Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)

We're back in court with four radio mysteries involving lawyers, juries, and trials. A lone holdout tries to convince his fellow jurors of a defendant's innocence in "The Eleventh Juror" from The Mollé Mystery Theatre (AFRS rebroadcast from April 3, 1945), and Mr. District Attorney chases down a robbery ring in "The Case of Murder A La Carte" (originally aired on NBC on March 9, 1949). A defense attorney is the only man who can prove his client's guilt in "The Trigger Man" from The Whistler (originally aired on CBS on August 7, 1949), and Philip Marlowe is hired to clear a man on trial for murder in "The Quiet Magpie" (originally aired on CBS on August 11, 1950).

The doctors are in with these four old time radio mysteries. A doctor hires Dick Powell and then jumps out of the window in Richard Diamond, Private Detective (originally aired on NBC on August 23, 1950). Joe Friday is on the trail of a phony physician in "The Big Quack" from Dragnet (originally aired on NBC on October 12, 1950). A crooked doctor sets up fake accidents in "No Insurance" from The FBI in Peace and War (AFRS rebroadcast from November 22, 1951). And Frank Sinatra comes to the aid of a doctor with a dilemma close to home in "Honor Among Thieves" from Rocky Fortune (originally aired on NBC on March 2, 1954).

Lordy, Lordy - your host is turning 40. To mark the occasion, I'm looking back at the old time radio detective shows I've enjoyed the most over these many years. Join me as I revisit stories starring Philip Marlowe, Sherlock Holmes, Ellery Queen, The Whistler, The Saint, Richard Diamond, Rocky Fortune, and Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar, as well as why I love them. (Bear with me for the long intro...this old man tends to ramble on these days.)

We're off to the Caribbean with four old time radio mysteries full of island intrigue. An American professor finds murder on sabbatical in "A Passage to Benares" from Suspense (originally aired on CBS on September 23, 1942). Joan Banks pulls Frank Lovejoy into a dangerous salvage operation in "Chain Reaction" from The Whistler (originally aired on CBS on May 12, 1948).  Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall bring their combined star power to tropical thrills in Bold Venture (a syndicated episode known as "Murder in the Yucatán Peninsula"). And finally, Johnny Dollar boards a yacht to act as a bodyguard in "The Time and Tide Matter" (AFRS rebroadcast from February 16, 1958).

In this bonus episode, I'm sharing my five favorite installments of Barrie Craig, Confidential Investigator. William Gargan sleuths with a sardonic smile in these radio mysteries, beginning with "The Lost Lady" (originally aired on NBC on June 14, 1953). A client behind bars hires Craig in "For Love of Murder" (originally aired on NBC on August 3, 1954), and Craig helps an old colleague close one last case in "Blood Money" (originally aired on NBC on August 24, 1954). A vacation is a new setting for murder in "Hay is for Homicide" (originally aired on NBC on August 31, 1954), and a visit to see a friend turns into a night at a haunted house in "Ghosts Don't Die in Bed" (originally aired on NBC on September 7, 1954).

Place your bets and ride along with four old time radio mysteries set in the stables and around the racetrack. Boston Blackie doubts a horse is guilty of murder in a syndicated mystery, and international investigator Frank Race tries to find out who's out to make sure a prize racehorse doesn't make it to the winner's circle in "The Adventure of the Vanishing Favorite." A jockey loses a race and his life in Crime and Peter Chambers (originally aired on NBC on August 3, 1954). And John Gielgud and Ralph Richardson are Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in an adaptation of "Silver Blaze."

We're riding the subway and walking the Great White Way with four radio gumshoes in New York. First, there's a dead body in Richard Diamond's office in "The Fred Sears Murder Case" (originally aired on NBC on June 5, 1949). A man is killed in Times Square by a man with only a month to live in "The Earl Lawson Murder Case" from Broadway is My Beat (originally aired on CBS on June 9, 1951). John Lund heads to the Big Apple in "The Independent Diamond Traders Matter" from Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar (originally aired on CBS on November 24, 1953), and Captain Kennelly and his men keep the city safe in 21st Precinct (originally aired on CBS on January 13, 1954).

It's an Easter basket of radio comedies for you to enjoy! Jack Benny and his gang take a stroll in the Easter Parade (originally aired on CBS on April 17, 1949); Lucille Ball hunts for the perfect Easter dress in My Favorite Husband (originally aired on CBS on March 24, 1951); and egg dying goes awry at the Harris house on The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show (originally aired on NBC on April 5, 1953).

Break out your bracket for three basketball mysteries from the golden age of radio. First, newspaper editor Steve Wilson ties an assault to a gambling racket in "The Fatal Fix" from Big Town (originally aired on NBC on January 25, 1949). Next, Tony Curtis is a college star under pressure to throw a game in "The McKay College Basketball Scandal" from Suspense (originally aired on CBS on September 24, 1951). Finally, Larry Haines is ex-magician turned PI Mike Trent, who uses his tricks of the trade against a deadly ring of gamblers in Easy Money (originally aired on NBC on January 9, 1955).

Grab a pint, don your green, and enjoy a trio of St. Patrick's Day old time radio mysteries. First, Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce investigate a murder at one of Ireland's landmarks in "The Adventure of the Blarney Stone" from The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (originally aired on Mutual on March 18, 1946). Then, George Valentine tries to prevent a spectral eviction in "The Ghost of Ireland Betty" from Let George Do It (originally aired on Mutual on September 27, 1954). Finally, Paladin comes to the aid of an Irishman accused of robbery and murder in "Irish Luck" (originally aired on CBS on April 24, 1960).

Show off those pearly whites and enjoy three old time radio mysteries involving teeth and dentists. First, Casey, Crime Photographer thinks a dentist is linked to a colleague's disappearance in "Tooth for Tooth" (originally aired on CBS on July 15, 1946). Then, a victim's teeth hold the key to solving a murder on Whitehall 1212 (known as "The Murder of Duncan Frazier," originally aired on NBC on December 9, 1951). Finally, Dane Clark tries to find out who's blackmailing a dentist in Crime and Peter Chambers (originally aired on NBC on May 18, 1954).

In this bonus episode, we're saluting the late Anne Whitfield, who passed away on February 15th. We'll hear the actress in a pair of episodes from The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show, where she played the couple's youngest daughter Phyllis. First, little Phyllis may become a movie star (originally aired on NBC on November 20, 1949) and then she celebrates her birthday (originally aired on NBC on January 21, 1951).

We're blasting off this week for a trio of mysteries involving rockets and space. First, The Man Called X is in New Mexico to find out who's leaking classified information from a missile test site (originally aired on NBC on April 14, 1951). Next, Philo Vance investigates a murder in an observatory in the syndicated episode "The Star-Studded Murder Case." And finally, Frank Sinatra is hired to take a one-way trip to the moon in "Rocket Racket" from Rocky Fortune (originally aired on NBC on March 23, 1954).

In this bonus episode, we're going back to the beginning with the audition recordings for five old time radio detective shows - some that became regular series, some that didn't, and some that changed stars along the way. We'll hear Victor Jory as a Scotland Yard inspector in the tryout for The Hunters (recorded in November 1948) and Dick Powell - before he was Richard Diamond - as Johnny Dollar in that show's audition (recorded in December 1948). Bill Johnstone stars as Lt. Ben Guthrie in Police Line-Up, the audition for what became The Line-Up (recorded in May 1950) and Mercedes McCambridge heads to court in The Defense Rests, which premiered later as Defense Attorney (recorded in April 1951). Finally, Howard Duff - radio's Sam Spade - dons the fedora of private eye Mike McCoy in the audition for The McCoy (recorded in April 1951).

Hope you brought your appetite - this week's show features four mysteries set in the world of food. From restaurants to the grocery store, our detectives have a lot to chew on in these cases. First, Boston Blackie investigates a murder in a Chinese restaurant and Dan Holiday comes to the aid of a beleaguered restauranteur in "Tempest in a Casserole" from Box 13. Dick Powell goes undercover in a butcher's shop in Richard Diamond, Private Detective (originally aired on NBC on January 7, 1950) and Johnny Dollar gets a deadly dinner invitation in "The Fatal Filet Matter" (originally aired on CBS on May 10, 1950).

We're making some large withdrawals at the bank this week with three old time radio tales of bank robbers and the cops who try to catch them. First, the G-Men are at work in "Quartet for Crime" from This is Your FBI (originally aired on ABC on November 24, 1950). Then, a man fresh out of prison signs on for a bank heist in "The Little Things" from The Whistler (originally aired on CBS on January 14, 1951). And finally, Sgt. Joe Friday is on the trail of a bank robber in "The Big Number" from Dragnet (originally aired on NBC on October 26, 1952).

Happy Valentine's Day! No matter how - or if - you're celebrating this February 14th, hopefully you'll enjoy this quartet of Valentine's comedies from the golden age of radio. We'll hear Fibber McGee and Molly (originally aired on NBC on February 10, 1942), My Favorite Husband (originally aired on CBS on February 11, 1949), The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show (originally aired on NBC on February 13, 1949), and Our Miss Brooks (originally aired on CBS on February 19, 1950).

In this bonus episode, we're walking the Night Beat with reporter Randy Stone in my five favorite episodes of this fantastic radio drama series. Frank Lovejoy stars as Stone, always looking for stories for his newspaper column and always ready to help people in need. We'll hear the show's first episode ("Zero," originally aired on NBC on February 6, 1950), where he helps a woman track down a man before he takes his own life, and a meeting with an unusual man who claims to have a sinister super power ("I Wish You Were Dead," originally aired on May 22, 1950). Randy meets a faded college football star in trouble with the mob ("The Football Player and the Syndicate," originally aired on NBC on June 12, 1950), and he dials a random phone number to find a woman in danger ("The City at Your Fingertips," originally aired on NBC on July 31, 1950). Finally, Randy and the police hunt for a contaminated case of butter that could unleash typhoid on the Windy City ("A Case of Butter," originally aired on NBC on September 25, 1950).

Love is in the air, but in these old time radio mysteries romance leads to violence. First, Marlene Dietrich's boyfriend takes the rap for a murder she committed in "The Lady from the Sea" from The Philip Morris Playhouse (originally aired on CBS on March 11, 1949). Next, as Ranger Jayce Pearson, Joel McCrea hunts an armed robber who targets couples in Lover's Lane in "Nighthawk" (originally aired on NBC on March 30, 1952). Finally, we'll head back to England in 1684 for "John & Judith - Their Crime, and Why They Didn't Get to Enjoy It," a true story of love and murder from Crime Classics (originally aired on CBS on December 16, 1953).

Old time radio fans will recognize some of their favorite performers' voices popping up in classic Disney films, and today we'll hear three of those stars in radio mysteries. Before she was Cruella de Vil in One Hundred and One Dalmatians, Betty Lou Gerson was a faded movie star who plans to marry into money in "The Girl Next Door" from The Whistler (originally aired on CBS on August 20, 1947). And years before he menaced Peter Pan as Captain Hook, Hans Conried played Sam Spade's client - a butler whose employers have a house full of secrets - in "The Bouncing Betty Caper" (an AFRS rebroadcast from December 12, 1948). Finally, you can still hear Paul Frees as the "Ghost Host" of the Haunted Mansion, and we'll also enjoy his performance as an eccentric poet in "The Cloak of Kamehameha" from The Adventures of Philip Marlowe (originally aired on CBS on April 23, 1949).

Extra, extra! It's an above the fold bonus podcast where I share my favorite episodes of Casey, Crime Photographer. Casey chases crooks and a great picture for the front page of his paper in these five radio mysteries. First, it's a case of mistaken and identity and murder in "The Red Raincoat" (originally aired on CBS on August 29, 1946) and a killer on the loose in "Death in Lover's Lane" (originally aired on CBS on August 7, 1947). A criminal spares a woman's life and wins her heart in "The Chivalrous Gunman" (originally aired on CBS on August 14, 1947) and Casey meets an aspiring crime photographer in "The Camera Bug" (originally aired on CBS on October 16, 1947). Finally, Casey tries to clear a woman of fraud charges in "The Blonde's Lipstick" (originally aired on CBS on November 6, 1947).

Children (and mystery fans) of all ages - join us this week for a quartet of old time radio capers set at the circus. First, a lion tamer is caught in a lethal love triangle in "Serenade Macabre" from Crime Club (originally aired on Mutual on July 24, 1947). Next, Bob Bailey is hired to protect a trapeze artist who's receiving threats in "A Piece of Publicity" from Let George Do It (originally aired on Mutual on June 14, 1948). A trip to the circus leads Bulldog Drummond to "Death Under the Big Top" (originally aired on Mutual on July 7, 1948), and Orson Welles hunts a war criminal in "Harry Joins the Circus" from The Lives of Harry Lime.

These spiritulaists can't really communicate with the world beyond our own, but they do manage to inspire a trio of old time radio mysteries where our detective heroes must contend with some mediums who aren't well done. First, Jeff Regan is hired to protect a psychic consultant in "The Man Who Lived by the Sea," (originally aired on CBS on December 18, 1948). Then, IRchard Diamond must expose a phony mentalist who's bilking a family out of their fortune (originally aired on NBC on September 10, 1949). And finally, Paul Frees - a man of a thousand voices - stars as Mr. Aladdin - "the man who can do anything" who is hired by a woman who suspects her late husband is back in canine form in "The Miracle of the Four-Legged Husband" (originally aired on CBS on September 9, 1951).

To kick off 2024, we're hitting the road with three old time radio mysteries centered on cars. First, Boston Blackie investigates a ring of car thieves after his girlfriend's wheels are swiped in a syndicated mystery starring Richard Kollmar. Next, the cops hunt a hit-and-run killer in The Line-Up (originally aired on CBS on August 3, 1950). Finally, Jack Webb is on the trail of a gang that strips cars for their parts in "The Big Paint" from Dragnet (originally aired on NBC on October 20, 1953).

It's Christmas with The Whistler as Down These Mean Streets signs off for 2023! Radio's celebrated sinister storyteller - played by Bill Forman - narrates a quartet of mysteries set against a holiday backdrop. We'll hear "Christmas Bonus" (originally aired on CBS on December 25, 1944), "Letter from Cynthia" (originally aired on CBS on December 25, 1949), "Three Wise Guys" (originally aired on CBS on December 24, 1950), and "Christmas Gift" (originally aired on CBS on December 23, 1951).

We need a little Christmas - and some Christmas mysteries! To celebrate the season, I'm sharing more of my favorite holiday adventures of old time radio detectives. Dr. Watson dresses as Santa and Sherlock Holmes thwarts a robbery in "The Night Before Christmas," with Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce in The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (originally aired on Mutual on December 24, 1945). On Casey, Crime Photographer, our hero spies a pickpocket at a department store and discovers a case of kidnapping and murder in "Christmas Shopping" (originally aired on CBS on December 19, 1946). Boston Blackie tries to catch a jewel thief on Christmas Eve in a syndicated mystery, and Candy Matson is hired to find one of Santa's helpers who's gone missing in "Jack Frost" (originally aired on NBC on December 10, 1949). Finally, Charles Russell is "the man with the action-packed expense account" in "Small Time Swindles of Big Time Department Stores, or How I Played Santa Claus and Almost Got Left Holding the Sack" from Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar (originally aired on CBS on December 24, 1949).

It's a birthday month tribute to Oscar-nominated actor Sydney Greenstreet. He made his film debut as the heavy in The Maltese Falcon, and he'd go on to appear in Casablanca, Christmas in Connecticut, and many more. He also spent a year starring on radio as Rex Stout's "gargantuan gourmet," Nero Wolfe. We'll hear him as Wolfe in "The Case of the Disappearing Diamonds" (originally aired on NBC on March 9, 1951) and "A Slight Case of Perjury" (originally aired on NBC on April 6, 1951). Plus, Greenstreet reunites with Peter Lorre as they recreate their roles from The Mask of Dimitrios on The Lady Esther Screen Guild Theatre (originally aired on CBS on April 16, 1945).

To some, it's just a pocketful of change, but in these three old time radio mysteries, coins play central parts in the crimes. First, Philip Marlowe hunts for a coin worth a cool $37,000 in "The Collector's Item" (originally aired on CBS on August 25, 1950). Then, Orson Welles tells how a single shilling was tied to a murder in a syndicated Scotland Yard story from The Black Museum. Finally, Bob Bailey stars as Johnny Dollar in a case involving Civil War currency - "The Confederate Coinage Matter" (AFRS rebroadcast; originally aired on CBS on July 28, 1957).

Note: No intro today but hopefully back soon. Thanks for your patience!

Before the pre-holiday shopping weekend comes to a close, here's Jack Webb as Sgt. Joe Friday in three authentic police histories from Dragnet. First, Friday is on the trail of a kleptomaniac in "The Big Shoplift" (originally aired on NBC on October 11, 1951). Then, a safecracker eludes the police in "The Big Safe" (originally aired on NBC on May 1, 1952). Finally, a missing body complicates an armed robbery investigation in "The Big Gone" (originally aired on NBC on November 30, 1954).

Happy Thanksgiving! As you hit the road, catch a flight, or start prepping the bird, enjoy five old time radio Turkey Day mysteries. First, Casey, Crime Photographer works to clear an ex-con framed for robbery in "After Turkey, the Bill" (originally aired on CBS on November 27, 1947). Then, Jack Webb encounters a modern-day Miles Standish and a turkey shoot more dangerous for man than bird in "The Pilgrim's Progress" from Jeff Regan, Investigator (originally aired on CBS on November 13, 1948). We're back in Casey country for "Holiday" (originally aired on CBS on November 25, 1948) and Bob Bailey stars in "Cause for Thanksgiving" from Let George Do It (originally aired on Mutual on November 20, 1950). Finally, Steve Dunne stars as Sam Spade and helps save a Tom Turkey who walks on two legs in "The Terrified Turkey Caper" (originally aired on NBC on November 24, 1950). Plus - special musical appearances by Jack Benny and Stan Freberg!

Note: Tis the season. My voice is gone thanks to allergies so no intro this time around!

We're going bananas this week with three old time radio mysteries featuring chimps along with clues and crimes. First, Philip Marlowe looks for an English butler who walks on his knuckles in "The Monkey's Uncle" (originally aired on CBS on March 7, 1950). Then, Simon Templar is saddled with a simian sidekick in "The Chiseling Chimpanzee" from The Saint (originally aired on NBC on December 10, 1950). Finally, Frank Sinatra is asked to serve as bodyguard for a chimp TV star - and later has to find the little guy when he's kidnapped in "Companion to a Chimp" from Rocky Fortune (originally aired on December 15, 1953).

In this bonus show, I'm sharing my five favorite episodes of Frank Sinatra trading crooning for crimesolving in Rocky Fortune. Ol' Blue Eyes starred in this short-lived series as a "footloose and fancy-free young gentleman" bouncing from job to job and finding mystery and murder wherever he landed. We'll hear Mr. Fortune as a cruise ship steward in "The Shipboard Jewel Robbery" (originally aired on NBC on October 20, 1953) and as the minder for a drunk theatre critic in "Murder on the Aisle" (originally aired on NBC on November 24, 1953). He tries not to get lassoed for a crime he didn't commit in "The Rodeo Murder" (originally aired on NBC on January 12, 1954) and he finds a fresh body in a sarcophagus in "The Museum Murder" (originally aired on NBC on January 19, 1954). Finally, Rocky is behind the wheel of a truck hauling nitro in "Hollywood or Boom" (originally aired on NBC on January 26, 1954).

The heat is on with three old time radio cases of arson. First, Boston Blackie investigates a convoluted case of a love triangle, a torched building, and murder. Then, it's "The Case of the Arrogant Arsonist," an adventure from Counterspy (originally aired on ABC on September 16, 1949) that finds government agent David Harding hunting an ex-Nazi working as a firebug in the US of A. Finally, John Lund stars as "the man with the action-packed expense account" in "The Lester Matson Matter" from Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar (AFRS rebroadcast; originally aired on September 8, 1953).

Danger comes in pairs in this week's quartet old time radio mysteries involving identical twins and dopplegangers. First, a gangster uses a lookalike drifter to create an "Alibi for Murder" on The Mollé Mystery Theatre (originally aired on NBC on March 22, 1946). Next, a pair of twin foals leads to a plot to fix races in "The Big Gamble" from The Whistler (originally aired on CBS on October 3, 1948). Finally, we'll hear Bob Bailey in two shows. First, he's George Valentine in Hawaii investigating a case of twin sister trouble in "Journey Into Hate" from Let George Do It (originally aired on Mutual on February 21, 1949), and then he's Johnny Dollar looking for a missing heir in "The Twisted Twin Matter" (originally aired on CBS on August 21, 1960).

With Halloween only a few days away, the sleuthing turns spooky with old time radio mysteries involving mummies. First, The Green Hornet discovers a murder in a museum, a missing ruby, and a sarcophagus crime scene in "Revenge for Melakim" (originally aired on ABC on June 15, 1944). Next, a fresh body is found in the place of a mummy in "Murder Makes a Mummy" from Crime Club (originally aired on ABC on May 29, 1947), and then William Gargan gets a mummy delivered to his office - along with a visit from an Egyptian princess - in "Never Murder a Mummy" from Barrie Craig, Confidential Investigator (originally aired on NBC on March 30, 1955).

The moon is full, there's a chill in the air, and everything smells like pumpkin spice. It's time for the annual Down These Mean Streets spooktacular special! We're trick-or-treating through the golden age of radio with eight shows that will get you in the Halloween spirit. First, Orson Welles goes for a drive in "The Hitch-hiker" from Suspense (originally aired on CBS on September 2, 1942), and Jack Benny and Harold Peary as The Great Gildersleeve each attend Halloween parties (originally aired on NBC on October 29, 1939 and October 31, 1943). We'll learn about real-life psychic phenomena in "Report on E.S.P" from The CBS Radio Workshop (originally aired on CBS on March 9, 1956) and we'll witness a small town's dark tradition in Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" from NBC Presents Short Story (originally aired on NBC on March 14, 1951). Abbott and Costello pay a visit to Peter Lorre's sanitarium (originally aired on NBC on January 13, 1944) and a recently departed soul learns the ropes in "Good Ghost," a darkly comedic tale from Quiet Please (originally aired on ABC on October 28, 1948). Finally, the world's greatest detective hunts for a supernatural suspect in "The Sussex Vampire" from The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (originally aired on Mutual on December 14, 1947).

Hold on to your wallets when you're around the smooth-talking con artists and swindlers in this week's show. Fortunately, some dogged radio detectives are also on hand to stop these scammers in their tracks. We'll hear "The Case of the Bookworm" from Bunco Squad (originally aired on CBS on April 20, 1952). Then, Sgt. Joe Friday tracks down a phony investment guru in "The Big Bunco" from Dragnet (originally aired on NBC on April 17, 1952), and on The Line-Up, Lt. Ben Guthrie pursues a crook preying on families of deceased soldiers in "The Buggered Bunco Boys" (originally aired on CBS on November 12, 1952).

It's time to match your powers of deduction against those of Ellery Queen and see if you can solve three baffling radio mysteries before he reveals the solutions. We'll hear the brilliant sleuth in "The Adventure of the Circus Train" (originally aired on NBC on March 28, 1943); "The Adventure of the Mischief Maker" (originally aired on NBC on January 15, 1944); and "The Three Frogs" (originally aired on ABC on April 29, 1948). Plus, some sixty-second Ellery Queen radio mysteries with quick puzzles for your sleuthing pleasure!

Ante up for three radio mysteries involving gamblers and the sometimes deadly bets they make. First, a pet shop owner is killed when he refuses to offer his store as a front for a gambling ring in Boston Blackie. Then, a real-life Chicago reporter cracks the case of a poker game that ends in murder on The Big Story (originally aired on NBC on April 4, 1951). And finally, Sgt. Joe Friday hunts for floating games in the City of Angels in "The Big Gamble" from Dragnet (originally aired on NBC on May 8, 1952).

It's a concert of crime in this week's episode, as two radio detectives tackle cases in the music world. First, Simon Templar investigates when a pianist is shot and killed at the keys. Vincent Price stars in "A Sonata for Slayers" from The Saint (originally aired on NBC on June 18, 1950). Then, Bob Bailey stars as Johnny Dollar in "The Ricardo Amerigo Matter," where "America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator" hunts for a missing violinist and his violin (originally aired on CBS between January 16 and January 20, 1956).

Hercule Poirot - Agatha Christie's brilliant Belgian sleuth - is back on the big screen in A Haunting in Venice. To celebrate his return, we'll hear three old time radio adventures of Poirot starring Harold Huber as the detective. We'll hear "Death in the Golden Gate" (originally aired on Mutual on May 17, 1945), "The Adventure of the Money Mad Ghoul" (originally aired on Mutual on September 13, 1945) and the series' audition episode "The Case of the Roving Corpse."

Actor Alan Ladd was born 110 years ago this month, and we're celebrating his life and career with four of his old time radio appearances. He plays mystery writer and amateur gumshoe Dan Holiday in "Diamond in the Sky" and "The Professor and the Puzzle," a pair of syndicated adventures from Box 13. Plus, he recreates his big screen role (and reunites with Veronica Lake) in The Blue Dahlia from The Screen Guild Theatre (originally aired on NBC on April 21, 1949) and he steps into the shoes of Walter Neff in Double Indemnity from Hollywood Star Time (originally aired on CBS on June 22, 1946).

It's time to sharpen those pencils and hit the books with four radio mysteries set in and around the classroom. First, a chemistry professor tries a blackmail experiment in "Hasty Conclusion" from The Whistler (originally aired on CBS on May 19, 1947) and Philip Marlowe's latest client is a Nebraska schoolteacher caught up in mystery and murder in "The Rustin Hickory" (originally aired on CBS on September 10, 1949). Then, Dana Andrews tries to thwart a Commie plot to infiltrate a college campus in "Little Red Schoolhouse" from I Was a Communist for the FBI and Joe Friday goes back to school to find an assailant targeting students in "The Big Knife" from Dragnet (originally aired on NBC on May 11, 1950).

In this bonus show, I'm opening the mail and picking out my five favorite episodes of Box 13. Alan Ladd stars as mystery writer and amateur detective Dan Holiday who finds his clients - and his story ideas - through a clever classified ad offering his services as an adventurer for hire. First, Holiday is hired to pose as a fiance in "Look Pleasant, Please" and he's pressed into a citywide scavenger hunt alongside a killer in "The Better Man." He works to save an innocent man from execution in "Hunt and Peck" and expose a cadre of crooked gamblers in "Much Too Lucky." Finally, a weekend getaway lands Holiday in the middle of a bitter family reunion and a series of dangerous practical jokes in "Death is No Joke."

Crime takes a dive in this week's episode of old time radio mysteries involving submarines, salvage divers, and the mysterious ocean floor. First, a love triangle leads to death at sea in "Dark Voyage" from The Whistler (originally aired on CBS on April 9, 1950). Then, Herbert Marshall hunts for a submarine targeting ships off India as The Man Called X (originally aired on NBC on February 3, 1951). And finally, G-men are on the job when a Nazi submarine drops off enemy agents in "The Saboteurs" (originally aired on ABC on March 30, 1951).

Danger flies high today with three old time radio mysteres involving airplanes. First, Frank Race is hired to deliver the plans for a million-dollar aircraft in the syndicated story "The Airborne Adventure." Next, Philip Marlowe's latest case leads to a team of daredevil skydivers and a deadly accident in "The Birds on the Wing" (originally aired on CBS on November 26, 1949). And finally, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. stars as a government agent hunting for the person who stowed a time bomb aboard a plane in "The Big Kill" from The Silent Men (originally aired on NBC on February 3, 1952).

The world of art and artists provides the backdrop for our four old time radio mysteries. First, Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce are Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson hunt for a stolen painting in "The Girl with the Gazelle" from The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (originally aired on Mutual on March 25, 1946). Next, an artist's sketch leads to a new adventure for Rocky Jordan in "Portrait of Rocky" (originally aired on CBS on April 3, 1949). Edmond O'Brien is on the case of a $250,000 art gallery heist in "The Missing Masterpiece" from Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar (originally aired on CBS on March 28, 1950). And finally, a forged painting leads to a new case for Mr. and Mrs. North in "Collector's Item" (AFRS rebroadcast from February 9, 1954).

It's an explosive adventure for the Man of Steel as he tries to thwart a plot by foreign spies. This adventure originally aired between April 21 and May 9, 1941. 

That's the bell, and we're underway with four old time radio mysteries set in and around the world of boxing. First, a fight fixer winds up dead in "Death is a Knock-out" from Crime Club (originally aired on Mutual on June 12, 1947).  Frank Race investigates when a boxer dies in the ring in the syndicated mystery "The Adventure of the Fourth Round Knock-Out," and The Falcon solves "The Case of the Bellicose Boxer" (originally aired on NBC on January 28, 1951). Finally, Detective Danny Clover tries to find out who left a boxer for dead in the river in "The Harry Brian Case" from Broadway is My Beat (originally aired on CBS on July 11, 1953).

Magicians may be able to fool an audience, but they can't fool these old time radio detectives. We'll hear four mysteries involving illusions, prestidigitation, and sleight of hand along with murder. First, a real-life magician is the inspiration for Blackstone, The Magic Detective and the mystery of "The Icy Touch" (originally aired on Mutual on December 5, 1948). Then, mystery writer and amateur sleuth Barton Drake finds murder at a magic show in Mystery is My Hobby. Philo Vance hunts for the killer of a magician in "The Magic Murder Case" and a competition between magicians turns deadly in "The Case of the Magic Rope" on Nick Carter, Master Detective (originally aired on Mutual on March 21, 1948).

Clark Kent and Jimmy Olsen set sail on the final voyage of the "Last of the Clipper Ships" and Superman finds adventure at sea in this serialized adventure that originally aired between March 5 and April 18, 1941).

Superman and the rest of the Daily Planet gang are on the hunt for a set of jade dragon's teeth - a set that when combined could hold the secrets to immortality in this ten-part radio adventure of the Man of Steel (originally aired between February 10 and March 3, 1941).

Say cheese! Our heroes in this week's episode are solving mysteries involving photographers and the photos they've taken. First, Casey, Crime Photographer hunts for picture-perfect proof of a killer's identity in "Murder in Black and White" (originally aired on CBS on March 18, 1948). Then, a nightclub photographer is marked for death in Richard Diamond, Private Detective (originally aired on NBC on August 9, 1949). And finally, George Valentine is tricked into a blackmail scheme where the blackmailer ends up dead in "Picture with a Black Frame" from Let George Do It (originally aired on Mutual on May 8, 1950).

Is an Egyptian god out for revenge against the adventurer who violated his tomb? Superman faces off against a cult and tries to find the Black Pearl of Osiris in all eleven chapters of this radio serial (originally aired between January 15 and February 7, 1941).

The show has gone to the dogs! Bob Bailey stars as Johnny Dollar - "the man with the action-packed expense account" - solve a pair of crimes involving man's best friend. First, he has to guard a show dog whose previous bodyguards met with foul play in "The Laird Douglas-Douglas of Heatherscote Matter" (originally aired on CBS between April 9 and April 13, 1956). Then, Dollar is hired to recover a dognapped pooch in "The Alvin's Alfred Matter" (originally aired on CBS on February 21, 1960).

What mysterious force is causing accidents in an oil field? An old friend of Perry White's needs help and the editor sends Clark Kent and Jimmy Olsen to investigate in the fourteen-part adventure of "The Howling Coyote" (originally aired between December 13, 1940 and January 13, 1941).

Our heroes this week encounter elements of the old west in the strangest places. First up is "The Case of the Cowboy Killers" - a true crime tale from Gang Busters that pits police against a gang of robbers who are quick on the draw (originally aired on ABC on August 28, 1948). Next, real-life gunplay keeps Sam Spade from enjoying a western dime novel in "The Betrayal in Bumpass Hell," (AFRS rebroadcast from January 16, 1949). Then George Valentine is hired by a big screen cowboy star and winds up in a murder case in "Every Shot Counts" from Let George Do It (originally aired on Mutual on October 31, 1949). And finally, Joel McCrea uses old fashioned methods and modern policework in Tales of the Texas Rangers. We'll hear him as Ranger Jayce Pearson in "The Hatchet" (originally aired on NBC on February 11, 1951).

In this bonus show, Superman flies into action when a train carrying millions in gold vanishes from the tracks. We'll hear all eight exciting installments of "The Five Million Dollar Gold Heist" as they originally aired between November 25 and December 11, 1940.

Happy Fourth of July! We're celebrating America's birthday with some tales of murder and mystery pulled from the history books and dramatized on the outstanding anthology series Crime Classics. We'll hear "The Crime of Bathsheba Spooner" - the story of the first woman tried and executed in the United States (originally aired on CBS on June 15, 1953); the life and death of one of the west's most infamous outlaws in "Billy Bonney, Bloodletter: Also Known as 'The Kid'" (originally aired on CBS on October 21, 1953); and "The Bloody, Bloody Banks of Fall River," where Lizzie Borden took an axe (originally aired on CBS on September 30, 1953). Finally, the dastardly deeds of one of history's greatest rogues are presented in "His Own Reward" from The Whistler (originally aired on CBS on March 25, 1951).

How can Superman fight a foe he can't see? In this week's bonus episode, the Man of Steel battles an invisible man who stands in his way of unseating a corrupt district attorney. We'll hear all six chapters of this adventure that originally aired between November 11 and November 22, 1940.

Instead of counting sheep, the sleuths in this week's show are spending long nights counting clues. We'll hear drowsy detective work from our heroes who just want to go to bed. First, Boston Blackie discovers the late night work of a construction crew is actually destructive in a syndicated episode starring Richard Kollmar. As Sam Spade, Howard Duff tries to stay awake and solve "The Insomnia Caper" (AFRS rebroadcast of a show from October 24, 1948). And finally, Dana Andrews has to stay up all night to stay alive in "I Can't Sleep" - a syndicated episode of I Was a Communist for the FBI.

It's an epic rematch between good and evil as the criminal mastermind known as the Yellow Mask returns to battle the Man of Steel! One of the first villains Superman fought on radio is back in a fifteen-part serial that originally aired between October 7 and November 8, 1940.

Born June 11, 1914, Gerald Mohr possessed one of radio's best voices, and it produced one of the greatest performances - in any medium - of Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe. We'll hear Mohr as Marlowe in "The Panama Hat" (originally aired on CBS on October 10, 1948) and "The Bum's Rush" (originally aired on CBS on September 3, 1949). We'll also hear him as a less scrupulous private eye in "Five-Cent Call" from The Whistler (originally aired on CBS on February 19, 1950).

A message for help carved on a turtle's shell leads Jimmy Olsen and Clark Kent (and also Superman) into a dangerous adventure in this week's bonus episode starring the Man of Steel. We'll hear all six chapters of "The Curse of Dead Man's Island" (originally aired between September 23 and October 4, 1940).

Note: No intro this time - I'm playing catch-up but will be back on Friday!

Our heroes find crime in scenic settings in these three mysteries. Cabins, lodges, and resorts - all spots designed for rest and relaxation - are all hotspots for homicide. First, Lon Clark stars as Nick Carter in "The Echo of Death, or Nick Carter and the Phantom Clue" (originally aired on Mutual on July 5, 1943). Then, Dick Powell stars in "Cabin on the Lake," a rehearsal recording of Rogue's Gallery. And finally, Bob Bailey stars in the five-part mystery "The Crystal Lake Matter" from Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar (originally aired on CBS between August 13 and August 17, 1956).

In this week's bonus show, Superman embarks on a new adventure on (and beneath) the seas! We'll hear all twelve chapters of "Professor Thorpe's Bathysphere" (originally aired between August 26 and September 20, 1940).

Wedding bells are ringing and police sirens are wailing in these three old time radio mysteries. Matrimony is neither holy nor happy in these shows, beginning with "Maid of Honor" from The Whistler (originally aired on CBS on April 14, 1947). Next, private eye Mike Waring investigates a case of embezzlement and ends up married in "The Case of the Unwelcome Wife" from The Falcon (originally aired on CBS on May 27, 1951). Finally, Orson Welles tells the story of how a mandolin string was linked to the murders of a pair of bridegrooms in a syndicated episode of The Black Museum.

Look, up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's the start of another Superman summer! Our new season of bonus episodes starring the Man of Steel kicks off with a pair of serialized adventures. First, Clark Kent and Lois Lane investigate strange events in a small town in "Pillar of Fire at Graves' End" (originally aired between August 5 and August 9, 1940). Then, Clark joins an expedition to Central America in "The Mayan Treasure" (originally aired between August 12 and August 23, 1940).

In this month's bonus episode, we're headed to the San Francisco waterfront for my five favorite episodes of Pat Novak For Hire. Jack Webb stars as Novak - who makes ends meet by renting boats and taking odd investigative assignments, and who usually lands in hot water with the hard-headed Inspector Hellman of homicide. First, competing clients hire Novak to guard - and stay away from - boxer Rory Malone (originally aired on ABC on March 20, 1949). Then, a woman wants Novak to settle up her brother's debt with a notorious gambler (originally aired on ABC on March 27, 1949) and a priest asks Novak to find an Alcatraz escapee before the police do (originally aired on ABC on April 2, 1949). A scheme to scare a man backfires when a gun with blanks delivers a fatal shot (originally aired on ABC on April 16, 1949) and the search for a dead woman's handbag brings out the worst in several dangerous characters (originally aired on ABC on June 4, 1949).

Doctor, doctor - give me the news. We've got three old time radio mysteries involving physicians - some good, some bad, but all in the middle of crimes that our heroes must solve. First, a doctor drops dead in Danny Clover's office on Broadway is My Beat (originally aired on CBS on August 4, 1949). Next, Charles Russell investigates a doctor who may be criminally negligent in "An Apple a Day Sent the Doctor Away" from Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar (originally aired on CBS on October 15, 1949). Finally, Sgt. Joe Friday's prime suspect has an unshakable alibi from his doctor in "The Big Impossible" from Dragnet (originally aired on NBC on March 15, 1953).

In honor of Vincent Price's birthday on May 27th, we've got the screen legend in three old time radio mysteries. First, he narrates what might have happened to John Wilkes Booth if the assassin escaped death at the hands of the army in The Thirteenth Juror (originally aired on NBC on April 23, 1949). Then, Price discovers a dead man is still alive, and he may kill to keep the secret in "Murder Needs an Artist" from The Philip Morris Playhouse (originally aired on CBS on May 6, 1950). And finally, he's Simon Templar - the Robin Hood of modern crime - in "Cupid and the Corpse" from The Saint, where a dead body derails his date with an old flame (originally aired on NBC on August 27, 1950).

When our radio sleuths check the mailbox this week, they're getting a special delivery of danger! Missing messages, anonymous letters, and mysterious correspondence drive the cases in this week's showcase of old time radio detective dramas. First, Tom Conway is Holmes and Nigel Bruce is Watson in "The Adventure of the Tolling Bell" from The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (originally aired on ABC on April 7, 1947). Next, Alan Ladd answers a letter to Box 13 in the syndicated show "Double Trouble." Then, radio's singing sleuth tries to find out who killed the messenger with Dick Powell in Richard Diamond, Private Detective (originally aired on NBC on April 19, 1950). And finally, Bob Bailey is George Valentine, who receives a letter from a woman asking him to catch her killer...but she isn't dead yet in "The White Elephant" from Let George Do It (originally aired on Mutual on September 11, 1950).

Climb aboard for three old time radio mysteries set on the train tracks. First, Boston Blackie investigates why a gold train was derailed with nothing stolen. Richard Kollmar stars in the syndicated episode known as "The Derailed Gold Train." Then, Inspector Peter Black is on the lookout for jewel thieves on the train in "Pursuit on the Night Ferry" from Pursuit (originally aired on CBS on November 20, 1951). Finally, Frank Sinatra stars as Rocky Fortune on a cross-country train trip to catch a killer (originally aired on NBC on January 5, 1954).

Louis Vittes wrote episodes of The Wild Wild West and The Invaders, and he penned the classic sci-fi horror picture I Married a Monster from Outer Space. But before that, he wrote adventures of radio sleuths like Simon Templar, Barrie Craig, and the Shadow. We'll hear some of his work, beginning with "Ladies Never Lie...Much" from The Saint (originally aired on NBC on January 7, 1951). Then, Dan Duryea stars in "The Willie Baines Case" from The Man from Homicide (originally aired on ABC on August 20, 1951). And we'll hear Barrie Craig, Confidential Investigator in "A Very Odd Job" (originally aired on NBC on January 30, 1952).

In this month's bonus episode, I'm sharing my five favorite adventures of radio's singing sleuth - Richard Diamond, Private Detective. Dick Powell stars as the gumshoe who's quick with his fists and usually winds up the week's caper by crooning a tune. First, Diamond investigates a case of blackmail and murder in "The Betty Moran Case" (originally aired on NBC on May 29, 1949). Then, a chance visit to a department store tips Diamond off to a murder plot in "Mrs. Baker - Klepto" (originally aired on NBC on September 3, 1949). Diamond winds up knocked out when he tries to deliver ransom money in "The Martha Campbell Kidnap Case" (originally aired on NBC on July 26, 1950). Jim Backus' tailor shop keeps getting robbed in "The Blue Serge Suit" (originally aired on ABC on February 9, 1951). And finally, Diamond tries to save a man who arranged for his own murder in "The Red Rose" (originally aired on ABC on March 1, 1951).

This week's old time radio mysteries blend comedy with crimesolving. First, Jonathan Latimer's William Crane jumps from the page to the radio in an adaptation of his novel "Lady in the Morgue" from The Mollé Mystery Theatre (AFRS rebroadcast from "Mystery Playhouse"). Then, Albert Dekker and Mike Mazurki star as a pair of con men and reluctant detectives in Johnny Fletcher Mystery. This 1946 audition recording was adapted from Frank Gruber's novel "The Navy Colt." And finally, Nick and Nora Charles hunt for a missing dog in "The Adventure of the Passionate Palooka" from The New Adventures of the Thin Man (originally aired on NBC on July 6, 1948).

Click here to watch Albert Dekker and Mike Mazurki as Johnny Fletcher and Sam Cregg in The French Key.

Ride along with some old time radio police detectives and their real-life counterparts in these mysteries. First, Joe DeSantis is Captain Jim Scott, searching for a missing convict and finding a murder in Under Arrest (originally aired on Mutual on November 7, 1948). Next, Dan Duryea is Lt. Lou Dana - the cop who doesn't like killers - in The Man from Homicide (originally aired on ABC on August 6, 1951). And finally, three retired New York detectives try to solve a fictional crime with a cast of radio actors as suspects and witnesses in "Cops and Robbers" from The CBS Radio Workshop (originally aired on CBS on March 16, 1956).

Scammers and swindlers beware! Magician-turned-detective Mike Trent is on the job to thwart your plans to get some Easy Money. Larry Haines stars as Trent, a sleuth who focuses on the frauds and con artists who steal the money of average folks who can't afford the losses. We'll hear him in three episodes of this mid-50s mystery series: the show's debut (originally aired on NBC on October 3, 1954), "Galloping Ivories" (originally aired on NBC on November 14, 1954), and "The Gem Switch" (originally aired on NBC on December 19, 1954).

No chocolate eggs or bunnies - just a pair of old time radio Easter comedies in this holiday bonus episode. First, Phil's seeing a life-size Easter bunny on The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show. Then, a new egg dye leads to colorful confusion for Eve Arden on Our Miss Brooks (originally aired on NBC and CBS on April 9, 1950).

We're celebrating Jack Webb's birthday with three of his old time radio performances. First, he's Jeff Regan, Investigator in "Cain, Abel, and the Santa Maria" (originally aired on CBS on September 11, 1948). Next, he co-stars with Joan Banks in "Danger is a Beautiful Blonde" - another strange story by The Whistler (originally aired on CBS on May 8, 1949). And finally, Webb is Sgt. Joe Friday in his signature role in "The Big Paper" from Dragnet (originally aired on NBC on August 21, 1952).

In this month's bonus episode, I'm serving up my five favorite episodes of The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe - the single season series starring Oscar-nominee Sydney Greenstreet as Rex Stout's gargantuan gourmet, orchid fancier, and brilliant private detective. First, Wolfe is hired to drop a mystery woman as a client by a man who's soon found murdered in "The Case of the Careworn Cuff" (originally aired on NBC on October 20, 1950). Then, a woman is killed in one of New York's fanciest men's clubs in "The Case of the Careless Cleaner" (originally aired on NBC on November 17, 1950). A prizefighter has gone missing in "The Case of the Deadly Sellout" (originally aired on NBC on January 5, 1951) and Wolfe is hired by a man who announces his intentions to commit murder in "The Case of the Calculated Risk" (originally aired on NBC on January 19, 1951). Finally, a woman's plea for help leads Wolfe to a house full of suspects with motives to kill her in "The Case of the Telltale Ribbon" (originally aired on NBC on March 30, 1951).

Hoist the sail for a triple feature of detectives vs. 20th century pirates! First, as secret agent Ken Thurston, Herbert Marshall hunts a gang that's looting relief ships in the Red Sea in The Man Called X (originally aired on CBS on June 19, 1947). Then, Tom Collins stars in the syndicated show "The Case of the Vanishing President" - a story of piracy and a revolution from The Adventures of Frank Race. And finally, Inspector Peter Black is on the river in search of a ship full of modern day pirates in London. Ben Wright stars in "Pursuit of the Thames Pirates" from Pursuit (originally aired on CBS on February 12, 1952).

This week, we've got stories from three of the all-time great mystery writers - literary giants who gave us some of the most famous detectives in fiction. We'll hear adaptations of Raymond Chandler's "Murder in the City Hall" and Agatha Christie's "Witness for the Prosecution" from The Mollé Mystery Theatre (originally aired on NBC on April 5 and May 31, 1946). And in between those shows, we'll hear Orson Welles in Dashiell Hammett's "The Glass Key" presented on The Campbell Playhouse (originally aired on CBS on March 10, 1939).

In honor of the 95th Academy Awards, we'll hear four old time radio detective stars who took home Oscars of their own. First, Rex Harrison stars as a debonair sleuth in "Murder Deep in the Killer's Mind" from The Private Files of Rex Saunders (originally aired on NBC on June 20, 1951). Next, Edmond O'Brien is "the man with the action-packed expense account" in "The Malcolm D. Wish, M.D. Matter" from Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar (originally aired on CBS on June 20, 1951). Then, as Defense Attorney, Mercedes McCambridge fights to clear the name of "Client George Baughman" (originally aired on ABC on August 28, 1952). And finally, Frank Sinatra - Ol' Blue Eyes himself - tries to help a woman who fears she's going crazy in "Psychological Murder" from Rocky Fortune (originally aired on NBC on March 16, 1954).

Okay, maybe not everybody loves clowns, but I bet you'll enjoy these three old time radio mysteries featuring the circus' most colorful performers. First, Gregory Hood solves the murder of "The Sad Clown" (originally aired on Mutual on October 7, 1946). Then, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate deadly doings under the big top in "The Adventure of the Veiled Lodger" (originally aired on Mutual on June 20, 1948). And finally, Orson Welles catches up with his old friend - a smuggler, a ladies' man, and a clown - in "The Painted Smile," a syndicated episode from The Lives of Harry Lime.

From 1952 until 1957, fans of Dragnet could catch one episode on radio and a different story on television. The adventures of Sgt. Joe Friday aired concurrently on radio and the small screen for hundreds of shows, and this week we'll hear three radio episodes that were later adapted for TV. We'll hear the show that was adapted as the first episode of the TV series (originally aired on NBC on July 21, 1949), "The Big Lease" (originally aired on NBC on November 1, 1951), and "The Big Show" (originally aired on NBC on April 10, 1952).

Click here to watch "The Human Bomb."

Click here to watch "The Big Lease."

Click here to watch "The Big Show." 

Created by Dashiell Hammett, The Fat Man was one of radio's most popular mystery shows. It was on the verge of spinning off into a series of movies with radio star J. Scott Smart reprising his role of private eye Brad Runyon. But then Hammett ran afoul of the House Un-American Activities Committee and the crimesolving career of the Fat Man came to an end. In this month's bonus episode, I'm sharing my five favorite adventures of Runyon - "the fast-moving criminologist who tips the scales at 237 pounds." We'll start with the show's first episode - "The Nineteenth Pearl" (originally aired on ABC on January 21, 1946). Then, he tries to help a woman who's being pressured back into a life of crime in "The Black Angel" (originally aired on ABC on July 8, 1946). The Fat Man tries to help a friend who witnesses a murder in a neighboring apartment in "A Window for Murder" (originally aired on ABC on October 3, 1947), and Runyon heads to Mexico to solve a case south of the border in "Murder Wins the Draw" (originally aired on ABC on April 1, 1949). Finally, in "The NIghtmare Murder" (originally aired on ABC on January 17, 1951), a man hires Runyon to prove he's guilty of murder.

"America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator" is on the case - three of them - in this week's episode. We're celebrating the anniversary of the radio debut of Johnny Dollar with a trio of old time radio mysteries starring "the man with the action-packed expense account." First, Charles Russell is Johnny in "The Case of Barton Drake" (originally aired on CBS on April 22, 1949). Next, we'll hear "The William Post Matter" (originally aired on CBS on September 22, 1953) with John Lund as Dollar. And finally, Mandel Kramer stars in "The Bee or Not to Bee Matter" (originally aired on CBS on October 29, 1961).

With Valetine's Day right around the corner, we're celebrating with three crimesolving couples from the golden age of radio. First, in "A Crime to Fit the Punishment" from The Mollé Mystery Theatre, an amateur sleuth and his girlfriend investigate a strange case of blackmail (AFRS rebroadcast). Next, it's another adventure of the Duke and Duchess from Murder By Experts - the locked room mystery "The Unseeing Witness" (originally aired on Mutual on September 26, 1949). Finally, we'll hear Les Damon and Claudia Morgan as Pat and Jean Abbott - an insurance investigator and his sharp-eyed wife - in "The Fabulous Emerald Necklace" from The Adventures of the Abbotts (AFRS rebroadcast).

This month, Philip Marlowe returns to the big screen with Liam Neeson starring as Raymond Chandler's Los Angeles gumshoe. To celebrate, I've picked three old time radio Marlowe mysteries with the great Gerald Mohr. We'll hear "The Restless Day" (originally aired on CBS on January 8, 1949), "The Headless Peacock" (originally aired on CBS on July 16, 1949), and "The Man on the Roof" (originally aired on CBS on April 4, 1950).

Not all radio detectives were cops or private eyes. There were several reporters who cracked cases while they filed stories and met deadlines, and today we'll hear some of their adventures. First, Casey, Crime Photographer comes to the aid of a man framed for murder in "The Laughing Killer" (originally aired on CBS on May 8, 1947). And on Night Beat, Randy Stone investigates when a Prohibition-era gangster is gunned down after being released from prison in an episode known as "Big John McMasters" (originally aired on NBC on March 4, 1951). But in between those fictional stories, we'll hear the real-life tale of a Nevada reporter who broke a murder case in The Big Story (originally aired on NBC on January 11, 1950).

In this bonus episode, I'm sharing my five favorite detective stories from Suspense. Over its twenty year run, "radio's outstanding theater of thrills" presented many great mysteries, including these five tales adapted from stories by some of crime fiction's best writers and starring some of the genre's most interesting characters. First, Warren William recreates his screen role as The Lone Wolf makes his radio debut. The reformed jewel thief turned detective stars in "Murder Goes for a Swim" (originally aired on CBS on July 20, 1943). Then, an unlikely pair of detectives (Allyn Joslyn and William Bendix) hunts for a stolen necklace in Raymond Chandler's "Pearls are a Nuisance" (originally aired on CBS on April 19, 1945). Dashiell Hammett provides our third tale, as John Payne and Frank McHugh play a small town sheriff and his deputy who catch a wanted man only to have him die in their jail cell in "Two Sharp Knives" (originally aired on CBS on June 7, 1945). Brian Donlevy stars as Duncan McLain, the blind private detective created by Baynard Kendrick in a radio adaptation of Kendrick's novel "Out of Control" (originally aired on CBS on March 28, 1946), a story that finds Kendrick investigating a seemingly impossible murder. And finally, Dana Andrews is a cop out to stop a serial killer who's hungry for publicity in "The Crowd," an adaptation of a story by Ray Bradbury (originally aired on CBS on September 21, 1950).

We're catching a cable car in San Francisco with three old time radio gumshoes who live and work in the city by the bay. First, Candy Matson solves a pair of murders on an army base in "The Fort Ord Story" (originally aired on NBC on September 23, 1949). Next, Sam Spade is hired to protect a man from a vengeful ex-con in "The Champion Caper" (originally aired on CBS on August 7, 1949). Finally, Pat Novak tries to pay off a gambling debt and ends up framed for murder in an episode known as "Joe Condano" (originally aired on ABC on March 27, 1949).

It's a mix of winter sports and whodunnit in the Alps with Bob Bailey in a five-part adventure of Johnny Dollar. "The man with the action-packed expense account" heads to Switzerland in pursuit of $100,000 of stolen diamonds, where he hits the slopes and dodges shots, in "The Picture Postcard Matter" (originally aired on CBS between October 1 and October 5, 1956).

Winter is upon us, and this week I've picked three old time radio mysteries set during snowstorms. First up, there's a suspicious suicide at a lodge for Barton Drake to solve in Mystery is My Hobby. Then, Mr. and Mrs. North check in for murder at a hotel during a storm. Barbara Britton and Richard Denning star as Pam and Jerry in "Snowbound" (an AFRS rebroadcast). Finally, Gerald Mohr is Philip Marlowe who takes shelter from a blizzard only to discover he's trapped with the family of a man he killed in "The Grim Echo" (originally aired on CBS on February 14, 1950).

I've got one more episode before I sign off for the year, and for this bonus show I'm sharing my five favorite old time radio mysteries. It's a quintet of Christmas capers that will help to get you in the holiday spirit.  First, Sydney Greenstreet is Nero Wolfe in "The Case of the Slaughtered Santas" (originally aired on NBC on December 22, 1950) and Frank Sinatra is Rocky Fortune in "The Plot to Murder Santa Claus" (originally aired on NBC on December 22, 1953). Then Vincent Price is Simon Templar in "Santa Claus is No Saint," a holiday adventure of the Robin Hood of modern crime (originally aired on NBC on December 24, 1950) and a Sherlock Holmes mystery with John Stanley and Alfred Shirley as Holmes and Watson in "The Adventure of the Christmas Bride" (originally aired on Mutual on December 21, 1947). Finally, Jack Webb is Sgt. Joe Friday in the heartwarming Dragnet case file "The Big Little Jesus" (originally aired on NBC on December 22, 1953).

With Christmas only days away, we're celebrating (and closing out another year of the podcast) with Lionel Barrymore as Ebenezeer Scrooge in an old time radio adaptation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. The classic holiday story was presented on The Campbell Playhouse with Orson Welles and an all-star radio cast bringing the tale to life. We'll hear Welles as narrator, Barrymore as Scrooge, and supporting performances from Everett Sloane, George Coulouris, and Frank Readick in this broadcast that originally aired on CBS on December 24, 1939.

Happy Holidays! We're celebrating the season with four old time radio holiday mysteries. Grab an egg nog and a Christmas cookie or two and enjoy these Christmas crime tales. First, Paul Frees plans a perfect murder in "Back for Christmas" from Escape (originally aired on CBS on December 24, 1947). Then, Sgt. Joe Friday searches for a missing woman during the holidays in Dragnet (originally aired on NBC on July 28, 1949). Then, Bob Bailey finds a mystery on Christmas Eve when he tries to do a favor for a soldier in "Christmas Letter" from Let George Do It (originally aired on Mutual on December 24, 1951). Finally, Detective Danny Clover is on a holiday hunt for a legendary artifact in Broadway is My Beat (originally aired on CBS on December 22, 1951). Plus - Stan Freberg and Daws Butler star in a holiday Dragnet parody!

Update: After a round of steroids from my doctor, I think this 30+ days of cough is finally behind me.

Old time radio oracles take center stage in this week's mysteries. First, Jeff Regan tries to protect a mind reader who's been marked for death. Jack Webb stars in "The House by the Sea" (originally aired on CBS on November 4, 1948). Then, Randy Stone comes to the aid of a carnival mentalist driven mad by a mysterious question. Frank Lovejoy stars in the Night Beat episode known as "Mentallo, the Mental Marvel" (originally aired on NBC on May 1, 1950). Finally, Ronald Colman stars in one of my favorite Suspense episodes as a nightclub psychic who discovers his act isn't a fake anymore. We'll hear "A Vision of Death" (originally aired on CBS on March 8, 1951).