Radio Retropolis

A movie director was killed at the studio when a 250 lb. stage lamp had fallen on him. Friday and Smith investigate to determine whether it was an accident or a murder.  Commentary on Dragnet's claim to using real crimes for their stories.  Plus, we look at films in which actual tragedies occurred during filming.

Bull and Chuck set deadly bear traps for Kent and Jimmy, who are hiking the trails, which can snap a leg in two should one be caught.  Commentary on Jimmy's unsubstantiated suspicion of Clark with the twisted rifle.  Plus we look at the background of the politically incorrectly phrase "walking Indian file".

Jimmy and Kent decide to investigate these two men claiming to be game wardens. Commentary on the early arrival of Superman and the sloppy manner in which he quite often forgets his secret identity is actually a secret!

A bank robber makes a getaway using a sawed-off shotgun with only the first three digits of his license plate number as the only lead. Commentary on how Ben Alexander loosened up the dialogue with Webb as we demonstrate with a laugh track what Dragnet would sound like as a comedy.

Clark and Jimmy decide to extend their vacation by going on a camping expedition in the deep forest.  Their activities are suspiciously eyed by two men who have other plans for our heroes.  Commentary on Clark's fortuitous educational lesson to Jimmy about preserving our national resources for future generations and how that has even more significance today.

The White Plague murderer, now exposed and backed into a corner shoots his rifle as Father Malone approaches him. Did the killer add another murder to his list?  Is Clark able to stop him without revealing his secret identity?  Commentary on the sadness of how this story ended and why the writers extended the White Plague into a 9th part when they could have easily ended it in the last episode.  

Two Marines are targeted and poisoned, with one dying, in a cheap hotel by a man with a vendetta.  Commentary on the public opinion of the Korean War at that time. Plus, what makes Virginia Gregg the ideal character actress.

Clark is about to name the murderer.  Commentary on the change in direction of this episode in which Kent deduces the murderer in true Agatha Christie fashion.

Kent and Father Malone try to save Kurt Travers' log cabin as it goes up in fiery blaze with him trapped inside.  Can they get him out in time or will the White Plague Murderer claim another victim? Commentary on the defensive military action the US took on this day just three days after FDR's infamous speech about the country's position on the war in Europe.

Superman found Nancy and Jimmy drugged in the log cabin convincing him that someone in the camp was committing murder under the guise of a phony curse.  But who is it and to what gain?  Commentary on the significance of this date and the infamous speech from FDR on whether America would go to war.

A man has been shot and killed in his own home with his mother being the closest witness.  But, the evidence discovered by Friday and Smith leads them in a new direction. Commentary on the darkness of this episode.  Plus, star Helen Kleeb.

Kent and Harmon investigate the disappearance of Jimmy and Harmon's daughter, Nancy, and are shocked to find the kids' footprints in the snow abruptly end.  Commentary on the opening theme and how some phrases, like "race a speeding bullet to its target", didn't quite sell the "super" in Superman in which changes needed to be made.

Last time, the White Plague took on a more physical form as several rifle shots were aimed at Clark and Jimmy. Commentary on how Jimmy Olsen came to be as well as the different Jimmys throughout the decades.

A drunken teenage boy who started a riot in chemistry class reveals a couple who is selling narcotics and liquor to him and some of his friends. Commentary on teen rebellion in the 1950's.

Last time, a logger presumably afflicted with the White Plague died who may have taken the secret of the curse to his grave unless Clark can figure it out before more men die.  Commentary on Clark's lesson to Jim my and the listener about America and coal formation.  Plus, The Superman TV episode Jungle Devil in which Kent crushes a lump of coal into a diamond and whether that could really happen.

A deadly trio form a phony insurance corporation in order to kill their clients and collect their insurance benefits.  Commentary on the return to a more sinister tone and the significance that this broadcast date coincides with Josef Stalin's 60th birthday.

While in Canada heading to the logging camp, Clark, Jimmy and their guide find themselves surrounded by dozens of hungry timber wolves set to attack and Clark must figure out a way to save them without exposing his secret identity.  Commentary on Superman's somewhat neanderthal use of his strength as he has yet to discover his other talents. Plus, the darkness of this serial is discussed.

A carjacking victim in the hospital doesn't provide any clues yet they believe the suspect has been spotted in San Francisco.  But he claims to have an alibi for the crimes committed in Los Angeles.  Commentary on the many Dragnets that followed including Dick Wolf's version starring Ed O'Neill.

Clark and Jimmy head to the Great White North to a logging camp for a little rest and relaxation but find that men are mysteriously dying from a curse known as the White Plague.

Perry and Jimmy have been captured by Lewis at gunpoint who we just found out is a double agent for Deutch.  Clark , in the meantime, is still searching the coast line to make sure all was clear. Commentary on Perry White's strong words to Deutch that opened a much clearer direction in the Superman episodes as to who the real villain truly was in 1941.

The Shadow discovers a gang of crooks who buy old horses from desperate farmers and kills them for the insurance. Commentary on the lighter tone of these recent stories with this one geared specifically to the young listener despite its sinister plot.  Also, pioneer cowboys, William S. Hart and Hoot Gibson who are referenced in one scene are discussed.

Clark and Jimmy spy a suspicious man pull a speedboat out of the water.  Are the duo about to get the shock of their lives?  Commentary on how they can possibly wrap up the action in the next 11 minute episode.

June 27, 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of DARK SHADOWS! Series commentary and exclusive interviews highlight the revealing secrets behind this amazing television phenomenon! Episode 2 BACK TO COLLINSPORT re-issued from the 50th anniversary in 2016 is an hour long highlight from the cast. The actors speaks very candidly about their roles and the show itself. Some answers will surprise you. Most a...

Part 2 our in-depth look from concept to cancellation of the original series Dark Shadows (1966-71) with Jim Pierson, creator Dan Curtis' right hand man.  He's been associated with Dan Curtis Productions for over twenty years as promotional director and producer.  Topics discussed include: * How Jonathan Frid's nervousness helped Barnabas Collins be a success. * How ABC almost cancelled the series...

Celebrating the 60th anniv ersary of the cult classic DARK SHADOWS with this re-issue of this 50th anniversary podcast from 2016!  Series commentary and exclusive interviews with answers to questions you have always wanted to know highlight the revealing secrets behind this amazing television phenomenon!  Episode 1 is a two-part in-depth look from concept to cancellation with Jim Pierson, creator...