All Episodes - Classic Radio Theater
Newly minted presentations of some of the greatest radio programs of all time, featuring some of the biggest names of the era and fondly remembered today. Drama, comedy, mystery, and western adventure. Also featuring news of the day and sound of the newsmakers of the times.
View Podcast Details40 Episodes
December 27, 2021 Hour 1 - Irma's New Boyfriend
My Friend Irma starring Marie Wilson, originally broadcast December 27, 1948, 73 years ago. Irma has given up on Al and has a new boyfriend named Melvin, who's more interested in his job in an aircraft factory wind tunnel.
December 27, 2021 Hour 2 - The Marriage
The Marriage starring Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn, originally broadcast December 27, 1953, Ben and Liz remember how they first met. Fantasies of a literary New Year's Eve. Also Captain Midnight, originally broadcast December 27, 1939, Is escape possible?
December 27, 2021 Hour 3 - The Identical Murder Case
Philo Vance starring Jackson Beck, originally broadcast December 27, 1949, The Identical Murder Case. Tommy Orchid has killed a man who looked like Philo Vance and Tommy Orchid doesn't tolerate mistakes! Also Part 2 of a 5 part Yours Truly Johnny Dollar story, The Forbes Matter, originally broadcast December 27, 1955. What makes a man steal? Johnny tries to come up with an answer.
December 26, 2021 Hour 1 - The guns of Wrath
Frontier Town starring Jeff “Tex” Chandler, originally broadcast December 26, 1952, 69 years ago, The Guns of Wrath. A gang of crooks trapped in a canyon take a hostage and blow up the dam.
Sunday, December 26, 2021 Hour 2 - A Gift of Laughter
A Gift of Laughter, originally broadcast December 26, 1974. A tribute produced by American Forces Network Europe on the date of Jack Benny’s Passing. Also Claudia, originally broadcast December 26, 1947, A Surprise for Claudia. There's a great Dane in Claudia's future.
Sunday December 26, 2021 Hour 3 - The guitar
Gunsmoke starring William Conrad, originally broadcast December 26, 1953, The guitar. Simple-minded Weeb Pendle comes to Dodge riding on a mule. He's promptly picked on by bullies. Also Part 1 of a 5 part Yours Truly Johnny Dollar story, The Forbes Matter, originally broadcast December 26, 1955. Sheldon Forbes, the book-keeper of a New York fashion company has obviously been an embezzler.
Classic Radio Theater for December 25, 2021 Hour 1 - Nick Carter's Christmas Adventure
Nick Carter, Master Detective starring Lon Clark, originally broadcast December 25, 1943, 78 years ago, Nick Carter’s Christmas Adventure. Nick Carter investigates why a rich man has soured on Christmas.
Classic Radio Theater for December 25, 2021 Hour 2 - Miss Brooks and the Magic Christmas Tree
Our Miss Brooks starring Eve Arden, originally broadcast December 25, 1949, The Magic Christmas Tree.. A party at Miss Brooks', with a magic Christmas tree, or was it all a dream? Also The Cinnamon Bear, originally broadcast December 25, 1937, Returned to the Attic. The Silver Star is recaptured from the Crazy Quilt Dragon. Judy and Jimmy wake up back home in time for Christmas. The end of the story.
Classic Radio Theater for December 25, 2021 Hour 3 - The Whistler's Christmas Bonus
The Whistler, originally broadcast December 25, 1944, Christmas Bonus. An ex-convict is fired from his job in a department store after $10,000 is stolen. As long as he's considered guilty, he might as well steal some more, but he is saved by a music box! Also Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast December 25, 1953, Christmas at home. The McGees spend Christmas at home with their friends.
Classic Radio Theater for December 24, 2021 Hour 1 - Danny Clover, Nick Norman, and Santa Claus
Broadway is my Beat starring Larry Thor, originally broadcast December 24, 1949, 72 years ago, Nick Norman and Santa Claus. A Christmas show. Nick Norman is just out of Sing Sing after fifteen years and is scheduled to play Santa Claus for the P.A.L. The day before the big day, Santa takes a powder, while a miserly landlord demands his rent!
Classic Radio Theater for December 24, 2021 Hour 2 - Margaret O'Brien and Jimmy Duranteclaus
Jimmy Durante Show, originally broadcast December 24, 1947, Christmas Show. Guest Margaret O'Brien makes the rounds with jolly Jimmy Duranteclaus. Also The Cinnamon Bear, originally broadcast December 24, 1937, North Pole. The Silver Star is recaptured from the Crazy Quilt Dragon. Judy and Jimmy wake up back home in time for Christmas. The end of the story.
Classic Radio Theater for December 24, 2021 Hour 3 - The Anderson Family Christmas Show
Father Knows Best, starring Robert Young, originally broadcast December 24, 1953. Christmas show. . It's Christmas eve and the family has unique ideas to celebrate it. Also Claudia, originally broadcast December 24, 1947, Christmas Eve.
Classic Radio Theater for December 23, 2021 Hour 1 - Next Year is MINE!
The Whistler, originally broadcast December 23, 1946, 75 years ago, Next Year is Mine starring Frank Lovejoy. The story of a prisoner’s sullen attitude at Christmas.
Classic Radio Theater for December 23, 2021 Hour 2 - Christmas at the Gildersleeve home
The Great Gildersleeve starring Harold Peary, originally broadcast December 23, 1945, Christmas Eve. An old-fashioned Christmas at home. Also The Cinnamon Bear, originally broadcast December 23, 1937, Captain Tintop. Captain Tintop presents the Star with a flourish to Judy and Jimmy, but the Crazy Quilt Dragon has other ideas!
Classic Radio Theater for December 23, 2021 Hour 3 - The Christmas Payoff
Tales of the Texas Rangers starring Joel McRae, originally broadcast December 23, 1951, Christmas Payoff. Dr. Hartley is murdered in his office on Christmas eve. The killer had a bandaged hand. Then Part 5 of a 5 part Yours Truly Johnny Dollar story, The Nick Shurn Matter, originally broadcast December 23, 1955. The showdown...victory and then disaster. A visitor turns out to be be death!
Classic Radio Theater for December 22, 2021 Hour 1 - The Case of the Slaughtered Santas
The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe starring Sydney Greenstreet, originally broadcast December 22, 1950,71 years ago, The Case of the Slaughtered Santas. Who is killing off the sidewalk Santas...and why?
Classic Radio Theater for December 22, 2021 Hour 2 - Santa and the Pirates
The Burns and Allen Show, originally broadcast December 22, 1942, Santa and the Pirates. . A Christmas fantasy with guest Akim Tamiroff. George and Gracie fly on the back of Herman The Duck to the North Pole. A visit to Santa's workshop as George, Gracie and Santa Claus battle a pirate named, "Tamiroff The Terrible." Also The Cinnamon Bear, originally broadcast December 22, 1937, The Christmas Parade.
Classic Radio Theater for December 22, 2021 Hour 3 - The plot to murder Santa Claus
Rocky Fortune starring Frank Sinatra, originally broadcast December 22, 1953, The Plot to Murder Santa Claus. There's a plot to murder Santa Claus, believe it or not! But why? And by whom? Also Part 4 of a 5 part Yours Truly Johnny Dollar story, The Nick Shurn Matter, originally broadcast December 22, 1955. A little girl who believes in Santa Claus, a big girl who believes in very little, and both of them facing death!
Classic Radio Theater for December 21, 2021 Hour 1 - a .22 rifle for Christmas
Dragnet starring Jack Webb, originally broadcast December 21, 1952, 68 years ago, A .22 Rifle for Christmas. A young boy named Stanley Johnstone is missing, and so is the .22 caliber rifle he was going to get for Christmas.
Classic Radio Theater for December 21, 2021 Hour 2 - The Aldrich Family Christmas
The Aldrich Family, originally broadcast December 21, 1952, Christmas Eve. It's the day before Christmas and Eleanor Wentworth is giving Henry an expensive wallet. Henry tries to buy a battery-operated Christmas tree pin for Eleanor. Also The Cinnamon Bear, originally broadcast December 21, 1937, The Bad Dolls. The Bad Doll steals the Silver Star, but Santa sends the Tin Soldier in hot pursuit.
Classic Radio Theater for December 21, 2021 Hour 3 - No Room at the Inn
The Greatest Story Ever Told, originally broadcast December 21, 1947, No Room at the Inn. Also Part 3 of a 5 part Yours Truly Johnny Dollar story, The Nick Shurn Matter, originally broadcast December 21, 1955. A lonely vigil in the snow, a killer prowls the night, and a lady vanishes.
Classic Radio Theater for December 20, 2021 Hour 1 - Irma's Christmas Party
My Friend Irma starring Marie Wilson, originally broadcast December 20, 1948, 73 years ago, Irma’s Christmas Party. Irma wants to throw a party on Christmas Eve, but no one can attend. Irma is lonely on Christmas Eve.
Classic Radio Theater for December 20, 2021 Hour 2 - Harold's Christmas Childrens Party
The Harold Peary Show, originally broadcast December 20, 1950, Children’s Christmas Party. A heartwarming Christmas show as Honest Hal trusts an old bank robber with the job of playing Santa Claus for the kids. Also The Cinnamon Bear, originally broadcast December 20, 1937, Santa Claus. Judy and Jimmy meet Santa Claus himself, and later they meet Jack Frost.
Classic Radio Theater for December 20, 2021 Hour 3 - A Gunsmoke Christmas Story
Gunsmoke, originally broadcast December 20, 1952, Christmas Story. A Christmas story, told by Marshal Dillon to a stranger on a strange horse out on the prairie about Christmas in Dodge City. Also Part 2 of a 5 part Yours Truly Johnny Dollar story, The Nick Shurn Matter, originally broadcast December 20, 1955.. An old lady with a broken arm, a shivering girl, and a bullet in the snow.
Classic Radio Theater for December 19, 2021 Hour 1 - The Shadow and Cold Death
The Shadow starring Orson Welles and Agnes Moorehead, originally broadcast December 19, 1937, 84 years ago, Cold Death. Old man Daniel Carver owns a small town and keeps the press out with gangsters. The people of Carverville are in poverty and live under miserable conditions. Shades of Scrooge!
Classic Radio Theater for December 19, 2021 Hour 2 - Lionel Barrymore in a Christmas Carol
The Hallmark Hall of Fame, originally broadcast December 19, 1954, A Christmas Carol starring Lionel Barrymore in a recorded performance. A rebroadcast of "Mr. Barrymore's last performance as Scrooge." Barrymore had died November 15, 1954. Also Claudia, originally broadcast December 19, 1947, Without Mama. Claudia must decide...Chicago without mama?
Classic Radio Theater for December 19, 2021 Hour 3 - Santa Benny
Phil Harris and Alice Faye, originally broadcast December 19, 1948, Jack Benny plays Santa (for a price) for Phil's kids. Also Part 1 of a 5 part Yours Truly Johnny Dollar story, The Nick Shurn Matter, originally broadcast December 19, 1955. A nightclub owner is found shot to death. His insurance beneficiary is his business partner, who has a perfect alibi.
Classic Radio Theater for December 18, 2021 Hour 1 - Jack and the gang on the train
Jack Benny, originally broadcast December 18, 1938, 83 years ago, Jack and the gang heading back to Hollywood by train.
Classic Radio Theater for December 18, 2021 Hour 2 - Leroy wants a Motor Scooter for Christmas
The Great Gildersleeve starring Harold Peary, originally broadcast December 18, 1946, Leroy Wants a Motor Scooter. Leroy would like a motorscooter for Christmas, but Gildersleeve has other ideas. Also The Cinnamon Bear, originally broadcast December 18, 1937, Flying Hat. The Grand Wunkey banishes the Witch, the Flying Hat is found.
Classic Radio Theater for December 18, 2021 Hour 3 - Candy Matson at San Juan Batista
Candy Matson YUkon-2-8209 starring Natalie Masters, originally broadcast December 18, 1950, San Juan Batista. Candy and Lieutenant Mallard visit the old Mission at San Juan Bautista. They find the friendly Father Paulino and a dead body too! Also Claudia, originally broadcast December 18, 1947, Heartbreak. Roger's retiring, and mama won't go to Chicago.
Classic Radio Theater for December 17, 2021 Hour 1 - The Case of the Invisible Insurrectionist
Counterspy starring Don MacLaughlin and Mandel Kramer, originally broadcast December 17, 1950, 71 years ago, The Case of the Invisible Insurrectionist. There are communist saboteurs among the Puerto Rican community of New York City. But who?
Classic Radio Theater for December 17, 2021 Hour 2 - Buying Alice a Christmas present...
The Phil Harris Alice Faye show, originally broadcast December 17, 1950, Buying Alice a Christmas Present. What to get Alice for Christmas? Also The Cinnamon Bear, originally broadcast December 17, 1937, Wooden Indian. The Wooden Indians attack, the Wintergreen Witch changes everyone into frogs!
Classic Radio Theater for December 17, 2021 Hour 3 - Road sabotage in Turkey
Dangerous Assignment starring Brian Donlevy, originally broadcast December 17, 1952, Road sabotage in Turkey. A major road construction project in Turkey is apparently being sabotaged. Also Claudia, originally broadcast December 17, 1947, A Job Offer. David has a job offer, but they would have to relocate to Chicago!
Classic Radio Theater for December 16, 2021 Hour 1 - Gildy goes to the Opera
The Great Gildersleeve starring Harold Peary, originally broadcast December 16, 1945, 76 years ago, Night at the Opera. After the opera, Gildy runs through a little aria.
Classic Radio Theater for December 16, 2021 Hour 2 - Fibber chops down a Christmas tree
Fibber Mcgee and Molly, originally broadcast December 16, 1941. Fibber heads out to chop down a Christmas tree. . Also The Cinnamon Bear, originally broadcast December 16, 1937, Cocklebur Cowboys. Slim Pickens and the cowboys rescue Jimmy and Judy, they then set out to find the Singing Tree.
Classic Radio Theater for December 16, 2021 Hour 3 - Matt Dillon and Cherry Red
Gunsmoke starring William Conrad, originally broadcast December 16, 1956, Cherry Red. Pretty Cherry O'Dell's husband has been shot while robbing a stage. Red Learned, the man who killed him, comes to Dodge to marry the widow! Also Part 5 of a 5 part Yours Truly Johnny Dollar story, The Lansing Fraud Matter, originally broadcast December 16, 1955. $50,000 worth of murder!
Classic Radio Theater for December 15, 2021 Hour 1 - The Lucille Baker Murder Case
Broadway is my Beat starring Larry Thor, originally broadcast December 15, 1951, 70 years ago, the Lucille Baker Murder Case. A drunk named Bob reports the death of Lucille Baker. She's been strangled.
Classic Radio Theater for December 15, 2021 Hour 2 - The Night Before Christmas - with Goats?
Radio City Playhouse, originally broadcast December 15, 1949, The Night Before Christmas. Two reporters are on a search for two goats on Christmas Eve. Also The Cinnamon Bear, originally broadcast December 15, 1937, Pelted with mud. The Cinnamon Bear has fallen down the wishing well. The Muddlers attack
Classic Radio Theater for December 15, 2021 Hour 3 - Jack and Babe go to exchange Shoelaces?
Jack Benny, originally broadcast December 15, 1946, Jack exchanging shoelaces? Babe Marks (Mary's sister in real life) appears on the show. Mary does not appear, she was "sick" at the last minute. Jack returns to the department store to exchange the metal-tipped shoe laces that he previously bought. Also Part 4 of a 5 part Yours Truly Johnny Dollar story, The Lansing Fraud Matter, originally broadcast December 15, 1955. A bad liar goes on the run.
Classic Radio Theater for December 14, 2021 Hour 1 - Steve Wilson and the Deadline at Dawn
Big Town starring Edward Pawley, originally broadcast December 14, 1948, 73 years ago, Deadline at Dawn. A protection mob is moving into the produce markets of Big Town. Steve Wilson pays a call on "Lard" Malone.