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Adventures in Broadcast

Presented by OTR Archives

Adventures in Broadcast is a vintage radio podcast that revisits the greatest old-time radio shows from the Golden Age of Broadcasting. Each episode explores classic dramas, mysteries, comedies, and adventure programs that once captivated millions through the power of sound alone. From iconic radio performances and legendary storytellers to forgotten gems that helped shape modern audio entertainment, Adventures in Broadcast celebrates the artistry, history, and cultural impact of classic radio. Listeners will rediscover suspenseful thrillers, gripping crime stories, sweeping adventures, and unforgettable characters—preserved and presented for a new generation. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of old-time radio or discovering it for the first time, this podcast offers a curated journey through radio’s most influential era. Step back in time, tune the dial, and experience the magic of broadcasting as it was meant to be heard.

305 episodes

  1. 33 Half Moon Street - SA - No Money for Honey

    Jan 27, 2025 · 27 min

    A professor of entomology, Professor Bower, seeks to remove a swarm of bees from his cottage before going on holiday. He contacts Assignments Unlimited, a firm specializing in odd jobs, to handle the task, emphasizing the need to capture the queen bee. Ned Benson and Jill Perkins, employees of Assignments Unlimited, arrive at the cottage and meet Mrs. Cratchley, the neighbor. While looking for the bee hive in the attic, they unexpectedly discover a human skull hidden in the wall. Inspector Margot, investigating the case, reveals that the skull belonged to Uncle Benjamin, who was murdered over a year ago. It is uncovered that the murder was orchestrated by Uncle Benjamin's niece, Patricia, and her lover, Dennis Mosley, who planned to frame her husband, Peter, for the crime. Their scheme backfires when the professor's affinity for bees delays the discovery of the skull, leading the inspector to piece together the truth behind the murder and the attempted cover-up.

  2. 33 Half Moon Street - SA - The Temporary Husband

    Jan 26, 2025 · 26 min

    Johanna Wetherby expresses her worries to her butler, Benjamin, about a letter from Rodney Fowler Brown, an Englishman she befriended while on holiday in Italy. She reveals that she fabricated a story about being married to discourage Rodney's romantic advances, but now he is coming to England to claim her. Benjamin finds her request for a suitable man to pose as a husband complicated, leading to the hiring of Marmaduke Bray, a gentle but strong man. Meanwhile, Rodney arrives in London seeking Johanna, and during a tense confrontation in her home, a young man named Lester Dobson, who had been manipulated by Rodney, mistakenly attempts to kill his perceived rival. In an unexpected twist, Lester ends up shooting Rodney instead, believing he was following through on a misguided directive to prove his manhood. The situation culminates in chaos as Johanna's secrets unravel and the true nature of the relationships comes to light.

  3. 33 Half Moon Street - SA - Killer Killed Twice

    Jan 25, 2025 · 24 min

    A woman named Theresa Mandan seeks help from an investigator, Mr. Mason, to find an escort for an aerial balloon race, claiming her mother is tied up with work. Mason assigns his assistant, Marmaduke "Marmy" Bray, to accompany her but suspects her story may be a ruse. Meanwhile, Inspector Bottomley from Scotland Yard arrives, revealing that Theresa is under surveillance related to a missing man, Grant Webster, who is possibly connected to her family. As the balloon lifts off, Marmy is unaware that Theresa has manipulated the situation, removing the batteries from his walkie-talkie to prevent communication. During their flight, she reveals that they are jettisoning a heavy sack as ballast, which Marmy suspects might contain something sinister. After a series of tense moments, it is uncovered that Grant was actually murdered, and Theresa's mother, Dr. Mandan, was involved in covering up the crime to protect themselves from the real killer, who was poised to eliminate them next. Inspector Bottomley apprehends the actual murderer, leading to a conclusion that intertwines deception and danger surrounding the balloon trip.

  4. 33 Half Moon Street - SA - Brass for the Broker

    Jan 24, 2025 · 25 min

    Mason and Sir Edward play a game of bridge, revealing Edward's confidence and past as a dock laborer and trade union chairman. In a grim area of London, a girl named Winnie seeks help for her father, Bert Leighton, who has been denied sick pay after an accident at work. She encounters Henry Glutt, the union secretary, who is dismissive and hints at a corrupt union system. Winnie, determined to get justice, learns that her father had given his benefit contract to an unknown man from the union but received no receipt. Her father’s health deteriorates without support, leading her to seek help from Marmont Duke Bray, who investigates the union's practices. Meanwhile, Glutt and his cohorts plot against Bert to silence him, warning him to drop claims of negligence. Confronted by Bray, Glutt reveals that the wharf is not insured, which signals trouble ahead for him. The story culminates with the shocking news of Carpenter's suicide after being implicated in the scandal of an uninsured wharf he owned.

  5. 33 Half Moon Street - SA - The Lively Spirit

    Jan 23, 2025 · 26 min

    Nathaniel Wiggs, a smuggler, meets with a delicate man who presents a map of the coastline where a shipment of Jamaican rum is set to arrive. The man informs Wiggs that a female agent, who is crucial to their operation, is on board the freighter but will be executed upon landing. Wiggs is coerced into taking on the responsibility of bringing her ashore instead of committing the murder himself, which he reluctantly considers. He contacts an associate to help with the job and prepares to meet the cutter at Wreckers Point. Meanwhile, another character, Cannon, is dispatched to pick up the female agent under the guise of a covert operation. Cannon braves the waters to meet the freighter, but tension mounts as they suspect they are being pursued. Despite a dangerous situation involving gunfire, Cannon uses explosives to distract potential threats, allowing the female agent to escape. In the end, it’s revealed that Wiggs’ double-cross leads to his downfall, resulting in his death when his corpse washes ashore, identified only by fingerprints.

  6. 33 Half Moon Street - SA - The House that Seamus Built

    Jan 22, 2025 · 25 min

    Assignment's Unlimited receives a request from Seamus McBride, a speculative builder facing significant sabotage on his construction site in Borham Wood. McBride explains that someone has been systematically ruining his building materials and even poisoning his night watchmen. After investigating, it's revealed that two women, one of whom is Grace Bolton, have been sabotaging the site to prevent McBride from finishing the house, which sits atop hidden loot from a previous mail van robbery. The women, connected to the robber's family, aim to secure the treasure buried beneath the construction. The plot unfolds with the watchman uncovering the extent of the sabotage, leading to the capture of the saboteurs while exposing their desperate efforts to retrieve the hidden loot.

  7. 33 Half Moon Street - SA - The Norse Opera

    Jan 21, 2025 · 25 min

    Miles Trenchant, a businessman seeking political power, receives a letter from Dane Koenig about a publicity stunt involving Norwegian students rowing a Viking ship to London. The plan includes stealing Trenchant's daughter, Dawn, as part of a scheme to ensure worldwide attention, which Trenchant sees as an opportunity for fame. However, the situation escalates when it turns out that the letter was a hoax and Dawn is actually kidnapped. Trenchant's wife urges him to not involve the police, fearing it will compromise their daughter's safety, but he enlists Cannon, an employee from Assignments Unlimited, to help. As the plot unfolds, they discover the ransom demands and come to learn that Koenig, the supposed mastermind, is actually a fraudulent character. Cannon tracks down Koenig, who has captured Dawn, leading to a confrontation in which Cannon saves her, but not before revealing that Trenchant's political ambitions are doomed to fail due to the scandal surrounding the kidnapping.

  8. 33 Half Moon Street - SA - Ring of Roses

    Jan 20, 2025 · 26 min

    A couple of men are tasked with cleaning up Gundon Radley's garden, where they uncover an eternity ring believed to belong to Gundon's deceased wife, who was supposedly lost in an air crash three months prior. As they investigate, they learn about potential foul play involving Gundon's insurance claim for her death. The men piece together a complex narrative involving Gundon's secretive life and the circumstances surrounding the crash, leading them to suspect that Gundon may have buried the ring for sentimental reasons rather than as a result of an accident. With details about Gundon's marital history and the air crash emerging, they question what really happened to his wife and the significance of the ring found in his garden. Tension builds as they contemplate the implications of their discovery, suggesting deeper intrigues about love, loss, and deception.

  9. 33 Half Moon Street - SA - The Girl in the Ascot Hat

    Jan 19, 2025 · 32 min

    Transcontinental Flight 17 is monitored by the police for a passenger identified as Boston Blackie, who is wanted for robbery. Blackie, who is being held in a hotel room, is approached by Miss Moray, who seeks his help to recover a stolen diamond crucial to her engagement. When she mistakenly identifies him as the robber of her grandfather, Blackie uses the situation to negotiate his escape and to assist her. Blackie eventually learns that the diamond was not stolen from her but was left with her fiancé, George Atwater. Blackie then orchestrates a plan to retrieve the diamond while avoiding police detection, leading to a confrontation with Atwater and a criminal named Duke Walton. The tension culminates in a twist involving fire and strategic deception, culminating in the retrieval of the diamond and Blackie's escape from the law temporarily, thereby ensuring Miss Moray's happiness.

  10. 33 Half Moon Street - SA - Three for the Omnibus

    Jan 18, 2025 · 32 min

    Boston Blackie is on a transcontinental flight when police receive a tip that he is a wanted criminal traveling under the alias John J. Jones. Inspector Faraday is eager to apprehend Blackie, who has a knack for eluding capture. A young woman named Miss Moray, believing Blackie can help her, deliberately implicates him in a robbery to gain his attention, claiming a valuable diamond has been stolen. Blackie learns that the diamond, belonging to Miss Moray’s fiancé George Atwater, is at risk of being lost permanently. After breaking free from custody, Blackie discovers that Atwater had previously hidden the diamond himself, intending to protect it from a potential blackmailer. In a twist of fate, Blackie explores the safe where the diamond was supposed to be kept, only to find it missing, leading him to track down Atwater. Following a series of confrontations, Blackie uncovers the plot surrounding the diamond, retrieves it, and ultimately manages to clear his name while maintaining a budding connection with Miss Moray. Faraday reluctantly releases Blackie, warning him that he will be closely monitored in the future.

  11. 33 Half Moon Street - SA - The Curse of the Silver Charlie

    Jan 17, 2025 · 32 min

    Boston Blackie navigates a complicated situation involving the theft of the Jonathan Diamond, which is connected to George Atwater and a woman named Miss Moray. After being arrested by Inspector Faraday and accused of robbery, Blackie manages to escape from his hotel room with the diamond hidden in his shoe. He learns that the diamond was returned to the safe by Atwater before the police arrived, prompting suspicion surrounding Atwater and Duke Walton, who both have a hand in the plot. With the clock ticking, Blackie must clear his name and return the diamond to ensure Miss Moray's happiness and his own freedom, while avoiding capture from the persistent Inspector Faraday. As he uncovers the truth about the diamond's whereabouts and the involvement of the suspects, the story builds to a climactic resolution with humor and intrigue.

  12. A Date With Judy - Tiger

    Jan 16, 2025 · 32 min

    Judy is preparing for an important dinner date with a new boy in town named Tiger, who is the nephew of her father's business partner. The family is abuzz with excitement over this mysterious boy, and various characters in the household are eagerly discussing the impending dinner and how to impress him. Judy's brother Randolph and others are curious and skeptical about Tiger, while their mother expresses hope that everything goes smoothly. Amidst anticipation and some humorous misunderstandings about relationships and family dynamics, the family navigates their thoughts on Judy's date, and Pepsodent tooth powder is mentioned as an essential part of the evening's preparation for a brighter smile. The atmosphere is one of both enthusiasm and nervousness as they prepare for the dinner that promises to be eventful.

  13. A Date With Judy - Surprise Party

    Jan 15, 2025 · 32 min

    Judy Foster is excitedly preparing for a surprise party that her friends are throwing in her honor. After overhearing their plans at Scully's drugstore, she decides to arrange everything from hiring an orchestra to getting a wedding cake, which she manages to procure at a bargain price from Mr. Newman, who is left with an unwanted cake after a bride jilted her groom. Judy's plans involve a butler, Mr. Van Twine, who takes his role seriously, adding comedic elements to the preparations. As the evening progresses, Judy's family and friends become entangled in the chaos of the event, leading to misunderstandings about who the party is truly for. Eventually, it is revealed that another girl, Ruth, is also having a surprise party that night, which Judy initially thought was for herself. Despite the mix-up, the party is lively, and Judy enjoys dancing with the members of the orchestra, ending with a lighthearted twist about her next date.

  14. A Date With Judy - Mother Runs Away

    Jan 14, 2025 · 31 min

    A young boy named Randolph and his friend Curly encounter a man-on-the-street interviewer and jokingly discuss their newspaper roles, with Randolph frustrated by his position as society editor. Meanwhile, Judy Foster expresses her disappointment over her date not calling her the next morning, leading to a humorous exchange with her mother. As tensions rise, Randolph overhears a conversation between his mother and an old boyfriend, Sydney Holland, and mistakenly concludes that she has run off with him. This leads to a chaotic series of misunderstandings, with Randolph announcing their mother's supposed elopement in the local newspaper. When the reality is revealed that their mother was simply attending a business meeting with Sydney, the family reconciles, realizing the absurdity of the situation. The episode concludes with a comedic reflection on the family's confusion and the importance of communication.

  15. A Date With Judy - The Quiz Show

    Jan 13, 2025 · 31 min

    Randolph is a contestant on a popular quiz show called "Put Up or Shut Up," and his sister Judy is anxiously rooting for him to win against her rival Ruth's brother, Curly. The stakes are high; if Randolph loses, Judy must forego dating for a month. Throughout the show, various questions are asked, including topics in American history, and the family engages in lively discussions and bets regarding the outcome. As the quiz unfolds, Judy's confidence wavers while the family tries to help Randolph prepare and gain an edge for the competition. Curly's presence adds pressure, and Judy navigates her feelings about her date with Norman, who is also involved in the night’s events. In a humorous exchange, the competitive spirit escalates as both siblings and their friends demonstrate support and rivalry, culminating in Randolph's performance on the quiz show.

  16. A Date With Judy - Father's Birthday

    Jan 12, 2025 · 32 min

    Judy and her brother Randolph plan a special day to celebrate their father Foster's birthday, initially attempting to buy him a gift but winding up purchasing items for themselves instead. After realizing their father's neglect, they decide to devote the entire day to his happiness, despite his busy schedule. They invite a business associate, Mr. Quigley, to join the festivities, hoping to make the day enjoyable. However, things go awry as they take him to an amusement park where he struggles to keep up with the fun activities, leading to a series of comedic mishaps. Despite their efforts, Foster feels overwhelmed and regrets the day's events, but ultimately, Mr. Quigley enjoys the experience and decides to double a business order, bringing a surprising and positive ending to Foster's birthday. The episode concludes with a lighthearted atmosphere as Judy looks forward to her next date.

  17. A Date With Judy - Baby Trouble

    Jan 11, 2025 · 30 min

    Judy Foster is taking a summer class in domestic science and is tasked with babysitting a neighborhood infant, Chester. Excited about the opportunity, she convinces her friend Randolph to help her prepare Chester for a baby contest offering a $25 prize. However, during the contest, Judy accidentally swaps Chester for another baby, leading to confusion and chaos as the babies' mothers seek their respective children. With the help of Randolph and her date Gerald, Judy embarks on a frantic quest to restore Chester to his rightful home while navigating the ensuing misunderstandings with the other mother. Eventually, it is revealed that Chester has won second place in the contest, presenting Judy with a moral dilemma about accepting the prize. In the end, she decides against charging for her babysitting services, highlighting her integrity amid the mix-up.

  18. A Date With Judy - Messenger Girl

    Jan 10, 2025 · 32 min

    The story revolves around Judy Foster and her sorority sisters who go on strike against their male peers after learning that the boys' annual picnic will exclude women. This leads Judy to advocate for women’s independence by considering careers, leading her to take a job as a telegraph girl. As she navigates her new role, she delivers telegrams while keeping her distance from boys, particularly Gerald Putnam, who has attracted her ire for dating another girl. The strike becomes a source of comedic tension as Judy tries to uphold her principles while confronting her feelings for Gerald. Eventually, misunderstandings are cleared up, and the strike is called off when it is revealed that the girl Gerald was seen with is his cousin. The narrative concludes with Judy and Gerald reconciling and going on a date, alongside humor involving family dynamics and the antics of Judy's brother Randolph, who plays an intermediary role throughout the strike.

  19. A Date With Judy - Mixed Company

    Jan 9, 2025 · 31 min

    Judy and her friend Mitzi plan a party on the Foster front porch, motivated by their lack of dates, and decide to invite only boys in hopes of having their undivided attention. As the evening progresses, Judy's mother, unaware of her daughter's plans, is busy arranging a formal party for women, leading to chaos when both parties coincide. Confusion reigns as Judy tries to manage the situation, juggling the expectations of her mother, the arriving boys, and the guests at her mother’s party. Mr. Mayworm, the harpist, struggles to bring his harp into the house, adding to the confusion. Ultimately, the shared party turns into a humorous blend of socializing and entertainment as guests dance and enjoy the unexpected crossover, leading Judy's father to realize that the evening has provided a rare opportunity for everyone to relax and have fun together. The chaos culminates in an impromptu bunny hug, which pleases Judy’s mother and leaves everyone reveling in the unexpected joy of the evening.

  20. A Date With Judy - Moving Day

    Jan 8, 2025 · 32 min

    Evening at the Foster home is filled with anticipation as Father, Judy, and Randolph await a long-distance call from Mother, who is visiting family in Springfield. After a series of playful conversations among family members, Father reveals that he has traded for the old Reynolds house on Maple Street, prompting excitement among the children about moving. They decide to surprise Mother by moving into the new house before she returns. The siblings sneak into the house, explore its features like a fish pond, and begin redecorating. Their enthusiasm leads to a series of comedic mishaps, including the arrival of local utility workers and a misunderstanding that results in the furniture being delivered to the wrong house. When Mother and Grandma return, they discover their home devoid of furniture, realizing the kids' plan has caused chaos. Tensions rise as everyone scrambles to resolve the confusion with the moving company, leading to unexpected twists and a humorous conclusion regarding their new living situation.

  21. A Date With Judy - The Pig

    Jan 7, 2025 · 31 min

    Judy receives a surprise visit from Oogie, who asks her to care for Baby, the school's guinea pig mascot, while he goes on vacation. Initially hesitant, Judy is convinced, but she later finds herself shocked when she discovers Baby has been left on her doorstep in a basket. As word spreads that the Fosters have "found a baby," confusion erupts, leading to mistaken assumptions that Judy and her family have adopted a human baby. Oogie’s plan to drop off the guinea pig spirals out of control, as Mr. Foster informs Mrs. Foster and their friends, even sending for a pediatrician. The situation becomes increasingly chaotic with a baby shower being planned and Mr. Foster attempting to arrange for legal adoption, all while the reality of the "baby" being a guinea pig unfolds. Ultimately, Baby gives birth to multiple guinea pigs, creating further comedic confusion as the family prepares to welcome their unexpected "litter," raising the stakes of the hilarious mix-up.

  22. A Date With Judy - Aunt Lily

    Jan 6, 2025 · 32 min

    The storyline revolves around a dinner gathering in the Foster household, where Aunt Lily is set up with Edgar, a man new to town who works at the library. The family is eager to help Aunt Lily find companionship after a long period without a date. Throughout the evening, various comedic exchanges occur among family members, highlighting their quirks and relationships. Discussions about war bonds and the importance of supporting the war effort are interspersed with playful banter about dating, showcasing the dynamics between the characters. Ultimately, Aunt Lily is advised on how to impress Edgar while the family hopes for a successful romantic connection. The scene captures a mixture of family warmth and humor, underscored by the subtle reminder of wartime responsibilities.

  23. A Date With Judy - Aunt Lily's Wedding

    Jan 5, 2025 · 32 min

    The story revolves around the chaotic planning of a wedding, primarily focusing on Judy, who is determined to help her Aunt Lily have a beautiful ceremony despite the challenges they face. As the characters engage in humorous banter and debate the details, we learn that Wanda and Donald are set to get married, leading to discussions about dresses, bridesmaids, and the necessary trappings of a wedding, such as the best man and proper attire. Amidst the lighthearted chaos, characters express their love and concern for one another, showcasing familial bonds. As the wedding day approaches, the group navigates various obstacles, including doubts about the weather and ensuring every detail is in order for the special event, culminating in a lively, if somewhat disorganized, gathering meant to celebrate love and family.

  24. A Date With Judy - The Frank Sinatra Builldup

    Jan 4, 2025 · 32 min

    Judy and her brother Randolph plan a theater party as an anniversary gift for their parents. They decide to take their parents to see a show at the Bijou featuring amateur performances, including Judy's friend Willie, who intends to sing and gain attention. Meanwhile, their father struggles with an important business deal with Mr. Gibbons, who is also attending the theater party. As the kids rally a group to swoon for Willie's performance, chaos ensues when Randolph brings in white mice, causing Mr. Gibbons to faint and adding to the mayhem of the evening. Despite the chaos, Mr. Gibbons later appreciates Willie's musical potential and offers him a future in advertising for his tomato business, leading to unexpected success for the children.

  25. A Date With Judy - Car Trouble

    Jan 3, 2025 · 2 min

    Judy receives a phone call inviting her to spend an evening together, where she learns that her friend's sweater has a hole in it that needs mending. Her friend plans to drop off the sweater for Judy to repair because he has a date with another girl the following night. The playful conversation highlights Judy's charm and her knack for knitting, establishing her character as a beloved figure in the community. The segment serves as a promotional tie-in with the makers of Tums, emphasizing its role in providing quick relief from acid indigestion.