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
Screen Director’s Playhouse: Chicago Deadline [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:09
Original Release Date: October 25, 2010A reporter (Alan Ladd) finds a woman dead of TB and is determined to find out why she died.Original Air Date: March 24, 1950Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectiv…
Suspense: The Khandi Tooth Caper [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:13
Release Date: July 31, 2010In this made-for-radio sequel to the Maltese Falcon, Casper Guttman (Joseph Kearns) returns, but this time he’s seeking a piece of dental work.Original Air Date: January 10, 1948Support the sho…
Suspense: The One Way Ride to Nowhere [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:34
Original Release Date: May 22, 2010A psychologist is found dead on a roller coaster after a ride, but he wasn’t on board when the roller coaster left.Original Air Date: January 6, 1944Support the show monthly at https://…
Suspense: Crank Letter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:16
Today's Mystery: A police lieutenant is notified that a doctor has received threatening letters.Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 21, 1960Originating from New YorkStarring: Les Damon as Lieutenant Paul Nieman; Lyle…
Screen Guild Theater: The Maltese Falcon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:24
Original Release Date: March 13, 2010In this 1943 adaptation of the original hardboiled detective story: Miles Archer, the partner of Sam Spade (played by Humphrey Bogart) is killed while shadowing someone for a client (…
Lux Radio Theater: Street With No Name [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:45
Today's Mystery: An FBI agent (Mark Stevens) goes undercover in the gang of an up-and-coming racketeer (Richard Widmark).Origianl Air Date: January 31, 1949Originating in HollywoodStarring: Mark Stevens as Agent Gene Cor…
This is Your FBI: The Return of Saint Nick [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:11
Today's Mystery: FBI Special Agent Jim Taylor delays his vacation home. to find a Settlement House Santa Clause who disappeared.Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 22, 1950Starring Stacy Harris as Special Agent Jim T…
Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Nick Shurn Matter Omnibus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:24:10
Today's Mystery: At Christmastime, Johnny has to find a beautiful woman, who is the only one who knows the truth behind the murder of a New York club owner, before the killer does.Original Radio Broadcast Dates: December…