer. The supporting cast included regulars Charles Calvert (as Sgt. Gino Tartaglia) and Jack Kruschen (as Sgt. Muggavan), with episodic roles filled by such radio actors as Irene Tedrow, Barney Phillips, Lamont Johnson, Herb Ellis, Hy Averback, Edgar Barrier, Betty Lou Gerson, Harry Bartell, Sheldon Leonard, Martha Wentworth, Lawrence Dobkin and Mary Jane Croft. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group. 

 

THIS EPISODE:

  

October 13, 1950. "The Helen Carrol Murder Case" - CBS network. Sustaining. Linda Arnold is wandering in a daze, not remembering her name, and with a blood covered letter opener in her purse. This is a network version. Larry Thor, Charles Calvert, Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Alexander Courage (composer, conductor), Joyce McCluskey, Herb Butterfield, Peggy Webber, Lou Krugman, David Ellis, Jack Kruschen, Dan Cubberly (announcer). 29:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Phil Harris & Alice Faye Show - "Phil Thinks He Is Being Drafted" (01-02-49)

Phil Thinks He Is Being Drafted (Aired January 2, 1949)

As both Phil and Alice were known singers, there were two musical numbers in each show, and they were always for real, except some of Phil's, which were for laughs. But Phil's band gave much more than music to the show. Frankie Remley was the band's left handed guitar player, with a sardonic sense of humor out of left field. The character was first done on The Jack Benny Show, and, of course, now on a show about the band itself, Frankie was even more obnoxious. Famed radio actor Elliott Lewis played him with relish. In fact, later in the run they actually started calling the character Elliott! (Elliott Lewis changes his name on the show from Frankie Remly to Elliott because Harris stopped leading Jack Benny's band--so he wasn't connected to Remly any more.
  

 

THIS EPISODE:

  

January 02, 1949. NBC network. Rexall. "Phil Harris Gets Drafted". Phil Harris, Alice Faye, Elliott Lewis, Walter Tetley, Walter Scharf and His Orchestra, Alan Reed, Bill Forman (announcer), Griff Barnett (Rexall druggist). 29:44 . Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index. Cat# 35296

Nightwatch - "Black Eye To Road Death" (02-24-55)

Nightwatch - Black Eye To Road Death (Aired February 24, 1955)

Before the "Reality TV", there was "Reality Radio" and Night Watch was there. This show is a straight crime documentary with no music, sound effects, or actors. Police reporter Don Reid rode in a prowl car on the night shift with officers from the Culver City, California police department. While wearing a hidden microphone, he captures the sounds and voices of real life drama. From the worried child to the hardened criminal, their stories come through loud and clear. The names were changed to protect identities, but everything else in this gripping series is real. 

 

THIS EPISODE: 

 

February 24, 1955. "Black Eye To Road Death (02-24-55)" - CBS network. Sustaining. 8:30 P. M. The first case is about a woman with a black eye who's been choked. Donn Reed (police recorder), W. N. Hildebrand (Chief of Police), Sterling Tracy (producer, director), Jim Headlock (producer), Ron Perkins (technical adviser). 26:47. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Richard Diamond Private Detective - "The Jean Cooper Murder Case" (08-20-49)

The Jean Cooper Murder Case (Aired August 20, 1949)

Diamond was a slick, sophisticated detective, with a sharp tongue for folks who needed it. Diamond enjoyed the detective life, but not as much as entertaining his girl, Helen Asher. After each show, he would croon a number to his Park Avenue sweetheart. Mr. Powell, a former song and dance man, was perfect for the role. He added an extra dimension to the 40's hokey private eye drama. Diamond was a rough gumshoe that would often get knocked on the head with a revolver butt or other items. His counterpart on the police force was Lt. Levinson who often accepted Diamond's help reluctantly. Levinson would claim to get stomach trouble whenever Diamond would call him and would take bicarbonate to settle his aching stomach. Although they always seem at odds with each other, Diamond and Levinson were best friends. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

 

THIS EPISODE:

August 20, 1949. "The Jean Cooper Murder Case" - NBC network. Sustaining. A young girl is run over in Central Park and young Tom Cook is accused of murdering her. A gangland rub-out takes place at the same time! Dick Powell sings, "There's Yes, Yes In Your Eyes." Blake Edwards (writer), David Ellis, Dick Powell, Ed Begley, Edward King (director), Eleanor Audley, Frank Lovejoy, Frank Worth (composer, conductor), Richard Sanville (director), Sam Edwards, Virginia Gregg, William Johnstone, Wilms Herbert. 29:11. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Fibber McGee & Molly - Renting Mr. Ingram's House - 2 Episodes COMPLETE (02-12-54) (02-17-54)

Renting Mr. Ingram's House - 2 Episodes COMPLETE (02-12-54) (02-17-54)

Fibber McGee and Molly was a popular radio show during the era of classic, old-time radio. It was one of the longest-running comedies in the history of classic radio in the United States. The series premiered on NBC in 1935 and remained popular until its demise in 1959, long after radio had ceased to be the dominant form of entertainment in American popular culture. James "Jim" Jordan (16 November 1896–1 April 1988) and Marian Driscoll (15 April 1898–7 April 1961), were natives of Peoria, Illinois who met in church and married in 1918. The genesis of Fibber McGee and Molly occurred when the small-time husband-and-wife vaudevillians began their third year as Chicago-area radio performers. 

TODAY'S SHOWS:

February 12, 1954. NBC network. Sustaining. Fibber continued to try to rent "Mr. Ingram's House" for him. A professor is a likely prospect. Jim Jordan, Marian Jordan, Phil Leslie (writer), Ralph Goodman (writer), Max Hutto (director), John Wald (announcer), Jack Kruschen. 13:54.

February 17, 1954. NBC network. Sponsored by: Richard Hudnut. At last, Fibber rents the house for Mr. Ingram. Jim Jordan, Marian Jordan, Phil Leslie (writer), Ralph Goodman (writer), Max Hutto (director), John Wald (announcer), Bill Thompson, Arthur Q. Bryan. 14:45.  

The Lux Radio Theater - "Spellbound" (03-08-48)

Spellbound (Aired March 8, 1948)

In October of 1934, "Lux Radio Theater" debuted in New York on NBC's Blue radio network. Presenting audio versions of popular Broadway plays, the show failed to garner an audience and soon ran out of material. After switching networks to CBS and moving to Hollywood, Lux found its true market. The show began featuring adaptations of popular films, performed by as many of the original stars as possible. With an endless supply of hit films scripts and an audience of more than 40 million, Lux enjoyed a prosperous run until the curtain fell in 1956

 

THIS EPISODE:

 

March 8, 1948. CBS network. "Spellbound". Sponsored by: Lux, Pepsodent. A fine adaptation of the classic film. A woman psychiatrist who is in love with her schizophrenic patient tries to solve the murder he's been accused of. The radio version features the haunting theme music from the film. Charlie Forsyth (sound effects), Francis Beeding (author: pseudonym of Hilary St. John and Leslie Palmer), Fred MacKaye (director), Sanford Barnett (adaptor), William Keighley (host), John Milton Kennedy (announcer), Louis Silvers (music director), Herb Butterfield, William Johnstone, Gerald Mohr, Cliff Clark, Howard McNear, Regina Wallace, Miklos Roza (composer), Dorothy Blair (intermission guest), Ben Hecht (screenwriter), Angus MacPhail (screen adaptor), Alida Valli (billed as "Valli"), Joseph Cotten. 58:45. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The NBC University Theater - "Victory" (02-19-50)

Victory (Aired February 16, 1950)

Beyond just its educational value, the combination of great stories... quality acting... and first class production made these shows wonderful entertainment. They are truly great radio AND a highly accessible way to introduce YOUR kids to great American Literature! Dramatic anthology Offered novels, with programs for college credit. Broadcast History : July 30th, 1948 - February 14th, 1951 NBC. Mostly 60 minutes. Mostly aired on Sundays, with occasional weeknight airings. Announcer : Don Stanley Music : Albert Harris, Henry Russell Director : Andrew C. Love Writers : Claris A. Ross, Ernest Kinoy, George Lefferts, Jack C. Wilson Sound Effects : Bob Holmes, Rod Sutton.

 

THIS EPISODE:

 

February 16, 1950. NBC network. "Victory". Sustaining. Good adventure set in the South Pacific. A woman, several men, and plans for revenge. Andrew C. Love (director), Ben Wright, Constance Cavendish, Don Diamond (producer, host), Don Stanley (announcer), Ernest Kinoy (writer), Herbert Rawlinson, John Crosby, Joseph Conrad (author), Lester Schott, Ramsay Hill, Whitfield Connor. 59:16. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Adventures Of Ozzie & Harriet - "The Apartment Building Next Door" (09-23-45)

The Apartment Building Next Door (Aired September 23, 1945)

The final years of the radio series were on ABC (the former NBC Blue Network) from October 14, 1949, to June 18, 1954. In an arrangement that amplified the growing pains of American broadcasting, as radio "grew up" into television (as George Burns once phrased it), the Nelsons' deal with ABC gave the network itself the right to move the show to television whenever it wanted to do it---they wanted, according to the Museum of Broadcast Communications, to have talent in the bullpen and ready to pitch, so to say, on their own network, rather than risk it defecting to CBS (where the Nelsons began) or NBC. 

 

 THIS EPISODE: 

September 23, 1945. "The Apartment Building Next Door" - CBS network. Sponsored by: International Silver. There's a rumor going around that a syndicate is going to put up a large apartment building on the corner vacant lot. The King Sisters (billed as "The Four King Sisters") sing, "I'm Gonna Love That Guy Like He's Never Been Loved Before." Ozzie Nelson, Harriet Hilliard, The King Sisters, Ozzie Nelson and His Orchestra, Bea Benaderet, Henry Blair, Tommy Cook, John Brown, Joel Davis, Billy May (composer). 26:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Chase - "Harry Troll's Diamond" (05-04-52)

Harry Troll's Diamond (Aired May 4, 1952)

The Chase is an exciting Old Time Radio series in which every episode contains, well, a chase. Tales, highly melodramatic and often improbable, of people on the run. The concept of "hunter and hunted" was built into the signatures. with the lone bugle of a fox hunt, the braying of dogs, the sounds of a man running, a gunshot, and the slowing footsteps and eventual fall of the victim. It may be an adventure story, a crime story, or even science fiction, but there will always be a suspense filled chase.

 

THIS EPISODE:

 

May 4, 1952. NBC network. "Harry Troll's Diamond". Sustaining. An alcoholic named Harry Troll finds a diamond the size of a prune! He not only is unable to sell it, he can't even give it away! The title may not be accurate. Lawrence Klee (creator, writer), Walter McGraw (director, transcriber), Fred Collins (announcer), Kermit Murdock, Bryna Raeburn, Court Benson, Santos Ortega, Roger De Koven, Dan Ocko, Clem Flower. 29:36. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.