Radio Retropolis

A man tries to prove his neighbor of killing his wife when her death was ruled as arsenic poisoning.  But unusual circumstances may lead to a new truth. Commentary on the first Lady of the American Cinema Lilian Gish.

Two men break out of prison.  The first is manipulative and a killer.  But the second is not.  Yet, the second man finds he is now the prime suspect in the sudden murder of his own family. Commentary on two prominent events on this day including an incredible number of British and American war casualties in Singapore plus an assassination attempt on FDR.

A tramp steamer captain rescues a man lost at sea who says he abandoned the ship because they were attacked by some sea monster that turned the water to blood with the crew started disappearing one by one.  Commentary on the Manhattan Project which coincided with this day in history.  Plus, actor Arthur Vinton who starred.

Just as we wrapped up The Crooked Oil story we thought Clark and Jimmy might be heading back to Metropolis.  But no such luck as Jimmy just happens to find a silver arrow from many years ago thus beginning a new mystery with Tumbleweed.  Commentary on Jimmy Olsen's buddy Jackie Kelk which was an inside joke.  Plus our Countdown to WWII.

Two convicts escape from a nearby penitentiary. According to reports they are heading towards Los Angeles and are both armed and dangerous.  In the meantime, Friday is given some shattering news.  His partner of 11 years Ben Romero died that morning of a massive heart attack.  As Romero’s portrayer, Barton Yarborough, died in the same manner just a week before this episode, Jack Webb wanted an episode to pay tribute to his close friend. 

Superman is racing to save Tumbleweed from sure death as Cheney is closing in aiming to end him for good.  Commentary on the "on the road" adventures of Clark and Jimmy.  Plus WWII timeline alert.

A young man wakes up from a strange dream that he might have killed someone although it might not have been a dream after all. He remembers a frog voiced man and a song that seemed to come from the walls.  He and his policeman friend seek out the truth even if he is guilty of murder. Commentary on why this episode had some issues.  Plus actors Dane Clark and Preston Foster.

A murdered man named Anatole Chevanic, presumed to have faked his death, plans to recover the valuable gems he stole. A look at the Blue Coal scandal of the 1970's and the Jimmy Hoffa connection.

A doctor visits Africa to catch a large gorilla to bring him back to New York with them to go in a zoo. The gorilla, however, seems to take an unusual dislike in the doctor as if he had known him from somewhere.  Commentary on the real evolution of man and gorilla that mirrors the plot line of this episode. Plus guest star Anne Seymour.

Lawson escaped from Cheney with a bullet in his back and finds Jimmy to tell his whole story before he dies.  Will he get it out in time? Commentary on the great Superman action where he proves he is faster than a speeding bullet.  Plus, the WWII timeline alert.

A twenty-two-year-old girl has been abducted and her family receives an anonymous message demanding $30,000 for her safe return.  This is Barton Yarborough’s very last episode of Dragnet. Commentary revisiting the history of how Dragnet came to be. Plus guest star Whit Connor who usually would have been an unlikely casting choice of Jack Webb's.

The two honcho villains, Abner Cheney and his right hand, Dan Lawson, come to a head with Lawson pointing his gun right at Cheney.  Will this be the end for one of these guys?

In Nazi occupied Denmark, Count Victor-a Nazi puppet- has been receiving notes stating that he will commit suicide in Cromwell Castle on the King’s birthday at midnight.  His fear is intensified as the midnight hour quickly approaches. Commentary on guest actors Dolores Costello and Martin Kosleck whom plays Reichmann whose real life anti-Nazi tactics in Germany put him on the death squad hit list.

A Ring of Light which provides prosperity and fortune was given by Buddha to a man named Genga who is then murdered many years later by one who knew of the ring’s power. Commentary on this Blue Coal Ring promotional item to attract a younger audience even thought the content was still quite mature.

John and Muriel encounter car trouble and resort to stay at a spooky Haitian plantation in which they are told stories about the local voodoo which predicts an unhappy future for the couple.