Podcasts by Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)

BONUS - Oh, Rochester (Jack Benny Program & Private Life of Rochester Van Jones) from 2021-02-10T06:00

Our salute to African American radio performers continues with Eddie "Rochester" Anderson in "The Jack Benny Program" (10/17/43) and the audition for his own series (5/12/50).

Episode 423 – Nigel the Bruce (Sherlock Holmes & Screen Guild Theatre) from 2021-02-07T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Nigel Bruce plays Dr. Watson opposite Basil Rathbone and Tom Conway in "The Telltale Pigeon Feathers" (1/21/46) and "The Elusive Emerald" (12/14/46). Plus, B...

Stories Start in Many Different Ways... from 2021-02-06T16:00

On February 6, 1950, reporter Randy Stone took his first walk on the Night BeatListen

BONUS - Maid in Hollywood (Beulah & Philco Radio Time) from 2021-02-03T06:00

In honor of Black History Month, we're spotlighting Hattie McDaniel in her radio role of Beulah. We'll hear her in two episodes of her own series (6/27/50 and 6/28/50) along with an episode of "Phi...

"Frontier Gentleman" - Ten Great Episodes from 2021-02-02T16:00

Frontier Gentleman, the story of an English reporter traveling the wild west, premiered on this day in 1958. Along with Gunsmoke...

Episode 422 – Hard-Boiled Heroics (Philip Marlowe, Pat Novak, & Barrie Craig) from 2021-01-31T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we'll hear a trio of hard-boiled gumshoes: Philip Marlowe in "The Lady Killer" (8/20/49), Pat Novak in "Fleet Lady" (3/6/49), and Barrie Craig in "Crimson Qu...

BONUS - AKA Archibald Leach (Burns and Allen & Mr. and Mrs. Blandings) from 2021-01-27T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy show, Cary Grant visits George and Gracie (2/13/47). Then he stars in a radio spinoff of his film "Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House" alongside his real-life wife Bet...

Episode 421 – Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Let George Do It & Box 13) from 2021-01-24T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," George Valentine and Dan Holiday find mystery in the mail. We'll hear "Destination: Dead End" (2/14/49) from "Let George Do It" and "Book of Poems" and "The ...

BONUS - Special Kaye (Danny Kaye Show) from 2021-01-20T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy show, Danny Kaye shows off his multiple talents in the first two episodes of his radio variety program (1/6/45 and 1/13/45).

Episode 420 – It Takes Some Thieves (Lone Wolf & Boston Blackie) from 2021-01-17T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we'll hear from a pair of reformed thieves who became detectives: The Lone Wolf in "The Golden Santa" (1/1/49) and Boston Blackie in "The Stolen Radway's Fau...

BONUS - Bendix Birthday Bash (Life of Riley) from 2021-01-13T06:00

William Bendix stars in "The Life of Riley" in this week's bonus comedy episode. We'll hear him in a pair of episodes (9/7/46 and 2/8/47).

Episode 419 – Three Halos (The Saint) from 2021-01-10T18:00

We're saluting Simon Templar today, and we'll hear three of his radio adventures including the audition recording that kicked off the on-air career of The Saint. Vincent Price is Simon in "The Horr...

BONUS - Wistful Vista Winter Wonderland (Fibber McGee and Molly) from 2021-01-06T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy show, Fibber McGee and Molly host some snow day fun in a pair of episodes (2/10/48 and 1/31/50).

Episode 418 – Some Inspectors Call (Black Museum, Whitehall 1212, & Pursuit) from 2021-01-03T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," it's a trio of Scotland Yard radio mysteries: "The Car Tire" from "The Black Museum;" "The Case of Marjorie Tate" from "Whitehall 1212" (5/11/52); and "Pursu...

BONUS – Dropping the Ball (Alan Young Show & Our Miss Brooks) from 2020-12-30T06:00

For our final bonus comedy episode of 2020, we'll hear Alan Young (12/27/46) and "Our Miss Brooks" (1/1/50) celebrate New Year's.

Episode 417- Cornered (Lux Radio Theatre) from 2020-12-27T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Lucille Ball recreates one of her dramatic film roles in the private eye noir drama "The Dark Corner" on The Lux Radio Theatre (11/10/47).

Christmas Crimes and Capers from 2020-12-24T18:00

Happy Holidays!

As you wait for Santa’s sleigh to touch down on your roof tonight, enjoy these yuletide adventures of ...

BONUS - Bells on Benny Ring (Jack Benny Program) from 2020-12-23T06:00

Head to the department store on a shopping trip with Jack Benny and his gang in three Christmas comedies (12/8/46, 12/19/48, and 12/17/50).

Episode 416 – A Very Casey Christmas (Casey, Crime Photographer) from 2020-12-20T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we're celebrating Christmas with Casey, Crime Photographer. He does some seasonal sleuthing in "Christmas Shopping" (12/19/46) and "The Santa Claus of Bum Bl...

BONUS - Holly Jolly (Burns and Allen & Fibber McGee and Molly) from 2020-12-16T06:00

Our Christmas comedy countdown continues with Jane Wyman filling in for Gracie Allen (12/25/47) and Fibber McGee and Molly (12/18/45).

Episode 415 - Ever-Greenstreet (Nero Wolfe, Fred Allen, & Screen Guild Theatre) from 2020-12-13T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we're saluting Sydney Greenstreet. We'll hear him as Nero Wolfe in "The Case of the Tell-Tale Ribbon" (3/30/51), "The Fred Allen Show" (5/12/46), and "The Ma...

BONUS - Jingle All the Way (Our Miss Brooks & My Favorite Husband) from 2020-12-09T06:00

Our month of holiday comedies continues with Eve Arden hosting a Christmas party in "Our Miss Brooks" (12/25/49) and Lucille Ball taking a sleigh ride in "My Favorite Husband" (12/23/49).

Episode 414 - Sleight of Hand Sleuthing (Chandu the Magician, Blackstone the Magic Detective, & Lights Out) from 2020-12-06T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," three detectives use magic to solve crimes - Chandu the Magician (8/2/50), Blackstone in "The Coin of Cleopatra" and "The Accusing Corpse," and "The Battle o...

BONUS - Deck the Halls (Abbott and Costello & Phil Harris-Alice Faye) from 2020-12-02T06:00

Season's Greetings! Our month of holiday comedies kicks off with Abbott and Costello (12/24/47) and Phil Harris and Alice Faye (12/21/47).

Episode 413 – We Like Mike (Michael Shayne) from 2020-11-29T17:30

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," two actors bring their own styles to Michael Shayne. Wally Maher stars in "Behind the Footlights" (8/27/45) and Jeff Chandler in "TCOT Carnival Killer" and "...

Talking Turkey from 2020-11-26T17:00

Happy Thanksgiving! In honor of Turkey Day – and to keep you company while you’re in the kitchen or waiting to eat – here are five old time radio mysteries starrin...

BONUS - Comedy Cranberry Sauce (My Friend Irma & Life with Luigi) from 2020-11-25T06:00

Just in time for Thanksgiving, we'll hear Turkey Day tales from "My Friend Irma" (11/15/48) and "Life with Luigi" (11/22/49).

Episode 412 – Father Knows Best (Big Guy) from 2020-11-22T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Henry Calvin stars as private eye and single dad Joshua Sharpe, aka "The Big Guy." We'll hear him in "The Unheard Voice" (5/7/50), "The Villainous Friend" (8...

BONUS - Turkey Tales (Jack Benny & Fibber McGee and Molly) from 2020-11-18T06:00

We're starting our Thanksgiving celebration this week with Turkey Day comedies from Jack Benny (11/21/43) and Fibber McGee and Molly (11/22/49).

Episode 411 – Say a Little Prayer (Father Brown & Bishop and the Gargoyle) from 2020-11-15T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we'll hear a pair of priests who dabble in crimesolving - Father Brown (8/13/45) and a man of the cloth and an ex-con partnering in "The Bishop and the Gargo...

BONUS - Over There (Command Performance) from 2020-11-11T06:00

In this bonus show, we'll salute our veterans with a pair of shows from "Command Performance." We'll hear stars like Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Lena Horne, and Rosalind Russell entertain the troops (7/...

Episode 410 – Marlowe, My Sweet (Lux Radio Theatre) from 2020-11-08T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Dick Powell, Claire Trevor, and Mike Mazurki recreate their big screen roles for a Lux Radio Theatre presentation of "Murder, My Sweet" (6/11/45).

BONUS - Vote for Comedy (Fibber McGee and Molly & Life with Luigi) from 2020-11-02T18:00

In this week's bonus comedy episode, Fibber McGee and Molly work the polls (11/5/40) and on "Life with Luigi," Luigi tries to get out the vote (10/31/50).

Episode 409 – Candy Bag (Candy Matson) from 2020-11-01T05:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Candy Matson is solving crimes in the city by the bay. We'll hear "The Eric Spaulding Concert" (2/7/50) and "San Juan Batista" (11/26/50).

BONUS – Bud and Lou Meet the Monsters (Abbott and Costello) from 2020-10-28T05:00

In this Halloween bonus show, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello welcome Hollywood's horror legends to their microphone: Peter Lorre (1/13/44), Bela Lugosi (5/5/48), and Lon Chaney, Jr. (6/2/48).

Episode 408 – Baker Street Trick or Treat (New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes) from 2020-10-25T05:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Sherlock Holmes faces off against things that go bump in the night in four radio mysteries: "Black Angus" (10/19/46); "Carpathian Horror" (4/14/47); "Sanguin...

BONUS - Jack O’Lantern (Jack Benny Program) from 2020-10-21T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy show, we're celebrating Halloween with Jack Benny and his gang in a pair of shows (11/3/40 and 11/2/41).

Episode 407 - Please Mr. Postman (Box 13) from 2020-10-18T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Alan Ladd is back as Dan Holiday in three more old time radio mysteries from "Box 13" - "Actor's Alibi," "The Dowager and Dan Holiday," and "Last Will and Nu...

BONUS - Haunted and Hilarious (Life of Riley & Sealtest Variety Theatre) from 2020-10-14T06:00

In this bonus episode, we'll hear a pair of Halloween comedies featuring a trip to a haunted house on "The Life of Riley" (10/29/44) and a visit from Boris Karloff on "The Sealtest Variety Theatre"...

Episode 406 – Start Spreading the News (Rocky Fortune) from 2020-10-11T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Frank Sinatra doesn't sing but solves three crimes as "Rocky Fortune" - "Pint-Sized Payroll Bandit" (10/27/54); "Football Fix" (2/2/54); and "Twice-Murdered ...

BONUS - Tricks and Treats (Our Miss Brooks & Life with Luigi) from 2020-10-07T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy episode, "Our Miss Brooks" (10/30/49) and "Life with Luigi" (10/30/51) are celebrating Halloween with a party and a trick-or-treat outing!

Episode 405 – Dollar Store (Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar) from 2020-10-04T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Bob Bailey stars as Johnny Dollar in the five-part mystery "The Lorko Diamonds Matter" (11/7 - 11/11/55).

BONUS - Gang’s All Here (A Day in the Life of Dennis Day & Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show) from 2020-09-30T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy episode, Dennis Day and Phil Harris leave The Jack Benny Program for their own radio comedies (4/21/48 and 12/18/53).

Episode 404 – A Couple of Crimesolvers (Mr. and Mrs. North) from 2020-09-27T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Joseph Curtin and Alice Frost are happily married amateur sleuths Mr. and Mrs. North in three mysteries: "Who Killed Mr. Stefano?," "The Charles Wyatt Murder...

BONUS - Happily and Hilariously Married (Burns and Allen) from 2020-09-23T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy show, we visit with George Burns and Gracie Allen in a pair of episodes. Gracie thinks George needs a break from making decisions, and the Burns' 15th anniversary leads ...

Episode 403 – Everybody Comes to Rocky’s (Rocky Jordan) from 2020-09-20T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Rocky Jordan find adventure and intrigue in Cairo in "A Stranger to the Desert" (9/4/49) and "The Big Heist" (11/10/49).

BONUS - A Day for a Dark Knight (Adventures of Superman) from 2020-09-19T06:00

In this bonus episode for Batman Day, we'll hear the Caped Crusader co-starring with Superman (and Robin, the Boy Wonder) in "Batman's Great Mystery" from "The Adventures of Superman" (2/10 - 2/17/...

BONUS - Stanning Freberg (Stan Freberg Show) from 2020-09-16T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy show, we'll hear another pair of episodes from "The Stan Freberg Show" (8/11/57 and 8/18/57) with more of Stan's trademark satire.

Episode 402 – There’s Nothing Like a Dame (Radio City Playhouse & Hercule Poirot) from 2020-09-13T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we're saluting Agatha Christie with an old time radio adaptation of "Witness for the Prosecution" (4/25/49) and an original radio adventure of Hercule Poirot...

BONUS - Silver Screen Spoofs (Jack Benny Program) from 2020-09-09T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy show, Jack Benny and his gang present their versions of "The Lost Weekend" (3/10/46) and "Sunset Boulevard" (3/25/51).

Episode 401 - Compassionate Cop (Broadway is My Beat) from 2020-09-06T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we return to police procedurals with "Broadway is My Beat" - "The Jane Darnell Murder Case" (8/11/49) and "The Lt. Hunt Suicide Case" (2/3/50).

BONUS - Back to School (Our Miss Brooks) from 2020-09-02T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy show, we're headed to class at Madison High with Eve Arden in "Our Miss Brooks." We'll hear a pair of episodes (2/13/49 and 5/28/50).

Episode 400 - Fabulous Firsts from 2020-08-30T06:00

It's the 400th episode of "Down These Mean Streets!" Join me as I go back to the start of my love of old time radio for the first episodes I ever heard of "Johnny Dollar," "Nero Wolfe," "Philip Mar...

BONUS - Vacation Plans (Fibber McGee and Molly & Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show) from 2020-08-26T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy show, we'll hear two couples planning summer getaways: Fibber McGee and Molly (6/11/46) and Phil Harris and Alice Faye (6/28/53).

Episode 399 – The Great Willard (Escape & The Whistler) from 2020-08-23T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Willard Waterman - best known as "The Great Gildersleeve" - shows off his dramatic chops in "Escape" (8/11/49) and "The Whistler" (11/6/49).

BONUS - Yabba Dabba Dude (My Friend Irma & Life with Luigi) from 2020-08-19T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy show, we'll hear Alan Reed - years before he played Fred Flintstone - in two old time radio sitcoms - "My Friend Irma" (3/1/48) and "Life with Luigi" (10/17/50).

Episode 398 – Man in Black (Have Gun – Will Travel) from 2020-08-16T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Paladin rides from TV to radio in "Have Gun - Will Travel." We'll hear "Three Bells to Perdido" (1/18/59); "The Monster of Moon Ridge" (3/8/59); and "The Col...

BONUS - Second Round of Stan (Stan Freberg Show) from 2020-08-12T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy show, master satirist Stan Freberg and his gang are back in two more episodes of "The Stan Freberg Show" (7/28/57 and 8/4/57).

Episode 397 – Bless You (The Saint) from 2020-08-09T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Simon Templar is back on the case. Vincent Price stars as "The Saint" in "The What-Not What Got Hot" (3/4/51) and "Fishes Gotta Eat" (4/29/51).

BONUS - Take Me Out to the Ballgame (Jack Benny & Our Miss Brooks) from 2020-08-05T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy show, we'll welcome baseball back with Jack Benny (10/10/48) and Our Miss Brooks (3/26/50).

Episode 396 – Let It Rip (Mollé Mystery Theatre & Crime Classics) from 2020-08-02T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we'll hear a pair of old time radio mysteries inspired by the infamous crimes of Jack the Ripper - "Yours Truly, Jack the Ripper" from "The Mollé Mystery The...

BONUS - Just Wild About Harold (Great Gildersleeve & Harold Peary Show) from 2020-07-29T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy show, we'll hear a pair of old time radio comedies starring Harold Peary: "The Great Gildersleeve" (8/29/43) and "The Harold Peary Show" (10/4/52).

Episode 395 – Accustomed to His Face (Private Files of Rex Saunders) from 2020-07-26T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Rex Harrison stars as a dapper detective in "The Private Files of Rex Saunders." We'll hear "High Dividends...Or Shallow Graves" (5/30/51) and "When Murder I...

BONUS - We Love Lucy (Abbott and Costello & My Favorite Husband) from 2020-07-22T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy show, we salute Lucille Ball with some of her radio comedic performances. She co-stars in "The Abbott and Costello Show" (11/18/43) and headlines "My Favorite Husband" (...

Episode 394 – Discreet Detection (Barrie Craig, Confidential Investigator) from 2020-07-19T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," William Gargan stars as "Barrie Craig, Confidential Investigator" in "Zero Hour" (2/2/54) and "Mid-Summer Lunacy" (8/17/54).

BONUS - Fun and Fancy Freberg (Stan Freberg Show) from 2020-07-15T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy show, we'll hear the first two episodes of the sensational "Stan Freberg Show" featuring the legendary satirist and his amazing cast (7/14/57 and 7/21/57).

Episode 393 – By the Seat of His Vance (Philo Vance) from 2020-07-12T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Jackson Beck stars as Philo Vance in three old time radio mysteries: "The Cardinal Murder Case," "The Nightmare Murder Case," and "The Chicken Murder Case."

BONUS - Seeing Red (Red Skelton Show) from 2020-07-08T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy episode, Red Skelton brings his one-man cavalcade of characters to radio in a pair of shows - originally aired on NBC on April 1, 1947 and April 15, 1947.

Episode 392 – To Catch a Thief (Boston Blackie) from 2020-07-05T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Chester Morris stars as reformed thief turned detective Boston Blackie in "Fifty Hunter Street" (6/23/44) and "The Caretaker of the Devon Estate" (7/28/44).

BONUS - With Friends Like These (My Friend Irma) from 2020-07-01T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy show, Marie Wilson and Cathy Lewis play merrily mismatched roommates in two episodes of "My Friend Irma" (3/15/48 and 4/19/48).

Episode 391 – Special Delivery (Box 13) from 2020-06-28T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Alan Ladd stars as Dan Holiday as he answers three letters to "Box 13." We'll hear "The First Letter," "The Sad Night," and "Flash of Light."

BONUS - Here Comes Mr. Jordan (Lux Radio Theatre) from 2020-06-24T06:00

In this week's bonus episode, the Lux Radio Theatre presents Cary Grant, Claude Rains, Evelyn Keyes, and James Gleason in "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" (1/26/42).

Episode 390 – Simple Art of Murder (Adventures of Philip Marlowe) from 2020-06-21T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Gerald Mohr stars as Philip Marlowe in three old time radio mysteries: "The Lady in Mink" (4/30/49); "The Busy Body" (6/18/49); and "The Key Man" (6/25/49).

BONUS - Love and Marriage (Drene Time) from 2020-06-17T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy show, Don Ameche and Frances Langford feud as "The Bickersons" with skits and songs from Danny Thomas in "Drene Time" (2/26/47 and 3/2/47).

Episode 389 – Won’t You Come Home, Bob Bailey (Let George Do It & Johnny Dollar) from 2020-06-14T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we salute actor Bob Bailey with his signature roles on "Let George Do It" and "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar" - "Murder and One to Go" (1/3/49), "The Man Under ...

BONUS - Summer School (Our Miss Brooks) from 2020-06-10T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy show, Eve Arden stars in a pair of hilarious high school tales from "Our Miss Brooks" (1/23/49 and 8/7/49).

Episode 388 – Crime Paired with Wine (Casebook of Gregory Hood) from 2020-06-07T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," importer and amateur sleuth Gregory Hood tells us two mysteries from his casebook: "The Derringer Society" (7/8/46) and "South of the Border" (7/15/46).

BONUS - Secret Words (You Bet Your Life) from 2020-06-03T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy episode, Groucho Marx is a merry master of ceremonies in two rounds of "You Bet Your Life" (3/10/48 and 4/14/48).

Episode 387 – Brilliant Deductions (Adventures of Sherlock Holmes) from 2020-05-31T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we'll hear radio adaptations of four classic Sherlock Holmes stories: "The Speckled Band" (11/12/45), "The Dying Detective" (2/3/47), "The Empty House," (4/1...

BONUS - Seven Keys to Baldpate (Lux Radio Theatre) from 2020-05-27T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy episode, Jack Benny, Mary Livingstone, and Cecil B. DeMille star in a comedy mystery courtesy of The Lux Radio Theatre - "Seven Keys to Baldpate" (9/26/38).

Episode 386 – Capering Through Crime (Adventures of Sam Spade) from 2020-05-24T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Dashiell Hammett's San Francisco sleuth Sam Spade is on the case. We'll hear "The Bail Bond Caper" (6/27/48); "The S.Q.P. Caper" (11/7/48); and "The Sure Thi...

BONUS - Hope Floats (Screen Directors' Playhouse) from 2020-05-20T06:00

Bob Hope headlines a double feature in this week's bonus comedy episode. We'll hear radio recreations of "The Ghost Breakers" (4/3/49) and "The Paleface" (3/3/50) from "The Screen Directors' Playho...

Episode 385 – Cowardly Lyon (Jeff Regan, Investigator) from 2020-05-17T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," "Jeff Regan, Investigator" tackles three old time radio crimes: "The Diamond Quartet" (8/14/48), "The Man Who Came Back" (8/21/48), and "No Sad Clowns for Me...

BONUS - Spring Fling (Fibber McGee and Molly & Milton Berle) from 2020-05-13T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy episode, Spring is in the air on "Fibber McGee and Molly" (originally aired on NBC on May 11, 1943) and "The Milton Berle Show" (originally aired on NBC on March 23, 1948).

Episode 384 – Freedom of the Press (The Big Story) from 2020-05-10T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," "The Big Story" presents ripped-from-the-headlines tales of brave journalists who went above and beyond the call of duty: "The Deadline Murder" (5/19/48) and...

BONUS - Mother’s Day (Burns and Allen & My Favorite Husband) from 2020-05-06T06:00

In this bonus comedy episode, we celebrate Mother's Day with a pair of mothers-in-law dropping in for visits on "The Burns and Allen Show" and "My Favorite Husband."

Episode 383 – Mild-Mannered Reporter (Adventures of Superman) from 2020-05-03T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Superman takes flight in a pair of radio mysteries: "One Minute to Death" (11/19/49) and "The Diamond of Death" (12/17/49).

BONUS - Dynamic Duos (Abbott and Costello & Martin and Lewis) from 2020-04-29T06:00

In this midweek bonus comedy episode, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello perform some of their classic routines (2/27/47) and Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis clown around with guest star Henry Fonda (6/5/49).

Episode 382 – Vocalist Violence (Richard Diamond, Private Detective) from 2020-04-26T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Dick Powell sings his way through three radio mysteries as "Richard Diamond, Private Detective." We'll hear "The Fred Sears Murder Case" (6/19/49); "The Ange...

BONUS - Say Goodnight, Gracie (Burns and Allen) from 2020-04-22T06:00

In this week's bonus comedy show, we'll hear from George Burns and Gracie Allen plus special guest Jack Benny in a pair of old time radio episodes (3/6/47 and 1/8/48).

Episode 381 – Members Only (Crime Club) from 2020-04-19T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we'll hear two stories of mystery and murder from the library of "The Crime Club" - "Dead Men Control" (3/20/47) and "Death Swims at Midnight" (8/27/47).

BONUS - Taxes Take a Holiday (Milton Berle & Jack Benny) from 2020-04-15T06:00

For this midweek comedy break, we'll hear Milton Berle offer a salute to income tax (3/9/48) and Jack Benny try to fend off questions from a pair of inquisitive IRS agents (3/16/52).

Episode 380 – Betty Lou’s Gettin' Out Tonight (The Whistler & Philip Marlowe) from 2020-04-12T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we salute Betty Lou Gerson, one of radio's best character actresses. We'll hear her in "Beyond Reasonable Doubt" from "The Whistler" (7/16/47) and "The India...

BONUS - Easter Parade (Fibber McGee and Molly & Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show) from 2020-04-08T06:00

For our midweek comedy break, Fibber McGee and Molly (3/23/48) and Phil Harris and Alice Faye (3/25/51) are on hand to help us celebrate Easter!

Episode 379 – Read All About It (Big Town) from 2020-04-05T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," the reporters of "Big Town" fight to keep their city safe. We'll hear "Double Murder" (10/12/48), "I Remember Murder" (11/30/48), and "The Fatal Alibi" (5/3/...

BONUS - No Fooling (Mel Blanc & My Favorite Husband) from 2020-04-01T06:00

It's another midweek comedy bonus episode featuring April Fools comedy from Mel Blanc (4/1/47) and Lucille Ball in "My Favorite Husband" (4/1/49).

Episode 378 – Man With the Yellow Hat (Dick Tracy) from 2020-03-29T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Chester Gould's two-fisted, square-jawed super cop Dick Tracy stars in a super-sized serial adventure "The Black Pearl of Osiris" (2/8 - 2/25/38).

BONUS - Keep Smiling (Jack Benny & Our Miss Brooks) from 2020-03-25T05:00

In a special midweek bonus show, we'll lighten the mood with a pair of old time radio comedies starring Jack Benny (9/29/46) and Eve Arden as "Our Miss Brooks" (7/17/49).

Episode 377 – Itemized for Adventure (Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar) from 2020-03-22T05:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Bob Bailey stars as Johnny Dollar in a five-part mystery: "The Plantagenet Matter" (3/5/56 - 3/9/56). Plus, we'll hear a two-part story: "The Mason-Dixon Mis...

Episode 376 – Big Red (I was a Communist for the FBI) from 2020-03-15T05:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Dana Andrews goes undercover in three radio adventures from "I Was a Communist for the FBI" - "A Riot Made to Order," "Hate Song," and "Fifteen Minutes to Mu...

Episode 375 – Casual Friday (Dragnet) from 2020-03-08T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Sgt. Joe Friday is back on the case in two police dramas from "Dragnet" - "The Big Bomb" (7/13/50) and "The Big Couple" (2/22/51).

Episode 374 – Homicide on the Range (Tales of the Texas Rangers) from 2020-03-01T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Joel McCrea saddles up to solve crimes in "Tales of the Texas Rangers." We'll hear "Soft Touch (10/15/50) and "Dead Head Freight" (1/7/51).

Episode 373 – She’s Always The Woman to Me (New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes) from 2020-02-23T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce face Irene Adler, one of Sherlock Holmes' most celebrated foes, in "A Scandal in Bohemia" (12/10/45). Plus, a radio sequel to ...

Episode 372 – Amazing Race (Adventures of Frank Race) from 2020-02-16T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we're on the road for excitement and intrigue with international man of mystery Frank Race in three syndicated radio mysteries: "The Istanbul Adventure," "Th...

Episode 371 – My Funny Valentine (Let George Do It) from 2020-02-09T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," George Valentine helps us celebrate February 14th with two old time radio mysteries from "Let George Do It" - "The Seven Dead Years" (9/25/48) and "Mayhem by...

Episode 370 - Thank the Academy (Rex Saunders, Rocky Fortune, & Johnny Dollar) from 2020-02-05T06:00

Today in a bonus episode of "Down These Mean Streets," we'll hear from three radio detective stars who took home Oscars: Rex Harrison as Rex Saunders in "Worth More Than Its Weight in Murder" (7/25...

Episode 369 – Above the Fold (Night Beat) from 2020-02-02T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Frank Lovejoy stars as intrepid reporter Randy Stone in "Night Beat." We'll hear "The Night is a Weapon" (2/13/50) and "Marty" (7/3/50).

Episode 368 – Number, Name, and Charge (The Line-Up) from 2020-01-26T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we'll hear three exciting police dramas from "The Line-Up" starring Bill Johnstone as Lt. Ben Guthrie: "Yudo in Ypsilanti" (1/18/51); "The Senile Slugging Ca...

Episode 367 – I’m Just a Poe Boy (Weird Circle, Suspense, & NBC University Theatre) from 2020-01-19T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we're celebrating Edgar Allan Poe's birthday with old time radio adaptations of three of his mysteries: "Murders in the Rue Morgue" from "The Weird Circle;" ...

Episode 366 – It’s a Miracle (The Saint) from 2020-01-12T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Vincent Price stars as the Robin Hood of modern crime - "The Saint" - in two radio mysteries: "The Frightened Author" (7/23/50) and "Simon Carries the Ivy" (...

Episode 365 – Queen of Smarts (Ford Theatre) from 2020-01-05T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," super sleuth Ellery Queen solves a sixty-minute mystery in an installment of "The Ford Theatre" (1/4/48).

Episode 364 – Auld Lang Crime (Casey, Crime Photographer & The Whistler) from 2019-12-29T23:30

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we bid goodbye to 2019 and ring in 2020 with a pair of New Year's Eve radio mysteries. We'll hear "Casey, Crime Photographer" in "Hot New Year's Party" (1/1/...

Episode 363 – Yule Be Laughing (My Favorite Husband & Our Miss Brooks) from 2019-12-24T06:00

Enjoy a pair of Christmas comedies as we celebrate the holiday season! We'll hear Lucille Ball in "My Favorite Husband" (12/16/49) and Eve Arden as "Our Miss Brooks" (12/18/49).

Episode 362 – The Five Days of Christmas Matter (Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar) from 2019-12-22T06:00

It's our annual holiday show this week on "Down These Mean Streets!" Bob Bailey stars as Johnny Dollar in a five-part Christmas mystery: "The Nick Shurn Matter" (12/19 - 12/23/55).

Episode 361 – For the Boys (Command Performance) from 2019-12-15T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore, Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and more lend their voices to a musical comedy adventure of Dick Tracy from "Command Performance" (2/1...

Episode 360 – Triple Bogie (Bold Venture) from 2019-12-08T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall bring their chemistry to radio in three thrilling tales from "Bold Venture" - "That Gun Will Kill You," "The Tabard of Piza...

Episode 359 – Wolfe Whistle (New Adventures of Nero Wolfe) from 2019-12-01T19:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Sydney Greenstreet is Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe in two radio mysteries: "The Case of the Beautiful Archer" (11/24/50) and "The Case of the Girl Who Cried Wolfe"...

Episode 358 – Talking Turkey 2019 (Abbott and Costello & Our Miss Brooks) from 2019-11-27T06:00

Comedy is on the menu for Thanksgiving dinner with a bonus episode featuring Turkey Day tales starring Abbott and Costello (11/23/44) and Eve Arden as "Our Miss Brooks" (11/27/49).

Episode 357 – In the Wee Small Hours (Rocky Fortune) from 2019-11-25T04:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Frank Sinatra swaps out singing for solving crimes as "Rocky Fortune." We'll hear "Double Identity" (10/13/53), "The Prize Fight Fix" (12/29/53), and "Hollyw...

Episode 356 – Whole Lot of Howard (Sam Spade & Philip Morris Playhouse) from 2019-11-17T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we're saluting Howard Duff with two of his turns as Sam Spade: "The Calcutta Trunk Caper" and "The Cheesecake Caper." Plus - "Four Hours to Kill" from The Ph...

Episode 355 – Perils of Powell (Rogue’s Gallery & Richard Diamond) from 2019-11-10T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we'll hear Dick Powell as two old time radio gumshoes in a pair of mysteries: "Special Added Attraction" from "Rogue's Gallery" (1/31/46) and "Jerome J. Jero...

Episode 354 – Radio Days (Stand By For Crime) from 2019-11-03T05:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," husband and wife Glenn Langan and Adele Jurgens solve mysteries on the air in "Stand By For Crime." We'll hear "The Luke Larson Murder," "The Kidnapper's New...

Episode 353 – Gumshoes and Ghosts: Halloween 2019 (Let George Do It & The Saint) from 2019-10-30T05:00

Happy Halloween! Today in a bonus show, we'll hear George Valentine and Simon Templar battle the seemingly supernatural in "The Ghost on Bliss Terrace" (8/16/48) and "The Ghosts Who Came to Dinner"...

Episode 352 – Eliminate the Impossible (New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes) from 2019-10-27T05:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," it's off to London for three radio adventures of Sherlock Holmes: "Prof. Moriarty and the Diamond Jubilee" (12/7/47); "The Mazarin Stone" (1/4/48); and "The ...

Episode 351 – Casey at the Bat (Casey, Crime Photographer) from 2019-10-20T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Casey, Crime Photographer fights for justice and a front-page story in two old time radio mysteries: "Casey and the Self-Made Hero" (7/17/47) and "Fog" (3/11...

Episode 350 – Long Goodbyes (Adventures of Philip Marlowe) from 2019-10-13T06:00

It's the 350th episode of "Down These Mean Streets," and I'm celebrating with a block of one of my favorite radio sleuths - Philip Marlowe. We'll hear "Red Wind" (9/26/48), "The Black Halo" (1/15/4...

Episode 349 - Jumping Jack (Somebody Knows, Johnny Dollar, & CBS Radio Workshop) from 2019-10-09T05:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we salute writer/director Jack Johnstone with "The Curse of Kamashek" from Johnny Dollar (9/3 - 9/7/56). Plus "Somebody Knows" (7/20/50) and "The CBS Radio W...

Episode 348 – History’s Mysteries (Crime Classics) from 2019-09-29T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Elliott Lewis takes us back in time for some of history's most infamous murders in "Crime Classics." We'll hear "The Death of a Picture Hanger" (7/20/53) and...

Episode 347 – Please Come to Boston (Boston Blackie) from 2019-09-22T20:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Richard Kollmar stars as reformed jewel thief turned sleuth Boston Blackie in three old time radio mysteries: "The John Austin Murder" (8/20/47), "The Armore...

Episode 346 – Everybody Comes to Rocky’s (Rocky Jordan) from 2019-09-15T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we're on a tour of Cairo with ex-pat and adventurer Rocky Jordan. We'll hear him in "Up in Flames" (12/19/48) and "Journey to Nashier" (6/26/49).

Episode 345 – Addressed for Adventure (Box 13) from 2019-09-08T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Alan Ladd fights off writer's block as Dan Holiday in three mysteries from "Box 13" - "Three to Die," "The Biter Bitten," and "The Clay Pigeon."

Episode 344 – Zither Dither (Lux Radio Theatre) from 2019-09-01T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Joseph Cotten reprises his role in a Lux Radio Theatre recreation of the noir classic "The Third Man" (4/9/51).

Episode 343 - Some Very English Murders (Whitehall 1212) from 2019-08-25T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Scotland Yard is on the case in two old time radio mysteries from "Whitehall 1212" - "The Case of Dr. Duncan Allen" (3/9/52) and "The Case of Maggie Rawlinso...

Episode 342 – Vance Can’t Dance (Philo Vance) from 2019-08-18T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Jackson Beck stars as super sleuth Philo Vance in three syndicated radio mysteries: "The Movie Murder Case," "The Birdcage Murder Case," and "The Golden Key ...

Episode 341 – Hot Mike (Adventures of Michael Shayne) from 2019-08-11T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Wally Maher and Jeff Chandler take turns starring as gumshoe Michael Shayne in "The Body in the Trunk" (4/23/45), "Murder, RSVP" (5/28/45), and "The Case of ...

Episode 340 – Go Marching In (The Saint) from 2019-08-04T06:00

This week, a new season of "Down These Mean Streets" starts with Vincent Price as the Saint. We'll hear Simon Templar solve two old time radio mysteries: "Tuba or Not Tuba - That Is the Question" (...

Episode 339 – Sing-A-Long Shamus (Richard Diamond, Private Detective) from 2019-07-28T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Dick Powell stars as Richard Diamond and sings his way through three radio mysteries: "The Private Eye Test" (3/19/50); "The Hatpin Murder Case" (9/27/50); a...

Episode 338 – Fit for a Queen (Ellery Queen) from 2019-07-21T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we'll match wits with master detective Ellery Queen in three old time radio mysteries: "The Case of the Vanishing Magician" (11/6/43); "The Case of Deadman's...

Episode 337 – Sitting on the Dock of the Bay (Pat Novak For Hire) from 2019-07-14T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Jack Webb solves crime on the waterfront as Pat Novak For Hire. We'll hear "Find John St. John" (5/22/49) and "Joe Dineen" (6/19/49).

Episode 336 – The Neon Lights are Bright (Broadway is My Beat) from 2019-07-07T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Detective Danny Clover is walking his Broadway beat in a pair of radio mysteries: "The Joe Gruber Murders" (7/8/51) and "The Alice Mayo Murder" (5/24/52).

Episode 335 – Frees as a Bird (Green Lama & The Whistler) from 2019-06-30T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Paul Frees shows off his voice acting versatility in an adventure of The Green Lama ("The Man Who Never Existed;" 6/5/1949) and a thriller from "The Whistler...

Episode 334 - Basil of Baker Street (New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes) from 2019-06-23T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Basil Rathbone is on the case as Sherlock Holmes in "Murder Beyond the Mountains" (1/14/1946) and "The Waltz of Death" (4/29/1946). Plus, he solves a comedy ...

Episode 333 – Baileywick (Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar) from 2019-06-16T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Bob Bailey tackles "The Long Shot Matter" (6/25 - 6/29/56)- a five-part adventure of "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar."

Episode 332 - Nothing's Better than Mohr (Philip Marlowe & Nero Wolfe) from 2019-06-09T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we salute Gerald Mohr with four of his radio performances: two mysteries as Philip Marlowe ("The Last Laugh" and "The Last Wish"), one as Archie Goodwin ("Th...

Episode 331 - The Names Have Been Changed (Dragnet) from 2019-06-02T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," we're celebrating the 70th anniversary of the radio debut of "Dragnet" with four episodes: "Homicide" (6/10/1949), "The Big Fake" (6/1/1950), "The Big Bible"...

Episode 330 - Dash It All (Adventures of Sam Spade) from 2019-05-26T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Sam Spade is on the case in three radio mysteries: "The Wheel of Life Caper," "The Battles of Belvedere," and "the Spanish Prisoner Caper."

Episode 329 - Bird is the Word (The Falcon) from 2019-05-19T06:00

This week on “Down These Mean Streets,” Les Damon stars as private eye and occasional spy Mike Waring – better known as The Falcon. We’ll hear “The Case of the Sweet Swindle” (6/13/1951) and “The C...

Episode 328 - Hey Bulldog (Bulldog Drummond) from 2019-05-12T06:00

This week on “Down These Mean Streets,” Bulldog Drummond travels across the pond to battle criminals on the air. We’ll hear his 1941 audition program plus “Death Loops the Loop” (3/10/1948).

Episode 327 – Orson’s Swell (Lives of Harry Lime & Black Museum) from 2019-05-05T17:00

This week on “Down These Mean Streets,” it’s a birthday salute to Orson Welles. We’ll hear him as Harry Lime from “The Third Man” in “Horse Play.” Plus he narrates the bloody history of a khaki han...

Episode 326 - Their Girl Friday: Frances Robinson (Let George Do It, Richard Diamond, & The Whistler) from 2019-04-28T06:00

This week on “Down These Mean Streets,” we’re saluting Frances Robinson, busy radio actress and frequent sidekick and secretary to radio gumshoes. We’ll hear her in “Let George Do It” (“The Elusive...

Episode 325 - Master Class (Nick Carter, Master Detective) from 2019-04-21T06:00

This week, Lon Clark is “the most famous of all manhunters” in two radio adventures of Nick Carter, Master Detective: “The Double Disguise” (1/8/1944) and “The Case of the Candidate’s Corpse” (9/26...

Episode 324 - G-Men Get Their Man (This is Your FBI) from 2019-04-14T06:00

This week on "Down These Mean Streets," Stacy Harris stars as Special Agent Jim Taylor in a pair of case files from "This is Your FBI" - "The Case of the Curious Coin Collector" (10/4/1946) and "Th...

Episode 323 - Hit the Road, Jack (Jeff Regan, Pat Novak, & Pete Kelly's Blues) from 2019-04-07T06:00

This week on “Down These Mean Streets,” we salute Jack Webb – one of the patron saints of radio detectives. We’ll hear him as Jeff Regan in “The Gambler and the Lady” (12/11/1948); as Pat Novak in ...

Episode 322 - Same Bat-Time (Adventures of Superman) from 2019-04-03T06:00

Today in a Bat-bonus episode of "Down These Mean Streets," we're celebrating the Caped Crusader's 80th anniversary with a complete serialized adventure starring Batman, Robin, and Superman: "The My...

Episode 321 - The Buck Starts Here (Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar) from 2019-03-31T06:00

This week on “Down These Mean Streets,” we’re saluting Charles Russell – the first actor to play Johnny Dollar in a radio series. We’ll hear three of Russell’s adventures: “The Perikoff Policy” (or...

Episode 320 - Don't Fence Me In (Tales of the Texas Rangers) from 2019-03-24T05:00

This week on “Down These Mean Streets,” we’re deep in the heart of Texas with Joel McCrea as Ranger Pearson in two mysteries from “Tales of the Texas Rangers” – “Quicksilver” (originally aired on N...

Episode 319 - Hite Writes (Philip Marlowe & Fort Laramie) from 2019-03-17T05:00

This week, we’re saluting Kathleen Hite - the first female staff writer hired at CBS who would go on to pen hundreds of radio episodes. We’ll hear two of her Philip Marlowe mysteries plus an episod...

Episode 318 - Take a Letter (Box 13) from 2019-03-10T06:00

This week on “Down These Mean Streets,” Alan Ladd is mystery writer and amateur sleuth Dan Holiday in two “Box 13” mysteries. The star of “This Gun for Hire” answers two letters that lead to danger...

Episode 317 - Their Girl Friday: Virginia Gregg (Richard Diamond, Let George Do It, & Frontier Gentleman) from 2019-03-03T06:00

This week on “Down These Mean Streets,” we’re saluting Virginia Gregg, one of radio’s greatest actresses. We’ll hear her in her regular roles in “Richard Diamond” and “Let George Do It,” plus an ep...

Super Friends from 2019-03-02T18:00

Today in 1945, Superman first encountered the caped crusaders, Batman and Robin. This momentous meeting of heroes didn’t take pla...

"The lonesomest mile in the world..." from 2019-02-27T18:00

Broadway is My Beat, the story of Detective Danny Clover and “the gaudiest, the most violent, the lonesomest mile in the world,” premiere...

Episode 316 - A Chorus Crime (Broadway is My Beat) from 2019-02-24T06:00

This week on “Down These Mean Streets,” Larry Thor walks the Great White Way as Detective Danny Clover in two mysteries from “Broadway is My Beat” - “The Val Dane Starvation Murder Case” and “The G...

Episode 315 - Wealthy Young Man About Town (The Line-Up) from 2019-02-17T06:00

This week on “Down These Mean Streets,” we’re celebrating Bill Johnstone’s birthday with two of his starring turns as Lt. Ben Guthrie in “The Line-Up.”

"Faster than a speeding bullet..." from 2019-02-12T18:00

“Look, up in the sky!” Today, in 1940, Superman flew from the pages of Action Comics on to radio. As he thrilled readers in the comic boo...

"Expense account, item one..." from 2019-02-11T18:00

On February 11, 1949, Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar premiered on CBS and kicked off the career of “America’s fabulous freelance insurance in...

Episode 314 - The Final Five Matter (Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar) from 2019-02-10T06:00

This week on “Down These Mean Streets,” Bob Bailey is “the man with the action-packed expense account” in the final five-part adventure of “Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar.”

Episode 313 - In the Still of the Night (Night Beat) from 2019-02-03T06:00

This week on “Down These Mean Streets,” Frank Lovejoy prowls the streets of the Windy City in search of newspaper stories as reporter Randy Stone in two old time radio mysteries from “Night Beat.”

An Englishman in the West from 2019-02-02T18:00

“Herewith, an Englishman’s account of life and death in the west. As a reporter for the London Times, he writes his colorful and unusual stories. But a...