Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Following an introduction to The Shadow and a Blue Coal commercial, Captain Joe's crew uses fire to lure a ship into a trap. After the pirate captain murders Sir John and Captain Nielsen, Lamont Cranston and Margot Lane are taken to a mysterious, luxurious island where Lamont suspects a larger conspiracy is at play. In a dramatic conclusion, The Shadow uses hypnosis to manipulate a pirate captain into releasing Margot Lane and escaping an island depot filled with explosives. After the island is destroyed by a bomb detonated by Mr. Cranston, Lamont reflects on the justice of the event.

Acting on behalf of lawyer Perry Shane, Rocky Fortune visits the Bigelow estate to monitor Mrs. Bigelow, who fears she may murder her husband due to hereditary insanity. During his stay, Mrs. Bigelow confesses to a violent sleepwalking episode involving an axe, while Mr. Bigelow reveals he is actually a psychologist secretly treating the family. Rocky eventually confronts Dr. Thomas Bigelow, uncovering a plot where the psychologist used psychological manipulation and a hidden voice to drive his wife into insanity for financial gain. After a tense standoff involving a gun, Rocky exposes the scheme to kill him under the guise of self-defense.

Government agent Steve Mitchell is assigned to Haiti to recover stolen scientific data regarding anti-submarine warfare after a pilot's flight jacket is spotted in a magazine photo. While investigating, Mitchell encounters a sniper attempt and discovers that his guide, Lubo, may be intentionally leading him and Virginia Collins in the wrong direction. As they navigate the jungle toward a village, the group uncovers layers of deception involving Brissac and Professor Dalrymple. After discovering a wounded pilot named Carlson who holds secret data, Steve confronts Dalrymple during a voodoo ceremony. The mission concludes with the revelation that Virginia's identity was part of a professional cover.

In this episode of 'Broadway's My Beat,' Detective Danny Clover investigates a series of sniper attacks targeting women in the city during the Christmas season. While an initial investigation leads to a young boy caught with a plastic toy gun, a real sniper strike claims the life of Mrs. Blanche Dermott. Detectives Clover and Muggerman uncover a chilling pattern: previous 'near misses' were actually intentional misses by a highly skilled marksman. The investigation shifts focus to Mrs. Dermott's husband, Mr. Dermott, as detectives suspect he may have orchestrated the attacks to escape his stifling marriage.

Private detective Mike Shane, his associate Phyllis, and a police inspector investigate the mysterious disappearance of a corpse from Mr. Beattie's apartment. The investigation leads them through threatening letters and financial disputes involving Reynolds and Weaver, eventually uncovering J.J. Beattie's body hidden in warehouse rafters. The Inspector reveals that the witness, Mr. Porter, staged the crime scene to hide the fact that the body was never in the apartment. As the investigators examine the deceased's belongings, they note the suspicious absence of his keys and suspect a potential connection between Porter and a criminal from Beattie's past.

Detectives Friday and Joe investigate a series of robberies following a tip from former criminal Rod Nealon regarding suspects seen at a local bar. The investigation intensifies as the detectives track a vehicle to Dolly Keene's apartment, leading to a tense stakeout, a shootout, and a subsequent raid on an apartment that results in the apprehension of Chester Rayburn and Dolly Keene. The episode concludes with the trial and conviction of Rayburn and Miss Keen for robbery. The program also features period-accurate advertisements for Chesterfield, Fatima cigarettes, and the Red Cross.

Private investigator Richard Diamond investigates the suspicious death of truck driver Mike Burton, initially appearing to be a hit-and-run. After discovering a hollow baseball bat at the Cross State Trucking warehouse, Diamond follows a trail that leads him to Harry Fenner and a smuggling ring involving stolen diamonds. The investigation culminates in a violent confrontation at Fenner's home involving the wrestler Toby, eventually revealing the truth behind Burton's murder. The episode concludes with the resolution of the case and closing announcements.

Insurance investigator Johnny Dollar attempts to enjoy a fishing vacation, but finds himself pursued by Pat McCracken and shadowed by a mysterious man across several flights and in Las Vegas. The tension escalates with the news that dangerous criminal Scarface Maloney has escaped from prison. While fishing at Lake Mojave, Johnny and Pat realize they are being watched by an armed individual. However, the confrontation reveals the man is actually Malloy, an admirer spying to learn fishing secrets. The episode concludes with the news that Scarface Maloney has been recaptured.

In this episode of The Adventures of The Saint, Simon Templer investigates a mysterious pattern involving the frequent rental of a specific book titled 'The Birds and Bees of East Orange'. After discovering a man murdered in May Owen's bookstore, Templer follows a trail of suspects including Wendy Willikens and Peter Piper. Using the book as bait to lure Mr. Bieber, Simon discovers that Bieber has also been murdered alongside Dugan. Through deduction, Simon reveals that a gambling ring was using the book as a coded communication method, eventually leading to the confrontation of Piper, who killed the others to seize the payoff money.

In 'Blueprint for Murder,' a confrontation over faulty bridge construction materials leads to a dramatic escalation between Frank Madison and the corrupt Walter Douglas. After Douglas orchestrates a kidnapping using a fake telegram to lure Madison into a trap, Special Agent Jim Taylor launches an investigation. By tracking red clay from a driveway to Mount Bell, Agent Taylor successfully rescues Madison and apprehends the kidnappers. The episode concludes with a reflection on the FBI's role in protecting civil liberties.

In this episode of Boston Blackie, the death of trapeze artist Valerie Johnson during a circus performance is investigated by Blackie and Inspector Faraday. While a warning note suggests murder, initial evidence points toward tampering with the trapeze equipment and suspects including the ringmaster, Smithfield, and Valerie's husband, Joe Lane. The investigation reveals that while Smithfield did tamper with the equipment to frame Lane, the true killer was Lane himself, who manipulated the timing of the performance's drum roll. The episode concludes with Lane meeting an accidental death when he is kicked by a horse while fleeing.

Johnny Taylor threatens Greg Allen with exposure regarding an affair to force him to stop seeing Sue Gordon. Following the sudden death of Greg Allen in a pilot's room, investigator Philo Vance examines the scene and interrogates suspects including Johnny Taylor, Sue Gordon, and Millard Crane. Vance confronts the suspects and Millard Crane at the airport, eventually leading them to the pilot's reading room. By observing Crane's ability to instantly locate the light switch in a pitch-black room, Vance proves that Crane had been inside the crime scene previously, ultimately leading to Crane's confession.

Mrs. Edith Fairmont visits Sherlock Holmes and Watson to plead for the innocence of Charles Rossiter, who has been accused of murdering her husband, Augustus, on a boat. The case involves missing diamonds and seemingly overwhelming evidence leading up to a trial at the Old Bailey. Holmes ultimately presents evidence proving that Augustus Fairmont committed suicide to frame his rival, Rossiter. Following the acquittal, the episode concludes with a promotional segment and a preview of next week's adventure, 'The Adventure of the Speckled Band'.

In 'Murder in the Locked Room,' writer Chudley Stoner visits Sherlock Holmes to discuss a fictional murder mystery, only for Holmes to realize the plot is based on real events. The situation turns tragic when Stoner is found dead in a similar locked-room scenario, initially appearing to be a suicide. Holmes, Watson, and Inspector Lestrade investigate the suspicious death, with Holmes deducing that it was actually a murder. By examining clues such as wax traces and a dying message, Holmes identifies the secretary, Andre LaRue, as the killer through linguistic and forensic evidence.

The episode 'Night Without End' follows a city plunged into three days of total darkness caused by a stolen smoke screen device. As panic and looting rise, criminals demand $5 million to prevent the release of a deadly gas. The Shadow intervenes, intercepting Dr. Heath during his ransom delivery to confront the villain Zarooff. During the delivery on a freighter, Dr. Heath discovers Zarooff's true intent is to use the fog machine to release lethal gas over the city. This leads to a desperate plan by Dr. Heath to blow up the ship's gas tanks to prevent mass poisoning, concluding with an explosion and Lamont Cranston reflecting on the resolution with Margo Lane.

Rocky Fortune and his friend Sammy Murkinson encounter a detective in a bar, leading to an investigation into a purported murder confessed by executive Arthur Crispy. After being knocked unconscious at Paramount Insurance, Rocky discovers the corpse of Ethel Hawkins hidden on top of an elevator car. The mystery concludes with the revelation that while Arthur Crispy choked the victim, his wife Helen moved the body in an attempt to cover up the crime. The tension peaks when Rocky's fiancée confesses to stabbing the woman after witnessing the struggle, only to be shot during an escape attempt.

Agent Steve Mitchell is tasked by his commissioner to intercept Dr. Corvell, a man whose return to his home country is vital for democratic stability, before an organized minority can harm him. While searching for the contact Dravik in Risma, Mitchell encounters various obstacles, including the agent Marzak and a frame-up involving a jewel theft. He eventually discovers that his contact is actually Sari, a smuggler who has already helped Corvell cross the border. Mitchell and Sari engage in a high-speed pursuit to prevent Dr. Corvell from falling into a trap set by Miklos. After surviving various ambushes and car chases, Mitchell intercepts Corvell at a house just before the betrayal occurs. The mission concludes with Mitchell safely escorting Corvell to the legislature while avoiding further plots by Bisco.

Detective Danny Clover investigates a series of connected crimes, beginning with the shooting of an unidentified boy in a library and progressing to the murder of Frank Grunner in a luxury hotel. Through interviews with a grieving widow, a boarding house owner, and a probation officer, the detective uncovers a web of theft and potential betrayal involving individuals linked to the deceased. The investigation leads Clover to examine the suspicious wealth of shoe salesman Frank Grummer, tracing a connection to Mrs. Cora Barker and her husband Eddie. The inquiry reveals that the Barkers provided funds for Grummer through safe robberies, culminating in a tense confrontation where Eddie admits to killing Grummer and Cora hands a gun to the detective.

Private Detective Mike Shane and his assistant Phyllis Knight investigate a series of museum thefts that escalate into a murder investigation following the discovery of Dr. Wakeman's body. The detectives pursue leads involving wealthy art collector Richard Bradley and art dealer Francois Lise, utilizing a sting operation with a planted vase to expose criminal activity. Despite a violent shootout during the investigation, Mike Shane ultimately identifies Professor Barron as the true murderer of Dr. Wakeman. The detective solves the case by connecting rain spots on a papyrus cylinder to the professor's coat, revealing the motive behind the crime.

Detectives Friday and Smith investigate a large-scale supermarket robbery in Los Angeles. While the primary suspect, Bernard R. Hanson, appears to have an alibi due to medical records suggesting he was bedridden, a subsequent robbery with an identical description forces the detectives to dig deeper into the true identity of the perpetrators. The investigation leads police to a hospital room where they discover evidence of a robbery plot and find that a doctor was complicit in hiding Hanson. After tracking down Hanson's accomplice, Marty Peterson, and interviewing his girlfriend, Lily Edwards, the detectives successfully orchestrate the arrest of Hanson, Peterson, and Dr. Corby.

Private investigator Richard Diamond is hired by attorney Raymond R. Waldron to investigate a case involving showgirl Mary Bellman, only to find himself caught in a violent ambush that leaves him unconscious and his gun stolen. After discovering Mary Bellman has been murdered, Diamond tracks down Jean Willis and suspects a connection to John Webb. The police orchestrate a sting operation at Bellevue hospital using a fake patient to lure the killer. The resulting chaotic confrontation leads to the death of the man believed to be Webb, ultimately revealing that Webb killed Bellman to prevent blackmail and targeted the investigators due to their past actions.

Freelance insurance investigator Johnny Dollar is tasked with locating Nancy Everly, the sole heir to a wealthy estate. Following clues from Philadelphia to Los Angeles, Johnny discovers Nancy has traveled to Las Vegas to marry a charming young man. The episode concludes with Johnny preventing a fraudulent marriage in Las Vegas as he exposes Alfred Harker's scheme to seize the Everly fortune. The program also features advertisements for Fritos and Kellogg's, a preview of next week's episode, 'The Flask of Death Matter,' and a brief comedic hypnosis sketch.

The Saint, played by Vincent Price, investigates the disappearance of valuable paintings and the distress of art collector Orlando Button. Through a series of confrontations involving characters like George, Kasach, and Dr. Weber, he uncovers clues involving the S.S. Tuscany. The investigation reveals that a mysterious shipment from Genoa contained stolen Renaissance masterpieces hidden under over-paintings. The case culminates in the discovery of Mr. Button's body hidden in the trunk of George's car.

In this episode of 'This is Your FBI,' titled 'The Honest Embezzler,' Special Agent Jim Taylor tracks down Earl Corey, a former bank teller who fled after embezzling $9,000. The investigation leads from a carnival to a train, where Corey reveals he used the funds for his late wife's medical bills and intends to surrender. The episode also covers the conclusion of an FBI case involving the murder of an embezzler, resulting in the arrest of suspect Martin Burns following a confrontation with Princess Lily.

Following a robbery at Roger Olsen's office and the mysterious death of fashion designer Pierre, Inspector Faraday accuses Boston Blackie of being the only person capable of the crime. As Blackie attempts to clear his name, he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding Pierre's death. Blackie discovers that what appeared to be a suicide note was actually a forgery. Through deduction regarding mail pickup times and medical testimony concerning prescription poison, Blackie reveals that Roger Olsen and Marion Thompson conspired to murder Pierre for insurance money, leading to their arrest.

A fortune teller named Roger reveals to Miss Stone that her guardian, Peter Golden, is embezzling her funds. This revelation leads to a confrontation between Dick Novus and Golden, which ends with the discovery of Golden's murder by gunshot. Private investigator Philo Vance begins investigating the crime, suspecting that two people are involved in the murder. Philo Vance uses a staged crystal ball reading to reveal the truth behind the murder of Peter Golden, ultimately identifying Kay Stone as the killer. He explains how Raja Ramoy attempted to create an alibi using a blank cartridge gun, but the physical evidence on the wall led back to the crime. The segment concludes with Miss Stone's confession and the resolution of the case.

This episode explores the mystery of 'The Red-Headed League,' beginning with Dr. Watson's account of Mr. Jabez Wilson's visit to Sherlock Holmes regarding a mysterious club for red-headed men. After investigating Saxe-Coburg Square, Holmes and Watson stake out a bank vault to intercept the criminal John Clay. The investigation culminates in a tense confrontation as Clay emerges from a tunnel beneath the bank. Holmes concludes the case by revealing how his keen observations of physical evidence and the timing of the league's dissolution allowed him to deduce the elaborate criminal plot.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson recount the investigation into the death of Lord Hollis, whom they attempted to rescue from drowning during a boat trip. Upon examining footprints on the beach, Holmes suspects that Lady Diana and Miss Cartwright were actually carrying the deceased man's body. To expose the truth, Holmes orchestrates a plan using a lifelike waxwork figure of the late Lord Hollis to induce a confession from the suspects. After successfully revealing the staged drowning, the episode concludes with a preview of next week's adventure, 'The Red-Headed League'.

Following the execution of Dan Malley, a dying confession reveals that lawyer Peter Murdoch is orchestrating a massive insurance fraud scheme involving a planned slum fire. As The Shadow investigates a lead at 5 South Street, he discovers the murdered Dopey Jake and a direct challenge from Murdoch. Murdoch attempts to trap The Shadow in a high-tech 'lion's cage' using photoelectric rays, electrified doors, and poison gas. However, The Shadow manages to short the circuit, leading to a confrontation where Murdoch's crimes are exposed to Commissioner Weston.

Rocky Fortune investigates a theft involving Dr. Jonas, whose son, Stanley, has been stealing and forging narcotics records. The investigation reveals Stanley's heroin addiction and potential involvement with the doctor's nurse, Miss Carol. Rocky and Dr. Jonas execute a sting operation to expose Miss Carol, who is also acting as a blackmailer using photos of Stanley for extortion. The plan succeeds when she attempts to take blame for the narcotics theft in exchange for money, leading to her arrest and a resolution to the legal crisis.

In this episode of Dangerous Assignment, agent Steve Mitchell travels to Richmond, Virginia, to investigate the theft of a Civil War map by international agent Ekman. His investigation leads him onto the Southern Empress, where he encounters various characters while tracking a suspect using the alias Pettibone. As the mystery unfolds, Mitchell discovers that the map is the key to a massive mining land dispute involving the Orteg family. The investigation reveals that the boisterous button salesman, Cully, orchestrated the murders of both Ekman and Corelli to claim the profits for himself. The episode concludes with Mitchell outmaneuvering Cully during a high-stakes car chase.

Detective Danny Clover investigates the murders of Grace Cullen, a widow on a college campus, and Lloyd Keeler, a student athlete found dead in an alley. The investigation leads Clover through interviews with figures such as Don Davey and Johnny Harris. The case culminates in a confrontation where Claire Davey confesses to killing Lloyd Keeler to maintain control over her husband, while it is revealed that Don Davey was responsible for the death of Grace Cullen.

In this episode of The Adventures of Michael Shane, Richard Stowe visits the detective, terrified that he will fulfill a vivid recurring dream of murdering George Belsey. Following Belsey's actual murder, Mike Shane and Phyllis Knight investigate the crime scene, encountering suspects including a mining partner and Belsey's secretary while uncovering clues related to an engagement ring. Investigators examine evidence in Belsey's office, discovering a second engagement ring and a letter suggesting a motive involving Marie Farrell. After a tense confrontation with Dr. Neiman regarding hypnotism and a car ambush targeting Mike Shane, the detectives deduce that Frank Mann is the killer, having murdered Belsey to secure his share of the gold mines.

This episode of Dragnet follows a high-speed chase involving a stolen car that ends in the death of a sixteen-year-old boy. The investigation shifts to a radio theft from Dr. Halsey's car on Wilshire Boulevard, leading Detectives Friday and Smith through fingerprint analysis and the discovery of stolen goods in a teenager's vehicle. The trail leads to the interrogation of Herb Martin and eventually to a garage confrontation with Richard R. Ogden, who is accused of orchestrating a car-stripping ring. The episode concludes with the real-life legal outcomes of the case, including convictions for receiving stolen property and grand theft auto.

Private Detective Richard Diamond is called by Lieutenant Walt Levinson to assist in the investigation of a major prison break involving Ralph Baxter. The investigation takes a grim turn when a potential witness, Jean Lawrence, is found dead in the river, leading Diamond to pursue suspect William Nash. Following a high-stakes confrontation at a roadside diner involving Baxter's gang, the investigation reveals connections between the prison break and a recent jewelry store robbery. The episode concludes with the aftermath of the violent encounter and formal program credits.

Johnny Dollar investigates the 'Red Rock matter' in Kingman, Arizona, where a windstorm uncovered a skeleton with a bullet hole. Evidence from medical records suggests the remains belong to Ralph Garrett, prompting Johnny to trace the alleged killer, Jerry Bisbee, through mining claims into Nevada. The investigation leads to Virginia City and a tense confrontation with Bisbee at Red Rock Pass. After an attempt to arrest Bisbee for murder, the narrator witnesses Bisbee being killed by a nest of rattlesnakes, viewed as a form of divine justice.

Simon Templer and Louie discover that Templer's furniture has been moved to the Sprague Gallery, where they find an antique dealer murdered. Following a lead to Mrs. Susan Carter, they find her dead as well, leading Templer to suspect a connection involving a Victorian 'whatnot'. A sudden fire breaks out in the house, forcing an evacuation. Following the fire, Mr. Templer reveals that Claire Wayne poisoned her aunt and set the fire to destroy evidence, using the clue of her nylon stockings to prove she wasn't actually asleep. The investigation concludes with the revelation that Harold was innocent and that the motive involved a stolen whatnot containing hidden money.

In this episode of 'This is Your FBI' titled 'The Big Shakedown,' an inmate named Lawton orchestrates an extortion plot against a political candidate using his former associate, Chick. The investigation follows the criminals' attempts to extort William Graham, including a high-stakes drop involving a log in a river. The scheme ultimately unravels when FBI Agent Jim Taylor intercepts the criminals during their final attempt, catching them with fake money. The episode concludes with the revelation that the initial setup was an FBI sting operation and the subsequent arrest of George and Grace Lawton for murder.

After a maid named Madeline dies without visible marks following claims of seeing a ghost at the Worthington mansion, Boston Blackie investigates the mysterious death and Mrs. Worthington's apparent mental collapse. The investigation reveals that the hauntings were a ruse designed to protect Mrs. Worthington's will from her nephew, Ernest Cleland. Blackie ultimately uncovers a conspiracy involving both the nephew and the maid. He reveals that the 'supernatural' occurrences were actually a combination of psychological stress and a logical explanation involving an officer snoring into a police microphone.

After criminal Joe Farrell warns District Attorney Markham of a valuable statue arriving at the museum, detective Philo Vance uses mathematical deduction regarding the object's weight to prove it is made of gold rather than copper. Following the murder of Enid Carter, Vance orchestrates a sting operation at the city museum. The investigation reveals that the museum curator, Jasper, murdered Enid Carter and was caught attempting to steal the statue. The case concludes with the revelation of the thief's identity and the death of Jonathan Peters from wounds inflicted by his own accomplice.

A new Sherlock Holmes adventure begins with the discovery of Dr. Marsden's murder and a series of targeted killings targeting members of a specific medical committee. As Holmes investigates, he realizes Professor Moriarty may be behind the scheme to protect or avenge Dr. Sarah Ingleby's surgical invention. Holmes and Watson set a trap for Dr. Ingleby, which leads to a confrontation where she attempts to murder Dr. McKenna but dies of cyanide poisoning. Holmes ultimately discovers that Moriarty manipulated her using a delayed-release gelatin capsule to ensure the crime was committed before her own death.

A new Sherlock Holmes adventure begins with the mysterious disappearance of Mr. John Scott Eccles' hosts at Wisteria Lodge. After investigating a cryptic note and the murder of Garcia, Holmes and Watson uncover a scene involving South American voodoo sacrifice. The investigation leads to a confrontation with Don Morello, a notorious tyrant, as he attempts to flee with a drugged governess.

In this episode of The Shadow, a series of mysterious disappearances and the death of a church committee member are linked to a supposed ghost known as the Black Abbot. Lamont Cranston investigates the haunting at the church, eventually confronting a figure in black who turns out to be a man using the legend to hide his crimes. As Lamont and Margot Lane search for secret passages with architect Paul Randolph, they are ambushed by Randolph, who reveals himself as the murderer of the committee members. After a tense confrontation regarding stolen relics, Randolph attempts to escape via the belfry but falls to his death.