Stay ConnectedA network of podcasts under several genres relating to the retro pop culture field and how these features are relevant to everyone today.
These podcasts will consist of classic radio dramas and commentary from Jim Romanovich, blogs, new interviews from individuals who contributed to the pop culture experience, and high-end audio documentaries.
With Kent totally unaware of what’s been planned, time is running out for the Daily Planet and Perry White as the Daily Planet is scheduled to be blown up this very night. JR talks about whether George Reeves actually wanted to do a season 7 of The Adventures of Superman and what was planned after his death.
George and Liz accidentally lock themselves in the attic, and Katy is gone for the day!
A deliberate case of destruction of private property has occurred. Friday confronts a rebellious teenager who is the most likely suspect. Commentary on juvenile crime through the years plus the final scene between the judge and the kid and Jack Webb's focus on parental responsibilities.
Perry White ignores Kent’s warning against antagonizing these racketeers which results in a bomb being planted which will destroy the Daily Planet building and all that are in it. JR talks about the Pep cereal campaign button scheme.
What would happen to the man who was so ugly that children would scream in fright when they saw him, who was such a shocking spectacle that even his mother's life became unbearably unhappy? How would such a man react to people and to love? This is a sentimental tale of a hideously deformed man seeking love in a cruel world.
A terrorist claiming to be The Shadow is poisoning the Department of Sanitation's water supply, and only the real Shadow can deduce who is behind the diabolical crime.
A man rejected by his estranged wife decides to kill her and uses a gullible, smitten woman to unknowingly carry out the deed. Commentary on star Dennis O'Keefe.
With the Daily Planet and the Metropolis Police Department teaming up to squash these racketeers, Perry White decides to publish a scathing article that may cost him his life. JR talks about real racketeers of 1946 and how Superman got it right.
Liz is determined not to be left out of the baseball game at the Annual Bank Outing, so she persuades her neighbor Mr. Wood to teach her how to play the game.
A large hospital in Los Angeles is held up and $10,000 in high-grade narcotics is stolen. The trail leads to a Hollywood set where fiction and truth collide. Great commentary on how the answers we want are prolonged by LIFE as one's daily routine may prolong the anticipation of the dramatic conclusion of another life. The answer we want is prolonged by LIFE outside our realm. A beautifully written script.
With Superman desperately searching for Jimmy and Beanie who are trapped in the burning building, he realizes there is more to this racket that goes much deeper into corruption than he thought. Commentary on why this is a most relevant serial for 1946 America.
A college student and her friend go pay a surprise visit on an aunt she hasn't seen for a while. But it is they who get the surprise when they encounter the aunt's cat.
An evil businessman kidnaps his partner and keeps him in a burial vault. He wants him to sign a confession stating how he killed himself by drowning.
A woman, Barbara, who married for money meets Alex whom she instantly falls in love with. At the same time an old boyfriend resurfaces who still has feelings for her. Seeing an opportunity to escape her marriage to be with Alex, she schemes to frame her old boyfriend for the murder of her husband. JR speaks on what could have been a better plot twist than what was heard.
Jimmy and Beanie’s peril becomes more frightening as they find themselves tied in a building engulfed in flames and nobody knows they are there. JR comments on the marketing trick used in the Pep Cereal Comic Buttons.
Liz and George arrive home from vacation to find that someone has been ordering strawberry ice cream from the milkman every day, and the pink trail leads to the doorstep of their new neighbors, Mr. & Mrs. Wood, and their ten children.
Detective Sergeant Joe Friday in homicide detail. Investigates the brutal knifing murder of a woman in her own home and the unusual circumstance around it. Commentary on the simplicity of story which made it even more interesting along with the real story of Mendocino State Hospital and the connection to a very famous cult, plus part 3 with Bill Roddy on one of his biggest radio gaffes, and Jack Webb's smoking habit.
Kent is unaware of the serious danger Jimmy and Beanie are in as an even bigger threat is looming that will hasten their demise. JR comments on the importance of Jimmy Olsen in the radio episodes and what each of the main characters brings to the series.
Two nefarious opportunists stuck in Brazil stumble across a spider as big as a dog, deep in the jungle. Obviously, this is their ticket home if they can catch it-before IT catches them!
The Shadow breaks up a spy ring who are destroying shipyards and sinking submarines.
An explorer deep in the Amazon jungle is saved from near death by an old hermit whose only request for saving the explorer’s life is that he be read Dickens novels all day long…for the rest of his life. JR comments on the sad life of Richard Ney. Plus we look at writer Richard Breen's working relationship with Jack Webb.
Jimmy and Beanie are on their own as they try to expose the phony song publishers as racketeers, but unfortunately for them the racketeers are suspicious. JR comments on Your Hit Parade which Jimmy mentions.
Liz hears about the Atterbury’s Halloween party and is upset that she and George just weren't invited. So she decides to throw her own and invite all her friends who turn out to be busy that night.
Three people have been shot down in a twelve thousand dollar hold-up. One of the bandits is apprehended, convicted and sent to prison for life, while Frank Chaney, the rich man murderer, is still at large. Commentary on the ballad of Joe Friday in which the success he has as a cop is polar opposite to his life away from the badge. Also, part 2 of our conversation with San Francisco radio legend and roommate to Jack Webb on his greatest broadcasting achievement.
Jimmy, upon believing racketeers have extorted $500 from Poco for their phony song publishing company, decides to go undercover to expose them. JR comments on the Christmas Seals PSA in this episode.
Two network secretaries find themselves the object of bizarre occurrences while typing out a script for Lights Out. Mercedes McCambridge, who just appeared in the episode Execution, returns to fine form as Oboler secretary Bernice whose very sanity is given the ultimate test.
The Shadow breaks up a counterfeit ring who are terrorizing a poor neighborhood.
A mystery writer plagiarizes an unreleased and thought to be unknown manuscript of Edgar Allan Poe as his own to which he has received high accolade. But someone else knows his secret which could ruin him. JR speaks on box office hit films that were sued for plagiarism.
While Kent and White are anguishing over what could Poco be doing, Jimmy decides to take matters into his own hands and enlists Beanie to help find the truth. JR counts down the The Best Superman Movies of All Time.
Liz can't seem to follow through on anything without changing her mind. After George complains, Liz is determined to finish everything she starts, including an old unfinished letter that she finds in her desk, telling George she's leaving him.
Friday has to track down a rich man on a who continues to rob and kill people, even after an eighteen year stay in prison. Commentary and part 1 of an exclusive interview with legendary San Francisco radio announcer Bill Roddy who housed Jack Webb in the mid 40s right before Webb's success.
Superman rescues Poco from the refrigerated train car in time just to find out that he ahas disappeared once again. JR counts down the Top Superman Actors of All Time.
The Captain and his Sergeant hit a landmine in their jeep and escape with nothing more than a scratch. But by enemy aircraft open fire on them and they find themselves in a mysterious world where nothing makes sense. Are they dead? Are they in suspended animation?
The Shadow comes to the aid of a doctor who was once a prisoner on Devil's Island.
A dancer and news reporter get involved with murder and a mysteriously valuable item known only as The Blue Hour. Commentary on stars Claire Trevor and Sidney Miller.
With Poco’s life in danger trapped inside a refrigerated freight car, his only hope is if Superman and Batman could rescue him in time. JR discusses Poco's history on the series.
Liz and George's visit to their next-door neighbors, the Stones, turns into a disaster when George tries to repair the Stones' new television set by himself.
In our first remake, and an important one at that as this episode all takes place in real time, Friday and Romero are faced with a deadline to stop a madman who is threatening to blow up city hall just 28 minutes from the start of this broadcast. Commentary on how this episode's script was used as the pilot for the television series. Also focused on co star Barton Yarborough who passed away shortly after filming the second episode.
As Kent continues the ruse of recovering from an explosion to hide his secret identity, we learn that Perry White has been shot and by a most unlikely suspect. JR speaks on the subject of style and why one choice changes the who dynamic and not for the better.
Several bomb explosions are caused by a man who hates crowds. The police are unable to make any progress and the town becomes more scared.
A Nazi soldier publicly executes 50 women by hanging to punish a town that refused to hand over a defender. But as each are hanged, the Nazi aggressor notices something strangely familiar about each woman. Something that begins to terrify him.
A man thought to be drowned three years ago suddenly shows up in town looking to resume the life he knew although one suspects there is another motive in his return. Commentary on why this was one of the best Suspense episodes of the entire series so far.
Superman does his best to protect his secret identity by getting the Metropolis police department involved in using forensic technology to identify the culprits. However, any information they find may expose the truth. JR comments on the rushed ending.
Liz's gossiping hair stylist forgets what she's doing and mistakenly dyes Liz's hair black. Now nobody recognizes Liz, so she decides to pose as another woman and flirt with George to test his faithfulness.
A dead body was found in the streets in the early hours of the morning and there’s only one clue- a set of skid marks on the pavement.
Superman devises a plan to get his letter back from Eyebrows and Buster, yet he may have opened himself up to even more danger for himself and Bruce Wayne. JR comments on the lack of efficiency being becoming Batman.
A recently married woman is brought to madness while living in her husband's creepy manor.
This was a remake of a previous Lights Out episode called The Dream with Boris Karloff that probes the subconscious instinct of a person where the desire to kill cannot be controlled.
A comedy writer decides to frame his competitor for murder. But as this title suggests, things don’t always go according to plan. Commentary on why this "twist" missed the mark.
Superman desperately tries to retrieve his letter revealing his secret identity that Eyebrows and Buster now believe is authentic. Fortunately, he has one ally who can help him- Batman. JR comments on the Clark Kent/Bruce Wayne dynamic.
Liz’ tonsils have to come out and she does everything possible to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Professor Kessell's wife has been taken by a man posing as a cop. There is no sign of her whereabouts or the identity of the kidnapper.
While Kent searches for his letter, the two thugs who found it have their own plans. JR comments on how the thugs missed the clues to Kent's identity.
A young woman held prisoner in an old mine by bandits receives help from an unearthly source. Hans Conried and Claudette Colbert star.
The Shadow meets an exotic woman from his past. He soon discovers that she has been trained in the remote and mysterious area of India, the same place where he learned his power to control minds and make himself invisible.
A brutish man, who has been tormented since he was a small boy for his physical ugliness, finds a good woman who will marry him in spite of his appearance. However, his tortured past continues to haunt him which leads him to his only solution to stop the pain-murder. Commentary on the double meanings within this episode.
Kent learned that Perry had lost Kent’s letter- the letter given to him that reveals Kent’s secret identity as Superman. His worst fears are about to come true as the letter was discovered by two men who were astonished when they read the letter. JR comments on what Superman's role should be in society.
Scanning her old high school yearbook, Liz decides she's old, and everything George does to try to snap her out of it just makes things worse.
The owner of a fur store has been shot and killed and the only lead is a missing fur coat.
Superman has returned safely from apollo only to learn, as Kent, that letter revealing is secret identity has been lost. JR comments on why Kent's glasses are a good disguise.
A poor sailor wins three thousand dollars in a sweepstakes but his friend Tony has other plans for the money.
A man who's looking for a job mistakenly becomes involved with a bank robbery. He is later sentenced to death for a cop killing he didn't commit.
When the captain of the tugboat Alphabet requires all crew to perform their tasks in alphabetical order, things get even stranger when the crewman start to disappear in alphabetical order fearing the their mad captain is responsible. Commentary on understanding the clues to the guilty party. Plus, actor John Lund.
Superman races through space back to earth after saving Apollo from destruction to stop Perry from opening the letter he as Kent left for him pending his demise to explain everything-including his secret identity. Commentary on the need for Superman's dual identity.
George and Mr. Atterbury buy presents for their wives, and Iris's present, a mink coat, is delivered to Liz's house by mistake.
Reports of several women that have been beaten and robbed and the victims have been unable to identify the criminals. Commentary tonight on LAPD Chief Worton as well as Dragnet announcer George Fenneman.
Although Superman miraculously saved Apollo and returned it to its natural orbit, the leader of the planet, Roz, returns to his evil ways by abducting Thane and Lalo which will surely result in their deaths. Commentary on the comparison of this serial with Hitler, the Third Reich, and giving Superman a victory.
A prosperous young man has a bizarre fascination with fire and conjures a fiery elemental maiden who commands him to perform heinous acts as her newly acquired servant. Commentary to follow.
Several explosions on Apollo surely signify the ultimate doom of the planet unless Superman can try the one thing that may save the planet and its people. But will Superman himself be the ultimate sacrifice? Commentary on recent emails received about the critique of Jimmy Olsen in The Adventures of Superman.
An innocent man who was wrongly sent to prison for murdering a woman who was afraid of him when he smiled at her, is now set free but angry towards all women whom he feels are responsible. Will he kill for real this time out of revenge? Commentary on how comedians have a difficult time playing it straight in drama. Plus, a look at the career of Donald O'Connor.
Superman heads back through space, gear in tow, in a final ditch effort to first find and then save Apollo and its millions of inhabitants from certain annihilation if that hasn’t already happened. Commentary on the Around the World Cut Out Dolls the show was offering on boxes of Krumbles.
After viewing some old home movies, Liz and Iris decide to go on a diet and compete to see who can lose the most! Commentary to follow.
With Apollo now out of its orbit and out of sight, can Superman race through space and not only find the planet, but save it and the people on it before it’s too late. Commentary on Dr. Millicent is really what Dr. La Serne became in the television series. Plus, the PSA on Junior Red Cross.
A story about a woman who has the most amazing recurring dreams, night after night after night.
Upon leaving Apollo for Earth temporarily to get some scientific reinforcement to withstand the elements of Apollo, he faces a greater issue flying through space with the sun drawing him in to what would be his implosive demise. Commentary on the response to the Least Favorite Superman episode Mr. Zero.
A bank employee sees an opportunity for a big score and decides to stage his "death", commit the deed, and escape with a new identity. But, fate has other plans. Commentary on the origins of the episode title. Plus, star Walter Abel.
Although Superman seems to have gained the upper hand, he fears his time is limited and must find a way to survive long enough to save the planet, his friends, as well as himself. Commentary on The Camp Fire Girls PSA and the controversy around the organization.
It's vacation time, and Liz and George have decidedly different plans. He wants to go camping with a trailer he borrowed from a friend, while she'sset on a glamorous vacation at Moosehead Lodge.
PODCAST FINALE! In the final original episode of the radio series which makes this our final Dragnet radio Show podcast, Smith and Friday investigate an unidentified dead man found in a motel room. Commentary on why we chose to do this podcast. Plus, a look back at Dragnet.
Rendered unconscious by the lack of life saving oil needed to save Superman, one of the giants carried Superman deep into the depths beneath the temple to the pool of sacred oil. Commentary to follow continues the Top 5 Least Favorite Adventures of Superman episodes of All Time. Today, #1!
Two American college students, looking for some action, in Paris get more than they bargained for when they attend a ball looking to meet some beautiful Parisian women, but instead find some unusual masked guests who have a greater plan for the evening. Commentary to follow.
Roz, the leader of Apollo, sentences Superman and his Apollonian friend Thane to die, Superman, who is growing weaker in the foreign atmosphere must find a way to get more of the burning oil which restores his strength. Commentary to follow continues the Top 5 Least Favorite Adventures of Superman episodes of All Time. Today, #2!
When one of the partners at a law firm is selected to be the next district attorney, the other partner through a fit of deadly jealousy vows to make sure that he himself shall be appointed to the position. Commentary on the title of the episode and its clever use. Plus Miracle on 34th street actor and star tonight Jerome Cowan.
Superman insists on seeing the Roz of Apollo to convince him that he is there to save the planet. But the Roz sees Superman as an intruder and means to do them harm. Can Superman change his mind in time? Commentary to follow continues the Top 5 Least Favorite Adventures of Superman episodes of All Time. Today, #3
It’s the green eyed monster versus the brown eyed beast as Liz is jealous when George’s partner at a horse-riding club is a beautiful woman-and Liz’ nemesis! So, she decides to take up riding to keep an eye on them. Commentary to follow.
A drug abuser is suspected of peddling heroin at his home that appears to include members of his family. Commentary on the Ethan Crumbley case in which his parents were sent to jail for his crime.
Will Dr. Millicent’s conclusion that Superman will never been seen again now be coming true since Superman is on the verge of being turned into a lifeless statue of stone thanks to Apollo’s ruthless leader Roz? Commentary to follow continues the Top 5 Least Favorite Adventures of Superman episodes of All Time. Today, #4!
An Irish reprobate, jealous of his brother's fiancé and their mother's favoritism, plots his brother's death. Unfortunately, you can't keep a good man down-even after death. Commentary to follow.
A woman kills her rich husband and talks another into giving her an alibi leaving her brother-in-law accused of the crime in what appears to be the perfect murder. Commentary on radio Retropolis patreon, lost old time radio episodes, and star Lynn Bari.
After a full week away from Earth, Superman awakens on the planet Apollo to a very unexpected and unpleasant situation. Commentary to follow starts the Top 5 Least Favorite Adventures of Superman episodes of All Time. Today, #5!
George tells Liz that she needs to stand up for her rights and stop letting people push her around. So when Liz loses a penny in a broken gum machine, she vows to get her penny back no matter what the cost. Commentary to follow.
Friday and Smith arrest an alleged dope pusher who specializes in hooking young kids. But the arrest may prove illegal allowing the pusher to go free. Commentary after the episode on recent ruling that led to this episode. Plus, how Chesterfield convinced many people to spend millions of dollars on the new Accuray "healthier" cigarette.
At the clinic, Dr. Milicent shares with Perry, Lois and Jimmy that Clark Kent is gone forever. Commentary to follow on the legitimacy of the doctor giving greater impact to the story.
Two German commandos air-dropped into England to retrieve Rudolf Hess hide out in an abandoned farmhouse, yet find it occupied. They murder the inhabitants or so they think. Commentary to follow.
Gloria Swanson stars as a mystery writer who is told that a murder has been committed in her town and decides she wants to help solve it. Commentary on the career of Swanson.
Jimmy shares a letter from Clark to Perry and Lois that Clark has left town and may never come back. Commentary on why Superman didn't just eliminate the Nazis and other global threats of the 1940s.
Liz goes to see a doctor about her absentmindedness, and then reports her car to be stolen when she forgets that George dropped her off at the doctor!
Friday and Smith prepare to face two unruly brothers known as dope addicts and robbers are heading to the city. Commentary on the transition in the mid 50's from drama to a new radio sensation- rock and roll!
With Superman flying all around the warehouses looking for any clue, Herman, under Pearley’s orders, has a gun pointed at Biff, Mary and Jimmy ready to execute them. Plus the #1 Greatest Adventures of Superman episode of all time!
At a college, after a student is refused membership in a fraternity he decides to pay them all back. On the brink of madness, he enacts his revenge by using his scientific skills and creates a chemical that he believes can dissolve through anything-even an entire building.
A man takes a bank job with the intent of heisting a huge sum of money. Along the way, he meets a woman with the same plan. Commentary on character actors and stars. Plus, featured star Alan Baxter.
Kent is concerned that Mary and Jimmy have not communicated with him as he goes to the Dependable messenger company owned by Pearley and finds it locked and abandoned. Instead of the usual Superman open, Bud Collyer’s voice as Superman is heard encouraging kids to remind their parents to get out and vote in the election which is to take place the next day Tuesday November 5th. Plus, the 5 Greatest Adventures of Superman episodes of all time! Today, #2!
When George's mother comes to visit, Liz hopes to drive her out by spreading ragweed and other allergy-inducing plants around the house, but her plan backfires when George's mother starts dating her allergist.
Friday goes undercover as a “mark” to expose a blond swindler who conned a man out of $40,000. Commentary on racism and breaking barriers in classic radio.
Pearley’s henchman Herman, who suspected Jimmy and Mary as spies from the beginning, nabs the kids in the fog and leads them to the river where they will soon meet their fate. Plus, The 5 Greatest Adventures of Superman episodes of all time. Today, #3!
While digging a hole to plant a tree, a man uncovers an ancient Roman coffin. Inside he discovers something that would have been better left forever buried. Commentary to follow.
The lives of a wheelchair bound woman with a phobia of touching anything metal, her caretaker and her kleptomaniac sister are turned upside down when a blackmailer is found dead in their house. Commentary on the weak premise. Plus, Broadway star Eva La Gallienne.
Although Mary and Jimmy were able to skate their latest skirmish with Pearley, they decided to follow Pearley which leads them right back into the worst trouble they could ever imagine in which escape is not an option. Plus, The 5 Greatest Adventures of Superman episodes of all time. Today, #4!
As an April Fool's joke, Liz plans to plant a lipstick-smeared handkerchief in George's coat pocket when she is surprised to find there is already a lipstick smeared handkerchief in his pocket in which George himself is stupefied. Commentary to follow.
A dead body is discovered by a night watchman along with several empty beer bottles and red dyed hair found on the victim’s jacket. Episode commentary on why the audience is Joe Friday and how Jack Webb creatively makes that happen.
Jimmy and Mary are unaware that Pearley and his henchmen, who know the two are spies, are waiting for them at the messenger office while Superman believes his friends are now safe. Plus, we countdown the 5 Greatest Adventures of Superman episodes of all time. This episode is #5!
Mac Rogan is put on trial for the brutal knife murder of his wife, though he swears it was perpetrated by a man named Mark Street. Mac swears to have vengeance on his wife's killer no matter what the cost, planning to mutilate him in the same way as his wife. He makes it perfectly clear that he will not allow anything, not even the cold grave itself, deter him from his deadly mission.
A brother helps his sister by hiding the dead body of her abusive husband while being confronted with a series of unfortunate coincidences along the way. Commentary on why this is one of the worst Suspense episodes.
Mary and Jimmy Olsen, posing as Jimmy Miller, are set to meet the big boss who has now discovered that Mary tipped off the Daily Planet in distributing the phony bills. Commentary on how these 1946 Superman episodes may have contributed to the drop in juvenile delinquency.
George needs a new secretary, so Liz enrolls in secretarial school so she can fill the position. Commentary to follow.
A woman tells Friday and Smith that a robbery is being planned-by her ex-convict husband. Episode commentary on the natural life arc of a dramatic series and why later episodes tend to be lesser than the earlier ones.
Although Mary is in Pearley’s good graces once again, Herman, his brutish henchman, decides to take Mary’s fate into his own hands as he slips up behind her with knife in hand. Commentary on the Superman Crusader Ring.
As Arch Oboler didn't want to give anything away about this episode, neither will we! Except for this...when extraordinary things happen to ordinary people, their worlds begin to change as well as those they impact. Commentary to follow.
The story of a hated movie star queen’s stand-in, the movie star’s new husband, and murder. Commentary on the senseless plot and lack of motive. Plus, star June Havoc.
Inspector Henderson decides to raid Pearley’s office despite Kent’s objections that it will expose Mary as the informant. Commentary on the stopping distance needed for Superman's various speeds.
Liz finds her old piano in the attic,and decides to take piano lessons to prove to George how much musical talent she has.
Friday and Smith are dispatched to a burglary in progress in which an elderly couple are shot. Commentary to follow on the horrible first act followed by the brilliant second act.
Mary has been exposed as a rat and is abducted by Pearley’s henchmen unless she can convince them otherwise. Meanwhile, Inspector Henderson, believing Mary may have double crossed him is about to make a decision that could get her killed if Kent doesn’t intervene. Commentary on the controversy of "Truth, Justice and the American Way".
An angry husband vents his rage by calling his wife a heartless cat, only to witness his accusations take on a disturbing reality when she begins a strange feline transformation. Commentary to follow.
An out of work Shakespearean actor, realizing his wife is about to run off with their handsome boarder, makes a deal to fake his suicide so he can collect the $20,000 life insurance policy which will be paid to the widow. Episode commentary on the connections between this story and Shakespeare's Hamlet.
Mary is deep undercover with very dangerous people to work Kent’s plan to expose the real source behind the counterfeit ring. Commentary on the secret to successful serial writing.
George is bringing Mr Barton home to dinner with an eye to be invited to be one of the speakers on his forum-until Liz charms Barton with her seeming intelligence which she now has to showcase in the civic forum.
A woman posing as a housemaid has been stealing valuables from the homes where she has worked. Commentary following episode on Webb co-star Ben Alexander who plays Detective Frank Smith.
In order to prove her innocence, Clark devises a plan for Mary Hinnick that Inspector Henderson must approve or she goes to jail for passing counterfeit money. Commentary on more scripted obstacles which is the formula for serial writing.
A doctor creates an elixir that speeds up his physical and mental processes, which he uses to commit robberies. But like any cutting edge drug, it eventually exhibits some nasty side effects. Commentary to follow.
A writer is found dead after the actress in his play threatens to kill him and must act quickly to establish an alibi. Episode commentary on star Angela Lansbury.
After Lois’ arrest for passing the same counterfeit money, Jimmy decides that he can tell Kent who he’s protecting. Commentary on the 8 things you may not know about Superman.
Liz and George bet each other that they can each go for 24 hours without telling a lie. A bet that leads to disastrous results.
Friday and Smith investigate a police sergeant who is accused of taking $3500 from a woman to keep her husband out of jail. Commernt5ary on how this was valiant return to classic form for Webb. Plus actress Helen Kleeb.
Jimmy refuses to give up the person he’s protecting even if it means going to prison for five years. Commentary on why Lois Lane is rarely heard in the radio series yet is prominent in every other version of Superman.
Two city women vacationing in the country crash their canoe and seek help within the dark woods. Coming upon a cabin, the women are met by a strange fiddler who has other plans for these two women setting the stage for potentially tragic consequences. .
An emotionally abused housewife employs and then falls in love with a handyman who showers her with affection. But at what cost? What truth is he hiding? Episode commentary on how a female writer handles lead female characters. Plus, star Virginia Bruce.
Kent and White are horrified to learn that Jimmy has been arrested for passing counterfeit bills…and knew about it. Commentary on why we get two minutes of information in a 15 minute episode.
Liz notices that her marriage license has George's name misspelled. Now Liz is convinced that she and George aren't legally married!
A brilliant teenage boy has been stealing food and books, yet he has no home they can find. Commentary on police bias and how Webb missed a golden opportunity in the end.
Time is of the essence for Superman in the search for Robin who was wept out to sea, while a weakened Batman continues to tread water holding on the Mr. Grayson. But, Kent soon discovers a new threat is brewing. Commentary on the next serial coming up!
A suburban couple are astounded when a small meteor crashes into their yard and they bring it inside, only to find that it houses a malevolent alien mind.
Robert Mitchum makes his Suspense debut tonight as a desperate man who meets a desperate woman who together plot to murder her husband who just happens to be his exact lookalike. Commentary on both stars of this episode-Mitchum and Lucille Ball favorite Mary Jane Croft showing her serious side.
Superman takes a weakened Alfred from the bat boat wreckage back to Metropolis for medical care. Will Alfred have the strength to tell Superman where to find Batman, Robin and Grandpa Grayson who are now treading water in the open sea? Commentary on the meat shortages of 1946 referenced by Batman.
Katy the maid is sweet on Mr. Dabney, the butcher, and Liz offers to help. But when Liz's valentine to George gets switched with her check to pay the butcher's bill, Mr. Dabney gets the wrong idea. Commentary to follow.
A series of tavern robberies by and man known as "The Whale" and his partner leads to the shooting of a cop. Commentary on continuous use of colorful witnesses uncharacteristic of Dragnet.
Batman, Dick Grayson and Dick’s Grandfather are discovered by Marsh and are doomed to die on the yacht unless Superman, who noticed the bat boat was gone, gets there in time. Commentary on the hazards of shooting movies on water.
A woman wants her mother in law dead and drowns her. But she just won't stay dead. Episode commentary to follow.
Ava Gardner plays a woman married to a prison warden who happens to pick up a hitchhiker who just escaped from prison. Commentary on the tumultuous life of Ms. Gardner.
With Batman and Alfred’s boat being fired upon by the yacht, Batman instructs Alfred to go find Clark Kent while he will swim under water for a sneak attack. Commentary on another popular phrase. Plus, what makes for a good serial.
Liz goes over her budget again and George cuts off her allowance. Soon they're eating nothing but beans as Liz has several cases of those she bought "on sale". On top of all that, the electricity and telephone have been disconnected.
A man cashing bad payroll checks all over town has been using a rented car. Commentary on how Dragnet soundmen created the 300+ sound effects used in every episode.
With Batman and Alfred in pursuit by boat, Robin has been spotted by Marsh on the yacht and has quickly stowed away with the hopes that he will not be discovered. Commentary on Davy Jones Locker.
A newspaper gets a new owner who decides to purge the staff, leading one columnist to commit suicide. On the drive home late one night, he finds out how his mistreatment of others comes back to haunt him. Episode commentary to follow.
When a bookie is murdered, two rival detectives try to find the real killer. Commentary on star Richard Conte best as Don Barzini in The Godfather.
Bruce Wayne is stunned when a messenger delivers a personal letter to him from Dick Grayson which to Bruce can only mean one thing-that Dick is alive! Commentary on the evolution of the Bat Boat!
Liz is determined to have a new dress to wear to the Atterburys' party, even if she has to make it herself! Episode commentary follows.
A six-year-old girl has been kidnapped off the street with a demand for $50,000 in ransom. Commentary on larger than life, uncharacteristic performances from guest cast Webb previously would not allow.
Certain that Robin suffered a fatal blow from Marsh, Superman and Batman find no traces of him or where Marsh could be headed. Commentary on the Mickey Mouse copyright lapse and how this affects Superman.
Three servicemen (one French, one Australian, and one African-American) bunk with each other in a train compartment on Christmas night after a long battle day during WWI. Seeing a bright star in the night sky, they each share the same dream that they are the Three Wise Men about to witness a Holy birth.
A man awakens to find out his car was not only stolen, but his wife was found in the trunk-dead. Commentary on unsung Suspense writer and actor Elliot Lewis. Plus, movie actors who fail at being radio actors.
As Kent and Wayne race around the country picking up new leads to Larsen, whom they don’t know was killed by Marsh, Dick Grayson is shot point blank by Marsh and feared dead. Commentary on Superman sponsor Kellogg's Krumbles cereal.
The owner of a small delicatessen reports that he has been robbed. An apologetic boxer gives himself up to the police after the robberies. Commentary of character actress, and a favorite of Webb's, Virginia Gregg.
With the motive for Marsh exposed, Dick Grayson faces certain death which would mean he would inherit the Grayson fortune. Commentary on Marsh's evil plan. Plus, the the joy of flying with Superman at 1000 mph.
A timid milquetoast obtains an empty chest at an auction which raises the ire of his already brutish wife. While he is being mercilessly tortured by her emotional abuse, the trunk becomes a frighteningly relevant focal piece that shows its true purpose. Episode commentary to follow.
Kirk Douglas makes his Suspense debut tonight as a man who believes he is about to inherit $50,000 from his dying uncle and doesn’t want to share it with his unknowing wife who wants a divorce. Commentary on the life and career of Douglas.
Larsen warns that in just a few minutes Dick Grayson would be dead thanks to this mysterious Mr. Marsh who has his own special connection to Grayson. Can Superman and Batman reach him in time? Commentary on the failure of two villains working as a team.
A loan company has been robbed. There are two suspects, however a wooden leg may have all the answers. Commentary on the Coke machine which was used in this episode. Plus, the making of Dragnet for radio.
With Bruce Wayne and Jimmy in danger of soaring over the rocky falls to a sure death, their only hope is that Superman will get the message in time to save them both. Commentary on Superman announcer and character actor Jackson Beck.
Phil Silvers stars as an elevator operator who inadvertently gets involved with mob activities when he notices feet dangling out of a carpet roll being carried out and is told to keep his mouth shut. Commentary on star Phil Silvers.
Larsen admits to the captured Dick Grayson that he was able to fake his death with an ancient drug to exact his ultimate revenge. Commentary after the episode on the legacy of Bruce Wayne.
Kent and Wayne are worried that Jimmy Olsen and Dick Grayson have fallen into the hands of the very much alive Eric Larsen. Commentary on whether a "fake death" drug actually exists.
A homicide lieutenant who brings in a murder suspect that ballistics prove is the wrong person believes he still has the right suspect and now has to prove it. Commentary on star Howard da Silva as well as this episode's real life connection to Dragnet.
At the prison cemetery, Kent is alarmed when both the Warden Hobbs and Bruce Wayne fall unconscious upon the opening Larsen’s empty casket. Commentary on Batman's portrayer, Matt Crowley.
A bank robber has barricaded himself in a house and has taken the woman who lives there as hostage. Commentary on Dragnet's use of force and the history behind tear gas.
Bruce Wayne, aka Batman, receives a strange call from a man who was sent to prison for the murder of Dick’s parents- a man who has been dead for two weeks. Commentary on the origins of Dick Grayson to Robin, The Boy Wonder.
A tale of several murders in one town through the recollections of a mentally challenged high school dropout named Elwood. Commentary on star Eddie Bracken who was also in Vacation and Home Alone 2.
With the Lattimer case all but resolved, this episode moves quickly into a new and intriguing story that brings back Batman and the plot to kill Robin, the Boy Wonder. Commentary on what's in store in our next exciting serial featuring Batman and Robin!
A high school boy is found wounded in an alley of a knife wound knifed in an alley, yet he refuses to say who did it. Commentary on how well you know your Dragnet facts!
With the help of the recovering Governor Wheeler and Inspector Henderson, Kent sets the ultimate trap to get the proof on George Lattimer once and for all. Commentary on the origin of Great Caesar's Ghost!
A man named “Muscles” takes a job to what he believes is helping fight a blackmailer. When a bust goes bad, he is framed as being the blackmailer.
With Kent’s only witness, Governor Wheeler, near death thanks to the savage beating from George Lattimer, it seems there is no hope to free Sam Robbins or stop Latimer’s violent cycle of intolerance and his quest for power. Superman TV series trivia after the episode!
A suspect in a burglary case is picked up with enough evidence for a conviction, but the money he stole is missing.
The elaborate plan Kent and Wheeler designed to catch Lattimer in a full confession, backfired when Lattimer found the listening device. Commentary on violence and Clark's secret identity.
A secretary tells Friday and Smith that her employer has suddenly left town and taken all the company records with him. Commentary on character flaws in the writing due to Jack Webb focusing on the television series. Plus, Black Monday 1929.
Kent overhears vital information that may lead him to the missing Jimmy Olsen, yet he must act quickly as Superman without giving away his secret identity to Candy Meyers who is with him. Commentary on Commander Joseph M Stack of the VFW who gives a speech before this episode. Plus Superman publisher Harry Donenfeld and how he came to own the character.
Jim takes a few moments to speak candidly to the Radio Retropolis community about what they can expect for season 9. More fun, more original podcasts, returning favorites, plus we're saying goodbye to one podcast that we have been doing since season 1.
He speaks about why this podcast showcases these classic Old time radio episodes in his "refreshingly new" way as the motto states. As a 40 year television veteran from hosting to producing many top programs and documentaries mostly focusing on the pop culture theme, hear about his mission and why after 8 seasons he continues to do this podcast each and every year.
Season 9 begins September 11th at 1pm Eastern/8pm Pacific with the first of the very last episodes of Dragnet.
See you then!
DARK SHADOWS: INTO THE LIGHT OUR 12 EPISODE PODCASTS ARE BACK EXCLUSIVELY FOR RADIO RETROPOLIS VIP PATREONS TAKE ME TO DARK SHADOWS NOW!
Twelve exclusive installments celebrating the 50th celebration of the cult classic DARK SHADOWS are now back and are exclusive to Radio Retropolis VIPs!
Series commentary and exclusive, in depth conversations with those who were there with answers to questions you have always wanted to know. We highlight the revealing secrets behind this amazing television phenomenon!
Never before has such a revealing, extremely candid conversation with the stars of Dark Shadows been done. Relive some of the great moments one more time including:
*Why John Karlen felt Dark Shadows was a mistake in his career.
*Mitch Ryan's confessions on his alcoholism and being fired
*David Selby's last moments with Dan Curtis
*Lara Parker's admission that Humbert Allen Astredo was influential to her role.
*Roger Davis finally addresses the controversy with Joan Bennett.
*Kathryn Leigh Scott on being Josette and sharing the mania around the series.
*Jerry Lacy reveals how he created Reverend Trask and whether he was the true villain.
*Dan Curtis curator Jim Pierson shares behind the scenes info on the Dark Shadows empire.
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In a grim New England Town one Halloween night, a baby is born under the unholiest circumstances. Commentary on the style of this episode reminiscent of Orson Welles' War of the Worlds also as a Halloween broadcast.
Thanks very much for giving us five wonderful seasons. It's hard to believe we have achieved that milestone as we are just getting started!
As we are now on hiatus until September 14, 2020, look for some special encore podcasts for the summer that we will make available once again we're sure you'll enjoy. Plus, enjoy all of Season Five's podcasts you haven't had time to listen to yet.
Then, join us again this September for all new podcasts on returning series such as Dragnet, The Shadow, Suspense, Inner Sanctum and Superman as well as some special surprises throughout the season.
I did an interview on what I do with Radio Retropolis with tech guru Marc Saltzman for his national radio show Tech Talk on Radio America. Also Canada too. In Los Angeles, it airs on AM640 KFI at 1pm Pacific today just 40 minutes from now.-Jim Romanovich
For the holidays, enjoy a binge of the the first 4 episodes of WHO SHOT THE DAYTIME SOAP RAW through January 1, 2016 that are now available
Ep #1-OJ Simpson Versus The Daytime Soap
The OJ Simpson Bronco chase and subsequent trial forever changed the face of television programming-especially the daytime soap which suffered the most.
Who Shot The Daytime Soap Raw-#2 The Aftermath Pt 1 and Pt 2
Daytime soaps pick up the pieces, some to desperate lengths, to get viewers back. But the die was cast and it was survival of the fittest.
Who Shot The Daytime Soap Raw #3-Black Thursday
ABC decides to cancel both All My Children and One Life To Live on the same day which seemed to be the final straw on the life of daytime soaps. But did ABC underestimate the power of the viewer? Exclusive interviews with deep reflection and insight from those who were there. Don’t miss these special extended interviews from Julie Hanan Carruthers, Susan Lucci and Alicia Minshew.
Who Shot The Daytime Soap Raw #4-Michael Muhney, The Dark Prince
One of daytime's most powerful and controversial actors candidly chats about his humble beginnings, being an actor, his approach to Adam Newman, activism in the Academy, and working with Eric Braeden. Recorded in 2013 shortly before his final day on Y&R.
ABC decides to cancel both All My Children and One Life To Live on the same day which seemed to be the final straw on the life of daytime soaps. But did ABC underestimate the power of the viewer? Exclusive interviews with deep reflection and insight from those who were there.
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