Old Time Radio Mystery Specials

Adam's Old Time Radio
  • 4.9 (14)
  • PERFORMING ARTS
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Enjoy a series of unusual episodes of the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio including old time radio mystery movie adaptations from the Lux Radio Theater, Screen Guild Theater, and similar programs. As well as episodes Escape, Suspense, and Murder Clinic, along with some truly different programs including Roy Rogers, Mayor of the Town, Superman, and Cavalcade of America. Also comparisons of how two detective programs handle the same story.

  1. Screen Guild Theater: My Favorite Brunette

    FEB 8

    Screen Guild Theater: My Favorite Brunette

    Today's Mystery: A baby photographer impersonates an out-of-town private investigator and gets mixed up with a beautiful woman who wants him to find her missing uncle. Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 13, 1947 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Hope as Ronny Jackson; Dorothy Lamour; Frank Nelson Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you to our latest platinum Patreon supporters Mimi and Doc, Patreon supporters since February 2016 Patreon Supporter of the Day: Jasmine, Patreon supporter since February 2025. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

    34 min
  2. Mystery Award Theater: The Screwball Division

    FEB 6

    Mystery Award Theater: The Screwball Division

    Release Date: April 21, 2012 The youngest and oldest detectives on the force turn to a drunk former detective to solve three murders that occurred at the same time. Original Air Date: June 13, 1949 Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at https://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Take the listener survey at https://survey.greatdetectives.net Check out our social media at https://www.greatdetectives.net

    34 min
  3. Murder Clinic: The Tragedy at Marsden Manor

    JAN 23

    Murder Clinic: The Tragedy at Marsden Manor

    Release Date: March 13, 2012 Poirot is called upon by the insurance to investigate the apparent natural death of a wealthy man who just passed a physical for a life insurance policy for his young wife. Original Air Date: October 6, 1942 Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at https://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Take the listener survey at https://survey.greatdetectives.net Check out our social media at https://www.greatdetectives.net

    33 min
  4. Campbell’s Playhouse: The Murder of Roger Akroyd

    JAN 9

    Campbell’s Playhouse: The Murder of Roger Akroyd

    Release Date: March 6, 2012 While trying to retire, Poirot investigates the murder of a rich man in the country. Original Air Date: November 12, 1939 Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at https://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Take the listener survey at https://survey.greatdetectives.net Check out our social media at https://www.greatdetectives.net

    1h 2m
  5. Holmes for the Holiday: Two Christmas Mysteries

    12/21/2025

    Holmes for the Holiday: Two Christmas Mysteries

    As we get ready for Christmas, we bring you two original old time radio Christmas plays featuring Sherlock Holmes. First up is The Night Before Christmas. On Christmas, one of Moriarity’s henchmen switches Christmas sacks with Dr. Watson when both are dressed as Santa Claus. Sherlock Holmes has to catch the thief and save Watson and the kids at a Christmas party.   Original Air Date: December 24, 1945   Originating from Hollywood   Starring: Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes; Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson   Next up is The Adventure of the Christmas Bride.   Sherlock Holmes is invited to spend the holidays with a family that needs him to ensure that a family curse doesn't prevent a wedding from occurring. Original Air Date: December 21, 1947 Originating from New York Starring: John Stanley as Sherlock Holmes; Alfred Shirley as Dr. Watson Patreon Supporter of the Day: Adrianne, Patreon supporter since January 2017. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives

    1h 6m
  6. Studio One: The Thirty-Nine Steps

    11/28/2025

    Studio One: The Thirty-Nine Steps

    A Canadian finds himself drawn into a world of myste Read more ...

    1h 6m
  7. Murder Clinic: A Scrap of Lace

    11/21/2025

    Murder Clinic: A Scrap of Lace

    Release Date: December 3, 2011 A charming young woman is murdered and Madam Rosika Storey is called in to find out who did it and save a prominent family from scandal. Original Air Date: September 22, 1942 Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at https://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Take the listener survey at https://survey.greatdetectives.net Check out our social media at https://www.greatdetectives.net

    34 min
  8. The Best of the 2024-25 Season

    11/02/2025

    The Best of the 2024-25 Season

    In this special, we look back at the top five half-hour Old Time Radio programs of our 2024-2025 season, and one of our best Old Time Radio Snack Wagon episodes. First up, it's The Falcon in "The Case of the Jumping Jack": A woman hires The Falcon because she suspects that her husband has hired a private eye to follow her. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 20, 1952 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corbett Then we turn to the Your Playhouse of Favorites production of "The Suicide Club": A bored crown prince, looking for excitement, joins a club of men who want to end their lives. Original Air Date: Sometime between 1947 and 1949 Originating from New York Starring: Dwight Reese; Walter Vaughn Speaking of Robert Louis Stevenson, we turn to an excerpt from The Orson Welles Almanac wherein Welles reads Stevenson's lesser-known letter defending Father Damien against the scathing remarks of Reverend Dr. C.M. Hyde. This impassioned response, penned in 1890, highlights the stark contrasts between the selfless heroism of Father Damien and the hypocrisy of his critics. Join us as we explore the rich historical context and emotional weight of Stevenson's words, showcasing not only a brilliant literary takedown but also a tribute to compassion and service in the face of adversity. Welles's masterful narration brings this poignant piece to life, reminding us of the enduring legacy of Father Damien. Complete Text of Stevenson's letter: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/281/281-h/281-h.htm Then we turn to a surreal episode of Mr. and Mrs. North, "Call Me Choo Choo" Today’s Mystery:Pam and Jerry hear a clarinet being played in the middle of the country near a wrecked car. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 9, 1947 Originating from New York City Starring: Joseph Curtain as Jerry North; Alice Frost as Pamela North; Larry Haines; Mandel Kramer We will also have a listen to one of our new series, Cloak and Dagger, about the true adventures of the OSS during WWII. Here is "Roof of the World": A husband and wife team of geologists are recruited by the IRS to journey into Tibet to seek the favor of the Dalai Lama. They find themselves in competition with two Nazi officers. Original Radio Broadcast: August 13, 1950 Originating from New YorkStarring: Louise Barclay; Grant Richards; Raymond Edward Johnson; Stefan Schnabel; Berry Kroeger; Janice Gilbert; Karl Weber; Ralph Bell; Jerry Jarrett Then we conclude with one of our most memorable guest-starring appearances in the Yours Truly Johnny Dollar story, "The Price of Fame Matter" Vincent Price summons Johnny Dollar when a $100,000 painting is stolen from his private collection. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 2, 1958 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Vincent Price as Himself; Virginia Gregg; Howard McNear; Junius Matthews; Forrest Lewis; Tony Barrett Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day:John, Patreon supporter since September 2016. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

    2h 42m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Enjoy a series of unusual episodes of the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio including old time radio mystery movie adaptations from the Lux Radio Theater, Screen Guild Theater, and similar programs. As well as episodes Escape, Suspense, and Murder Clinic, along with some truly different programs including Roy Rogers, Mayor of the Town, Superman, and Cavalcade of America. Also comparisons of how two detective programs handle the same story.

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