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Bob Bailey & Virginia Gregg in front of an old Microphone

Bob Bailey & Virginia Gregg

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio! A podcast featuring the best vintage detective radio programs. Each week from Monday through Saturday, we feature six of Old Time Radio's great detective series from the beginning of the show to its very last episode. And as a bonus, twice a month we also post a public domain movie or TV mystery or detective show video.

Along the way, I'll provide you my commentary and offer you opportunities to interact.

Subscribe to the show by clicking your favorite podcatcher in the sidebar.

And don't forget to follow me on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.

- Your host, Adam Graham

Listen to "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio" on Spreaker.

Amazing World of Radio

The War

OTR Superman Show

Detective Video Theater

Recent Posts

Mr. Chameleon: The Case of Murder and the Attractive Shoplifter (EP4332)

Karl Swenson

Today’s Mystery:

An attractive young shoplifter, who lives in a boarding house without a basement, is stabbed to death on a busy street.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 4, 1949

Originating from New York City

Starring: Karl Swenson as Mister Chameleon

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Patreon Supporter of the Day: Loren, Patreon Supporter Since September 2021

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Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Gallant American Women: These Freedoms (AWR0240)

Amazing World of Radio

Today’s Episode:

A look at women who fought for freedom of religion, speech, and the abolition of slavery.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 31, 1939

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Dangerous Assignment: Henrich Schwandorff (EP4331)


Today’s Mystery:

Steve goes to Germany to find a displaced person who may be able to identify a Nazi war criminal.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 4, 1953

Originating in Hollywood

Starring: Brian Donlevy as Steve Mitchell; Herb Butterfield as the Commissioner; Henry Roland; Jim Davis; Paul Frees

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Welcome to our latest Patreon supporter, Mark

Patreon Supporter of the Day: Donna – Patreon Supporter since March 2023

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Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Phantom Chase Matter, Episodes One and Two (EP4330)

Bob Bailey

Today’s Mystery:

Johnny is sent on the trail of a partner in a Wall Street investment firm, who jumped bail after being charged with embezzling $120,000.

Original Radio Broadcast Dates: October 15 and 16, 1956

Originated from Hollywood

Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Michael Ann Barrett; Jack Edwards; Ben Wright; Virginia Gregg; Don Diamond; Forrest Lewis; Richard Crenna

When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com

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Welcome to our latest Patreon Supporter, Allen

Thank you to our Patreon Supporter of the Day:LanceDon-Patreon Supporter Since January 2022

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The Falcon: The Case of the Double Nephews

Les Damon

Today’s Mystery:

The manager of a jewelry concern calls in The Falcon when he’s accused of stealing thousands in jewels.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 22, 1950

Originating from New York

Starring: Les Damon as the Falcon

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Patreon Supporter of the Day: Gavin, Patreon Supporter Since November 2021

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Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Twice Told Tale – The McCoy: Three Wayward Girls and Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Starlet Matter

Once again, we take a look at an old time radio script that was recycled. In this case, the script was a pilot for a new radio series, The McCoy, and then was reused as an episode of Yours Truly Johnny Dollar.

The McCoy is called in by an agent who fears that one of his clients, a promising actress, will be murdered. While they’re talking, a phone call comes in and they learn she was strangled to death.

Originating in Hollywood

Audition date: April 24, 1951

Starring: Howard Duff as The McCoy; Sidney Miller; Sheldon Leonard; Cathy Lewis; Ed Max; Barton Yarborough

Johnny is sent to Hollywood because an agent fears his starlet client is going to be murdered. Johnny finds she’s already been strangled to death.

Originating in Hollywood

Original Air Date: January 16, 1953

Starring: John Lund as Yours Truly Johnny Dollar; Sidney Miller; Raymond Burr; Dick Ryan; John McIntire; Vic Perrin; Virginia Gregg; Jeanette Nolan

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Patreon Supporter of the Day: Duane, Patreon Supporter since June 2023

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Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Dragnet: The Big Escape (EP4328)

Today’s Mystery:

Joe Friday arrests an old army buddy for armed robbery.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 5, 1950

Originating from Hollywood

Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Herb Butterfield; Stacy Harris.

Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net

Patreon Supporter of the Day: Max, Patreon Supporter Since November 2015

Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.

Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

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Give us a call at 208-991-4783

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Join us again on Monday for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.