Radio Anthology Series
(1943-48, NBC)
How confusing?
All three major networks had crime or detectives shows titled Mystery Theater (or Mystery Theatre).
But the first and arguably the best (and the one under discussion here) was NBC’s version, the only real anthology, more formally known as THE MOLLÉ MYSTERY THEATRE, named after one of its original sponsors, Mollé Brushless Saving Cream. It promised stories from both classic and then current mystery authors, and pretty much delivered, regularly drawing praise for its scripts, production values and acting.
By all accounts, this was the good stuff. It aired adaptations of stories by Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett, Jonathan Latimer, Craig Rice and others. It was hosted by “Geoffrey Barnes, Connoisseur of Mysteries,” who was played by Roc Roger. Barnes was a “annotator and amateur criminologist,” on hand to announce the shows, and answer listeners’ questions.
It ran from 1943 until 1948, and many of its episodes were rebroadcast on AFRS’ Mystery Playhouse, with new, tongue-in-cheek introductions by Peter Lorre, specifically for the purpose of entertaining the troops serving during the war.
Meanwhile, CBS had CBS Mystery Theater, which ran from 1951–1954, and was also known as Hearthstone of The Death Squad.
And ABC had ABC Mystery Theater (aka “Inspector Mark Saber of The Homicide Squad” and “The Mark Saber Mysteries”), which ran from 1951 to 1954, featuring Inspector Mark Saber, who would later become a private eye on the television show, Saber of London, which aired parallel to the radio program., which at various times ran as “Mystery Theater,” “Mark Saber,” “Inspector Mark Saber–Homicide Squad” and “Homicide Squad”.
No wonder the info compiled by assorted radio history researchers is so contradictory and confusing. Some of them have lumped them all together as one long-running show that jumped from network to network, although it appear they were all different shows, with little to do with each other. I’ve done my best to try and sort it out, compiling the info from a few more diligent sources–wish me luck.
NOTABLE EPISODES
- MOLLÉ MYSTERY THEATRE
(1943-48, NBC)
232 30-minute episodes
Announcer: Dan Seymour
Annotator: Geoffrey Barnes
Music composed and directed by Jack Miller.- “SUNDAY PIGEON MURDERS” (October 10, 1943)
Based on the novel by Craig Rice
Featuring Bingo Riggs and Handsome Kusak - “THE BIG SLEEP” (November 2, 1943)
Based on the novel by Raymond Chandler
Featuring Philip Marlowe - “LADY IN THE LAKE” (December 14, 1943)
Based on the novel by Raymond Chandler
Featuring Philip Marlowe - “THE THURSDAY TURKEY MURDERS” (January 25, 1944)
Based on the novel by Craig Rice
Featuring Bingo Riggs and Handsome Kusak - “YOU ONLY HANG ONCE” (February 15, 1944)
Based on the novel by H.W. Roden
Featuring Sid Ames and Johnny Knight - “FAREWELL, MY LOVELY” (February 29, 1944)
Based on the novel by Raymond Chandler
Featuring Philip Marlowe - “THE DEAD DON’T CARE” (March 28, 1944)
Based on the novel by Jonathan Latimer
Featuring Bill Crane - “THE DAIN CURSE” (May 16, 1944)
Based on the novel by Dashiell Hammett
Featuring the Continental Op, known here as “Jim Diamond” - “HOME, SWEET HOMICIDE” (May 23, 1944)
Based on the novel by Craig Rice - “GOLD FISH” (July 18, 1944)
Based on the short story by Raymond Chandler - “TOO BUSY TO DIE” (January 9, 1945)
Based on the novel by H.W. Roden
Featuring Sid Ames and Johnny Knight - “TWO SHARP KNIVES” (February 13, 1945)
Based on the short story by Dashiell Hammett - “HIS HEART COULD BREAK” (March 13, 1945)
Based on the short story by Craif Rice
Featuring John J. Malone - “THE GAY FALCON” (March 27, 1945)
Based on characterts created by Michael Arlen
Featuring The Falcon - “LADY IN THE MORGUE” (May 15, 1945)
Based on the novel by Jonathan Latimer
Featuring Bill Crane - “REX SACKLER, DETECTIVE” (July 3, 1945)
Based on characters created by D.L. Champion
Featuring Rex Sackler
There’s some dispute as to whether the episode is titled “Rex Sackler” or “Rex Sadler.” If it’s the latter, it may have nothing to do with D.L. Champion’s character. In which case… nevermind… - “THE LAST LAUGH MURDER” (January 16, 1948)
Based on characters created by Rex Stout
Featuring Nero Wolfe
- “SUNDAY PIGEON MURDERS” (October 10, 1943)
Preliminary report respectfully submitted by Kevin Burton Smith.
