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.
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- Your host, Adam Graham
Listen to "The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio" on Spreaker.
Currently Featuring
YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR THE FALCON DANGEROUS ASSIGNMENT DRAGNET MR. CHAMELEON ELLERY QUEEN… and more!
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Recent Posts
CBS, Podcast, Yours Truly Johnny Dollar, YTJD Add
EP1783: Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Hollywood Mystery Matter
by Yours Truly Johnny Blogger • 0 Comments
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Johnny is called in to investigate a case of embezzlement where the embezzler has called to tell him he’s in Hollywood.
Original Air Date: January 4, 1959
When making your travel plans, remember http://www.johnnydollarair.com
Mutual, Nick Carter, Podcast
EP1782: Nick Carter: The Case of the Forgetful Killer
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A blackmailer is murdered and a young man who was being blackmailed is the chief suspect.
Original Air Date: November 7, 1948
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Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715
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CBS, Philip Marlowe, Philip Marlowe OTR, Podcast
EP1781: Philip Marlowe: The Soft Spot
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Marlowe is hired to search skid row for an old man who his client said stole some silver.
Original Air Date: September 1, 1950
Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net
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
Podcast, Syndicated, The Avenger, The Avenger and I.A. Moto
EP1780: The Avenger: Mystery of the Giant Brain
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A signal leads the Avenger to a case of animals being stolen by big iron men.
Original Air Date: November 1, 1945
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Michael Shayne, Mutual, Podcast
EP1779: Michael Shayne: Tire (Tyre) Oriental Lines
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The President of a ship company hires Mike to investigate a troublesome former mate and then is found dead of an apparent suicide.
Original Air Date: July 16, 1945
Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net
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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Dragnet, NBC, Podcast, Procedural
EP1778: Dragnet: The Big Family
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A wealthy socialite disappears and Friday and Romero investigate
Original Air Date: December 28, 1950
Audio Drama Review, Golden Age Article, Sherlock Holmes
Audio Drama Review: All Consuming Fire
by Yours Truly Johnny Blogger • 0 Comments
Despite both series being produced by Stephen Moffat, BBC’s hit shows Sherlock and Doctor Who are unlikely to crossover despite the desire of many fans to see such an event. However, with its adaptation of Andy Lane’s novel All Consuming Fire, Big Finish gives listeners a chance to hear a meeting of the two great heroes with Sylvester McCoy reprising his role as the Seventh Doctor and Nicholas Briggs taking on the role of Holmes (one he has played quite well in Big Finish’s Sherlock Holmes range.)Books stolen from a church library set Sherlock Holmes on a collision course with the Doctor. We’re given a very intriguing concept involving spooky ancient spirits, and a planned human invasion of alien worlds from Victorian England.
The plot is fun, if a bit dense, which often happens when novel plots are heavily condensed. The key to enjoying this is to properly set expectations. This is definitely a Doctor Who story guest-starring Sherlock Holmes as opposed to a story where the two are equals. Things really go beyond Holmes’ experience in the last two parts, although he does a relatively good job of rolling with the punches.
While the actors are the same as for Big Finish’s Sherlock Holmes stories, the characterization is different both because the novel was written independent of other Holmes pastiches and the story was set prior to the seminal events of the the last two Sherlock Holmes box sets and therefore the characters are younger.
Still, this story is quite enjoyable. There’s a great mix of suspense, mystery, and atmospheric moments, as well as some comedic ones such as Holmes’ response to the Doctor’s compliment at the end of the story. And there are enjoyable interactions between the Seventh Doctor’s companion Bernice Summerfield (Lisa Bowerman) and Dr. Watson (Richard Earl).
One complaint is the role of the Doctor’s other companion Ace (Sophia Allred). She only plays a part in Episode 4 in helping the Doctor and a friend stay alive on an alien planet but makes cameos in the prior episodes to remind us that she is eventually in this story. It’s an odd use of a popular companion and the cut scenes throughout the other episodes are a bit jarring.
Still, despite some minor production errors, this was a satisfying and entertaining audio drama that delivers a fun story worthy of these iconic characters.
Rating: 4.0 stars out of 5.0
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