Advertise on podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas

Todays Mystery: Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Frank Smith investigate a series of forged payroll checks passed at Hollywood-area supermarkets. The checks were stolen from a neighborhood grocery store, and the swindler has been using a driver's license to establish his identity. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 21, 1952 Originating from Hollywood Cast: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday Vic Perrin as Sergeant Frank Smith Herb Ellis Cliff Arquette Virginia Gregg Hal Gibney — announcer George Fenneman — commercial spokesman Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day:  Chuck D777, a Patreon supporter since September 2022 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 Become one of ourfriends on Facebook. 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.

Today's Mystery: When a middle-aged widow is found shot to death on a college campus, Detective Danny Clover investigates her relationship with a young football star. But when the athlete is also found murdered, Clover's investigation turns toward a wealthy alumnus who has taken an extraordinary interest in the young man's career. Original Radio Broadcast Date:November 22, 1952 Originated in Hollywood Cast: Larry Thor as Detective Danny Clover Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan Paula Winslowe as Claire Davey Lou Merrill as Don Davey Joyce McCluskey Eddie Fields Tom Tully Bill Anders — announcer Production Credits: Morton Fine and David Friedkin, writers; Elliott Lewis, producer and director; Alexander Courage, composer and conductor. Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: 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 Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Today's Mystery: When wealthy aircraft manufacturer Robert Halliday sets out to have two valuable diamonds made into a birthday present for his daughter Dora, a chance encounter with a young woman leaves him drugged and robbed. Investigating on behalf of the insurance company, Burton Trent suspects that the theft was carefully planned.Original Radio Broadcast:Unknown. The episode is believed to have aired sometime between 1938 and 1942, possibly before or shortly after Australia's entry into World War II. Originating in Brisbane Starring the 4BC PlayersSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day:Robert, Patreon supporter since March 2025. 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 Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives

Today's Mystery: A bride arrives at the church ready to marry the man she loves, only to discover that the groom has vanished. Desperate for answers, she turns to Simon Templar. But as the Saint begins investigating, he uncovers a complicated web of relationships, deception, and danger—and the missing groom may not be the only person in trouble. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 11, 1951 Originating from Hollywood Cast: Vincent Price as Simon Templar, the SaintLarry Dobkin as LouieViola Vaughn as MarieSharon Douglas as Carol BlairSheldon Leonard as Anthony DuganTed Osborne as Uncle Theobald BlairFrank Gerstle as Lieutenant ArcherSupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Bettina, supporting the podcast 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…http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give 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 Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Today’s Mystery: The wife of a successful comic strip artist fears that her husband is planning to murder her. As his popular detective strip, Buzz O’Keefe, builds toward the gruesome death of a character modeled after her, she becomes convinced that her husband intends to carry out the same crime in real life. She turns to the district attorney for protection, but the approaching midnight deadline brings unexpected revelations. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 24, 1944 Production Credits: Corporal Frederick Mitchell, writer; Jack Miller, composer and conductor; Jeffrey Barnes, host; Dan Seymour, announcer.Originated from New York City Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Emmett, Patreon supporter since March 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…http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give 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 Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Today's Adventure: Eight desperate refugees board a plane in Cuba, hoping to reach the United States and escape their uncertain fate. But their journey takes a horrifying turn when the pilot receives orders to abandon his human cargo thousands of feet above the Caribbean. As David Harding investigates the disappearance, he uncovers a ruthless smuggling operation involving blackmail, betrayal, and a dangerous mastermind who will stop at nothing to protect his business. Original Radio Broadcast: April 11, 1950 Originating in New York Cast: Don McLaughlin as David Harding Mandell Kramer as Harry Peters Jay Jackson as Announcer To subscribe to this podcast and, go to https://greatadventures.info/ Become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Burke, a Secret Agent-level supporter since March 2026 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

Today's Mystery: Johnny Dollar's investigation into the Buffalo Emporium robbery takes an unexpected turn when he discovers that the missing $421,216 may be aboard a yacht belonging to wealthy businessman McNair off the Canadian shore of Lake Erie. But a violent storm has left him stranded in Buffalo, and the criminals may disappear as soon as the weather clears. With time running out, Johnny comes up with an unconventional plan to reach the yacht. Getting aboard, however, may prove considerably more dangerous than getting there. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 11, 1959 Originating from Hollywood Cast: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar Virginia Gregg as Pat McCracken Howard McNear as Mr. McNair Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Cindy, a Detective Sergeant-level supporter since March 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 Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Todays Mystery: When a young man is found beaten to death in a vacant lot, Detective Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Frank Smith face a baffling case with little physical evidence and no obvious motive. The victim seemed to have a promising future, a steady job, and no known enemies. But a late-night meeting at a billiard hall may hold the key to uncovering what happened—and identifying the men responsible. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 14, 1952 Originating from Hollywood Cast: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe FridayKen Patterson as Sergeant Frank SmithGwen DelanoJack KruschenSupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Bettina, a 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…http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give 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 Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Today's Mystery: When jazz musician Kenny Purdue is found stabbed to death in the bedroom of a party host, Detective Danny Clover begins investigating the people who knew him. Among them are a former roommate, a woman who once loved him, and a young wife struggling with the absence of her husband, a soldier serving in Korea. As Clover follows the trail through Broadway’s nightlife, he encounters a troubled story of loneliness, grief, and guilt. But what really happened to Kenny Purdue? Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 15, 1952 Originated in Hollywood Cast: Larry Thor as Detective Danny CloverCharles Calvert as Sergeant Gino TartagliaJack Kruschen as McGavinSammy Hill as Karen MarlinWhitfield ConnorCharlotte LawrencePaul FreesJerry HausnerSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Russell, supporting the podcast for 10 years 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 Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Today's Mystery: When wealthy invalid Oliver Deems is shot while sitting in his garden, the circumstances seem to make the murder impossible. No one appears to have been close enough to fire the fatal shot, and the few people who might have had a motive all have seemingly airtight alibis. Detective Burton Trent joins Scotland Yard’s MacDonald Craig to investigate a baffling case involving a suspicious neighbor, a missing rifle cartridge, and an unusual contraption. Can Trent uncover the secret behind a murder that appears to have been committed from nowhere? Original Radio Broadcast: May 15, 1938 Originating in Brisbane Starring the 4BC Players Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: JL, supporting the podcast since November 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…http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Today's Mystery: Simon Templar’s visit to a traveling carnival takes a sinister turn when Mona, the buried-alive performer, secretly begs for help. Haunted by the mysterious death of her sister Angie, Mona fears she may suffer the same fate. As the Saint investigates the carnival’s guarded secrets, a suspected poisoning and a web of troubled relationships lead him toward a dangerous truth. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 4, 1951 Originating from Hollywood Cast: Vincent Price as Simon Templar, the SaintMary Shipp as MonaSheldon Leonard as the carnival barkerBob Jellison as CarlosEd Mack as SegundoHenny Backus as Bea St. ClairHarry Bartell as Frankie FowlerHarry Brown as the doctorSupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Laura, supporting the podcast since April 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…http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give 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 Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

This special edition of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio revisits seven standout episodes from the season, spanning police procedurals, true-crime reporting, wartime espionage, murder mysteries, and insurance investigations. The selections range from Dragnet and The Big Story to Cloak and Dagger, Broadway's My Beat, The Saint, Proudly We Hail, and Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar. Along the way, host Adam Graham revisits memorable performances, surprising plot developments, and the real-life stories behind some of the dramas. The compilation offers a varied look at classic radio storytelling, culminating in one of Johnny Dollar's most extraordinary investigations.The chapter times below come from the uploaded compilation notes. Origination locations follow your requested convention. Featured Episodes 1. Dragnet — “The Big Hit and Run Killer” November 8, 1951 • Originating from Hollywood Plot Summary: Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Ben Romero investigate a hit-and-run accident in which a speeding bakery truck strikes an elderly woman and her nine-year-old grandson in a pedestrian crosswalk. With no license plate number and only limited eyewitness information, the detectives must trace the vehicle and establish who was driving it. Known Cast: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Herb Butterfield. George Fenneman is also identified as announcer. 2. The Big Story — “The Cord Around Her Neck”• January 9, 1952 • Originating from New York Plot Summary: When a woman is discovered murdered in her West Seattle home, West Seattle Herald reporter Stuart Whitehouse recognizes an opportunity to break a major story ahead of the city's larger newspapers. With his weekly paper's deadline approaching, Whitehouse follows the evidence in hopes of identifying the killer before the presses roll. Known Cast: Nat Polen as Stuart Whitehouse; Margaret Burlen; Helen Barron; Larry Haines; Bill Griffiths; Bert Callen; John Becker; Steve Edders; Michael O'Day. 3. Cloak and Dagger — “The Last Mission” • September 29, 1950 • Originating from New Yor Plot Summary: In wartime Canton, China, a woman whose family has been murdered by Japanese military forces becomes involved with the Office of Strategic Services. Her personal tragedy leads to an unusual connection with American intelligence and a dangerous mission against the occupying forces. Known Cast: Bryna Raeburn; Ian Martin; Arnold Moss; Ralph Bell; Raymond Edward Johnson; Karl Webber. 4. Broadway's My Beat — “The Lynn Halstead Murder Case”January 19, 1952 • Originating from Hollywood Plot Summary: Detective Danny Clover investigates when a young woman's body is recovered from the river and identified by her grieving father. The case takes a bewildering turn when another woman appears, claiming to be the supposed murder victim. Clover must unravel the secrets surrounding a private secretary whose carefully concealed personal life makes identifying the dead woman only the beginning of the mystery. Known Cast: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan; William Conrad as John Martin; Herb Butterfield as Dr. Halstead; Hy Averback; Joyce McCluskey; Bob Bruce.Production: Elliott Lewis, producer and director; Alexander Courage, composer and conductor .5. The Adventures of the Saint — “The Cake That Killed”• January 8, 1950 • Originating from Hollywood Plot Summary: Simon Templar visits a bakery and encounters a distressed woman who gives him a cake under unusual circumstances. What begins as a seemingly innocent errand soon draws the Saint into a tangled affair involving theft and murder, where an ordinary baked good becomes the unlikely starting point for a criminal investigation. Known Cast: Vincent Price as Simon Templar; Betty Lou Gerson; Peter Leeds; Dan O'Herlihy; Larry Dobkin; Theodore von Eltz. 6. Proudly We Hail — “First Choice” July 10, 1946 • Originating from Hollywood Plot Summary: Powerful political figure Duke O'Hara stands on the verge of securing his party's nomination for governor. But on the evening that should mark his greatest political triumph, an unexpected revelation threatens his ambitions and marriage. As the nomination celebration unfolds, O'Hara must confront a difficult choice between political success and his personal loyalties. Known Cast:   Clark Gable as Duke O'Hara Tom Petty — writer Eddie Scrivanek — music C. P. MacGregor — host/presenter 7. Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar — “The Glacier Ghost Matter” May 12, 1957 • Originating from Hollywood Plot Summary: Insurance investigator Johnny Dollar is called upon to verify the fate of a businessman who disappeared on the Palisades Glacier. Establishing whether the missing man is truly dead presents an extraordinary challenge, sending Johnny into treacherous mountain terrain in search of physical evidence that can settle the insurance claim.   Known Cast: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; John Dehner; Herb Ellis; Virginia Gregg; Forrest Lewis; James McCallion; Tom Hanley; John James.   Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Become one of our Ongoing Patreon Supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Daniel, Patreon supporter since August 2024. 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 Become one of our friends on Facebook. 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.

Today's Adventure: Harry Peters is critically wounded in a mysterious shooting while interviewing a European scientist working on a secret American government project. As David Harding searches for the gunman, Peters' life hangs in the balance, and Harding must arrange an urgent consultation with a renowned brain surgeon who is traveling through South America. Meanwhile, an unusual clue raises questions about the identity of the attacker and the intended target. Original Radio Broadcast: April 4, 1950 Originating in New York Cast: Don McLaughlin as David Harding Mandel Kramer as Harry Peters Leonard L. Bass, director Paul Milton, writer Jesse Crawford, music Philip H. Lord, producer Jay Jackson, announcer To subscribe to this podcast and, go to https://greatadventures.info/ Become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Amy Sue, Patreon supporter since April 2026 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

Today's Mystery: A Buffalo department store loses more than $421,000 in a daring vault robbery, and the police have few leads. Johnny Dollar arrives to investigate, but the evidence raises troubling questions about a trusted employee, suspicious recommendations, and a getaway that may be closer than anyone realizes. When an attempt is made to stop Johnny from digging deeper, he must act quickly to track down the thieves and recover the missing fortune. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 4, 1959 Originating from Hollywood Cast: Bob Bailey as Johnny DollarLawrence DobkinBartlett RobinsonJames McCallionDick CrennaJunius MatthewsGil StrattonSupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Emily, a Patreon supporter since February 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 http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Todays Mystery: Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Frank Smith investigate the robbery of an elderly diamond dealer who was lured to a hotel room and assaulted by a seemingly respectable businessman. With more than $150,000 in diamonds missing, the detectives struggle to locate the thief until a suspect is caught attempting to sell some of the stolen stones. However, the suspect's unusual appetite for fine dining complicates their efforts to uncover the truth. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 7, 1952 Originating from Hollywood Cast: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday Vic Perrin as Sergeant Frank Smith Herb Ellis Vic Rodman John Robinson — writer Walter Schumann — music Hal Gibney — announcer Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day:Daniel, Patreon supporter since August 2024. 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 Become one of our friends on Facebook. 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.