Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Boston Blackie and Mary Wesley discover the body of millionaire John Van Dorn on a moving carousel in the middle of the night. As Blackie investigates, he encounters Inspector Faraday and attempts to question the victim's widow and her lawyer, Wilcox, eventually breaking into Wilcox's office to search for clues in a safe. Through the investigation of a contract containing a 'ridicule clause' and a confrontation with Ronson, the truth is revealed. Mrs. Van Dorn shot her husband to prevent a scandal and subsequently killed the carousel owner to cover her tracks.

Private investigator Philo Vance is approached by Sarah Payton, who makes the unusual request to be paid specifically not to investigate her death. Following her murder, a professional dancer named Joe is arrested after his top hat is found at the crime scene, though Vance suspects the evidence may have been planted. As Vance and District Attorney Markham investigate, they shift their focus from Joe to Samuel Payton after discovering a gun in his possession. Through ballistic analysis and the detection of a specific scent on the weapon, Vance ultimately reveals that Samuel's wife, Matilda, is the true killer who attempted to frame Joe.

In this Sherlock Holmes dramatization, Dr. Watson recounts the high-stakes theft of a sensitive naval treaty that threatened the peace of Europe. Percy Phelps seeks Holmes's assistance after the document mysteriously vanishes from his room during a heavy rainstorm. Through careful surveillance and investigation, Holmes and Watson observe a mysterious figure and successfully recover the treaty hidden under a floorboard. The case concludes with Holmes revealing how he deduced Joseph Harrison was the thief.

In this Sherlock Holmes radio dramatization, Holmes and Watson investigate a shooting in Tucknell Park that leaves Superintendent Jeffers wounded. The investigation begins with the discovery of clues at the crime scene, including a discarded cap and a revolver. Through ballistics experiments, Holmes proves that George McGowan's revolver was not the murder weapon, exonerating him. The mystery concludes at the hospital, where Holmes uncovers a plot by the Matron to poison the recovering doctor out of jealousy, leading to her ultimate suicide.

In this episode of The Shadow, Dr. Anna Marler uses a scientific discovery to temporarily rejuvenate an elderly woman, only for the villainous Gorlin to steal the life-extending liquid to create an invincible army. Lamont Cranston learns from a correspondent that Gorlin is attempting to flee to Europe via a new giant clipper ship and rushes to intercept him. The confrontation concludes with Gorlin leaping to his death after believing he has consumed a rejuvenation liquid that was actually a harmless stimulant. Lamont reveals to Margot that the true secret of Dr. Marler's liquid was destroyed to prevent its misuse, ending the episode with a classic moral warning.

Upon their return to New York, Jerry and Pam North find themselves targeted by Connors, a man searching for spy microfilm hidden under a car's hubcap. The discovery of the film by Toby, a mechanic, leads to a blackmail attempt by Anita and a series of escalating confrontations. The tension culminates in a high-stakes investigation that uncovers a murder at an apartment on Bryce Street. As the plot unfolds, it is revealed that Connors was responsible for the killing, leading to the eventual resolution of the microfilm conflict.

Agent Steve Mitchell is assigned to investigate the theft of a jewel from the Krona Cutlass, a symbol of unity for an Eastern European nation. His investigation leads him from a jail interview to Liverpool, where he witnesses the murder of a suspect, and eventually to the Royal Museum, where he faces intense local hostility. As Mitchell investigates a conspiracy, he discovers that the stone presented as evidence is actually cheap onyx. After surviving assassination attempts via crossbow and gas, Mitchell confronts Gabor and Dr. Marzak at the museum, ultimately revealing that the real sword was hidden in plain sight within a statue.

In this episode of Broadway's My Beat, Detective Danny Clover investigates the shooting of Helen Selby, a young woman found dying in an apartment. The investigation leads Clover from a moving man's discovery to a conversation with a truck driver, and finally to a confrontation with Leo Pearson, who reveals a complex connection to the victim. The investigation moves from an interrogation of Chris Miller to a visit with Mrs. Hancock at a home for the aged. The tension culminates in a confrontation where Detective Clover reveals that Leo killed Helen to prevent being sent back to the nursing home.

Private detective Michael Shane and his associate Phyllis Knight investigate the murder of John N. Crowder in his San Francisco home. The investigation uncovers a mysterious phone number, a hidden wall safe, and missing railroad bonds. The case intensifies as the Inspector discovers a silver money clip near the crime scene and finds the missing bonds hidden in a dictionary. The detectives eventually confront Lee Strayhorn, linking him to the murder via a firearm found in his car and revealing his motive: a desire to marry Crowder's ward, Janet Whitcomb, for her wealth.

Detectives Friday and Ben Romero investigate the murder of Helen Corday, analyzing forensic evidence such as blood types, hair samples, and specific footwear footprints. After following numerous dead-end leads and interviewing various witnesses, the investigation shifts focus toward Frank Philip Larson. Using circumstantial evidence—including a matching rhinestone found in Larson's hotel room and discrepancies in his alibi—detectives link him to the crime. The episode concludes with Larson's interrogation and eventual confession, revealing he killed Corday during an attempted robbery while intoxicated.

Private detective Richard Diamond investigates a series of suspicious deaths, beginning with the fatal fall of Dr. William Evans following a mysterious $1,200 proposition. The investigation uncovers a web of connections between the doctor, an insurance company, and George Farmer, who died in a fire. As Diamond probes a lodge to interview witnesses, he uses deductions regarding insurance policies and physical evidence to conclude that Mrs. Farmer orchestrated a murder with the help of Mr. Phillips. The investigation culminates in a fatal confrontation involving Mr. Phillips.

Johnny Dollar is confronted by George Kane, who threatens his life in retaliation for the death of his brother, Felix. While investigating leads in New York alongside Lieutenant Randy Singer, Johnny discovers that his phone line has been tapped. As the investigation intensifies, Johnny realizes George Kane is targeting Betty Lewis. After a frantic pursuit involving a taxi, Johnny learns that Kane has already abducted Betty, but the tension resolves when he reunites with Randy Singer, who reveals that George Kane has been apprehended at a rooming house.

Simon Templer, known as The Saint, is recruited by Mayor Towers to find his kidnapped son, Bill, who is being held by crime boss Jackie Flynn. After investigating tips and tracking down clues, Templer manages to locate and untie Bill. However, the investigation takes a dark turn when Templer discovers that Bill's death was not a suicide, but a murder orchestrated by Mayor Towers himself to prevent a political scandal. During an election victory celebration, Templer confronts the Mayor with the truth of the corruption and cover-up involving Packy Flynn.

This episode of 'This is Your FBI' presents the dramatized wartime file 'Operation Rumba,' following American chemist George Harrison as he becomes a target for spies in South America. The investigation into a stolen briefcase containing secret information leads Special Agent Jim Taylor and Chief of Police Carlos Montes to uncover a plot involving Mrs. Wagner, who was working with German interests to deliver Harrison to a U-boat. The narrative follows the investigation from an initial incident in South America through to a high-stakes interception of a kidnapping attempt. The case concludes with the exposure of Mrs. Wagner's motives and her eventual conviction and deportation.

Insurance agent Emil Barnes approaches Boston Blackie with a mystery regarding diamonds being stolen from the Winthrop Jewelry Company despite thorough searches of all employees. The investigation takes a dark turn when Barnes is found murdered, prompting Blackie to go undercover as an employee named John Jones to find clues. Blackie discovers that diamonds were being stolen using homing pigeons attached to their legs. After a tense rooftop stakeout, Blackie and Shorty attempt to catch the thief, but John Glass falls to his death during the escape. Blackie concludes by explaining how Glass used Van Hooten's pigeons to facilitate the robbery without the owner's knowledge.

Detectives Vance and Markham investigate the murder of stockbroker Stuart Ames, analyzing clues such as a planted button and a discarded matchbook cover. As they examine suspects including George Leroy, Nate Amico, and Dawn Vander, Vance predicts he will identify the killer within twenty-four hours. Vance ultimately solves the White Willow murder case by revealing that Dawn Vander killed both Stuart Ames and Nate Amico. He demonstrates how her attempts to create an alibi and cover up evidence, such as switching cigarette brands, provided the very clues necessary for her conviction.

A Sherlock Holmes mystery unfolds following the discovery of a fresh corpse dressed in Roman attire within an ancient, unearthed chamber. The victim, famous numismatologist Brutus Octavius Bainbridge, is linked by Holmes to a recent wave of high-quality counterfeit gold coins. Holmes and Dr. Watson confront Professor Moriarty at a counterfeit mint, but the entrance is destroyed, leaving them trapped in Roman bath ruins. While they eventually discover the counterfeiting operation, Moriarty manages to escape, leading to an epilogue regarding their reward.

This episode features a Sherlock Holmes radio dramatization centered on the case of Violet Hunter, who accepted a mysterious governess position at 'The Copper Beaches' despite strange requirements regarding her appearance. The mystery concludes with the revelation that Mr. Rewcastle had imprisoned his daughter in the West Wing to control her inheritance. Following a tense confrontation involving the mastiff Carlo and a daring rescue by her fiancé, Holmes and Watson depart the estate.

The episode begins with Lamont Cranston and Margot Lane witnessing the remarkable marksmanship of a boy named Walter, which later turns tragic when a dangerous experiment in Dr. Layden's laboratory leaves Walter blinded. Following a confrontation with The Shadow, Dr. Layden attempts to manipulate the blind boy into believing he has been abandoned by his company. As tensions escalate, The Shadow uncovers that recent deaths at the Jordan Company were not suicides but murders orchestrated by exploiting Walter's condition. The episode concludes with a confrontation between Walter and Dr. Layden, followed by a preview of next week's episode.

In this episode of The Adventures of Mr. and Mrs. North, Jerry and Pam North investigate a violent confrontation between publisher Jerry North and millionaire Gordon Gilroy that results in a shooting. As the investigation unfolds, the Norths discover evidence pointing toward private secretary Norman Crosby, including a trail of blood leading from his room. The mystery reaches its climax when Pam and Jerry uncover that Martha Gilroy is the killer. Using an icicle to commit the murders to protect her blackmailing scheme, Martha's motive is revealed to be revenge for her father's death.

Agent Steve Mitchell is assigned to Malaya to investigate a gang of bandits disrupting rubber plantations, potentially led by an American. Alongside British agent Willoughby and importer Perkins, Mitchell travels through the jungle, encountering suspicious circumstances at various plantations until a violent bandit attack occurs at Van Voorhees' plantation. Following the raid, Mitchell discovers that Perkins has been using his role as an eyewitness to transmit defense information via walkie-talkie. After tracking the bandits and neutralizing one member, Mitchell orchestrates a sting operation to capture Perkins, ultimately leading to the capture of the bandit leader and the revelation of the espionage scheme.

Detective Danny Clover investigates the murder of Joey Condon, a musician found dead in a rooming house. The investigation leads from jazz clubs to a watchmaker's shop on West 28th Street as Clover follows leads involving Charlie and Laura Wood. Through interrogating watchmaker George Prince and confronting Avery Roberts, the investigation reveals a pattern of violence and manipulation. The case culminates in a tense confrontation with the Woods, where Charles admits that jealousy drove him to kill.

Private detectives Mike Shane and Phyllis Knight investigate the murder of R.E. McIntyre, a case that begins with the discovery of a mummified human head and a strangled corpse in Mike's apartment. The investigation leads them through connections to Anthony Locke, a man named Ferd Starkle from Bolivia, and Ed Badger, uncovering a web of bribery and mining disputes. The mystery deepens as investigators interrogate Ed Badger and private detective Andy Blackmore, eventually discovering a second attempted murder at Anthony Locke's house. The case concludes with the revelation that Locke staged an attack on himself to cover up his crime.

A detective sergeant and his team respond to two consecutive liquor store robberies in Los Angeles committed by a man and a woman. The detectives interview the victims, who provide descriptions of the suspects, their clothing, and their getaway vehicle, a dark 1953 Ford sedan. Following a series of robberies, detectives investigate a tip from an attorney regarding a woman involved in criminal activity. After confronting Mrs. Winston at her apartment and finding incriminating clothing, she confesses to her involvement in the crimes and provides the location of her husband.

Private detective Richard Diamond goes undercover at a carnival after witnessing the sudden murder of a young man. Hired by Tony Lawrence to investigate a series of killings linked to her presence, Diamond works as a barker while investigating suspects like Chuckles the Clown and Samson the Strong Man. The investigation leads to the discovery of a lethal gun trap set for a man named Leonardo. By exposing that the killer failed to realize the victim was a midget, Diamond identifies Chuckles as the culprit behind the murder attempt.

Insurance investigator Johnny Dollar travels to Florida to assist Thomas Patterson, who is living in fear after being recognized by the recently released killer Casey Carey. After a neighbor reports hearing a gunshot at Carey's home, Johnny begins investigating Carey's murder. Initially, suspicion falls on Tom Patterson when a .32 caliber bullet from his gun is linked to the crime. However, through investigation into Billy Barker's past, Johnny discovers that Barker is actually Gerald Harker, who moved to Venice to seek revenge for his father's death, ultimately exonerating Patterson.

While caught in a rainstorm, Simon Templer and his driver Louie investigate the abandoned Hawthorne estate following rumors of ghostly figures. Their investigation leads to the discovery of lawyer Charles Gray's body and a peculiar will requiring the family to host annual period-accurate dinners to maintain their fortune. As the investigation deepens, Templer uncovers a series of murders involving slashed throats, including those of Mr. Gray and a cab driver. He ultimately reveals that Carla Hawthorne is the killer, motivated by her desire to secure the Hawthorne inheritance by preventing a divorce suit.

In this episode of 'This Is Your FBI' titled 'Danger in the Jury Box,' Special Agents Jim Taylor and Mark Jackson investigate a high-stakes case of jury tampering. After juror Tom Harris is bribed and kidnapped, criminals escalate their threats by abducting his daughter, Joyce. Through meticulous investigation involving map-work and tracking clues such as movie titles and ambulance calls, agents Taylor and Jackson successfully locate and apprehend the kidnappers, Herbert Martin and Joe. The episode concludes with the summary of the criminals' convictions.

Dr. Lester Allen is investigated by Inspector Faraday for the murder of Frances Fielding after Blackie accidentally implicates him. While a mysterious phone call and a diary entry suggest a motive involving an affair, Blackie discovers tampered telephone wires in the victim's basement that prove someone intercepted the doctor's call to the police. Blackie eventually uncovers a plot involving a forged diary used to frame Dr. Allen. Through his investigation, he reveals that Roger Fielding killed his sister and attempted to blackmail the doctor using a counterfeit diary. The episode concludes with Blackie apprehending Fielding just as he attempts to silence his accomplice, Kay Glenn.

Detectives Vance and Markham investigate the murder of Ezra Simmons within his highly secured mansion. As they examine the crime scene and interview suspects like secretary Betty Jarnis and caretaker Harold Eckner, Vance discovers a critical flaw: the caretaker's deafness rendered the advanced security system useless. The investigation uncovers a complex web of suspects, including hired killer Buck Digby and mastermind Mr. Rodney. Ultimately, Philo Vance solves the case by demonstrating how Jim Jarniss used a helicopter to bypass the mansion's security and land on the roof.

In this Sherlock Holmes radio drama, 'The Witch on the Moors,' Dr. Watson and Holmes investigate supernatural disturbances at Fenwick Hall involving the legend of a hanged witch. The investigation begins with the discovery of the gatekeeper Willie, who is found delirious after claiming to have flown on a broomstick using a mysterious salve. The mystery deepens as the duo investigates the death of Willie Malloy, who succumbed to narcotic poisoning from a magical-seeming ointment. Holmes eventually uncovers a web of domestic deceptions at Fenwick Hall, revealing that the 'witchcraft' was actually a series of pranks and manipulations involving Nanny's superstitions, Lady Fenwick's feigned illness, and hidden letters.

Dr. Watson examines the famous dispatch box of unpublished cases, leading into the dramatization of 'The Affair of the Politician, the Lighthouse, and the Trained Cormorant.' Set during a foggy night in Limehouse, Holmes and Watson witness a crime and encounter characters such as Mr. Hawkins and Mother Fishface. The investigation leads to the home of Mother Fishface, where Holmes discovers she has died from gas poisoning. Through deduction, Holmes reveals that the landlord, Mr. Hawkins, murdered her by using a fish to lure a flightless cormorant to open the gas jet.

In the episode 'Black Rock,' Lamont Cranston investigates a suspicious plane crash involving Burkett and stolen company funds. Using hypnotic suggestion, Cranston discovers the plane was operated by an automatic pilot to reach a remote location, leading him and Margot to approach Black Rock by seaplane. The mysterious figure eventually confronts the criminals on Black Rock, revealing he has sabotaged their food supply and freed their hostage. Following a tense standoff and the discovery of the stolen money's location, the criminals are left stranded awaiting the Coast Guard.

Jerry and Pamela North investigate the murder of Betty Moran, a checkroom girl found stabbed in a Russian restaurant. The investigation follows a cryptic message left by the victim, 'Women killed me,' leading the couple to Club Rouet. Through keen observation of physical evidence and a deciphered menu, Pam exposes Chuck Moran as the murderer responsible for the deaths of his wife and two men. The mystery is solved using clues ranging from cat hair to a missing letter in the victim's dying message.

Steve Mitchell is assigned to investigate a political scandal in the Middle East involving allegations of treason against a leader named Khatouf. His search leads him to Cairo, where he encounters an old acquaintance and discovers a body following an explosion, only to realize the victim is not his target. Following a trail to Liana, Mitchell and his companions face a confrontation on a houseboat and the death of Matala in an alley. Mitchell orchestrates a decoy plan using a dummy body to clear Khartouf of murder charges, leading to a chaotic showdown involving police, a betrayal by Sidis, and the eventual escape of the protagonists.

Detective Danny Clover investigates the murder of Joseph Brady, initially suspecting a local drunk named Herbie Lennon. However, the investigation takes a dramatic turn when a woman named Miss Sally Carr confesses to the crime, claiming she killed Brady to protect the vulnerable Herbie from an abusive attack. The investigation further reveals that Sally Carr is actually Hazel Thomas, a notorious individual from Brooklyn. Detectives uncover her true identity and motive through witnesses and a confrontation, leading to the revelation of a calculated plan to frame Herbie for the murder.

Private Detective Mike Shane and his associate Phyllis Knight investigate a murder at the Empire Theatre after discovering the body of dancer Estelle Carrow in her dressing room. As Mike uncovers cryptic lipstick messages and a mysterious locket, the investigation expands to include the discovery of the magician Frisee's death and a ransacked room. Through analyzing withheld telegrams and a hidden baby photograph, Mike reveals that Vic Hunter murdered both Estelle and Frisee to protect his access to an inheritance. The episode concludes with a confrontation regarding personal deceptions and a transition into commercial advertisements.

Detectives Frank and Friday investigate a $12,000 clothing burglary at Dodds Men's Store in Hollywood. The investigation uncovers partially stolen merchandise hidden nearby and leads to the interrogation of assistant manager Al Baker, who suggests potential insurance fraud by the store owner. As the investigation progresses, detectives follow leads toward Leonard Dodd due to financial motives, eventually arresting two youths carrying stolen clothes. This breakthrough leads police to a garage containing large quantities of stolen goods. The mastermind, Martin Hetman, is arrested and confesses to a scheme of underbidding on construction contracts and stealing merchandise to cover the profit difference.

Private investigator Richard Diamond is hired by Edna Wolfe to tail her husband, George, on suspicion of infidelity. The investigation takes a dark turn when Diamond discovers a dead woman in an apartment and finds evidence implicating George in her murder. After being kidnapped at gunpoint, Diamond survives a car crash and confronts criminal Eddie Young. Through a clever sting operation involving the use of ketchup to stage a crime scene, Diamond ultimately exposes Mrs. Wolfe's involvement in the murder of Nancy Fowler.

Freelance insurance investigator Johnny Dollar is hired by Mr. Reimer to investigate the theft of a valuable collection of miniatures. After one piece is mysteriously returned, Johnny follows leads from Paris to the Museum of Art, discovering that the stolen art surfaced on the black market. Johnny eventually uncovers an insurance fraud scheme, revealing that Mr. Reimer staged the robbery to collect insurance money. By tracking the sudden increase in the value of the pieces and observing their mysterious reappearance, Johnny confronts Reimer with evidence, leading to a confession.

In this episode of 'This Is Your FBI' titled 'The Return of the Killer,' the narrative follows the prison escape of Chicago Thompson and a complex web of double-crosses involving his associates, Frank Patterson and Martha Bentley. As FBI agents track a getaway vehicle and investigate the escape, the criminals attempt to use safe deposit boxes as leverage, only to face a betrayal that leads to violence. The story concludes with a violent shootout and the death of Chicago Thompson during his escape attempt with Martha Bentley. The program ends with an advertisement for the Equitable Life Assurance Society and production credits.

Boston Blackie investigates the theft of a 1942 Buick convertible that has been modified to hide its identity. While recovering the vehicle, Blackie finds himself accused by Inspector Faraday of involvement in a murder involving a victim named Leonard Wells. As the investigation unfolds, Blackie traces the car thefts and discovers a crucial clue: grease on the victim's hands. This leads him to deduce that the murder actually took place in Bill Morton's garage, ultimately allowing Blackie to confront Morton and resolve the crime.

The investigation into the murder of Broadway actor Richard West uncovers a web of motives involving his former girlfriend Jean Carey and struggling actor Bob Davis. As detective Philo Vance examines physical evidence like lipstick-stained glasses, he explores various grievances held by those in West's orbit. The case concludes as Vance reveals that Bob Davis planted false lipstick evidence to frame Jean Carey. The investigation culminates in a confession from B.J. Adams, who admits to murdering Richard West as an act of revenge for how West treated his long-lost daughter, Jean.

This episode features a dramatization of Sherlock Holmes's 'The Red-Headed League,' beginning with the arrival of Mr. Jabez Wilson and Holmes's demonstration of his extraordinary deductive abilities. The mystery unfolds as Holmes investigates the bizarre circumstances surrounding a vacancy for red-headed men. The investigation culminates in an ambush at the City and Suburban Bank, where Holmes, Watson, and Mr. Merriweather intercept the criminal John Clay to prevent a heist of French gold. Holmes reveals how he deduced the existence of a tunnel through subtle physical clues before concluding with a preview of next week's adventure in Limehouse.

The episode introduces the case of the missing Canadian heiress, Elizabeth Bascom, who was allegedly abducted from a carriage at Buckingham Palace. Following a threatening note signed by 'The Black Hand,' Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson examine the crime scene, noting an absence of struggle. The investigation leads Holmes and Watson from the carriage to the British Museum, where they trace clues found in a lunch hamper. They ultimately discover that Elizabeth and curator Percy Smithers orchestrated the disappearance themselves as part of an elaborate plan to be together.

In this episode of The Shadow, titled 'Shyster Payoff,' Commissioner Weston faces intense press pressure regarding a rising crime wave. The Shadow proposes a deal to dismantle a criminal syndicate led by the corrupt lawyer Rex Tigard, while Lamont Cranston tracks Tigard's legal exploits to gather evidence. The operation culminates in a sting at the Empire Hotel involving Dr. Lambert and the Dale siblings. Following a tense confrontation and the seizure of incriminating evidence, police arrive to arrest the gang members, including political fixer Grogan.

Rocky Fortune rents a room at 55 Bishop Street, only to find himself caught in a dangerous dispute between Gerald Kinsey and the landlady's son, Lenny. After discovering Helen Kinsey locked in a garbage shed, Rocky must navigate a series of confrontations involving heavy-handed threats and a narrow escape inside a garbage truck. A confrontation between Gerald, Helen, and Lenny leads to a fatal shooting. While the characters attempt to hide the evidence in garbage cans, an encounter with a police officer and a garbage man ultimately leads to their arrest.

Agent Steve Mitchell is assigned to investigate the murder of Holcomb and the theft of a vital report regarding Arctic warfare technology. After tracking clues from Quebec to Paris, Mitchell discovers that Phyllis Baxter, the primary suspect, is attempting to evade capture by using a series of international transport links. Following the death of Phyllis, Steve Mitchell and Duval track a potential lead to the Orient Express, where they encounter suspicious passengers. The investigation leads them to Istanbul, where Steve realizes that Karen and Duval are actually working together to retrieve the microfilm hidden inside a compact. The episode concludes with a tense confrontation revealing the true location of the microfilm.

Detective Danny Clover investigates the disappearance of Lona Hanson, beginning with a search of her disarrayed apartment containing bloodstains. The investigation leads from a boxing arena to Spanish Harlem, where the grim discovery is made that Lona has been found dead. As the investigation continues, lab reports reveal that the blood found at the crime scene does not match the victim. While suspect Julio Rios confesses to a physical altercation with Lona, he maintains his innocence regarding her murder.