Old Time Radio Mystery Specials-logo

Old Time Radio Mystery Specials

Arts & Culture Podcasts

Enjoy a series of unusual episodes of the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio including old time radio mystery movie adaptations from the Lux Radio Theater, Screen Guild Theater, and similar programs. As well as episodes Escape, Suspense, and Murder Clinic, along with some truly different programs including Roy Rogers, Mayor of the Town, Superman, and Cavalcade of America. Also comparisons of how two detective programs handle the same story.

Location:

United States

Description:

Enjoy a series of unusual episodes of the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio including old time radio mystery movie adaptations from the Lux Radio Theater, Screen Guild Theater, and similar programs. As well as episodes Escape, Suspense, and Murder Clinic, along with some truly different programs including Roy Rogers, Mayor of the Town, Superman, and Cavalcade of America. Also comparisons of how two detective programs handle the same story.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Lux Radio Theater: Thunder on the Hill

5/26/2024
Today's Mystery:A nun becomes convinced that a condemned woman stranded at her Norfolk convent in the midst of torrential rains is innocent. Can the nun save her before her looming execution? Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 9, 1953 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Claudette Colbert as Sister Mary; Barbara Rush as Valerie Carns; Norma Varden; Paul Frees; Mary Flynn; Herb Butterfield; Ottola Nesmith; Dan O'Herlihy; Joseph Kearns; Leo Britt; Jeanne Wood; Lois Corbett; Yvonne Peattie My review of Thunder on the Hill Purchase link for Thunder on the Hill DVD. (Affiliate link) Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Lori, Patreon Support since April 2020 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 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives

Duration:01:03:18

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Old Time Radio Con Games Special

5/12/2024
Today, I'm joined by Jim Grinstead of the Scams and Cons Podcast as we delve into two scam-related old time radio podcasts. Today's 1st Mystery:First up, there's no such thing as easy money. That's a lesson a rich young man learns as he's forced to lure his friends into the clutches of a big-time gambler to square his own debts. Can magician-turned-detective Mike Trent help? We find out in this episode of Easy Money, "The Gallopping Ivories" Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 14, 1954 Originating in New York Starring: Larry Haines as Mike Trent; Ralph Bell; Peter Fernandez; Maurice Tarplin Today's 2nd Mystery:Joe Friday and Ben Romero go after a gang of con-men who are victimizing the families of recently deceased people in the Big Betty. Original Air Date: November 23, 1950 Originating in Los AngelesStarring: Jack Webb as Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Ben Romero Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: hilip, Patreon supporter since June of 2023 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 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives

Duration:01:20:31

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Hollywood Star Time: Hot Spot

3/31/2024
Today's Mystery:Based on the movie I Wake Up Screaming, a Broadway promoter is suspected of murdering an up-and-coming actress, by a dogged police officer who always gets his man .Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 27, 1946 Originating in Hollywood Starring: Brian Donlevy as Frankie Christopher; Vincent Price as Ed Cornell; Lurene Tuttle; Gloria Blondell; Theodore Von Elt; Harry Bartell; David Ellis; Elliott Reid My review of I Wake Up Screaming Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Susan, Patreon Supporter Since October 2018 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 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives

Duration:00:36:59

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Sherlock Holmes: The Elusive Agent (Complete Adventure)

3/10/2024
Today's Mystery:The year is 1913 and international tensions run thick. Sherlock Holmes's brother, Mycroft, calls him out of retirement to secure the return of stolen plans for an experimental tank. Original Radio Broadcast Dates: March 21, 28, and April 4, 1949 Originating in New York Starring: John Stanley as Holmes; George Spelvin as Watson We're joined by special Guest Tom Fox of the Compliance Podcast Network and the Adventures in Compliance Podcast Listen to my guest appearance on the Adventures in Compliance Podcast Support our Listener Support campaign! Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Fill out our advertising survey at https://adsurvey.greatdetectives 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 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives

Duration:01:18:46

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Twice Told Tale - The McCoy: Three Wayward Girls and Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Starlet Matter

3/3/2024
Once again, we take a look at an old time radio script that was recycled. In this case, the script was a pilot for a new radio series, The McCoy, and then was reused as an episode of Yours Truly Johnny Dollar. The McCoy is called in by an agent who fears that one of his clients, a promising actress, will be murdered. While they're talking, a phone call comes in and they learn she was strangled to death. Originating in Hollywood Audition date: April 24, 1951 Starring: Howard Duff as The McCoy; Sidney Miller; Sheldon Leonard; Cathy Lewis; Ed Max; Barton Yarborough Johnny is sent to Hollywood because an agent fears his starlet client is going to be murdered. Johnny finds she’s already been strangled to death. Originating in Hollywood Original Air Date: January 16, 1953 Starring: John Lund as Yours Truly Johnny Dollar; Sidney Miller; Raymond Burr; Dick Ryan; John McIntire; Vic Perrin; Virginia Gregg; Jeanette Nolan Fill out our advertising survey at https://adsurvey.greatdetectives.net Become one of Our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Duane, Patreon Supporter since June 2023 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 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives

Duration:01:13:30

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Suspense: The Man Who Murders People

2/4/2024
Today's Mystery:The commuter train to Roseville becomes the setting for a deadly game of cat and mouse, passengers grapple with the terror of a serial killer at large. With every twist and turn of the conversation, the line between hunter and prey blurs, leading to an electrifying climax that will leave listeners in suspense! Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 13, 1960 Originating in New York Starring: Vivian Smolen; George Petrie; Alan Manson; Maurice Tarplin Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Philip, Supporting the Podcast since June 2023 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 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives

Duration:00:35:42

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Police File: Mr. One by One

12/3/2023
he Australian Commonwealth Investigation Branch (CIB) seeks a gang of counterfeiters that are passing forged 10 pound notes. Original Radio Broadcast Date: Mid-1950s Originating from Sydney, Australia Australian Dragnet episode, "The Big Revenge" on Soundcloud Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: William since July 2023 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 Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.ne tGive us a call 208-991-4783 Become one of our friends on Facebook .Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives

Duration:00:34:11

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Academy Award Theatre: The Maltese Falcon

11/20/2023
Today's Mystery: Sam Spade's search for the murderer in his partner puts him in the midst of intrigue among four dangerous characters, all trying to gain possession of an enameled jeweled falcon. Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 3, 1946 Originated from Hollywood Starring: Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade; Mary Astor as Brigid O'Shaughnessy; Sidney Greenstreet as Kasper Gutman; Gerald Mohr Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Charlie, Patreon Supporter Since October 2019 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 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives

Duration:00:38:14

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Sherlock Holmes Guy Fawkes Day Special

11/4/2023
Today is Guy Fawkes Day and we celebrate with two different Guy-Fawkes-related Sherlock Holmes adventures. First, in The Fifth of November, a man named James Stuart comes to Baker Street pleading for Holmes' help, as he fears his cousin, Guy Falkenberry, is going to blow him up.Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 5, 1945Originated from Hollywood Starring: Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes; Nigel Bruce as Doctor Watson. Second, in The Guy Fawkes Society, Holmes and Watson find a man with his throat slit from ear to ear and it sets Holmes on the trail of a sinister conspiracy. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 10, 1948 Starring: John Stanley as Sherlock Holmes; George Spelvin as Watson Guest introduction by Donna Fletcher Crow. You can purchase her book, Where Love Restores, on Amazon. (affiliate link) 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 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives

Duration:01:10:39

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Stars in the Air: House on 92nd Street

10/8/2023
Today's Mystery:An FBI undercover man infilitrates a Nazi spy ring that could send the secret of Process 97 to the Nazis. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 3, 1952 Originated from Hollywood Starred: Humphrey Bogart as Inspector George Briggs, Keefe Brasselle, Betty Lou Gerson, Lou Merrill, Herb Vigran, Shepard Menken, Paul Dubov, Bob Sweeney, Frank Nelson, Walter Wolf King 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 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives

Duration:00:35:07

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Twice Told Tale - Man Called X: Murder, Music, and a Blonde Madonna; Christopher London: Pattern for Murder

9/10/2023
Today's First Episode:Ken travels to Italy to follow a composer, to find why that composer's friend was murdered in New York City. Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 10, 1944 Today's Second Episode:Christopher London travels to Monaco, to find out why a composer's friend was murdered in New York City. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 29, 1950B oth Originated from Hollywood. The Man Called X starred Herbert Marshall as Ken Thurston and Hans Conreid as Egon Zellschmidt Christopher London starred Glenn Ford as Christopher London, Ben Wright, Eleanor Audley, Ramsey Hill, Jeanette Nolan, Ted de Corsia, Georgia Ellis, Rick Vallin 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 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives

Duration:01:10:40

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Suspense: The High Wall

9/3/2023
Today's Mystery:A man wakes up in an insane asylum with no idea how he got there. Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 6, 1946 Originated from Hollywood Starred: Robbert Young, George Zucco, Cathy Lewis, Wally Maher 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 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives

Duration:00:36:44

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Guest Star Detective Double Feature

8/27/2023
Today's First Story: Basil Rathbone sets up an office as a radio detective, with Kenny Delmar as his bumbling sidekick. Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 24, 1947 Today's Second Story: A key witness in a Distict Attorney's (Robert Preston) racketeering case is murdered on his doorstep while leaving an important clue behind. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 18, 1951 Programs Originated from New York and Hollywood Starred: Basil Rathbone, Kenny Delmar, Robert Preston, Barbara Fuller, Peter Leeds 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 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives

Duration:00:36:48

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Suspense: Fragile, Contents: Death

8/13/2023
Today's Mystery:A postmaster (Victor Perrin) gets a tip that there's a time bomb among the day's packages. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 22, 1956 Stars: Victor Perin, Herb Ellis, Frank Gershwin, Vivi Janis, Helen Kleeb, John Larkin, Leonard Weinrib, Richard Peel, and Ted Bliss, 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 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives

Duration:00:35:27

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Lux Radio Theater: The Maltese Falcon

6/11/2023
Today's Mystery:Sam Spade (Edward G. Robinson) tries to solve the murder of his partner and gets drawn into the intrigue over a mysterious black-enameled bird. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 8, 1943 Originated in Hollywood Starred: Edward G. Robinson as Sam Spade, Gail Patrick as Bridget O'Shaughnessy, Laird Cregar as Casper Gutman, Charlie Lung as Joel Cairo, Bea Benderret as Effie, Eddie Mars as Wilmer, Fred MacKaye, Norman Field, Warren Ashe 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 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives

Duration:01:13:36

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Inheritance: The Texas Rangers (Texas Rangers Bicentenial Special)

6/4/2023
A Texas Rangers Captain is assigned to form a group of special forces to stop rustlers stealing cattle and taking them across the Rio Grande. Original Radio Broadcast Date:June 13, 1954 Guest Host: Andrew Rhynes of the OTR Westerns Podcast Originated from Hollywood Starred: Lloyd Talbot as Captain McNally 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 83715Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call 208-991-4783 Become one of ourfriends on Facebook .Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives

Duration:00:58:51

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Screen Guild Theater: A Night to Remember

4/16/2023
Today's Mystery: A mystery writer (Brian Donlevy) and his wife (Lucille Ball) move into a basement apartment in the East Village one night. In the morning, they find a body in their garden.' Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 1, 1944 Originated in HollywoodStars: Brian Donlevy as Jeff Troy, Lucille Ball as Nancy Troy 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 83715Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of ourfriends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives

Duration:00:37:24

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Lux Radio Theater: Sorry, Wrong Number (AWR0215)

3/22/2023
A wealthy woman (Barbara Stanwyck) overhears two men planning a murder on the phone. (Burt Lancaster co-stars.) Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 9, 1950 Go to http://amazing.greatdetectives.net to subscribe to the podcast. Brought to you by the support of our Patreon listeners…http://patreon.greatdetectives.net

Duration:01:17:57

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Twice Told Tale: The Abbotts and It's a Crime, Mr. Collins: The Fabulous Emerald Necklace

3/12/2023
Today's Mystery:Pat uses Jean as a decoy to capture a jewel robber who murdered a wealthy man. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 3, 1955 Greg uses Gail as a decoy to capture a jewel robber who murdered a wealthy man Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 2, 1957 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 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives

Duration:01:06:25

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Jack Carson Show: Sam Spade

3/5/2023
Today's Mystery: Jack Carson calls in Sam Spade for protection after receiving a threatening telegram. Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 5, 1947 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 Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Duration:00:35:59