Fifteen Years Ago

Fifteen Years Ago

Author: Adam Graham October 20, 2024 Duration: 3:10:56
This week, we look back at our first week of podcasts from 2009, with Adam's current extended thoughts on each episode and reaction to his own commentar. 

Original Podcast Release Date: October 26, 2009

Dan Holiday tries to jumpstart his writing career through an ad in a newspaper. His first letter is from a woman who tells Dan she’s being blackmailed.

Original Radio Air Date: October 17, 1947

Originating in Hollywood

Starring: Alan Ladd as Dan Holiday; Sylvia Picker as Suzie

Original Podcast Release Date: October 27, 2009

Pat Novak is hired to frighten a man named Dixie Gillian, but when an empty gun goes off, he finds himself facing a murder charge.
 
“You couldn’t hold a moth with a searchlight.” - Pat Novak to Hellman
 
Original Air Date: November 24, 1946
 
Originating in San Francisco
 
Starring: Jack Webb as Pat Novak; Tudor Owen as Jocko Madigan
 
Original Podcast Release Date: October 28, 2009

On his first day as a private detective, George Valentine gets his first client - a famous writer who tells him he’s about to be murdered and then collapses on the spot. The body then vanishes, leaving George to find out what happened.

Original Audition Date: May 14, 1946

Originating in Hollywood

Starring: Bob Bailey as George Valentine; Shirley Mitchell as Claire; Eddie Firestone, Jr. as Sonny; Joseph Kearns; Georgia Backus; Howard McNear; Horace Murphy
 
Original Podcast Release Date: October 30, 2009

Johnny Dollar is retained to protect a man who has threatened suicide after making a notorious gambling kingpin the beneficiary on his life insurance policy.
 
Original Audition Date: December 7, 1948
 
Starring: Dick Powell as Johnny Dollar; William Conrad; Betty Lou Gerson; Joseph Kearns
 
Guest: Andrew Rhynes of the OTR Westerns podcast

The Great Detectives Old Time Radio Volume 1 (Seasons 1-3): https://volume1.greatdetectives.net
 
The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio Volume 2 (Seasons 4-6) https://volume2.greatdetectives.net
 
The Great Detectives of Old TIme Radio Volume 3 (Seasons 7-9) https://volume3.greatdetectives.net
 
The Great Detectives of Old TIme Radio Detective Compilation YouTube Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDFIOdWlnzL-YP6EZpi6JI1nLn6Hm4tAI


Also referenced: Podcast Alley and The Radio Detective Story Hour
 
Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net

Patreon Supporter of the Day: Judith, Patreon supporter since May 2021

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

Curated by Adam Graham, Old Time Radio Mystery Specials digs into the archives to surface some of the most intriguing and offbeat detective stories from the golden age of audio drama. This podcast isn't just a straightforward replay; it's a curated exploration of the genre's surprising range. You'll hear classic movie adaptations from the Lux Radio Theater alongside tense half-hours from series like Escape, Suspense, and Murder Clinic. But the selections often take unexpected turns, featuring mystery-themed episodes from shows you wouldn't typically associate with the genre, like Roy Rogers, Mayor of the Town, Superman, and Cavalcade of America. Graham also provides a fascinating layer of analysis by presenting comparisons of how two different detective programs tackled the exact same source story, offering a unique look at creative interpretation in classic radio. The result is a collection that goes beyond the usual suspects, perfect for longtime fans looking for deep cuts and newcomers curious about the inventive breadth of old-time radio mystery. Each episode is a self-contained audio journey, preserving the crackle and charm of the original broadcasts while framing them in a fresh context. Tune in for suspense, nostalgia, and a few genuine surprises from a bygone era of storytelling.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Old Time Radio Mystery Specials
Podcast Episodes
50th Anniversary of the End of the Golden Age of Radio [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:17
Release Date: September 30, 2012The golden age of radio came to an end with episodes of Yours Truly Johnny Dollar and Suspense. In the “Tip-Off Matter,” an ex-con tells Johnny the location of his loot. In “Devilstone,” a…
Proudly We Hail: Follow that Man [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:14
Today's Mystery: A private detective is hired to located a woman's brother who is tied into underworld activity.Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 29, 1950Originating in New YorkStarring: Lee Tracy as Clint Flint, Mi…
Lux Radio Theater: Captain Carey USA [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:38
Release Date: June 30, 2012A former O.S.S. Officer returns to Italy to locate the person who betrayed him and his compatriots to the Nazis.Original Air Date: February 2, 1953Support the show monthly at https://patreon.gr…
Suspense: The Crowd [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:59
Original Release Date: June 16, 2012 A police lieutenant hunts a murderer whose crimes are always accompanied by a crowd. Original Air Date: September 27, 1950Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.n…
The Silent Men: The Big Kill and Night Beat: Ellen (Twice-Told Tale) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:43
Today's 1st Mystery: An investigator for the Civil Aviation Administration gets a call warning of a bomb on a plane.Original Radio Broadcast: February 3, 1952Originating in HollywoodStarring Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.Today's…
Screen Guild Theater: The Glass Key [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:25
Today's Story: The best friend and top lieutenant of a political boss finds himself in the midst of a murder that threatens his boss's career.Original Air Date: July 22, 1946Originating from HollywoodStarring: Alan Ladd;…
Screen Guild Theater: My Favorite Brunette [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:32
Today's Mystery: A baby photographer impersonates an out-of-town private investigator and gets mixed up with a beautiful woman who wants him to find her missing uncle.Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 13, 1947Origin…
Mystery Award Theater: The Screwball Division [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:51
Release Date: April 21, 2012The youngest and oldest detectives on the force turn to a drunk former detective to solve three murders that occurred at the same time.Original Air Date: June 13, 1949Support the show monthly…
Murder Clinic: The Tragedy at Marsden Manor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:43
Release Date: March 13, 2012Poirot is called upon by the insurance to investigate the apparent natural death of a wealthy man who just passed a physical for a life insurance policy for his young wife.Original Air Date: O…
Campbell’s Playhouse: The Murder of Roger Akroyd [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:53
Release Date: March 6, 2012While trying to retire, Poirot investigates the murder of a rich man in the country.Original Air Date: November 12, 1939Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netSupport th…