Classic Streams: Old Time Retro Radio Dwight Allen

The Shadow is a collection of serialized dramas originating in 1930s pulp novels and later expanding to various media. The titular character has been featured in radio dramas, pulp magazines, comic books, television, serials, video games, and films. Initially created as a radio show narrator, The Shadow was developed into a literary character by Walter B. Gibson in 1931. The radio drama, featuring Orson Welles, premiered in 1937. The Shadow character was depicted as having the power to manipulate men's minds, making them unable to see him. The radio program's iconic introduction, voiced by Frank Readick, and accompanied by a musical theme, has become a part of American idiom. Each episode concluded with a reminder that crime does not pay and The Shadow knows.


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Boston Blackie is a fictional character created by Jack Boyle. He was originally a jewel thief and safecracker, but he became a detective in adaptations for films, radio, and television. He is known as "an enemy to those who make him an enemy, friend to those who have no friend."

Boston Blackie is a complex and interesting character. He is a thief, but he is also a good person who helps those in need. He is always up for a challenge, and he always tries to do the right thing.

Chester Morris was the best-known actor to play Boston Blackie, starring in 14 Columbia Pictures films and a 1944 NBC radio series. The radio series was also successful, and it was revived in 1945 with Richard Kollmar in the title role.

Boston Blackie has been enjoyed by audiences for decades. He is a popular character who has been featured in many different media. He is a classic character who will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.


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"Suspense" was a radio drama series that captivated audiences from 1940 through 1962 during the Golden Age of Radio. Often subtitled "radio's outstanding theater of thrills," this program was a shining example of suspense thriller entertainment. It specialized in delivering heart-pounding stories, typically featuring some of the leading Hollywood actors of its era. With an impressive total of approximately 945 episodes aired over its lengthy run, "Suspense" remains an enduring classic, with over 900 episodes still in existence.


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"The Green Hornet" radio series, originating in 1936, featured Britt Reid, a masked vigilante fighting crime with his partner Kato. They used a secret passage in Reid's apartment to access their car, the "Black Beauty," for their night missions. Interestingly, Britt Reid is related to the Lone Ranger as his grandnephew. The series saw various actors voice the Green Hornet and Kato, alongside a cast of allies and enemies that enriched the narrative .In the captivating world of radio drama, "The Green Hornet" stands as a legendary series that has thrilled audiences for generations. First conceived in 1936, this radio show introduced Britt Reid, a wealthy newspaper publisher who leads a double life as a masked vigilante known as the Green Hornet. Accompanied by his trusted partner, Kato, a skilled martial artist, the Green Hornet wages a relentless battle against crime and injustice.



At the heart of the series is the dynamic partnership between Britt Reid and Kato. Britt Reid, the public persona, exudes the charm and charisma of a successful businessman. However, beneath the surface, he possesses an unyielding determination to fight crime on his terms. Kato, on the other hand, is a master of martial arts and a fearless warrior. His unwavering loyalty and quick wit make him an invaluable asset to the Green Hornet.



Together, the Green Hornet and Kato embark on thrilling missions, using their cunning and resourcefulness to outwit their adversaries. Their secret hideout, located beneath Reid's apartment through a concealed passageway, houses the iconic "Black Beauty," a souped-up automobile equipped with advanced gadgets and weapons. With the Black Beauty at their disposal, the Green Hornet and Kato effortlessly navigate the treacherous streets, evading danger and pursuing justice.



What sets "The Green Hornet" apart is its rich cast of supporting characters and villains. Britt Reid's secretary, Lenore "Casey" Case, serves as a steadfast ally, providing invaluable assistance and maintaining the secret identities of the Green Hornet and Kato. The series also features a rogue's gallery of villains, each with their unique motivations and criminal schemes. From the cunning and ruthless underworld kingpin, Black Mask, to the enigmatic and seductive criminal mastermind, Miss X, the Green Hornet and Kato face a diverse array of challenges that test their mettle.



"The Green Hornet" radio series captivated audiences with its thrilliadventures, compelling characters, and timeless themes of justice and heroism. It left an indelible mark on popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations, including television shows, comic books, and feature films. The enduring legacy of the Green Hornet is a testament to the enduring appeal of this classic radio drama and its enduring ability to entertain and inspire generations of listeners.


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Johnny Dollar was a fictional private investigator who appeared in a radio drama of the same name. The show ran for 12 years, from 1949 to 1961, and featured 809 episodes.

In each episode, Johnny would be hired by an insurance company to investigate a suspicious claim. He would travel to the scene of the crime, interview witnesses, and follow every clue until he solved the case.

Johnny was a complex character. He was intelligent and resourceful, but he was also cynical and world-weary. He had a deep love of fishing, and he often used his expense account to cover the cost of his fishing trips.

The show was popular for its suspenseful plots, its well-developed characters, and its realistic portrayal of the world of insurance investigations. It is considered one of the classic radio dramas of all time.


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So, there was this show called The Adventures of Sam Spade. It started as a summer series on ABC in 1946 and quickly became a regular fall lineup on CBS. Howard Duff played the title role, and he was a San Francisco detective who was a total badass.



The show was created by William Spier, who was a bigwig in the radio world. He put together a writing team, and they came up with all sorts of crazy stories for Sam to solve. Duff had a great voice, and his narration was smooth as butter. Plus, he had a lot of experience as an actor, so he knew how to bring the character to life.



The show was a hit with listeners, and it ran for five seasons. It was one of the most popular detective shows on the radio, and it helped to define the genre. Duff became a household name, and he was even offered a movie contract.



But eventually, Duff left the show to pursue other projects. NBC replaced him with Stephen Dunne, but it wasn't the same. Dunne was a good actor, but he just didn't have the presence that Duff did. The show limped along for a while, but it was eventually canceled in 1951.



It's a shame that The Adventures of Sam Spade didn't last longer. It was a great show, and it's still fondly remembered by many old-time radio fans.


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