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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

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Recent Posts

EP1119: Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Matter of Reasonable Doubt, Parts One and Two

Bob Bailey

Johnny comes out to Nevada on a hunch from a banker who represents an insurance company.

Original Air Dates: May 28 and 29, 1956

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EP1118: The Line Up: The Fresno Break Case

William Johnstone
A paroled convict  who committed a parole violation offers to help the police catch a long time racketeer who is at the head of a heroin ring.

Original Air Date: September 17, 1952

 

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Audio Drama: The History of Harry Nile, Set Six

The History of Harry Nile Set 6 covers 24 cases in which the late Phil Harper portrayed the Seattle Private Detective, set between May of 1956 and Summer of 1958.

At this point, it’s tough to add much to what I’ve written in the previous five reviews. The series while produced in the 1990s and early 21st century sounded just like a vintage detective series from radio’s golden age.

Both Harry (Phil Harper) and his red-headed assistant Murphy (Pat French) were well-established in their roles and had them down to a tee. And producer/writer Jim French really knew how to do a 19-23 minute radio drama and make it shine.

The stories are mostly typical PI fare but with a few surprises thrown in such as, “Submarine Warfare” which has the owner of a new subshop asking for Harry’s help with vandals while his wife is sending Harry notes that her husband wants to kill her. Harry’s cases take him to New Orleans, to California, and to three different western cities where a salesman is keeping different girls and runs into predictable problems. There’s a theft at a mission around Christmastime. And the story of a missing fire extinguisher salesman where Harry has to live up to the bill of one of America’s top ten private investigators.

These are well-done tales with no real clunkers, but consistent quality from episode to episode. The only downside is that on occassion, the motive may be a little thin. Some listeners may be bothered by the relationship between Harry and Murphy with Harry, with Murphy pining for Harry but Harry showing no interest whatsoever. However, this too is a throwback to some golden age programs like Let George Do It.

Overall, this set lives up to the high standards of its predecessors and is a must for fans of Phil Harper’s Harry Nile.

Rating: 4.25 out of 5.0

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

The History of Harry Nile, Set 6  (along with Sets 1-5) 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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EP1117: Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Shady Lane Matter, Part Five, and Bella Donna Was Poison

Bob Bailey

The woman who gave the insurance tip that brought him to Shady Lane, Vermont asks to meet with Johnny with a confession.

Original Air Date: July 13, 1956

Rock gets help on the case from an unexpected source.

Original Air Date: 1958

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EP1116: Nick Carter: Death in the Pines

Lon Clark

Nick and Stubbie investigate a series of truck hijackings.

Original Air Date: March 4, 1944

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EP1115: Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Shady Lane Matter, Parts Three and Four

Bob Bailey

Johnny encounters a waitress who was acquitted of murder and is in loved with the murdered woman’s husband.

Original Air Dates: July 11 and 12, 1956

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EP1114: Old Gold Comedy Theater: Having Wonderful Crime

Pat O'Brien

Michael Malone is constantly getting into trouble thanks to his friends Jack and Helene and finds a murder while on their honeymoon.

Original Air Date: June 3, 1945

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Click here to download, click here to add this podcast to your Itunes, click here to subscribe.