Crime Does Not Pay - "The Kid With A Gun" (10-10-49)

INTRO: Bob Plays The Chords "Sa_Boom" (1954) Cat Records

The Kid With A Gun (Aired October 10, 1949)

Crime Does Not Pay was a series based on short films of the same name produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. It was similar to Gangbusters, having a moralistic message about the law and lawbreaker. It was first heard over WMGM (NYC), hosted by Donald Buka. The last original show aired on Apr. 11, 1951. The series started on Monday evenings at 7:30 PM (on WMGM) and held that time/day spot until Oct. 30, 1950. The 56'th show marked a change to Wednesday night, again at 7:30. After show number 78 (Apr.11, 1951) the shows were repeated, starting with the first, "Kid With a Gun". The repeats followed the original order up until repeat of number 26, "Ingenious Woman" on Oct. 10, 1951. Repeats were not uncommon. Even before the last original show, older shows were repeated on alternate dates to the main series run. On Jan. 7, 1952, the series moved to Mutual but lasted just one year. Only repeats of the original series were aired and show ordering did not match the first run.

THIS EPISODE:
 
October 10, 1949. Program #1. MGM syndication. "The Kid With A Gun". Commercials added locally. John Powers, grown up in a slum, turns to a life of crime at an early age. The first show of the series. The date above is the date of the first broadcast of this program on WMGM, New York, from which this syndicated version may have been taken. 25:03. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Creaking Door - "The Isle Of Lost Souls" (11-23-64)

The Isle Of Lost Souls (Aired November 23, 1964)

The Creaking Door  was South African Radio's attempt to create a compelling program of highly suspenseful, dramatic thrillers with a supernatural bent for their sponsor, State Express Cigarettes. Some commentators insist it was conceived as a spin-off of the already successful Inner Sanctum  episodes that had been syndicated for broadcast in Australia and South Africa during the 1950s. Given the format, one can see the inference, but in fact The Creaking Door stands on its own as a unique, well-produced, engaging supernatural thriller series on its own merit. The etymology of the name, The Creaking Door, bears some reflection. When legendary producer and director, Himan Brown first presented Inner Sanctum as one of three requested sponsorship candidates to Carter Products, he presented Inner Sanctum as The Creaking Door.  Not quite as chilling and melodramatic as Raymond Johnson, perhaps, but Peter Broomfield rightly camped up his delivery for The Creaking Door, and it worked. Indeed, given the reported conservative budget of each episode, it's a tribute to The Creaking Door's producers that they managed to tease so much quality out of such relatively humbly funded productions. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

Cloak & Dagger - "Delay On Route" (10-06-50)

Delay On Route (Aired October 6, 1950)

Based on the book, Cloak and Dagger: The Secret Story of the O.S.S. by Corey Ford and Alistair McBain, the Radio rendition of these fascinating stories promised to keep any listener perched on the edge of their seat. Apart from describing the book upon which the new adventure series was based, the above is just about all the fanfare that was associated with the roll-out of NBC's only espionage program of the year. It was also one of the few solo productions that Wyllis Cooper undertook for NBC. It was also Cooper's first collaboration with British crime journalist Percy Hoskins, who would work with Cooper yet again on NBC's WHItehall-1212 a year hence. The combination of Hoskin's unfailingly accurate research and Cooper's lively, fast-paced writing and direction proved to be an excellent underpinning for an espionage adventure drama based on factual events.

THIS EPISODE:
 
October 6, 1950. NBC network. "Delay On Route". Sustaining. 8:00 P. M. An O. S. S. agent is sent to Italy to help the Partisans wipe out the remaining Fascists. The agent is forced to help a Fascist scientist escape from the country with plans for a new submarine, and an aerial torpedo. The final promotional announcement and system cue have been deleted. Max Russell (sound effects), Sherman Marks (director, supervisor), Arnold Moss, Ken Field (writer), Jon Gart (music director), Al Fanelli (sound effets), Don Abbott (engineer), Corey Ford (creator), Alistair MacBain (creator), Louis G. Cowan (producer), Alfred Hollander (producer), Grant Richards, Luis Van Rooten. 29:26. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Amazing Mr Malone - "Handsome Is As Handsome Does" (06-29-51)

Handsome Is As Handsome Does (Aired June 29, 1951)

Despite a rep for courtroom pyrotechniques, he's far more likely to be found at Joe the Angel's City Hall Bar than in any court. Along with his boozing buddies, Jake and Helene Justus, an affable young couple, he drank his way through a whole slew of novels and short stories, not to mention later film, radio and television appearances. Seemingly inept and irresponsible, he nevertheless somehow (luck of the Irish?) managed to crack the case everytime. Even if his methods were a wee bit, uh, unorthodox, and his interpretation of the law rather imaginative. Malone always seems less interested in going to trial than in playing P.I. Still, although he's a drunk and a blowhard, he seems to inspire extreme loyalty in his pals and acquaintances.

THIS EPISODE:
 
June 29, 1951. NBC network. "Handsome Is As Handsome Does". Sustaining. 9:00 P. M. Eve Fenton has been murdered...and with good reason! Arlene Hamilton confesses to the crime, but another murder is caused by the real killer. George Petrie, Larry Haines, Craig Rice (creator), Arthur Gary (announcer), Fred Collins (announcer), Eugene Wang (writer), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Richard Lewis (director). 28:25. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Crime Club - "The Sun Is A Witness" (04-03-47)

The Sun Is A Witness (Aired April 3, 1947)

Crime club was a Mutual Network  murder and mystery series, a product of the Doubleday Crime Book Club imprints found weekly in bookstores everywhere. The telephone rings"Hello, I hope I haven't kept you waiting. Yes, this is the Crime Club. I'm the Librarian. Murder Rents A Room? Yes, we have that Crime Club story for you.Come right over. (The organist in the shadowed corner of the Crime Club library shivers the ivories) The doorbell tones sullenly"And you are here. Good. Take the easy chair by the window. Comfortable? The book is on this shelf." (The organist hits the scary chord) "Let's look at it under the reading lamp." The Librarian, played by Raymond E. Johnson,  begins reading the tale. Veteran Willis Cooper (Lights Out, Quiet Please) did some of the scripts from the Crime Club books.

THIS EPISODE:

April 3, 1947. Mutual network. "The Sun Is A Witness". Sustaining. 10:00 P. M. The shadows on a roll of film provide the clues to a murderer. Aaron Mark Stein (writer), Raymond Edward Johnson, Sidney Smith, Stedman Coles (adaptor), Roger Bower (producer, director). 29:20. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Alan Young Show - "Old Love Letters" (04-03-45)

Old Love Letters (Aired April 3, 1945)

Alan Young Show (born November 19, 1919) is an actor best known for his television role opposite a talking horse, Mister Ed. Born in North Shields,Tyne and Wear, England, with the given name Angus Young, he was raised in Edinburgh, Scotland and in Canada. He grew to love radio when bedbound as a child because of severe asthma and became a radio broadcaster on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. In 1944, he made the leap to American radio with The Alan Young Show, NBC's summer replacement for Eddie Cantor. Following a move to ABC in the fall (1944-46), he returned to NBC (1946-49).

THIS EPISODE:

April 3, 1945. "Old Love Letters"- ABC Blue network. Sponsored by: Sal Hepatica, Mum. Carlotta Bullfinch, Alan's old sweetheart, wants Alan to be the best man at her wedding. Carlotta thinks Alan's going to be the groom! Possibly dated September 3, 1945. Alan Young, Kenny Delmar (announcer), The Tune Twisters, Peter Van Steeden and His Orchestra, Minerva Pious, Jean Gillespie. 30:02. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Box 13 - "The Dowager And Dan Holiday" (01-16-49)

The Dowager And Dan Holiday (Aired January 16, 1949)

The premise of the program was that Dan Holiday was an author who wrote mystery novels. To get ideas for his novels he placed an advertisement in a newspaper saying "Adventure wanted, will go anywhere, do anything, Box 13." The ads always brought fun adventures of all kinds: from racketeer's victim to psychotic killer looking for fun. Most of the episodes were based on Dan Holiday replying to a letter he received at Box 13. He would generally solve a mystery in the process, and return to his office in time to enjoy a hearty laugh at the expense of Suzy, his amusingly stupid secretary.

THIS EPISODE:

January 16, 1949. Program #22. Mutual network origination, Mayfair syndication. "The Dowager and Dan Holiday". Commercials added locally. Mrs. Matilda Courtland, one of the wealthiest women in the world, announces her engagement to Dan Holiday! Alan Ladd, Richard Sanville (director), Rudy Schrager (composer, conductor), Russell Hughes (writer), Sylvia Picker, Vern Carstensen (production supervisor). 26:46. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Adventures Of Maisie - "The Universal Elixer" (05-10-51)

INTRO: Bob Plays The Lettermen "Ill Be Seeing You" (1962)

 The Universal Elixer (Aired May 10, 1951)

Maisie, the first in 1939, was from the book "Dark Dame" by the writer Wilson Collison, who did decades of scripting for the silver screen along with Broadway plays and magazine fiction. From the first, MGM wanted Ann Sothern to play Maisie. She began in Hollywood as an extra in 1927. "Maisie and I were just together - I just understood her," Sothern, born Harriette Arlene Lake, said after several of the films made her a star. Throughout the 1930s and '40s, Ann Sothern and Lucille Ball, like many performers in Hollywood, had not one but two careers - one in motion pictures and one on radio. Ann had started in radio as early as 1935, appearing on such variety shows as Rudy Vallee's "The Fleishman Hour" and Bing Crosby's Kraft Music Hall. She also did dramatic parts on "Woodbury Playhouse," "Screen Guild Theatre," and the biggest anthology of them all, Lux Radio Theater.

THIS EPISODE:

May 10, 1951. "The Universal Elixer"- Program #65. MGM syndication. Commercials added locally. Maisie has contracted "Flabmeyer's Disease," and there's only one cure! The program has also been identified as program #77. The date above is the date of first broadcast on WMGM, New York City Ann Sothern, Bud Hiestand (announcer), Hans Conried, Harry Zimmerman (composer, conductor), John L. Green (writer), John McGovern, Peter Leeds, Sidney Miller, Virginia Gregg. 28:05. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Abbott & Costello Show - Sam Shovel (Curbstone Murder Case) 12-02-48)

Sam Shovel (Curbstone Murder Case) Aired December 2, 1948

Thanks to the endurance of their most popular and influential routine, "Who's on First?"---whose rapid-fire word play and comprehension confusion set the preponderant framework for most of their best-known routines---the team are also the only comedians known to have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Bud Abbott was born in Asbury Park, NJ, October 2, 1897 and died April 24, 1974 in Woodland Hills, California. Lou Costello was born in Paterson, NJ, March 6, 1906 and died March 3, 1959 in East Los Angeles, California. After working as Allen's summer replacement, Abbott and Costello joined Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy on The Chase and Sanborn Hour in 1941, while two of their films (Buck Privates and Hold That Ghost) were adapted for Lux Radio Theater. They launched their own weekly show October 8, 1942, sponsored by Camel cigarettes.

THIS EPISODE:
 
December 2, 1948. ABC network. Music fill for local commercial insert. Lou wants to be a boxer. The boys do a "Sam Shovel" skit titled, "The Case Of The Curbstone Murder," or "Gertie, Get Out Of The Gutter and Let The Water Go By." The system cue is added live. Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Matty Malneck and His Orchestra, Hal Winters (vocal), George Fenneman (announcer), Veola Vonn, Charles Vanda (producer), Ed Forman (writer), Paul Conlan (writer), Pat Costello (writer), Martin Ragaway (writer), Leonard Stern (writer), Norman Abbott, Veola Vonn, Sidney Fields. 28:44. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Adventures Of The Abbotts - "The Dead White Flame" (03-13-55)

The Dead White Flame (Aired March 13, 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. In the supporting cast were Jean Ellyn, Sydney Slon and Luis Van Rooten. Moving to 5:30pm in 1946, Les Tremayne and Alice Reinheart took over the roles until the end of the series on August 31, 1947. Seven years later, the characters returned October 3, 1954, on NBC in The Adventures of the Abbotts, broadcast on NBC Sunday evenings at 8:30pm. The Abbotts were portrayed by Claudia Morgan and Les Damon. The NBC series ran until June 12, 1955.

THIS EPISODE:

March 13, 1955. Program #6. NBC network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. "The Dead White Flame". Les Damon, Claudia Morgan, Frances Crane (creator), Howard Merrill (writer), Bernard L. Schubert (producer), Ted Lloyd (producer), Harry Frazee (director, recordist), Dewey Bergman (composer, conductor), Everett Sloane, Burford Hampden, William Lally. 30:17. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Campbell Playhouse - "The Count Of Monte Cristo" (10-01-39)

The Count Of Monte Cristo (Aired October 1, 1939)

The Campbell Playhouse was a sponsored continuation of the Mercury Theater on the Air, a direct result of the instant publicity from the War of the Worlds panic. The switch occurred on December 9, 1938. In spite of using the same creative staff, the show had a different flavor under sponsorship, partially attributed to a guest star policy in place, which relegated the rest of the Mercury Players to supporting cast for Orson Welles and the Hollywood guest of the week. There was a growing schism between Welles, still reaping the rewards of his Halloween night notoriety, and his collaborator John Houseman, still in the producer's chair but feeling more like an employee than a partner. The writer, as during the unsponsored run, was Howard Koch.

THIS EPISODE:
 
October 1, 1939. CBS network. "The Count Of Monte Cristo". Sponsored by: Campbell's Soup. The classic of unjust accusation and satisfying revenge. Agnes Moorehead, Alexandre Dumas (author), Bernard Herrmann (composer, conductor), Edgar Barrier, Everett Sloane, Frank Readick, George Coulouris, Orson Welles (host), Ray Collins (narrator), Richard Wilson. 58:07. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Hercule Poirot - Death In The Clouds Pt. 1 of 2 (01-12-92)-33

Death In The Clouds Pt. 1 of 2 (Aired January 12, 1992)

Hercule Poirot is a fictional Belgian detective created by Agatha Christie. Along with Miss Marple, Poirot is one of Christie's most famous and long-lived characters: he appeared in 39 novels and 50 short stories. Poirot has been portrayed on screen, for films and TV, by various actors including Albert Finney, Peter Ustinov, Ian Holm, Tony Randall, Alfred Molina and, most recently, and famously, David Suchet. Poirot was apparently born in Spa, Belgium and, based on the conjecture that he was thirty at the time of his retirement from the Belgian police force at the time of the outbreak of the First World War, it is suggested that he was born in the mid 1880s. This is all extremely vague, as Poirot is thought to be an old man in his dotage even in the early Poirot novels, and in An Autobiography Christie admitted that she already imagined him to be an old man in 1920. (At the time, of course, she had no idea she would be going on writing Poirot books for many decades to come.) Much of the suggested dating for Poirot's age is therefore post-rationalisation on the part of those attempting to make sense of his extraordinarily long career During the first world war, Poirot left Belgium for Britain as a refugee.

The Adventures Of Archie Andrews - "Free Movie Tickets" (09-25-48)

Free Movie Tickets (Aired September 25, 1948)

Archie Andrews, created in 1941 by Bob Montana, is a fictional character in an American comic book series published by Archie Comics, a long-run radio series, a syndicated comic strip and animation -- The Archie Show, a Saturday morning cartoon television series by Filmation, plus Archie's Weird Mysteries. Archie Andrews began on the Blue Network on May 31, 1943, switched to Mutual in 1944, and then continued on NBC from 1945 until September 5 1953. Archie was first played by Charles Mullen, Jack Grimes and Burt Boyar, with Bob Hastings as the title character during the NBC years.The sponsor was Swift Products. The Cast: Harlan Stone, Alice Yourman, Arthur Kohl, Gloria Mann, Rosemary Rice.

THIS EPISODE:

September 25, 1948. "Free Movie Tickets"- NBC network. Sponsored by: Swift's Premier Meats. Archie has gotten two free tickets to the movies at the Bijou Theatre. Alice Yourman, Arthur Kohl, Bob Hastings, Carl Jampel (writer), Gloria Mann, Harlan Stone, Jan Aymar, Kenneth MacGregor (producer, director), Rosemary Rice, Arnold Stang, Bob Sherry (announcer). 30:09 Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Best Plays - "On Borrowed Time" (06-15-52)

On Borrowed Time.Aired June 15, 1952

Best Plays presents theatrical paramounts of excellence. It's hosted by the drama critic of New York’s Daily News, John Chapman. Dramatic and comedic performances outshine other theater radio shows, greatly performed by such greats as Boris Karloff and Alfred Drake. In This Episode, On Borrowed Time  a 1939 film about the role death plays in life, and how we cannot live without it. It is adapted from Paul Osborn's 1938 Broadway play, which was a smash hit. The play, based on a novel by Lawrence Edward Watkin, has been revived twice on Broadway since its original run. Set in a more innocent time in small-town America, the film stars Lionel Barrymore, Beulah Bondi and Cedric Hardwicke. Lionel Barrymore plays Julian Northrup, a wheelchair-bound man (Barrymore had broken his hip twice previously and was now using a wheelchair, though he continued to act), who with his wife Nellie, played by Beulah Bondi, are raising their orphaned grandson, Pud. Another central character is Gramps's beloved old apple tree - by making a wish, Gramps has made the tree able to hold anyone who climbs.

THIS EPISODE:

June 15, 1952. NBC network. "On Borrowed Time". Sustaining. A delightful story about an old man who gets the Devil up a tree...literally! Parker Fennelly, Mildred Natwick, David Anderson, Peter Capell, William Griffis, Agnes Young, Teri Keane, Luis Van Rooten, Karl Weber, John Chapman (host), Edward King (director), Fred Collins (announcer), Paul Osborn (author), George Lefferts (adaptor). 59:15.Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Barry Craig Confidental Investigator - "Blood Money" (08-24-54)

Barry Craig Confidental Investigator - Blood Money (08-24-54)

Blood Money (Aired August 24, 1954)

Barry Craig, Confidential Investigator is one of the few detective radio series that had separate versions of it broadcast from both coasts. Even the spelling changed over the years. It was first "Barry Crane" and then "Barrie Craig". NBC produced it in New York from 1951 to 1954 and then moved it to Hollywood where it aired from 1954 to 1955. It attracted only occasional sponsors so it was usually a sustainer.William Gargan, who also played the better known television (and radio) detective Martin Kane, was the voice of New York eye Barry Craig while Ralph Bell portrayed his associate, Lt. Travis Rogers. Craig's office was on Madison Avenue and his adventures were fairly standard PI fare. He worked alone, solved cases efficiently, and feared no man.

THIS EPISODE:

August 24, 1954. NBC network. "Blood Money". Sustaining. A fellow investigator asks Barrie to help him find Anatole Barber, a missing rug dealer. Barrie finds him...murdered! Marvin Miller, Betty Lou Gerson, Jack Moyles, Paul Richards, John Laing (announcer), John Roeburt (writer), Arthur Jacobson (director), William Gargan, James Nusser. 29:13. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Broadway Is My Beat - "The Clara Bryan Murder Case" (11-24-50)

The Clara Bryan Murder Case (Aired November 24, 1950)

Beginning with the July 7, 1949 episode, the series was broadcast from Hollywood with producer Elliott Lewis directing a new cast in scripts by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. The opening theme of "I'll Take Manhattan" introduced Detective Danny Clover (now played by Larry Thor), a hardened New York City cop who worked homicide "from Times Square to Columbus Circle -- the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world." 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. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:
 
November 24, 1950. "The Clara Bryan Murder Case" - CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. Mrs. Clara Bryan is missing. A Bowery bum is stabbed in a flop house. What's the connection? Elliott Lewis (producer, director), Alexander Courage (composer), Larry Thor, Charles Calvert, Jack Kruschen, Lou Merrill, Lillian Buyeff, Byron Kane. 28:50. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Vanishing Point -"Cage Of Light" (11-02-84)

"Cage Of Light" (Aired November 2, 1984)

 The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) began airing a fascinating range of classic, mystery, comedy, documentary, and supernatural drama throughout the 1970s to 1990s to a steadily expanding audience--both in Canada and throughout the northern portions of the U.S. The CBC's extensive Radio offerings were a fairly even mix of organic dramas and comedies showcasing Canada's own great actors, writers and production talent, as well as several popular transcribed, syndicated features from throughout the British Empire and the United States. Indeed many of America's most beloved, popular, versatile and award-winning character actors, musicians, and comedians were Canadian citizens who'd honed their craft in all manner of original Canadian Radio drama. Vanishing Point is the title of a science fiction anthology series that ran on Canadian Broadcasting Corporation  Radio from 1984 until 1986, although the show would continue under different names and formats. A descriptive intro declared that Vanishing Point. The series was produced by Bill Lane in the CBC's Toronto studios. 1984-1986 There were 69 episodes in the original series.

Radio City Playhouse - "Elementals" (02-14-49)

Elementals (Aired February 14, 1949)

Radio City Playhouse was one of the last of a long series of premium Drama productions NBC offered as flagship, sustaining productions over the years. As with it's previous premium dramatic and Classic music productions, NBC spared no apparent expense to mount these flagship efforts. And it shows. NBC, yet again, brings the greatest voice talent, writing, and technical direction to this anthology of wonderful, popular modern dramas. NBC's previous dramatic sustaining productions consisted of either the pure Classics, or Modern Stage Plays from the 19th and 20th Centuries. This series of three seasons tended to feature a delightful mix of both contemporary original radio plays and classic dramas, backed by the very finest voice talent on contract with NBC.

THIS EPISODE:

February 14, 1949. Program #26. NBC network. "Elementals". Sustaining. Harry W. Junkin (director, host), Bob Warren (announcer), Stephen Vincent Benet (writer), Hal Studer, Richard P. McDonough (NBC supervisor), James Van Dyke, Marilyn Erskine, Edward Vito (harp), Roy Shield (composer, conductor). 29:55. pisode Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Suspense - "The Defense Rests" - Starring Alan Ladd (03-09-44)

INTRO: Bob Plays Joey Scarbury "Believe It Or Not"
(The Theme From The Greatest American Hero) (1981)

The Defense Rests - Starring  Alan Ladd (Aired March 9, 1944)

 
Suspense was actually spawned from another series called Forecast. The 1940 horror show was entitled Suspense and it was based on the Marie Belloc Lowndes' short Jack-the-Ripper novella, The Lodger. It was directed by Alfred Hitchcock, who had made a 1926 silent film based on the same story (Grams, 1997, 3). Its subtle ending generated a large volume of mail which convinced CBS executives that they had a strong market. Two years later, Suspense was aired. It became one of radio's longest lasting shows, surviving twenty years of consistent success. It had numerous announcers during those two decades, ranging from the early Berry Kroeger to the veteran announcers, Paul Frees and George Walsh. But it was Joseph Kearns who evolved into "The Man in Black" host in 1943.

THIS EPISODE:

March 9, 1944. CBS network. "The Defense Rests". Sponsored by: Roma Wines. A story about an ex-con, framed for murder, who gets an excellent defense attorney. The story has a surprise ending. The script was subsequently produced on "Suspense" on October 6, 1949. Alan Ladd, Hans Conried, John McIntire, Robert L. Richards (writer), Roland Brown (writer), Will Wright, William Spier (producer, director, editor), Joseph Kearns ("The Man In Black"), Frank Martin (commercial spokesman), Lucien Moraweck (composer), Lud Gluskin (conductor). 34:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Life Of Riley - "The Boss's Son-in-law" (10-22-44)

The Boss's Son-in-law (Aired October 22, 1944)

The first Life of Riley radio show was a summer replacement show heard on CBS from April 12, 1941 to September 6, 1941. The CBS program starred Lionel Stander as J. Riley Farnsworth and had no real connection with the more famous series that followed a few years later. The radio program starring William Bendix aired on the ABC Blue Network from January 16, 1944 to June 8, 1945. Then it moved to NBC, where it was broadcast from September 8, 1945 to June 29, 1951. The supporting cast featured John Brown, who portrayed not only undertaker Digger O'Dell but also Riley's co-worker Gillis. Whereas Gillis gave Riley bad information that got him into trouble, Digger gave him good information that "helped him out of a hole," as he might have put it. Brown's lines as the undertaker were often repetitive, including puns based on his profession; but, thanks to Brown's delivery, the audience loved him. The series was co-developed by the non-performing Marx Brother, Gummo. Procter and Gamble (Prell shampoo) and Pabst Blue Ribbon beer were the show's longtime sponsors.

THIS EPISODE:

October 22, 1944. Blue network, KECA, Los Angeles aircheck. American Meat Institute. Riley's boss is unhappy with his family situation. Riley tries to Size Up The New "Son-In-Law". Ken Niles (announcer), Ken Christy, Barton Yarborough, Don Bernard (director), Lou Kosloff (music), Dink Trout, William Bendix, John Brown, Irving Brecher (creator, producer), Paula Winslowe. 29:32. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Episode Cat# 72089.

Casey Crime Photographer - "The Handkerchief" (09-05-46)

The Handkerchief (Aired September 5, 1946)

Two months into the Television run, CBS re-cast Casey and Ethelbert, substituting young Darren McGavin  as Jack Casey. The most distinguishing element of the short-lived Television Casey was its direction, with the famed future Film Director Sidney Lumet helming the series. CBS and Coxe took another run at Crime Photographer over Radio in 1954, reprising Staats Cotsworth, John Gibson and Jan Miner in their previous Radio roles. The 1954 run extended to the Spring of 1955, at which point the Crime Photographer franchise had pretty much run its course. The sleuthing photographer format didn't end with the CBS/Coxe franchise. ABC took a run at the concept with their Man With A Camera (1958), starring Charles Bronson, and running for two seasons, though it bore no resemblance whatsoever to the Casey, Crime Photographer franchise. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

September 5, 1946. CBS network. "The Handkerchief". Sponsored by: Anchor Hocking Glass. A tavern owner is killed and his $20,000 is missing. The identity of the culprit is obvious, or is he? Alonzo Deen Cole (writer), Tony Marvin (announcer), John Gibson, John Dietz (director), Staats Cotsworth, Lesley Woods, Bernard Lenrow, Herman Chittison (piano), Archie Bleyer (composer), George Harmon Coxe (creator). 29:51. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Father Brown Mysteries - "The Perishing Of The Pendragons" (1984)

The Perishing Of The Pendragons (Aired 1984) *The Exact Date Is Unknown

Father Brown is a fictional character created by English novelist G. K. Chesterton, who stars in 52 short stories, later compiled in five books. Chesterton based the character on Father John O'Connor (1870 - 1952), a parish priest in Bradford who was involved in Chesterton's conversion to Catholicism in 1922. The relationship was recorded by O'Connor in his 1937 book Father Brown on Chesterton. Father Brown is a short, stumpy Catholic priest, "formerly of Cobhole in Essex, and now working in London," with shapeless clothes and a large umbrella, and uncanny insight into human evil. He makes his first appearance in the famous story "The Blue Cross" and continues through the five volumes of short stories, often assisted by the reformed criminal Flambeau. Father Brown also appears in a story "The Donnington Affair" that has a rather curious history. In the October 1914 issue of the obscure magazine The Premier, Sir Max Pemberton published the first part of the story, inviting a number of detective story writers, including Chesterton, to use their talents to solve the mystery of the murder described. Chesterton and Father Brown's solution followed in the November issue. The story was first reprinted in the Chesterton Review (Winter 1981, pp. 1-35) and in the book Thirteen Detectives.

Big Town - "The Fatal Fix" (01-25-49)

The Fatal Fix (Aired January 25, 1949)

Hard-nosed editor, Wilson, as played by Robinson would get the story no matter what it takes. Though sometimes over the top, Robinson was excellent in his role. The stories were well written and directed by William N. Robson as well as McGill. The skill of this group shows in making the series very good radio. The show was a big promoter of the free press and the first amendment with its opening sequence: "Freedom of the press is a flaming sword! Use it justly...hold it high...guard it well!" The second series began immediately in the 1943 season when the production moved from Hollywood to New York. Robinson left (Trevor left two years earlier as her career starting taking off) and McGill reorganized the series placing Edward Pawley in the role of Wilson opposite Fran Carlon as Lorelei. Pawley's Wilson was more mellifluous compared to the rather nasty Robinson.

THIS EPISODE:

January 25, 1949. NBC network. "The Fatal Fix". Sponsored by: Lifebuoy Soap, Rinso ("Tour The World" contest). "Willy The Weep" sees a young girl attacked on a Big Town dock. She's been slashed by "Shiv The Knife" to keep a basketball fix racket under wraps. Edward Pawley, Fran Carlon, Jerry McGill (writer, produer), Dwight Weist (narrator). 31:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Aldrich Family - "The Furnace Cleaning Business" (07-11-40)

The Furnace Cleaning Business (Aired July 11, 1940)

The Aldrich Family, a popular radio teenage situation comedy (1939-1953), is remembered first and foremost for its unforgettable introduction: awkward teen Henry's mother calling, "Hen-reeeeeeeeeeeee! Hen-ree Al-drich!" A top-ten ratings hit within two years of its birth (in 1941, the showm carried a 33.4 Crossley rating, landing it solidly alongside Jack Benny and Bob Hope), the show is considered a prototype for teen-oriented situation comedies to follow on radio and television and is a favourite if dated find for old-time radio collectors today. 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.

THIS EPISODE:

July 11, 1940. NBC network origination, Nostalgia Broadcasting Corporation syndication. Henry and his friend Toby go into the "Furnace Cleaning Business". Norman Tokar (as "Henry"), Dan Seymour (announcer), Harry Von Zell, Clifford Goldsmith (creator), House Jameson. 24:38. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Arch Oboler's Plays - "Crazy Town" (05-20-39)

 Crazy Town (Aired May 20, 1939)

  

Arch Oboler's Plays was a radio drama series written, produced and directed by Arch Oboler. Minus a sponsor, it ran for one year, airing Saturday evenings on NBC from March 25, 1939 to March 23, 1940 and revived five years later on Mutual for a sustaining summer run from April 5, 1945 to October 11, 1945. Leading film actors were heard on this series, including Gloria Blondell, Eddie Cantor, James Cagney, Ronald Colman, Joan Crawford, Greer Garson, Edmund Gwenn, Van Heflin, Katharine Hepburn, Elsa Lanchester, Peter Lorre, Frank Lovejoy, Raymond Massey, Burgess Meredith, Paul Muni, Alla Nazimova, Edmond O'Brien, Geraldine Page, Gale Sondergaard, Franchot Tone and George Zucco. Oboler sold his first radio scripts while still in high school during the 1920s and rose to fame when he began scripting the NBC horror anthology Lights Out in 1936. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.
 

THIS EPISODE:

 
May 20, 1939. Blue Network. "Crazy Town". Sustaining. Two (presumably) Italian aviators crash after a bombing mission. They find themselves imprisoned in a "crazy town." 'In a community were all men are mad, no one is mad." A strong anti-fascist, anti-war drama. Edmond O'Brien, Arch Oboler (writer), Charlotte Manson, John Brown, Paul Stewart, Betty Kane. 27:26. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Alien Worlds - "Death Song" (08-05-79)

Death Song (Aired August 5, 1979)

INTRO: Bob Plays Peabo Bryson "My Heart Belongs To You" (1999) 

Alien Worlds was a syndicated radio show created by radio personality Lee Hansen. It aired 26 half-hour episodes between 1978 and 1980, becoming well known for its realistic sound effects, high production values and documentary style of dialog. The science fiction show was first syndicated by Watermark Inc. after Lee Hansen was hired as their creative director. After advancing the concept of an action-adventure dramatic radio series, Lee began developing the concept in the fall of 1978. Watermark premiered the first episode, "The Sun Stealers", on January 7, 1979. The series gained popularity thanks to its relatable characters, full symphonic soundtrack, realistic sound effects, high production values and documentary style format. Eventually over 500 US FM radio stations, along with stations in New Zealand and Australia aired the series. Between 1979 and 1980, 26 half-hour programs were broadcast at various times on weekends, where they gained favorable worldwide press acclaim. Alien Worlds was soon heard on a weekly basis by millions of fans and was eventually carried by over 1500 top-rated FM radio stations worldwide. The series' sponsor was Peter Paul, Cadbury which advertised Cadbury Caramello chocolates touting their caramel centers. The ISA, or International Space Authority, is a governing body of space development and exploration. Organized by all earth nations, it advances humans into deep space. Their base is officially named "The Arthur C. Clarke Astronomical Observatory" or "Starlab." Commissioner White commands the base, and under his command aboard Starlab are Research Director Dr. Maura Cassidy along with Starlab's Director of Operations, Jerry Lyden, and two ISA Pilots affectionately known as "rocket jockies" Captains Jon Graydon and Buddy Griff.

21st Precinct - "Case Of The Fall" (10-27-53)

The Case Of The Fall (Aired October 27, 1953)

INTRO: Bob Remembers Jim Croce "Leroy Brown" 1973

 
21st Precinct was one of the realistic police drama series of the early- to mid-1950's that were aired in the wake of DRAGNET. 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 operation of a single police precinct. Actual cases were used as the basis for stories. "21st Precinct.., It's just lines on a map of the city of New York. Most of the 173,000 people wedged into the nine-tenths of a square mile between Fifth Avenue and the East River wouldn't know, if you asked them, that they lived or worked in the 21st. Whether they know it or not, the security of their persons, their homes, and their property is the job of the men of the 21st." The Precinct Captain acted as the narrator for the series

THIS EPISODE:
 
October 27, 1953. "Case Of The Fall" - CBS network origination, AFRTS rebroadcast. A captured burglar accuses a policeman of stealing his loot. Everett Sloane, John Ives (producer), Stanley Niss (writer, director). 26:58. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Boston Blackie - "The Ma Vie Perfume Co.+ (06-08-49)

The Ma Vie Perfume Co. (Aired June 8, 1949)

On April 11, 1945, Richard Kollmar took over the title role in a radio series syndicated by Frederic W. Ziv to Mutual and other network outlets. Over 200 episodes of this series were produced between 1944 and October 25, 1950. Other sponsors included Lifebuoy Soap, Champagne Velvet beer, and R&H beer. While investigating mysteries, Blackie invaribly encountered harebrained Police Inspector Farraday (Maurice Tarplin) and always solved the mystery to Farraday's amazement. Initially, friction surfaced in the relationship between Blackie and Farraday, but as the series continued, Farraday recognized Blackie's talents and requested assistance. Blackie dated Mary Wesley (Jan Miner), and for the first half of the series, his best pal Shorty was always on hand.

THIS EPISODE:

June 8, 1949. "The Ma Vie Perfume Co." - Program #217. Mutual net origination, Ziv syndication. Sponsored by: Champagne Velvet Beer (of Indiana). Blackie breaks up a gang that specializes in a phoney perfume racket with a sideline of murder. Richard Kollmar, Lesley Woods, Maurice Tarplin. 29:15. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Murder By Experts - "Threes A Crowd" (05-22-50)

Threes A Crowd (Aired May 25, 1950)

MURDER BY EXPERTS - 1949-51, Mutual Network. 130 30-minute episodes. Created by David Kogan. Writers: David Kogan Directors/Producers: David Kogan And Robert A. Arthur Hosts: John Dickson Carr (June 13, 1949-March 13, 1950)and Brett Halliday (March 20, 1950-December 17, 1951. Sound Effects: Mario Siletti. Guest experts: Alfred Hitchcock, Craig Rice. Guest stars: Ann Shepard, Larry Haines, Carl Eastman, Ann Sheperd, Bill Zuckert, Ralph Camargo, Burt Cullen, Lawson Zerbe, Marilyn Erskin.

THIS EPISODE:

May 25, 1950. Mutual network. "Three's A Crowd". Sustaining. A young piano player becomes involved with a beautiful but evil woman. The system cue has been deleted. Brett Halliday (host, narrator), George Fass (writer), Gertrude Fass (writer), John Sylvester, Joyce Gordon. 29:34. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Jack Carson Show - "Building Materials" (11-20-46)

The Jack Carson Show - "Building Materials" (11-20-46)

Building Materials (Aired November 20, 1946)

During the 1930s, as vaudeville went into decline owing to increased competition from radio and the movies, Willock and Carson sought work in Hollywood, initially landing bit roles at RKO. The radio also proved to be a source of employment for the team following a 1938 appearance on the Kraft Music Hall during Bing Crosby's period as program host. This led to a number of other appearances which would culminate in Carson's own radio show in 1943. From 1950-51, Carson was one of four alternating hosts of NBC's "4 Star Revue." Other hosts that season were Jimmy Durante, Ed Wynn. and Danny Thomas. The show aired Wednesday evenings. Carson's second season was his last with the comedy-variety program when its title was changed to "All Star Revue.

THIS EPISODE:

November 20, 1946. CBS network. Sponsored by: Campbell's Soup. Jack is planning to raise chickens and farm for eggs, but there's a shortage of  "Building Materials" at an affordable price for the coop. Jack Carson, Arthur Treacher, Freddy Martin and His Orchestra, Dave Willock, Del Sharbutt (announcer), Norma Jean Nilsson, Irene Ryan. 29:46. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index

Rocky Fortune (Starring Frank Sinatra) - Rocket Racket (03-23-54)

Rocket Racket (Aired March 23, 1954)

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. As we all know now, From Here to Eternity was a box-office smash, propelling Sinatra into a whole new career in Film. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

THIS EPISODE:

March 23, 1954. NBC network. "Rocket Racket". Sustaining. Rocky gets a job that pays $10,000 to ride a rocket to the moon! This is a network version. Frank Sinatra, Howard Culver, Don Diamond, George Lefferts (writer), Andrew C. Love (director), Dan Riss, Edith Terry, William Oyler. 23:46. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Shadow - "The Plot Murder" (02-27-38)

The Shadow (Aired February 27, 1938)

One of the most popular radio shows in history debuted in August 1930 when "The Shadow" went on the air. "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!" The opening lines of the "Detective Story" program captivated listeners and are instantly recognizable even today. Originally the narrator of the series of macabre tales, the eerie voice known as The Shadow became so popular to listeners that "Detective Story" was soon renamed "The Shadow," and the narrator became the star of the old-time mystery radio series, which ran until 1954. A figure never seen, only heard, the Shadow was an invincible crime fighter. He possessed many gifts which enabled him to overcome any enemy. Besides his tremendous strength, he could defy gravity, speak any language, unravel any code, and become invisible with his famous ability to "cloud men's minds."

THIS EPISODE:
 
February 27, 1938. Mutual network.  "The Plot Murder". Sponsored by: Blue Coal. A hypnotist has sabotaged an aerial torpedo to destroy America's military experts. An early guided missile! The award given to the show by, "The American Police Review" is read on the air. Orson Welles, Agnes Moorehead, Ken Roberts (announcer). 29:30. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Jeff Regan Investigator (Starring Jack Webb) - "The Gambler And His Lady" (12-11-48)

The Gambler And His Lady (Aired December 11, 1948)

 

 

Jeff Regan, Investigator was one of the three detective shows Jack Webb did before Dragnet (see also Pat Novak For Hire and Johnny Modero: Pier 23). It debuted on CBS in July 1948. Webb played JEFF REGAN, a tough private eye working in a Los Angeles investigation firm run by Anthony J. Lyon. Regan introduced himself on each show "I get ten a day and expenses...they call me the Lyon's Eye." The show was fairly well-plotted, Webb's voice was great, and the supporting cast were skillful. Regan handled rough assignments from Lion, with whom he was not always on good terms. He was tough, tenacious, and had a dry sense of humor. The voice of his boss, Anthony Lion, was Wilms Herbert. The show ended in December 1948 but was resurrected in October 1949 with a new cast; Frank Graham played Regan (later Paul Dubrov was the lead) and Frank Nelson portrayed Lion.

THIS EPISODE:

December 11, 1948. CBS Pacific network. "The Gambler and His Lady". Sustaining. Georgia Bascombe may be hanging out with a known gambler named Louis Desmond (she's really married to the guy). When Georgia's mother is murdered, there's the smell of cubeb in the air. The little man with the big smell is murdered too. There are two more killings and lots of violence too. Jack Webb, Herb Butterfield, Jack Petruzzi, Marvin Miller, Mary Lansing, Laurette Fillbrandt, Bob Stevenson (announcer), Larry Roman (writer), Sterling Tracy (producer), Pat McGeehan Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Nightfall - "The Repossession" (09-26-80)

The Repossession (Aired September 26, 1980)

Nightfall is the title of a radio drama series produced and aired by CBC Radio ( Canadian Broadcasting Corporation ) 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. One episode was even adapted from a folk song by Stan Rogers. 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.

THIS EPISODE:

September 26, 1980. Program #13. CBC, Toronto origination, NPR net, WPBH-FM, Middlefield, CT. aircheck. "The Repossession". . Sustaining. An excellent horror story about a man possessed by the spirit of his dead Siamese twin. Production, script, and acting are equal to anything from the "Golden Age." The WPBH-FM rebroadcast date is October 31 1981. John Jessop (recording engineer), Bill Robinson (sound effects), Arthur Samuels (writer), Nina Callaghan (production assistant, Bill Howell (producer, director), Mary Pirie, Chris Wiggins, Neil Dainard, John Stocker (doubles), John Douglas (script editor), Jon Granik, David Stein, Amanda O'Leary, Earle Toppings (script editor), Maggie Morris, Henry Ramer (host). 29:57. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western Gunsmoke - "Paid Killer" (01-17-53)

 Boxcars711 Overnight Western Gunsmoke - "Paid Killer" (01-17-53)

While Dillon and Miss Kitty clearly had a close personal relationship, the two never married. In a July 2, 2002, Associated Press interview with Bob Thomas, Arness explained, "If they were man and wife, it would make a lot of difference. The people upstairs decided it was better to leave the show as it was, which I totally agreed with." In the episode "Waste", featuring Johnny Whitaker as a boy with a prostitute mother, her madam questions Dillon as to why the law overlooks Miss Kitty's enterprise. It appears that bordellos could exist "at the law's discretion" (meaning the marshal's). Miss Kitty was written out in 1974. The actress sought more free time and reportedly missed her late co-star, Glenn Strange, who played her Long Branch barkeep, Sam. When Blake decided not to return for the show's 20th (and final) season, the character was said to have returned to New Orleans. She was replaced by the hoarse-voiced, matronly actress Fran Ryan (known to many as the second Doris Ziffel on CBS' "Green Acres").

THIS EPISODE:


January 17, 1953. CBS net. "Paid Killer". Sustaining. Lawson Hales hires a killer to gun down Marshal Dillon for $5000 in gold. The script was used again on November 22, 1959 (see cat. #52138). Strangely enough, in 1959, the price offered to shoot the Marshal was only $1000! William Conrad, Parley Baer, Harry Bartell, Lawrence Dobkin, Jack Kruschen, Ralph Moody, Roy Rowan (announcer), Rex Koury (composer, conductor), Les Crutchfield (writer), Norman Macdonnell (director), Georgia Ellis. 30:05.Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index
 

Richard Diamond Private Detective - "The Ralph Chase Case" (05-15-49)

The Ralph Chase Case (Aired May 15, 1949)

In 1945, Dick Powell portrayed Phillip Marlowe in the movie "Murder My Sweet" based on Raymond Chandler's novel "Farewell My Lovely". This was a radical departure in character for Mr. Powell from a Hollywood song and dance man to a hard-boiled detective. On June 11,1945, the Lux Radio Theater brought "Murder My Sweet" to radio, again with Dick Powell in the lead. These two performances prompted his selection for the part of Richard Rogue, in Rogue’s Gallery after his role for Lux Radio Theater and Richard Diamond came four years later. Richard Diamond, Private Detective came to NBC in 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. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group.

THIS EPISODE:

May 15, 1949. "The Ralph Chase Case" - NBC network. Sustaining. Ralph Chase hires Diamond about a problem with his step-daughter, but gangster Murray Lang takes a shot at him first. Chase's two step-children both hate him. Dick Powell sings, "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm." Betty Moran, Blake Edwards (writer), David Baskerville (music director), Dick Powell, Ed Begley, Edward King (announcer), Jack Edwards, Jay Novello, Tol Avery, Virginia Gregg, William P. Rousseau (director), Wilms Herbert. 29:29. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Epic Casebook Of Inspector Carr - "Gates To Death" (1969)

Gates To Death (1969) *The Exact Date Is Unknown.

 The Epic Casebook Of Inspector Carr - The highly successful detective series, starring Hugh Rouse as Inspector Carr. Written & Produced by Michael Silver at the CRC Studios, Johannesburg. The series aired originally on Thursday evenings at 21H30, sponsored by the Epic Oil Company of S.A. In 1977 the sponsorship ended and the series was renamed "Inspector Carr Investigates" and moved to the earlier slot of 20H30. The first actor to play Inspector Carr was Don Davis, he was replaced in 1959 by Hugh Rouse. Don returned briefly in 1963 for 14 episodes. However Hugh Rouse made this series his own. A short lived television series was made by the SABC in the early 1980's with Michael McCabe, playing the famous Inspector. Sadly the transformation from radio to television was a total disaster. The series ended in June 1985 on Springbok Radio. A local Johannesburg radio station, Radio Today 1485am tried to revive the series in 1997, sadly copyright issues could not be cleared up & the idea was abandoned. The series is currently being rebroadcast on the Internet Radio Service of Springbok Radio & can be heard on Thursdays.

Rocky Jordan - "Holiday Weekend" (04-09-50)

Holiday Weekend (Aired April 9, 1950)

Rocky Jordan was the title character of one of the better and more exotic radio detective series. In fact, it's one of the best detective series I have ever heard. The series had two separate incarnations. The first, A Man Named Jordan, started as a daily 15 minute show and after about six months changed to a weekly 30 minute show. It took place in Istanbul and the Cafe was described as "a small restaurant in a narrow street off Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, permeated with by the smoke of Oriental tobacco, alive with the babble of many tongues, and packed with intrigue." The second incarnation, Rocky Jordan, was a weekly 30 minute series took place in Cairo - "the gateway to the ancient East where adventure and intrigue unfold against the backdrop of antiquity." Jordan was a hard-boiled owner of the Cafe Tambourine who spent most of his time solving mysteries that he usually became involved in by accident.
 
THIS EPISODE:

April 9, 1950. CBS network. "Holiday Weekend". Sponsored by: Del Monte. Jack Moyles, Jay Novello, Gomer Cool (writer), Larry Roman (writer), Cliff Howell (producer, director), Richard Aurandt (composer), Ivan Ditmars (conductor), Larry Thor (announcer). 29:55. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Phil Harris & Alice Faye Show - "Back From Lake Arrowhead" (05-23-49)

Back From Lake Arrowhead (Aired May 23, 1949)

Phil Harris was on the Jack Benny Show since 1934, playing the jive-talking hipster bandleader of questionable repute. His band members were hep in the sarcastic, fast-talking department, too. So when Phil Harris (in real life) married the glamorous and talented movie star Alice Faye, it seemed more like a match made in Hollywood than in Heaven. They knew each other from the old days of the Rudy Vallee Show, and were both radio veterans when they decided, in the Benny tradition, to work together professionally, using their own show-biz personnas. Hey, Ozzie and Harriett had done well with it! This show isn't like Ozzie and Harriett. Beside fame and glamour, Phil and Alice had two big things in their life, their lovely daughters. Jeanine Roose played Alice Jr. and Anne Whitfield was little Phyllis. Both took after Phil in the wisecrack department. The big headache in their lives - Phil's Band! It was a congregation with enough wiseguys to make Abbott and Costello sit up and start take notes.

Murder At Midnight - "Death's Goblet" (05-24-46)

INTRO: Bob Plays The Dubs "Could This Be Magic" (1957)

Death's Goblet (Aired May 24, 1946)

According to Billboard magazine, talent and production costs for Murder At Midnight averaged about $5000 per program, one of the higher costs of canned, syndicated programming of the era. But the investment shows. And indeed, well into its almost six years of syndication, the series continued to pull respectable audience shares. 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:
 
May 24, 1946. Program #6. KFI, Los Angeles origination, Cowan syndication, World transcription. "Death's Goblet". Commercials added locally. Everyone who drinks from the goblet...becomes a murderer! Raymond Morgan (host), Anton M. Leader (director), Charles Paul (organist), Eric Dressler, John Griggs, Sigmund Miller (writer), Louis G. Cowan (producer). 25:58. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Walk Softly Peter Troy - "Wanda's Work Of Art" 08-25-64

Walk Softly Peter Troy - "Wanda's Work Of Art" Aired August 25, 1964

Walk Softly, Peter Troy Detective Drama Aired on Springbok Radio from 10 December 1963 to 21 February 1964. This series was produced in the Durban Studios of Herrick Merril Productions. It starred Tom Meehan, John Simpson, and Merle Wayne. It was sponsored by Irving & Johnson, who also sponsored the "Gunsmoke" series which "Walk Softly, Peter Troy" replaced. A sequel to this series was heard on the English Radio Service from 19 May 1964 to 28 November 1964. The sponsors, Irving & Johnson, reportedly disliked the series, which is why it was discontinued on Springbok Radio and moved to the English Service. This was the first series on the English Service that came from an independent production house, not produced by the SABC. There was an Australian version of this radio series produced prior to the South African productions. Let me repeat that last sentence for those who did not read it the first time…There was an Australian version of this radio series produced prior to the South African productions. Several recordings of the Australian productions have survived, and they are routinely sold and traded within the OTR community, mislabeled as South African productions. (From Pumamouse)

THIS EPISODE:


August 25, 1964. Program #38. Springbok Radio (South Africa), AFRTS rebroadcast. "Wanda's Work Of Art". Tom Meehan, Herrick Merril (producer), John Simpson, Merle Wayne. 24:55.

The New Adventures Of Michael Shayne - "The Corresponding Corpse" (12-16-48)

"The Corresponding Corpse" (Aired December 16. 1948)

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:

December 16. 1948. "The Case Of The Corresponding Corpse". Commercials added locally. A Cuban hires Mike to find his friend Julian, who has recently written to him, but who has been dead for two years! There's a good surprise ending! Jeff Chandler, William P. Rousseau (host, director), Robert Ryf (writer), John Duffy (composer, conductor), Don W. Sharp (producer), Brett Halliday (creator). 25:47. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.