Classic Radio Theater
4,436 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★ - 144 ratingsNewly 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.
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Episodes
December 27, 2021 Hour 1 - Irma's New Boyfriend
December 26, 2021 23:11 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MBMy 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
December 26, 2021 23:09 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MBThe 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
December 26, 2021 23:07 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MBPhilo 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
December 26, 2021 23:05 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBFrontier 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
December 26, 2021 23:03 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBA 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
December 26, 2021 23:01 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBGunsmoke 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
December 24, 2021 22:52 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MBNick 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
December 24, 2021 22:46 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MBOur 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
December 24, 2021 22:44 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MBThe 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
December 23, 2021 21:13 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MBBroadway 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
December 23, 2021 21:11 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBJimmy 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
December 23, 2021 21:09 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBFather 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!
December 22, 2021 18:58 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MBThe 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
December 22, 2021 18:57 - 44 minutes - 40.7 MBThe 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
December 22, 2021 18:55 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBTales 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
December 21, 2021 19:17 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBThe 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
December 21, 2021 19:16 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBThe 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
December 21, 2021 19:14 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBRocky 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
December 20, 2021 20:59 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBDragnet 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
December 20, 2021 20:58 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBThe 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
December 20, 2021 20:53 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBThe 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
December 19, 2021 23:17 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBMy 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
December 19, 2021 23:15 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBThe 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
December 19, 2021 23:14 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MBGunsmoke, 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
December 18, 2021 23:37 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBThe 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
December 18, 2021 23:33 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBThe 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
December 18, 2021 23:23 - 45 minutes - 41.4 MBPhil 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
December 17, 2021 22:21 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBJack 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
December 17, 2021 22:18 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBThe 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
December 17, 2021 22:16 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBCandy 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
December 16, 2021 23:10 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBCounterspy 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...
December 16, 2021 23:07 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBThe 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
December 16, 2021 23:05 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBDangerous 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
December 15, 2021 20:48 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBThe 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
December 15, 2021 20:47 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBFibber 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
December 15, 2021 20:44 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBGunsmoke 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
December 14, 2021 21:48 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBBroadway 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?
December 14, 2021 21:46 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBRadio 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?
December 14, 2021 21:42 - 45 minutes - 41.6 MBJack 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
December 13, 2021 22:18 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MBBig 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.
Classic Radio Theater for December 14, 2021 Hour 2 - Henry and Homer and the Roadside Stand
December 13, 2021 22:15 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MBThe Aldrich Family, originally broadcast December 14, 1952, The Roadside Stand. An outdoor refreshment stand in December doesn't earn enough to buy the boys a car. When Henry meets tired travelers at the stand, he decides to rent a family from Illinois rooms for the night in the Aldrich house. Also The Cinnamon Bear, originally broadcast December 14, 1937, Oliver Ostrich. Oliver Ostrich eats an alarm clock and bacon.
Classic Radio Theater for December 14, 2021 Hour 3 - The Case of the Industrial Spy ring
December 13, 2021 22:11 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MBCounterspy starring Don MacLaughlin and Mandel Kramer, originally broadcast December 14, 1942, The Case of the Industrial Spy Ring. The wife of Henry Hughes accuses him of being unfaithful. Has has been seeing another woman, but it's part of his job for the Gestapo!Also Part 3 of a 5 part Yours Truly Johnny Dollar story, The Lansing Fraud Matter, originally broadcast December 14, 1955. A pair of thieves start a falling out...with a lot of excitement!
Classic Radio Theater for December 13, 2021 Hour 1 - It's a Wonderful Life!
December 12, 2021 22:44 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MBStars in the Air, originally broadcast December 13, 1951, 70 years ago, It’s a Wonderful Life starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed in their original screen roles. An angel grants a depressed businessman a wish he soon regrets.
Classic Radio Theater for December 13, 2021 Hour 2 - Jane quits her job?
December 12, 2021 22:41 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MBMy Friend Irma starring Marie Wilson, originally broadcast December 13, 1948, Jane quits her job just before Christmas. She gets her old position back with Richard Rinelander III. Irma and Al decide to "help" the situation. Also The Cinnamon Bear, originally broadcast December 13, 1937, Snapper Stick the Crocodile. Snapper-Snick (The Crooning Crocodile, is played by Hanley Stafford) is in the Wishing Woods.
Classic Radio Theater for December 13, 2021 Hour 3 - He wants to be the top man...
December 12, 2021 22:38 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MBThe FBI in Peace and War, originally broadcast December 13, 1951, Top Man. One of the King brothers muscles in on Big Sam's rackets. Also Part 2 of a 5 part Yours Truly Johnny Dollar story, The Lansing Fraud Matter, originally broadcast December 13, 1955. How does a man die of malnutrition with a $50,000 life insurance policy?
Classic Radio Theater for December 12, 2021 Hour 1 - Dr Christian and the Mother in Law
December 11, 2021 23:13 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MBDr Christian starring Jean Hersholdt, originally broadcast December 12, 1937, 84 years ago, The Mother in Law. A story about a wedding and a mother-in-law.
Classic Radio Theater for December 12, 2021 Hour 2 - Matt Dillon and the Cast
December 11, 2021 23:11 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MBGunsmoke starring William Conrad, originally broadcast December 12, 1953, The Cast. Doc tries to save Shell Tucker's wife after she swallows a nail. When he fails to save her, Shell swears revenge on Doc, and almost succeeds! A horse with a broken leg might make him change his mind. (On this episode, Doc is played by Paul Frees) Also Fibber McGee and Molly, originally broadcast December 12, 1955, A Gift for Doc Gamble. Fibber buys a present for Doc Gamble, it's a briefcase, and it costs $2...
Classic Radio Theater for December 12, 2021 Hour 3 - Dan Holiday and the Haunted Artist
December 11, 2021 23:09 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MBBox 13 starring Alan Ladd, originally broadcast December 12, 1948, The Haunted Artist. An artist's latest canvas seems to be haunted. A stone quarry keeps appearing on one side of the canvas. Also Part 1 of a 5 part Yours Truly Johnny Dollar story, The Lansing Fraud Matter, originally broadcast December 12, 1955. A man with a $50,000 policy dies...from malnutrition!
Classic Radio Theater for December 11, 2021 Hour 1 - The Hide-out
December 10, 2021 22:49 - 49 minutes - 45.2 MBThe Mysterious Traveler, originally broadcast December 11, 1951, 70 years ago, Hide Out. The story of the unusual friendship of the big-time gangster and the young kid from Philadelphia.
Classic Radio Theater for December 11, 2021 Hour 2 - What happens every 18 hours?
December 10, 2021 22:47 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MBBig Town starring Edward G Robinson, originally broadcast December 11, 1940, Every 18 hours. Steve Wilson and The Illustrated Press go on a crusade against hit-and-run drivers. Also The Cinnamon Bear, originally broadcast December 11, 1937, Queen Melissa. Threatened by a witch! Fee Fo returns everyone to the Witch's cottage where they have a confrontation takes place. The Silver Star is recovered!