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Hard-boiled Detectives

An OTRCAT Original collection, a hard boiled detective can take a beating like a man and still have a snarky well-constructed comment. Weve collection the toughest detectives in this mean collection.

80 old time radio show recordings
(total playtime 36 hours, 29 min)
available in the following formats:

2 MP3 CDs
or
38 Audio CDs


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Play a sample episode from April 30, 1949:

"Philip Marlowe: Lady in Mink"



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Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2020 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

"One of the finest traits of a HARDBOILED RADIO DETECTIVE is being able to take a beating like a man..."

Star of Sam SpadeWhereas classic detectives stories focused on plot and thought (sometimes called whodunits), Hard-boiled Detectives focused scene setting in the gritty urban street and the characterization of the tough, shrewd detectives.  Unlike traditional detectives, hardboiled detectives routinely faced death and danger. The characters were super masculine, independent, American frontiersman-type with a propensity for violence and ambivalence towards the law enforcement. 

Alan Ladd publicity still.

Carroll John Daly, Dashiell Hammett (Sam Spade), and Raymond Chandler (Philip Marlowe) are thought to be the godfathers of hardboiled detective fiction.  Writers were encouraged to write with an "authentic" voice often using more metaphors and similes than a 10th grade English teacher. The slang of Hardboiled Detectives is legendary with authors often coining new terms.  Eventually this characterization became a cliché and eventually satirized. 

This collection included a sample of some of the best Hardboiled Detectives old time radio shows; including: Sam Spade, Philip Marlowe, Pat Novak, Jeff Regan, Harry Lime, Box 13, Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar, Richard Diamond, Bold Venture, Big Town, Michael Shayne, Nightbeat, That Hammer Guy, Rogue's Gallery, The Falcon, and a few surprises.

Get out your bean shooter, flogger, and your dame because there's a Baumes rush of bindle punks and there's no telling who's going to be blipped off or bopped off.  Don't be a weak sister because, these aren't a bunch of flatties gumshoeing, and they won't think twice about dry gulching you in the conk.

That talk is too tough for you? See also: Softboiled Detectives.

Mysterious Detective Man

Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2020 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

These classic recordings are available in the following formats:

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    Fantastic, Wonderful collection of Detective Story's. Super Happy with this purchase. Thank you OTRCAT

    Mark Verified Purchase

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    well done good collection well worth the money

    Kerry Verified Purchase

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  • MP3 CDs are delivered by mail. These archival quality MP3 CDs are playable in your computer and many MP3 player devices.



    80 recordings on 2 MP3 CDs for just $10.00
    total playtime 36 hours, 29 min
    Add MP3 CD Collection to Cart
    Print

    Click here to see disc contents


    Volume 1 - 41 shows - total playtime 19 hours 32 minutes
    MP3 CD
    Volume 1: 5.00
    Add To Cart
    1. Barry Craig 511024 04 Microfilm In Theffishtank.mp3
    2. Barry Craig 511114 07 Dead On Arrival.mp3
    3. Barry Craig 520109 15 Murder Island.mp3
    4. Barry Craig 530301 The Impostor.mp3
    5. Barry Craig 540307 Code Of The Underworld.mp3
    6. Big Town 481012 05 The Double Murder.mp3
    7. Big Town 481019 06 An Angel of the Street.mp3
    8. Big Town 481123 11 The Deadly Doll.mp3
    9. Big Town 481214 14 Deadline at Dawn.mp3
    10. Big Town 490208 22 Death at the Wheel.mp3
    11. Bold Venture 12 The Tears Of Sheba.mp3
    12. Bold Venture 26 Slate's Tuxedo Pocket.mp3
    13. Bold Venture 38 Voodoo.mp3
    14. Bold Venture 511119 05 Buried TreasureSpanish Gold.mp3
    15. Bold Venture Crazy Old Carlos.mp3
    16. Box 13 480822 (01) First Letter.mp3
    17. Box 13 481114 (13) DamselInDistress.mp3
    18. Box 13 481128 (15) Double Right Cross.mp3
    19. Box 13 490123 (23) Three To Die.mp3
    20. Box 13 490306 (29) Hunt And Peck.mp3
    21. BIMB 490721 002 Otto Prokosh.mp3
    22. BIMB 491224 015 Nick Norman, Santa Claus.mp3
    23. BIMB 500210 021 Julie Dixon Case.mp3
    24. BIMB 500505 033 Janice Guilford Case.mp3
    25. BIMB 500616 039 Morris Bernstein.mp3
    26. Harry Lime 510831 005 Voodoo.mp3
    27. Harry Lime 511102 014 Mexicanhattrick.mp3
    28. Harry Lime 520104 023 Cherchezlagem.mp3
    29. Harry Lime 520314 033 Violetssweetviolets.mp3
    30. Harry Lime 520425 039 Harrylimejoinsthecircus.mp3
    31. Jeff Regan 480717 The Prodigal Daughter.mp3
    32. Jeff Regan 480724 The Lonesome Lady.mp3
    33. Jeff Regan 480828 The Man in the Door.mp3
    34. Jeff Regan 480925 The Lady with No Name.mp3
    35. Jeff Regan 481204 The Lawyer and the Lady.mp3
    36. Martin Kane Private Detective 531029.mp3
    37. Michael Shayne 480806 The Case Of The Phantom Gun.mp3
    38. Michael Shayne 480902 Generous Kille.mp3
    39. Michael Shayne 481127 The Carnival Killer.mp3
    40. Michael Shayne 490000 Wandering Fingerprints.mp3
    41. Michael Shayne 490115 Tahlan's Tears.mp3
    Volume 2 - 39 shows - total playtime 16 hours 57 minutes
    MP3 CD
    Volume 2: 5.00
    Add To Cart
    1. Nightbeat 500515 The Firebug Killings.mp3
    2. Nightbeat 500522 I Wish You Were Dead.mp3
    3. Nightbeat 500619 Vincent And The Painter.mp3
    4. Nightbeat 500724 The Devil's Bible.mp3
    5. Nightbeat 500731 The City At Your Fingertips.mp3
    6. Pat Novak 490306 Fleet Lady.mp3
    7. Pat Novak 490416 Go Away Dixie Gillian.mp3
    8. Pat Novak 490423 Rita Malloy.mp3
    9. Pat Novak 490507 Shirt MixUp at the Laundry.mp3
    10. Pat Novak 490514 Geranium Plant.mp3
    11. Philip Marlowe 490312 024 Grim Hunters.mp3
    12. Philip Marlowe 490430 031 Lady in Mink.mp3
    13. Philip Marlowe 490507 032 Feminine Touch.mp3
    14. Philip Marlowe 490604 036 Unfair Lady.mp3
    15. Philip Marlowe 490813 045 Indian Giver.mp3
    16. Sam Spade 470615 B038 Convertable Caper.mp3
    17. Sam Spade 480104 B067 One Hour Caper.mp3
    18. Sam Spade 480125 B070 Gold Key Caper.mp3
    19. Sam Spade 480704 B093 The Rushlight Diamond Caper.mp3
    20. Sam Spade 480815 B099 Critical Author Caper.mp3
    21. That Hammer Guy Babysits Jolly.mp3
    22. That Hammer Guy Barney Miller Syndicate.mp3
    23. That Hammer Guy Dead Dame in the Park.mp3
    24. That Hammer Guy Faye Durando.mp3
    25. That Hammer Guy Trouble with Dames.mp3
    26. Ytjd 490225 003 The Slow Boat From China.mp3
    27. Ytjd 510926 116 The Protection Matter.mp3
    28. Ytjd 521205 141 James Clayton Matter.mp3
    29. Ytjd 540720 226 Jeanne Maxwell Matter.mp3
    30. Ytjd 551017 243 Chesapeak Fraud Matter.mp3
    31. Ytjd 560326 358 Lamar Matter.mp3
    32. Ytjd 560416 373 Shepherd Matter.mp3
    33. Ytjd 561029 508 Silent Queen Matter.mp3
    34. Ytjd 561111 513 Big Scoop Matter.mp3
    35. Ytjd 570331 531 Moonshine Murder Matter.mp3
    36. Ytjd 590405 633 Frisco Fire Matter.mp3
    37. Ytjd 590816 652 Night In Paris Matter.mp3
    38. Ytjd 610319 732 Informer Matter.mp3
    39. Ytjd 610924 759 Doublebarreled.mp3

  • MP3 downloads are available instantly after purchase!



    80 recordings on 2 MP3 Collection Downloads for just $10.00
    total playtime 36 hours, 29 min
    Add MP3 CD Collection to Cart
    Print

    Click here to see disc contents


    Volume 1 - 41 shows - total playtime 19 hours 32 minutes
    Instant Download
    Volume 1: $5.00
    Add To Cart
    1. Barry Craig 511024 04 Microfilm In Theffishtank.mp3
    2. Barry Craig 511114 07 Dead On Arrival.mp3
    3. Barry Craig 520109 15 Murder Island.mp3
    4. Barry Craig 530301 The Impostor.mp3
    5. Barry Craig 540307 Code Of The Underworld.mp3
    6. Big Town 481012 05 The Double Murder.mp3
    7. Big Town 481019 06 An Angel of the Street.mp3
    8. Big Town 481123 11 The Deadly Doll.mp3
    9. Big Town 481214 14 Deadline at Dawn.mp3
    10. Big Town 490208 22 Death at the Wheel.mp3
    11. Bold Venture 12 The Tears Of Sheba.mp3
    12. Bold Venture 26 Slate's Tuxedo Pocket.mp3
    13. Bold Venture 38 Voodoo.mp3
    14. Bold Venture 511119 05 Buried TreasureSpanish Gold.mp3
    15. Bold Venture Crazy Old Carlos.mp3
    16. Box 13 480822 (01) First Letter.mp3
    17. Box 13 481114 (13) DamselInDistress.mp3
    18. Box 13 481128 (15) Double Right Cross.mp3
    19. Box 13 490123 (23) Three To Die.mp3
    20. Box 13 490306 (29) Hunt And Peck.mp3
    21. BIMB 490721 002 Otto Prokosh.mp3
    22. BIMB 491224 015 Nick Norman, Santa Claus.mp3
    23. BIMB 500210 021 Julie Dixon Case.mp3
    24. BIMB 500505 033 Janice Guilford Case.mp3
    25. BIMB 500616 039 Morris Bernstein.mp3
    26. Harry Lime 510831 005 Voodoo.mp3
    27. Harry Lime 511102 014 Mexicanhattrick.mp3
    28. Harry Lime 520104 023 Cherchezlagem.mp3
    29. Harry Lime 520314 033 Violetssweetviolets.mp3
    30. Harry Lime 520425 039 Harrylimejoinsthecircus.mp3
    31. Jeff Regan 480717 The Prodigal Daughter.mp3
    32. Jeff Regan 480724 The Lonesome Lady.mp3
    33. Jeff Regan 480828 The Man in the Door.mp3
    34. Jeff Regan 480925 The Lady with No Name.mp3
    35. Jeff Regan 481204 The Lawyer and the Lady.mp3
    36. Martin Kane Private Detective 531029.mp3
    37. Michael Shayne 480806 The Case Of The Phantom Gun.mp3
    38. Michael Shayne 480902 Generous Kille.mp3
    39. Michael Shayne 481127 The Carnival Killer.mp3
    40. Michael Shayne 490000 Wandering Fingerprints.mp3
    41. Michael Shayne 490115 Tahlan's Tears.mp3
    Volume 2 - 39 shows - total playtime 16 hours 57 minutes
    Instant Download
    Volume 2: $5.00
    Add To Cart
    1. Nightbeat 500515 The Firebug Killings.mp3
    2. Nightbeat 500522 I Wish You Were Dead.mp3
    3. Nightbeat 500619 Vincent And The Painter.mp3
    4. Nightbeat 500724 The Devil's Bible.mp3
    5. Nightbeat 500731 The City At Your Fingertips.mp3
    6. Pat Novak 490306 Fleet Lady.mp3
    7. Pat Novak 490416 Go Away Dixie Gillian.mp3
    8. Pat Novak 490423 Rita Malloy.mp3
    9. Pat Novak 490507 Shirt MixUp at the Laundry.mp3
    10. Pat Novak 490514 Geranium Plant.mp3
    11. Philip Marlowe 490312 024 Grim Hunters.mp3
    12. Philip Marlowe 490430 031 Lady in Mink.mp3
    13. Philip Marlowe 490507 032 Feminine Touch.mp3
    14. Philip Marlowe 490604 036 Unfair Lady.mp3
    15. Philip Marlowe 490813 045 Indian Giver.mp3
    16. Sam Spade 470615 B038 Convertable Caper.mp3
    17. Sam Spade 480104 B067 One Hour Caper.mp3
    18. Sam Spade 480125 B070 Gold Key Caper.mp3
    19. Sam Spade 480704 B093 The Rushlight Diamond Caper.mp3
    20. Sam Spade 480815 B099 Critical Author Caper.mp3
    21. That Hammer Guy Babysits Jolly.mp3
    22. That Hammer Guy Barney Miller Syndicate.mp3
    23. That Hammer Guy Dead Dame in the Park.mp3
    24. That Hammer Guy Faye Durando.mp3
    25. That Hammer Guy Trouble with Dames.mp3
    26. Ytjd 490225 003 The Slow Boat From China.mp3
    27. Ytjd 510926 116 The Protection Matter.mp3
    28. Ytjd 521205 141 James Clayton Matter.mp3
    29. Ytjd 540720 226 Jeanne Maxwell Matter.mp3
    30. Ytjd 551017 243 Chesapeak Fraud Matter.mp3
    31. Ytjd 560326 358 Lamar Matter.mp3
    32. Ytjd 560416 373 Shepherd Matter.mp3
    33. Ytjd 561029 508 Silent Queen Matter.mp3
    34. Ytjd 561111 513 Big Scoop Matter.mp3
    35. Ytjd 570331 531 Moonshine Murder Matter.mp3
    36. Ytjd 590405 633 Frisco Fire Matter.mp3
    37. Ytjd 590816 652 Night In Paris Matter.mp3
    38. Ytjd 610319 732 Informer Matter.mp3
    39. Ytjd 610924 759 Doublebarreled.mp3

  • Standard Audio CDs are delivered by mail on archival quality media with up to 60 minutes on each CD and play in all CD players



    80 recordings on 38 Audio CDs
    total playtime 36 hours, 29 min
    Add Collection on Audio CD to Cart
    80 recordings on 38 Audio CDs
    $190.00

    Or buy individual audio CDs below:

    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A001

    1. Bold Venture 12 The Tears Of Sheba
    2. Bold Venture 26 Slate's Tuxedo Pocket
    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A002

    1. Bold Venture 38 Voodoo
    2. Bold Venture Crazy Old Carlos
    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A003

    1. That Hammer Guy Babysits Jolly
    2. That Hammer Guy Barney Miller Syndicate
    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A004

    1. That Hammer Guy Dead Dame in the Park
    2. That Hammer Guy Faye Durando
    3. That Hammer Guy Trouble with Dames
    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A005

    1. Sam Spade 470615 B038 Convertable Caper
    2. Sam Spade 480104 B067 One Hour Caper
    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A006

    1. Sam Spade 480125 B070 Gold Key Caper
    2. Sam Spade 480704 B093 The Rushlight Diamond Caper
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A007

    1. Jeff Regan 480717 The Prodigal Daughter
    2. Jeff Regan 480724 The Lonesome Lady
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A008

    1. Michael Shayne 480806 The Case Of The Phantom Gun
    2. Sam Spade 480815 B099 Critical Author Caper
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A009

    1. Box 13 480822 (01) First Letter
    2. Jeff Regan 480828 The Man in the Door
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A010

    1. Michael Shayne 480902 Generous Kille
    2. Jeff Regan 480925 The Lady with No Name
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A011

    1. Big Town 481012 05 The Double Murder
    2. Big Town 481019 06 An Angel of the Street
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A012

    1. Box 13 481114 (13) DamselInDistress
    2. Big Town 481123 11 The Deadly Doll
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A013

    1. Michael Shayne 481127 The Carnival Killer
    2. Box 13 481128 (15) Double Right Cross
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A014

    1. Jeff Regan 481204 The Lawyer and the Lady
    2. Big Town 481214 14 Deadline at Dawn
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A015

    1. Michael Shayne 490000 Wandering Fingerprints
    2. Michael Shayne 490115 Tahlan's Tears
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A016

    1. Box 13 490123 (23) Three To Die
    2. Big Town 490208 22 Death at the Wheel
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A017

    1. Ytjd 490225 003 The Slow Boat From China
    2. Box 13 490306 (29) Hunt And Peck
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A018

    1. Pat Novak 490306 Fleet Lady
    2. Philip Marlowe 490312 024 Grim Hunters
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A019

    1. Pat Novak 490416 Go Away Dixie Gillian
    2. Pat Novak 490423 Rita Malloy
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A020

    1. Philip Marlowe 490430 031 Lady in Mink
    2. Pat Novak 490507 Shirt MixUp at the Laundry
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A021

    1. Philip Marlowe 490507 032 Feminine Touch
    2. Pat Novak 490514 Geranium Plant
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A022

    1. Philip Marlowe 490604 036 Unfair Lady
    2. BIMB 490721 002 Otto Prokosh
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A023

    1. Philip Marlowe 490813 045 Indian Giver
    2. BIMB 491224 015 Nick Norman, Santa Claus
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A024

    1. BIMB 500210 021 Julie Dixon Case
    2. BIMB 500505 033 Janice Guilford Case
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A025

    1. Nightbeat 500515 The Firebug Killings
    2. Nightbeat 500522 I Wish You Were Dead
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A026

    1. BIMB 500616 039 Morris Bernstein
    2. Nightbeat 500619 Vincent And The Painter
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A027

    1. Nightbeat 500724 The Devil's Bible
    2. Nightbeat 500731 The City At Your Fingertips
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A028

    1. Harry Lime 510831 005 Voodoo
    2. Ytjd 510926 116 The Protection Matter
    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A029

    1. Barry Craig 511024 04 Microfilm In Theffishtank
    2. Harry Lime 511102 014 Mexicanhattrick
    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A030

    1. Barry Craig 511114 07 Dead On Arrival
    2. Bold Venture 511119 05 Buried TreasureSpanish Gold
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A031

    1. Harry Lime 520104 023 Cherchezlagem
    2. Barry Craig 520109 15 Murder Island
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A032

    1. Harry Lime 520314 033 Violetssweetviolets
    2. Harry Lime 520425 039 Harrylimejoinsthecircus
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    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A033

    1. Ytjd 521205 141 James Clayton Matter
    2. Barry Craig 530301 The Impostor
    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A034

    1. Martin Kane Private Detective 531029
    2. Barry Craig 540307 Code Of The Underworld
    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A035

    1. Ytjd 540720 226 Jeanne Maxwell Matter
    2. Ytjd 551017 243 Chesapeak Fraud Matter
    3. Ytjd 560326 358 Lamar Matter
    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A036

    1. Ytjd 560416 373 Shepherd Matter
    2. Ytjd 561029 508 Silent Queen Matter
    3. Ytjd 561111 513 Big Scoop Matter
    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A037

    1. Ytjd 570331 531 Moonshine Murder Matter
    2. Ytjd 590405 633 Frisco Fire Matter
    3. Ytjd 590816 652 Night In Paris Matter
    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Hardboiled Detectives Disc A038

    1. Ytjd 610319 732 Informer Matter
    2. Ytjd 610924 759 Doublebarreled
    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
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