Day: July 13, 2013

Audio Drama Review: The History of Harry Nile, Set 3

This 3rd Set of Harry Nile stories starring Phil Harper follows Jim French’s Private Detective on adventures from October 1950 to the Summer of 1952. These stories take a turn. There’s one double length episode in this set and that’s it. The episodes become shorter in length. With 19-22 minute self-contained shows becoming the new normal.

When I saw the track length, I was really nervous. Towards the end of the golden age of radio, many shows including Yours Truly Johnny Dollar and Have Gun Will Travel had their lengths of actual performance cut to that level and the results were really poorly written condensed material. That’s why I think that Jim French deserves big time plaudits because he succeeded in making the scripts really pop and fitting a complete mystery into such a small amount of time.  Jim French really does a superb job on these episodes that makes them worth listening to.

This set rings true to the Golden Age setting of the stories.  In addition, there are some solid guest stars in Gilligan’s Island Alumni Dawn Wells and Russell Johnson, and the distinct voice of Night Court’s Harry Anderson is heard on a couple episodes as well.

Tight acting, great writing, and most episodes recorded before a live studio audience are just some of the reasons why this set is a must buy for fans of radio drama.

Rating: 5.0 out of 5.0 stars

Purchasing Information:

The set is available at French’s website for $49.95 on CD or as a digital download for $25.

The History of Harry Niles, Set 3  (along with Sets 1,2  and 4-6) are available on Audible for $19.95 for members or 1 Credit. I bought this set with my an Audible listener Credit ($14.95).

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EP0998: The Line Up: The Railroad Roundhouse Round-Up Case

William Johnstone

Guthrie investigates the death of a woman found dead in a car trunk.

Original Air Date: November 29, 1951

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