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Shakespeare famously wrote, what's in a name? But let's say it out loud. Jack Lemmon. It says it all right there in the name. Jack. Ordinary, the guy across from you on the subway. Lemon. The one that got the broken car. The bitter taste, yet the surprising brightly colored yellow sun inside of the bad luck. Jack Lemmon, arguably the greatest comic and dramatic actor to ever grace the screen, who is unrivaled as the everyman who trips, stumbles, triumphs and gets the girl. Or in the case of Some like it Hot, the guy. Starting this week at one of my very favorite movie theaters, the Film Forum on Houston Street, Jack Lemmon turns 100. Can you believe it? And the Film Forum is opening its two week tribute on Friday, May 16th with the iconic story of opposites, the Odd Couple. But I'm not here to talk about Mr. Lemon's legendary roles in Days of Wine and Roses, Glengarry Glen Ross having a revival on Broadway now with Bob Odenkirk reprising Lemon's unforgettable Shelley Levine, The Front Page, Mr. Roberts, Bell, Book and A Candle. A personal favorite of mine, Some like it Hot, which I watched on VHS until the tape broke…I am here to talk about one of the greatest comedies, if you can call a film about a mid level office drone working at an insurance company who lets his superiors bully him into letting them have his apartment for their affairs in hopes of him getting promoted and the suicidal elevator girl who whom he falls in love with. A comedy The Apartment. Legendary director Billy Wilder, coming off the wild success of Some like it Hot with Marilyn Monroe, wanted to keep his collaboration with Lemon going. So in 1960, Wilder and I.A.L diamond (Come on, is that the coolest name?) who wrote Some Like It Hot with Wilder were inspired by an infamous Hollywood murder story about agent Jennings Lange who was having an affair with actress Joan Bennett in an underlings apartment. So her husband, producer Walter Wanger, shot and killed Lange. Check out Karina Longworth's excellent podcast Love Is A Crime from You Must Remember This for the full retelling to you and I. This might not seem like source material for one of our greatest comedies, but in Wilder, Lemon and the adorable Shirley MacLaine's Hands, it was a box office smash, winning five Oscars out of ten nominations. Now I could go on and on about Billy Wilder's meticulous directorial precision, Lemon's unreal comic timing and turn on a dime pathos why Ving Rhames spontaneously gave him his very own Golden Globe in 1998. But I'm actually here to talk about a hat, a haircut, and a mirror. Let's rewind to 1960 - President Kennedy just took office, Roy Orbison's ‘Only The Lonely' was on the radio, and the kids were doing Chubby Checker's ‘The Twist'. The very seriously subversive theme and subject of The Apartment can not be over stated in this climate. The film, shot in gorgeous black & white by Joseph LaShelle of Laura and Marty fame, puts us smack-dab in what I'd call ‘Mad Men' central - a heady swirl of cigarette smoke and ‘Tom & Jerry' cocktail mix, office Christmas parties, wives holding on line 2 while executive husbands scheduled accepted trysts before dinner and kissing the kids goodnight. Lemmon plays ‘C.C. Baxter', a hard-working, well-meaning drone who somehow gets himself turned into a sort of brothel landlord. His neighbors wonder how he can withstand being such a Lothario - the sounds coming through the walls everynight don't match C.C. Baxter's unassuming Brooks Brothers suit with a rumpled white shirt with rounded collars and tie-bar to boot.But Baxter is caught in a hilarious cycle of paying his dues to climb the corporate ladder. This is what you must do. You must get out of bed at midnight to allow your boss to wine and bed his mistress in your Upper Westside apartment even if it involves you sleeping on a park bench in Central Park and catching your death (which Lemmon really did on that particular night shoot on location in the chilly fall of NYC). Lemmon's aspiration is to be ‘the youngest junior executive at Consolidated Insurance' so he MUST climb that corporate ladder to get the accoutrements - the windowed office, the carte blanche phone calls to pass on favors, and the bowler hat!He proudly shows it off to Shirley MacLaine's elevator operator, Fran Kubelik, who regards it as the ultimate symbol of the last ‘nice guy' crossing over the river Styx to the underworld of betrayal. She is happy for Baxter, but her eyes register a cultural sadness - this white male corporate culture is a disease and its got it claws in Baxter, and Baxter is completely oblivious to what he is about to sign on the dotted line for. Fran isn't. Despite her absolutely adorable ‘pixie' hair-cut, she has been groped by the best of them, and seems unreachable by the hordes of executives. Fran is the Snow Leopard, the last big game that hasn't been conquered. You can grab her butt, and she firmly pushes you on your way. There is something modern, forward-leaning in her attitude and appearance, punctuated by that hair-cut representing women's liberation, strength, and independence. ‘I don't need long flowing hair to make you like me, pal.' The pixie cut was popularized by Audrey Hepburn in the late 1950's, followed by the model Twiggy, and reaching its apotheosis with Mia Farrow in Rosemary's Baby in the mid-1960s. But Shirley MacLaine, in my humble opinion, does it best as ‘Fran', the hard-working elevator operator girl who won't fall prey. Fran says in one of the film's most famous lines of dialogue, “When you're alone with a married man, you shouldn't wear mascara.” Shirley MacLaine's tender and deep performance as ‘Fran', lets us - and eventually Baxter - know that all is not well in the corporate system and the culture at large. One of the most ingenious uses of the Hollywood film adage ‘show don't tell' in filmmaking is the use of a simple compact make-up mirror to tell a major plot turn in The Apartment. Baxter's boss, Jeff D. Sheldrake played with brave impunity by silver screen star Fred MacMurray, who was so hated after this performance he would be aaccosted in the street by ladies chasting him for playing such a ‘dirty man'. Sheldrake calls Baxter into his office early in the film for what Baxter thinks is his promotion. Sheldrake says he's heard about Baxter's ‘key' - meaning his revolving brothel. Sheldrake wants in. Baxter obliges as Sheldrake is THE biggest fish. Later, in another summoning to the head honcho's office, Baxter gives him a floral compact he discovered in his couch, assuming it belongs to Sheldrake's mistress. The mirror inside the compact is cracked jagged down the middle splitting the image of whoever opens it in two. Baxter thinks nothing of it until he is modeling his bowler hat - the Junior Executive - for Fran. What do you think? he askes her. “After all, this is a conservative firm. I don't want people to think I'm an entertainer…”. In the midst of this, Fran helpful as ever, opens her compact to show Baxter how the bowler hat looks. To Baxter's deep inner shock, he puts ‘two and two together' and realizes Fran is in fact Sheldrake's mistress. The horror. The one that was ungettable gotten by the biggest fish with a wife and two kids. The shot of Lemmon reacting in the cracked compact is on the of most effective story and visual devices I can think of in cinema. Baxter sees himself split apart - two worlds: the happy go lucky Baxter, and the Baxter that is now privy to some vile stuff involving the one girl he actually likes.Fran sees his reaction and asks ‘what is it? Baxter takes a beat. “The mirror…it's broken.” Then Fran utters one of my favorite lines, “I know. I like it this way…makes me look the way I feel.” WOW. What a subversive revilation! What a profound utterance. Talk about Chekhov. ‘Makes me look the way I feel'. We begin to realize all is not right with Fran. Sheldrake is leading her on. She sets a boundary at the local Chinese restaurant where he apparently takes all his conquests - the back booth. But Sheldrake works her over, and convinces her he WILL leave his wife. After a tryst back at Baxter's apartment on Christmas Eve, Sheldrake must catch his evening train to make dinner with the family. Obviously having forgotten to get Fran anything of real signifigance for Christmas, he opens his wallet and hands her a hudred dollar bill. Even in today's anything goes era, it's a shockingly seedy gesture that is all too real. MacLaine's Fran takes it in stride - just like Baxter leaving his key under the rug for his bosses - and stands to take off her coat and gets ready to disrobe. Fran says something like, ‘well, you already paid for it.' Ugh. My heart broke! For Fran, for Baxter, for the sad inevitablity of it all. Trigger Warning. The last portion of this episode deals with suicide. Listen with care. Fran asks to be left alone. In the bathroom, she finds the hundred dollar bill in her purse, and realizing she will never be able to break this cycle, she sees Baxter's sleeping pills - Seconal - and takes them all. Meanwhile, Baxter is out drowning his sorrows with a hilarious companion, played by actress Hope Holiday. They get drunk and dance, looking for a place to get even closer, they head back to Baxter's apartment - “Might as well go to me. Everybody else does.” Once back at his place, he discovers Fran and races to his jocular doctor neighbor, played by Jack Kruschen (also Oscar nominated for his hilarious supporting role as Dr. Dreyfuss), and Fran narrowly misses checking out. While recovering at Baxter's playing gin rummy (which MacLaine was playing alot of as a peripheral member of the Rat Pack), Fran and him bond, more than bond. They fall into bliss and don't even know it. It's a beautiful chemistry, one that apparently as it evolved dictated the script. Sources say upon commencement of filming, the screenplay was a mere 40 pages, and Wilder liked to work that way and let things evolve. He was also famous for re-shooting after viewing dallies. MacLaine calls him 'sciencentific, brittle and caustic with women but made you better for it'. She tells a story about once such instance during a climactic scene with Fred MacMurray's ‘Sheldrake' where she couldn't get the emotion necessary for their break-up in the Chinese restaurant they frequent. MacLaine's native Canadian accent was coming out literally on the word ‘out.' After viewing the ‘rushes', he concluded they need to re-shoot, even calling MacLaine out in the screening room. MacLaine, much like Fran, didn't buckle under pressure, and they re-shot. On the day, Wilder called ‘Action' and excused himself to give her the privacy to do the scene. She hit it out of the park, uttering the lines from that take that made the final cut, “So you sit there and make yourself a cup of instant coffee while he rushes out to catch the train.”Well, long story short, Baxter and Fran end up together - thank Heavens. I could explain the plot twists to get them there, but I want to leave you with one final remberance of MacLaine's. When asked what it was like to work with Jack Lemmon, she said, “He would say, ‘Magic time!', every time the camera rolled. And then we knew we'd better make some magic.”Check out The Apartment on the big screen at The Film Forum in all its glory this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. And all of Jack Lemmon's ‘Magic time' over the next two weeks. You won't be sorry.More about the series here:JACK LEMMON 100Watch The Apartment here:Look Behind The Look is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Look Behind The Look at lookbehindthelook.substack.com/subscribe
Today's Mystery: Danny investigates the beating and murder of a bakery truck driver.Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 16, 1950Originating from HollywoodStarring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen; Harry Bartell; Barney Phillips; Maria Palmer; Howard McNear; Billy HalopSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Marla, Patreon supporter since January 2018.Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today's Mystery: A young woman and her boyfriend are shot on the George Washington Bridge.Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 9, 1950Originated in HollywoodStars: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover, Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia, Elliott Lewis, Jerry Hausner, Jack Kruschen, Lou Merrill, Bea Benaderet, Lillian Buyeff, Tony BarrettSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Damien, Patreon supporter since March 2024Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesBecome one of our friends on Facebook.Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today's Mystery: A young woman from Iowa studying music is murdered.Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 26, 1950Originated in HollywoodStars: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover, Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia, Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan, Joseph Kearns, Sam Edwards, Norma Varden, Florence Ravenal, Bert HollandSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Wendy, Patreon supporter since May 2019Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesBecome one of our friends on Facebook.Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today's Mystery: A young woman from Iowa studying music is murdered.Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 26, 1950Originated in HollywoodStars: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover, Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia, Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan, Joseph Kearns, Sam Edwards, Norma Varden, Florence Ravenal, Bert HollandSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Wendy, Patreon supporter since May 2019Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesBecome one of our friends on Facebook.Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives
Today's Mystery: A bank teller confesses to stealing $20,000 to secure the release of his kidnapped wife.Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 12, 1950Originating from HollywoodStarring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan; Howard McNear; Joseph Granby; Virginia Gregg; Hal Marsh; Marlene AmesSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Kelli, Patreon supporter since June 2017Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today's Mystery: A bank teller confesses to stealing $20,000 to secure the release of his kidnapped wife.Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 12, 1950Originating from HollywoodStarring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan; Howard McNear; Joseph Granby; Virginia Gregg; Hal Marsh; Marlene AmesSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Kelli, Patreon supporter since June 2017Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Today's Mystery:The girlfriend of a man whose wife attempted suicide is murdered.Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 5, 1950Originating in HollywoodStarring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan; Sheldon Leonard; Jane Webb; Eleanor Audley; Jack Kruschen; Stanley FerrerSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Monica, Patreon supporter since March 2019Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today's Mystery:The girlfriend of a man whose wife attempted suicide is murdered.Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 5, 1950Originating in HollywoodStarring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan; Sheldon Leonard; Jane Webb; Eleanor Audley; Jack Kruschen; Stanley FerrerSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Monica, Patreon supporter since March 2019Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Today's Mystery: A perfume demonstrator is found murdered in the room of an out-of-town salesman.Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 21, 1950Originating from HollywoodStarring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen; Edwin Max; Elliott Reid; Tony Barrett; Joyce McCluskey; Virginia GreggSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Shawn, Patreon supporter since June 2021.Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today's Mystery: A perfume demonstrator is found murdered in the room of an out-of-town salesman.Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 21, 1950Originating from HollywoodStarring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen; Edwin Max; Elliott Reid; Tony Barrett; Joyce McCluskey; Virginia GreggSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Shawn, Patreon supporter since June 2021.Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Today's Mystery: A jeweler's messenger is found murdered on a Coney Island Roller Coaster.Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 14, 1950Originated in HollywoodStars: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover, Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia, Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan, Byron Kane, Betty Lou Gerson, Sylvia Simms, Jerry Hausner, Peter LeedsSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Scott, Patreon supporter since June 2016.Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesBecome one of our friends on Facebook.Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today's Mystery: A jeweler's messenger is found murdered on a Coney Island Roller Coaster.Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 14, 1950Originated in HollywoodStars: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover, Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia, Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan, Byron Kane, Betty Lou Gerson, Sylvia Simms, Jerry Hausner, Peter LeedsSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Scott, Patreon supporter since June 2016.Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesBecome one of our friends on Facebook.Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives
Today's Mystery: A man has confessed to murdering a Southern County Sheriff's Deputy who was in town to get him extraditedOriginal Radio Broadcast Date: April 7, 1950Originated in HollywoodStars: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover, Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia, Barton Yarborough, Peter Leeds, ; Byron Kane; Jerry Hausner; Betty Lou Gerson ; Jack Kruschen;Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Judith, Patreon supporter since March 2016Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesBecome one of ourfriends on Facebook.Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today's Mystery: A man has confessed to murdering a Southern County Sheriff's Deputy who was in town to get him extraditedOriginal Radio Broadcast Date: April 7, 1950Originated in HollywoodStars: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover, Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia, Barton Yarborough, Peter Leeds, ; Byron Kane; Jerry Hausner; Betty Lou Gerson ; Jack Kruschen;Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Judith, Patreon supporter since March 2016Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesBecome one of ourfriends on Facebook.Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives
Today's Mystery: Johnny's called in to find a missing life insurance beneficiary who turns out to be wanted for murder.Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 17, 1957Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Lawrence Dobkin; Virginia Gregg; Jack Kruschen; Jeanette Nolan; Russell Thorson; Howard McNearWhen making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.comBecome one of our Patreon Supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netThank you to our Patreon Supporter of the Day: Bailey, patreon supporter since April 2023.Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Yours Truly Johnny Dollar – The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Today's Mystery: Johnny's called in to find a missing life insurance beneficiary who turns out to be wanted for murder.Original Radio Broadcast Date: November 17, 1957Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Lawrence Dobkin; Virginia Gregg; Jack Kruschen; Jeanette Nolan; Russell Thorson; Howard McNearWhen making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.comBecome one of our Patreon Supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netThank you to our Patreon Supporter of the Day: Bailey, patreon supporter since April 2023.Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Support Breaking Walls at https://www.patreon.com/thewallbreakers The February 17th, 1950 episode of Broadway is My Beat took Danny Clover to Greenwich Village. By the early 1950s, the sound effects men working in radio had begun to refine their craft to a fine art. In September of 1987 Jack Kruschen and Shirley Mitchell were guests of Jim Bohannon on his radio show. They remembered some of those men. The actor playing Camden Drake was Elliot Reid. Here he is speaking with Frank Bresee. Featured in this cast was Virginia Gregg. By 1950, she was one of the most versatile actresses on the air.
Today's Mystery: A young newlywed couple are found shot to death in a car at the bottom of the river.Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 17, 1950Get 17% off your purchase of the Fulton Fish Market (I receive a commission)Originating in HollywoodStarring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant MuggavanSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Renee, Patreon supporter since October 2024.Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today's Mystery: A young newlywed couple are found shot to death in a car at the bottom of the river.Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 17, 1950Get 17% off your purchase of the Fulton Fish Market (I receive a commission)Originating in HollywoodStarring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant MuggavanSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Renee, Patreon supporter since October 2024.Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Support Breaking Walls at https://www.patreon.com/thewallbreakers In November of 1949 Broadway is My Beat returned to the air on Saturday evenings. It remained there until late January of 1950. The show couldn't find national sponsorship, though companies like Ford were buying single episode sponsorship to promote their products. Beginning with the February 3rd, 1950 episode called “The Lieutenant Jimmy Hunt Murder Case,” the show moved to Friday evenings at 9:30PM eastern time. Featured in this episode was Jeanette Nolan. She and her husband John McIntire were longtime friends of both Lewis and his second wife Mary Jane Croft. Broadway is my Beat featured some of the best hollywood radio talent like Barney Phillips, Virginia Gregg, Tony Barrett, Herb Butterfield, Betty Lou Gerson, Hy Averback, Cathy Lewis, Harry Bartell, Lawrence Dobkin, Mary Jane Croft, and Herb Vigran. Years later, Jack Kruschen remembered how many of them, including himself, often played more than one part on radio shows.
Support Breaking Walls at https://www.patreon.com/thewallbreakers Network radio opened 1949 fresh off its fourteenth consecutive year of record earnings. Total network revenue exceeded Two-hundred-ten million dollars. Broadway Is My Beat first took to the air over CBS from New York on February 27th, 1949, It starred Anthony Ross and was directed by John Dietz. Dietz was a prolific radio man in the 1940s. He helped get Suspense off the ground and had success with New York-based shows like Casey, Crime Photographer. Early CBS press material for the show told how “as a kid, Danny Clover sold papers and shined shoes along the Great White Way. He later walked the beat as a policeman and knows everything along Broadway—from pan handler to operatic prima donna—but he's still sentimental. The street is forever a wonderland of glamor to him.” CBS was in the middle of the “Packaged Program Initiative.” When head of CBS William Paley returned from World War II in 1946, he saw his network behind NBC in ratings, revenue, and star power. Paley decided to greenlight and cost-sustain shows in order to develop hits not controlled by advertising agencies. The gamble paid off. By February of 1949 CBS had found success with sitcoms like My Friend Irma and Our Miss Brooks. The network was also using capital gains tax laws to sign production deals with stars like Jack Benny, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Red Skelton, and Bing Crosby. For a deep dive on this, please tune into Breaking Walls episodes 108 through 112. Meanwhile, after fifteen weeks Broadway is My Beat was floundering. CBS was going to pull the plug at the end of May when NBC found its first post-talent raid hit. A new police procedural, Dragnet, launched on June 3rd, 1949. The brainchild of Jack Webb, it was unlike anything heard on the air at that point. CBS brass decided to move Broadway is My Beat's production to Hollywood. Elliott Lewis was by then starring as Frankie Remley on The Phil Harris and Alice Faye Show and helping to edit scripts for Bill Spier on Suspense. With the urging of men like Spier and Bill Robson, Lewis was given the chance to direct the newly migrated series. He was born in Manhattan on November 28th, 1917. He told Radio Life, “You should hear the city constantly. Even the people in New York are noisy.” Three soundmen were often needed to re-create that New York flavor. Lewis immediately tabbed Morton Fine and David Friedkin to write the series. Here's Morton Fine. Lewis' first episode came on Thursday, July 7th, 1949 when the repackaged Broadway is My Beat debuted as a summer replacement for The FBI In Peace And War. Larry Thor would star as Danny Clover. The change in tenor was immediately evident. Rounding out the regular cast was Charles Calvert as Tartaglia and Jack Kruschen doubling as both Sergeant Muggavan and Doctor Sinski. The last episode of the seven week summer run was “The Val Dane Case,” airing on August 25th, 1949. By then the show had begun to hit its stride. Broadway is My Beat stretched for the poetic metaphor and if the tone was sometimes heavy and wordy, the scenes were gritty, and the crimes were less-than-glamorous. After the initial summer run, the CBS network executives were happy with Elliott Lewis' work and decided to bring the show back in the fall.
Today's Mystery: Danny investigates when an unidentified man is found murdered in an elevator.Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 10, 1950Originating in HollywoodStarring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan; Tony Barrett; Howard McNearGet 17% off your purchase of the Fulton Fish Market (I receive a commission)Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Chris, Patreon supporter since February 2019.Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today's Mystery: Danny investigates when an unidentified man is found murdered in an elevator.Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 10, 1950Originating in HollywoodStarring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan; Tony Barrett; Howard McNearGet 17% off your purchase of the Fulton Fish Market (I receive a commission)Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Chris, Patreon supporter since February 2019.Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Today's Mystery: The daughter of a deceased dentist insists that he was murdered and that she's being murdered too.Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 24, 1950Originating in HollywoodStarring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan; Howard McNear; Lou Merrill; Joyce McCluskey; Betty Lou Gerson; Jack EdwardsSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Bryan, Patreon supporter since September 2022.Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today's Mystery: The daughter of a deceased dentist insists that he was murdered and that she's being murdered too.Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 24, 1950Originating in HollywoodStarring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan; Howard McNear; Lou Merrill; Joyce McCluskey; Betty Lou Gerson; Jack EdwardsSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Bryan, Patreon supporter since September 2022.Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
The OTRNow Radio Program 2024-019The Shadow Of Fu Manchu. July 19, 1939. Program #31. Radio Attractions syndication. Sponsored by: Music fill for local commercial insert. A double double-crosser. Hanley Stafford, Gale Gordon. The Shadow Of Fu Manchu. July 21, 1939. Program #32. Radio Attractions syndication. Sponsored by: Music fill for local commercial insert. The Fu leaves a clue. Hanley Stafford, Gale Gordon. Town Hall Tonight. May 25, 1938. Red net. Sponsored by: Ipana, Sal Hepatica. Fred Allen. My Little Margie. March 13, 1955. CBS net. "Miss Guided Missile". Sponsored by: Campana (commercials partially deleted). A vacation in Las Vegas. Frank Nelson gets Margie elected, "Miss Guided Missile." Farrell misreads one of his line, making a silly plot funnier. Verna Felton, Gil Stratton, Frank Nelson, Hans Conried, Gordon T. Hughes (producer, director, transcriber), Jean Tatum, Roy Rowan (announcer), Frank Fox (creator), Hal Roach Jr. (producer), Roland Reed (producer), Lee Carson (writer), Jack Harvey (writer), George Neise, Gale Storm (performer, commercial spokesman), Charles Farrell (performer, commercial spokesman). The Green Lama. June 26, 1949. CBS net. "The Million Dollar Chopsticks". Sustaining. The Green Lama arrives in Hong Kong to solve a murder and theft. Paul Frees, Ben Wright, Georgia Ellis, Jack Kruschen, Paul McVey, Lillian Buyeff, Lawrence Dobkin, Charles Russell, Norman Macdonnell (producer, director), Richard Foster (writer), William Froug (writer), Richard Aurandt (music), Larry Thor (announcer). Inner Sanctum Mysteries. January 11, 1944. CBS net. "Voice On The Wire". Sponsored by: Colgate Tooth Powder, Palmolive Soap. Trapped on an island, a voice on the telephone warns a woman that she has only four hours to live. Raymond Edward Johnson (host), Lesley Woods, Himan Brown (director), Robert Sloane (writer), Karl Swenson, Berry Kroeger.
Today's Mystery:A satirist with many enemies offers Danny $50,000 to his favorite charity to prevent his murder.Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 17, 1950Originating in HollywoodStarring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Mugavin; Anne Stone; Virginia Gregg; Elliott Reid; Ted Osborne; Bert HollandSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: James, Patreon supporter since June 2015Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today's Mystery:A satirist with many enemies offers Danny $50,000 to his favorite charity to prevent his murder.Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 17, 1950Originating in HollywoodStarring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Mugavin; Anne Stone; Virginia Gregg; Elliott Reid; Ted Osborne; Bert HollandSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: James, Patreon supporter since June 2015Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Christmastime is here, and to celebrate I've got five Suspense seasonal stories that - in a departure from the usual fare on this podcast - all have happy endings! Eddie Cantor stars in a tale of clerical crime at Christmastime in "Double Entry" (originally aired on CBS on December 22, 1949), and Greer Garson joins a little girl in her long wait in "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" (originally aired on CBS on December 21, 1953). Jack Kruschen plans to rub out a rival gangster with an explosive Christmas gift in "A Present for Benny" (originally aired on CBS on December 13, 1955). A little girl wants a dog for Christmas and gets one in the strangest way possible in "Dog Star" (originally aired on CBS on December 22, 1957), and a soldier gives a buddy a ride to remember in "A Korean Christmas Carol" (originally aired on CBS on December 20, 1959).
This week's “Tuesday Night Detectives” on Vintage Classic Radio brings a festive twist with three thrilling holiday specials from the golden age of radio. In "Broadway is My Beat" from December 22, 1951, Detective Danny Clover, portrayed by Larry Thor, unravels the mystery of "Buddy Malpaugh and the Jeweled Scimitar." As snow blankets the streets of New York, Clover tracks the elusive Buddy Malpaugh who has stolen a precious scimitar sword, adorned with jewels. Charles Calvert voices Sgt. Tartaglia and Jack Kruschen plays Muggavan in this chilling winter tale. Next up is "Candy Matson" from December 10, 1949, featuring Natalie Masters as the sharp-witted private eye in "Jack Frost." This episode sees Matson investigating a suspicious accident in a chilly San Francisco, accompanied by her loyal sidekick Rembrandt Watson, voiced by Jack Thomas. The twist comes when they discover a plot that could ice over the Christmas cheer, making it a thrilling holiday investigation. Wrapping up the trio of tales, we revisit "The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe" from December 22, 1950, in "The Slaughtered Santas." With Sidney Greenstreet playing the iconic armchair detective Nero Wolfe, and his assistant Archie Goodwin played by Larry Dobkin, the duo solves the sinister slaying of men dressed as Santa Claus. This chilling mystery dives into the darker side of the festive season, presenting a high-stakes puzzle for Wolfe and his sharp instincts. These episodes blend intrigue with holiday spirit, offering listeners an evocative throwback to yesteryear's Christmases, filled with suspense and festive adventure. Whether it's following footprints in the snow in New York, untangling a frosty mystery in San Francisco, or solving a series of Santa Claus murders, each story promises to keep you guessing and entertained during the holiday season.
Today's Mystery: At Christmastime, Johnny has to find a beautiful woman, who is the only one who knows the truth behind the murder of a New York club owner, before the killer does.Original Radio Broadcast Dates: December 19-23, 1956Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Peggy Webber; Don Diamond; Ben Wright; Jack Kruschen; Barney Phillips; Sam Edwards; Ken ChristyWhen making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.comBecome one of our Patreon Supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netThank you to our Patreon Supporter of the Day: Delilah, Patreon Supporter since December 2019.Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Yours Truly Johnny Dollar – The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Today's Mystery: At Christmastime, Johnny has to find a beautiful woman, who is the only one who knows the truth behind the murder of a New York club owner, before the killer does.Original Radio Broadcast Dates: December 19-23, 1956Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Peggy Webber; Don Diamond; Ben Wright; Jack Kruschen; Barney Phillips; Sam Edwards; Ken ChristyWhen making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.comBecome one of our Patreon Supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netThank you to our Patreon Supporter of the Day: Delilah, Patreon Supporter since December 2019.Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Today's Mystery: At Christmastime, Johnny has to find a beautiful woman, who is the only one who knows the truth behind the murder of a New York club owner, before the killer does.Original Radio Broadcast Dates: December 19-23, 1956Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Peggy Webber; Don Diamond; Ben Wright; Jack Kruschen; Barney Phillips; Sam Edwards; Ken ChristyWhen making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.comBecome one of our Patreon Supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netThank you to our Patreon Supporter of the Day: Delilah, Patreon Supporter since December 2019.Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Today's Mystery: Joe Friday and Ben Romero investigate a phony psychiatrist who burgled the house of a patient he'd hypnotized.Original Radio Broadcast Date: October 12, 1950Originating from HollywoodStarring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Jack Kruschen; William Johnstone.Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Ron, Patreon supporter since March 2022.Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again on Monday for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today's Mystery: A woman is found murdered in a flower shop.Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 21, 1950Originating in HollywoodStarring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Mugovin; Irene Tedrow; Edgar Barrier; Herb Vigran; Jerry HausnerSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Joey, Patreon Supporter since June 2019Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today's Mystery: A woman is found murdered in a flower shop.Original Radio Broadcast Date: January 21, 1950Originating in HollywoodStarring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Mugovin; Irene Tedrow; Edgar Barrier; Herb Vigran; Jerry HausnerSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Joey, Patreon Supporter since June 2019Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Today's story: Martians invade the Earth in the mid-1950s.Original Air Date: February 8, 1955Originating in HollywoodStarring: Dana Andrews as Dr. Clayton Forrester; Pat Crowley as Sylvia Van Buren; Les Tremayne as Major General Mann; Herb Butterfield; Bill Bouchey; Parley Baer; Paul Frees; Ken Peters; Howard McNear; William Conrad; George Neise; Bob Bailey; Herb Ellis; Irene Tedrow; Don Diamond; Jack Kruschen; Frank Gerstle; George Baxter; Truda Marson; Edward MarrGo to http://amazing.greatdetectives.net to subscribe to the podcast.Brought to you by the support of our Patreon listeners…http://patreon.greatdetectives.netSupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day:Rebecca, Patreon Supporter since February 2021Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.
Today's Mystery: A model calls Danny fearing for his life. Danny finds her dead.Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 10, 1949Originating in HollywoodStarring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Detective Muggavan; Virginia Gregg; Ed Begley; Elliott Reid, ichael Ann Barrett. and Jay NovelloSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day:J. Marcus, Patreon Supporter since November 2020Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today's Mystery: A model calls Danny fearing for his life. Danny finds her dead.Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 10, 1949Originating in HollywoodStarring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Detective Muggavan; Virginia Gregg; Ed Begley; Elliott Reid, ichael Ann Barrett. and Jay NovelloSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day:J. Marcus, Patreon Supporter since November 2020Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
In this week's edition of “Tuesday Night Detectives” on Vintage Classic Radio, we dive into the thrilling world of classic radio detective stories. Starting with "Rocky Fortune" starring the charismatic Frank Sinatra as Rocky Fortune, we explore the episode titled “Double Indemnity,” which originally aired on October 13, 1953. In this captivating episode, Rocky, a temporary chauffeur, finds himself entangled in a sinister plot of deceit and murder when his wealthy employer mysteriously disappears. As Rocky digs deeper, he uncovers a web of insurance fraud and betrayal, putting his own life in jeopardy as he gets closer to revealing the truth. Alongside Sinatra, the episode features Barney Phillips as Sergeant Finger, Jan Miner as the scheming Mrs. Belmont, and Ed Begley as the duplicitous Mr. Belmont. Following that, we revisit "Broadway Is My Beat" with the episode “The Tom Keeler Murder,” which first hit the airwaves on September 22, 1951. Larry Thor stars as Detective Danny Clover, a hardened New York City detective navigating the gritty streets of Broadway. In this episode, the violent murder of Tom Keeler, a well-known Broadway producer, stirs the theater community and leaves a trail of suspects, from jilted lovers to rival producers. Detective Clover works tirelessly to piece together the clues, revealing dark secrets hidden beneath the bright lights of Broadway. The cast includes Charles Calvert as Sergeant Tartaglia and Jack Kruschen as the ever-helpful Dr. Robbie McClure, providing the crucial forensic insights needed to crack the case. Both episodes deliver a dose of intrigue and suspense, perfect for lovers of detective tales and old-time radio dramas, bringing to life the classic charm and dark mysteries of the 1950s. Join us as we unravel these enthralling narratives on this week's "Tuesday Night Detectives."
Today's Mystery: Danny investigates the murder of a hated acrobat in a vaudeville theater.Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 21, 1949Originated in HollywoodStars: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover, Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia, Jack Kruschen as Sergeant MuggavanSupport the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Marla, Patreon supporter since January 2018Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesBecome one of ourfriends on Facebook.Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today's Mystery:Johnny is sent to New Jersey to investigate an allegation by an insured's daughter that her father, a famous chemist, was pressured into changing his beneficiary to his research partner.Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 17, 1957Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Harry Bartell; Howard McNear; Forrest Lewis; Jack Kruschen; Russell Thorson; Frank Gerstle; Bob BruceWhen making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.comBecome one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.netThank you to our Patreon Supporter of the Day: Bill, Patreon Supporter since November 2020Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Yours Truly Johnny Dollar – The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Today's Mystery:Johnny is sent to New Jersey to investigate an allegation by an insured's daughter that her father, a famous chemist, was pressured into changing his beneficiary to his research partner.Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 17, 1956Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Harry Bartell; Howard McNear; Forrest Lewis; Jack Kruschen; Russell Thorson; Frank Gerstle; Bob BruceWhen making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.comBecome one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.netThank you to our Patreon Supporter of the Day: Bill, Patreon Supporter since November 2020Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Today's Mystery:When a notorious mobster is gunned down, sparking fears of a gang war, Joe Friday and Ben Romero race against time to find the killers. Smoke screens, false leads, and a mysterious woman are at the center of it all.Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 30, 1950Originating from HollywoodStarring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Herb Butterfield; Jack Kruschen; Virginia GreggSupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Ralph, Patreon Supporter since August 2022Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today's Mystery:Johnny goes to Joplin, Missouri to investigate an insurance agent's suspicious about an insured boxer.Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 30, 1956Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Harry Bartell; Herb Ellis; Vic Perrin; Jack Kruschen; Les Tremayne; Lawrence DobkinWhen making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.comBecome one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.netThank you to our Patreon Supporter of the Day: Wendy and Steve, Patreon Supporters Since May 2019Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Yours Truly Johnny Dollar – The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Today's Mystery:Johnny goes to Joplin, Missouri to investigate an insurance agent's suspicious about an insured boxer.Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 30, 1956Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Harry Bartell; Herb Ellis; Vic Perrin; Jack Kruschen; Les Tremayne; Lawrence DobkinWhen making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.comBecome one of our Patreon Supporters at patreon.greatdetectives.netThank you to our Patreon Supporter of the Day: Wendy and Steve, Patreon Supporters Since May 2019Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives
Today's Mystery: A parole officer asks Friday and Romero to look into the apparent disappearance of a woman who had a convicted murderess paroled to her.Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 9, 1950Originating from HollywoodStarring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Herb Butterfield; Jack Kruschen; Don DiamondSupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Dan, Patreon Supporter Since March 2016Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again on Monday for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today's Mystery:Friday and Romero investigate the murder of a police officer in his home.Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 2, 1950Originating from HollywoodStarring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Stacy Harris; Jack Kruschen; Herb ButterfieldSupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: Don, Patreon Supporter since October 2021Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again on Monday for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.
Today's Mystery:Friday and Romero search for two missing girls.Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 2, 1950Originating from HollywoodStarring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Jack Kruschen; Herb Butterfield; Bill JohnstoneSupport the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.netPatreon Supporter of the Day: David, Patreon Supporter since January 2019Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net.Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.netGive us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectivesFollow us on Twitter @radiodetectivesJoin us again on Monday for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.