Episodes

  • Brett's Old Time Radio Show Episode 855, The Man Called X, Dope Smuggling

    Brett's Old Time Radio Show Episode 855, The Man Called X, Dope Smuggling
    Mar 9 2025

    🎙️ Welcome to Brett’s Old Time Radio Show! 📻

    Good evening, and a warm welcome back to the show! I hope you’ve had a fantastic day and that you're ready to unwind with another journey into the golden age of radio.

    I’m Brett, your host for this evening, speaking to you from my home by the beautiful Lyme Bay. It’s a perfect night looking out of my studio window across the bay, and I hope the week is treating you kindly wherever you’re tuning in from.

    Tonight, we’re once again dusting off the old studio archives to bring you another classic gem from the world of Old Time Radio. So sit back, relax, and let’s step into a world of adventure, mystery, and timeless storytelling.

    📍 Find all my links at www.linktr.ee/brettsoldtimeradioshow 📸 Follow me on Instagram & YouTube: Brett’s Old Time Radio Show 📩 Send your feedback: brett@tourdate.co.uk

    Now, let’s turn the dial back in time and enjoy the show!

    #OldTimeRadio #Podcast #RadioDrama #ClassicMystery #RelaxAndListen #GoldenAgeOfRadio

    #TheManCalledX 🎙️🔎

    A thrilling #espionage radio drama (1944–1952) turned TV series (1956–1957). Agent Ken Thurston, aka "Mr. X" (played by #HerbertMarshall), tackled global threats with his comedic sidekick #PegonZellschmidt.

    🔹 #CBS & #NBC Radio 🔹 #BarrySullivan starred in the TV adaptation 🔹 Produced by #WilliamNRobson, written by #StephenLongstreet 🔹 39 episodes of spy action & intrigue!

    #ClassicRadio #OldHollywood #SpyThriller #TVHistory 🎭📡

    📻 The Golden Age of Radio: When the Airwaves Ruled Entertainment 🎙️

    Before television took center stage, the Golden Age of Radio (1920s–1950s) was the heartbeat of home entertainment. Families gathered around their radios each evening, transported into worlds of adventure, drama, mystery, and laughter. From thrilling detective tales and spine-chilling mysteries to heartfelt soap operas and lively variety shows, radio became the world’s first true mass media platform—uniting millions through sound alone.

    Innovations in broadcasting gave rise to legendary networks like NBC, CBS, ABC, and Mutual, shaping entertainment for generations to come. The immediacy of live performances, the magic of sound effects, and the power of storytelling made radio an immersive experience unlike any other.

    Though television eventually took the spotlight, the spirit of Old Time Radio lives on, reminding us of an era when voices, music, and imagination painted vivid pictures in the minds of listeners.

    #GoldenAgeOfRadio #OldTimeRadio #ClassicBroadcasting #RadioDrama #OTR #HistoryOfRadio
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    31 mins
  • Brett's Old Time Radio Show Episode 854, Yours Truly Johnny Dollar, The Terrified Taun Matter

    Brett's Old Time Radio Show Episode 854, Yours Truly Johnny Dollar, The Terrified Taun Matter
    Mar 8 2025
    Good evening and a huge welcome back to the show, I hope you’ve had a great day and you’re ready to kick back and relax with another episode of Brett’s old time radio show. Hello, I’m Brett your host for this evening and welcome to my home in beautiful Lyme Bay where it’s lovely December night. I hope it’s just as nice where you are. You'll find all of my links at www.linktr.ee/brettsoldtimeradioshow A huge thankyou for joining me once again for our regular late night visit to those dusty studio archives of Old Time radio shows right here at my home in the united kingdom. Don’t forget I have an Instagram page and YouTube channel both called Brett’s old time radio show and I’d love it if you could follow me. Feel free to send me some feedback on this and the other shows if you get a moment, brett@tourdate.co.uk Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar – The Man with the Action-Packed Expense Account For over a decade, Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar reigned as one of the greatest detective dramas of radio’s golden age, captivating audiences with thrilling investigations, sharp wit, and a unique storytelling style. From its debut in 1949 to its final broadcast in 1962, it followed the adventures of Johnny Dollar—America’s “fabulous freelance insurance investigator”—as he tackled high-stakes fraud, mysterious disappearances, and deadly deceptions, all while meticulously documenting his expenses. Johnny wasn’t your typical gumshoe. He didn’t work for the police or a detective agency—his cases came straight from the world of insurance claims. Whether it was a suspicious death, a missing person, or a million-dollar con, Johnny took the case, traveling across the country—and sometimes around the world—armed with little more than his wits, a badge of credibility from his employer, and a knack for getting into trouble. The show’s signature format set it apart. Each story was told through Johnny’s first-person narration as he recounted his cases via his expense account. Every episode was peppered with dry humor and clever scene transitions: “Item seven, $1.25 – Lunch. It should’ve been steak, but something about the guy across the table made me lose my appetite.” These little details gave Johnny a personality beyond the typical hardboiled detective—he was a man who could be tough when needed but was also introspective, sarcastic, and at times, deeply human. Over its 12-year run, Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar saw multiple actors bring the character to life. The early versions, played by Charles Russell, Edmond O’Brien, and John Lund, followed the standard private-eye formula. But the show hit its stride in 1955 when it was revived with Bob Bailey in the lead role. Under writer-director Jack Johnstone, the series adopted a serialized format, stretching cases across five gripping episodes each week. The extra time allowed for richer storytelling, deeper character development, and some of the finest radio drama ever produced. Fans widely regard Bailey’s portrayal as the definitive Johnny Dollar—equal parts tough, charming, and emotionally complex. Despite format changes and cast shifts, Johnny Dollar remained a staple of CBS Radio until its final episode on September 30, 1962—marking the end of the golden age of radio drama. Though other shows would attempt to revive radio storytelling in the years that followed, Johnny Dollar’s final expense report closed the book on an era of entertainment unlike any other. Even today, Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar stands as a masterclass in detective fiction, blending action, intrigue, and a touch of humor with one unforgettable character at its center. 🎙 Podcast & Radio-Related Tags #Podcast #Podcasting #Podcasts #PodcastShow #PodcastAddict #PodcastLife #NewPodcast #PodcastEpisode #PodcastHost #PodcastLover #PodcastCommunity #PodcastRecommendations #PodcastDiscovery #ListenToThis #RadioDrama #OldTimeRadio #ClassicRadio #VintageRadio #RadioMystery #DetectiveRadio #GreatDetectives #RadioShow #AudioStorytelling #TrueCrimePodcast #HistoryPodcast 🔎 Detective & Crime Fiction Themes #JohnnyDollar #SherlockHolmes #TheSaint #GreatDetectivesOfOldTimeRadio #MysteryPodcast #CrimePodcast #RadioDetectives #OldTimeDetectives #FictionPodcast #TrueCrime #CrimeMystery #ClassicMystery #DetectiveSeries #RetroCrime #WhoDunIt 😴 Relaxation & Nighttime Listening #SleepPodcast #InsomniaRelief #RelaxingSounds #BedtimePodcast #ChillVibes #NighttimeListening #FallAsleepFast #Unwind #SleepBetter #SleepAid #RestfulSleep #SleepSounds #BackgroundNoise 🎭 Comedy & Classic Entertainment #ComedyPodcast #ClassicComedy #TonyHancock #HancocksHalfHour #SteptoeAndSon #BBCComedy #RetroEntertainment #VintageHumor #BritishComedy #GoldenAgeOfRadio #Devon #Seaton #Colyton #LymeRegis #EastDevon #UKPodcast #BritishPodcast #Bristol #SouthWestEngland #SpotifyPodcasts #ApplePodcasts #AmazonPodcasts #GooglePodcasts #BBCSounds #iHeartRadio #Radio4Extra #...
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    31 mins
  • Brett's Old Time Radio Show Episode 853, Philo Vance, The Case of the Cellini Cup

    Brett's Old Time Radio Show Episode 853, Philo Vance, The Case of the Cellini Cup
    Mar 7 2025

    Good evening and a huge welcome back to the show, I hope you’ve had a great day and you’re ready to kick back and relax with another episode of Brett’s old time radio show.

    Hello, I’m Brett your host for this evening and welcome to my home in beautiful Lyme Bay where it’s lovely December night.

    I hope it’s just as nice where you are.

    You'll find all of my links at www.linktr.ee/brettsoldtimeradioshow

    A huge thankyou for joining me once again for our regular late night visit to those dusty studio archives of Old Time radio shows right here at my home in the united kingdom.

    Don’t forget I have an Instagram page and YouTube channel both called Brett’s old time radio show and I’d love it if you could follow me.

    Feel free to send me some feedback on this and the other shows if you get a moment, brett@tourdate.co.uk

    #sleep #insomnia #relax #chill #night #nighttime #bed #bedtime #oldtimeradio #drama #comedy #radio #talkradio #hancock #tonyhancock #hancockshalfhour #sherlock #sherlockholmes #radiodrama #popular #viral #viralpodcast #podcast #podcasting #podcasts #podtok #podcastclip #podcastclips #podcasttrailer #podcastteaser #newpodcastepisode #newpodcast #videopodcast #upcomingpodcast #audiogram #audiograms #truecrimepodcast #historypodcast #truecrime #podcaster #viral #popular #viralpodcast #number1 #instagram #youtube #facebook #johnnydollar #crime #fiction #unwind #devon #texas #texasranger #beer #seaton #seaside #smuggler #colyton #devon #seaton #beer #branscombe #lymebay #lymeregis #brett #brettorchard #orchard #greatdetectives #greatdetectivesofoldtimeradio #detectives #johnnydollar #thesaint #steptoe #texasrangers

    Philo Vance: The Aristocratic Sleuth of the Airwaves

    Step into the world of high society, intricate mysteries, and razor-sharp deductions with Philo Vance, the brilliant and erudite detective who captivated radio audiences with his refined intellect and unrelenting pursuit of justice.

    Created by S.S. Van Dine, Philo Vance first appeared in The Benson Murder Case (1925) as a wealthy dilettante whose keen mind and extensive knowledge made him an indispensable crime solver. His friend, District Attorney Markham, relied on his unconventional methods, while the gruff Sergeant Heath barely concealed his exasperation. Vance was equal parts scholar, art connoisseur, and detective—a man whose cultured demeanor masked an unyielding resolve to untangle the most perplexing crimes.

    Vance’s popularity surged on the silver screen, where he was played by luminaries such as William Powell, Basil Rathbone, and Warren William. But it was on radio that his voice truly came to life. From 1943 to 1945, John Emery first gave voice to the suave sleuth. In 1945, the legendary José Ferrer brought his commanding presence to the role in an NBC summer series. Then, beginning in 1946, the masterful Jackson Beck took over, starring in over 100 syndicated episodes produced by Frederic Ziv, ensuring Vance’s legacy endured on the airwaves.

    The Voices Behind the Mystery 🎭 José Ferrer (1912–1992) – A titan of stage and screen, Ferrer’s performance as Cyrano de Bergerac earned him a Tony Award (1947) and an Oscar (1950), making him the first Hispanic actor to win an Academy Award. He was a commanding presence in films like The Caine Mutiny and Lawrence of Arabia and left an indelible mark on radio with his portrayal of Philo Vance.

    🎙 Jackson Beck (1912–2004) – One of radio’s most recognizable voices, Beck’s rich baritone brought gravitas to Vance. He was best known as the announcer for Adventures of Superman, delivering the iconic introduction, and was the first voice of Batman’s butler, Alfred Pennyworth. His prolific career spanned decades, with appearances on Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar, The CBS Mystery Theater, and many other radio dramas.

    With its mix of sophisticated deduction, high-stakes intrigue, and stellar performances, Philo Vance remains a golden-age radio treasure—an enduring symbol of intellect triumphing over crime.
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    32 mins
  • Brett's Old Time Radio Show Episode 852, Secrets of Scotland Yard, Jim The Penman

    Brett's Old Time Radio Show Episode 852, Secrets of Scotland Yard, Jim The Penman
    Mar 6 2025

    Good evening, dear listeners, and welcome back to another thrilling episode of Brett’s Old Time Radio Show. I hope you've had a wonderful day and you're ready to unwind, relax, and join me for a captivating journey back in time. Here at my home in beautiful Lyme Bay, it’s a lovely December evening, and I can only hope it’s just as cozy and peaceful where you are.

    If you’re new here, I’m Brett, your host for this evening, guiding you through the dusty archives of old-time radio. For those of you who have joined me before, welcome back – your presence truly makes the night special. Don’t forget, you can find all of my links, including Instagram and YouTube, at www.linktr.ee/brettsoldtimeradioshow. I’d love to have you follow along on those platforms as well.

    Your feedback means the world to me, so feel free to send me any thoughts, comments, or suggestions at brett@tourdate.co.uk. Now, sit back, relax, and prepare for another unforgettable radio experience.

    Tonight, we have a classic in store for you: Secrets of Scotland Yard, a gripping radio program that transported listeners to the heart of London’s legendary Metropolitan Police Headquarters. Broadcasting from the 1940s to the 1950s, this show became a hallmark of the golden age of radio, blending real-life criminal cases with thrilling dramatizations and offering a rare glimpse into the world of Scotland Yard’s finest detectives.

    Secrets of Scotland Yard was not just a radio show – it was an invitation into the world of crime-solving that captivated audiences with its compelling, often chilling true crime stories. Each episode unfolded like a documentary, narrated by the authoritative voices of seasoned hosts like Clive Brook. His calm yet deliberate tone added gravitas to the intricate tales of murder, robbery, and espionage that the Yard had faced. With each case, the show peeled back the layers of detective work, from police interrogations to the pursuit of suspects, giving listeners an almost cinematic feel for how these crimes were solved.

    The show’s format was as straightforward as it was captivating: a real crime, a methodical investigation, and a resolution that often felt as satisfying as it was suspenseful. Whether it was a high-profile murder or a daring heist, Secrets of Scotland Yard delivered not just the facts but also the sense of intrigue and danger that surrounded each case. The narratives were punctuated by dramatized re-enactments that highlighted Scotland Yard’s ingenious methods, from careful deduction to early uses of forensic technology. These episodes left you on the edge of your seat, eager to learn how the detectives would crack each case wide open.

    But what truly made Secrets of Scotland Yard resonate with listeners was the mystique surrounding the Metropolitan Police. As the symbol of elite law enforcement, Scotland Yard had long been a subject of fascination, and the radio program played into this fascination by offering a rare peek into the methods and procedures of this storied institution. With every case, listeners found themselves transported to the cobblestone streets of London, following detectives as they pieced together clues, pursued criminals across the city, and brought them to justice.

    In a time when the true crime genre was still in its infancy, Secrets of Scotland Yard helped shape the future of crime storytelling. It wasn't just entertainment; it was a blend of education and suspense, a forerunner to today’s true crime podcasts and documentaries. The show’s legacy lives on, influencing everything from police procedurals to the current true crime boom. It’s a show that laid the groundwork for the genre, blending historical interest with the drama of real-life crime.

    Though the program eventually faded from the airwaves with the rise of television, its impact has been enduring. Today, Secrets of Scotland Yard remains a cornerstone of old-time radio, a testament to the enduring appeal of detective work and the intrigue surrounding one of the world’s most famous police forces.

    And with that, I invite you to sit back and enjoy this evening’s episode. Let yourself be transported into the heart of a real Scotland Yard investigation, as we dive deep into the cases that defined an era of crime-solving brilliance.

    Thank you once again for joining me on this journey through time. If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and YouTube, and send me your thoughts – I love hearing from you.

    Now, let’s dim the lights, relax, and let the mystery unfold.
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    19 mins
  • Brett's Old Time Radio Show Episode 851, Dangerous Assignment, Recover Stolen Dynamite

    Brett's Old Time Radio Show Episode 851, Dangerous Assignment, Recover Stolen Dynamite
    Mar 5 2025
    Hello, I'm Brett and I'll be your host for these amazing Old Time Radio Shows :) Dangerous Assignment was a thrilling NBC radio drama that captivated audiences from 1949 to 1953, starring the dynamic Brian Donlevy as the fearless U.S. special agent Steve Mitchell. It was broadcast across a range of media, including a syndicated TV series in 1951–52, and even inspired a reimagined Australian radio version from 1954 to 1956. Both the radio and TV series kept viewers on the edge of their seats with fast-paced plots filled with espionage, deception, and international intrigue. Series Premise: Each episode followed Steve Mitchell, an American agent dispatched by "The Commissioner," the enigmatic head of an unnamed U.S. State Department division. Steve’s mission: to travel to exotic locations around the world to foil nefarious plots and uncover dangerous secrets. The show was designed to keep listeners in suspense, opening with a tantalizing scene before the action unfolded. Mitchell, posing as a suave foreign correspondent for an unspecified publication, navigated a maze of lies, betrayal, and violence—always emerging victorious by the end of the episode. Origins and Evolution: Dangerous Assignment was originally conceived as a summer replacement series for NBC in 1949. It quickly gained popularity, and its success led to a full radio series running until 1953. Brian Donlevy, who also narrated the show, brought an intense realism to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell, which contributed to the show’s gripping atmosphere. The only other consistent voice on the radio version was Herb Butterfield, who played "The Commissioner." Guest stars included famous actors like Raymond Burr, William Conrad, and Richard Boone, each lending their talents to create a unique cast of characters across the episodes. After the American radio series concluded, Dangerous Assignment continued its journey abroad with a 1954 Australian radio adaptation. This version used remade American scripts and introduced Lloyd Burrell as Steve Mitchell, broadcasting a total of 39 episodes. The 1949 Summer Series: Dangerous Assignment first aired as a seven-week summer series in the summer of 1949, running on Saturdays from 8:30 to 9:00 PM EST. The character of Ruthie, the Commissioner's secretary, was played by Betty Moran, hinting at a possible romantic backstory with Steve Mitchell. The show's first episodes took listeners on adventures to locations like Messina, Sicily, Saigon, and Paris, where Steve investigated everything from stolen relief supplies to millionaire murder conspiracies. The 1950–1953 Radio Run: The show’s popularity ensured its return to the airwaves in February 1950, although it faced some scheduling challenges. Over the next few years, Dangerous Assignment moved through various time slots, ultimately running for over 160 episodes. The radio series also attracted major sponsors, including Ford Motor Company, Wheaties, and Anacin, though it was largely supported by NBC itself. The episodes became more formulaic, often starting with Steve Mitchell being assigned a mission—usually involving espionage, sabotage, or international political conflict—followed by thrilling encounters with dangerous enemies. Syndicated Television Version (1951–1952): In 1951, Donlevy adapted the series into a syndicated television show. Rather than relying on a traditional TV network, Donlevy self-financed the production of 39 episodes, selling them individually to local stations across the country. This approach, aided by NBC’s distribution assistance, allowed the show to reach a wide audience despite limited network support. Each episode remained faithful to the original radio scripts, with Donlevy reprising his role as Steve Mitchell and Herb Butterfield again playing "The Commissioner." Production Team and Legacy: The television version of Dangerous Assignment employed a talented team behind the scenes, including assistant director William McGarry, production designer George Van Marter, and film editor Edward Schroeder, A.C.E. The show's episodes were often fast-paced, with each story revolving around Mitchell’s covert operations in places as diverse as Paris, Berlin, and the African jungle. Among the famous guest stars featured in the TV series were Hugh Beaumont, Paul Frees, and Michael Ansara, who appeared as a variety of different characters throughout the series. Notable episodes included titles like "The Alien Smuggler Story" and "The Atomic Mine Story," where Steve Mitchell faced off against spies, criminals, and saboteurs in a constant battle to protect U.S. interests overseas. The Man Behind the Character: Brian Donlevy: Brian Donlevy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 9, 1901, was known for his tough, no-nonsense persona, both on screen and on the airwaves. With a career that spanned film, radio, and television, Donlevy brought a unique depth to his portrayal of Steve Mitchell. He was a familiar face in 1940s ...
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    28 mins
  • Brett's Old Time Radio Show Episode 850, Sherlock Holmes, The East End Strangler

    Brett's Old Time Radio Show Episode 850, Sherlock Holmes, The East End Strangler
    Mar 4 2025
    Good evening and a huge welcome back to the show, I hope you’ve had a great day and you’re ready to kick back and relax with another episode of Brett’s old time radio show. Hello, I’m Brett your host for this evening and welcome to my home in beautiful Lyme Bay where it’s just perfect. I hope it’s just as nice where you are. You'll find all of my links at www.linktr.ee/sundaynightmystery A huge thankyou for joining me once again for our regular late night visit to those dusty studio archives of Old Time radio shows right here at my home in the united kingdom. Don’t forget I have an instagram page and youtube channel both called brett’s old time radio show and I’d love it if you could follow me. Feel free to send me some feedback on this and the other shows if you get a moment, brett@tourdate.co.uk #sleep #insomnia #relax #chill #night #nighttime #bed #bedtime #oldtimeradio #drama #comedy #radio #talkradio #hancock #tonyhancock #hancockshalfhour #sherlock #sherlockholmes #radiodrama #popular #viral #viralpodcast #podcast #podcasting #podcasts #podtok #podcastclip #podcastclips #podcasttrailer #podcastteaser #newpodcastepisode #newpodcast #videopodcast #upcomingpodcast #audiogram #audiograms #truecrimepodcast #historypodcast #truecrime #podcaster #viral #popular #viralpodcast #number1 #instagram #youtube #facebook #johnnydollar #crime #fiction #unwind #devon #texas #texasranger #beer #seaton #seaside #smuggler #colyton #devon #seaton #beer #branscombe #lymebay #lymeregis #brett #brettorchard #orchard #greatdetectives #greatdetectivesofoldtimeradio #detectives #johnnydollar #thesaint #steptoe #texasrangers sleep insomnia relax chill night nightime bed bedtime oldtimeradio drama comedy radio talkradio hancock tonyhancock hancockshalfhour sherlock sherlockholmes radiodrama popular viral viralpodcast podcast brett brettorchard orchard east devon seaton beer lyme regis village condado de alhama spain murcia The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes is a radio drama series which aired in the USA from 1939 to 1950, it ran for 374 episodes, with many of the later episodes considered lost media. The series was based on the Sherlock Holmes stories by Arthur Conan Doyle. Some of the surviving episode recordings may be found online, in various audio quality condition. For most of the show's run, the program starred Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson. Other actors played Holmes and Watson in later seasons. Production From the outset of the show, the series was billed in different listings under various titles including Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson, and other titles. The most popularly remembered title is The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. On occasion, the title of a radio episode differs from that of its original story – for example, the radio adaption of "The Adventure of the Red Circle" is entitled "Mrs. Warren's Lodger". From 1939 until 1943, episodes were adapted or written by Edith Meiser[4] who had written the earlier series The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes which aired from 1930 to 1935. Meiser left the show after disagreements with a sponsor over the amount of violence in the program. It is also reported that Meiser left the show to focus on other projects. From 1943 onward, most episodes were written by the team of Denis Green and Anthony Boucher with some early episodes written by Green and Leslie Charteris. Edith Meiser returned to write for the show for its seventh season. Max Ehrlich and Howard Merrill wrote the episodes of season 8. Denis Green returned as a writer for the last season. Originally, the show starred Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Doctor Watson. Together, they starred in 220 episodes which aired weekly on Mondays from 8:30 to 9:00 pm. Basil Rathbone's last episode as the famous detective was "The Singular Affair of the Baconian Cipher". He was eager to separate himself from the show to avoid being typecast in the role. Tom Conway replaced him in the starring role, though Nigel Bruce got top billing. The new series lasted 39 episodes, and Bruce and Conway then left the series. From then until 1950 the series continued with various actors playing the two principal parts. The show first aired on the Blue Network but later moved to the Mutual Broadcasting System. The show moved to Mutual in 1943 at the start of its fourth season. The series was originally broadcast from Hollywood. During World War II, the show was also broadcast overseas through the Armed Forces Radio Service. The program aired on ABC instead of Mutual for its sixth and ninth seasons. Many episodes were recorded in front of a live audience. Cast Sherlock Holmes: Basil Rathbone (1939–1946) Tom Conway (1947) John Stanley (1947–1949) Ben Wright (The Singular Affair of the Ancient Egyptian Curse in 1947, as stand-in for Tom Conway, 1949–1950 as a regular) Dr. Watson: Nigel Bruce (1939–1947) Joseph Kearns (The ...
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    27 mins
  • Brett's Old Time Radio Show Episode 849, Suspense, Life Ends at Midnight

    Brett's Old Time Radio Show Episode 849, Suspense, Life Ends at Midnight
    Mar 3 2025
    Good evening and a huge welcome back to the show, I hope you’ve had a great day and you’re ready to kick back and relax with another episode of Brett’s old time radio show. Hello, I’m Brett your host for this evening and welcome to my home in beautiful Lyme Bay where it’s lovely winters night. I hope it’s just as nice where you are. You'll find all of my links at www.linktr.ee/brettsoldtimeradioshow A huge thankyou for joining me once again for our regular late night visit to those dusty studio archives of Old Time radio shows right here at my home in the united kingdom. Don’t forget I have an instagram page and youtube channel both called brett’s old time radio show and I’d love it if you could follow me. Feel free to send me some feedback on this and the other shows if you get a moment, brett@tourdate.co.uk #sleep #insomnia #relax #chill #night #nighttime #bed #bedtime #oldtimeradio #drama #comedy #radio #talkradio #hancock #tonyhancock #hancockshalfhour #sherlock #sherlockholmes #radiodrama #popular #viral #viralpodcast #podcast #podcasting #podcasts #podtok #podcastclip #podcastclips #podcasttrailer #podcastteaser #newpodcastepisode #newpodcast #videopodcast #upcomingpodcast #audiogram #audiograms #truecrimepodcast #historypodcast #truecrime #podcaster #viral #popular #viralpodcast #number1 #instagram #youtube #facebook #johnnydollar #crime #fiction #unwind #devon #texas #texasranger #beer #seaton #seaside #smuggler #colyton #devon #seaton #beer #branscombe #lymebay #lymeregis #brett #brettorchard #orchard #greatdetectives #greatdetectivesofoldtimeradio #detectives #johnnydollar #thesaint #steptoe #texasrangers Suspense is a radio drama series broadcast on CBS Radio from 1940 through 1962. One of the premier drama programs of the Golden Age of Radio, was subtitled "radio's outstanding theatre of thrills" and focused on suspense thriller-type scripts, usually featuring leading Hollywood actors of the era. Approximately 945 episodes were broadcast during its long run, and more than 900 still exist. Suspense went through several major phases, characterized by different hosts, sponsors, and director/producers. Formula plot devices were followed for all but a handful of episodes: the protagonist was usually a normal person suddenly dropped into a threatening or bizarre situation; solutions were "withheld until the last possible second"; and evildoers were usually punished in the end. In its early years, the program made only occasional forays into science fiction and fantasy. Notable exceptions include adaptations of Curt Siodmak's Donovan's Brain and H. P. Lovecraft's "The Dunwich Horror", but by the late 1950s, such material was regularly featured. Alfred Hitchcock Alfred Hitchcock directed its audition show (for the CBS summer series Forecast). This was an adaptation of The Lodger a story Hitchcock had filmed in 1926 with Ivor Novello. Martin Grams Jr., author of Suspense: Twenty Years of Thrills and Chills, described the Forecast origin of Suspense: On the second presentation of July 22, 1940, Forecast offered a mystery/horror show titled Suspense. With the co-operation of his producer, Walter Wanger, Alfred Hitchcock received the honor of directing his first radio show for the American public. The condition agreed upon for Hitchcock's appearance was that CBS make a pitch to the listening audience about his and Wanger's latest film, Foreign Correspondent. To add flavor to the deal, Wanger threw in Edmund Gwenn and Herbert Marshall as part of the package. All three men (including Hitch) would be seen in the upcoming film, which was due for a theatrical release the next month. Both Marshall and Hitchcock decided on the same story to bring to the airwaves, which happened to be a favorite of both of them: Marie Belloc Lowndes' "The Lodger." Alfred Hitchcock had filmed this story for Gainsborough in 1926, and since then it had remained as one of his favorites. Herbert Marshall portrayed the mysterious lodger, and co-starring with him were Edmund Gwenn and character actress Lurene Tuttle as the rooming-house keepers who start to suspect that their new boarder might be the notorious Jack-the-Ripper. [Gwenn was actually repeating the role taken in the 1926 film by his brother, Arthur Chesney. And Tuttle would work again with Hitchcock nearly 20 years later, playing Mrs. Al Chambers, the sheriff's wife, in Psycho.] Character actor Joseph Kearns also had a small part in the drama, and Wilbur Hatch, head musician for CBS Radio at the time, composed and conducted the music specially for the program. Adapting the script to radio was not a great technical challenge for Hitchcock, and he cleverly decided to hold back the ending of the story from the listening audience in order to keep them in suspense themselves. This way, if the audience's curiosity got the better of them, they would write in to the network to find out whether the mysterious lodger was in fact Jack the Ripper. For the next ...
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    31 mins
  • Brett's Old Time Radio Show Episode 848, The Man Called X, Alaska Weather Station

    Brett's Old Time Radio Show Episode 848, The Man Called X, Alaska Weather Station
    Mar 2 2025
    Good evening and a huge welcome back to the show, I hope you’ve had a great day and you’re ready to kick back and relax with another episode of Brett’s old time radio show. Hello, I’m Brett your host for this evening and welcome to my home in beautiful Lyme Bay where it’s lovely December night. I hope it’s just as nice where you are. You'll find all of my links at www.linktr.ee/brettsoldtimeradioshow A huge thankyou for joining me once again for our regular late night visit to those dusty studio archives of Old Time radio shows right here at my home in the united kingdom. Don’t forget I have an instagram page and youtube channel both called brett’s old time radio show and I’d love it if you could follow me. Feel free to send me some feedback on this and the other shows if you get a moment, brett@tourdate.co.uk #sleep #insomnia #relax #chill #night #nighttime #bed #bedtime #oldtimeradio #drama #comedy #radio #talkradio #hancock #tonyhancock #hancockshalfhour #sherlock #sherlockholmes #radiodrama #popular #viral #viralpodcast #podcast #podcasting #podcasts #podtok #podcastclip #podcastclips #podcasttrailer #podcastteaser #newpodcastepisode #newpodcast #videopodcast #upcomingpodcast #audiogram #audiograms #truecrimepodcast #historypodcast #truecrime #podcaster #viral #popular #viralpodcast #number1 #instagram #youtube #facebook #johnnydollar #crime #fiction #unwind #devon #texas #texasranger #beer #seaton #seaside #smuggler #colyton #devon #seaton #beer #branscombe #lymebay #lymeregis #brett #brettorchard #orchard #greatdetectives #greatdetectivesofoldtimeradio #detectives #johnnydollar #thesaint #steptoe #texasrangers The Man Called X An espionage radio drama that aired on CBS and NBC from July 10, 1944, to May 20, 1952. The radio series was later adapted for television and was broadcast for one season, 1956–1957. People Herbert Marshall had the lead role of agent Ken Thurston/"Mr. X", an American intelligence agent who took on dangerous cases in a variety of exotic locations. Leon Belasco played Mr. X's comedic sidekick, Pegon Zellschmidt, who always turned up in remote parts of the world because he had a "cousin" there. Zellschmidt annoyed and helped Mr. X. Jack Latham was an announcer for the program, and Wendell Niles was the announcer from 1947 to 1948. Orchestras led by Milton Charles, Johnny Green, Felix Mills, and Gordon Jenkins supplied the background music. William N. Robson was the producer and director. Stephen Longstreet was the writer. Production The Man Called X replaced America — Ceiling Unlimited on the CBS schedule. Television The series was later adapted to a 39-episode syndicated television series (1956–1957) starring Barry Sullivan as Thurston for Ziv Television. Episodes Season 1 (1956) 1 1 "For External Use Only" Eddie Davis Story by : Ladislas Farago Teleplay by : Stuart Jerome, Harold Swanton, and William P. Templeton January 27, 1956 2 2 "Ballerina Story" Eddie Davis Leonard Heideman February 3, 1956 3 3 "Extradition" Eddie Davis Ellis Marcus February 10, 1956 4 4 "Assassination" William Castle Stuart Jerome February 17, 1956 5 5 "Truth Serum" Eddie Davis Harold Swanton February 24, 1956 6 6 "Afghanistan" Eddie Davis Leonard Heidman March 2, 1956 7 7 "Embassy" Herbert L. Strock Laurence Heath and Jack Rock March 9, 1956 8 8 "Dangerous" Eddie Davis George Callahan March 16, 1956 9 9 "Provocateur" Eddie Davis Arthur Weiss March 23, 1956 10 10 "Local Hero" Leon Benson Ellis Marcus March 30, 1956 11 11 "Maps" Eddie Davis Jack Rock May 4, 1956 12 12 "U.S. Planes" Eddie Davis William L. Stuart April 13, 1956 13 13 "Acoustics" Eddie Davis Orville H. Hampton April 20, 1956 14 14 "The General" Eddie Davis Leonard Heideman April 27, 1956 Season 2 (1956–1957) 15 1 "Missing Plates" Eddie Davis Jack Rock September 27, 1956 16 2 "Enemy Agent" Eddie Davis Teleplay by : Gene Levitt October 4, 1956 17 3 "Gold" Eddie Davis Jack Laird October 11, 1956 18 4 "Operation Janus" Eddie Davis Teleplay by : Jack Rock and Art Wallace October 18, 1956 19 5 "Staff Headquarters" Eddie Davis Leonard Heideman October 25, 1956 20 6 "Underground" Eddie Davis William L. Stuart November 1, 1956 21 7 "Spare Parts" Eddie Davis Jack Laird November 8, 1956 22 8 "Fallout" Eddie Davis Teleplay by : Arthur Weiss November 15, 1956 23 9 "Speech" Eddie Davis Teleplay by : Ande Lamb November 22, 1956 24 10 "Ship Sabotage" Eddie Davis Jack Rock November 29, 1956 25 11 "Rendezvous" Eddie Davis Ellis Marcus December 5, 1956 26 12 "Switzerland" Eddie Davis Leonard Heideman December 12, 1956 27 13 "Voice On Tape" Eddie Davis Teleplay by : Leonard Heideman December 19, 1956 28 14 "Code W" Eddie Davis Arthur Weiss December 26, 1956 29 15 "Gas Masks" Eddie Davis Teleplay by : Jack Rock January 3, 1957 30 16 "Murder" Eddie Davis Lee Berg January 10, 1957 31 17 "Train Blow-Up" Eddie Davis Ellis Marcus February 6, 1957 32 18 "Powder Keg" Jack Herzberg Les Crutchfield and Jack ...
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    26 mins