RadioClassics

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.

This Is Your F.B.I. came to the Blue Network on April 6, 1945, created, produced and directed by Jerry Devine, a former chil … more

This Is Your F.B.I. came to the Blue Network on April 6, 1945, created, produced and directed by Jerry Devine, a former child actor. Like Philips H. Lord before him, Devine got special permission from bureau head J. Edgar Hoover to dramatize older cases using fictitious names and locales. Frank Lovejoy was the program's first narrator, followed by Dean Carlton and later William Woodson.

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 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 crime noir series featured Jack Webb as Jeff Regan, a private eye who always had a bone to pick with his boss. Frank Gr … more

This crime noir series featured Jack Webb as Jeff Regan, a private eye who always had a bone to pick with his boss. Frank Graham took over in the second and last season, as Webb moved on to star in and produce Dragnet.

Richard Diamond, Private Detective premiered over the NBC network on April 24, 1949 and ran through 1952 starring Dick Powel … more

Richard Diamond, Private Detective premiered over the NBC network on April 24, 1949 and ran through 1952 starring Dick Powell as "radio's singing detective." Powell had first achieved movie stardom as a baby-faced crooner, and later matured to hardboiled roles, including Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe in the 1944 film Murder My Sweet.

Carson, who began his career as a vaudeville actor, got his break in radio with a 1938 performance on The Kraft Music Hall w … more

Carson, who began his career as a vaudeville actor, got his break in radio with a 1938 performance on The Kraft Music Hall with Bing Crosby. After a few standout bit roles in movies, Carson landed his own radio show on CBS, which debuted on June 2, 1943. The show centered around the host's hectic Hollywood life, famous friends and strange relatives - Carson's old vaudeville partner Dave Willock even played the part of his nephew Tugwell.

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 character of Henry Aldrich was introduced in Clifford Goldsmith's 1937 play, "What a Life". Ezra Stone originated the ro … more

The character of Henry Aldrich was introduced in Clifford Goldsmith's 1937 play, "What a Life". Ezra Stone originated the role of "America's favorite teenager" on Broadway and portrayed the role for nearly a decade on radio. After being featured in short skits on variety shows, The Aldrich Family debuted as Jack Benny's summer replacement on July 2, 1939. The series moved into its own NBC timeslot on October 10, 1939 and continued until April 19, 1953. Stone received his draft notice in the summer of 1941 but continued as Henry for the next season. Norman Tokar replaced Stone the following season, followed by Dickie Jones and Raymond Ives. After completing his military service in 1945, Stone returned to the role he had originated and was heard as Henry though the early 1950s when Bobby Ellis took over the role on both radio and television.

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.

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."

Radio Spirits' nationally syndicated radio program hosted by old-time radio expert Greg Bell

Radio Spirits' nationally syndicated radio program hosted by old-time radio expert Greg Bell

Candy Matson was a hard-as-nails private eye who also happended to be beautiful. The show, set in San Francisco, was on the … more

Candy Matson was a hard-as-nails private eye who also happended to be beautiful. The show, set in San Francisco, was on the air from 1941 to 1942. Starring Natalie Masters.

This horror series consisted mostly of adapted supernatural tales from greats like Edgar Allen Poe and Robert Louis Stevenso … more

This horror series consisted mostly of adapted supernatural tales from greats like Edgar Allen Poe and Robert Louis Stevenson. It aired for two seasons from 1943-1945, first on Mutual and then on NBC's Red network.

Nero Wolfe solved crimes with an attention to detail that rivaled the great Sherlock Holmes, although the overweight detecti … more

Nero Wolfe solved crimes with an attention to detail that rivaled the great Sherlock Holmes, although the overweight detective physically resembled Holmes' obese older brother Mycroft. The adventures of Rex Stouts's "gargantuan gourmet" first came to radio over the New England Network beginning April 7, 1943. The series moved onto the Blue Network on July 5, 1943 starring Santos Ortega and later Luis Van Rooten.

Raymond Chandler introduced readers to Philip Marlowe in his 1939 novel The Big Sleep. Humphrey Bogart, Robert Montgomery an … more

Raymond Chandler introduced readers to Philip Marlowe in his 1939 novel The Big Sleep. Humphrey Bogart, Robert Montgomery and George Montgomery portrayed the hardboiled detective in films before Van Heflin took over as Marlowe in NBC’s 1947 summer series.The Adventures of Philip Marlowe returned September 26, 1948, as a CBS series and starred Gerald Mohr. CBS Chairman William S. Paley was a big fan of The Adventures of Philip Marlowe, and his request for a "Philip Marlowe in the West" led to the development of the legendary western Gunsmoke.

This horror series aired in multiple iterations from 1930-1944. It consisted of standalone tales told by "The Hermit," a mys … more

This horror series aired in multiple iterations from 1930-1944. It consisted of standalone tales told by "The Hermit," a mysterious, cackling storyteller. It was first broadcast on a Detroit radio station before moving to Los Angeles, where the show would be produced by William Conrad (creator and voice of Gunsmoke's Marshall Matt Dillon)

This anthology series first ran on NBC in 1939, then was reprised on Mutual in 1945. Oboler was an immense talent, compared … more

This anthology series first ran on NBC in 1939, then was reprised on Mutual in 1945. Oboler was an immense talent, compared to Norman Corwin, specializing in stylized "radio literature" that was often political and staunchly anti-Nazi. He got his radio break in horror, writing scripts for Lights Out, before given free reign on his own show to write, produce, and direct his masterpieces of radio theatre.

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.

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.

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.

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Phillips H. Lord, creator of Gang Busters, worked with creator/writer/director Ed Byron to develop this series, which is ins … more

Phillips H. Lord, creator of Gang Busters, worked with creator/writer/director Ed Byron to develop this series, which is inspired by the early years of New York Governor Thomas E. Dewey. It aired on NBC and ABC from April 3, 1939 to June 13, 1952. The nameless title role was played by several actors throughout the run: Raymond Edward Johnson, Jay Jostyn, and David Brian. A key figure in the show was the D.A.'s secretary, Edith Miller (played by Vicki Vola).

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.

The Great Gildersleeve featured one of radio’s greatest casts of comedic players. The Great Gildersleeve aired until March 2 … more

The Great Gildersleeve featured one of radio’s greatest casts of comedic players. The Great Gildersleeve aired until March 21, 1957, with Willard Waterman taking over the title role for the final seven radio season and three television seasons.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Longtime Hollywood character actor J. Carrol Naish became a radio star in his own right after nearly two decades toiling in … more

Longtime Hollywood character actor J. Carrol Naish became a radio star in his own right after nearly two decades toiling in the background in such films as Beau Geste, House of Frankenstein and the Batman movie serial. The native New Yorker of Irish descent finally won fame as "the little Italian immigrant" who each week wrote of his American adventures to his mama in Italy. Life with Luigi aired from September 21, 1948 through March 3, 1953 on radio, and the radio cast briefly did double duty in a short-lived 1952 television version.

Alan Ladd stars as Dan Holiday, a fiction writer and retired reporter with a taste for adventure. The show was also produced … more

Alan Ladd stars as Dan Holiday, a fiction writer and retired reporter with a taste for adventure. The show was also produced by Alan Ladd's company, Mayfair Productions. Sylvia Picker portrayed Suzy, his scatterbrained office manager.

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.

This weekly survey of popular American music was a staple of Saturday nights from the 1930s into the late 1940s. The drama o … more

This weekly survey of popular American music was a staple of Saturday nights from the 1930s into the late 1940s. The drama of a countdown to each week's number one song is still a widely used structure. For the first few years of the show, the top 15 songs were played in random order before the countdown structure took listeners by stormSlots were determined based on radio requests, sheet music sales, jukebox statistics and song requests at dance clubs (allegedly). Radio historians note 52 singers or musical groups and 19 different orchestra leaders throughout the show's two-decade run.

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.

Rocky Fortune aired on NBC from October 6, 1953 through March 30, 1954 with Frank Sinatra starring as "that footloose and fa … more

Rocky Fortune aired on NBC from October 6, 1953 through March 30, 1954 with Frank Sinatra starring as "that footloose and fancy-free young gentleman" whose fortune was as rocky as his name. The unsponsored "sustainer" series was broadcast during the low point in Sinatra’s career and aired for only 26 weeks.

Broadway Is My Beat debuted over CBS on February 27, 1949 and continued through August 1, 1954. Anthony Ross starred as Clov … more

Broadway Is My Beat debuted over CBS on February 27, 1949 and continued through August 1, 1954. Anthony Ross starred as Clover during the first two seasons, with Thor taking over the role on July 3, 1950. Homicide detective Clover pounded the Broadway beat for five years in one of radio's last great detective series.

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.

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 series consisted of 15-minute episodes about true historical adventures in the American West. Some of the stories inclu … more

This series consisted of 15-minute episodes about true historical adventures in the American West. Some of the stories include Lewis & Clark, the Oregon boundary dispute, and the purchase of Alaska. The original broadcast dates for Frontier Fighters are still unclear; the series ran sometime during the 1930s.

This excellent Western series, created by Antony Ellis, aired for several months on CBS in 1958. John Dehner starred as Brit … more

This excellent Western series, created by Antony Ellis, aired for several months on CBS in 1958. John Dehner starred as British reporter J.B. Kendall, who traveled the Wild West in search of stories of adventure. Versatile radio stars like Virginia Gregg, Jospeh Kearns, Stacy Harris and more were featured throughout.

Ronald Colman and wife Benita Hume were popularly known as Jack Benny's ever-patient, next-door neighbors. However, in Janua … more

Ronald Colman and wife Benita Hume were popularly known as Jack Benny's ever-patient, next-door neighbors. However, in January 1950, they left to start their own show. Ronald played William Todhunter Hall, president of Ivy College in the "town of Ivy, USA." Benita was wife Vicky, the former Victoria Cromwell of the English theatre. The stylish college president was brought down to earth by the lively former actress who happily refered to him as "Toddy-dear." Together, the Halls handled the students as well as the stodgy Board of Directors with a "modern" flair.

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.

Eve Arden portrays Miss Connie Brooks, an overworked and underpaid teacher of 10th grade English at Madison High School. Our … more

Eve Arden portrays Miss Connie Brooks, an overworked and underpaid teacher of 10th grade English at Madison High School. Our Miss Brooks called her radio classroom to order beginning July 19, 1948. The final bell rang for Our Miss Brooks on July 7, 1957.

Millions of radio listeners visited Duffy's Tavern each week, but Duffy himself was nowhere to be found. Although he dutiful … more

Millions of radio listeners visited Duffy's Tavern each week, but Duffy himself was nowhere to be found. Although he dutifully phoned Archie the manager each week, he never once dropped by. Duffy's Tavern first opened its doors to radio listeners on the CBS audition series Forecast on July 29, 1940, and then opened for regular business on March 1, 1941.

This transcribed mystery-horror series was syndicated from WJZ in New York and aired from 1946-1947. The creepy voice in the … more

This transcribed mystery-horror series was syndicated from WJZ in New York and aired from 1946-1947. The creepy voice in the opening piece was provided by Raymond Morgan, a New York minister who gave up his ministry to act on the radio. Other actors included Mercedes McCambridge, Berry Kroeger, and Elspeth Eric.

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.

Bob Hope was born in England in 1903 and immigrated to the U.S. four years later. After an early career in vaudeville and m … more

Bob Hope was born in England in 1903 and immigrated to the U.S. four years later. After an early career in vaudeville and musical revues, Hope made his radio debut on Rudy Vallee’s Fleischmann Hour in 1933 and joined the cast of James Melton’s Intimate Revue in 1935. After introducing his "Thanks for the Memory" theme song in Paramount’s The Big Broadcast of 1938, Hope returned to radio as star of NBC’s The Pepsodent Show beginning September 27, 1938.

John Steinbeck recognized Fred Allen as "unquestionably the best humorist of our time, a brilliant critic of manners and mor … more

John Steinbeck recognized Fred Allen as "unquestionably the best humorist of our time, a brilliant critic of manners and morals." Following in the footsteps of Will Rogers, Fred reintroduced topical political humor to radio. Fred introduced his classic "Allen’s Alley" segment December 13, 1942.

Jimmy Durante Show

Jimmy Durante Show

Bing Crosby ended his decade-long run on NBC’s Kraft Music Hall in 1946, moving to ABC to star in the transcribed Philco Rad … more

Bing Crosby ended his decade-long run on NBC’s Kraft Music Hall in 1946, moving to ABC to star in the transcribed Philco Radio Time after NBC refused to let him pre-record his shows. The crooner was impressed with the editing techniques developed for programs like Command Performance by the engineers of the Armed Forces Radio Service and believed listeners would accept a more tightly edited program even if it was "canned." In 1948, Philco Radio Time made history as the first series recorded on Ampex tape recorders.

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.

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.

X-Minus One premiered on April 24, 195 and was a revival of Dimension X, NBC's earlier science fiction anthology series. X-M … more

X-Minus One premiered on April 24, 195 and was a revival of Dimension X, NBC's earlier science fiction anthology series. X-Minus One ran until January 9, 1958 and was rerun during the 1970s as part of NBC's Omnibus series.

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 western adventure serial was syndicated in 1949 by Bruce Eells Productions. Chad Remmington is a crimefighting attorney … more

This western adventure serial was syndicated in 1949 by Bruce Eells Productions. Chad Remmington is a crimefighting attorney, played first by Jeff Chandler and then Reed Hadley, in the small town of Dos Rios. Cherokee O'Bannon, Remington's sidekick, was played by Wade Crosby.

This medical drama was based on films by the same name. Lews Ayes as Dr. Kildare and Lionel Barrymore as Dr. Gillespie face … more

This medical drama was based on films by the same name. Lews Ayes as Dr. Kildare and Lionel Barrymore as Dr. Gillespie face everything from pushy administrators to personal drama and ethical crises in the halls of Blair General Hospital in New York City.

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.

Marie Wilson created and starred as Irma Peterson, a loopy but lovable secretary. Irma's best friend and roommate was Jane S … more

Marie Wilson created and starred as Irma Peterson, a loopy but lovable secretary. Irma's best friend and roommate was Jane Stacy, played by Cathy Lewis. The sitcom aired from April 11, 1947 - August 23, 1954.

Crime Classics featured "true crime stories from the records and newspapers of every land from every time" culled from direc … more

Crime Classics featured "true crime stories from the records and newspapers of every land from every time" culled from director Elliott Lewis' voluminous personal library of true crime cases. The CBS series ran from June 15, 1953 through June 30, 1954.

The Hollywood husband-and-wife team of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall set sail for adventure in the syndicated series Bol … more

The Hollywood husband-and-wife team of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall set sail for adventure in the syndicated series Bold Venture from 1951-1952. Bogie portrayed Slate Shannon, owner of a run-down Havana hotel, with Bacall as his "ward" Sailor Duval, a stubborn and flirtatious young woman whose late father had "willed" her to Slate for her "protection." Together, the duo found "adventure, intrigue, mystery and romance in the sultry settings of tropical Havana and the mysterious islands of the Caribbean" aboard Shannon’s boat The Bold Venture.

Dashiell Hammett's Sam Spade walked out of the pages of Black Mask and into his own CBS radio series of July 12, 1946. Howar … more

Dashiell Hammett's Sam Spade walked out of the pages of Black Mask and into his own CBS radio series of July 12, 1946. Howard Duff starred as the hardboiled detective for the first three seasons. Lurene Tuttle was Sam's secretary Effie Perrine and Jerry Hausner was his lawyer Sid Weiss. CBS dropped the series in 1950 when Hammett ran afoul of Congress' Un-American Activities investigators, but the show was quickly revived by NBC.

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.

Rocky Jordan operated a café in exotic Cairo, a city filled with danger and intrigue, and spent much of his time solving cri … more

Rocky Jordan operated a café in exotic Cairo, a city filled with danger and intrigue, and spent much of his time solving crimes. The detective show was based on an earlier program called A Man Named Jordan.

This frightening thriller series aired for about 10 years in various forms starting in 1943- on NBC, CBS and ABC. The show's … more

This frightening thriller series aired for about 10 years in various forms starting in 1943- on NBC, CBS and ABC. The show's "annotater", criminologist character Geoffrey Barnes, filled in the blanks of the stories and provided analysis for the listener.

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.

This police procedural series was syndicated on NBC stations in 1932. It features quarter-hour stories typically based on tr … more

This police procedural series was syndicated on NBC stations in 1932. It features quarter-hour stories typically based on true crimes.

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.

This CBS cop procedural pulls back the curtain on crime fighting in San Francisco. The Shadow's Bill Johnstone starred as co … more

This CBS cop procedural pulls back the curtain on crime fighting in San Francisco. The Shadow's Bill Johnstone starred as cool-mannered Lt. Ben Guthrie, foil to hot-tempered Sgt. Matt Grebb. Director Elliot Lewis was one of the busiest men in radio, having a hand in the Phil Harris & Alice Faye Show, Suspense, Broadway Is My Beat, and many more.

Stars Over Hollywood

Stars Over Hollywood

Radio City Playhouse

Radio City Playhouse

Abe Burrows had a long career writing and directing in show business and was in high demand as a “script doctor.” In the lat … more

Abe Burrows had a long career writing and directing in show business and was in high demand as a “script doctor.” In the late 1940’s, he took a break from radio to sing songs that he wrote and performed at nightclubs. These songs became so popular among the party crowd, Burrows was invited to start his own old time radio show, the Abe Burrows Show. Sponsored by Listerine Toothpaste, this show featured 15-minute comedy and music segments performed, directed, and written by the multitalented Abe Burrows.

Hallmark Playhouse

Hallmark Playhouse

Jack "Flashgun" Casey was first introduced in the March 1934 issue of Black Mask, the classic pulp fiction magazine. Created … more

Jack "Flashgun" Casey was first introduced in the March 1934 issue of Black Mask, the classic pulp fiction magazine. Created by pulp wordsmith George Harmon Coxe, Casey appeared in dozens of stories in Black Mask, which were later collected into six books. Flashgun Casey came to radio as a CBS sustaining series on July 7, 1943. The series was renamed Casey, Press Photographer in 1944 and became Casey, Crime Photographer on September 12, 1945.

Dr. Sixgun starred Karl Weber as Dr. Ray Matson, "the gun-toting frontier doctor who roamed the length and breadth of the ol … more

Dr. Sixgun starred Karl Weber as Dr. Ray Matson, "the gun-toting frontier doctor who roamed the length and breadth of the old Indian territory, friend and physician to white man and Indian alike, the symbol of justice and mercy in the lawless west of the 1870s." His sidekick Pablo, played by Bill Griffis, narrates the stories.

Rogue's Gallery came to the Mutual network on September 27, 1945 with Dick Powell portraying Richard Rogue, a private detect … more

Rogue's Gallery came to the Mutual network on September 27, 1945 with Dick Powell portraying Richard Rogue, a private detective who invariably ended up getting knocked out each week and spending his dream time in acerbic conversation with his subconscious self Eugor (Rogue spelled backwards). The series was revived as a 1947 summer season with Barry Sullivan in the lead and returned in 1950 for two sustaining seasons starring Chester Morris, the original Boston Blackie.

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.

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.

My Favorite Husband told the story of George and Liz Cooper, "two people who live together and like it." The radio series wa … more

My Favorite Husband told the story of George and Liz Cooper, "two people who live together and like it." The radio series was based on Isabel Rorick's novel Mr. And Mrs. Cugat. The show's audition broadcast featured Lucille Ball and Lee Bowman as her husband.

This sitcom aired from 1944-1949, first as a summer replacement series for Eddie Cantor's show. Then, after signing on as a … more

This sitcom aired from 1944-1949, first as a summer replacement series for Eddie Cantor's show. Then, after signing on as a regular on the Jimmy Durante show, young scored his own show with Tums as a sponsor. Today he is best known as TV's Wilbur Post, who talked with Mr. Ed the horse.

Also known as the CBS Radio Workshop, this was an experimental anthology series that pushed the envelope of defining art wit … more

Also known as the CBS Radio Workshop, this was an experimental anthology series that pushed the envelope of defining art with its creative use of sound. It featured many New York actors and scripts by some of the country's best writers. It aired in various forms on CBS from 1936 - 1957.

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.

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello made their radio debut on CBS’ The Kate Smith Show as replacements for Hollywood-bound Henny You … more

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello made their radio debut on CBS’ The Kate Smith Show as replacements for Hollywood-bound Henny Youngman. The former burlesque comics reintroduced and preserved the classic comedy sketches of vaudeville in their films and radio and television series. The Abbott and Costello Show debuted as a 1940 summer replacement for Fred Allen and later aired from October 8, 1942 through June 29, 1949.

Dimension X aired over NBC from April 8, 1950 through September 29, 1951 featuring "adventures in time and space told in fu … more

Dimension X aired over NBC from April 8, 1950 through September 29, 1951 featuring "adventures in time and space told in future tense." The series adapted stories by the modern masters of science fiction adapting works by Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein, Clifford Simak, Theodore Sturgeon and many others.

Frank Lovejoy is heard as Randy "Lucky" Stone, a hardboiled reporter who covers the "nightbeat" for the Chicago Star. Randy … more

Frank Lovejoy is heard as Randy "Lucky" Stone, a hardboiled reporter who covers the "nightbeat" for the Chicago Star. Randy Stone wandered the back alleys and bars of Chicago, searching for both crime and human-interest stories. Nightbeat premiered on February 6, 1950 and ran until September 25, 1952.