Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Boston Blackie investigates the murder of pawnbroker Paul Blaine after being implicated by a tip. While developing a sidewalk photograph, Blackie and Mary Wesley find photographic evidence of an accurate clock that initially provides an alibi for Harry Matthews. However, further investigation into the darkroom reveals that the clock in the background was intentionally manipulated to create a false alibi. Blackie discovers that an accomplice set the clock back, ultimately identifying Harry as the true killer of Paul Blaine.

Investigator Philo Vance investigates the death of movie cowboy Art Ingram, which initially appears to be a riding accident. However, Vance suspects murder after noticing Ingram was wearing a ring, implying he was not wearing his customary riding gloves, leading to the conclusion that Ingram was placed on the horse after death to stage the scene. Alongside District Attorney Markham, Vance identifies stuntman Wally Douglas as the killer through clues involving a misplaced literary quotation and the lack of gloves. The investigation concludes with Vance using a phone call to Daniels University to link Douglas's educated background to the crime.

In this Sherlock Holmes radio drama, the detective receives a chilling letter from Professor Moriarty, who claims to have survived their encounter at Reichenbach Falls and vows revenge against Dr. Watson. The plot unfolds as Moriarty uses impersonation and theft to frame Watson for a jewelry heist. As tensions escalate, Moriarty threatens to blow up Buckingham Palace during a royal ball. Holmes must navigate a series of daring robberies and successfully disarms a time bomb hidden in a chicken basket, only to discover that Moriarty has escaped custody.

In this dramatization titled 'The Cornish Horror,' Dr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes visit the Cornish Peninsula to investigate a mysterious situation at Treviling Water. Following a report from the vicar, Mr. Roundhay, regarding a rocking cradle and the declining health of Mrs. Gregory, Holmes and Watson examine the estate to uncover the cause of these unsettling nocturnal events. The investigation leads Holmes and Watson to exhuming the body of Matty Fennelly, eventually uncovering a murder plot involving Dr. Dennis Trevining, who used antimony to poison family members for inheritance. The mystery of the supernatural cradle rocking is ultimately revealed to be caused by a black cat entering through a broken window.

A series of mysterious bombings strikes the city, triggered by E-flat tuning forks that activate bombs via photoelectric cells. As the city descends into an enforced state of absolute silence to prevent further explosions, Lamont Cranston and Margot Lane investigate leads pointing toward Dr. Bedeau, who has been purchasing multiple tuning forks of the same pitch. The investigation culminates in a tense confrontation where Dr. Bedeau attempts to execute a 'symphony of silence' using a bomb. Lamont Cranston reveals he has neutralized the device, and the composer ultimately dies of heart failure induced by his own delusion. The episode concludes with The Shadow's classic warning about the dangers of crime.

In this episode of The Adventures of Mr. and Mrs. North, Bill Wygan seeks advice regarding the Middleton murder case, which is complicated by multiple conflicting confessions. As Jerry and Pam investigate David Middleton's secretive studio, they encounter a booby trap, followed by a sudden shooting during a breakthrough call from George Warwick. The investigation reveals that George Warwick was framed by Larry Chapman. By identifying a flaw in a newspaper date and using life-sized dolls as decoys, the Norths successfully trap Chapman and expose his elaborate scheme to inherit wealth.

American agent Steve Mitchell is assigned to Malaya to investigate a gang of bandits raiding vital rubber plantations. Accompanied by British agent Willoughby and an importer named Perkins, Mitchell travels through the jungle, encountering various threats and suspicious circumstances that culminate in a violent midnight attack on Van Voorhees' plantation. Following the raid, Mitchell investigates potential leaks within the plantation staff before discovering the bandit camp. Through a coordinated sting operation, Mitchell uncovers the truth: the bandits' leader is none other than Perkins, who had been using a walkie-talkie to coordinate the attacks.

Detective Danny Clover investigates the death of Peggy Warner, a woman found poisoned in an alley. His inquiries lead him from Tate's Bar to the Blake family home, where he discovers the victim previously worked as their maid and uncovers a history of unstable employment. The investigation traces Peggy's frequent job losses and reveals a connection to Charles Blake. The case culminates in a confrontation at the Blake residence, where Charles confesses to poisoning Peggy with whiskey to protect his family.

Detective Mike Shane and his associate Phyllis Knight investigate a mysterious case involving Mr. Dixon, a man believed dead who has unexpectedly reappeared. Their investigation at a relative's farm leads to the discovery of a murdered body in a bricked-up well and a tense confrontation with potential heirs. As the investigation continues, evidence suggests that the man posing as Gregory Dixon is an imposter. After discovering Howard Connell's body, Mike Shane deduces that his apparent suicide was actually a murder orchestrated by Clarence Fisher to cover up a shared conspiracy.

This episode follows the investigation into a series of violent crimes committed by Johnny Savage, a man posing as a police officer using a red light to ambush victims. Detectives Friday and Romero track a spree of robberies and kidnappings across Los Angeles, leading to a high-speed pursuit that results in a dramatic crash. Following the identification of Savage through eyewitness testimony, a manhunt ensues, ultimately cornering the suspect in an alleyway. The investigation concludes with the tragic death of victim Sally Wilder and the revelation of the true legal fate of Johnny Savage.

Following Rexall advertisements, private investigator Richard Diamond is hired by a softball team to locate their missing player, Lottie. His investigation into the disappearance leads him to uncover connections to the crime boss Bigfoot Grafton. The case intensifies as Diamond investigates the funeral of Grafton, facing violent threats and a shooting. The episode concludes with Diamond navigating the dangers of his investigation and a romantic moment with Helen.

Insurance investigator Johnny Dollar is called to the massive Rockwell estate in Santa Barbara by Mr. Cartwright, who fears for the life of his wealthy client, Rockland Rockwell. Rockwell confesses that he once ruined a British businessman named Ashley and now faces a death threat from Ashley's son, Marvin, who has arrived in the United States seeking revenge. While investigating a large dinner party at the mansion, Dollar observes several men during a game of pool. Through subtle linguistic slips regarding billiards terminology and local landmarks, Dollar exposes Mr. Gibson as the English actor Marvin Ashley. The investigation concludes with a high-tension confrontation involving a firearm and a pool cue.

In this episode of The Adventures of the Saint, Simon Templer investigates a shooting in Joe Maxon's office that left business competitor Cary dead. After discovering that Maddie North stole his revolver, Templer tracks her to her apartment and confronts Harris, a rival gambling club owner, regarding the motive behind the crime. As the investigation deepens, Templer suspects Harris of orchestrating a plot to eliminate rivals. Following a tense confrontation on the Brooklyn Bridge where Maxson is found dead, Templer reveals his deduction that Harris killed both men to consolidate power in the gambling industry.

In the episode 'Swampland Killer,' an FBI agent and a sheriff investigate a jewelry theft and murder. The investigation uncovers tension between John Perry and his wife, Tilly, as her brother, Paul Mitchell, attempts to involve her in a criminal scheme involving stolen goods. Special Agent Taylor and Sheriff Watson track Mitchell and an accomplice to a cabin, discovering an injured John Perry who confirms Mitchell's involvement. Following a pursuit through the swamps and aerial surveillance, the FBI intercepts the pair, leading to the criminals' sentencing.

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.