1001 RADIO DAYS

Jon Hagadorn
  • 5.0 (11)
  • True Crime
  • Updated Semiweekly

Radio Days, When Radio Was King- brings you a wide variety of entertainment from the golden age of radio - drama, detective, suspense, comedy, sci-fi, theater- and much more. The selection and quality of the shows is excellent.. Brought to you by 1001 Stories Podcast Network. Hosted by Jon Hagadorn. We appreciate reviews!

  1. 2d ago

    THE QUEEN ANNE PISTOLS MATTER and THE ADAM KEGG MATTER YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR

    1001 RADIO DAYS Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar — Episode Show Notes   🎙️ THE QUEEN ANNE PISTOLS MATTER Original Air Date: November 4, 1950 Starring: Edmond O'Brien as Johnny Dollar Series: CBS Radio — The Action‑Packed Expense Account Episode Summary A pair of rare Queen Anne dueling pistols, insured for a hefty sum, suddenly become the center of a suspicious refusal by the intended recipients. Johnny Dollar is dispatched to determine why these antiques — valuable, historic, and supposedly harmless — have triggered fear, secrecy, and a trail of evasive answers. Johnny's investigation uncovers: A collector with something to hide A delivery that no one wants to accept A shadowy adversary determined to keep the pistols out of circulation And a motive buried in the pistols' past that may be worth killing for This is classic early‑era Johnny Dollar: tight plotting, sharp dialogue, and a case where the truth is hidden behind polished walnut and cold steel. Main Characters Johnny Dollar — Freelance insurance investigator Pat McCracken — Universal Adjustment Bureau The Collectors — Nervous recipients with secrets Unknown Adversary — The force behind the pistols' mysterious danger   🎙️ THE ADAM KEGG MATTER Original Air Date: November 11, 1950 Starring: Edmond O'Brien as Johnny Dollar Series: CBS Radio — The Action‑Packed Expense Account Episode Summary Johnny Dollar is sent from Hartford to New York City to investigate a jewel theft involving Adam Kegg, a wealthy, abrasive man whose personality is as sharp as the stones in his collection. Kegg's jewels have been stolen and are being held for ransom — but the deeper Johnny digs, the more he realizes this is no ordinary robbery. The Case Unfolds A bizarre ransom note A suspicious bellboy at the Park View Manor A frightened wife hiding more than she admits A husband desperate to avoid scandal And a trail that leads Johnny from Manhattan to Montclair, New Jersey The Twist Johnny discovers the theft was never about money. It was a revenge setup, engineered by a jilted former lover whose jealousy and rage turned into a deadly scheme. Expense Account Johnny closes the case with a final tally of $230.40, noting that the insurance company could have saved a bundle — if human drama didn't cost so much. Main Characters Johnny Dollar — The man with the action‑packed expense account Adam Kegg — Wealthy, abrasive victim of the "theft" Mrs. Kegg — Frightened, secretive, and central to the motive Bellboy / Accomplice — The first crack in the case Former Lover — The architect of the revenge plot   ⭐ SUPPORT THE 1001 STORIES NETWORK If you enjoy these classic radio mysteries, please consider supporting us at: 👉 patreon.com/1001storiesnetwork   🔥 DON'T MISS THIS! 1001 RADIO CRIME SOLVERS — Where the Best Detectives Never Sleep If Johnny Dollar is your kind of detective — sharp, relentless, and always two steps ahead — then you'll love 1001 Radio Crime Solvers, our powerhouse collection of Golden Age radio mysteries featuring: Hard‑boiled private eyes Brilliant amateur sleuths Police detectives with grit and attitude Noir‑style suspense dripping with atmosphere Restored audio that puts you right in the middle of the case Listeners call it: "The perfect companion to Johnny Dollar — fast, clever, and addictive." 👉 Search "1001 Radio Crime Solvers" on your podcast app 👉 Follow today and join the investigation

  2. 4d ago

    THE MAN WHO WORKED HIMSELF TO DEATH MATTER and THE VILLAGE SCENE MATTER YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR

    1001 RADIO DAYS Show Notes – "The Man Who Worked Himself to Death Matter" & "The Village Scene Matter (The Missing Masterpiece)" Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar – Edmund O'Brien Era   THE MAN WHO WORKED HIMSELF TO DEATH MATTER A Relentless Worker, a Sudden Collapse, and a Ledger Full of Trouble Johnny Dollar is assigned to investigate the death of a man whose reputation for tireless work bordered on obsession. When he collapses unexpectedly, the insurance company suspects more than exhaustion. Dollar's investigation uncovers financial pressure, hidden dealings, and a few people who benefited from the man's downfall. As Johnny follows the paper trail, he discovers that the victim's "work" involved more than long hours — it involved secrets someone desperately wanted buried. A sharp, noir‑flavored mystery about ambition, desperation, and the dangerous cost of keeping up appearances.   THE VILLAGE SCENE MATTER (Also Known as "The Missing Masterpiece") A Stolen Painting, a Nervous Art Dealer, and a Quarter‑Million-Dollar Mystery This is the correct, historically grounded version of the episode: "The Village Scene Matter," also circulated under the alternate title "The Missing Masterpiece," is a 30‑minute Edmund O'Brien episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar centered on the theft of a quarter‑million‑dollar oil painting from a Boston gallery. Johnny Dollar is called in when the prized canvas — a pastoral village scene by a celebrated artist — vanishes without a trace. The gallery owner is frantic, the insurance company is on edge, and the suspects range from rival collectors to disgruntled employees to a mysterious visitor who appeared just before the painting disappeared. Dollar's investigation takes him through Boston's art world, where egos are large, motives are subtle, and the value of a masterpiece can tempt even the most respectable citizens into crime. As Johnny digs deeper, he uncovers forged documents, conflicting testimonies, and a trail of clues that suggest the theft was planned with precision. A crisp, clever, and atmospheric art‑theft mystery — one of O'Brien's strongest single‑episode cases.   A MESSAGE FROM 1001 RADIO CRIME SOLVERS If you love vintage detective radio — sharp mysteries, clever plots, and classic crime drama — you'll feel right at home with 1001 Radio Crime Solvers, our dedicated channel for the best in old‑time radio mystery storytelling. We feature listener favorites like: Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar Sam Spade Dragnet Crime Classics Tales of the Texas Rangers And dozens more We're always expanding the lineup, and we take suggestions. If there's a show or specific episode you'd love to hear featured, send us your ideas: 📧 1001storiespodcast@gmail.com Your recommendations help shape the future of the channel — and we love hearing from listeners who know their radio history.

  3. 6d ago

    THE GRAVEDIGGER'S SPADE MATTER and THE ARCHEOLOGIST MATTER YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR

    1001 RADIO DAYS Show Notes – "The Gravedigger's Spade Matter" & "The Archeologist Matter" Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar (Double Feature)   THE GRAVEDIGGER'S SPADE MATTER A Missing Tool, a Disturbed Grave, and a Secret Someone Tried to Bury Forever Johnny Dollar is called in when a routine cemetery inventory reveals something deeply unsettling: a gravedigger's spade has gone missing, and one of the graves shows signs of tampering. What begins as a simple insurance inquiry quickly turns into a chilling investigation involving midnight visitors, hidden motives, and a trail of clues buried beneath layers of fear and silence. Dollar's search leads him through small‑town gossip, nervous employees, and a few people who seem far too eager to keep him away from the truth. As he digs deeper — literally and figuratively — he uncovers a scheme that ties together greed, desperation, and a crime someone hoped would stay six feet under. Atmospheric, eerie, and tightly paced, "The Gravedigger's Spade Matter" is classic Johnny Dollar: sharp, suspenseful, and filled with the kind of noir tension that keeps listeners leaning in.   THE ARCHEOLOGIST MATTER A Desert Dig, a Vanished Scientist, and a Discovery Worth Killing For In "The Archeologist Matter," Johnny Dollar is dispatched to investigate the disappearance of a respected archeologist working at a remote excavation site. What should have been a straightforward insurance case quickly becomes a dangerous trek into rugged terrain, academic rivalries, and a dig that may have uncovered something far more valuable — or far more deadly — than anyone expected. Dollar encounters nervous colleagues, conflicting stories, and a few too many people with motives buried as deeply as the artifacts they were searching for. As he pieces together the truth, he finds himself racing against time to uncover what really happened — and why someone wanted the archeologist gone. With rich atmosphere, sharp exchanges, and a mystery that blends history with danger, "The Archeologist Matter" stands out as one of Dollar's most compelling investigations.   A MESSAGE FROM 1001 RADIO CRIME SOLVERS If you love vintage detective radio — sharp mysteries, clever plots, and classic crime drama — you'll feel right at home with 1001 Radio Crime Solvers, our dedicated channel for the best in old‑time radio mystery storytelling. We feature listener favorites like: Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar Sam Spade Dragnet Crime Classics Tales of the Texas Rangers (AT 1001 STORIES FROM THE OLD WEST) And dozens more We're always expanding the lineup, and we take suggestions. If there's a show or specific episode you'd love to hear featured, send us your ideas: 📧 1001storiespodcast@gmail.com

  4. Sep 27

    DEATH TAKES A WORKING DAY and THE SS MALAY TRADER MATTER YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR

    1001 RADIO DAYS Show Notes – "Death Takes a Working Day" & "The SS Malay Trader Matter" Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar (Double Feature)   DEATH TAKES A WORKING DAY In this tense and tightly wound Johnny Dollar mystery, the "man with the action‑packed expense account" is called in when a seemingly ordinary workday turns deadly. A man collapses under suspicious circumstances, and what first appears to be a tragic accident quickly reveals layers of motive, opportunity, and quiet deception. Johnny's investigation leads him through office politics, hidden grudges, and a trail of clues that suggest someone carefully engineered the perfect workplace murder. With sharp dialogue, clever turns, and Dollar's trademark dry wit, "Death Takes a Working Day" delivers a classic blend of suspense and human drama — reminding listeners that danger often hides in the most familiar places.   THE SS MALAY TRADER MATTER Johnny Dollar's next assignment takes him to the docks, where the cargo ship SS Malay Trader becomes the center of a high‑stakes insurance investigation. A valuable shipment has gone missing, and the circumstances surrounding the vessel's last voyage don't add up. Was it theft, sabotage, or something far more dangerous As Johnny interviews crew members, navigates maritime red tape, and uncovers conflicting accounts of what happened aboard the ship, he finds himself piecing together a puzzle that stretches from the waterfront to the shadowy corners of international trade. "The SS Malay Trader Matter" is atmospheric, gritty, and filled with the kind of nautical intrigue that made Johnny Dollar's globe‑spanning cases so memorable.   A MESSAGE FROM 1001 RADIO CRIME SOLVERS If you enjoy classic detective radio — sharp mysteries, clever plots, and vintage crime drama — you'll love 1001 Radio Crime Solvers, our dedicated channel for the best in old‑time radio mystery and detective storytelling. We feature: Johnny Dollar Sam Spade Dragnet Tales of the Texas Rangers *at 1001 Stories From The Old West" Crime Classics And dozens more listener favorites We're always expanding the lineup at 1001 Radio Crime Solvers, and we take suggestions. If there's a show, series, or specific episode you'd love to hear featured, drop us a note at: 📧 1001storiespodcast@gmail.com Your recommendations help shape the future of the channel — and we love hearing from listeners who know their radio history.

  5. Sep 25

    THE HAITI ADVENTURE MATTER and THE DPT. STORE SWINDLE YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR

    Each story started with a phone call from an insurance executive, calling on Johnny to investigate an unusual claim. Each story required Johnny to travel to some distant locale, usually within the United States but sometimes abroad, where he was almost always threatened with personal danger in the course of his investigations. Johnny's file on each case was usually referenced as a "matter," as in "The Silver Blue Matter" or "The Forbes Matter". Later episodes were more fanciful, with titles like "The Wayward Trout Matter" and "The Price of Fame Matter" (the latter featuring a rare guest-star appearance by Vincent Price as himself). Johnny usually stuck to business, but would sometimes engage in romantic dalliances with women he encountered in his travels; later episodes gave Johnny a steady girlfriend, Betty Lewis. Johnny's precious recreational time was usually spent fishing, and it was not uncommon for Johnny's clients to exploit this favorite pastime in convincing him to take on a job near good fishing locations. His past was rarely mentioned, but Dollar in one episode described himself as a four-year US Marine veteran who then worked as a police officer for a decade before changing careers to insurance investigation.  Get all of our shows at one website: www.bestof1001stories.com REVIEWS NEEDED . My email works as well for comments: 1001storiespodcast@gmail.com SUPPORT OUR SHOW BY BECOMING A PATRON! https://.patreon.com/1001storiesnetwork. Its time I started asking for support! Thank you. Its a few dollars a month OR a one time. (Any amount is appreciated). YOUR REVIEWS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS AT APPLE/ITUNES AND ALL ANDROID HOSTS ARE NEEDED AND APPRECIATED! LINKS BELOW... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  6. Sep 23

    THE MELANIE CARTER MATTER and THE SKULL CANYON MINE MATTER

    Most episodes nstarted with a phone call from an insurance executive, calling on Johnny to investigate an unusual claim. Each story required Johnny to travel to some distant locale, usually within the United States but sometimes abroad, where he was almost always threatened with personal danger in the course of his investigations. Johnny's file on each case was usually referenced as a "matter," as in "The Silver Blue Matter" or "The Forbes Matter". Johnny's precious recreational time was usually spent fishing, and it was not uncommon for Johnny's clients to exploit this favorite pastime in convincing him to take on a job near good fishing locations. His past was rarely mentioned, but Dollar in one episode described himself as a four-year US Marine veteran who then worked as a police officer for a decade before changing careers to insurance investigation. Each story was recounted in flashback, as Johnny listed each line item from his expense account. The episodes generally finished with Johnny tallying up his account and traveling back to Hwartford, CT, where he was based. Most of the expense account related to transportation, lodging, and meals and served to transition between scenes, but no incidental expense was too small for Johnny to itemize, as in "Item nine, 10 cents. Aspirin. I needed them."   Get all of our shows at one website: www.bestof1001stories.com REVIEWS NEEDED . My email works as well for comments: 1001storiespodcast@gmail.com SUPPORT OUR SHOW BY BECOMING A PATRON! https://.patreon.com/1001storiesnetwork. Its time I started asking for support! Thank you. Its a few dollars a month OR a one time. (Any amount is appreciated). YOUR REVIEWS ARE NEEDED AND APPRECIATED! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  7. Sep 20

    BODYGUARD TO ANNE CONNELLY and THE CIRCUS ANIMAL SHOW MATTER YOURS TRUULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR

    Most episodes nstarted with a phone call from an insurance executive, calling on Johnny to investigate an unusual claim. Each story required Johnny to travel to some distant locale, usually within the United States but sometimes abroad, where he was almost always threatened with personal danger in the course of his investigations. Johnny's file on each case was usually referenced as a "matter," as in "The Silver Blue Matter" or "The Forbes Matter". Johnny's precious recreational time was usually spent fishing, and it was not uncommon for Johnny's clients to exploit this favorite pastime in convincing him to take on a job near good fishing locations. His past was rarely mentioned, but Dollar in one episode described himself as a four-year US Marine veteran who then worked as a police officer for a decade before changing careers to insurance investigation. Each story was recounted in flashback, as Johnny listed each line item from his expense account. The episodes generally finished with Johnny tallying up his account and traveling back to Hwartford, CT, where he was based. Most of the expense account related to transportation, lodging, and meals and served to transition between scenes, but no incidental expense was too small for Johnny to itemize, as in "Item nine, 10 cents. Aspirin. I needed them."   Get all of our shows at one website: www.bestof1001stories.com REVIEWS NEEDED . My email works as well for comments: 1001storiespodcast@gmail.com SUPPORT OUR SHOW BY BECOMING A PATRON! https://.patreon.com/1001storiesnetwork. Its time I started asking for support! Thank you. Its a few dollars a month OR a one time. (Any amount is appreciated). YOUR REVIEWS ARE NEEDED AND APPRECIATED! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  8. Sep 18

    THE HAROLD TRANDOM MATTER and THE SYDNEY RYKOFF MATTER YOURS TRULY JOHNNY DOLLAR

    🎙️ 1001 RADIO DAYS ⭐ Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar Starring Bob Bailey — the man with the action‑packed expense account   ⭐ THE HAROLD TANDOM MATTER 📅 Broadcast Dates: Part 1: Monday, July 9, 1956 Part 2: Tuesday, July 10, 1956 Part 3: Wednesday, July 11, 1956 Part 4: Thursday, July 12, 1956 Part 5: Friday, July 13, 1956 ✍️ Writer: Les Crutchfield 🎭 Cast: Bob Bailey – Johnny Dollar Virginia Gregg, Lawrence Dobkin, Harry Bartell, Howard McNear, Parley Baer – supporting roles Jack Johnstone – Producer/Director Amerigo Marino – Music Director 📘 Story Summary: Johnny Dollar is sent to investigate the death of Harold Tandom, a quiet, seemingly unremarkable man whose life insurance claim raises troubling questions. The official story says Tandom died in a fall — but the evidence doesn't line up, and the company suspects foul play. Dollar's investigation uncovers: A marriage strained by secrets A business partner with too much to hide A financial trail that suggests Tandom was being pressured And a dangerous motive that points toward murder As Johnny digs deeper, he finds himself navigating a web of lies, intimidation, and a conspiracy that reaches far beyond Tandom's modest life. The final episode delivers a tense confrontation and a revelation that reframes Tandom's tragic fate. 📝 Production Notes: Crutchfield's writing is tight, atmospheric, and character‑driven. Bailey's performance is at its peak — calm, incisive, and emotionally grounded. Johnstone's direction emphasizes tension and pacing, making this one of the standout mid‑1956 serials. Strong use of supporting actors gives the story a rich, lived‑in feel.   ⭐ THE SYDNEY RYKOFF MATTER 📅 Broadcast Dates: Part 1: Monday, July 16, 1956 Part 2: Tuesday, July 17, 1956 Part 3: Wednesday, July 18, 1956 Part 4: Thursday, July 19, 1956 Part 5: Friday, July 20, 1956 ✍️ Writer: Les Crutchfield 🎭 Cast: Bob Bailey – Johnny Dollar Eleanor Audley, Harry Bartell, Lawrence Dobkin, Howard McNear, Parley Baer – supporting roles Jack Johnstone – Producer/Director Amerigo Marino – Music Director 📘 Story Summary: Johnny Dollar heads west to investigate the death of Sydney Rykoff, a wealthy man whose passing appears natural — until Dollar discovers that Rykoff's estate is tangled in a bitter dispute. Dollar uncovers: A family divided by greed and resentment A will that may have been altered A doctor's testimony that doesn't match the medical evidence And a dangerous secret someone is willing to kill to protect The investigation becomes a battle of wits as Johnny navigates lies, conflicting motives, and a household full of suspects. The climax reveals a shocking betrayal and the true cause of Rykoff's death — a revelation that brings justice, but at a heavy emotional cost. 📝 Production Notes: Crutchfield again delivers a layered, character‑rich script. Bailey's Dollar is sharp, sardonic, and relentless. The ensemble cast shines, especially Eleanor Audley in a pivotal role. The western setting gives the serial a distinct tone and atmosphere.   ⭐ SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH 1001 If you enjoy 1001 Radio Days, please take a moment to leave a review at Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Reviews help new listeners discover the show and keep these great radio dramas alive. Please share the episode with friends, family, and fellow old‑time radio fans. To support the show and help us continue producing high‑quality episodes every week, visit: 👉 www.patreon.com/1001storiesnetwork Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at: 👉 @1001stories Visit our website: 👉 www.bestof1001stories.com And join our new Facebook community: 👉 facebook.com/Bestof1001Stories.com

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Radio Days, When Radio Was King- brings you a wide variety of entertainment from the golden age of radio - drama, detective, suspense, comedy, sci-fi, theater- and much more. The selection and quality of the shows is excellent.. Brought to you by 1001 Stories Podcast Network. Hosted by Jon Hagadorn. We appreciate reviews!

Information

  • Creator
    Jon Hagadorn
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    692
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2019 1001 Stories Podcast Network
  • Show Website
    1001 RADIO DAYS

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