Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod

The Julie Dixon Murder Case (Aired May 22, 1949) The opening theme of "I'll Take Manhattan" introduced Detective Danny Clover (played by Larry Thor), a hardened New York City cop who worked homicide "from Times Square to Columbus Circle -- the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world." Danny Clover narrated the tales of the Great White Way to the accompaniment of music by Wilbur Hatch and Alexander Courage, and the recreation of Manhattan's aural tapestry required the talents of three sound effects technicians (David Light, Ralph Cummings, Ross Murray). Bill Anders was the show's announcer, as was Joe Walters. The supporting cast included regulars Charles Calvert (as Sgt. Gino Tartaglia) and Jack Kruschen (as Sgt. Muggavan), with episodic roles filled by such radio actors as Irene Tedrow, Barney Phillips, Lamont Johnson, Herb Ellis, Hy Averback, Edgar Barrier, Betty Lou Gerson, Harry Bartell, Sheldon Leonard, Martha Wentworth, Lawrence Dobkin and Mary Jane Croft. THIS EPISODE: May 22, 1949. CBS network. Sustaining. "The Julie Dixon Murder Case". Danny needs the wisdom of Solomon to solve the problems of young Julie Dixon and her ex-con father. Anthony Ross, Art Carney, Jean Carson, Nancy Franklin, Charles Penman, Julian Noa, Paul Luther, John Dietz (producer), Bruno Zirato Jr. (director), Robert Stringer (composer, conductor), Bern Bennett (announcer), Joseph Ruscoll (writer). 29:53. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Case Of The Blood Harvest (Aired January 18, 1953) The series focused on a crusading D.A., initially known only as "Mister District Attorney," or "Chief", and was later translated to television. On television the D.A. had a name, Paul Garrett, and the radio version picked up this name in the final years when David Brian played the role. A key figure in the dramas was the D.A.'s secretary, Edith Miller (Vicki Vola). Created, written, and directed by former law student Ed Byron, the series was inspired by the early years of New York governor Thomas E. Dewey. It was Dewey's public war against racketeering which led to his election as governor. Phillips H. Lord, creator of Gangbusters, helped to develop the concept and coined the title. Byron lent an air of accuracy and immediacy to his scripts through close study of crime statistics. THIS EPISODE: January 18, 1953. Program #24. ZIV Syndication. "The Case Of The Blood Harvest".Commercials added locally. A farmer is found murdered, his crops stolen. The date is approximate. David Brian, Phillips H. Lord (originator). 27:05.Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Star Crossed Lovers (Aired April 13, 1947) The unique programming wrinkle that ABC was apparently attempting to promote with The Clock was a mix of the traditional crime drama and the supernatural dramas of the previous fifteen years. One or the other of the two genres had been traditionally popular formats throughout the Golden Age of Radio era. To its credit, ABC gave The Clock all the time it needed to create an audience. It kept the series in pretty much the same timeslot throughout its seventy-eight episode run, maintained reasonably high standards of talent--both in front of and behind, the mike--and simply waited to see what developed. THIS EPISODE: February 28, 1956. Grace Gibson syndication. "Star-Crossed Lovers". Commercials added locally. The date above is the date of first broadcast in Australia. Cliff meets Juliet, and it's love at first sight. The script was first produced and broadcast in the U.S. on April 13, 1947 on the ABC network. Lawrence Klee (writer), Harp McGuire (as "The Clock"), Wendy Playfair, John Meillon, Barbara Brunton, Leon Peers, Joan Lord, John Saul (director), Grace Gibson (producer). 23:27. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Murder On Approval (Aired August 21, 1938) One of the most popular radio shows in history debuted in August 1930 when "The Shadow" went on the air. "Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? The Shadow knows!" The opening lines of the "Detective Story" program captivated listeners and are instantly recognizable even today. Originally the narrator of the series of macabre tales, the eerie voice known as The Shadow became so popular to listeners that "Detective Story" was soon renamed "The Shadow," and the narrator became the star of the old-time mystery radio series, which ran until 1954. A figure never seen, only heard, the Shadow was an invincible crime fighter. He possessed many gifts which enabled him to overcome any enemy. Besides his tremendous strength, he could defy gravity, speak any language, unravel any code, and become invisible with his famous ability to "cloud men's minds." THIS EPISODE: August 21, 1938. Mutual network origination, syndicated. "Murder On Approval". Sponsored by: B.F. Goodrich Tires. A foreign agent tries to conquer America by infecting the U. S. Army with a secret disease. Orson Welles, Margot Stevenson, Ken Roberts (announcer). 28:57. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Screen Director's Playhouse (Broken Arrow Starring Jeff Chandler & James Stewart) 09-07-51 During its tenure on NBC, "Screen Directors' Playhouse" has presented a balanced ration of serious dramas, comedies, and musicals. Among the films which have been adapted for the series are "The Best Years of Our Lives," "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House," "Music for Millions," "A Foreign Affair," "The Magnificent Obsession," "The Human Comedy," and "It's a Wonderful Life." The roster of players who have starred in "Playhouse" productions includes James Stewart, Cary Grant, Burt Lancaster, Bob Hope, Marlene Dietrich, John Lund, Barbara Stanwyck, Loretta Young, Rosalind Russell, Fred MacMurray, Fred Astair, June Allyson, William Powell, Dana Andrews, Lucille Ball, Dan Dailey, Mickey Rooney, and Charles Boyer. THIS EPISODE: September 7, 1951. NBC network. "Broken Arrow". Sponsored by: Anacin, RCA Victor. Jimmy Stewart, Jeff Chandler, Debra Paget, Delmer Daves (guest screen director), Ralph Moody, Jerry Farber, Byron Kane, Rye Billsbury, Paul Dubov, Herb Butterfield, Tom Holland, John Stevenson, Richard Allen Simmons (adaptor), Howard Wiley (supervisor), Bill Cairn (director), Jimmy Wallington (announcer), Jan Arvan. 57:23. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Only Yesterday (Starring Jeff Chandler) Aired July 5, 1951 The television version, produced and filmed at Hal Roach Studios, was broadcast for one season of 35 half-hour episodes on NBC, under the sponsorship of Eastman Kodak, airing from October 5, 1955 to September 12, 1956. Actors on the television series included John Wayne, Thomas Mitchell, Walter Brennan, Peter Lorre, Evelyn Ankers, Fay Wray, Errol Flynn, Edmond O'Brien, Buster Keaton, Buddy Ebsen, William Bendix, Robert Ryan, Brandon De Wilde, Laraine Day, George Sanders, Ward Bond, Rory Calhoun, Jack Carson, Neville Brand, Alan Young, Cloris Leachman, Edgar Buchanan, Peter Lawford, Marie Windsor, Charles Bickford, Zasu Pitts, Joe E. Brown, Jack Elam, Herb Shriner, Kim Hunter, Keenan Wynn, Jeanette MacDonald, Leo Durocher, Macdonald Carey, Ralph Bellamy, Basil Rathbone, Fred MacMurray, Jerry Mathers, Rod Steiger, Ray Milland, Alan Hale, Jr., Gower Champion, Marge Champion, Linda Darnell, Howard McNear, Dennis Hopper, and Leo Gordon. THIS EPISODE: July 5, 1951. NBC network. "Only Yesterday". Commercials deleted. A newlywed's husband goes off to war. The wife has a baby while he's gone, but when he returns, he's forgotten all about her. After the stock market crash, a reunion takes place. Jeff Chandler, Mercedes McCambridge, Al Rogell (guest screen director), Jimmy Wallington (announcer), Margaret MacDonald, Jeanette Nolan, Herb Butterfield, Howard Wiley (production supervisor), Joel Nessler, Lynn Allen, Eleanor Audley, Nat Wolff (adaptor), Bill Cairn (director). 55:07. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Hands Of Mr. Smith (Aired May 19, 1945) *Date Is Subject To Change. The Haunting Hour is a work-in-progress collection within the holdings of many serious Radio Collectors. From the meager available productions currently in circulation it's clear that the series was popular for its time, at the very least. With a known run of at least 52 unique scripts and more doubtful further 39 to 52 scripts, it would appear that the series was in demand for at least four years--in and out of syndication. Given the high quality of NBC Network voice talent in the circulating episodes, one can well imagine that the remainder of the yet alleged, undiscovered, or uncirculated episodes have at least as much to recommend them. Thankfully, as with many other examples of Golden Age Radio productions, many of the existing episodes in circulation can be directly attributed to the efforts of the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service [AFRTS]. THIS EPISODE: May 19, 1945. Program #3. NBC syndication. "The Hands Of Mr. Smith". Commercials added locally. A fine story with an unexpected ending about Tiny, a big guy whose hands have a mind of their own! Herbert Wood (producer, director), Rosa Rio (organist), Tilden Brown (sound effects), Steve Carlin (script supervisor), George Stewart (recording supervisor), Berry Kroeger (narrator). 28:10. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Markheim (Aired April 27, 1947) It began at KALL in Salt Lake City in 1946 and lasted a year. Richard Thorne and Carl Greyson were announcers who created a bare bones murder mystery drama with stories written or adapted by Robert Olson. But when Thorne and Greyson went separate ways, the series discontinued. Then in 1949, Thorne and Greyson happened to work at the same station again (WGN in Chicago) and the series resumed. This time, the focus was on supernatural horror with Richard Thorne writing or adapting the stories. The three dozen or so shows that survived appear to have been recorded for broadcast transcriptions. (A recorded scene from the climax is played at the beginning of the program as a teaser.) Richard Thorne is one of the main recurring actors. Hall of Fantasy didn't seem to have much of a budget. THIS EPISODE: April 27, 1947. CBS network, KALL, Salt Lake City origination. "Markheim". Commercials deleted. A stock exchange gambler commits murder on Christmas eve, and receives a strange visitor. Robert Louis Stevenson (author), Carl Grayson, Richard Harcourt, Beth Caulder, Robert Olsen (adaptor), Richard Thorne (performer, producer, director), Earl Donaldson (music), Nefi Sorenson (engineer). 26:41. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Elusive Card Game (Aired January 12, 1950) The series began August 25, 1949, on NBC Radio. Set in the Midwest, it starred Robert Young as General Insurance agent Jim Anderson. His wife Margaret was first portrayed by June Whitley and later by Jean Vander Pyl. The Anderson children were Betty (Rhoda Williams), Bud (Ted Donaldson) and Kathy (Norma Jean Nillson). Others in the cast were Eleanor Audley, Herb Vigran and Sam Edwards. Sponsored through most of its run by General Foods, the series was heard Thursday evenings on NBC until March 25, 1954. The show is often regarded as an example of the conservative and paternalistic nature of American family life in the 1950s and it is also cited as an overly rosy portrayal of American family life. On the radio program, the character of Jim differs from the later television character. The radio Jim is far more sarcastic and shows he really "rules" over his family.

The Surprising Corpse (Aired January 16, 1947> The adventures of Casey, crack photographer for The Morning Express, were told in this series, which moved to television after a highly successful run on radio in the 1940’s. Casey hung out at the Blue Note Café, where the music was provided by the Tony Mottola Trio, and was friendly with Ethelbert, the bartender, to whom he recounted his various exploits. Richard Carlyle and John Gibson portrayed the roles when the series premiered in April, 1951, but by June they were replaced by Darren McGavin and Cliff Hall. Ann Williams, a reporter on The Morning Express, was Casey’s girlfriend. During the summer of 1951 he acquired a partner in cub reporter Jack Lipman, who wrote copy to go with Casey’s pictures. This live series was set in and broadcast from, New York City. THIS EPISODE: January 16, 1947. CBS network. "The Surprising Corpse". Sponsored by: Anchor Hocking Glass. A false nobleman tricks a dumb heiress into a murder scheme and is tricked in return by someone who in turn is double-crossed. Staats Cotsworth, John Gibson, Tony Marvin (announcer), George Harmon Coxe (creator), Herman Chittison (piano), Alonzo Deen Cole (writer). 29:28. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Criminal Policeman (Aired December 10, 1936) Calling All Cars was one of the earliest police shows on the air. It ran from November 29, 1933 through September 8, 1939. It’s sponsor was the Rio Grande Oil Company, which is why the show only ran in areas where Rio Grande "cracked" gasoline was sold. The sponsor promoted its "close ties" with police departments in Arizona and Southern California, urging listeners to buy its product for "police car performance". As shows of this nature do, it dealt with tracking killers and robbers, and with a recap of the justice which was enforced. The writer and director was William N. Robson. Calling All Cars episodes were dramatized true crime stories that were not only introduced by officers of the Los Angeles Police Department but were true life crime stories of the LAPD. THIS EPISODE: December 10, 1936. Program #159. CBS Pacific net (Don Lee Network). "The Criminal Policeman". Sponsored by: Rio Grande Oil (Junior Detective Outfit premium). A gangster-type killing has taken place on the Ninth Street Bridge. The story of a man who couldn't resist the lure of "easy money." Dave Armont (dispatcher), James E. Davis (host, Chief of The Los Angeles Police Department). 29:59. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Espionage & Murder In San Tomas (Aired May 7, 1951) Bold Venture is a 1951-1952 syndicated radio series starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Morton Fine and David Friedkin scripted the taped series for Bogart's Santana Productions. Salty seadog Slate Shannon (Bogart) owns a Cuban hotel sheltering an assortment of treasure hunters, revolutionaries and other shady characters. With his sidekick and ward, the sultry Sailor Duval (Bacall), tagging along, he encounters modern-day pirates and other tough situations while navigating the waters around Havana. Aboard his boat, the Bold Venture, Slate and Sailor experience "adventure, intrigue, mystery and romance in the sultry settings of tropical Havana and the mysterious islands of the Caribbean." Calypso singer King Moses (Jester Hairston) provided musical bridges by threading plot situations into the lyrics of his songs. Music by David Rose. Beginning March 26, 1951, the Frederic W. Ziv Company syndicated 78 episodes. Some sources have claimed that the 78 episodes include reruns, and that there were only around 30 episodes but more than 50 shows have now come to light. Heard on 423 stations, the 30-minute series earned $4000 weekly for Bogart and Bacall. THIS EPISODE: May 7, 1951. Program #7. ZIV Syndication. "Espionage & Murder In San Tomas" aka: "Atomic Espionage On San Tomas". Commercials added locally. Sailor is hired to "show an ankle" and catch a spy. Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Barton Yarborough, Jester Hairston, Peter Leeds, Nestor Paiva, Henry Hayward (director), Morton Fine (writer), David Friedkin (writer), David Rose (composer, conductor). 26:39. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

22 Caliber Pistol AKA: The Blue .22 *The Exact Date Is Unknown. Opening in 1875, the Crime Museum at Scotland Yard is the oldest museum in the world purely for recording crime. The name Black Museum was coined in 1877 by a reporter from The Observer, a London newspaper, although the museum is still referred to as the Crime Museum. The idea of a crime museum was conceived by Inspector Neame who had already collected together a number of items, with the intention of giving police officers practical instruction on how to detect and prevent burglary. It is this museum that inspired the Black Musuem radio series. The museum is not open to members of the public but is now used as a lecture theatre for the curator to lecture police and like bodies in subjects such as Forensic Science, Pathology, Law and Investigative Techniques. A number of famous people have visited the musuem including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Harry Houdini, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. Orsen Welles hosted and narrated the shows. Following the opening, Mr. Welles would introduce the museum's item of evidence that was central to the case, leading into the dramatization. He also provided narration during the show and ended each show with his characteristic closing from the days of his Mercury Theater on the Air, 'remaining obediently yours'. THIS EPISODE: 1952. Program #6. Syndicated, WRVR-FM, New York aircheck. "22 Caliber Pistol" AKA: "The Blue .22". Participating sponsors. Vivian is a woman scorned, and she has a little blue pistol. The date is approximate. Syndicated rebroadcast date: October 23, 1974. Harry Alan Towers (producer), Orson Welles (narrator), Ira Marion (writer), Sidney Torch (composer, conductor). 29:16.

Luigi Visits New York City (Guest Frank Sinatra). Aired October 10, 1950 Life with Luigi was a radio comedy-drama series which began September 21, 1948 on CBS. The story concerned Italian immigrant Luigi Basco, and his experiences as an immigrant in Chicago. Many of the shows take place at the US citizenship classes that Luigi attends with other immigrants from different countries, as well as trying to fend off the repeated advances of the morbidly-obese daughter of his landlord/sponsor. Luigi was played by J. Carrol Naish, an Irish-American. Naish continued in the role on the short-lived television version in 1952, and was later replaced by Vito Scotti. With a working title of The Little Immigrant, Life with Luigi was created by Cy Howard, who earlier had created the hit radio comedy, My Friend Irma. The show was often seen as the Italian counterpart to the radio show The Goldbergs, which chronicled the experience of Jewish immigrants in New York. THIS EPISODE: October 10, 1950. CBS network. "Luigi Visits New York City" - Sponsored by: Wrigley's Spearmint Chewing Gum. The program originates from New York City. Luigi gets to meet Special Guest Frank Sinatra. New York City. J. Carrol Naish, Alan Reed, Cy Howard (creator), Mac Benoff (writer), Lou Derman (writer), Frank Sinatra, Mary Shipp, Hans Conried, Jody Gilbert. 29:43. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Juniper Lane (Aired January 16, 1950) Let George Do It was a radio drama series produced by Owen and Pauline Vinson from 1946 to 1954. It starred Bob Bailey as detective-for-hire George Valentine (with Olan Soule stepping into the role in 1954). Clients came to Valentine's office after reading a newspaper carrying his classified ad: "Personal notice: Danger's my stock in trade. If the job's too tough for you to handle, you've got a job for me. George Valentine. "The few earliest episodes were more sitcom than private eye shows, with a studio audience providing scattered laughter at the not-so-funny scripts. Soon the audience was banished, and George went from stumbling comedic hero to tough guy private eye, while the music became suspenseful. Valentine's secretary was Claire Brooks, aka Brooksie (Frances Robinson, Virginia Gregg, Lillian Buyeff). Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group and The Digital Deli. THIS EPISODE: January 16, 1950. Mutual-Don Lee network. "Juniper Lane". Sponsored by: Standard Oil, Chevron. The death of "The Wicked Witch" of Juniper Lane. It's not a pleasant place, and she's not a pleasant person! Bob Bailey, Robert Griffin, Bud Hiestand (announcer), David Victor (writer), Don Clark (director), Eddie Dunstedter (music), Herb Butterfield, Jackson Gillis (writer), Lurene Tuttle, Virginia Gregg, Wally Maher. 29:20. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.