Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Have Gun Will Travel" - Way For The Delta Queen (07-24-60)

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Have Gun Will Travel"
Way For The Delta Queen (Aired July 24, 1960)

The show followed the adventures of Paladin, a gentleman-turned-gunfighter (played by Richard Boone on television, and by John Dehner on radio), who preferred to settle problems without violence, yet, when forced to fight, excelled. Paladin lived in the Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, where he dressed in semi-formal wear, ate gourmet food, and attended opera. In fact, many who initially met him mistook him for a dandy from the East. When working, he dressed in black, used calling cards and wore a holster which carried characteristic chess knight emblems, and carried a derringer under his belt.

THIS EPISODE:

July 24, 1960. CBS network. "Way For The Delta Queen". Sponsored by: Doan's Pills, Guardian Maintenance Service, Pepsi-Cola. Paladin is protecting one of the steamboats in a great sternwheeler race from sabotage. The system cue is added live. John Dehner, Ben Wright, Frank Paris (producer, director), Hugh Douglas (announcer), William N. Robson (writer), Edgar Bergen (Guardian Maintenance commercial), Virginia Gregg, Harry Bartell, Barney Phillips, Rhoda Williams, Jack Edwards (doubles), James Nusser (doubles), Vic Perrin, Paul Dubov, John James, Bill James (sound effects), Tom Hanley (sound effects), Herb Meadow (creator), Sam Rolfe (creator). 25:10.
Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Murder At Midnight - "The Dead Hand" (04-19-46)

The Dead Hand (Aired April 19, 1946)

The talent included well known names such as Lawson Zerbe, Karl Swenson, Berry Kroeger, Lon Clark, Frank Readick, Elspeth Eric, Mandel Kramer, Michael Fitzmaurice, Alfred Shirley, and Raymond Edward Johnson--and his wife, among many other well-respected east coast actors of the era. Anton Leader, later famous for his Television work, directed the series. The writing staff was also top-notch, with names such as Max Erlich, Joe Ruscoll and Robert Newman, among others. The thriller formula of the era called for equally thrilling organ music underscoring, capably handled by Charles Paul and Bert Buhrman on the organ. The sound engineering also greatly contributed to the supernatural thriller 'feel' of the series.

THIS EPISODE:
 
April 19, 1946. Program #1. KFI, Los Angeles origination, Cowan syndication, World transcription. "The Dead Hand". Commercials added locally. These programs are known to have been syndicated on World transcriptions and on transcriptions marked, "Louis G. Cowan Productions." Charles Paul (organist), Anton M. Leader (director), Robert Newman (writer), Betty Caine, Carl Frank, Barry Hopkins, Lawson Zerbe, Raymond Morgan (host), Joseph Ruscoll (writer), Louis G. Cowan (producer). 25:58. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Mr. & Mrs. North - "Who Killed Mr. Stefano ?" (12-10-50)

"Who Killed Mr. Stefano ?" (Aired December 10, 1950)

INTRO: Bob Introduces Donna Summer & Last Dance (1978)

Their long-run series continued for over two decades and came to an end in 1963 with the death of Frances Lockridge. Albert Hackett and Peggy Conklin had the title roles in the Broadway production Mr. and Mrs. North, which ran 163 performances at the Belasco Theatre from January 12, 1941, to May 31, 1941. Alfred De Liagre, Jr. produced and directed the play written by Owen Davis. In this version, the North's apartment was located on Greenwich Place, realized in a scenic design by Jo Mielziner. The Owen Davis play became a 1942 MGM movie starring Gracie Allen and William Post, Jr. with Millard Mitchell repeating his role of Detective Mullins from the Broadway production. Others in the cast were Paul Kelly, Rose Hobart and Keye Luke. In 1946, producer-director Fred Coe brought the Owen Davis play to television (on New York City's WNBT) with John McQuade and Maxine Stewart in the leads and Don Haggerty, Joan Marlowe and Millard Mitchell repeating their Broadway roles. Barbara Britton and Richard Denning starred in the TV adaptation seen on CBS from 1952 to 1953 and on NBC in 1954.

THIS EPISODE:

December 10, 1950. CBS network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "Who killed Mr. Stefano? " Everybody did it, it seems, except the obvious person, who protests that she's being framed! The date is approximate. Joseph Curtin, Alice Frost, Frances Lockridge (creator), Richard Lockridge (creator). 24:46. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

 

The Mysterious Traveler - "If You Believe" (12-29-46)

BOB: Plays Frank Sinatra "Summer Wind" (1966)

If You Believe (Aired December 29, 1946)

Written and directed by Robert A. Arthur and David Kogan, the series began on the Mutual Broadcasting System, December 5, 1943, continuing in many different timeslots until September 16, 1952. Unlike many other shows of the era, The Mysterious Traveler was without a sponsor for its entire run. The lonely sound of a distant locomotive heralded the arrival of the malevolent narrator, portrayed by Maurice Tarplin, who introduced himself each week in the following manner. This is the Mysterious Traveler, inviting you to join me on another journey into the strange and terrifying. I hope you will enjoy the trip, that it will thrill you a little and chill you a little. So settle back, get a good grip on your nerves and be comfortable -- if you can!

THIS EPISODE:
 
December 29, 1946. Mutual network. "If You Believe". Sustaining. A horrifying story about a man-made blob of protoplasm that turns into a monster. David Kogan (writer, producer, director), Maurice Tarplin, Robert A. Arthur (writer). 29:03. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Burns & Allen Show - "George Is Kidnapped" (09-30-40)

George Is Kidnapped (Aired September 30, 1940)

During a typical 23-minute episode of the Burns and Allen show, the vast majority of the dialogue and speaking parts were written for Allen, who was credited with having the genius to deliver her lengthy diatribes in a fashion that made it look as though she was making her arguments up on the spot. (One running gag on the TV show was the existence of a closet full of hats belonging to various visitors to the Burns household, where the guests would slip out the door unnoticed, leaving their hats behind, rather than face another round with Gracie.) A continuing joke on the show was that George would say, "Say good night, Gracie," and Gracie would say, "Good night Gracie!"

THIS EPISODE:

September 30, 1940. "George Is Kidnapped" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Spam. George is still on the lam from gangster Huey Sallas. He disguises himself as "Aunt Clara," which seems like a good idea until gangster Huey proposes to him! George Burns, Gracie Allen, Artie Shaw and His Orchestra, The Smoothies, Bud Hiestand (announcer). 28:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Nick Carter Master Detective - "Murder In A Decanter" (12-31-44)

"Murder In A Decanter" (Aired December 31, 1944)

Nick Carter first made an appearance in a pulp novel in 1886. His popularity lasted over 100 years until the last Nick Carter-Killmaster book was published in 1990. The master detective first ventured into radio on April 11, 1943 on the Mutual Broadcasting System as The Return of Nick Carter, a nod to his pulp fiction history. The title was changed to Nick Carter, Master Detective shortly thereafter. Lon Clark starred as Mr. Carter throughout the run, with his assistant Patsy Bowen first voiced by Helen Choate for three years, then by Charlotte Manson for the rest of the series. The cast also included John Kane as reporter and friend, Scubby Wilson, Ed Latimer as Sgt. Mathison, Nick’s inside man at the police department, and Michael Fitzmaurice served as the announcer. Show Notes From the Old Time Radio Researchers Group. 

THIS EPISODE:

December 31, 1944. Mutual network. "Murder In A Decanter, (12-31-44)" or "The Mystery Of The Missing Body". Lin-X Home Brighteners. Lon Clark, Helen Choate, John Kane, Humphrey Davis, Jock MacGregor (producer, director, occasional writer), Lew White (musician). 1/2 hour. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.
 

Life With Luigi - "Luigi The Square Dance Caller" (10-23-51)

Luigi The Square Dance Caller (Aired October 23, 1951)

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. The show was often seen as the Italian counterpart to the radio show The Goldbergs, which chronicled the experience of Jewish immigrants in New York.

THIS EPISODE:

October 23, 1951. "Luigi The Square Dance Caller" - CBS network. Sponsored by: Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum. Luigi becomes a square-dance caller. J. Carrol Naish, Alan Reed, Cy Howard (creator, producer), Mac Benoff (writer, director), Lou Derman (writer), Mary Shipp, Hans Conried, Joe Forte, Ken Peters, Pat Burton (associate producer), Jody Gilbert, Lud Gluskin (music director), Spade Cooley (guest), Charles Lyon (announcer). 29:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Lux Radio Theater - "Unfinished Business" (10-06-41)

Unfinished Business (Aired October 6, 1941)

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:

October 6, 1941. CBS network. "Unfinished Business". Sponsored by: Lux (singing commercial). A bittersweet romance about a loveless marriage. Irene Dunne, Don Ameche, Cecil B. DeMille, Arthur Q. Bryan, Bea Benaderet (doubles), Betty Ventura, Dick Elliott, Fred MacKaye, Jean Rhea, Jack George (doubles), Leone LeDoux, Louis Silvers (music director), Melville Ruick (announcer), Monro Brown, Verna Felton, Virginia Gordon, Gale Gordon, Julie Bannon (commercial spokesman), Nancy Bickell (commercial spokesman), James Eagles (commercial spokesman), Jo Campbell (commercial spokesman, singer), Sally Mueller (commercial spokesman, singer), Eugene Thackeray (screenwriter), Sanford Barnett (director), George Wells (adaptor), Charlie Forsyth (sound effects). 58:43. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

I Was A Communist For FBI - "Tight Wire" (05-25-52)

Tight Wire  (Aired May 25, 1952)

I Was a Communist for the FBI was an American espionage thriller radio series with 78 episodes syndicated by Ziv to more than 600 stations in 1952-54. Made without FBI cooperation, the series was adapted from the book by undercover agent Matt Cvetic, who was portrayed by Dana Andrews.The series was crafted to warn people about the threat of Communist subversion of American society. The tone of the show is very jingoistic and ultra-patriotic. Communists are evil incarnate and the FBI can do no wrong. As a relic of the Joe McCarthy era, this show is a time capsule of American society during the Second Red Scare.

THIS EPISODE:

May 25, 1952. Program #9. ZIV Syndication. "Tight Wire". Commercials added locally. The FBI assigns Cvetic the job of bugging a Communist Party meeting hall. Dana Andrews, Truman Bradley (announcer), Henry Hayward (director), David Rose (music). 25:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Life Of Riley - "Riley The Milkman" (03-22-47)

Riley The Milkman (Aired March 22, 1947)

 

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:

March 22, 1947. NBC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. Flashback story: how Riley handled his in-laws when he and Peg were first married. "Riley The Milkman" Alan Lipscott (writer), Don Bernard (director), Gil Stratton, Irving Brecher (producer), Jack Brecher (writer), John Brown, Ken Carpenter (announcer), Lou Coslowe (music), Lou Merrill, Paula Winslowe, Reuben Ship (writer), William Bendix. 34:37. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.
 

 

Pat Novak For Hire - "Rubin Callaway's Pictures" (03-13-49x

Rubin Callaway's Pictures (Aired March 13, 1949)

The rapid, staccato dialogue between Webb & Raymond Burr is typical of harboiled fiction and is often humorous. Pat uses the time to try to solve the case. He usually employs the help of his friend Jocko Madigan (played by Tudor Owen) - a drunken ex-doctor typically found at some disreputable tavern or bar - to help him solve the case. As Pat asks for his help, Jocko launches a long-winded philosophical diatribe, full of witty and funny remarks, until Novak cuts him off. Jocko and Pat unravel the case and Hellman makes the arrest. Finally, we hear the foghorn and Novak's footsteps on the pier again before Novak spells out the details of the case for us. At the end, Novak informs us that "Hellman asked only one question", which Pat answers with a clever retort. The dialogue is rife with similes found in pulp fiction. Example: 'The neighborhood was run down - the kind of place where the For Rent signs look like ransom notes. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:
 
March 13, 1949. Program #5. "Rubin Callaway's Pictures" - ABC network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. A dying man in the harbor, a bunch of photos in a locker, and lots of trouble for Novak in the form of Alma Biggs. Jack Webb, William P. Rousseau (producer), Tudor Owen, Raymond Burr, Basil Adlam (composer, conductor). 29:30. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Our Miss Brooks - "The Wishing Well Dance" (06-12-49)

The Wishing Well Dance  (Aired June 12, 1949)

Produced by Larry Berns and written by director Al Lewis, Our Miss Brooks premiered on CBS July 19, 1948. According to radio critic John Crosby, her lines were very "feline" in dialogue scenes with principal Conklin and would-be boyfriend Boynton, with sharp, witty comebacks. The interplay between the cast---blustery Conklin, nebbishy Denton, accommodating Harriet, absentminded Mrs. Davis, clueless Boynton, scheming Miss Enright---also received positive reviews. Arden won a radio listeners' poll by Radio Mirror magazine as the top ranking comedienne of 1948-1949, receiving her award at the end of an Our Miss Brooks broadcast that March. "I'm certainly going to try in the coming months to merit the honor you've bestowed upon me, because I understand that if I win this (award) two years in a row, I get to keep Mr. Boynton," she joked. But she was also a hit with the critics; a winter 1949 poll of newspaper and magazine radio editors taken by Motion Picture Daily named her the year's best radio comedienne.

THIS EPISODE:
 
June 12, 1949. CBS network. "Madison's Miss Wishing Well Dance Of 1949". Sponsored by: Palmolive Soap, Lustre-Creme Shampoo, Palmolive Shave Cream. There's going to be a "Wishing Well Dance" at Madison High, and everyone wants a lock of Miss Brooks' hair. Eve Arden, Jane Morgan, Richard Crenna, Gloria McMillan, Gale Gordon, Jeff Chandler, Verne Smith (announcer), Bob Lemond (announcer), Leonard Smith, Al Lewis (writer, director), Wilbur Hatch (music). 29:46. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Whistler - "Treasure Hunt" (01-21-46)

Treasure Hunt (Aired January 21, 1946)

The Whistler was one of radio's most popular mystery dramas, with a 13-year run from May 16, 1942 until September 22, 1955. If it now seems to have been influenced explicitly by The Shadow, The Whistler was no less popular or credible with its listeners, the writing was first class for its genre, and it added a slightly macabre element of humor that sometimes went missing in The Shadow's longer-lived crime stories. Writer-producer J. Donald Wilson established the tone of the show during its first two years, and he was followed in 1944 by producer-director George Allen. Other directors included Sterling Tracy and Sherman Marks with final scripts by Joel Malone and Harold Swanton. A total of 692 episodes were produced, yet despite the series' fame, over 200 episodes are lost today. In 1946, a local Chicago version of The Whistler with local actors aired Sundays on WBBM, sponsored by Meister Brau beer.

THIS EPISODE:

January 21, 1946. CBS Pacific network. "Treasure Hunt". Sponsored by: Signal Oil. Grandpa Randolph hid $200,000 before he died, leaving behind a clue as to its location. Announcer Marvin Miller assures listeners that Signal Oil "re-arranges atoms" to make better gasoline. Signal does not split them for atomic bombs! Russell Hughes (writer), Mandel Kramer, Marvin Miller (announcer), Gerald Mohr, George W. Allen (director). 28:59. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Story Of Dr Kildare - "Appendicitis Operation At Sea" (08-17-50)

Appendicitis Operation At Sea (Aired August 17, 1950)

The character was invented by the author Frederick Schiller Faust (aka Max Brand). The character began in the film series as a medical intern; after becoming a doctor he was mentored by an older physician, Dr. Leonard Gillespie. After the first ten films, the series eliminated the character of Kildare and focused instead on Gillespie. In the summer of 1949, MGM reunited Lew Ayres and Lionel Barrymore to record the radio series, The Story of Dr. Kildare, scripted by Les Crutchfield, Jean Holloway and others. After broadcasts on WMGM New York from February 1, 1950 to August 3, 1951, the series was syndicated to other stations during the 1950s. The supporting cast included Ted Osborne as hospital administrator Dr. Carough, Jane Webb as nurse Mary Lamont and Virginia Gregg as Nurse Parker, labeled "Nosy Parker" by Gillespie, with appearances by William Conrad, Stacy Harris, Jay Novello, Isabel Jewell and Jack Webb.

THIS EPISODE:

August 17, 1950. Program #44. "Appendicitis Operation At Sea" -MGM syndication. Commercials added locally. A young navy seaman is in need of an operation. The ship is in a high storm and the patient may die. Lew Ayres, Lionel Barrymore, Les Crutchfield (writer), William P. Rousseau (director), Walter Schumann (composer, conductor), Dick Joy (announcer), Max Brand (creator), Raymond Katz (producer). 1/2 hour. 26:21. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Sears Radio Theater - "The Voyage Of No Return" (04-16-80)

The Voyage Of No Return (Aired April 16, 1980)

In December 1979 the Mutual Broadcasting System acquired the Sears Radio Theater renaming it, the MUTUAL Radio Theater. It retained the same format as before with the same theme for different nights of the week. Lorne Greene remained host for Monday's Western night, Andy Griffith handled Tuesday's Comedy, Vincent Price still was host for Mystery on Wednesdays, Cicely Tyson did Love on Thursday, while Leonard Nimoy was now the Friday night Adventure host. As before the series aired week nights, Monday through Friday. The Mutual Radio Theater debuted Mar 3, 1980 and was to run for 13 weeks on almost 300 stations. The shows were then to be repeated over the summer and fall. It proved to be fairly successful and another 8 weeks of original programs were added; this was followed by another 8 weeks of repeats. The series was broadcast in stereo, making it the only commercial radio network drama program in the nation to use this technology at the time. Great writers were employed for this series including Arch Oboler and Norman Corwin. Good choices were made when it came to cast members. Old familiar voices and names included Janet Waldo, John Dehner, Vic Perrin, Mary Jane Croft, Hans Conried, Marvin Miller, Parley Baer, Elliot Lewis, Jeff Corey, Virginia Gregg, Lesley Woods, Robert Rockwell and Lurene Tuttle. Then from movies and TV - Eve Arden, Keith Andes, Harriet Nelson, Aan Young, Tom Bosley and Marian Ross, Lloyd Bochner, Rick Jason, Frank Campanella, Toni Tennille, Arthur Hill, Dan O'Herlihy, Jesse White and Frank Nelson. how Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researchers Group

The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes - "The Case Of The Curious Crypt" (02-15-48)

The Case Of The Curious Crypt (Aired February 15, 1948)

According to Holmes, it was an encounter with the father of one of his classmates that led him to take up detection as a profession and he spent the six years following university working as a consulting detective, before financial difficulties led him to take Watson as a roommate, at which point the narrative of the stories begins. From 1881, Holmes is described as having lodgings at 221B Baker Street, London, from where he runs his private detective agency. 221B is an apartment up seventeen steps, stated in an early manuscript to be at the "upper end" of the road. Until the arrival of Dr. Watson, Holmes works alone.

THIS EPISODE:
 
February 15, 1948. Mutual network, WOR, New York aircheck "The Case Of Th. e Curious Crypt". Sponsored by: Clipper Craft Clothes. A silver dollar provides Holmes with the clue needed to solve a puzzle involving a crypt filled with the unexpected. The script was previously used on "Sherlock Holmes" on March 30, 1931 and March 9, 1941 (The Case Of The Shoscombe Old Place). John Stanley, Alfred Shirley, Barry Thompson, Arthur Conan Doyle (creator, author), Edith Meiser (adaptor), Basil Loughrane (producer, director), Hal Reid (sound effects), Don Williamson (engineer), Charles Stark (announcer), Michael Fitzmaurice (New York commercial spokesman), Albert Buhrman (music). 29:30. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Rocky Fortune (Starring Frank Sinatra) - "Prize Fight Setup" (12-29-53)

Prize Fight Setup (Aired December 29, 1953)

Frank Sinatra seemed very comfortable in the role of Rocco Fortunato--'Rocky Fortune'--and the scripts that George Lefferts and Ernest Kinoy wrote for Sinatra made for some fascinating adventures. The role was clearly written specifically for him, and more importantly for the more 'adult' persona his agents and publicity reps were trying to portray of him at this point in his career. He'd already done the teen and 20-something idol gig, and he had been expressing more of an interest in dramatic work. Perhaps Sinatra's managers were simply hedging their bets. Sinatra's greatest initial dramatic role in From Here To Eternity was released October 19, 1953, just weeks after Rocky Fortune began its 26-week run on NBC. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

December 29, 1953. NBC network. "The Prize Fight Fix". Sustaining. Rocky is mistaken for "The Great Gondolfo," a prize fighter. Finding himself in the ring, Rocky's surprised to find that he's the winner! There's a good reason...and it's filled with poison! Gambler's want him to take the long count..."from here to eternity!" This is a network version of cat. #61853. Frank Sinatra, Jack Mather, Barney Phillips, George Lefferts (writer), Maurice Hart, Joe Forte, Jack Carroll, Maya Gregory, Andrew C. Love (director). 23:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Adventures Of The Saint - "The Horrible Hamburger" (09-10-50)

The Horrible Hamburger (Aired September 10, 1950)

After a year's hiatus, The Saint returned to radio July 10, 1949—this time on Mutual. An announcement in Billboard noted that the program would be sustaining (without a sponsor), but that Mutual "will use trial summer run to showcase show for fall bankrolling." The bankrolling eventually came from Ford Motor Company, and the show lasted through May 28, 1950. The program's final run began June 11, 1950, as a summer replacement for The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show. The Saint was back on its original network, NBC, for this version, which ended October 14, 1951.  The show lasted longer in this version than in any other, despite a negative review of the first episode in Billboard which said much of the script was "confusing and slow-paced" and called star Vincent Price "frightfully dull."

THIS EPISODE:

September 10, 1950. NBC network. "The Horrible Hamburger". Sustaining. After a lousy dinner, a flat tire is followed by a dead body in the trunk. The Saint is asked, "Mr. Templar, what do you think about television?" He replies, "I think about it as little as possible." Leslie Charteris (creator), Vincent Price, Louise Erickson, Noreen Gammill, Arthur Q. Bryan, David Light, Lawrence Dobkin, Louis Vittes (writer), Vaughn Dexter (composer, conductor), Helen Mack (director), Don Stanley (announcer), James L. Saphier (producer). 29:54. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

You Bet Your Life - The Secret Word Is "Clock" (10-27-60)

The Secret Word Is "Clock" (Aired October 27, 1960)

Groucho Marx matches wits with the American public in four episodes of this classic game show. Starting on the radio in 1947, You Bet Your Life made its television debut in 1950 and aired for 11 years with Groucho as host and emcee. Sponsored rather conspicuously by the Dodge DeSoto car manufacturers, the show featured two contestants working as a team to answer questions for cash prizes. Another mainstay of these question and answer segments was the paper mache duck that would descend from the ceiling with one hundred dollars in tow whenever a player uttered the "secret word." The quiz show aspect of "You Bet Your Life" was always secondary, to the clever back-and-forth between host and contestant, which found Groucho at his funniest. It's in these interview segments that "You Bet Your Life" truly makes its mark as one of early television's greatest programs. Directed by: Robert Dwan.

THIS EPISODE:

October 27, 1960. Syndicated, WNEW-TV, New York audio aircheck. The Secret Word Is "Clock". Participating sponsors. The first contestant is Sheila Flynn. The thirteenth anniversary broadcast of the program. Syndicated rebroadcast date: June 4, 1975. Shelia Flynn, Groucho Marx, George Fenneman (announcer), Jack Meakin (music). 29:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Inner Sanctum Mysteries - "The Meek Die Slowly" (04-03-45)

The Meek Die Slowly (Aired April 3, 1945)

Inner Sanctum Mysteries featured one of the most memorable and atmospheric openings in radio history: an organist hit a dissonant chord, a doorknob turned and the famous “creaking door” slowly began to open. Every week, Inner Sanctum Mysteries told stories of ghosts, murderers and lunatics. Produced in New York, the cast usually consisted of veteran radio actors, with occasional guest appearances by such Hollywood stars Boris Karloff, Peter Lorre and Claude Rains. What made Inner Sanctum Mysteries unique among radio horror shows was its host, a slightly-sinister sounding man originally known as “Raymond.” The host had a droll sense of humor and an appetite for ghoulish puns.

THIS EPISODE:

April 3, 1945. CBS net origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Meek Die Slowly". A ghastly story that starts with "Mr. Narco" stabbing Jane Carter to death with a pair of garden shears. Arnold Moss sports a delightful German-Transylvanian accent. The music fill after the system cue has been deleted. The script was used on "Inner Sanctum" on September 7, 1952. Arnold Moss, Paul McGrath (host). 23:00. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Clock - "Behind The Mask" (05-01-56)

Behind The Mask (Aired May 1, 1956)

Imported from Austrailia, The Clock was a dramatic thirty-minute suspense and mystery series. It was written by Lawrence Klee and was first broadcast in November 1946. The story always began the same; “Sunrise and sunset, promise and fulfilment, birth and death … the whole drama of life is written in the sands of time”. This is a great series where the main theme seems to be Retribution. Stories as told by Father Time.

THIS EPISODE:

May 1, 1956. Grace Gibson/Michelson syndication, WRVR-FM, New York City aircheck. "Behind The Mask". Participating sponsors. A man uses a pathological liar to help him murder his invalid wife, but the plan backfires. WRVR rebroadcast date: June 22, 1973. Lawrence Klee (writer), Harp McGuire (as "The Clock"), John Bushell, Coralie Neville, Moira Redmond, Rodney Jacobs, John Saul (director), Grace Gibson (producer). 22:30. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Cisco Kid" - Dynamite At Big Trestle (03-31-53)

Dynamite At Big Trestle (Aired March 31, 1953)

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.

THIS EPISODE:

March 31, 1953. Program #73. Mutual-Don Lee network origination, Ziv syndication. "Dynamite At Big Trestle". Commercials added locally. Two Eastern badmen hiding out in the West disocver a vein of glacial ice under a field. They're determined to kill Cisco, wreck a train and take the ice-filled property from a beautiful senorita. Jack Mather, Harry Lang. 27:19. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Night Beat - "The Kenny Day Amnesia Case" (10-06-50)

The Kenny Day Amnesia Case (Aired October 6, 1950)

  

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. ‘The Slasher’, broadcast on 10 November 1950, the last show of season one, has a very loosely Ripper-derived plot in which Stone searches for an artist. Supporting actors included Parley Baer, William Conrad, Jeff Corey, Lawrence Dobkin, Paul Frees, Jack Kruschen, Peter Leeds, Howard McNear, Lurene Tuttle and Martha Wentworth.

THIS EPISODE:

October 6, 1950. "The Kenny Day Amnesia Case" - NBC network. Sustaining. Randy Stone's car has been stolen...by an ex-cop with amnesia. The thief's name is Kenny Day, and his wife is in danger, or is his wife a victim of murder? The system cue has been deleted. Irwin Ashkenazie (writer), Eddie Fields, Frank Worth (music), Ted de Corsia, Lurene Tuttle, William Tracy, Wilms Herbert, Jack Kruschen, Barbara Dupar, Frank Lovejoy, Warren Lewis (producer, director). 29:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Adventures Of Ozzie & Harriet - "David Fights The Jones Boy" (09-09-45)

David Fights The Jones Boy (09-09-45)

As the series progressed and the boys grew up, storylines involving various characters were introduced. Many of the series storylines were taken from the Nelsons' real life. When the real David and Rick got married, to June Blair and Kristin Harmon respectively, their wives joined the cast of Ozzie and Harriet, and the marriages were written into the series. (What was seldom written into the series was Ozzie's profession; mention of his lengthy and successful band-leading career was infrequent.) By the mid 1960s, America's social climate was changing, and the Nelsons' all American nuclear family epitomized the 1950s values and ideals that were quickly becoming a thing of the past.

THIS EPISODE:

September 9, 1945. "David Fights The Jones Boy" - CBS network. Sponsored by: International Silver. David has had a fight with the Jones boy, Ozzie has a fight with Harriet! The date is approximate. Ozzie Nelson and His Orchestra, Harriet Hilliard, John Brown, The King Sisters, Verne Smith (announcer), Bea Benaderet, Billy May (composer), Tommy Cook, Joel Davis, Louise Erickson. 29:11. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Wild Bill Hickock" - The Dukane Revenge (06-04-52)

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Wild Bill Hickock" - The Dukane Revenge (Aired June 4, 1952)

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. (Now there’s a name you want to go through Hollywood with.) This Wild Bill Hickock was quick with his fists and a quip, but Jingles (dear god that nickname) got all his glory by using his immense girth to fight the bad guys. Jingles if you couldn’t tell was the comedic element in the series. And what is it with overweight sidekicks in westerns? See Cisco Kid’s partner, the jolly and rotund Pancho. Give the horses a break. The radio program lasted until 1954. The television show was started at the same time in 1951 and lasted until 1958. Also Wild Bill was portrayed by Gary Cooper in the 1936 movie, The Plainsman. Wild Bill has shown up in various other movies and television shows, most recently in the show Deadwood on HBO.

THIS EPISODE:

June 4, 1952. Program #84. Mutual network. "The Duquesne Revenge". Sponsored by: Kellogg's Sugar Corn Pops. Lance Duquesne has a burr under his saddle. Oliver Goldin is the lawyer representing young Lance, but he's involved in a scheme to steal the best two ranches in the valley. The system cue is added live. Guy Madison, Andy Devine, Charles Lyon (announcer), Larry Hayes (writer), David Hire (producer), Paul Pierce (director), Richard Aurandt (music), Tony Barrett, Frank Gerstle, Curley Bradley, Tyler McVey, Jack Moyles. 24:42. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Theater 1030 - "The Ghost Town Hermit" (1968)

'The Ghost Town Hermit' (1968) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

The old-time radio era, sometimes referred to as the Golden Age of Radio, refers to a period of radio programming in the United States lasting from the proliferation of radio broadcasting in the early 1920s until the 1950s, when television superseded radio as the medium of choice for scripted programming and radio shifted to playing popular music. During this period, when radio was dominant and filled with a variety of formats and genres, people regularly tuned into their favorite radio programs. In fact, according to a 1947 C. E. Hooper survey, 82 out of 100 Americans were found to be radio listeners. Theatrer 10:30 was a Canadian Old Time Radio show. The date of the broadcast for the episodes is generally unknown. The shows are in the genres of horror, fantasy and mystery. It was a production of CBC Radio. This series aired from September 1968 through 1971, though air dates for particular episodes are unavailable.

X-Minus One - "Hostess" (12-12-56)

Hostess (Aired December 12, 1956)

 

 

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. A total of 125 programs were broadcast, some repeats or remakes, until the last show of Jan. 9, 1958.

THIS EPISODE:

December 12, 1956. NBC network. "Hostess". Sustaining. An ambassador from an alien race is visiting the home of a typical Earth couple. The ambassador's "hostess" learns of a second definition. Teri Keane, Les Damon, Kermit Murdock, Isaac Asimov (author), Ernest Kinoy (adaptor), William Welch (producer), Daniel Sutter (director), Fred Collins (announcer). 29:15. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Secrets Of Scotland Yard - "Fiction Is Stranger Than Truth" (1944)

Fiction Is Stranger Than Truth (1944) *Aka Reginald Sidney Buckfield

The series boasted well over 100 episodes, one of which, "The Bone From A Voice Box", apparently served as the prototype for another well remembered Towers Of London dramatic series, The Black Museum. In both series, well known actors were employed as host / narrator, Orson Welles in The Black Museum and Clive Brook here. In fact, the shows were so similar that some of the same actual Scotland Yard cases were dramatized for both series (with totally different scripts, and casts). The Secrets of Scotland Yard was an independent production of the Towers of London syndicate in England for world wide distribution. Each week, an audience of anxious radio-listeners tuned in to hear these true crime stories of the London Metropolitan Police unfold, as the detectives at the Yard investigated some of England’s most famous criminals. Their trials have become legendary. Stories presented in the series include the theft of the British crown jewels by Colonel Thomas Blood; the story of a man who finds an armless and legless body wrapped in ribbons and lace; or the strange story of two close brothers who love one another enough to contemplate the murder of a brother’s affluent, yet unsightly and ignorant, wife. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

It's A Crime Mr. Collins - "Murder Of The Fabulous Redhead" (1956)

Murder Of The Fabulous Redhead (1956) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

It's a Crime, Mr. Collins was a half-hour mystery/adventure radio program broadcast weekly from August, 1956 to February, 1957 by Mutual Broadcasting System in the United States that was a "flagrant rip-off of The Adventures of the Abbotts in which only the names had been changed." San Francisco private detective Greg Collins was played by Mandel Kramer (who had previously been heard as Lieutenant Tragg in the radio version of Perry Mason) and his wife, Gail Collins, was played by namesake Gail Collins. Each week, Gail Collins, "the gumshoe's gorgeous spouse -- with green-eyed predilections emerging as curvaceous damsels in distress frequently petitioned her husband -- shared his investigative exploits with her Uncle Jack and thereby with the listeners at home." Uncle Jack was played by Richard Denning, whom listeners had heard from 1952 to 1954 as amateur detective Jerry North in the radio version of Mr. and Mrs. North.

THIS EPISODE:
 
1956. Mutual network origination, syndicated. "The Murder Of The Fabulous Redhead". Commercials added locally. Mr. Collins is hired to find a beautiful woman who's been missing for six months. When she's found dead, it's Mrs. Collins who goes to jail for the crime! The date is approximate. Mandel Kramer, Gail Collins, Richard Denning. 25:06. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Man Called X - "Knocked Off His Feet" (05-11-51)

Knocked Off His Feet (Aired May 11, 1951)

The 1944 CBS Summer season finale, Murder, Music and A Blonde Madonna, gives some credence to the way CBS promoted this first run. Starring Herbert Marshall as Ken Thurston, a private operative, with Han Conried as Egon Zellschmidt in this first incarnation of Ken Thurston's nemesis, and Mary Jane Croft appearing in the role of Ken's love interest, Nancy Bessington, a reporter and Thurston's erstwhile fiance. We can only interpolate from what we've already turned up for this shortest run of The Man Called X, but it would appear that Hans Conried and Mary Jane Croft may have been regulars co-stars throughout that first season. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

May 11, 1951. "Knocked Off His Feet" - NBC network. Sponsored by: Anacin. Recorded April 25, 1951, with most commercials and the system cue added at the time of broadcast. Ken Thurston finds an elusive countess aboard an ocean liner en route to Hawaii, and a spy named George Korloff, dead for six months but recently seen in a bar in San Francisco! Carleton Young, George Neise, Harry Lang, Herbert Marshall, Jack Latham (announcer), Joan Banks, Leon Belasco, Peter Leeds, Will Wright. 27:54. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Let George Do It - "Double Death" (10-17-49)

Double Death (Aired October 17, 1949)

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. "The few earliest episodes were more sitcom than private eye shows, with a studio audience providing scattered laughter at the not-so-funny scripts. Soon the audience was banished, and George went from stumbling comedic hero to tough guy private eye, while the music became suspenseful. Valentine's secretary was Claire Brooks, aka Brooksie (Frances Robinson, Virginia Gregg, Lillian Buyeff).

THIS EPISODE:

October 17, 1949. Mutual-Don Lee network. "Double Death". Sponsored by: Standard Oil, Chevron. George Valentine is hired by Mr. Groves to find his wife, but George thinks Groves killed her. The problem is that there are too many clues! Bob Bailey, Frances Robinson, Wally Maher, Ted de Corsia, Dick Ryan, Joe Forte, Jeanne Bates, Jackson Gillis (writer), David Victor (writer), Don Clark (director), Bud Hiestand (announcer), Eddie Dunstedter (composer, conductor). 29:52. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Hall Of Fantasy - "The Temple Of Huizilipochle" (06-29-53)

The Temple Of Huizilipochle (Aired June 29, 1953)

There were four series under the Hall Of Fantasy banner, all produced by Richard Thorne. The first Hall Of Fantasy originated from radio station KALL in Salt Lake City, Utah. Richard Thorne and Carl Greyson were announcers for the station and produced the rather barebones shows, possibly late in 1946 and into 1947. The series consisted of 26 shows. Broadcast dates for the shows are not known. The shows were written or adapted by Robert Olson and directed by Mr. Thorne. Most were classic murder mysteries with traditional endings; the evil-doer got his just rewards.  The series was sponsored by the Granite Furniture Company, although existing shows are missing the commercials, apparently because they were inserted live.

THIS EPISODE:

June 29, 1953. Mutual network, WGN, Chicago origination (possibly syndicated). "The Temple Of Huitzilipochle". Commercials added locally. Two explorers face a tribe of savages in the Brazilian jungle. Richard Thorne (writer). 25:48. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Gangbusters - "A Date With Death" (06-04-49)

The Case Of The Date With Death (Aired June 4, 1949)

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. It was once narrated by Norman Schwarzkopf, Sr., former head of the New Jersey State Police. The radio series was adapted for DC Comics, Big Little Books and a 1942 movie serial. The 1952 Gang Busters TV series was reedited into two feature films, Gang Busters (1954) and Guns Don't Argue (1957).

THIS EPISODE:
 
June 4, 1949. Program #583. CBS network origination, syndicated, WRVR-FM, New York aircheck. "The Case Of The Date With Death". Sponsored by: World Wide Handicrafts. WRVR rebroadcast date: March 12, 1973. 24:48. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Bloody Hands (04-02-55)

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Gunsmoke" - Bloody Hands (04-02-55)

Two auditions were created in 1949. The first was very much like a hardboiled detective series and starred Rye Billsbury as Dillon; the second starred Straight Arrow actor Howard Culver in a more Western, lighter version of the same script. CBS liked the Culver version better, and Ackerman was told to proceed. But there was a complication. Culver's contract as the star of Straight Arrow would not allow him to do another Western series. The project was shelved for three years, when MacDonnell and Meston discovered it creating an adult Western series of their own. MacDonnell and Meston wanted to create a radio Western for adults, in contrast to the prevailing juvenile fare such as The Lone Ranger and The Cisco Kid. Gunsmoke was set in Dodge City, Kansas during the thriving cattle days of the 1870s. Dunning notes, "The show drew critical acclaim for unprecedented realism."

THIS EPISODE:

April 2, 1955. CBS network. "Bloody Hands". Sponsored by: L & M Cigarettes, Chesterfield. Marshal Dillon gets sick of killing and resigns his job. The script was used on the Gunsmoke television series on February 16, 1957. William Conrad, Parley Baer, Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear, John Dehner, Lawrence Dobkin, John Meston (writer), Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Rex Koury (composer, conductor), Tom Hanley (sound patterns), Ray Kemper (sound patterns), George Fenneman (commercial spokesman), George Walsh (announcer). 30:20. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Big Town - "The Shiny Gun" (03-15-49)

The Shiny Gun (Aired March 15, 1949)

Big Town was perhaps the most famous series of reporter dramas. It featured the adventures of Steve Wilson, the crusading editor of The Illustrated Press. The show was written by Jerry McGill, an ex-newspaperman, and his reporters were diligent, sober champions of justice, zealously pushing freedom of the press, creating a memorable slogan; “Freedom of the press is a flaming sword! Use is justly … hold it high … guard it well.” The shows occasionally attacked juvenile delinquency, racism and drink driving amongst other soapbox related incidents.

THIS EPISODE:

March 15, 1949. NBC network. "The Shiny Gun". Sponsored by: Lifebuoy Soap, Rinso. A young boy shoots his friend while playing with his father's loaded gun. Running from the law, he hides out in the sewer pipes. Edward Pawley, Fran Carlon, Dwight Weist (narrator), Jerry McGill (writer, director). 28:23. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Aldrich Family - "Parent's Day" (10-26-52)

Parent's Day (Aired October 26, 1952)

The Aldrich Family as a separate radio show was born as a summer replacement for Jack Benny in NBC's Sunday night lineup, July 2, 1939, and it stayed there until October 1, 1939, when it moved to Tuesday nights at 8 p.m., sponsored by General Foods's popular gelatin dessert Jell-O---which also sponsored Jack Benny at the time. The Aldriches ran in that slot from October 10, 1939 until May 28, 1940, moving to Thursdays, from July 4, 1940 until July 20, 1944. After a brief hiatus, the show moved to CBS, running on Fridays from September 1, 1944 until August 30, 1946 with sponsors Grape Nuts and Jell-O,.before moving back to NBC from September 05, 1946 to June 28, 1951 on Thursdays and, then, its final run of September 21, 1952 to April 19, 1953 on Sundays.

THIS EPISODE:
 
October 26, 1952. "Parent's Day" - NBC network. Sustaining. It's Parent's Day at school. Confusion runs rampant...and then there's the spelling bee! Bobby Ellis, Jack Grimes, Clifford Goldsmith (writer), Dick Dudley (announcer), House Jameson, Katharine Raht. 29:23. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Adventures Of Frank Merriwell - "Mystery Of The Iron Door" (05-22-48)

Mystery Of The Iron Door (Aired May 22, 1948)

The Frank Merriwell comic strip began in 1928, continuing until 1936. Daily strips from 1934 provided illustrations for the 1937 Big Little Book. The Adventures of Frank Merriwell first ran on NBC radio from March 26 to June 22, 1934 as a 15-minute serial airing three times a week at 5:30pm. Sponsored by Dr. West's Toothpaste, this program starred Donald Briggs in the title role. Harlow Wilcox was the announcer. After a 12-year gap, the series returned October 5, 1946 as a 30-minute Saturday morning show on NBC, continuing until June 4, 1949. Lawson Zerbe starred as Merriwell, Jean Gillespie and Elaine Rostas as Inza Burrage, Harold Studer as Bart Hodge and Patricia Hosley as Elsie Belwood. Announcers were Mel Brandt and Harlow Wilcox, and the Paul Taubman Orchestra supplied the background music. A film serial entitled The Adventures of Frank Merriwell was created by Universal Studios in 1936.

THIS EPISODE:
 
May 22, 1948. NBC network. "The Mystery Of The Iron Door". Sustaining. The boys come upon an iron door in a large cave. On the other side lies the answer to the theft of a secret bauxite formula. Lawson Zerbe, Hal Studer, Elaine Rost, Harlow Wilcox (announcer), Burt L. Standish. 29:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Barry Craig Confidential Investigator - "Zero Hour" (Aired February 2, 1954)

"Zero Hour" (02-02-54)

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 William Gargan as a Detective (and an actor) If William Gargan brought an air of authenticity to his roles as a private detective, there were some good very reasons. His father was a bookmaker, so Gargan learned a lot about the gambling world and met a lot of interesting characters from across the spectrum of society. The main reason why Gargan was so convincing as a detective was that he was probably the only actor of his time who had actually been a private detective. He first worked as a credit investigator and collection agent for a clothing firm. Once Gargan was shot at when he attempted to get a deadbeat customer to pay his overdue account. Next, he worked for about a year as a private detective with a New York agency for "$10.00 a day and expenses." Gargan did many of the usual detective jobs: guarding payrolls, tailing possible suspects, conducting stakeouts, and protecting clients with valuables. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

21st Precinct - "The Sprinter" (06-16-54)

The Sprinter (Aired June 16, 1954)

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:
 
June 16, 1954. "The Sprinter" - CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. The music fill has been deleted. Everett Sloane, John Ives (producer), Stanley Niss (writer, director), Ken Lynch. 28:42. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Adventures Of The Abbotts - "The Fabulous Emerald Necklace" (04-03-55)

The Fabulous Emerald Necklace (Aired April 3, 1955)

Abbott Mysteries was a comedy-mystery radio program adapted from the novels of Frances Crane (1896-1981). Initially a summer replacement for Quick As a Flash, the series was heard on Mutual and NBC between the years 1945 and 1955. The Mutual series, sponsored by Helbros Watches, debuted June 10, 1945, airing Sundays at 6pm. Scripts were by Howard Merrill and Ed Adamson in the lighthearted tradition of Mr. and Mrs. North. Julie Stevens and Charles Webster starred as Jean and Pat Abbott, a San Francisco married couple who solved murder mysteries.

THIS EPISODE:
 
April 3, 1955. Program #9. NBC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Fabulous Emerald Necklace". Les Damon, Claudia Morgan, Frances Crane (creator), Howard Merrill (writer), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Ted Lloyd (producer), Dewey Bergman (composer, conductor), Harry Frazee (director, recordist), Sherry Britton ("making her dramatic debut in radio"), Everett Sloane, Santos Ortega, Wayne Howell (announcer). 30:18. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Inner Sanctum Mysteries - "Death For Sale" (07-13-52)

Death For Sale (Aired July 13, 1952)

Inner Sanctum Mysteries was a horror anthology series with a unique sound and a very popular host. For the first four years, "Raymond" greeted guests after an incredibly squeaky door slowly opened at the beginning of each show. His ghoulish puns were accentuated with the flourish of what sounded like a baseball park organ. The stories themselves were directed by Himan Brown, one of the most prolific and talented radio directors of all time (Flash Gordon, Dick Tracy, Bulldog Drummond, The Adventures of the Thin Man, Terry and the Pirates, Grand Central Station, and many others). The stories took all sorts of twists and turns, and the body count often exceeded the number of commercials. As Brown himself described it, "We've killed our characters every way. We've knifed them, garroted them, burned them, poisoned them, bashed their heads, given them rare and fantastic diseases, pushed them out of windows and over cliffs."

THIS EPISODE:

July 13, 1952. CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "Death For Sale". A seven-year insurance scheme is delayed by two complications... a blackmailer and his wife. The script was previously used on, "Inner Sanctum," on October 30, 1945. Boris Karloff, Paul McGrath (host), Alice Reinheart, Everett Sloane. 23:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Adventures Of Frank Race - "The Adventure Of The Fat Man's Loot" (08-21-49)

The Adventure Of The Fat Man's Loot (Aired August 21, 1949)

The audition for the series was recorded during February 1949. The audition featured Tom Collins as former attorney and O.S.S. officer, Frank Race. Race is aided by his associate, former cab driver, Marcus 'Marc' Donovan portrayed by Tony Barrett. Lurene Tuttle is also featured in the audition. The audition lays out the premise for the contemplated series. Frank Race has returned to civilian life after a wartime stint as an operative for the Office of Strategic Services (O.S.S.) the progenitor of the Central Intelligence Agency (C.I.A.). Somewhat disenchanted with the prospect of returning to practice Law, Race forms his own investigations firm, specializing in industrial, State, and international crimes of fraud and espionage. The premise was not new to 1949 Radio.

THIS EPISODE:

August 21, 1949. Program #17. Broadcasters Program Syndicate syndication. "The Adventure Of The Fat Man's Loot". Commercials added locally. Race is off to Berlin and Monte Carlo in search of missing diamonds, stolen by the Nazis. Tom Collins, Buckley Angel (writer, director), Joel Murcott (writer, director), Art Gilmore (announcer), Bruce Eells (producer, Ivan Ditmar (organ), Tony Barrett, Lillian Buyeff, Jack Kruschen, Wilms Herbert, Michael Ann Barrett, Harry Lang. 27:08. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Adventures Of Sam Spade - "The Vaphio Cup Caper" (08-22-48)

The Vaphio Cup Caper (Aired August 22, 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. The series was largely overseen by producer/director William Spier.

THIS EPISODE:
 
August 22, 1948. CBS network. "The Vaphio Cup Caper". Sponsored by: Wildroot Cream-Oil. Gold from ancient Greece is the target, with Sam as the bulls-eye. See also "Same Time, Same Station". The program is also known as, "Same Time, Same Station." Hans Conried, Howard Duff, Lurene Tuttle, William Spier (producer, director, editor), Dashiell Hammett (creator). 29:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Bold Venture - "The Kuan Yin Statue" (04-02-51)

The Kuan Yin Statue (Aired April 2, 1951)

Bold Venture is a 1951-1952 syndicated radio series starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Morton Fine and David Friedkin scripted the taped series for Bogart's Santana Productions. Salty seadog Slate Shannon (Bogart) owns a Cuban hotel sheltering an assortment of treasure hunters, revolutionaries and other shady characters. With his sidekick and ward, the sultry Sailor Duval (Bacall), tagging along, he encounters modern-day pirates and other tough situations while navigating the waters around Havana. Aboard his boat, the Bold Venture, Slate and Sailor experience "adventure, intrigue, mystery and romance in the sultry settings of tropical Havana and the mysterious islands of the Caribbean." Calypso singer King Moses (Jester Hairston) provided musical bridges by threading plot situations into the lyrics of his songs. Music by David Rose.

THIS EPISODE:

April 2, 1951. Program #2. ZIV Syndication. "The Kuan Yin Statue". Commercials added locally. A beautiful Chinese girl is killed to get an idol she has smuggled into Havana. Transitions and plot summaries are sung by "King Moses (Jester Hairston)," a calypso singer. Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, David Rose (composer, conductor), Henry Hayward (director), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), Shirley Mitchell, Junius Matthews, Joseph Du Val. 28:19. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.