Radio Retropolis

A mobster plunges the city into darkness for one night by planting explosive light bulbs everywhere.  Once darkness falls he plans a personal reign of terror. Commentary on the contentious relationship Lamont Cranston has with Commissioner Weston which is a new dynamic the writers are trying out.  Also discussed is the lack of the Shadow himself in recent episodes being used only when absolutely n...

A high-flying circus trapeze act featuring a man, his best friend, and the woman they both love. One man decides to kill his friend and rival during their performance—in front of thousands of people—making it look like a tragic accident.   JR speaks on "haunted" star Dana Andrews chilling performance and how this plotline resembles a recurring theme on Suspense.

Frustrated that Superman cannot find Lois and Horatio, he flies back to the inn hoping they would be there.   But before giving up his search for good, he spots a small fishing trawler that may provide more clues to Lois, Horatio, and the sea monster.  JR speaks on recent spocial media comments about the Superman radio series.

The Atterburys overhear the Coopers in what they believe is a violent argument.  Their suspicions are confirmed when Liz appears with a fresh black eye.  Commentary on the Rule of Three in Comedy that all the great comedies have used and still use to this day.

An informant notifies the LAPD about an extortion racket going on in the area by what victims claim is by a police officer.  Commentary on assailants who faked being the police in order to commit the the most heinous attacks.

Superman is now aware that Horatio and Lois are missing.   In the meantime, Barnaby decides at gunpoint to put them in the belly of that monster.  JR speaks on the uniqueness of Superman's Golden Age.

Lamont and Margo fly to an isolated valley and soon discover that the villagers act like zombies due to a mad man who rules over them. Commentary on the relevance of this episode's theme with Hitler's speech to the Reichstag on January 30, 1939-just 8 days after this broadcast.  We also pay tribute to Shadow announcer Ken Roberts.

Danny Kaye plays against his lighthearted type as a man who plots the murder of his rival to win his woman by creating the perfect alibi. JR speaks on the complex personality of Kaye as well as controversies in his life.

Lois and Horatio are in mortal danger after being discovered snooping in Barnaby's fishing shack by Ike Barnaby himself.  JR speaks on what listeners of the Superman radio show back in the 1940's said were their favorite serials.

After messing up a joke, bombing at bridge, and lousing up George's breakfast, Liz develops an inferiority complex. Commentary on the transition from this radio series to what became I Love Lucy and the initial challenges Lucy had including CBS approving Desi as her husband, why Lucy hated the show's sponsor, and real near catastrophes during filming that stayed in the show.

A mail truck of registered mail has been robbed with its crew of 3 severely beaten.  The only clue is a $20 bill left behind. Commentary on the LAPD's role in a federal case.  Plus guest actress Inge Jollos unique background.

As Lois and Horatio are safe once again from drowning at sea, they decide to do a little investigating on their own by targeting the fishing shack of Ike Barnaby.  JR speaks on Horatio F. Horn's return and whether the character was well received in the Superman storyline.

A married couple murder an elderly man for the money he has hidden in a pillowcase and now have to cover their tracks as investigators close in. Commentary on the great twisty reminiscent of The Twilight Zone. Plus, actors Santos Ortega and his one day of infamy and Elspeth Eric. Also, Paul McGrath officially takes over as our ghoulish host.

City officials make light of a convict's promise of revenge after his execution until those he promised to kill from beyond the grave wind up dead. Commentary on the love/hate relationships between comic book heroes and law enforcement, a returning Shadow actress in a guest role, and an unknown Richard Widmark who lent his voice to many minor characters in radio before hitting it big in his first...

An elderly woman hires a young, troubled drifter as a handyman only to find out that he may be deeply emotionally disturbed and dangerous.  JR speaks on stars Ethel Barrymore and Gene Kelly as well as the comparisons between Kelly and Frank Sinatra who performed this role a few years prior.

Horatio and Lois once again find themselves in mortal danger as the boat they're on catches fire from the strange monster…only this time Kent is with them.   He can save them, but how will he do so without giving up his secret identity?  JR comments on actress Joan Alexander, Lois Lane herself, who inherited $70 miilion before her death.

George gets a letter from the Army so Liz thinks he's been drafted. George, on the other hand thinks Liz is having a baby. Commentary on how one of the great radio episodes could have become a great television episode if they hadn't made one mistake.

A professional gambling ring has set up operations in the city and dozens of people are being victimized. Yet the gamblers keep on the move.  Commentary on The Edgar Allan Poe Awards in which Dragnet once is a recipient for Best Mystery.

Kent begins his investigation into this strange sea monster that seems to have extraordinary powers.  JR speaks on what to expect once Batman enters into the public domain.

A man on death row escapes prison with the help of a mysterious society woman who seemingly can predict every move he makes. Commentary on one of the errors of this episode with regards to the gun used. Also, actress Simone Simone's short but sweet Hollywood career. Plus, this is the last episode featuring our host Raymond.

A falsely accused spy thinks of nothing but revenge for twenty years while sitting in jail, but the man who will pardon him is in mortal danger and the Shadow must save not one life but two. Commentary on how the Shadow is not infallible and can lose a fight.

A good ex-cop gone bad who has been ordered by his boss, a gangster, to murder a policeman and former friend.  JR speaks on twist ending and the strange life of William Bendix being cast against type who in his teens caused Babe Ruth to get sick and miss a game.

Superman has arrived in St.   Selmo and begins his frantic search in the dark night over the water for the missing trio.  JR speaks on what to soon expect for Superman when the earliest version of The Man of Steel enters the public domain.

Liz' exaggerations become so bad that George cuts off Liz's allowance until she can prove that she can consistently tell nothing but the truth. Commentary once again on the unlikable manner in which Liz has been written that is against the nature of why we love Lucille Ball. Plus commentary on Lucy favorite Shirley Mitchell who guest stars in this episode.

For more than two months a wave of safe burglaries have been well planned, well executed and there are no leads to the whereabouts of the suspects.  Special commentary on the politics and business of Dragnet and  Jack Webb's tough guy reputation.  Plus Dragnet company actors Stacy Harris and Harry Bartell.  Do not miss this podcast!