Category: Video Theater

Sherlock Holmes: The Mother Hubbard Case

In this episode of Public Domain Video Theater, host Adam Graham is joined by special guest Tom Fox, founder of the Compliance Podcast Network and host of Adventures in Compliance— a show where Fox explores each Sherlock Holmes story through the lens of ethics and compliance. Together, they delve into one of Ronald Howard’s early television portrayals of the great detective.

Episode Overview (No Spoilers)

“The Mother Hubbard Case” begins as a seemingly routine London mystery — a missing fiancé, a concerned family, and a cryptic note about a lost child. But under Holmes’s keen observation, this ordinary disappearance unfurls into something far more sinister. As Holmes and Watson investigate, they uncover a chilling pattern of vanishing men, a trail that winds through deserted houses and shadowed motives. What begins as a simple missing-person case evolves into a tense unraveling of compassion twisted by desperation.

Original Air Date: December 20, 1954

Subscribe to our Video Theater feed.

Go here to subscribe on Spotify.

Become one of our monthly patreon supporters 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

Dragnet: The Big Phone Call (Video Theater 299)

Joe Friday and Ed Jacobs have evidence that a local jewelry salesman is behind the robbery of another salesman. They present the vidence in hopes of getting a confession.

Season 1, Episode 12

Original Air Date: May 22, 1952

Based on a radio script from February 14, 1952

Subscribe to our Video Theater feed.

Go here to subscribe on Spotify.

Become one of our monthly patreon supporters 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

The Greene Murder Case (Video Theater 298)

A wealthy family’s household becomes the scene of intrigue when a series of shocking crimes threatens its members. Suspicion falls heavily within the walls of their imposing home, and the air grows tense as Philo Vance works to uncover the truth. Mystery, secrets, and a shadow of danger hang over each clue in this chilling early talkie.

Originally released in U.S. theaters on August 11, 1929

The film stars William Powell, in one of his earliest detective roles, alongside Jean Arthur and Eugene Pallette. The ensemble also features Florence Eldridge, Ullrich Haupt, E. H. Calvert, Gertrude Norman, and Lowell Drew in key roles that bring depth to the unfolding drama. Together, the cast weaves a suspenseful tale that blends family tension with classic mystery atmosphere.

Subscribe to our Video Theater feed.

Go here to subscribe on Spotify.

Become one of our monthly patreon supporters 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

The Canary Murder Case (Video Theater 297)

A singer who threatens the happiness of the son of one of Philo Vance’s (William Powell) oldest friends is murdered and Vance is called in to investigate. Features Jean Arthur, and Eugene Pallette.

Original Release Date: February 16, 1929

Subscribe to our Video Theater feed.

Go here to subscribe on Spotify.

Become one of our monthly patreon supporters 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

Mr. Moto’s Last Warning (Video Theater 295)

With rising international tensions, Mr. Moto (Peter Lorre) arrives in Egypt and battles a dangerous gang led by a sinister ventriloquist (Ricardo Cortez)

 Original Release Date: January 20, 1939

Subscribe to our Video Theater feed.

Go here to subscribe on Spotify.

Become one of our monthly patreon supporters 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

Mr. Moto’s Last Warning (Video Theater 295)

With rising international tensions, Mr. Moto (Peter Lorre) arrives in Egypt and battles a dangerous gang led by a sinister ventriloquist (Ricardo Cortez).

Original Release Date: January 20, 1939

Dragnet: The Big September Man (Video Theater 294)

Joe Friday and Ed Jacobs investigate the brutal murder of a woman.

Season 1, Episode 11

Original Air Date: May 8, 1952

Subscribe to our Video Theater feed.

Go here to subscribe on Spotify.

Become one of our monthly patreon supporters 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

Dragnet: The Big Cast (Video Theater 292)

Follow the tense investigation led by Joe Friday and his partner Ed Jacobs as they unravel the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Paul Davis and confront the man (Lee Marvin) they suspect of killing him.

Season 1, Episode 5

Original Air Date: February 14, 1952

Subscribe to our Video Theater feed.

Go here to subscribe on Spotify.

Become one of our monthly patreon supporters 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

Mr. and Mrs. North: Homicide Limited (Video Theater 291)

On board a train returning to New York from Miami, the Norths see a woman they met in Miami on a train in handcuffs, setting the stage for murder.

Original Air Date: March 30, 1954

Season 2, Episode 10

Subscribe to our Video Theater feed.

Go here to subscribe on Spotify.

Become one of our monthly patreon supporters 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

Dragnet: The Big Mother (Video Theater 290)

Sergeants Joe Friday and Ed Jacobs search for a baby kidnapped from a hospital.

Season 1, Episode 4

Original Air Date: January 31, 1952

Based on a Radio Script: from November 9, 1950

Subscribe to our Video Theater feed.

Go here to subscribe on Spotify.

Become one of our monthly patreon supporters 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

Mr. and Mrs. North: On the Rocks (Video Theater 289)

As the Norths find themselves embroiled in a weekend-getaway-turned-murder-mystery, tensions rise when a guest is poisoned and secrets unravel.

Original Air Date: January 2, 1953

Season 1, Episode 14

Subscribe to our Video Theater feed.

Go here to subscribe on Spotify.

Become one of our monthly patreon supporters 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

Dragnet: The Big Actor (Video Theater 288)

Join us as we follow Sergeants Joe Friday and Ben Romero on a complex case involving a robbery at All Saints Hospital’s pharmacy, where $10,000 worth of narcotics goes missing. With a wounded intern and a trail of clues leading to the dark underbelly of drug distribution, the detectives race against time to catch the culprit before the stolen drugs can be sold on the streets.

Original Air Date: January 3, 1952

Season 1, Episode 2

Referenced:
Radio Version of The Big Actor

Subscribe to our Video Theater feed.

Go here to subscribe on Spotify.

Become one of our monthly patreon supporters 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

Mr. and Mrs. North: Till Death Do Us Part (Video Theater 287)

The Norths are going to celebrate their anniversary when a sinister bride doll is delivered and they find themselves investigating another murder.

Original Air Date: October 10, 1952

Season 1, Episode 2

Subscribe to our Video Theater feed.

Go here to subscribe on Spotify.

Become one of our monthly patreon supporters 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

Dragnet: The Human Bomb (Video Theater 286)

Step back in time with us as we revisit the very first TV episode of Dragnet, “The Human Bomb.” This episode, based on a radio script from 1949, takes you into the heart of Los Angeles, where Detective Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner, Ben Romero (Barton Yarborough), face a tense, 26-minute race against time to prevent a disaster. 

Original AIr Date: December 14, 1951 based on a radio play from July 21, 1949

Season 1, Episode 1

Subscribe to our Video Theater feed. Go here to subscribe on Spotify.

Become one of our monthly patreon supporters 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

Bulldog Drummond’s Bride (Video Theater 285)

The thrilling conclusion to the Bulldog Drummond series is here! Join us as we dive into a world of action, comedy, and romance. In this final installment, Bulldog Drummond navigates a bank robbery and a mad painter, while trying to ensure his long-awaited wedding happens in romantic France. With unexpected twists and comedic elements, this episode promises a satisfying end to the saga.

 

Original Release July 12, 1939

 

Starring John Howard as Bulldog Drummond; Heather Angel as Phyllis Clavering