Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Choice Classic Radio presents Mr. and Mrs. North, featuring today’s episode titled “The Death Trap.” Please consider supporting our show by becoming a patron at http://choiceclassicradio.com We hope you enjoy the show!

Agent Steve Mitchell is assigned to Ketnik to recover the stolen File 72 by posing as a correspondent at General Traska's press conference. After discovering a murdered contact and finding the General's room empty, Mitchell investigates the mysterious death of Traska, uncovering a cover-up orchestrated by Captain Ricky to incite international conflict. Mitchell tracks the general's body to a staged plane crash across the border. Alongside a Lieutenant, he retrieves File 72 from the wreckage while evading soldiers, ultimately escaping after using a deceptive tactic to distract the guards.

Detective Danny Clover investigates the murder of real estate mogul Frank Dayton, tracing leads from Dayton's former fiancée and a local tenement to the Holiday School for Girls. The investigation uncovers connections between the deceased and seventeen-year-old Susan Blaine. As Clover tracks the whereabouts of Jimmy Lomack, the investigation reaches a climax at the Blaine residence. There, a shocking confession reveals that Mrs. Blaine murdered Frank Dayton, concluding with a poetic reflection on the streets of Broadway.

In 'The Case of the Bloodstained Pearls,' private investigator Michael Shane investigates the murder of Mr. Peters, a man who believed he possessed pearls worth a million dollars. After a jeweler reveals the gems are actually worthless paste, Shane follows a mysterious telegram to a tugboat in New Orleans. Shane eventually confronts a group on a houseboat, revealing he survived an attack by a red-bearded man and betrayal by Eve, who poisoned him. Through a sting operation involving a jeweler, Shane exposes the pearls as fakes, leading to the arrest of the conspirators.

This episode of Dragnet follows the investigation into a massive auto theft ring in Los Angeles. Detectives Friday and Ben Romero interrogate suspects Stanley Freeman and Joanne Miller, eventually uncovering a larger network of gangs led by individuals like Fred Milford and George Jansen. The investigation identifies Myra as the individual allegedly organizing the distribution of stolen goods. Following a series of confessions, investigators set up a stakeout to catch Myra but only encounter one of her associates. The trail leads to a large stash of stolen goods at a used car lot and eventually to Myra's home in Beverly Hills, where she and her husband are arrested. The case concludes with the conviction of the Hacketts.

Private Detective Richard Diamond investigates a mysterious death in his office involving a dying man who left behind an anonymous envelope. After being kidnapped and drugged, Diamond discovers that the envelope contains part of a map related to a massive gold shipment linked to a South American rebel leader. The investigators discover that the rebel leader Julio Ortiz is alive and linked to a shipment of gold bullion, leading them to track him to Key West. After finding one pilot dead and locating Nancy Lang on a boat, they realize she is married to Ortiz and helps the police intercept him. The segment concludes with a confrontation where Ortiz attempts to flee but is ultimately killed.

Insurance investigator Johnny Dollar travels to Buffalo to investigate a series of suspicious arsons involving large insurance claims. Upon arriving, he finds his informant, Smokey Sullivan, has been brutally beaten and discovers the culprit is a pyromaniac named Bottles Burton. Johnny attempts to trap Burton by broadcasting a fake news report claiming the informant has left town, but Burton arrives at Johnny's hotel room armed with a gun. Following a confrontation where Smokey Sullivan intervenes to save Johnny, Burton is captured and the case is closed.

In this episode of The Adventures of The Saint, Tex McGowan, a Texan cowboy, seeks Simon Templer's help to find the man responsible for cheating him in the cattle business. After an assassination attempt leaves both men wounded, they track the culprit to Chicago, only to be confronted by a vengeful witness. The story follows a tense confrontation between the Saint, Linda, and a group of criminals including George Haggerty and Stanley. Following a pursuit involving a cab driver, the Saint orchestrates a sting operation with Captain Carson to surround the suspects and bring them to justice.

This episode of 'This is Your FBI' explores the chilling case of the 'Bowtie Murders,' a series of killings characterized by victims strangled with a distinctive bow knot. The investigation follows the tension between Alan Harvey and George Danbury, as FBI agents track a pattern of violence linked by tire tracks. Special Agent Jim Taylor follows a lead involving a discarded tire to identify a suspect, eventually connecting Alan Harvey to the murder investigation. The narrative culminates in Harvey's apprehension at a picnic ground, underscoring the vital importance of following even the smallest investigative clues.

The investigation begins with the murder of Jane Carter, whose body was found at a skating rink wearing an expensive diamond ring. Blackie attempts to track down Jack Ellis, who had posed as the victim's husband to claim the ring, only to discover that Ellis has also been murdered. As the mystery deepens, Blackie traces the stolen ring to gang leader Nick Jansen. After confronting Hazel Stanley and locating Jansen during a vault robbery at 8th National, Blackie successfully closes the case by recovering the ring from Jansen's office safe.

Private investigator Philo Vance investigates the murder of nightclub singer Josie Daniels after being hired by Mrs. DeWitt to recover blackmail letters. During his investigation, Vance discovers that a phonograph record playing at the club may have provided a false alibi for the club owner, Joe Turner. Vance utilizes a psychological trick involving a recording of the victim to induce a confession from Colton DeWitt. Following testimony from a waiter named Angel, Vance reveals how the record was used to manipulate the timeline, leading to the arrest of Colton DeWitt and the exoneration of Mrs. DeWitt.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson visit the Tower of London, where they encounter Lady Cynthia, whose fiancé, Lieutenant Ronald Backwater, has been accused of stealing a precious golden platter. The investigation reveals a backstory involving a tyrannical dinner hosted by Governor Sir Stafford Blodgett, who had imposed strict marriage requirements on his officers. Through deduction, Holmes solves the mystery by discovering that the platter was hidden in Sir Stafford's own army cot. The resolution exposes Sir Stafford's secret indiscretions and leads to the lifting of the marriage restrictions for the Tower Guard officers.

Dr. Watson recounts the tale of a criminal known as 'the cat' who has been terrorizing bank messengers in Boston Yard with animal-like attacks. Mr. Merriweather, a bank chairman, seeks Holmes's help to investigate these violent robberies involving a mysterious figure capable of scaling high walls. As Holmes and Watson investigate the London robberies, they witness a violent attack on Donovan. Holmes ultimately reveals that the culprit was actually using a spiked wooden leg to mimic a feline creature, exposing the truth behind the 'cat man' mystery.

In 'Prelude to Terror,' a criminal plot is uncovered involving explosive light bulbs designed to plunge the city into darkness and cause widespread chaos. As the threat of explosions grows, Lamont Cranston advises the Mayor to cut the city's main power switch to prevent catastrophe. The adventure culminates in a confrontation between The Shadow and the criminal Brayden. Following an explosion that kills the criminals, The Shadow reveals he has secured the locations of the remaining explosives to ensure the city's safety.

The investigation into Clara Kendall's murder begins with a confusing timeline, as Pam North discovers Clara's strangled body while Vivian Ames claims to have seen her alive only minutes prior. Suspicion initially falls on Clara's escaped brother, Charles Harper. The mystery concludes with the revelation that Philip and Vivian Ames conspired to move the body to create a false alibi. Following a high-speed car chase involving Charles Harper, the truth emerges, leading to the arrest of those involved in the cover-up.

In this episode of Dangerous Assignment, agent Steve Mitchell travels to Java on a mission to intercept a stolen atomic fission formula. While navigating various encounters with mysterious figures like Snell and Tanya, he finds himself targeted by multiple suspicious individuals during a train journey through the jungle. After being stranded in the jungle following a train raid, Mitchell and his companions encounter various strangers, including the ornithologist Willoughby and the mysterious Van Rolt. Tensions rise as characters are found dead or held at gunpoint, eventually revealing that Willoughby is a killer seeking the secret formula.

Detective Danny Clover investigates the stabbing of John Stewart, a man wounded in a subway incident. The investigation leads from interviews with Stewart's business partner and sister-in-law, Leona, to the discovery that Stewart has been murdered on the Queensbridge. Detectives Clover and Denison later confront Mrs. Stewart regarding the suspicious deaths of both Kenneth and John Stewart. Following the presentation of forensic evidence involving chemical analysis, Mrs. Stewart confesses to poisoning her husband and attempting to kill her brother-in-law.

Private detective Mike Shane investigates a claim by Grace Morrison that her husband, George, is a murderer. The investigation leads to a series of violent encounters involving gas leaks, shootings, and mysterious figures like Joe Blake and Ralph. Shane discovers through newspaper archives that Blake was a criminal linked to gangland murder. Following a tense confrontation in Shane's hotel room involving Ruthie, the truth is revealed: George Morrison's killings are actually his legal duties as the official state prison executioner.

Detectives Joe Friday and Ben Romero investigate a series of 'blitz robberies' in Los Angeles, narrowing down suspects to individuals including Al Mishikov and Mario Kosky. After tracking leads toward Las Vegas and back to Los Angeles, the detectives identify the robbery gang near a bar. The investigation culminates in a violent shootout that results in the deaths of two suspects and leaves Officer Hank wounded. The episode concludes with a dedication to patrolman James Frank Goggin.

Following an advertisement for Rexall products, private detective Richard Diamond investigates the case of Gustav Hayden, a German gunsmith seeking protection after a violent attempt to steal his advanced rifle prototype. The investigation leads Diamond to a mountain cabin where he discovers that Hayden's nephew, Willie, is working with a criminal organization. The situation turns deadly when the phone lines are cut and Willie uses the new rifle to shoot both Diamond and his uncle. In a final twist, it is revealed that the cabin's caretaker, Albert, was actually an undercover FBI agent.

Insurance investigator Johnny Dollar, recovering from a back injury caused by a broken ski lift chair, learns of a lead on the thief Larry 'Fingers' Moody. Despite warnings, Johnny travels to Pemberton and executes a plan to get himself arrested so he can confront Moody in jail. Johnny describes his escape from jail alongside Moody, which involves using smuggled hacksaw blades and an extra car key. The escape leads to a confrontation at a tool shed where Moody attempts to double-cross Dollar, only to reveal he has recognized him as the investigator. Ultimately, the police catch up to them after following their vehicle since the breakout.

Simon Templer, known as The Saint, investigates a mystery involving a young girl named Annie and her family's horse, Peter the Great. After gathering information from a bookie named Al regarding jockey Vic and Crystal Winters, tragedy strikes when Annie's father is found dead in the stables. Templer reveals that the murder was a calculated act by Big Ed Kleinman to manipulate a horse race. As the truth about an injured leg and a cover-up comes to light, a dramatic confrontation ensues, leading to the eventual victory of Peter the Great despite the injury.

In this episode of 'This is Your FBI,' titled 'The Sunshine Swindlers,' agents track a gang of jewel thieves operating in Miami who use practical jokes as a distraction. The investigation involves following leads through novelty stores and utilizing handwriting analysis to apprehend the criminals. The case concludes with the discovery that the thieves successfully swapped jewels for a rubber mouse during their heist. The program ends with reflections on US crime statistics and an advertisement for the Equitable Life Assurance Society.

Joe Parker attempts to murder his Uncle Frank for inheritance, establishing a false alibi through Aunt Margaret and a cleaning woman. Boston Blackie investigates the case by tracking a connection between Parker's girlfriend, Diana Larson, and a rented apartment, eventually receiving an anonymous tip regarding the killer's identity. Blackie discovers that a lead in Kansas City was merely a distraction. By examining Aunt Margaret's radio and questioning Tilly Blaine, Blackie deduces that Parker manipulated dates to create his alibi. The scheme is ultimately exposed when Blackie identifies a fatal discrepancy involving the weather.

Following the dramatic murders of gangster Eddie Mills and an organ grinder, Philo Vance and District Attorney Markham investigate a series of mysterious deaths. The investigation delves into the heated conflicts between Laura Waite and Johnny Martin and examines the suspicious circumstances surrounding the night of the crime. Vance ultimately solves the case by demonstrating how a unique green-flamed match allowed the killer to identify Mills in the dark. He proves that Laura Waite is the murderer, as she was the only person with both the knowledge of the specific matches and the physical capability to commit the crimes.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson investigate a mysterious case involving Sir Robert of Shoscombe Old Place, whose erratic behavior and nocturnal activities in an ancient crypt have alarmed his trainer. The investigation leads them to uncover a suspicious bone found in a furnace and eventually confront Sir Robert at the family crypt. The truth is revealed: Sir Robert had been hiding his sister's death to avoid financial ruin. The case concludes with the resolution of the mystery, noting that Sir Robert's horse won the derby, securing his fortune.

In 'The Case of the Sanguinary Spectre,' Sherlock Holmes visits Hurlstone Manor, where Alice Adair discusses her husband's plan to sell the estate following the fame and nuisance caused by the discovery of the Stuart Crown. The episode explores a chilling legend involving blood dripping from the wainscoting. The mystery concludes with the revelation that the 'blood' and 'gunshots' were actually spilled port wine from exploded bottles hidden behind a wall. Following the resolution, the characters reflect on the historical inaccuracies within the ghost story.

Lamont Cranston and Margot Lane arrive in a mysterious valley where the inhabitants live in a state of lethargy and decay under the control of Ingram Maxim. After discovering that Maxim uses electric eyes to trigger boulders to trap intruders, Lamont confronts Maxim's wife and discovers the truth regarding her husband's control. As the village awakens to reclaim their freedom, tension peaks when Maxim attempts to flood the valley to prevent rebellion. Ultimately, Maxim dies while closing the gates to save his people. The episode concludes with a preview of next week's adventure.

Following a dramatic altercation where Shirley accuses Doug Hathaway of criminal activity, Ferdy Hathaway is found murdered. Investigators Jerry and Pam North begin tracing connections to the crime, eventually discovering a suspicious yellow convertible parked near Douglas Hathaway's apartment that matches a witness description. The investigation intensifies as detectives confront Douglas regarding the vehicle, leading to the exposure of his lies about a mysterious stranger. Through a clever deduction involving a corpse at the morgue, Jerry North proves Hathaway's alibi was fabricated, ultimately resolving the case.

Agent Steve Mitchell arrives in Panama to investigate the murder of his friend Jim Slater and a series of dynamite thefts. After interviewing suspects including Ferguson, Alice Gaines, and Miguel, he investigates a raid on a construction camp. Agents Steve and Dean track clues involving Miguel, Parker, and Alice to uncover a sabotage plot orchestrated by Morales, who uses a knotted string as a code map for targets. The investigation leads to a final confrontation with Morales, resulting in his death and the securing of all installations.

Detective Danny Clover investigates the murder of Joan Allen, a woman found dead in a stolen car. The investigation leads him through interviews with her friend Anne, her husband Robert, and Harry Barton, a man who reveals a deep, poetic obsession with the deceased. The investigation continues with interviews involving Tom Marino and Ann Marden, eventually culminating in a confession from Mr. Allen, who admits to killing his wife with a jackhandle due to accumulated annoyances.

Private investigator Michael Shane investigates the mysterious death of Marina LaRue's father, who was found hanging with a snake brand on his forehead. As Shane digs deeper into the legend of the 'deathless' Anthony Carell, he faces personal danger when an informant is killed and an assassination attempt is made against him. The investigation leads to a violent confrontation with the Carell clan at a remote farmhouse. After surviving an attack by Juan and Philippe, Shane discovers that the room containing the feared Anthony Carell is actually empty, revealing that the legend of immortality was a fabrication maintained through fear.

Detectives Friday and Ben Romero investigate a series of 19 consecutive jewel burglaries in Los Angeles. After finding stolen property at pawn shops linked to Walter Tracy, the detectives pursue and arrest him following a tense confrontation. The investigation continues with the interrogation of Tracy and an exhaustive six-day search through Los Angeles hotels and apartments. The detectives eventually discover stolen jewelry hidden throughout Tracy's apartment, leading to a full confession. The episode concludes with the sentencing of the suspects and a dedication to Warden Clarence A. Larkin.

In this episode of Richard Diamond, Private Detective, two different men, Roger Renard and John Miller, approach the detective because they are being blackmailed by someone named 'Andy'. The first case involves a mysterious package delivered via a homing pigeon, while the second client presents an identical set of circumstances, leading Diamond to search for a common connection between the victims. Richard Diamond and his partner investigate a blackmail scheme involving two men, Miller and Renard, who share a common connection to an oral surgeon named Dr. Cutler. By posing as patients, they use the threat of truth serum to trick Dr. Cutler's nurse, Miss Barrow, into a confession that reveals her involvement in the crime.

Insurance investigator Johnny Dollar is called to Las Vegas by Theodore Jarvis to investigate a potential murder plot against Lisa Birdwell. Jarvis believes Lisa's foster brother, Tony, has arranged for her death to inherit her fortune and insurance money. Johnny travels to Lake Mojave to board Lisa's yacht and investigate the passengers. Acting as a private investigator, Johnny uses a dummy in Lisa's bunk to trick the killer, eventually exposing Charles Schroeder as a fraud when his behavior contradicts Mormon beliefs regarding smoking and coffee.

Following the murder of gambler Joe Garland, Boston Blackie investigates a bizarre theft where a thief ignored valuable jewels to steal only a piece of flagstone. A discovered letter reveals the stone is a key identifier for the three children of a wealthy blind man, Mr. Wilson, making Carolyn Jones a potential target. As Blackie investigates Mr. Wilson's motives, he uncovers a connection between the murder and the mysterious stones. The investigation leads to the realization that Jack Evans may be the killer, culminating in a dramatic confrontation at Carolyn Jones's apartment.

This episode follows the investigation and trial of Joe Cates, who is accused of murdering Edward Masters. Despite strong circumstantial evidence including a witness sighting and the discovery of the murder weapon, District Attorney Markham expresses deep personal doubt regarding Cates's guilt. Philo Vance and District Attorney Markham investigate the case further, uncovering a second murder and ballistic evidence that points to a different culprit. Vance eventually reveals that political leader Jonathan Graves used two different guns to commit both murders, leading to the exposure of Graves's criminal scheme and the dismantling of his political machine.

In this Sherlock Holmes dramatization, 'The Avenging Blade,' Lord Buckinghurst visits Baker Street with a cryptic warning regarding a ceremony at the statue of Charles I. As Holmes and Watson accompany the Duke to Charing Cross, they encounter rising tensions involving the Duke's brother, James. To expose Lady Claire's murder plot against Andre Bogard, Holmes orchestrates a dramatic scene using a cardboard silhouette and an emetic to incapacitate the Duke. The episode concludes with Holmes revealing how he used the vibrations of bagpipes to trigger a loosened sword, successfully trapping Lady Claire in her own scheme.

In this radio drama adaptation of 'The Adventure of the Engineer's Thumb,' Dr. Watson recounts the story of Victor Hatherley, a hydraulic engineer who suffered a severe hand injury during a mysterious encounter with Colonel Lysander Stark. The case involves a secretive job involving a hydraulic press and Fuller's Earth. Sherlock Holmes and Watson investigate Colonel Stark's estate to uncover the truth behind the machine. After Holmes infiltrates the hydraulic press under cover, the investigation reveals that the machinery was actually being used for counterfeiting, leading to the Colonel's capture.

After the execution of gangster Ralph Gorman, billionaire Oscar Borden is found murdered in his study under seemingly supernatural circumstances. Lamont Cranston investigates the crime, noting evidence that suggests the impossible presence of the deceased Gorman. The mystery concludes as The Shadow reveals the killer is actually Arthur Gorman, Ralph's twin brother. The episode ends with an update on Governor Roberts' safety and a final message regarding the consequences of crime.

The investigation into the murder of baritone Victor Stefano begins with Jerry and Pam North encountering a mysterious woman at the victim's apartment. While Lieutenant Weigand initially arrests Sally Ford based on a locket found in the victim's hand, her brother Dick confesses to an accidental shooting during a struggle. However, the mystery concludes with the exoneration of Sally Ford. Mrs. North reveals that the true killer is Mr. Spire, who murdered Stefano to conceal financial embezzlement.

Agent Steve Mitchell is tasked with recovering stolen medical records of Carl Zander to prevent a political crisis in Eastern Europe. After tracking the thief, Duvac, to a ship in Macau, Mitchell discovers Duvac has died and the papers are missing, leading him to investigate a mysterious passenger named Miss Barlow. Mitchell and Lieutenant Braga later investigate the murder of Kessler, discovering evidence that points toward Susan Barlow. However, after a confrontation at a warehouse, Mitchell reveals the steward was the true culprit holding the documents. Following a physical struggle with the steward, Mitchell retrieves the papers and explains how the evidence against Barlow was planted.

Detective Danny Clover investigates the brutal murder of Tyler Gosden, a man known for practical jokes, who was found beaten to death in an alley. The investigation leads Clover through various interviews, including Dinah Pfeiffer and business associate Jeffrey Hopkins, eventually uncovering the discovery of Valerie Moore's body. Through the interrogation of individuals such as Arthur Ellison and Johnny Dorsey, the investigation reveals a tragic connection between the deaths. It is discovered that a practical joke involving a fake identity led to a sequence of murders committed by a heartbroken Dorsey.

Private Detective Michael Shane investigates the suspicious death of Judge Thorman, which was initially presented as a suicide but appears to be murder linked to a long-held grudge by Carlton Winters. As Shane attempts to interview witnesses like Joey Peller, he discovers that Peller has been attacked and that Paul Redfern is actually Winters in disguise, leading to a fatal car crash. The investigation further reveals that Paul Redford's death was also a murder disguised as a suicide. Following a tense confrontation where the killer is caught attempting to kill Estelle, Shane reflects on the difficulty of tracking a criminal who changes his very identity.

This episode of the Dragnet true-crime radio drama follows detectives Friday and Ben Romero as they investigate a brutal double homicide in Los Angeles. After discovering a second victim at the Lux Hotel, the detectives find evidence including footprints and a bloodstained knife while conducting an intensive manhunt through the city's streets. The investigation expands to include an attempted attack on a woman named Rita, leading officers to identify a suspect, Robert Long, via fingerprints. Following a tip from a donut shop employee regarding the suspect's MO, the detectives pursue Long to a warehouse, where a violent confrontation ultimately ends in his death.

Private detective Richard Diamond is approached by Mrs. Rocco, who tasks him with returning her son Pete to prison. After investigating a lead at a bowling alley involving Roscoe Ward, Diamond is kidnapped by Pete Rocco and held captive in a Harlem flat. The investigation reveals that Danny Rocco was the mastermind behind the signal for Pete's crime. Following a tense shootout at a cigar store that leaves Pete dead and Danny wounded, the episode concludes with a moment at a club and various Rexall advertisements.

Insurance investigator Johnny Dollar meets with Fred Briscoe and a wealthy, paranoid client named Henry R. Gerson to investigate potential death threats involving anonymous Bible verses. Dollar also interviews Gerson's niece, Nancy Trimmer, regarding suspicious nephews. Following the death of Mr. Gerson, which was initially ruled a suicide by gas poisoning in a locked room, Johnny travels to Syracuse to interview the deceased's nephews. He eventually discovers that Nancy Trimmer manipulated the gas valves based on a mystery magazine story to commit the murder.

In this episode of The Adventures of The Saint, criminal Jimmy Doyle is found shot dead in his train compartment during the Chicago Limited's journey. Simon Templer investigates the crime alongside Lieutenant Flynn, questioning Lola about her involvement and the missing diamonds. The investigation reveals that Madge Doyle orchestrated her husband's murder to steal diamonds during a train stop in Haynesville. Through deduction regarding timelines and flight records, Templer exposes Madge's plan following a tense confrontation involving Lola and the police.

In this episode of 'This is Your FBI,' titled 'The Souvenir Gun,' the narrative follows criminals Jack Belmont and his partner Evie as they execute a safe robbery at a roadhouse. The crime leads to a pursuit by Detective Sergeant Kraft, who uses fingerprints to track the duo. The story takes a dark turn when Belmont murders his associate, Ray Nelson, to keep the robbery proceeds for himself. However, investigators use clues from a matchbook to track Belmont to a hideout, ultimately leading to his arrest by FBI agents.

A criminal mastermind gathers a group of masked killers to perform extortion tasks without revealing their identities. After an extortionist dies in a car crash, Boston Blackie discovers evidence suggesting the deceased was part of this masked gang. Blackie attempts to impersonate the deceased gang member to lure the boss into a meeting, but his plan is jeopardized when the police accidentally release the dead man's identity. The episode concludes with a tense confrontation where Blackie is unmasked by the gang leader before being rescued by Inspector Faraday.