Boxcars711 Old Time Radio Pod

And The Moon Be Still As Bright (Aired September 29, 1950) Dimension X was first heard on NBC April 8, 1950, and ran until September 29, 1951. Strange that so little good science fiction came out of radio; they seem ideally compatible, both relying heavily on imagination. Some fine isolated science fiction stories were developed on the great anthology shows, Suspense and Escape. But until the premiere of Dimension X -- a full two decades after network radio was established -- there were no major science fiction series of broad appeal to adults. This show dramatized the work of such young writers as Ray Bradbury, Robert (Psycho) Bloch, Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, and Kurt Vonnegut. In-house script writer was Ernest Kinoy, who adapted the master works and contributed occasional storied of his own. Show Notes From The Old Time Radio Researcher's Group. THIS EPISODE: September 29, 1950. NBC network, KFI, Los Angeles aircheck. "And The Moon Be Still As Bright". Sustaining. A story adapted from "The Martian Chronicles." The script was used subsequently on "X Minus One" on September 1, 1955 (see cat. #47530) The "X Minus One" progam was rebroadcast on "Monitor" during December, 1973. Albert Buhrman (music), Alexander Scourby, Bill Chambers (engineer), Bob Warren (announcer), Edward King (director), Ernest Kinoy (adaptor), Norman Rose (host), Ray Bradbury (author), Wendell Holmes, Van Woodward (producer), Dan Ocko, John McGovern, Joseph Julian, Arthur Gary (announcer). 30:22. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Death In Your Hands (Aired August 17, 1964) The Creaking Door was South African Radio's attempt to create a compelling program of highly suspenseful, dramatic thrillers with a supernatural bent for their sponsor, State Express Cigarettes. Some commentators insist it was conceived as a spin-off of the already successful Inner Sanctum episodes that had been syndicated for broadcast in Australia and South Africa during the 1950s. Given the format, one can see the inference, but in fact The Creaking Door stands on its own as a unique, well-produced, engaging supernatural thriller series on its own merit. The etymology of the name, The Creaking Door, bears some reflection. When legendary producer and director, Himan Brown first presented Inner Sanctum as one of three requested sponsorship candidates to Carter Products, he presented Inner Sanctum as The Creaking Door. Carter didn't care for the name, so on the spur of the moment Hi Brown suggested Inner Sanctum as an alternative, and voila, Radio history was made. Show Notes From The Digital Deli.

The Leo J. Fowler Case (Aired August 30, 1953) NBC 30 minutes Sunday at 9:30PM.Cast Paul Frees, James Edwards, Jester Hairston, Jay Loughlin, Jonathan Hole, Mady Norman, Don Brinkley (writer), Michael Samoge (? music), Warren Lewis (script supervisor), Homer Canfield (director), John Wald (announcer). Had a texture and sound not unlike Dragnet, indeed the influence was realized throughout the show. These were true stories of Crime and Punishment, the obvious difference that Dragnet began with the crime while Confession unfolded in reverse order, from the end. Confession was less noisy, it's theme was played on a single piano, but there was still the deadpan dialogue, the thief or killer giving his confession with an air of resignation and defeat. The criminal thus became a stream-of-consciousness narrator, with the action frequently cutting away into drama. "Names were changed to protect the legal rights of the subject"

Elliott Preston Is Framed For Murder (Aired May 18, 1952) NBC first envisioned The Chase as a new Television feature. This was not uncommon during the later 1940s and early 1950s. Several Radio features straddled both media, with varying success. Developed as a psychological drama, the premise was that many life situations place their subjects in a 'chase' of one type or another. A chase for fame. A chase from peril. A chase to beat the clock. A chase to escape death. The added twist was the question of who is the hunter or the hunted in these situations. The scripts were faced paced, starred quality east coast talent and were well written. The series' plots and themes focused primarily on predominantly fear inducing pursuits of one form or another. THIS EPISODE: May 18, 1952. NBC network. "Elliott Preston Is Framed For Murder". Sustaining. An Englishman named Elliott Preston finds himself framed for murder, coping with intrigue on the Orient Express, and fighting for his life eleven thousand feet high in the Alps! Fred Collins (announcer), Guy Repp, Horace Braham, Joyce Linden, Lawrence Klee (creator, writer), Lester Fletcher, Walter McGraw (director, transcriber). 29:23. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Nightmare (Aired May 5, 1957) 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. Creator William Froug launched the series with this powerhouse two-part adaptation of "Brave New World" and booked author Aldous Huxley to narrate his famous novel. "We’ll never get a sponsor anyway," CBS vice president Howard Barnes explained to Time, "so we might as well try anything." 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. THIS EPISODE: May 5, 1957. CBS network. "Nightmare". Sustaining. An experimental drama vividly portraying the stuff of nightmares. Interesting listening. Barney Phillips, Edgar Barrier, Elliott Lewis, Frederick Steiner (composer, conductor), Herb Butterfield, Mary Jane Croft, Paula Winslowe, William N. Robson (director). 24:40. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Stranger In The House (Aired May 6, 1945) As with The Mysterious Traveler that preceded it, The Sealed Book was an anthology of supernatural drama, produced and directed by Jock MacGregor for the Mutual network, and written by the extraordinary team of Robert Arthur and David Kogan. Indeed this same entire team of network, director, and writers were responsible for the entire run of The Mysterious Traveler. Going even further, The Sealed Book reprised 26 of the Arthur/Kogan scripts written for The Mysterious Traveler. And in yet another similarity, Philip Clarke performed as an actor in five of the original Mysterious Traveler episodes. THIS EPISODE: May 6, 1945. Program #8. Mutual network. "Stranger In The House". Sustaining. A couple moves into a haunted house and the man falls in love with a beautiful ghost. The script was also used on "The Mysterious Traveler" on January 29, 1952 (see cat. #1613). This program has also been dated July 8, 1945 on WGN, Chicago. Robert A. Arthur (writer), David Kogan (writer), Phillip Clarke (host), Jock MacGregor (producer, director). 29:52. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Telltale Pigeon Feathers (Aired January 21, 1946) Sherlock Holmes is a fictional detective of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who first appeared in publication in 1887. He is the creation of Scottish author and physician Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A brilliant London-based detective, Holmes is famous for his intellectual prowess, and is renowned for his skillful use of deductive reasoning (somewhat mistakenly so called — see inductive reasoning) and astute observation to solve difficult cases. He is arguably the most famous fictional detective ever created, and is one of the best known and most universally recognisable literary characters in any genre. Conan Doyle wrote four novels and fifty-six short stories that featured Holmes. All but four stories are narrated by Holmes' friend and biographer, Dr. John H. Watson; two are narrated by Holmes himself, and two others are written in the third person. THIS EPISODE: January 21, 1946. Mutual network. "The Telltale Pigeon Feathers". Sponsored by: Petri Wines. Sherlock's brother Mycroft puts Sherlock on the trail of a spy, and Doctor Watson finds himself arrested for murder! The story is based on, "The Greek Interpreter." Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Harry Bartell (announcer), Denis Green (writer), Anthony Boucher (writer), Dean Fosler (music), Edna Best (producer), Arthur Conan Doyle (creator). 31:46. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Dagger With Wings (Aired November 9, 1986) Father Brown's abilities are also considerably shaped by his experience as a priest and confessor. In "The Blue Cross", when asked by Flambeau, who has been masquerading as a priest, how he knew of all sorts of criminal "horrors," he responds: "Has it never struck you that a man who does next to nothing but hear men's real sins is not likely to be wholly unaware of human evil?" He also states a reason why he knew Flambeau was not a priest: "You attacked reason. It's bad theology." And indeed, the stories normally contain a rational explanation of who the murderer was and how Brown worked it out. Despite his devotion, or perhaps, because of it, Father Brown always emphasizes rationality: some stories, such as "The Miracle of Moon Crescent", "The Oracle of the Dog", "The Blast of the Book" and "The Dagger With Wings", poke fun at initially skeptical characters who become convinced of a supernatural explanation for some strange occurrence, while Father Brown easily sees the perfectly ordinary, natural explanation. In fact, he seems to represent an ideal of a devout, yet considerably educated and "civilised" clergyman. This can be traced to the influence of neo-scholastic thought on Chesterton. Father Brown is characteristically humble, and is usually rather quiet, but when he does talk, he almost always says something profound.

Work Of A Lifetime (Aired March 18, 1947) Meaningful Stories from Years Past that Continue to Inspire Families Today. Families, then and now, face similar situations and struggles: communication, honesty, gambling, music, alcoholism, sports and many spiritual questions, such as life after death. How we address these struggles makes all the difference in strengthening our family bonds. These compelling half-hour dramas offer inspiring insights into how to build unity within your family. Join us on a visit with the stars of the past for an uplifting, humorous and meaningful look into family life. When actor Jimmy Stewart hosted that first episode of Family Theater in 1947, he told the radio audience that Family Theater was dedicated to the family “with the hope that families everywhere will always be together and that your home will be a happy one—with the conviction that prayer, simple prayer, will help keep it that way.” THIS EPISODE March 18, 1947. Mutual network. "Work Of A Lifetime". Sustaining. A prison chaplain moves away, but his "associates" follow him to his new parish. Edward G. Robinson (host), Pat O'Brien, Bill Williams, Matt Taylor (writer), True Boardman (adaptor), Bob Longnecker (producer). 30:16. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Rented Cottage Murder Case (Aired April 3, 1952) When Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons first debuted over the Blue Network on October 12, 1937, the show’s title accurately described Keen’s stock-in-trade; the “kindly old investigator” tracked down individuals who had mysteriously vanished, leaving behind their families, homes, jobs and other day-to-day activities. Keen (he never had a first name, unless it was “Peachy”) was assisted in these duties by an Irishman named Mike Clancy. Mike wasn’t much of a brainiac (the quote that comprises the title of this post was a semi-catchphrase that he seemed to use on the show every week) but he could use the necessary brawn when the situation called for it. Bennett Kilpack played kindly ol' Keen throughout most of the program’s run, as well as Philip Clarke and Arthur Hughes, while Jim Kelly took the role of Clancy. THIS EPISODE: April 3, 1952. NBC network. "The Rented Cottage Murder Case". Sponsored by: Anacin, Dentyne, Chesterfield. A strange cottage, renting for $25 during the housing shortage, is the scene of the murder of a cripple. The clue is in the crutches. Phillip Clarke, Richard Leonard (director), Jack Costello (announcer), Frank Hummert (originator, producer, dialogue), Anne Hummert (originator, producer). 28:14. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

The Charles Wyatt Murder (Aired January 30, 1951) The characters originated in 1930s vignettes written by Richard Lockridge for the New York Sun, and he brought them back for short stories in The New Yorker. These stories were collected in Mr. and Mrs. North (1936). Lockridge increased the readership after he teamed with his wife Frances on a novel, The Norths Meet Murder (1940), launching a series of 40 novels, including Death takes a Bow, Death on the Aisle and The Dishonest Murderer. Their long-run series continued for over two decades and came to an end in 1963 with the death of Frances Lockridge. Albert Hackett and Peggy Conklin had the title roles in the Broadway production Mr. and Mrs. North, which ran 163 performances at the Belasco Theatre from January 12, 1941, to May 31, 1941. Alfred De Liagre, Jr. produced and directed the play written by Owen Davis. In this version, the North's apartment was located on Greenwich Place, realized in a scenic design by Jo Mielziner. THIS EPISODE: January 30, 1951. CBS network origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "The Charles Wyatt Murder". Charles Wyatt is sentenced to five-to-ten years for fraud. His attorney, Gordon Ross, is involved and kills Wyatt, dumping his body and his car into the bay. The story title is subject to correction. Joseph Curtin, Alice Frost, Frances Lockridge (creator), Richard Lockridge (creator). 24:10. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Radio Patrol (Aired November 29, 1946) Although Molle Mystery Theater was initially sponsored by Molle Shaving Cream, other sponsors (such as Bayer Aspirin, Ironized Yeast, Phillips Milk of Magnesia) also sponsored the program. Sometimes, when it was not sponsored by Molle, the program was called "Mystery Theater". The show was first heard on NBC, on 9/7/43. Time slot was originally Sunday nights at 9:00 PM, but was later moved to Tuesday at 9:00 PM, and Friday at 10:00 PM. In 1948, the show moved to CBS (Tues, 8:00 PM), and in 1951, it moved to ABC, where it was called "Mark Sabre", and heard on Wednesdays at either 8:00 PM or 9:30 PM. The shows were tight and tension filled, with a fine orchestra score and solid production values. Classic tales from well-known authors, as well as modern unknowns were presented, and the endings were often twists or shockers. THIS EPISODE: November 29, 1946. NBC network. "Radio Patrol". Sponsored by: Molle, Double Dandereen. A man found dying on the docks confesses to a radio patrolman that he killed a man at the order of Councilman Carmichael. The cop is not going to let an innocent man hang, even though his career will be ruined if it helps the con on death row who was convicted of the crime. Dan Seymour (announcer), Leslie T. White (writer), Richard Coogan, Leon Meadow (adaptor), Jack Miller (music), Bernard Lenrow (host, as "Geoffrey Barnes"). 30:46. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

A Salute To Washington, D.C. (Aired November 11, 1947) In 1934–36, Berle was heard regularly on The Rudy Vallee Hour, and he got much publicity as a regular on The Gillette Original Community Sing, a Sunday night comedy-variety program broadcast on CBS from September 6, 1936 to August 29, 1937. In 1939, he was the host of Stop Me If You've Heard This One with panelists spontaneously finishing jokes sent in by listeners. Three Ring Time, a comedy-variety show sponsored by Ballantine Ale, was followed by a 1943 program sponsored by Campbell's Soups. The audience participation show Let Yourself Go (1944–1945) could best be described as slapstick radio with studio audience members acting out long suppressed urges (often directed at host Berle). Kiss and Make Up, on CBS in 1946, featured the problems of contestants decided by a jury from the studio audience with Berle as the judge. He also made guest appearances on many comedy-variety radio programs during the 1930s and 1940s. Scripted by Hal Block and Martin Ragaway, The Milton Berle Show brought Berle together with Arnold Stang, later a familiar face as Berle's TV sidekick. THIS EPISODE: November 11, 1947. NBC network. Sponsored by: Philip Morris. "A Salute To Washington, D.C." and politics. Miltie runs for Alderman. Frank Gallop (announcer), Milton Berle, Ray Bloch and His Orchestra. 29:32. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Boxcars711 Overnight Western "Death Valley Days" - The Burro That Had No Name (Aired June 17, 1938) Death Valley Days is an American radio and television anthology series featuring true stories of the old American West, particularly the Death Valley area. Created in 1930 by Ruth Woodman, the program was broadcast on radio until 1945. It continued from 1952 to 1975 as a syndicated television series. The series was sponsored by the Pacific Coast Borax Company (20 Mule Team Borax, Boraxo). The 558 television episodes were introduced by a host. The longest-running was "The Old Ranger" from 1952 to 1965, played by Stanley Andrews when the series was produced by McGowan Productions, producer of the Sky King television series. Filmaster Productions Inc., who produced the first several seasons of Gunsmoke for CBS Television, took over production of the series in the mid-1960s. Following the departure of Andrews, Ronald Reagan became the host. When Reagan entered politics, the role went to Robert Taylor. Taylor became gravely ill in 1969 and was replaced by Dale Robertson. Production of new episodes ceased in 1970. Merle Haggard provided narration for some previously made episodes in 1975. Reagan and Taylor also frequently appeared in the program as actors. THIS EPISODE: June 17, 1938. Blue Network. "The Burro That Had No Name". Sponsored by: Twenty Mule Team Borax. A pair of prospectors are plagued by a white burro, who makes himself right at home! John McBride ("The Old Ranger"). 25:49. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.

Words Are Mightier Than The Sword (Aired April 21, 1951) Dangerous Assignment stands as one of the most durable programs of its genre and era in the waning days of The Golden Age of Radio. Espionage or foreign intrigue dramas weren't particularly groundbreaking undertakings by the 1950s. Bulldog Drummond was the first of the more successful exemplars of Radio espionage and intrigue, running from 1941 to 1954, most often under the lead of the gifted character actor, George Coulouris. The Counterspy series had been well underway since 1942 and ran in one incarnation or another through 1954. Dangerous Assignment, while airing ahead of The Man Called X, never seemed to get the buildup that The Man Called X invariably received. It may well have been as simple as a lack of sponsorship. For much of 1950 and 1951, both Dangerous Assignment and The Man Called X remained either network sustained or shared the sponsorship of Ford, Anacin, Chesterfield, and RCA Victor. Show Notes From The Digital Deli. THIS EPISODE: April 21, 1951. "Words Are Mightier Than The Sword" - NBC network. Sustaining. Steve is sent to the French Riviera to help smuggle out Gotchek (an atomic scientist). When he arrives, his contact is found murdered. Brian Donlevy, Robert Ryf (writer), Adrian Gendot (writer), Bill Cairn (producer, director), Robert Armbruster (music), Herb Butterfield, Betty Lou Gerson, Don Diamond, Hal Gerard, Lynn Allen, Fritz Feld. 29:30. Episode Notes From The Radio Gold Index.