The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas
Fiction & Audio Drama
About
Are you ready for a mystery? Get ready to unleash your inner sleuth. Every day Monday-Saturday, we feature a different detective audio drama from the Golden Age of Radio. Our current mystery-solving line-up of radio detectives includes The Adventures of the Falcon, Charlie Chan, Broadway's My Beat, Yours Truly Johnny Dollar, and Dragnet. Whether you want to listen to a mystery before going to sleep or enjoy some drama while driving, or just feel nostalgia for old-school radio fiction, we have you covered with six audio dramas every week. Podcast Award finalist Host Adam Graham has been your guide through dozens of old-time radio detective series since 2009. He provides insightful commentary and humor after each episode and responds to listener questions and feedback. You can subscribe to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from your favorite podcast app or by visiting our website at http://www.greatdetectives.net . We are currently in our fifteenth season of provided suspenseful mystery dramas. Our podcast feed captures the last 1,000 episodes we've released including all of seasons thirteen and fourteen, and part of season twelve. We have created two archive feeds: Volume 1, which features our first three seasons and Volume 2 , which features seasons four-six, and Volume 3 which will feature Seasons Seven through Nine. Our feed includes old time radio recorded in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and also Australia. The current actors featured in our old time radio detective podcast include Les Damon, Bob Bailey, Larry Thor, Walter Connolly, and Jack Webb. Other actors featured within the past 1,000 include Alice Frost, Howard Duff, Glenn Langan, Herbert Marshall, Gerald Mohr, Joel McCrea, Les Tremayne, Jackson Beck, Santos Ortega, Ned Wever, Karl Swenson, and more.
Episodes
- The Big Story: Shotgun and Fatal Accident (EP4972)
This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio features "The Big Story: Shotgun and Fatal Accident" from July 12, 1950. A reporter investigates a wealthy man's claim that his wife died in a fatal accident, suspecting murder.
- The Saint: The Sinister Sneeze (EP4971)
In "The Sinister Sneeze," Simon Templar steps in to protect a boxer who is unexpectedly favored to win his match, all at the behest of a mysterious sneezing woman. The episode originally aired on June 11, 1950, and starred Vincent Price as…
- Counterspy: The Case of the Mexican Rancho (A0086)
David Harding and Peters travel to Mexico to intercept spies attempting to gain control of a uranium supply. This episode of Counterspy aired on February 22, 1949.
- Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Frisco Fire Matter (EP4970)
In "The Frisco Fire Matter," Johnny Dollar travels to San Francisco to investigate a fire after his informant Smokey provides a tip. Despite local insistence that the fire was accidental, Dollar delves into the case. The episode originally…
- Dragnet: The Big Honeymoon (EP4969)
In this episode of Dragnet titled "The Big Honeymoon," Joe Friday and Ed Jacobs pursue a con man who marries women for their money and then abandons them. The episode originally aired on February 7, 1952, and stars Jack Webb as Sergeant Jo…
- Broadway's My Beat: The Mary Smith Murder Case (EP4968)
Lieutenant Danny Clover investigates a murder case in this episode titled "Broadway's My Beat: The Mary Smith Murder Case." The victim is found in a cheap hotel, and the original radio broadcast aired on December 8, 1951.
- The Big Story: New Facts About a 26-Year Frame-Up (EP4967)
In this episode, reporter Ralph Goll investigates a 26-year-old murder case. He uncovers information suggesting a frame-up, involving a detective later convicted of graft and a sheriff who committed suicide before the trial.
- The Saint: The Cake that Killed (EP4966)
In this episode of The Saint, Simon Templar receives a cake from a woman in distress, leading him to investigate a case of larceny and murder. The episode, titled "The Cake that Killed," was originally broadcast on January 8, 1950, and sta…
- Counterspy: The Recruited Nurse (A0084)
This episode of Counterspy, originally broadcast on June 6, 1948, features an escaped criminal who disfigures his face for plastic surgery to claim a $250,000 reward. The episode stars Don McLaughlin as David Harding and Mandel Kramer as P…
- Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Jimmy Carter Matter (EP4965)
In this episode, Johnny Dollar is called to New England by a boy who witnessed a murder. The original radio broadcast date was March 29, 1959, and starred Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar.
- Dragnet: The Big Almost No Show (EP4964)
Friday and Jacobs investigate a woman's report of her brother's disappearance in this episode of Dragnet. The original radio broadcast date for this episode was January 31, 1952.
- Broadway's My Beat: The Paul Clark Murder Case (EP4963)
This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio presents Broadway's My Beat: The Paul Clark Murder Case. Lieutenant Danny Clover investigates a murder in Central Park.
- The Big Story: Divorce and Death Can Lead to Murder (EP4962)
This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio features "The Big Story: Divorce and Death Can Lead to Murder." A reporter investigates the murder of a real estate developer.
- Counterspy: The Camera-Happy Crook (A0082)
This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio presents "Counterspy: The Camera-Happy Crook," originally broadcast on May 30, 1948. The story features a gang of bank robbers using a film crew as a disguise for their crime.
- Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Lake Mead Matter (EP4960)
In this episode, Johnny Dollar is sent to Lake Mead near Las Vegas to investigate a disappearance. Foul play is suspected in the case.
- Dragnet: The Big Court (EP4959)
This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio features Dragnet: The Big Court. Detectives Friday and Romero work on a robbery prosecution, though they have concerns about the case.
- Broadway's My Beat: The Alex Raymond Murder Case (EP4958)
In this episode of Broadway's My Beat, a toy inventor is implicated in the murder of his boss. The episode, titled 'The Alex Raymond Murder Case,' originally aired on November 17, 1951.
- The Big Story: Murder and the Frustrated Father (EP4957)
This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio presents "The Big Story: Murder and the Frustrated Father" from January 4, 1950. The plot revolves around a father's response to his daughter's engagement, leading to tragedy.
- The Saint: The Case of the Unhappy Homicide (EP4956)
In "The Saint: The Case of the Unhappy Homicide," a man asks Simon Templar to investigate a murder he claims he committed. The episode originally aired on November 6, 1949, and stars Vincent Price as Simon Templar.
- Cloud Nine: Visiting Famous Radio Detectives (Encore) (EP4955e)
This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio features a man who is mistaken for Sam Spade and hired to investigate a potential murder. The story originally aired on July 21, 1950.
- Three For Adventure: Roundhouse Rosie and the Siamese Cats (Encore) (A0080)
Three adventurers played by Jack Webb, Elliot Lewis, and Barton Yarborough arrive in New Orleans. They are there to locate a valuable black opal. The audition date for this episode was 1949.
- Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The S.S. Malay Trader Ship (Encore) (EP4955)
In this episode, Johnny Dollar goes undercover as a seaman. He aims to prevent the destruction of a ship and its cargo.
- The Line Up: The Senile Slugging Case (Encore) (EP4954)
In "The Senile Slugging Case," Lt. Ben Guthrie investigates muggings of elderly victims. This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio originally aired on September 12, 1951.
- Richard Diamond: The Hatpin Murder Case (Encore) (EP4953)
This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio features Richard Diamond in "The Hatpin Murder Case." Diamond is hired by an Oklahoma rancher to solve the death of his brother. The episode was rebroadcast on August 16, 1953, and sta…
- Jeff Regan: The Lady with the Golden Hair (Encore) (EP4952)
This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio features "Jeff Regan: The Lady with the Golden Hair." The mystery involves a rich make-up artist who hires protection due to threats on his life.
- Christopher London: The Terrible Price of Sugar (Encore) (EP4951)
In this episode, Christopher London is hired by a sugar magnate to investigate a competitor and uncovers a dangerous situation. The radio drama originally aired on February 26, 1950.
- Proudly We Hail: Follow that Man (EP4950s)
This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio features "Proudly We Hail: Follow that Man." A private detective is hired to find a woman's brother who is involved in underworld activity.
- Counterspy: The Housing Racket (A0078)
This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio features "Counterspy: The Housing Racket," an adventure where Counterspy investigates a shady home developer. The original radio broadcast was on May 23, 1948, starring Don McLaughlin…
- Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Baldero Matter (EP4950)
In "The Baldero Matter," Johnny Dollar travels to California to investigate a case of modern day pilots robbing a yacht at sea. This episode features Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar and aired on March 15, 1959.
- Dragnet: The Big Juvenile Division (EP4949)
Joe Friday works to stop a juvenile gang war in this episode of Dragnet. The original radio broadcast date for this episode was January 17, 1952.
- Broadway's My Beat: The Macklin and John Howard Murder Case (EP4948)
In this episode of Broadway's My Beat, Danny investigates a murder. A wealthy man is found murdered through menthol alcohol.
- The Big Story: Three Gold Coins Spell Death (EP4947)
This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, titled "The Big Story: Three Gold Coins Spell Death," features a Tulsa, Oklahoma reporter investigating a murder. The original radio broadcast date was December 14, 1949.
- The Saint: Murder on the High Seas (EP4946)
This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio features "The Saint: Murder on the High Seas." In this broadcast from September 18, 1949, The Saint meets an actress on a cruise ship who is in fear for her life. Vincent Price stars a…
- Counterspy: The Stolen Car Racket (Rehearsal) (A0076)
This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio presents "Counterspy: The Stolen Car Racket." It follows a woman running a New York auto theft racket and her sister who get caught up in intrigue and murder after doing business with…
- Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Net of Circumstances Matter (EP4945)
In this episode of Daily Mystery Dramas, Johnny Dollar investigates a theft from a men's clothing store. The night watchman has been found dead. This episode was originally broadcast in 1959.
- Dragnet: The Big Red, Part Two (EP4944)
This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio features "Dragnet: The Big Red, Part Two." Sergeant Friday continues his undercover operation to catch the head of a drug ring.
- Broadway's My Beat: The Joe Blair Murder Case (EP4943)
This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio presents "Broadway's My Beat: The Joe Blair Murder Case." Lieutenant Danny Clover investigates the murder of a hitchhiker in a high-end hotel. The original radio broadcast date was Nov…
- The Big Story: The Corn Cob Killer (EP4942)
This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio features "The Corn Cob Killer." A reporter is determined to publish a story about a murderer, even though there is no body or evidence of a crime.
- The Saint: Greed Causes Murder (EP4941)
This episode of The Saint, originally broadcast on August 14, 1949, features the Saint investigating a murder case. The plot revolves around several people attempting to purchase an old car from an elderly man.
- Counterspy: Explosive Dog (A0074)
This episode of Counterspy, originally broadcast on July 25, 1945, features a plot where a spy intends to use a dog to destroy a research facility. Don McLaughlin stars as David Harding and Maurice Tarplin is also featured.
- Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Blue Madonna Matter (EP4940)
In this episode, Johnny Dollar receives a call from the Parisian underworld about an insured oil painting. The radio broadcast originally aired on February 22, 1959.
- Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Caylin Matter, Episodes One and Two (EP4072)
In this episode, Johnny Dollar travels to Los Angeles to investigate the apparent death of an insured man. The episode originally aired in January 1956 and stars Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar.
- Dragnet: The Big Red, Part One (EP4939)
In this episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, Sergeant Joe Friday goes undercover to investigate a narcotics ring. The episode, titled "Dragnet: The Big Red, Part One," was originally broadcast on January 3, 1952.
- Broadway's My Beat: The Ricardo Miguel Murder Case (EP4938)
In this episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, Lieutenant Danny Clover investigates the murder of a young man in Spanish Harlem. The episode features Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover, Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tarta…
- The Big Story: The Loneliest Man on Earth (EP4937)
This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio presents "The Big Story: The Loneliest Man on Earth." Reporter Ray Sprigle works to free a man who states he was wrongfully convicted of murder.
- The Saint: The Saint Goes Underground (EP4936)
In this episode, The Saint makes an emergency landing in a small town. He is met with immediate threats from the townspeople, who want him to leave. The episode originally aired on July 31, 1949.
- Counterspy: Cherchez La Femme (A0072)
In this episode of Counterspy, David Harding investigates the suicide of a wealthy man connected to the war effort. The original radio broadcast aired on June 13, 1945.
- Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Shankar Diamond Matter (EP4935)
This episode of "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar" features Johnny Dollar guarding an elderly woman with a valuable necklace at a party. The radio broadcast date was February 15, 1959.
- Dragnet: The Big Sorrow (EP4934)
This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio features Dragnet: The Big Sorrow, originally broadcast on December 27, 1951. Joe Friday searches for escaped robbers while mourning his partner, Ben Romero.
- Broadway's My Beat: The Kurt Bower Murder Case (EP4933)
In this episode of Broadway's My Beat, Danny Clover investigates a murder. The case involves a ski instructor and an endangered woman. The original broadcast date for this episode was October 21, 1951.