Tuesday Night Detectives - Richard Diamond, Private Detective (A Christmas Carol) & Yours Truly Johnny Dollar (Missing Mouse Matter)

In this week’s episode of “Tuesday Night Detectives” on Vintage Classic Radio, we dive into the festive spirit with a special feature of classic radio detective shows. First up, we have "Richard Diamond, Private Detective" in the episode titled “A Christmas Carol.” Originally aired on December 21, 1951, this episode follows the suave detective Richard Diamond, played by Dick Powell, as he finds himself under the Christmas tree in a rather unusual manner. It's Christmas Eve, and Diamond stumbles upon a plot to rob a charitable mission. With his quick wit and sharp instincts, Diamond turns the tables on the crooks, ensuring a merry Christmas for all. The episode features a stellar cast including Virginia Gregg, Ed Begley, and Wilms Herbert, bringing to life a story filled with holiday cheer and suspense.</p> Following that, we revisit “Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar” in the episode “Missing Mouse,” which first captivated audiences on December 23, 1956. America’s fabulous freelance insurance investigator, Johnny Dollar—portrayed by Bob Bailey—takes on a peculiar case involving the disappearance of a highly insured lab mouse, leading to unexpected turns and intriguing insurance fraud clues. Alongside Bailey, the episode showcases the talents of Virginia Gregg, playing multiple roles, and features performances by John Dehner and Alan Reed. This episode combines elements of mystery and humor, making it a classic in radio detective lore.</p> Join us as we step back in time and experience the thrilling adventures of two of radio's most beloved detectives, wrapped in the warmth of the holiday season. Whether it’s the charming bravado of Richard Diamond or the meticulous investigations of Johnny Dollar, there’s something in this broadcast for every mystery enthusiast. Tune in and let the intrigue of yesteryears captivate your imagination this Tuesday night. </p>

01:00:18

Sunday Night Playhouse - The Bishop's Wife (Cary Grant)

This Sunday on Vintage Classic Radio's "Sunday Night Playhouse," we revisit a cherished episode from the "Lux Radio Theatre" archives. "The Bishop's Wife," originally broadcasted on December 19th, 1949, promises to enchant listeners anew with its timeless story. The episode tells the tale of a charming angel who descends to Earth to assist a struggling bishop in building a new cathedral. However, his mission takes an unexpected turn as he starts to help the bishop reconnect with his neglected wife, reminding the couple of the true meaning of love and the holiday spirit. The original radio production starred Cary Grant as the angelic Dudley, David Niven as the beleaguered Bishop Henry Brougham, and Loretta Young as the bishop's wife, Julia. Their performances, filled with warmth and wit, perfectly capture the essence of the holiday season and the poignant message of the story. Tune in this Sunday to experience the magic of old-time radio drama and the heartwarming adventures of "The Bishop's Wife." </p>

01:00:06

Saturday Matinee - Our Miss Brooks (Magic Christmas Tree), The Aldrich Family (Christmas Program) & Jack Benny (Decorating the Christmas Tree)

</p> This Saturday on Vintage Classic Radio's "Saturday Matinee," we begin with the charming "Our Miss Brooks" in the episode "Magic Christmas Tree." In this delightful holiday special from December 25, 1949, Connie Brooks, played by the incomparable Eve Arden, experiences the magic of Christmas when she discovers a talking Christmas tree that grants wishes. The cast also includes Gale Gordon as the irritable Principal Osgood Conklin, Richard Crenna as the earnest student Walter Denton, and Jane Morgan as the lovable landlady Mrs. Davis.</p> Following that, we will enjoy "The Aldrich Family" in their "Christmas Program" episode, which first aired on December 23, 1948. Here, teenager Henry Aldrich, brought to life by Ezra Stone, becomes hilariously entangled in the chaos of organizing a school Christmas play. His misadventures cause endless trouble for his family and friends, featuring Jackie Kelk as Homer Brown and Katharine Raht as his ever-patient mother, Alice Aldrich.</p> Lastly, we wrap up with "The Jack Benny Show" in the episode titled "Decorating the Christmas Tree," from December 23, 1951. Jack Benny, along with his valet Rochester, portrayed by Eddie Anderson, and his pianist Dennis Day, attempts to decorate his house for Christmas, leading to a series of comic missteps and witty banter. Mary Livingstone adds to the merriment with her sharp wit, while Phil Harris contributes his usual boisterous charm.</p> Each episode offers a glimpse into the holiday spirit of the late 1940s and early 1950s, filled with laughter, mishaps, and the warmth of the season, performed by a stellar cast of radio's golden era.</p>

01:23:47

Friday Night Noir - Suspense (Twas the Night Before Christmas) & The Whistler (Three Wise Guys)

</p> Step into the shadowy world of intrigue and suspense this Friday night with Vintage Classic Radio's "Friday Night Noir," featuring two captivating episodes from the golden age of radio. Our journey begins with "Suspense," in a special holiday-themed episode titled "Twas the Night Before Christmas," originally aired on December 21, 1953. In this chilling tale, a family's Christmas Eve turns perilous when an unexpected visitor arrives, spinning a night of psychological thrills and revealing dark secrets. The episode features the talents of Greer Garson as the nurturing yet resilient mother, along with a skilled supporting cast that includes Olan Soule and Larry Haines, each contributing to the escalating tension of this festive yet frightening story.</p> Continuing our night of mystery, "The Whistler" brings us "Three Wise Guys," which first graced the airwaves on December 24, 1950. This episode tells the story of three small-time crooks who find themselves entangled in a bizarre plot during the holiday season, challenging their loyalties and forcing them to confront unexpected moral dilemmas. The cast is led by Bill Forman as the enigmatic Whistler, with Marvin Miller, Tony Barrett, and Bill Johnstone playing the trio whose plans are as precarious as their futures.</p> Join us as Vintage Classic Radio rekindles the spirit of classic radio drama with these spellbinding narratives, ensuring a night filled with suspense and surprise, right from the comfort of your own home.</p>

01:00:44

Tuesday Night Detectives - Let George Do It (Santa Claus on Glass) & Nick Carter, Master Detective (Christmas Adventure)

</p> In this week’s episode of “Tuesday Night Detectives” on Vintage Classic Radio, we delve into the festive spirit with two classic detective radio shows. We begin with "Let George Do It" in the episode titled “Santa Claus on Glass,” originally broadcast on December 25th, 1950. In this thrilling installment, detective George Valentine is roped into a seemingly merry situation when a series of mysterious thefts threaten a department store’s Christmas. George finds himself undercover as Santa Claus, unraveling a tangled scheme of deception and stolen goods right under the twinkling holiday lights. The episode features Bob Bailey as George Valentine, Virginia Gregg as Brooksie, Eddie Firestone as Sonny, and Wally Maher as Lieutenant Riley, creating a dynamic atmosphere filled with suspense and festive cheer.</p> Following that, we continue our holiday theme with "Nick Carter, Master Detective" in the episode “Christmas Adventure,” which first hit the airwaves on December 25th, 1943. Nick Carter takes on a case that begins with a simple holiday party but quickly turns into a perilous adventure involving a missing elderly man who turns out to be a key witness in a high-stakes criminal trial. Nick’s sharp skills are put to the test as he tracks down the missing man amidst a snow-laden cityscape, uncovering more than just holiday goodwill. Lon Clark stars as the astute Nick Carter, Helen Choate plays his devoted assistant Patsy Bowen, and John Kane features as reporter Scubby Wilson, all contributing to a suspenseful narrative intertwined with the spirit of Christmas.</p> These episodes are a perfect blend of mystery and seasonal joy, embodying the spirit of classic radio detective stories. Join us for a nostalgic journey into the past, where the holiday season brings more than just gifts and celebrations, but also thrilling adventures and cunning detective work.</p> </p>

01:01:35

Sunday Night Playhouse - Miracle on 34th Street (Edmund Gwynn, Maureen O’Hara & Natalie Wood)

This Sunday on Vintage Classic Radio’s “Sunday Night Playhouse,” we are delighted to bring you a special presentation of the “Lux Radio Theatre” radio show with the beloved holiday classic, “Miracle on 34th Street,” which originally aired on December 20, 1948. Set in New York City during the festive Christmas season, this heartwarming tale follows the story of Kris Kringle, a kind elderly man who claims to be the real Santa Claus. During the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Kris steps in for an indisposed Santa and soon becomes a sensation with the shoppers and staff of the store. However, his claim to be Santa leads to a court case where both his sanity and the very spirit of Christmas are at stake. The episode stars Edmund Gwenn reprising his Academy Award-winning film role as Kris Kringle, along with Maureen O’Hara as Doris Walker, a no-nonsense Macy’s executive, and John Payne as Fred Gailey, the lawyer and neighbor who defends Kris. Natalie Wood also stars as Susan Walker, Doris’s little girl, who learns to believe in the magic of Christmas. Join us for an evening of magic and belief that will surely put you in the Yuletide spirit.</p>

00:59:59

Sunday Night Playhouse - A Tale of Two Cities (Charles Dickens, Sir Lawrence Olivier)

This Sunday on Vintage Classic Radio's "Sunday Night Playhouse," we present a timeless episode from the "Theatre Royal" radio show: Charles Dickens' "A Tale of Two Cities," originally broadcast on March 27th, 1954. </p> This classic adaptation stars the legendary Sir Lawrence Olivier, who brings to life Dickens' powerful story of sacrifice, love, and revolution set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. In this dramatization, Olivier portrays the complex and noble character of Sydney Carton, whose ultimate act of selflessness defines the story. Joining him in the cast are a stellar ensemble of radio actors, including Harry Andrews, who plays Charles Darnay, and Belle Chrystall, who lends her voice to the role of Lucie Manette. Supporting performances come from actors such as Carleton Hobbs as Dr. Manette and Hugh Manning as Monsieur Defarge, with additional cast members completing the rich tapestry of characters that Dickens crafted. </p> Tune into Vintage Classic Radio's "Sunday Night Playhouse" for a remarkable evening of classic literature brought to life by the incomparable talent of Sir Lawrence Olivier and his esteemed cast.</p>

00:28:15

Sunday Night Playhouse - The Age of Innocence (Edith Wharton)

This Sunday, "Sunday Night Playhouse" on Vintage Classic Radio brings you a special episode of *Theatre Guild on the Air* featuring *The Age of Innocence*, adapted from the novel by Edith Wharton. Originally broadcast on April 20th, 1952, this episode presents a powerful tale of love, tradition, and societal expectations in 1870s New York. The story follows Newland Archer, a young lawyer engaged to the sweet and conventional May Welland, whose world is turned upside down when he falls in love with May’s cousin, the unconventional and mysterious Countess Ellen Olenska. As Newland grapples with his feelings, he is torn between following his heart and adhering to the strict social codes of the time. The episode stars Claudette Colbert as Ellen Olenska, Robert Sterling as Newland Archer, and Mildred Natwick as May Welland, with additional supporting roles performed by talented radio actors. This adaptation beautifully captures the tension and emotional complexity of Wharton's classic novel, offering listeners a window into the struggles of individuals caught in the confines of rigid societal norms.</p>

00:59:21

Saturday Matinee - Life of Riley (Thanksgiving Flashback), Burns & Allen (Thanksgiving Show), Jack Benny (Jack Dreams He Is a Turkey)

Join us for a Thanksgiving Special on Vintage Classic Radio during this Saturday's "Saturday Matinee." We begin with "The Life of Riley" in the episode "Thanksgiving Flashback," originally aired on November 19, 1948. In this nostalgic episode, Chester Riley reminisces about past Thanksgiving celebrations, leading to a series of humorous and heartfelt misunderstandings typical of the Riley household. The show stars William Bendix as Chester Riley, supported by Paula Winslowe as Peg, his wife, and John Brown as the ever-scheming Digby "Digger" O'Dell.</p> <br /></p> Next, we step back to November 18, 1940, for the "Burns and Allen Show." This episode finds George Burns and Gracie Allen preparing for a festive Thanksgiving, only to encounter their usual mix-ups and misunderstandings. Alongside George and Gracie, the episode features regulars such as Bill Goodwin, the show's announcer, and musicians like Meredith Willson.</p> <br /></p> Before our final presentation, we'll enjoy a musical interlude with Frank Sinatra singing "Homesick, That's All," offering a touch of melancholic nostalgia.</p> <br /></p> We conclude with "The Jack Benny Show," in the episode "Jack Dreams He is a Turkey," which first aired on November 21, 1943. In this amusing holiday special, Jack Benny experiences a hilarious dream sequence where he imagines himself as a turkey just before Thanksgiving. This episode features Mary Livingstone, Phil Harris, Rochester, Dennis Day, and Don Wilson, with the show sponsored by Jello.</p> <br /></p> To cap off our Thanksgiving Special, Kay Kyser and his orchestra will play the classic "Shine On Harvest Moon," sending us off with a melody perfect for the season. Join us for a blend of comedy, music, and Thanksgiving spirit this Saturday on Vintage Classic Radio.</p>

01:33:41

Friday Night Noir - Lights Out (The Dictator aka Baythysphere)

Step into the shadowy world of "Friday Night Noir" presented by Vintage Classic Radio, as we unearth a chilling episode from the classic series "Lights Out." This week, we feature the gripping tale "Bathysphere," also known by its alternate title "The Dictator," which first haunted the airwaves on June 29, 1943. In this harrowing hour-long episode, listeners will be plunged into the depths of terror and tyranny. The story follows a despotic ruler who, along with a scientist, descends into the ocean's abyss in a bathysphere, only to encounter a horrifying realization about power and isolation. The episode masterfully combines suspense with an introspective look at human nature and authority, making it a timeless piece in radio drama history. Voicing the intense emotions and eerie atmosphere are Arch Oboler, the creative force behind the script, and actors William Conrad and Ted Reed. Conrad delivers a compelling performance as the Dictator, while Reed's portrayal of the Scientist adds a layer of scientific fervor and moral conflict to the narrative. Join us as we dive deep into the murky waters of psychological fear and political intrigue with this unforgettable broadcast from the golden age of radio.</p>

00:59:02