Lux Radio Theater: The Fallen Sparrow

Lux Radio Theater: The Fallen Sparrow

Author: Adam Graham June 21, 2026 Duration: 1:05:47
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

Starred: Robert Young as John McKittrick, Maureen O'Hara as Elma Don, and 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.

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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: 50

Old Time Radio Mystery Specials
Podcast Episodes
Campbell’s Playhouse: The Murder of Roger Akroyd [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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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…
Holmes for the Holiday: Two Christmas Mysteries [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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As we get ready for Christmas, we bring you two original old time radio Christmas plays featuring Sherlock Holmes. First up is The Night Before Christmas.On Christmas, one of Moriarity’s henchmen switches Christmas sacks…
Murder Clinic: A Scrap of Lace [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:39
Release Date: December 3, 2011A charming young woman is murdered and Madam Rosika Storey is called in to find out who did it and save a prominent family from scandal.Original Air Date: September 22, 1942Support the show…
The Best of the 2024-25 Season [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:42:15
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"…
Columbia Workshop: Murder in Studio One [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:54
Release Date: October 29, 2011A female detective tries to solve a murder in a radio studio in the series 26 by Corwin. Original Air Date: October 12, 1941Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.netSupport the…
Lux Radio Theater: To the Ends of the Earth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:11
Release Date: September 24, 2011Narcotics Commissioner Michael Barrows (Dick Powell) witnesses a Japanese sea captain throwing 100 slaves overboard to cover up a narcotics ring. Barrows is determined to get justice and s…
WW2 Special: Suspense: Menace in Wax and You Were Wonderful [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:09
Release Date: July 16, 2011This Suspense doublebill features two episodes of CBS’ signature anthology series.First in "Menace in Wax," a reporter is summoned to a wax museum and finds a code that could spell trouble for…
The Road to the Valentine Matter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:44:36
Today we take a look at the evolution of E. Jack Neumann's story that became the five-part Johnny Dollar serial.Jeff Regan: The Man in the ChurchRegan is hired for a simple job of delivering $5,000 to a man, but finds hi…
The Hardy Family: The Case of the Missing Warehouse [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:45
Today's Mystery: Andy Hardy takes a job as a night watchman only to seemingly have the whole warehouse he's guarding disappear.Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 10, 1951Originating from HollywoodStarring: Mickey Roone…