Radio Retropolis

A man who is tired of his overbearing wife, meticulously plans her murder just before they are set to leave for an extended trip to America.  JR speaks on the original story Back for Christmas comparisons.  Plus, the tumultuous life of star Herbert Marshall, his affair with Gloria Swanson, and loss of a leg.

Lois and Horatio head out to the open sea with this strange captain who somehow has a personal interest in this bizarre sea monster.   Will Lois get more than what she bargained for? JR speaks on the origins of a comic superhero that led to two versions of the character due to legal battles- Captain Marvel and Shazam!

Liz bought George's Christmas present, a cuckoo clock, with a rubber check, and now she needs to figure out a way to make good on it so the store owner won't repossess the clock.  Commentary on why this episode betrayed the likability of the Liz character. Plus, we celebrate guest star the great June Foray who passed away just two months before this podcast at the age of 99.

A dead woman has been left in the hospital elevator.  There's no lead to the identity of the corpse and there's no apparent cause of death.  Commentary on the curve ball in the act.  Plus actress Gwen Delano.

A new serial begins as Lois and returning eccentric investigator Horatio F. Horn travel to a northern Canada fishing village upon ruimors of s strange occurrence in the sea.  JR speaks on the detailed audio cues.  Plus a look at gossip columnist Walter Winchell.  

A police detective investigates a series of murders by a whistling slasher. Commentary on star Arnold Moss and his even more famous son Jeff who was known for creating some of the most memorable characters and music in modern history.

A man with a special visitor pass to a prison takes a tour of the "Death House." The deranged guard forces the guest to sit in the electric chair, then straps him down and flicks the switch. Commentary on two new surprising actions taken by Lamont Cranston and his alter ego as well as the first execution by electrocution.

James Cagney stars as a man who is about to be awarded the "Safest Driver in the State" only to be responsible for a multiple fatality car accident on his way to the ceremony.  JR speaks on the Auto-Lite inspired plot intended for driver safety awareness, yet the deeper context revolves around psychological trauma and guilt.

Zaram and his soldiers are on their way to invade Earth, while Superman is hurtled into space with Jimmy and Poco in dire straits as Planet Utopia begins to crumble.  JR speaks on important milestones that occurred on this day including major Superman news.

Liz is determined to play the lead in the women's club play, even if she has to keep the leading lady from showing up.  Commentary on this being the first My Favorite Husband episode that reflected the overall theme of of the Lucy character in I Love Lucy.  Plus, we feature guest actress Mary Shipp.

Friday investigates an experienced confidence man who targets elderly widows for their money has already conned his first two victims of more than $8,000. Commentary on the departure of Barney Phillips as Ed Jacobs and the introduction of Ben Romero's nephew Bill Lockwood.  Plus, actor Martin Milner and how Jack Webb guided his career.

As Zaram is about to expose Kent as being actually Superman having never left the cell, the planet Utopia suffers a strong earthquake signaling the pending doom of the planet.  JR speaks on how much Superman radio and TV actors were really paid. 

A clock maker is in possession of a cursed clock that only operates when using the original 30 pieces of silver given to Judas Iscariot. Any man who has come in contact with this clock has died a violent death. With this information, the clock maker seeks the man who murdered his father. Commentary on tonight's guest star Berry Kroeger. Plus, we look at the different views of Judas Iscariot.

A young man is about to inherit his parents estate until his evil uncle gets involved by placing a hypnotic spell on him which could mean his death. Commentary on why this episode was a misfire for the series.

Two sisters find their lives unraveling inside a lonely seaside mansion when one of the sisters decides to buy a casket for someone who will die in three weeks.  But which one?  JR speaks on star Rosalind Russell's combative career against the studios.

After it is revealed that Clark Kent has "replaced" Superman in the cell, Zaram places Jimmy in with him while he bugs the cell hoping that Kent will tip his hand.  JR speaks on the popularity of Superman through the decades.

Liz fakes an illness in order to get George to buy her a mink coat.  George is on to her and brings in a real doctor to give her fake diagnosis that Liz thinks is very real.  Commentary on the I Love Lucy episode "Lucy fakes an Illness" from which this script was adapted.

A seven week old baby has been abandoned in the bus depot waiting area and the mother is nowhere in sight with no leads as to where she could be. Commentary on this controversial episode and how the Code of Practices for Television Broadcasters in 1952 affected the story.

Superman, who still cannot move due to heavy pull of gravity from Uto pia, has one final and seemingly dangerous trick that could change things forever.  JR speaks on ratings for the series and the changes made to increase listenership.

After forty years, a headless skeleton and a bog oak necklace that turns out to be a woman's murdered sister who was to marry the man the first sister vowed to have. Commentary on the controversial life and career of tonight's guest star Miriam Hopkins.

A mad musician threatens the city with his, "Symphony of Silence in E-flat" in which hidden bombs explode at a loud noise.  Commentary on the brilliant last few minutes of the episode plus the significance of E Flat in heavy metal music.

Regarded as the best mystery story of all time  by the Mystery Writers of America, tonight's episode features a police sergeant, a newspaper reporter and an elusive serial killer who seems to elude both men.  JR speaks on the twist that alarmed audiences at that time.  Plus stars Claude Rains and Vincent Price.

Superman finally arrives safely on Utopia to rescue Jimmy but is faced with a heavy gravitational pull from the planet that renders him unable to move.  JR speaks on the two major pop culture genres that emerged in the postwar 1940s.

Liz goes on the radio quiz show, "Everybody Wins," and wins a check for $500, but she only gets to keep it if she can cash it within 25 minutes, and the banks are closed. Commentary on the continuity of the plot line.  Also we celebrate the gentle humor of guest actor Wally Maher who shines in this episode.  Plus , we look back at a classic scene between Lucille Ball and Wally Maher in the episode...

A man is shot and critically wounded in the street of a residential neighborhood. His assailant is unknown and nowhere to be found. Commentary on Barney Phillips as Ed Jacobs taking glee in Friday missing dinner at the diner.  Plus, the California State Juvenile Officers Association which is mentioned in tonight's episode.  Finally, guest stars Jack Kruschen and Helen Kleeb.