This series is one of a few modern series featured by Radio Classics. A creation of writer Jim French, Harry Nile first came … more

This series is one of a few modern series featured by Radio Classics. A creation of writer Jim French, Harry Nile first came to radio in 1976 and continued to be adapted into the late 90s as part of the "Imagination Theatre" productions. Harry Nile, a former Chicago cop turned private detective, was played by Phil Harper for more than 20 years.

Hopalong Cassidy's millions of fans got a New Year's Day present in 1950 when William Boyd brought the famous Bar-20 Ranch o … more

Hopalong Cassidy's millions of fans got a New Year's Day present in 1950 when William Boyd brought the famous Bar-20 Ranch onto the Mutual radio range. In 1950, Clarence Mulford's classic cowboy was heard on 152 radio stations, seen on 63 television outlets and appeared as a comic strip in 155 newspapers.

As a summer replacement series on NBC, this show only broadcast a handful of episodes from July to September 1951. The title … more

As a summer replacement series on NBC, this show only broadcast a handful of episodes from July to September 1951. The title character, also known as Phillip Gault, could speak only in whispers following a football injury. He's cast out of society and joins an underground crime syndicate - but after having miracle surgery that restores his voice, he becomes a double agent in hopes of destroying the syndicate from the inside. Carleton G. Young played the protagonist, alongside Betty Moran who played Gault's girlfriend and the only other person who knows about his double identity.

The husband-and-wife vaudeville team of Jim and Marian Jordan began their radio careers in Peoria on a bet from Jim’s brothe … more

The husband-and-wife vaudeville team of Jim and Marian Jordan began their radio careers in Peoria on a bet from Jim’s brother. The Jordans were heard as The O’Henry Twins and The Air Scouts before Don Quinn created Smackout in 1931. Quinn revamped the show as Fibber McGee and Molly in 1935 when Johnson’s Wax signed on as sponsor.

The Phil Harris & Alice Faye Show grew out of the popular Fitch Bandwagon series. Phil Harris played himself, continuing the … more

The Phil Harris & Alice Faye Show grew out of the popular Fitch Bandwagon series. Phil Harris played himself, continuing the egotistical, smart-alec characterization he had perfected during his years as Jack Bennys' bandleader. Alice Faye, Phil's movie star wife, recreated her real-life role as a film star turn devoted housewife.

This early 1950s space adventure series for kids ran concurrently on TV and radio, with the same performers in lead roles.

This early 1950s space adventure series for kids ran concurrently on TV and radio, with the same performers in lead roles.

First broadcast on December 4, 1957, Exploring Tomorrow brought funny, strange and chilling tales to science fiction fans ac … more

First broadcast on December 4, 1957, Exploring Tomorrow brought funny, strange and chilling tales to science fiction fans across the country. Adventures in space exploration, aliens, and time travel thrilled listeners on the Mutual Broadcasting System. While the stories and their settings are unusual, the themes are familiar: jealousy, crime and punishment, the pursuit of happiness, politics and war. As with all good science fiction, the fanciful and frightening worlds of an imagined future or an alternate present bring you face to face with the real feelings, choices, beliefs and needs of human beings as we are now.

This NBC thriller ran for about a year from the spring of 1952 to the summer of 1953. Each unique story entails suspense, ac … more

This NBC thriller ran for about a year from the spring of 1952 to the summer of 1953. Each unique story entails suspense, action and, of course, a protagonist on the run. The series often featured guest stars who were announcers or actors for other suspenseful series, and many of the scripts were also used in other dramas like The Clock and Inner Sanctum Mysteries.

Leslie Charteris' famous character first came to radio on January 6, 1945 with Edgar Barrier heard as the debonair Simon Tem … more

Leslie Charteris' famous character first came to radio on January 6, 1945 with Edgar Barrier heard as the debonair Simon Templar. The "Robin Hood of modern crime" returned to the airwaves on July 9, 1947 with Vincent Price in the title role in a short-lived CBS summer series. Price returned to the role in 1949 over Mutual and became radio's most remembered Simon Templar.

The Cavalcade of America was a historical dramatic anthology and aired from 1935 to 1953. Patriotic in nature, this series w … more

The Cavalcade of America was a historical dramatic anthology and aired from 1935 to 1953. Patriotic in nature, this series was created in part to improve the name of sponsor DuPont Chemical, which received backlash for profiting enormously from War World I. The show's themes were never voilent, but rather idealistic. Stories included the voyage of the Mayflower, the first telegraph, and Eli Whitney's cotton gin.

Lights Out debuted January 1, 1934 over Chicago’s WENR and moved onto the NBC airwaves beginning April 17, 1935. Radio’s pr … more

Lights Out debuted January 1, 1934 over Chicago’s WENR and moved onto the NBC airwaves beginning April 17, 1935. Radio’s premier horror series was created by writer/ director Wyllis Cooper. Cooper was succeeded by Arch Oboler, one of radio’s greatest dramatic talents.

Dark Fantasy originated from the Oklahoma City studios of WKY and ran from November 14, 1941 through June 19, 1942. The fina … more

Dark Fantasy originated from the Oklahoma City studios of WKY and ran from November 14, 1941 through June 19, 1942. The final 25 episodes of the series were aired on a sustaining basis over the NBC network.

The Screen Director's Playhouse featured adaptations of famous movies and called upon the screen directors to introduce and … more

The Screen Director's Playhouse featured adaptations of famous movies and called upon the screen directors to introduce and highlight their work. After each show, the director and stars gathered around the microphones to reminisce about the actual making of the film.

George and Gracie first performed on air over the BBC while touring England after an NBC executive rejected their act insist … more

George and Gracie first performed on air over the BBC while touring England after an NBC executive rejected their act insisting that "Gracie’s voice is unfit for radio." Burns and Allen won a regular spot on The Robert Burns Panatella Program February 22, 1932 and moved into the top spot when Guy Lombardo left the series. The Burns and Allen Show aired through May 17, 1950 on radio and for another decade on television. Jack Benny and George Burns were best friends in real life and often were guests on each other’s programs.

Radio’s greatest adult western told the story of Matt Dillon, U.S. Marshal, "the first man they look for and the last they w … more

Radio’s greatest adult western told the story of Matt Dillon, U.S. Marshal, "the first man they look for and the last they want to meet." Gunsmoke grew out of a request from CBS founder William Paley for a "Philip Marlowe in the Old West," and featured grimly realistic stories set in the vicinity of Dodge City, the "Gommorrah of the West," with William Conrad as Dillon.

The Family Theater radio series, which featured hundreds of famous actors, was broadcast on the Mutual Broadcasting System f … more

The Family Theater radio series, which featured hundreds of famous actors, was broadcast on the Mutual Broadcasting System from 1947 to 1969, making it one of the longest running weekly dramatic radio programs in history.

The CBS Radio Workshop aired from January 27, 1956 through September 22, 1957 and was a revival of the prestigious Columbia … more

The CBS Radio Workshop aired from January 27, 1956 through September 22, 1957 and was a revival of the prestigious Columbia Workshop from the 1930s and 1940s. The CBS Workshop regularly featured the works of the world’s greatest writers. including Ray Bradbury, Archibald MacLeish, William Saroyan, Lord Dunsany and Ambrose Bierce.

Phillip Marlowe

Phillip Marlowe

The Fat Man was a detective series based on a character created by Dashiell Hammett. The show aired on ABC from 1946 to 1951 … more

The Fat Man was a detective series based on a character created by Dashiell Hammett. The show aired on ABC from 1946 to 1951. J. Scott Smart starred as Brad Runyon, a portly, powerful and witty detective.

For more than 20 years, Jack Benny reigned as the king of radio comedy. His show ran on nearly every network from 1932 to th … more

For more than 20 years, Jack Benny reigned as the king of radio comedy. His show ran on nearly every network from 1932 to the mid 1950s. How he turned a miserable, self-absorbed cheapskate into a beloved icon ranks among the great achievements in entertainment history. Benny revolutionized the way humor was played on radio by introducing the situation comedy and by giving most of the best lines to his supporting cast.

The Six Shooter aired started movie star James Stewart rode the radio range from September 20, 1953 through June 24, 1954 as … more

The Six Shooter aired started movie star James Stewart rode the radio range from September 20, 1953 through June 24, 1954 as Britt Ponset, "the Texas plainsman who wandered through the western territories, leaving behind a trail of still-remembered legends."

Suspense debuted on June 17, 1942 as a sustaining summer replacement, returned that fall and continued in the CBS lineup Sep … more

Suspense debuted on June 17, 1942 as a sustaining summer replacement, returned that fall and continued in the CBS lineup September 30, 1962. "Radio's outstanding theatre of thrills" is recognized as one of the finest dramatic series in the history of broadcasting.

Inner Sanctum's sinister host welcomed listeners "through the squeaking door to another night of horror." The show’s "squea … more

Inner Sanctum's sinister host welcomed listeners "through the squeaking door to another night of horror." The show’s "squeaking door" was one of radio’s most-remembered openings and was inspired by the creaking hinges on a sound effects door at the radio studio.

Boston Blackie was created by Jack Boyle, a hard-drinking opium addict who served three prison terms. While in prison, Boyle … more

Boston Blackie was created by Jack Boyle, a hard-drinking opium addict who served three prison terms. While in prison, Boyle began writing true-crime confession stories that were published in The American Magazine under the byline 6006, his convict number. Boyle's stories were collected in his 1919 book, Boston Blackie, and inspired a popular series of B-films, the radio series and a 1951 video version.

Specially transcribed tales of the dark and tragic ground of the wild frontier. The saga of fighting men who rode the rim of … more

Specially transcribed tales of the dark and tragic ground of the wild frontier. The saga of fighting men who rode the rim of empire and the dramatic story of Lee Quince, Captain of Cavalry. Premiering in January 1956, Raymond Burr starred as Captain Quince-a soldier who followed orders and a leader who lived by his own rules of fairness and honesty.

The Cisco Kid rode onto the Mutual airwaves on October 2, 1942, in a series that starred the versatile Jackson Beck. Cisco a … more

The Cisco Kid rode onto the Mutual airwaves on October 2, 1942, in a series that starred the versatile Jackson Beck. Cisco and his partner Pancho rode off the Mutual trail on December 14, 1945, but the characters returned to the airwaves two years later in a new version that was broadcast over the Don Lee Pacific Coast Network. Jack Mather and Harry Lang (later replaced by Mel Blanc) portrayed Cisco and Pancho in the later series, which ran for a decade.

Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen developed his Charlie McCarthy character in high school. Bergen performed with the newsboy dummy … more

Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen developed his Charlie McCarthy character in high school. Bergen performed with the newsboy dummy while attending Northwestern University and eventually left college to tour vaudeville. With the decline of vaudeville during the Great Depression, Bergen moved into night spots like New York’s trendy Rainbow Room but feared his friend wouldn’t be appreciated by high society. So he gave Charlie a monocle and top hat and a "man about town" was born. Following a three-month guest stint on Rudy Vallee’s show, Edgar Bergen was signed as headliner of The Chase and Sanborn Hour. The series premiered May 9, 1937 and ended the next three seasons as radio’s top-rated series.

Radio's greatest series of high adventure debuted over the CBS network on July 7,1947. Escape's protagonists faced life-and- … more

Radio's greatest series of high adventure debuted over the CBS network on July 7,1947. Escape's protagonists faced life-and-death situations each week, as the show careened from classic adventure to Western drama to science fiction. The program was broadcast as a sustainer (unsponsored) series during most of its seven-year run.

Let George Do It, stars Bob Bailey, who plays George Valentine who was a detective whose cases came from the newspaper.

Let George Do It, stars Bob Bailey, who plays George Valentine who was a detective whose cases came from the newspaper.

Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar told the story of the freelance insurance investigator with the "action-packed expense account." … more

Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar told the story of the freelance insurance investigator with the "action-packed expense account." Radio’s last great detective series, Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar ended its run September 30, 1962 during the final week of network radio drama.

Based on the popular characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes began on coast-to-coast … more

Based on the popular characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes began on coast-to-coast CBS radio in 1930. By the late 1930s The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes had moved to the Mutual Broadcasting Network and the series was forced to rely on invented new adventures, having run out of Doyle stories to adapt.

Dane Clark stars as Peter Chambers, a tough private eye that plays nice with the NYPD. The series is based on "Peter Chamber … more

Dane Clark stars as Peter Chambers, a tough private eye that plays nice with the NYPD. The series is based on "Peter Chambers" novels, written by Henry Kane.

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. One … more

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. One of the most popular police dramas in the history of broadcasting, Dragnet aired on NBC Radio from June 10, 1949 through February 7, 1957 and on television from 1952-59 and 1967-72. Dragnet introduced a new era of documentary-style realism.

Mr. Keen was a charming and kindly old tracer of missing persons along with his assistant Mike Clancy.

Mr. Keen was a charming and kindly old tracer of missing persons along with his assistant Mike Clancy.

Avalon Time is an American old-time radio comedy / variety program that ran from 1938 to 1940 on NBC ‘s Red Network. The pro … more

Avalon Time is an American old-time radio comedy / variety program that ran from 1938 to 1940 on NBC ‘s Red Network. The program was named after its sponsor, Avalon cigarettes. Over the course of its run, Sir Walter Raleigh Pipe Tobacco and the Bulova Watch Company also sponsored Avalon Time.

The Red Skelton Show came to NBC on October 7, 1941 after years as a mainstay on Cincinnati's powerhouse station WLW. Red sc … more

The Red Skelton Show came to NBC on October 7, 1941 after years as a mainstay on Cincinnati's powerhouse station WLW. Red scored with radio audiences as Junior, "the mean widdle kid," a character he originated in vaudeville. Some of his other memorable characters included Deadeye, J. Newton Numbskull, Willie Lump-Lump, Bolivar Shagnasty and Clem Kadiddlehopper.

This musical variety show aired on NBC from June 26, 1933 through September 22, 1949 with singing stars such as Al Jolson, B … more

This musical variety show aired on NBC from June 26, 1933 through September 22, 1949 with singing stars such as Al Jolson, Bing Crosby and Nelson Eddy.

The Whistler whistled its way onto the airwaves beginning May 16, 1942 and its eerie 13-note theme set the tone for West Coa … more

The Whistler whistled its way onto the airwaves beginning May 16, 1942 and its eerie 13-note theme set the tone for West Coast radio mystery for the next decade. "I am the Whistler and I know many things, for I walk by night. I know many strange tales hidden in the hearts of men and women who have stepped into the shadows. Yes, I know the nameless terrors of which they dare not speak."

Don Ameche and Frances Langford first portrayed The Bickersons as a skit on The Charlie McCarthy Show and moved into their o … more

Don Ameche and Frances Langford first portrayed The Bickersons as a skit on The Charlie McCarthy Show and moved into their own NBC series on September 8, 1946. John and Blanche Bickerson fought about anything and everything, especially Blanche's ne'er-do-well brother Amos, played by Danny Thomas. Many of the finest Bickersons skits revolved around the conflicts brought on by John’s narcolepsy and Blanche’s insomnia. The Bickersons initially ran for only two seasons, although the show was revived in 1951 as a summer series starring Lew Parker and Frances Langford.

NBC's Father Knows Best depicted the lives of the Anderson family, an average American family living in an average American … more

NBC's Father Knows Best depicted the lives of the Anderson family, an average American family living in an average American town. Robert Young starred as Jim Anderson, the easy-going, and sensible father. Young was the only cast member to survive the transition from radio to television.

The Life of Riley featured the comic misadventures of riveter Chester A. Riley. Riley was a devoted family man with a talent … more

The Life of Riley featured the comic misadventures of riveter Chester A. Riley. Riley was a devoted family man with a talent for flying off the handle and a penchant for being worse. Movie star William Bendix played the title role of the lovable hardhat throughout the series.

The Lux Radio Theatre was one of radio's most popular series attracting Hollywood's top stars and boasting a lavish budget. … more

The Lux Radio Theatre was one of radio's most popular series attracting Hollywood's top stars and boasting a lavish budget. The Lux Radio Theatre began in 1934 featuring dramas from Broadway, but there was not enough material to support the show. In an attempt to reverse the slipping ratings, the show was moved to Hollywood in 1936, where there was plenty of material and talent.

Danny Kaye Show

Danny Kaye Show

Chester Lauck and Norris Goff were first heard as Lum and Abner on a radio fundraiser for flood victims. Improvising the spo … more

Chester Lauck and Norris Goff were first heard as Lum and Abner on a radio fundraiser for flood victims. Improvising the spot, they went on the air as the "fellers from the hills" and won a regular spot on KTHS beginning April 26, 1931. Lum and Abner moved into an NBC summer berth July 27, 1931 and aired nationally from May 22, 1933 through May 7, 1954.

Michael Waring was a freelance detective who was also known as the Falcon. Waring's detective techniques were a cross betwee … more

Michael Waring was a freelance detective who was also known as the Falcon. Waring's detective techniques were a cross between Ellery Queen and Richard Diamond. He had a certain eye for detail but was frequently on the outs with the police.

Philo Vance was the most popular fictional detective during the late 1920s and early 1930s and influenced the creation of ma … more

Philo Vance was the most popular fictional detective during the late 1920s and early 1930s and influenced the creation of many later detectives. S.S. Van Dine's legendary creation was first brought to radio on July 5, 1945 in an NBC summer series starring Jose Ferrar and was also briefly portrayed by John Emery.

Academy Award Theater was a half-hour dramatic anthology series presenting radio adaptations of movies that had been nominat … more

Academy Award Theater was a half-hour dramatic anthology series presenting radio adaptations of movies that had been nominated for or had won Academy Awards. While the show was a success with critics and audiences alike, it went off the air after only nine months and 39 episodes.

The Green Hornet debuted over the Detroit station on January 31, 1936. The Green Hornet was well-served by his valet Kato an … more

The Green Hornet debuted over the Detroit station on January 31, 1936. The Green Hornet was well-served by his valet Kato and a supercharged roadster, the Black Beauty. Al Hodge portrayed The Green Hornet during the series' first seven seasons, followed by Donovan Faust, Robert Hall and Jack McCarthy. The show ran on radio through December 5, 1952.

Edward G. Robinson starred as crusading newspaper editor Steve Wilson from October 19, 1937 through July 2, 1942. The Holly … more

Edward G. Robinson starred as crusading newspaper editor Steve Wilson from October 19, 1937 through July 2, 1942. The Hollywood great was glad to play an idealistic role in contrast to his many film gangster portrayals. Big Town at its peak was radio’s highest-rated drama and was only eclipsed by The Jack Benny Program in ratings. The series was canceled when Edward G. Robinson quit in 1942 but was resurrected the following year with Edward Pawley (and later Walter Greaza) as Wilson and Fran Carlon as Lorelei. The revived Big Town aired from October 5, 1943 through June 25, 1952.

This crime drama was first produced by the BBC in 1951, and aired in the US the following year. Narrator Orson Welles told t … more

This crime drama was first produced by the BBC in 1951, and aired in the US the following year. Narrator Orson Welles told tales of this "mausoleum of murder," with ordinary objects and the murder mysteries behind them.

Tales of the Texas Rangers was broadcast over NBC from July 8, 1950 through September 14, 1952 and was later revived on tele … more

Tales of the Texas Rangers was broadcast over NBC from July 8, 1950 through September 14, 1952 and was later revived on television. Western film star Joel McCrea portrayed Ranger Jace Pearson in NBC's Tales of the Texas Rangers.

Glen Langan starred as the lead character Barton Drake in this detective series that aired on Mutual Radio from 1947 to 1948 … more

Glen Langan starred as the lead character Barton Drake in this detective series that aired on Mutual Radio from 1947 to 1948. Drake is an author and amateur crime solver fascinated by the minds of criminals. This series is full of good ole "whodunnit" storylines.

Detective Michael Shayne was created by Davis Dresser (writing under the pen name Brett Halliday). "Dividend of Death," the … more

Detective Michael Shayne was created by Davis Dresser (writing under the pen name Brett Halliday). "Dividend of Death," the first of more than 60 novels featuring the Miami-based private detective was published in 1939. The adventures of the "reckless red-headed Irishman," played by Wally Maher, came to radio October 16, 1944 and aired for 3 years.

This anthology series dramatized the stories of fiction author Damon Runyon and aired in various forms from the late 1940s t … more

This anthology series dramatized the stories of fiction author Damon Runyon and aired in various forms from the late 1940s to the mid 1950s. John Brown starred as "Broadway," a fluent "Brooklynese" speaker who spun tales of old Manhattan.

Pull back the curtain for another evening of excitement "in the world of make believe". This dramatic anthology series ran f … more

Pull back the curtain for another evening of excitement "in the world of make believe". This dramatic anthology series ran for about a year from July 1946-September 1947.

Radio Classics invites you to experience the audio magic of legendary old time radio. RadioClassics features the best dramas … more

Radio Classics invites you to experience the audio magic of legendary old time radio. RadioClassics features the best dramas, mysteries, comedies, and variety programs from the Golden Age of Radio.