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In this special, we look back at the top five half-hour Old Time Radio programs of our 2024-2025 season, and one of our best Old Time Radio Snack Wagon episodes.
First up, it’s The Falcon in “The Case of the Jumping Jack”:
Today’s Mystery:
A woman hires The Falcon because she suspects that her husband has hired a private eye to follow her.
Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 20, 1952
Originating from New York
Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corbett
Then we turn to the Your Playhouse of Favorites production of “The Suicide Club”:
A bored crown prince, looking for excitement, joins a club of men who want to end their lives.
Original Air Date: Sometime between 1947 and 1949
Originating from New York
Starring: Dwight Reese; Walter Vaughn
Speaking of Robert Louis Stevenson, we turn to an excerpt from The Orson Welles Almanac wherein Welles reads Stevenson’s lesser-known letter defending Father Damien against the scathing remarks of Reverend Dr. C.M. Hyde. This impassioned response, penned in 1890, highlights the stark contrasts between the selfless heroism of Father Damien and the hypocrisy of his critics. Join us as we explore the rich historical context and emotional weight of Stevenson’s words, showcasing not only a brilliant literary takedown but also a tribute to compassion and service in the face of adversity. Welles’s masterful narration brings this poignant piece to life, reminding us of the enduring legacy of Father Damien.
Complete Text of Stevenson’s letter:
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/281/281-h/281-h.htm
Then we turn to a surreal episode of Mr. and Mrs. North, “Call Me Choo Choo”:
Today’s Mystery:
Pam and Jerry hear a clarinet being played in the middle of the country near a wrecked car.
Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 9, 1947
Originating from New York City
Starring: Joseph Curtain as Jerry North; Alice Frost as Pamela North; Larry Haines; Mandel Kramer
We will also have a listen to one of our new series, Cloak and Dagger, about the true adventures of the OSS during WWII. Here is “Roof of the World”:
Today’s Adventure:
A husband and wife team of geologists are recruited by the IRS to journey into Tibet to seek the favor of the Dalai Lama. They find themselves in competition with two Nazi officers.
Original Radio Broadcast: August 13, 1950
Originating from New York
Starring: Louise Barclay; Grant Richards; Raymond Edward Johnson; Stefan Schnabel; Berry Kroeger; Janice Gilbert; Karl Weber; Ralph Bell; Jerry Jarrett
Then we conclude with one of our most memorable guest-starring appearances in the Yours Truly Johnny Dollar story, “The Price of Fame Matter”:
Today’s Mystery:
Vincent Price summons Johnny Dollar when a $100,000 painting is stolen from his private collection.
Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 2, 1958
Originating from Hollywood
Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Vincent Price as Himself; Virginia Gregg; Howard McNear; Junius Matthews; Forrest Lewis; Tony Barrett
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Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
