Have Gun – Will Travel

 

Have Gun – Will Travel is was American Western television series that was produced and originally broadcast by CBS on both television and radio from 1957 through 1963. A radio series starring John Dehner debuted November 23, 1958, more than a year after the premiere of its televised counterpart, making Have Gun – Will Travel one of the few shows in television history to spawn a successful radio version

Cowboys and Western stories did not have the same impact on the Radio as they did in Hollywood Movies. Several factors made Westerns a staple of the Movies, chiefly that they were relatively cheap to make and audiences were sure to enjoy the action-packed stories and beautiful southwestern landscapes. On the Radio, Westerns were largely relegated to Kiddie Programming with shows like The Lone Ranger, Bobby Benson and the B-Bar-B Riders, Straight Arrow, Red Ryder, and others.

The first "grown-up Western" on the Radio was CBS's Gunsmoke, a much grittier and realistic telling of the Old West. Arguably one of the greatest programs of the OTR era, at the time the Network was desperate to find material for its growing TV presence. Despite the objections of the show's creators, CBS was sure Gunsmoke would be a hit on the Small Screen. Both sides were correct, and soon CBS was looking for more shows to complement their Western TV hit.

Richard Boone starred in the TV version and was integral to the show's success. However, when CBS Radio floated the idea of bringing Have Gun – Will Travel to the radio, the part of Paladin was given to Radio Western regular, John Dehner. Paladin came from a wealthy family "back East" and had served as an officer in the Union Cavalry. After the Civil War, he made his way West, eventually settling into permanent residence at San Francisco's Carleton Hotel. Compared to other fictional Western Heroes, Paladin was very much a "dude" at home, he wore the finest clothes, supported the arts, spoke several languages, was president of the San Francisco Stock Exchange Club, was an expert chess (and poker) player, and always had an eye out for pretty ladies. When Paladin changed into his work clothes, any impressions of a "dude" fell away immediately.

The costume change was more visually effective in the visual medium of TV, of course. According to network mythology, when Richard Boone did his screen-test for the role, the only costume that fit him was the all-black gunslinger ensemble, which simply worked for the character. Dehner was more of a "dude" on the radio, and even more ruthless in the lawless lands that his job took him.

Like the Knights of old and radio's Hard-boiled detectives, Paladin had a very strict code of personal honor. Presenting himself as a mercenary (his standard fee was $1,000 in 1870s money), he would not hesitate to take a "charity case" if he ran across a just cause. Paladin made it a point to inform his clients that he was not an assassin and preferred to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence (although it rarely went that way). He could more than hold his own in fisticuffs, and was absolutely deadly with the Marlin Rifle tied to his saddle and the Colt .45 Single Action Army revolver strapped to his hip.

The Have Gun – Will Travel radio show broadcast 106 episodes on the CBS Radio Network between November 23, 1958, and November 27, 1960. It was one of the last radio dramas featuring continuing characters and one of only a handful of American radio adaptations of a television series. John Dehner (a regular on the radio series version of Gunsmoke) played Paladin, and Ben Wright usually (but not always) played Hey Boy. Virginia Gregg played Miss Wong, Hey Boy's girlfriend, before the television series featured the character of Hey Girl. Unlike the small-screen version, this medium usually had a tag scene at the Carlton at both the beginning and the end of the episode. Initially, the episodes were adaptations of the television program as broadcast earlier the same week, but eventually, original stories were produced, including a finale ("From Here to Boston", "Inheritance", and "Goodbye, Paladin") in which Paladin leaves San Francisco, perhaps forever, to claim an inheritance back east. The radio version was written by producer/writer Roy Winsor.

The TV program ran from 1957 through 1963 and had 225 episodes. Three novels were based on the television show, all with the title of the show.

The Creaking Door

 

 

The Creaking Door

was a popular South African old-time radio (OTR) horror/suspense anthology series from the 1960s, sponsored by State Express 555 cigarettes, known for its spooky door sound effect and tales inspired by American shows like Inner Sanctum Mysteries. It featured thrillers with supernatural and psychological twists, airing from the late 50s/early 60s into the 70s, and remains a beloved classic for OTR fans, showcasing the global reach of the genre.

 

It began with rebroadcasts of Inner Sanctum Mysteries until 1959, when South African productions started, influenced heavily by the American show's eerie atmosphere and sound cues.  The iconic creaking door sound, meant to set a chilling tone, became its famous trademark, mirroring Inner Sanctum's own doorknob/squeak effect.  The anthology offered horror, mystery, and sci-fi stories, often with moral lessons or shocking twists, broadcast by Springbok Radio.

 

Sponsored by State Express cigarettes (State Express 555), it was a significant production in South African radio, distinct from but connected to the larger OTR world.

 

Though less known internationally than its US counterparts, The Creaking Door is fondly remembered for its chilling narratives and distinctive style, with episodes still available on podcast platforms.

Ann of the Airlanes

 

 

Ann of the Airlanes was a syndicated American radio adventure drama series that aired from the 1930s to the 1950s

, created in part due to the popularity of Amelia Earhart. The show followed the adventures of Ann Burton, an aspiring airplane hostess and Secret Service agent, with pilot Jack Baker. It featured a mix of action, adventure, and mystery, and was one of the earliest broadcast dramas with a female protagonist.

 

The story focused on Ann Burton, an aspiring airplane hostess portrayed by Lynne Howard (possibly a stage name for Hollywood native Elia Braca). She also worked with the Secret Service, as did her romantic interest, Interstate Airlines pilot Jack Baker (Robert C. Bruce). Gerald Mohr portrayed Secret Service agent and co-pilot Art Morrison. Also in the cast was John Gibson who portrayed Pete. 

 

The series was created by Bob Burtt and produced by Comet Productions. It consisted of 65 episodes for a 13-week run. John E. Frank was the director. In 1955 Harry S. Goodman Productions acquired the rights to Ann of the Airlanes and three other juvenile radio shows.

 

Red Ryder

Red Ryder was an American radio western series based on the popularity of the comic strip Red Ryder by Stephen Slesinger and Fred Harman. It debuted on February 3, 1942 on the NBC Blue Network and was broadcast three days a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. After the sixth episode, Langendorf Bread became its prime sponsor. The final episode was broadcast in 1951.

The comic strip was syndicated by Newspaper Enterprise Association, the strip ran from Sunday, November 6, 1938, through 1965.

In 1938, Harman met publisher, writer and comic syndicator Slesinger. At the time, Slesinger had scripted a new comic strip called Red Ryder and was seeking an outstanding Western artist with knowledge of authentic period details and who had a natural gift for drawing scenes from dramatic perspectives. Harman fit the description and was a genuine cowboy who was the ideal spokesperson for the Red Ryder Character franchise.

Red Ryder had two topper strips on the Sunday page: Little Beaver (Nov 6, 1938 - Aug 25, 1946) and Red Ryder's Corral of Western Lingo (Sept 8, 1946 - Oct 10, 1948).

The Red Ryder radio series were broadcast starting February 3, 1942, on the Blue Network. broadcast three times a week at 7:30 pm Pacific time. When the Blue also acquired The Lone Ranger from the Mutual Broadcasting System, Mutual decided to compete by airing Red Ryder in the same period. Thus, Red Ryder aired on the East Coast that year from May 20 to September 9 on Mutual. The series beat The Lone Ranger in the Hooper ratings, but the success was short-lived. Red Ryder was sold to a regional sponsor, Langendorf Bread, and after four months was no longer heard in the East.

Mutual and Langendorf continued the series on the West Coast Don Lee Network through the 1940s at 7:30 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, always with the familiar organ theme, "The Dying Cowboy" ("Bury Me Not on the Lone Prairie"). Announcers on the show included Ben Alexander and Art Gilmore.

The continuing characters of the comic strip were also found in the radio series, produced by Brad Brown with writer-director Paul Franklin and writer Albert Van Antwerp. Reed Hadley portrayed Red Ryder on the radio from 1942 to 1944, followed by Carlton KaDell (1945), and Brooke Temple (1946–51). Arthur Q. Bryan had the role of Roland "Rawhide" Rolinson, and Red's sidekick Buckskin was played by Horace Murphy. Jim Mather provided Indian voices.

Numerous actors played Little Beaver, including members of the Hopi, Jicarilla Apache, Southern Ute, and Navajo Nations. One of the most notable was Robert Blake (on credits as Bobby Blake), Tommy Cook (1942 on), Frank Bresee (1942–46, alternating with Cook), Henry Blair (1944–47), Johnny McGovern (1947–50), and Sammy Ogg (1950–51). During the same mid-1940s time frame, Henry Blair also portrayed Ricky Nelson on The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.

Billed as "America's famous fighting cowboy," Red Ryder was notable because he did not kill his enemies but instead aimed for their guns to disarm them. Such sound effects were handled by James Dick, Monty Fraser, and Bob Turnbull.

Red Ryder also appeared in a 1940 12-chapter serial, followed by a series of 27 movies on TV.

Peggy Allenby

Peggy Allenby was born on February 1, 1896 and died on March 23, 1966. She was an American stage, film, television, and radio actress.  Born Eleanor Byrne Fox in New York City, she married actors Robert Armstrong (married from 1920 to 1925) and John McGovern (married in 1932).

Allenby was born Eleanor Byrne Fox in New York City and attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart. She entered theatrical work in Nashville.

Allenby may be best known for her role as "Mattie Lane Grimsley" on the CBS-TV soap opera Edge of Night. Peggy Allenby was in the show's cast from 1956-66. She also appeared on Cosmopolitan Theater (1951), The Philco Television Playhouse (1951), First Love (1954), Studio One (1954) and The United States Steel Hour.

Between 1930 and 1950, her voice was featured in numerous broadcasts, including the radio dramas Second Husband, Young Doctor Malone, David Harum, and Road of Life. She had the lead role in Phyl Coe Radio Mysteries.

She performed on Broadway, most notably as Willy Loman's wife, Linda, in the 1949 production of Death of a Salesman, where she replaced Mildred Dunnock. She also appeared in Thornton Wilder's play The Happy Journey to Trenton and Camden.

Allenby was married to actors John McGovern and Robert Armstrong. Her marriage with John McGovern produced two children, John Jr. and Eleanor. She died in 1966 in Park West Hospital after a short illness, aged 70.

Macabre

Macabre was a horror radio series that aired in 1961 and 1962, produced by the Far East Network (FEN) of the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS). Created primarily by William Verdier, who wrote, directed, and performed in most of the episodes, the series delivered chilling tales of the supernatural and macabre. Macabre emerged from a contest victory by the FEN over Armed Forces Network-Germany, leading to its worldwide broadcast. Despite its short run of only eight or nine episodes, it’s remembered for its effective horror storytelling and the dedicated efforts of its creators and performers, many of whom were military personnel.

Macabre was basically written and directed as a labor of love by radio employees who were not professional writers or actors, and yet, it aired worldwide during the period of OTR. (It slipped in just under the wire in 1962). The driving force behind the program was William Verdier, an Assistant Production Director for the FEN (Far East Network). He was a former NBC and CBS radio employee who ended up working in Japan for the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS). Drawing on his previous involvement with other radio dramas while working for NBC (Inner Sanctum, Suspense, and Ellery Queen), Verdier wrote seven out of the nine dramas for the new horror series, most of which he also directed. Other staff and local talent joined in the fun. The series actually began as the result of a contest between the FEN and the AFRTS in Germany. Both networks sent tapes to the AFRTS headquarters in Los Angeles, and FEN Toyko won (Digital Deli Too).

The results of the series overall are mixed. The acting is decent, but at times, lackluster. Verdier plays the lead in numerous shows, probably because they had a tough time finding good actors without an accent who would work within the budget--assuming they had one. (The limited resources become especially obvious when they read the credits and most everyone is military personal, including the host, Staff Sergeant Al Lapage.) Some of the pre-recorded sound effects don't sound natural, and other pre-recorded music isn't always a good match for the action. But these are little things common in other programs as well, and they are easy to ignore when you're caught up in the story. Some of the plot devices seem a little strained, but then surprise you with a final twist. There are many scenes that are chilling, and Verdier goes out of his way to deliver the goods for horror fans. Like Vardier told the Pacific Stars and Stripes newspaper writer, "There will be no holds barred, and when people get killed, you will hear it happen." (Nov 13, 1961)

There are indications that a second season was released beginning December 10, 1962 and running for eighteen weeks through April 8, 1963. Pacific Stars and Stripes announced the debut episode as “The Strange Diary of Basil Rene”. Another entry from February 25, 1963 listed an episode title of “The Cleverness of Remarkable Me”, and the March 17, 1963 edition listed “The Crystalline Man”, presumably a repeat episode or a reuse of the script from January 1, 1962. No additional information is currently available about this second season.

Alonzo Deen Cole

 

 

 

Alonzo Deen Cole was born on February 22, 1897 and passed away on March 31, 1971. He has been hailed by early radio fans as a prolific genius and legend of the golden age of radio drama. He created the popular gothic radio horror classic, "The Witch's Tale". Later he became the only writer for the famous radio series "Casey, Crime Photographer", producing 384 scripts. In addition, he wrote scripts for the legendary "Shadow" series, "Gangbusters", "Seth Parker", the "Hour of Charm", and the "Kate Smith Hour" creating a total of almost 900 radio plays. Cole began acting in school plays as a young man in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and toured in dramatic plays and stock companies. While he lived in New York, Cole convinced WOR to air his horror series devoted to the supernaural.

 

"The Witch's Tale" was first broadcast on May 28, 1931 through the Mutual Broadcasting System and ran for 7 years, until June 13, 1938. He crafted, wrote, produced, directed, and even starred in his gothic brainchild along with his wife Marie O'Flynn, who played the key female roles. "The Witch's Tale", is credited by early radio scholars as the first of its genre in old time radio. Importantly, author Read G. Burgan noted that "nearly all radio, television, and even comic book horror series that followed borrowed liberally, and often shamelessly from the conventions first developed by Cole". A cackling witch named Nancy introduced the half hour program with her meowing cat, Satan. She created the atmosphere for the show by inviting the listener to put out the lights and listen to her terrifying tales. Cole created a new tale each week featuring murderous dummies, vampires, crawling hands, haunted houses, devils, curses, werewolves, and mirrors leading to other dimensions. The series became statistically the top radio program of its day. "People like to be scared", said Cole, "just as they like to eat candy." 

 

After the series had ended, while thinking of moving to California, Cole destroyed all of his original recordings of "The Witch's Tale". Only about 30 recordings of the original 332 episodes still exist in poor condition. Cole did however, keep the scripts. If not for David Seigel, an avid old radio buff, the series might have been lost forever. He copied all 332 of the fragile scripts from the program, and his wife typed each script. He chose 13 scripts to publish in his book on "The Witch's Tale". KLOS in Los Angeles and 15 other west coast stations aired a remake of two of Cole's original scripts in recent years using well known actors and actresses for the parts. 

 

The Witch's Tales was also a magazine, published for two issues in 1936. Cole's photograph appeared on the cover of the first issue, and he probably wrote the lead story ("The Madman"). Purportedly the editor, Cole actually did little work for the magazine. Cole had two stories published in Weird Tales: "The Spirits of the Lake" (November, 1941), and "The Gipsy's Hand" (May, 1942).