The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas-logo

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas

Drama

Are you ready for a mystery? Get ready to unleash your inner sleuth. Every day Monday-Saturday, we feature a different detective audio drama from the Golden Age of Radio. Our current mystery-solving line-up of radio detectives includes The Adventures of the Falcon, Charlie Chan, Broadway's My Beat, Yours Truly Johnny Dollar, and Dragnet. Whether you want to listen to a mystery before going to sleep or enjoy some drama while driving, or just feel nostalgia for old-school radio fiction, we have you covered with six audio dramas every week. Podcast Award finalist Host Adam Graham has been your guide through dozens of old-time radio detective series since 2009. He provides insightful commentary and humor after each episode and responds to listener questions and feedback. You can subscribe to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from your favorite podcast app or by visiting our website at http://www.greatdetectives.net. We are currently in our fifteenth season of provided suspenseful mystery dramas. Our podcast feed captures the last 1,000 episodes we've released including all of seasons thirteen and fourteen, and part of season twelve. We have created two archive feeds: Volume 1, which features our first three seasons and Volume 2, which features seasons four-six, and Volume 3 which will feature Seasons Seven through Nine. Our feed includes old time radio recorded in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and also Australia. The current actors featured in our old time radio detective podcast include Les Damon, Bob Bailey, Larry Thor, Walter Connolly, and Jack Webb. Other actors featured within the past 1,000 include Alice Frost, Howard Duff, Glenn Langan, Herbert Marshall, Gerald Mohr, Joel McCrea, Les Tremayne, Jackson Beck, Santos Ortega, Ned Wever, Karl Swenson, and more.

Location:

Boise, ID

Description:

Are you ready for a mystery? Get ready to unleash your inner sleuth. Every day Monday-Saturday, we feature a different detective audio drama from the Golden Age of Radio. Our current mystery-solving line-up of radio detectives includes The Adventures of the Falcon, Charlie Chan, Broadway's My Beat, Yours Truly Johnny Dollar, and Dragnet. Whether you want to listen to a mystery before going to sleep or enjoy some drama while driving, or just feel nostalgia for old-school radio fiction, we have you covered with six audio dramas every week. Podcast Award finalist Host Adam Graham has been your guide through dozens of old-time radio detective series since 2009. He provides insightful commentary and humor after each episode and responds to listener questions and feedback. You can subscribe to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from your favorite podcast app or by visiting our website at http://www.greatdetectives.net. We are currently in our fifteenth season of provided suspenseful mystery dramas. Our podcast feed captures the last 1,000 episodes we've released including all of seasons thirteen and fourteen, and part of season twelve. We have created two archive feeds: Volume 1, which features our first three seasons and Volume 2, which features seasons four-six, and Volume 3 which will feature Seasons Seven through Nine. Our feed includes old time radio recorded in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and also Australia. The current actors featured in our old time radio detective podcast include Les Damon, Bob Bailey, Larry Thor, Walter Connolly, and Jack Webb. Other actors featured within the past 1,000 include Alice Frost, Howard Duff, Glenn Langan, Herbert Marshall, Gerald Mohr, Joel McCrea, Les Tremayne, Jackson Beck, Santos Ortega, Ned Wever, Karl Swenson, and more.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Dragnet: The Big Waiter (EP4849)

11/20/2025
Today's Mystery: Joe Friday and Ben Romero investigating the murder of the philandering owner of a habadashery store. Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 13,1951 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Herb Butterfield Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Kevin, Patreon supporter since July 2025 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Duration:00:35:29

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Broadway's My Beat: The Francesca Brown Murder Case (EP4848)

11/19/2025
Today's Mystery: A waitresss is strangled and knifed to death. Original Radio Broadcast Date:June 2, 1951 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan; Lamont Johnson; Lou Merrill; Cathy Lewis; Herb Butterfield; Bea Benaderet Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Charlie, Patreon supporter since October 2019. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Duration:00:36:15

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The Big Story: The Bobby-Sox Kid from Bayonne (EP4847)

11/18/2025
Today's Mystery: Dorothy Kilgaren is called in to investigate the killing-by-hatchet of a woman; police suspect her seventeen-year-old daughter. Original Radio Broadcast: October 15, 1947 Originating from New York Starring: Janet Fox as Dorothy Kilgaren; Burt Brazier; Francis De Sales; Jerry Lewis; Mitzi Gould; Eleanor Audley Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Doc, patreon supporter since February 2016. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Duration:00:35:52

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Danger with Grainger: The Arnie Lesich Story (EP4846)

11/17/2025
Today's Mystery: A woman asks Grainger for help when a man whom she sent to prison is released. Original Radio Broadcast Date: 1956 or 1957 Originating from Australia Starring: Harp McGuire as Steve Grainger Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Gretchen, patreon supporter since September 2017. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Duration:00:35:12

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Casebook of Gregory Hood: The Derringer Society (Encore) (EP4845e)

11/16/2025
A woman visits the Derringer Society and the members start dying as she predicted. Original Air Date: July 8, 1946 Originating in Hollywood Starring Gale Gordon as Gregory Hood Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Duration:00:34:22

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Cloak and Dagger: Operation Sellout (A0036)

11/15/2025
Today's Adventure: An OSS agent leads a mission with a British officer and a former German officer. Original Radio Broadcast: September 22, 1950 Originating from New York Starring: Carl Eastman; Louise Erickson; Ian Martin; Luis Van Rooten; Arnold Moss; Karl Weber; Raymond Edward Johnson To subscribe to this podcast and, go to https://greatadventures.info/ Become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives

Duration:00:35:34

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Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Wayward Killer Matter (EP4845)

11/14/2025
Today's Mystery: Johnny is called to protect an insured man who witnessed a murder. Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 27, 1958 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Edgar Barrier; Herb Vigran; James McCallion; Paul Dubov; Lawrence Dobkin; John Dehner; Bill James; Vic Perrin When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you to our Patreon Supporter of the Day: Lisa, Patreon supporter since October 2021. Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Duration:00:34:34

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Dragnet: The Big Seventeen (EP4844)

11/13/2025
Today's Mystery:Joe Friday and Ben Romero investigate teens going wild in a neighborhood, culminating in a small riot in a theater. Original Radio Broadcast Date: September 6, 1951 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero; Herb Butterfield Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Marla, Patreon supporter since January 2018. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Duration:00:32:25

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Broadway's My Beat: The Eleanor Corbett Murder Case (EP4843)

11/12/2025
Today's Mystery: A woman is found murdered with a broken neck. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 26, 1951 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover; Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia; Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan; Howard McNear Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Lovingly, Patreon Supporter since November 2024 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Duration:00:35:48

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The Big Story: The Case of the Countrefeit Coins (EP4842)

11/11/2025
Today's Mystery:Reporter Jack Adams goes undercover in a gang of counterfeiters to catch the man at the top. Original Radio Broadcast: October 19, 1947 Originating from New York Starring: Dwight Weist as Jack Adams; Mason Adams; Larry Haines; Richard Keith; Eileen Heckart; James Boles; Jackson Beck Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Duration:00:31:48

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Danger with Grainger: A Marriage Minded Girl (EP4841)

11/10/2025
Today's Mystery: A woman contacts Grainger for help and is then beaten up and disappears. Original Radio Broadcast Date: 1956 or 1957 Originating from Australia Starring: Harp McGuire as Steve Grainger Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Marla, Patreon supporter since January 2018. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Duration:00:31:01

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Adventure Ahead: Inside the FBI (A0035)

11/9/2025
Today's Adventure: An FBI agent tells a young visitor about a case that began with cattle rustling but led to a nationwide conspiracy. Originating Radio Broadcast Date: August 26, 1944 Originating from New York To subscribe to this podcast and follow more adventures of Flash Gordon go to https://greatadventures.info/ Become one of our Patreon supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives

Duration:00:33:22

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Cloak and Dagger: Seeds of Doubt (A0034)

11/8/2025
Today's Adventure: In the waning days of the war, an OSS agent impersonates a dead Frenchman and pretends to marry his fiancée in order to weed out German agents trying to undermine Allied morale. Original Radio Broadcast: September 15, 1950 Originating from New York Starring: Charles Webster; Alice Frost; Joseph Julian; Karl Weber; Evie Juster; Jerry Jarrett; Louis Sorin; Horace Braham; Anna Karen To subscribe to this podcast and, go to https://greatadventures.info/ Become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives

Duration:00:34:16

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Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: The Mojave Red Sequel Matter (EP4840)

11/7/2025
Today's Mystery: An apparent accidental death of a businessman on a fishing trip is confirmed to be murder. Who did it? Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 20, 1958 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Virginia Gregg; Parley Baer; Forrest Lewis; Barney Phillips; Alan Reed; Russell Thorson When making your travel plans, remember http://johnnydollarair.com Become one of our Patreon Supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Thank you to our Patreon Supporters of the Day: J./L. and J. Marcus, Patreon Supporters since November 2025 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Duration:00:32:15

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Dragnet: The Big Crazy (EP4839)

11/6/2025
Today's Mystery: A woman is missing and her sister suspects her milquetoast husband of murder. Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 30, 1951 Originating from Hollywood Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday; Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Kirk, Patreon supporter since January 2024. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Duration:00:32:34

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Broadway's My Beat: The Charles Crandall Murder Case (EP4838)

11/5/2025
Today's Mystery: A man is found murdered with the only clue to his identity being a parking ticket. Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 12, 1951 Originated in Hollywood Stars: Larry Thor as Lieutenant Danny Clover, Charles Calvert as Sergeant Gino Tartaglia, Jack Kruschen as Sergeant Muggavan, Lou Merrill, Jeanette Nolan, Adam Williams, Peggy Webber, Joy Terry. Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Rachel, Patreon supporter since July 2023. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Become one of our friends on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Duration:00:35:14

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The Big Story: The Thirteenth Key (EP4837)

11/4/2025
Today's Mystery:A Columbus reporter investigates the brutal stabbing death of a woman found at a shooting range .Original Radio Broadcast: June 4, 1947 Originating from New York Starring: John Gibson as James Fusco of the Columbus Citizen; James McCallion; Gilbert Mack; Ward Wilson; Horace Braham; Connie Lembke; Janet Fox Related: Columbus Underground article on the true story behind this week's episode. (NSFW) Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day:Robert, Patreon supporter since August 2016 Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Duration:00:36:14

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Danger with Grainger: The Coincidental Cartoon (EP4836)

11/3/2025
Today's Mystery:A cartoonist hires Grainger when his brother is murdered using a method that was outlined in his comic strip. Original Radio Broadcast Date: 1956 or 1957 Originating from Australia Starring: Harp McGuire as Steve Grainger Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day: Joanna, Patreon supporter since June 2022. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Duration:00:32:19

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The Best of the 2024-25 Season

11/2/2025
In this special, we look back at the top five half-hour Old Time Radio programs of our 2024-2025 season, and one of our best Old Time Radio Snack Wagon episodes. First up, it's The Falcon in "The Case of the Jumping Jack": A woman hires The Falcon because she suspects that her husband has hired a private eye to follow her. Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 20, 1952 Originating from New York Starring: Les Damon as The Falcon; Chuck Webster as Sergeant Corbett Then we turn to the Your Playhouse of Favorites production of "The Suicide Club": A bored crown prince, looking for excitement, joins a club of men who want to end their lives. Original Air Date: Sometime between 1947 and 1949 Originating from New York Starring: Dwight Reese; Walter Vaughn Speaking of Robert Louis Stevenson, we turn to an excerpt from The Orson Welles Almanac wherein Welles reads Stevenson's lesser-known letter defending Father Damien against the scathing remarks of Reverend Dr. C.M. Hyde. This impassioned response, penned in 1890, highlights the stark contrasts between the selfless heroism of Father Damien and the hypocrisy of his critics. Join us as we explore the rich historical context and emotional weight of Stevenson's words, showcasing not only a brilliant literary takedown but also a tribute to compassion and service in the face of adversity. Welles's masterful narration brings this poignant piece to life, reminding us of the enduring legacy of Father Damien. Complete Text of Stevenson's letter: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/281/281-h/281-h.htm Then we turn to a surreal episode of Mr. and Mrs. North, "Call Me Choo Choo" Today’s Mystery:Pam and Jerry hear a clarinet being played in the middle of the country near a wrecked car. Original Radio Broadcast Date: December 9, 1947 Originating from New York City Starring: Joseph Curtain as Jerry North; Alice Frost as Pamela North; Larry Haines; Mandel Kramer We will also have a listen to one of our new series, Cloak and Dagger, about the true adventures of the OSS during WWII. Here is "Roof of the World": A husband and wife team of geologists are recruited by the IRS to journey into Tibet to seek the favor of the Dalai Lama. They find themselves in competition with two Nazi officers. Original Radio Broadcast: August 13, 1950 Originating from New YorkStarring: Louise Barclay; Grant Richards; Raymond Edward Johnson; Stefan Schnabel; Berry Kroeger; Janice Gilbert; Karl Weber; Ralph Bell; Jerry Jarrett Then we conclude with one of our most memorable guest-starring appearances in the Yours Truly Johnny Dollar story, "The Price of Fame Matter" Vincent Price summons Johnny Dollar when a $100,000 painting is stolen from his private collection. Original Radio Broadcast Date: February 2, 1958 Originating from HollywoodStarring: Bob Bailey as Johnny Dollar; Vincent Price as Himself; Virginia Gregg; Howard McNear; Junius Matthews; Forrest Lewis; Tony Barrett Support the show monthly at patreon.greatdetectives.net Patreon Supporter of the Day:John, Patreon supporter since September 2016. Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.

Duration:02:42:15

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Cloak and Dagger: Over Ground Railroad (A0032)

11/1/2025
Today's Adventure: An OSS agent goes into France to team up with a formidable wealthy French woman to set up an escape route for downed Allied flyers. Original Radio Broadcast: September 8, 1950 Originating from New York Starring: Les Tremayne; Bryna Raeburn; Lily Valenti; Jack Gordon; Ralph Bell To subscribe to this podcast and, go to https://greatadventures.info/ Become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net. Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715 Take the listener survey at http://survey.greatdetectives.net Give us a call at 208-991-4783 Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives Follow us on Twitter @radiodetectives

Duration:00:34:31