Radio Retropolis

A mother with four children disappears which leaves her sister to care for the children left behind. However, there's evidence of foul play. Commentary on the precise sound effects in Dragnet and how it gives us tremendous insight into what the visual could be. Interestingly, there was also a sound misdirection with Barney Phillips.  Finally, the location of Mulholland Drive which figures into this plot.

rA reluctant deep-sea diver who murdered two men believes his next deep dive will end with his death. Commentary, on the meaning of "Eight Bells". Plus, a significant WWII event of this date, the #1 song and movie in America.

A doctor experimenting with chemicals in his lab "accidentally" blinds his assistant in a plot to use him to undermine the institution for its stock. Commentary on who Blue Coal's John Barclay really is.  Plus , the origin of the Shadow theme song.

Agnes Moorehead makes her fourth appearance on Suspense in the most famous radio play ever written about a bedridden woman who overhears a telephone conversation plotting somebody's murder...hers!  JR speaks on Moorehead, the film version of this script and why this is considered a masterpiece in suspense.

When George forgets Liz's birthday, Liz sends an anonymous reminder through Mr. Atterbury,  only for George  to think it's his mother's birthday instead. Commentary on exceptional audio quality of the episode, guest actress GeGe Pearson, and the tremendous comedic pacing of this very funny script.

Two convicts escape from San Quentin.  They're armed and begin a crime wave of hold-ups. The trail leads to Mexico via San Diego as they vow never to be taken alive.  Commentary on San Diego Chief of Police Adam E Jansen who is credited as a contributor to this story line. Plus commentary on guest star Whitfield Connor.

Jimmy is in trouble on Utopia and Kent is finally figuring it out back on earth.  JR speaks on George Reeves quitting The Adventures of Superman after season 2.

A man who embezzled $2 million from his bank fakes his death and hides out on a secluded island off the coast of Nova Scotia.  The Shadow has figured out the scam and heads out to find him.Commentary on the Wellesian approach to this episode and Johnstone's approach to this Welles inspired script, the formula of writing comic book villains, and the real threat in Europe in 1938.

The owner of an apartment building signs leases for the apartments then he threatens to kill the tenants if they move in.  Commentary on how arson was legally received back in 1952 and whether an individual could legally burn his own building down.

This episode takes a little bit of active listening due to its less than ideal quality, but I hope you enjoy this next episode about two guys driving across the desert pick up three hitch-hikers who turn out to be escaped Nazi prisoners. Commentary on the Nazi's last attempt to overtake the Allies with the Battle of the Bulge, plus Hitler begins to mentally lose it causing some dissension in ranks.

A criminal lawyer clears his clients only to force them into a series of robberies. Commentary on great voice actors of the day and the art form of being a radio actor at that time. Plus, we discuss the logic of The Shadow as to how mass hypnosis would work if he really existed.