Radio Retropolis

Kent suggests that Jenks the realtor ask the man on the phone for additional money to secure the ranch.  The man agrees to meet at the old mine shaft on the ranch.  Will he show?  Will Clark nab him?  Or is this a ruse conceived by the mystery man to eliminate Jenks who may be seen as a liability?  Commentary on a similar plot line in an early Superman television episode called The Deserted Village.

An artist who put his prize portrait on exhibit hopes to bait a murderer out of hiding.  Commentary on the problems with this episode as well as the tragic life and death of star Philip Dorn.

A woman contacts Margot for help as an insane person is slaughtering the island natives and her husband is blocking her from leaving the island.  Commentary on the similarities in writing between The Shadow and Superman and why the heroes are written as barely needed.

A man purchases an old portrait: a portrait with a history of death... for the artist... for the model... and for all those who own it. Commentary on actress Lesley Woods.

As Jimmy and Clark settle in for a good night’s sleep, they are startled by Lois in an adjoining cabin screaming for help.  Commentary on the mystery man caller and Kent's physical ability to change into Superman and back.

An informant notifies the LAPD about an extortion racket going on in the area by what victims claim is by a police officer.  Commentary on assailants who faked being the police in order to commit the the most heinous attacks.

As Clark and Lois drive up to the Bar-O ranch two headlights drive them off the road to a thunderous crash.  Commentary on the reason why the writers usually put the potential villains in motion early on.

Orson Welles calls this the greatest single radio script ever written.  It’s the story of an invalid who overhears a phone conversation about a murder that is to take place that night.  Commentary, on Agnes Moorehead who performed this script several times for Suspense which was the one of the most memorable radio episode in history.  Plus, why Moorehead thought Betwitched was hack comedy and why she was not happy when Dick Sargent replaced Dick York.

A kidnapping racket severely attacks Lamont in Margot’s apartment while investigating the ring.  Commentary on tonight's sponsor E.W. Grove and the evolution of his cold tablets.

A man stumbles into a pawn shop, where he sees a decrepit old man playing chess. Unbeknownst to him, the old man is a sociopath playing with real human lives where murder is the win.  Commentary on the legendary Cold War chess match between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky in 1972 in Iceland.  Plus actors Raymond Massey and Jackson Beck.

Clark and Lois head to the Bar-O dude ranch following a frantic call from Jimmy Olsen. Commentary on why Clark Kent and the audience need Lois Lane.

A mail truck of registered mail has been robbed with its crew of 3 severely beaten.  The only clue is a $20 bill left behind. Commentary on the LAPD's role in a federal case.  Plus guest actress Inge Jollos unique background.

Nita and her radio operator Brauer plan to hijack a seaplane to fly to their submarines off the coast to make their final escape in this story conclusion. Review of the entire serial to follow.

An excellent episode about a young man will die unless he pays off a sizable debt.  So, he devises a plan to get the insurance money off his mother’s boarder who doesn’t have long to live.  Commentary on coin  operated gas meters.  Plus, a focus on the exceptional star of tonight's episode Dane Clark.  Plus, why Ralph Morgan couldn't outshine his brother, Frank, and Fay Bainter who achieved an Oscar first!

A beautiful young actress drops dead at a private society party which Lamont and Margot attend. As they investigate, they stumble upon a body in the hotel basement closet. Commentary on the skill of the guest actress in this episode saving a missed cue.  Plus the original song that won the Oscar for 1946 and the #1 song that week which seemed very out of place.