Classic Streams: Old Time Retro Radio

"The Whisperer" was a 1951 American radio program that aired 13 episodes on NBC from July 8 to September 30. Created by Dr. Stetson Humphrey and his wife, Irene, the show satirized contemporary crime dramas with a tongue-in-cheek tone. The story follows lawyer Philip Gault, who, after a football injury, can only speak in a whisper. He infiltrates a crime syndicate in Central City, adopting the alias "The Whisperer," to dismantle organized crime from within. After surgery restores his voice, Gault maintains his double life, relaying orders from syndicate bosses unaware of his true identity. Betty Moran played Ellen Norris, Gault's girlfriend and confidante, while Paul Frees occasionally appeared as Lieutenant Charles Denvers, Gault's police ally. William Conrad frequently took on various supporting roles under the pseudonym "Julius Krelboyne." Produced and directed by Bill Karn, with organist Johnny Duffy providing background music, the series is available for listening on platforms like the Internet Archive and YouTube.

The Whistler was a long-running radio show that aired from 1942 to 1955. It was a popular suspense thriller that featured tales of mystery, intrigue, and the supernatural. The show's signature character was The Whistler, a mysterious figure who introduced each episode and provided commentary throughout.

The Whistler was created by J. Donald Wilson, who also wrote many of the show's episodes. Wilson was inspired by the success of other radio shows such as "Inner Sanctum" and "Lights Out," and he wanted to create a show that would be even more suspenseful and thrilling.

The Whistler was set in a variety of locations, including small towns, big cities, and even exotic locales. The show's episodes featured a wide range of characters, from ordinary people to criminals to supernatural beings. The stories often involved murder, blackmail, and other crimes, and they always kept listeners on the edge of their seats.

The Whistler was a critical and commercial success. The show was praised for its suspenseful stories, its well-written scripts, and its talented cast. The Whistler was one of the most popular radio shows of its era, and it continues to be enjoyed by listeners today.

In addition to its regular episodes, The Whistler also produced a number of special episodes, including a Christmas episode, a Halloween episode, and a crossover episode with the show "Inner Sanctum." The Whistler also released a number of recordings, including a soundtrack album and a collection of the show's most popular episodes.

The Whistler was a groundbreaking radio show that helped to define the suspense genre. The show's popularity paved the way for other suspenseful radio shows, such as "Suspense" and "The Twilight Zone." The Whistler is still considered to be one of the greatest radio shows of all time.

The Shadow is a collection of serialized dramas originating in 1930s pulp novels and later expanding to various media. The titular character has been featured in radio dramas, pulp magazines, comic books, television, serials, video games, and films. Initially created as a radio show narrator, The Shadow was developed into a literary character by Walter B. Gibson in 1931. The radio drama, featuring Orson Welles, premiered in 1937. The Shadow character was depicted as having the power to manipulate men's minds, making them unable to see him. The radio program's iconic introduction, voiced by Frank Readick, and accompanied by a musical theme, has become a part of American idiom. Each episode concluded with a reminder that crime does not pay and The Shadow knows.

"Suspense" was a radio drama series that captivated audiences from 1940 through 1962 during the Golden Age of Radio. Often subtitled "radio's outstanding theater of thrills," this program was a shining example of suspense thriller entertainment. It specialized in delivering heart-pounding stories, typically featuring some of the leading Hollywood actors of its era. With an impressive total of approximately 945 episodes aired over its lengthy run, "Suspense" remains an enduring classic, with over 900 episodes still in existence.

"The Green Hornet" radio series, originating in 1936, featured Britt Reid, a masked vigilante fighting crime with his partner Kato. They used a secret passage in Reid's apartment to access their car, the "Black Beauty," for their night missions. Interestingly, Britt Reid is related to the Lone Ranger as his grandnephew. The series saw various actors voice the Green Hornet and Kato, alongside a cast of allies and enemies that enriched the narrative. In the captivating world of radio drama, "The Green Hornet" stands as a legendary series that has thrilled audiences for generations. First conceived in 1936, this radio show introduced Britt Reid, a wealthy newspaper publisher who leads a double life as a masked vigilante known as the Green Hornet. Accompanied by his trusted partner, Kato, a skilled martial artist, the Green Hornet wages a relentless battle against crime and injustice.

At the heart of the series is the dynamic partnership between Britt Reid and Kato. Britt Reid, the public persona, exudes the charm and charisma of a successful businessman. However, beneath the surface, he possesses an unyielding determination to fight crime on his terms. Kato, on the other hand, is a master of martial arts and a fearless warrior. His unwavering loyalty and quick wit make him an invaluable asset to the Green Hornet.

Together, the Green Hornet and Kato embark on thrilling missions, using their cunning and resourcefulness to outwit their adversaries. Their secret hideout, located beneath Reid's apartment through a concealed passageway, houses the iconic "Black Beauty," a souped-up automobile equipped with advanced gadgets and weapons. With the Black Beauty at their disposal, the Green Hornet and Kato effortlessly navigate the treacherous streets, evading danger and pursuing justice.

What sets "The Green Hornet" apart is its rich cast of supporting characters and villains. Britt Reid's secretary, Lenore "Casey" Case, serves as a steadfast ally, providing invaluable assistance and maintaining the secret identities of the Green Hornet and Kato. The series also features a rogue's gallery of villains, each with their unique motivations and criminal schemes. From the cunning and ruthless underworld kingpin, Black Mask, to the enigmatic and seductive criminal mastermind, Miss X, the Green Hornet and Kato face a diverse array of challenges that test their mettle.

"The Green Hornet" radio series captivated audiences with its thrilling adventures, compelling characters, and timeless themes of justice and heroism. It left an indelible mark on popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations, including television shows, comic books, and feature films. The enduring legacy of the Green Hornet is a testament to the enduring appeal of this classic radio drama and its enduring ability to entertain and inspire generations of listeners.

The Adventures of Sam Spade, a popular crime drama, aired from 1946 to 1951. Howard Duff portrayed Sam Spade, a hardboiled San Francisco detective. The show featured intricate cases and compelling storytelling. William Spier, a renowned radio producer, assembled a talented writing team. Duff's distinctive voice and acting prowess brought the character to life. The show's success led to Duff's national fame. Duff eventually left the show for film opportunities, and Stephen Dunne replaced him. However, the change in voice and style affected the show's popularity, leading to its cancellation in 1951. Despite its relatively short run, The Adventures of Sam Spade left a lasting impression on the radio detective genre and is cherished by old-time radio enthusiasts.

In the realm of old-time radio crime dramas, two iterations of "The Avenger" emerged in the United States. The first installment, broadcast weekly on WHN in New York City, aired from July 18, 1941, until November 3, 1942. The second version, syndicated nationally, ran from October 25, 1945, to April 18, 1946.

In the 1941-1942 version, Richard Henry Benson, a crime-fighter with super-strength known as "The Avenger," was joined by his sidekick Fergus "Mac" MacMurdie. Benson was considered a blend of the Shadow and Doc Savage characters, combining elements of each in an attempt to replicate their commercial success.

The 1945-1946 version of "The Avenger" was described as a "poor man's version of The Shadow" by radio historian John Dunning. Jim Brandon, the alter ego of the new Avenger, was a biochemist who used inventions like the Telepathic Indicator and Secret Diffusion Capsule to combat crime.

Despite their differences, the two versions of "The Avenger" shared some similarities. The Avenger in both iterations had a loyal subordinate who knew his true identity, was hidden by a black light of invisibility, and could interpret the "thought flashes" of others. These similarities could be attributed to the fact that Walter B. Gibson, the creator of The Shadow, also played a role in shaping the character of The Avenger.

In terms of personnel, the 1941-1942 version featured an unknown New York actor as Richard Henry Benson and Humphrey Davis as Fergus "Mac" MacMurdie, with Maurice Joachim as the director and Paul Ernst (writing as Kenneth Robeson) and Henry Ralston as writers. The 1945-1946 version had James Monks initially playing the lead role, later replaced by Dick Janaver, with Helen Adamson as assistant Fern Collier, George Ansbro as the announcer, Doc Whipple providing the music, and Charles Michelson as the producer. Writers for this version included Gil Braun, Ruth Braun, and Walter Gibson.

The 1945-1946 version of "The Avenger," distributed by Charles Michelson Inc. of New York City, was syndicated via transcription, with 52 episodes available to stations across the nation.

Runtime:

"Lights Out" aired from 1934 to 1947, with some breaks in between. The first run was from 1934 to 1936, after which it went on hiatus for a few years. The show was revived in 1942 and aired until 1947. During its run, "Lights Out" became one of the most popular horror and suspense radio programs.

Genre:

"Lights Out" was a horror and suspense series, known for its chilling stories and sound effects. The show often explored the darker side of human nature, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural. The show's sound effects were particularly noteworthy, and they helped to create an atmosphere of suspense and terror.

Creator:

The show was created by Wyllis Cooper, a radio writer and producer. Cooper was known for his work on other horror and suspense radio programs, such as "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, Arch Oboler took over as the show's creator and producer. Oboler was a prolific radio writer and producer, and he is best known for his work on "Lights Out" and "The Twilight Zone."

Popularity:

"Lights Out" remains popular among old-time radio enthusiasts and horror fans due to its innovative use of sound and often disturbing storylines. The show's sound effects were particularly groundbreaking, and they helped to create an atmosphere of suspense and terror that was unlike anything else on radio at the time. The show's stories were also often disturbing and thought-provoking, and they explored the darker side of human nature.

Notable Episodes:

some of the most famous "Lights Out" episodes include "Chicken Heart," which tells the story of a young woman who is trapped in a house with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," which tells the story of a man who is married to a woman who is actually a cat. These episodes are just a few examples of the many chilling and suspenseful stories that were told on "Lights Out."

The Whistler was a long-running radio show that aired from 1942 to 1955. It was a popular suspense thriller that featured tales of mystery, intrigue, and the supernatural. The show's signature character was The Whistler, a mysterious figure who introduced each episode and provided commentary throughout.

The Whistler was created by J. Donald Wilson, who also wrote many of the show's episodes. Wilson was inspired by the success of other radio shows such as "Inner Sanctum" and "Lights Out," and he wanted to create a show that would be even more suspenseful and thrilling.

The Whistler was set in a variety of locations, including small towns, big cities, and even exotic locales. The show's episodes featured a wide range of characters, from ordinary people to criminals to supernatural beings. The stories often involved murder, blackmail, and other crimes, and they always kept listeners on the edge of their seats.

The Whistler was a critical and commercial success. The show was praised for its suspenseful stories, its well-written scripts, and its talented cast. The Whistler was one of the most popular radio shows of its era, and it continues to be enjoyed by listeners today.

In addition to its regular episodes, The Whistler also produced a number of special episodes, including a Christmas episode, a Halloween episode, and a crossover episode with the show "Inner Sanctum." The Whistler also released a number of recordings, including a soundtrack album and a collection of the show's most popular episodes.

The Whistler was a groundbreaking radio show that helped to define the suspense genre. The show's popularity paved the way for other suspenseful radio shows, such as "Suspense" and "The Twilight Zone." The Whistler is still considered to be one of the greatest radio shows of all time.

The Shadow is a collection of serialized dramas originating in 1930s pulp novels and later expanding to various media. The titular character has been featured in radio dramas, pulp magazines, comic books, television, serials, video games, and films. Initially created as a radio show narrator, The Shadow was developed into a literary character by Walter B. Gibson in 1931. The radio drama, featuring Orson Welles, premiered in 1937. The Shadow character was depicted as having the power to manipulate men's minds, making them unable to see him. The radio program's iconic introduction, voiced by Frank Readick, and accompanied by a musical theme, has become a part of American idiom. Each episode concluded with a reminder that crime does not pay and The Shadow knows.