Bob Bailey & Virginia Gregg

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio is 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, Podcast

Lux Radio Theater: It Happejned Tomorrow (AWR0300)

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This week in our summer series featuring old-time radio appearances by actors who later played killers on Columbo, we spotlight Anne Baxter. Baxter stars opposite Don Ameche in a whimsical fantasy set in 1896 about a young newspaper reporter who mysteriously gains access to tomorrow’s newspaper today. As he uses his knowledge of the future to advance his career and pursue romance at the dawn of the twentieth century, he discovers that knowing what’s coming next may be more dangerous than he ever imagined.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 3, 1944

Program: Lux Radio Theatre

Starring Don Ameche as Larry Stevens and Anne Baxter as Sylvia.

Also featuring Norman Field, Eddie Marr, Griff Barnett, Leo Cleary, Ferdinand Munier, Cathy Lewis, Ken Christie, Charles Seal, Franklin Parker, Tyler McVey, Ed Emerson, and Herb Vigran. Produced by Cecil B. DeMille. Music directed by Louis Silvers. Announcer: John M. Kennedy.

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Broadway's My Beat, CBS, OTR Detective, Podcast

Broadway’s My Beat: The Raymond Grant Murder Case (EP5003)

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Today’s Mystery:

When a milkman is found beaten to death outside a young graduate student’s apartment, Danny Clover discovers that the victim may have been profiting from secrets he learned on his delivery route. Before the key witness can tell what she knows, she is killed in a suspicious traffic accident, forcing Clover to untangle a web of blackmail, betrayal, and forbidden romance.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 16, 1952

Originated in Hollywood

Stars: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover, Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia, and Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan.

Featured in the cast were Paula Winslowe as Myra Blair, Howard McNear as Robert Blair, Mary Lansing, Charlotte Lawrence, and Shepard Menken. Produced and directed by Elliott Lewis. Musical score composed and conducted by Alexander Courage. Announcer: Bill Anders.

Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net

Patreon Supporter of the Day: Jeff, Patreon supporter since December 2024.

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

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

Take the listener survey at survey.greatdetectives.net

Give us a call 208-991-4783

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

NBC, OTR Detective, Podcast, The Big Story

The Big Story: The Killer with the Mind of a Child (EP5002)

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Today’s Mystery:

When three people are murdered in a quiet Utah community, reporter T.R. Johnson finds himself drawn into the hunt for a killer who seems to vanish into the night. While police search the highways for a fugitive in a green sedan, Johnson follows a series of puzzling clues that suggest the murderer may be driven by something far more disturbing than ordinary criminal motives.

Original Radio Broadcast: November 29, 1950

Originating from New York

Starring John Sylvester as T.R. Johnson

Also featuring Jane Robin, Agnes Young, Amzie Strickland, Joan Shea, Owen Jordan, Meryl Jones, and Les Damon

Based on the reporting of T.R. Johnson of The Salt Lake Tribune

Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net

Patreon Supporter of the Day: Colleen, Patreon supporter since March 2021.

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

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

Take the listener survey at survey.greatdetectives.net

Give us a call at 208-991-4783

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

NBC, OTR Detective, Podcast, The Saint

The Saint: The Case of the Previewed Crime (EP5001)

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Today’s Mystery:

A mysterious intruder awakens Simon Templar in the middle of the night to describe what appears to be the perfect murder. When the wealthy financier at the center of the tale dies exactly as predicted, The Saint finds himself investigating a case where revenge, greed, and murder may not be what they seem.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 30, 1950

Originating from Hollywood

Starring: Vincent Price as Simon Templar

Also featuring Jeanne Bates, Lou Merrill, Fred Howard, Jack Edwards Jr., and Larry Dobkin

Script by Louis Vittes

Music composed and conducted by Vaughn Dexter

Produced by James L. Saphier

Directed by Helen Mack

Announcer: Don Stanley

Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net

Patreon Supporter of the Day: Burke, Patreon supporter since March 2025

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

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

Take the listener survey at survey.greatdetectives.net

Give us a call at 208-991-4783

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

CBS, Lux Radio Theatre, Mystery Special, OTR Detective, Podcast

Lux Radio Theater: The Fallen Sparrow (EP5000s)

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Today’s Mystery:

After returning to New York following years of imprisonment during the Spanish Civil War, John McKittrick learns that a close friend has died under suspicious circumstances. As he investigates, he finds himself caught in a dangerous web of espionage, murder, and betrayal connected to secrets from his wartime past.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 14, 1944

Originating from Hollywood

Starring: Robert Young as John McKittrick; Maureen O’Hara as Elma Don; Walter Slezak as Dr. Scoss

Also featuring Charles Seal, Charlotte Treadway, Ed Emerson, George Sorel, Griff Barnett, Howard McNear, Jay Novello, John McIntire, Norman Field, and Rene Gussaire

Produced by Cecil B. DeMille

Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net

Patreon Supporter of the Day: Jeff, Patreon supporter since December 2015

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

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

Take the listener survey at survey.greatdetectives.net

Give us a call at 208-991-4783

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

ABC, Counterspy, OTR Detective, Podcast

Counterspy: The Bouncing Bank Robber (A0098)

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Today’s Adventure:

After a daring daylight bank robbery leaves two people dead and several wounded, counterspy agents launch a citywide manhunt for a ruthless gunman known for taking impossible risks. As the killer fights his way through police roadblocks, waterfront hideouts, and a crowded amusement park, David Harding and his agents race to stop him before more innocent people are caught in the crossfire.

Original Radio Broadcast: August 23, 1949

Originating from New York

Starring Don McLaughlin as David Harding and Mandel Kramer as Harry Peters

Also featuring Jesse Crawford (music)

Produced by the Phillips H. Lord Productions

CBS, OTR Detective, Podcast, Yours Truly Johnny Dollar

Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Casque of Death Matter (EP5000)

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Today’s Mystery:

When a series of elderly bachelors and widowers vanish from small towns across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, insurance investigator Johnny Dollar is sent to determine whether their disappearances are connected. Following a trail of wine cellars, unusual wills, and a secretive gourmet society, Johnny uncovers one of the strangest cases of his career.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 24, 1959

Originating from Hollywood

Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar

Also starring Harry Bartell, Forrest Lewis, Bartlett Robinson, Parley Baer, and Marvin Miller

Written, produced, and directed by Jack Johnstone

Announcer: Dan Cubberly

When making your travel plans, remember johnnydollarair.com

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

THE GREAT DETECTIVES of Old Time Radio

With Host Adam Graham

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Currently Featuring

Check out our other shows:

Amazing World of Radio

The War

OTR Superman Show

Detective Video Theater