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Mister Keen Tracer of Lost Persons

Produced by the Hummerts, this detective series is one of radio's longest running shows.

Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons

59 old time radio show recordings
(total playtime 26 hours, 2176 min)
available in the following formats:

2 MP3 CDs
or
29 Audio CDs


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Play a sample episode from June 01, 1950:

"Quicksand Murder Case"



... or click here to save the Mp3 file to your computer
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Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2024 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

Kilpack Bennett
Detective serial (1937 - 55)

Mr Keene, Tracer of Lost PersonsOne of radio's longest running shows, Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons was also one of the first of the detective genre on radio, and certainly the earliest one with "legs," lasting well into the TV era.

Earlier in its run, it used the best of the melodramatic serial methods - obvious characterization with social and anti-social stereotypes, all done with somewhat heavy-footed plotting. Bennett Kilpack played Mr. Keen as an intellectual authority figure, magisterial in manner, reserved, aloof. Two others took over Mr. Keen later in the run, but Keen's mannerisms remained the same. Jim Kelly plays Mr. Keen's working-class heavy, Mike Clancy. The name tells the characterization, since old time radio, like vaudeville, was a world where immigrants had popular comedic stereotypes.

Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2024 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

To modern ears, this type of show sounds more stilted than authoritative, since we really never "get to know" Mr. Keen, but this style of detective can be considered an homage to the classic intellectual English tradition. With perhaps a dash of the formality of the early old time radio announcer in his tone of voice. After all, early radio announcers used to work in tuxedos before live audiences!

Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2024 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

Mr Keene back on the AirThe detective work is sometimes barely more than coincidence or criminal oversight. The facts of the cases are often far-fetched, and the dialogue can be from the early radio "formal diction" school, such as "Was it he who answered the door, Clancy?" The very name of the show should give a good indication of the dialogue, there is a great deal of nostalgic enjoyment to be found. The show was lampooned by Bob and Ray in their classic "Mr. Trace, Keene than Most Persons."

Of course, it has a faster pace with less formality after the War and into the 50s. The fact that the show ran from before the 1940s until Elvis shows it had great popularity. And it still does. Some other shows done in the classic style are Sherlock Holmes, Blackstone, The Magic Detective, Philo Vance and the more modern (Hollywood) sounding The Falcon.

For more brainy detectives, see also: Softboiled Detectives. This collection is in the extensive Hummert Radio Factory Collection. Called the parents of soap opera, Anne and Frank Hummert also created Betty and Bob, Front Page Farrell, Mr. Keen Tracer of Lost Persons, Ma Perkins, Just Plain Bill, Mary Noble Backstage Wife, Young Widder Brown, Mr. Chameleon, Stella Dallas, Manhattan Merry Go Round, Lora Lawton, The American Melody Hour, Hearthstone of the Death Squad, Lorenzo Jones, Nona From Nowhere, Our Gal Sunday, Inspector Thorne, Romance of Helen Trent, and more.

Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2024 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

These classic recordings are available in the following formats:

  • Show Rating

    12
    11     1


    COMMENTS

    Keen is a good series, if slowing moving and overly methodical. Recommended.

    George Verified Purchase

    I think the plots are better than the average detective shows of this era and seem more realistic and believable

    Carl Verified Purchase

    One of grandad's favorite series.

    Lee Verified Purchase

    very good stories,but sadly poor sound quality grates on me

    Brian Verified Purchase

    Albeit formulaic at times 'Mr Keen' IMO was an underrated and very well executed-well crafted show in the older tradition.Fans of 'Mr Keen' may also dig 'A Case for Dr Morelle' ...as they are somewhat similar in style and both were excellent shows.Recommended.

    Tim 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.



    59 recordings on 2 MP3 CDs for just $10.00. Total playtime 26 hours, 2176 min
    59 recordings on 2 MP3 CDs for just $10.00
    total playtime 26 hours, 2176 min
    Add MP3 CD Collection to Cart

    1. Volume 1 – 28 shows – total playtime 13 hours, 5 minutes
      MP3 CD
      Volume 1: $5.00
      Add To Cart
    2. Mr Keen 400605 The Woman Who Wasnt Needed.mp3
    3. Mr Keen 440106 The Moonless Night.mp3
    4. Mr Keen 440113 The Missing Witness.mp3
    5. Mr Keen 440120 The Girl Who Sang Too Well.mp3
    6. Mr Keen 440203 The Girl Who Flirted.mp3
    7. Mr Keen 440210 The Boy Who Used Big Words.mp3
    8. Mr Keen 440217 Mr Trevors Secret.mp3
    9. Mr Keen 440224 Murder In Air.mp3
    10. Mr Keen 440316 The Strange Display.mp3
    11. Mr Keen 440413 The Leaping Dog.mp3
    12. Mr Keen 440615 The Woman In Blue.mp3
    13. Mr Keen 441116 The Frightened Child.mp3
    14. Mr Keen 441214 Nightmare Murder.mp3
    15. Mr Keen 450315 The Absent Minded Professor.mp3
    16. Mr Keen 451129 106 Strange Case of Charley Lorimer.mp3
    17. Mr Keen 460523 The Glamorous Widow.mp3
    18. Mr Keen 481028 Identical Twins Murder Partial.mp3
    19. Mr Keen 490609 Murder And Star Of Death.mp3
    20. Mr Keen 490915 Murder And Bloodstained Necklace.mp3
    21. Mr Keen 490922 Yellow Talon Murder.mp3
    22. Mr Keen 490929 Murder With A Thousand Witnesses.mp3
    23. Mr Keen 491006 The Man Who Invented Death.mp3
    24. Mr Keen 491013 Silver Dagger Murder.mp3
    25. Mr Keen 491027 The Ruthless Murderers.mp3
    26. Mr Keen 491103 Forgotten Cave Murder.mp3
    27. Mr Keen 491110 Engaged Girl Murder.mp3
    28. Mr Keen 500105 The Rushville Murder.mp3
    29. Mr Keen 500119 Bride And Groom Murder Afrs.mp3

    1. Volume 2 – 31 shows – total playtime 13 hours, 31 minutes
      MP3 CD
      Volume 2: $5.00
      Add To Cart
    2. Mr Keen 500126 Telephone Book Murder.mp3
    3. Mr Keen 500209 Murder And Jewel Thief.mp3
    4. Mr Keen 500216 The Two Faced Murderer.mp3
    5. Mr Keen 500223 319 Tealeaf Murder Case.mp3
    6. Mr Keen 500309 The Melody Of Murder.mp3
    7. Mr Keen 500316 Innocent Flirtation Murder.mp3
    8. Mr Keen 500406 The Murdered Detective.mp3
    9. Mr Keen 500413 Eccentric Millionaire Murder.mp3
    10. Mr Keen 500420 Country Club Murder.mp3
    11. Mr Keen 500427 The Woman Who Married A Murderer.mp3
    12. Mr Keen 500504 King Cobra Murder.mp3
    13. Mr Keen 500511 Murder And Missing Car.mp3
    14. Mr Keen 500518 xxx Case of the Missing Countess.mp3
    15. Mr Keen 500525 Broken Window Murder.mp3
    16. Mr Keen 500601 Quicksand Murder.mp3
    17. Mr Keen 500615 Skull And Crossbones Murder.mp3
    18. Mr Keen 510720 Murder And Strange Woman.mp3
    19. Mr Keen 510727 Photograph Album Murder.mp3
    20. Mr Keen 510803 The Strange Murder Of Carrie Ellis.mp3
    21. Mr Keen 510810 Abandoned Well Murder.mp3
    22. Mr Keen 510817 Poisoned Sandwich Murder.mp3
    23. Mr Keen 511206 Murder At A Mile A Minute.mp3
    24. Mr Keen 520313 Silver Candlestick Murder.mp3
    25. Mr Keen 520403 Rented Cottage Murder.mp3
    26. Mr Keen 520410 Mothers Plea Murder.mp3
    27. Mr Keen 521024 Gossip Column Murder.mp3
    28. Mr Keen 540621 Shrieking Prisoner Murder Part 1.mp3
    29. Mr Keen 540623 Shrieking Prisoner Murder Part 2.mp3
    30. Mr Keen 540624 Shrieking Prisoner Murder Part 3.mp3
    31. Mr Keen 540625 Shrieking Prisoner Murder Part 4.mp3
    32. Mr Keen 550222 Murder And Revengeful Ghost.mp3
  • MP3 downloads are available instantly after purchase!



    59 recordings on 2 MP3 Collection Downloads for just $10.00. Total playtime 26 hours, 2176 min
    59 recordings on 2 MP3 Collection Downloads for just $10.00
    731 MB – total playtime 26 hours, 36 min
    Add Instant Download Collection to Cart

    1. Volume 1 – 28 shows – 359 MB – total playtime 13 hours, 5 minutes
      Instant Download
      Volume 1: $5.00
      Add To Cart
    2. Mr Keen 400605 The Woman Who Wasnt Needed.mp3
    3. Mr Keen 440106 The Moonless Night.mp3
    4. Mr Keen 440113 The Missing Witness.mp3
    5. Mr Keen 440120 The Girl Who Sang Too Well.mp3
    6. Mr Keen 440203 The Girl Who Flirted.mp3
    7. Mr Keen 440210 The Boy Who Used Big Words.mp3
    8. Mr Keen 440217 Mr Trevors Secret.mp3
    9. Mr Keen 440224 Murder In Air.mp3
    10. Mr Keen 440316 The Strange Display.mp3
    11. Mr Keen 440413 The Leaping Dog.mp3
    12. Mr Keen 440615 The Woman In Blue.mp3
    13. Mr Keen 441116 The Frightened Child.mp3
    14. Mr Keen 441214 Nightmare Murder.mp3
    15. Mr Keen 450315 The Absent Minded Professor.mp3
    16. Mr Keen 451129 106 Strange Case of Charley Lorimer.mp3
    17. Mr Keen 460523 The Glamorous Widow.mp3
    18. Mr Keen 481028 Identical Twins Murder Partial.mp3
    19. Mr Keen 490609 Murder And Star Of Death.mp3
    20. Mr Keen 490915 Murder And Bloodstained Necklace.mp3
    21. Mr Keen 490922 Yellow Talon Murder.mp3
    22. Mr Keen 490929 Murder With A Thousand Witnesses.mp3
    23. Mr Keen 491006 The Man Who Invented Death.mp3
    24. Mr Keen 491013 Silver Dagger Murder.mp3
    25. Mr Keen 491027 The Ruthless Murderers.mp3
    26. Mr Keen 491103 Forgotten Cave Murder.mp3
    27. Mr Keen 491110 Engaged Girl Murder.mp3
    28. Mr Keen 500105 The Rushville Murder.mp3
    29. Mr Keen 500119 Bride And Groom Murder Afrs.mp3

    1. Volume 2 – 31 shows – 371 MB – total playtime 13 hours, 31 minutes
      Instant Download
      Volume 2: $5.00
      Add To Cart
    2. Mr Keen 500126 Telephone Book Murder.mp3
    3. Mr Keen 500209 Murder And Jewel Thief.mp3
    4. Mr Keen 500216 The Two Faced Murderer.mp3
    5. Mr Keen 500223 319 Tealeaf Murder Case.mp3
    6. Mr Keen 500309 The Melody Of Murder.mp3
    7. Mr Keen 500316 Innocent Flirtation Murder.mp3
    8. Mr Keen 500406 The Murdered Detective.mp3
    9. Mr Keen 500413 Eccentric Millionaire Murder.mp3
    10. Mr Keen 500420 Country Club Murder.mp3
    11. Mr Keen 500427 The Woman Who Married A Murderer.mp3
    12. Mr Keen 500504 King Cobra Murder.mp3
    13. Mr Keen 500511 Murder And Missing Car.mp3
    14. Mr Keen 500518 xxx Case of the Missing Countess.mp3
    15. Mr Keen 500525 Broken Window Murder.mp3
    16. Mr Keen 500601 Quicksand Murder.mp3
    17. Mr Keen 500615 Skull And Crossbones Murder.mp3
    18. Mr Keen 510720 Murder And Strange Woman.mp3
    19. Mr Keen 510727 Photograph Album Murder.mp3
    20. Mr Keen 510803 The Strange Murder Of Carrie Ellis.mp3
    21. Mr Keen 510810 Abandoned Well Murder.mp3
    22. Mr Keen 510817 Poisoned Sandwich Murder.mp3
    23. Mr Keen 511206 Murder At A Mile A Minute.mp3
    24. Mr Keen 520313 Silver Candlestick Murder.mp3
    25. Mr Keen 520403 Rented Cottage Murder.mp3
    26. Mr Keen 520410 Mothers Plea Murder.mp3
    27. Mr Keen 521024 Gossip Column Murder.mp3
    28. Mr Keen 540621 Shrieking Prisoner Murder Part 1.mp3
    29. Mr Keen 540623 Shrieking Prisoner Murder Part 2.mp3
    30. Mr Keen 540624 Shrieking Prisoner Murder Part 3.mp3
    31. Mr Keen 540625 Shrieking Prisoner Murder Part 4.mp3
    32. Mr Keen 550222 Murder And Revengeful Ghost.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



    59 recordings on 29 Audio CDs. Total playtime 26 hours, 36 min
    59 recordings on 29 Audio CDs
    total playtime 26 hours, 36 min

    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A001

    1. Mr Keen 400605 The Woman Who Wasnt Needed
    2. Mr Keen 440106 The Moonless Night

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A002

    1. Mr Keen 440113 The Missing Witness
    2. Mr Keen 440120 The Girl Who Sang Too Well

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A003

    1. Mr Keen 440203 The Girl Who Flirted
    2. Mr Keen 440210 The Boy Who Used Big Words

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A004

    1. Mr Keen 440217 Mr Trevors Secret
    2. Mr Keen 440224 Murder In Air

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A005

    1. Mr Keen 440316 The Strange Display
    2. Mr Keen 440413 The Leaping Dog

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    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A006

    1. Mr Keen 440615 The Woman In Blue
    2. Mr Keen 441116 The Frightened Child

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A007

    1. Mr Keen 441214 Nightmare Murder
    2. Mr Keen 450315 The Absent Minded Professor

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A008

    1. Mr Keen 451129 106 Strange Case of Charley Lorimer
    2. Mr Keen 460523 The Glamorous Widow

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A009

    1. Mr Keen 481028 Identical Twins Murder Partial
    2. Mr Keen 490609 Murder And Star Of Death

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A010

    1. Mr Keen 490915 Murder And Bloodstained Necklace
    2. Mr Keen 490922 Yellow Talon Murder

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A011

    1. Mr Keen 490929 Murder With A Thousand Witnesses
    2. Mr Keen 491006 The Man Who Invented Death

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A012

    1. Mr Keen 491013 Silver Dagger Murder
    2. Mr Keen 491027 The Ruthless Murderers

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A013

    1. Mr Keen 491103 Forgotten Cave Murder
    2. Mr Keen 491110 Engaged Girl Murder

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A014

    1. Mr Keen 500105 The Rushville Murder
    2. Mr Keen 500119 Bride And Groom Murder Afrs

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A015

    1. Mr Keen 500126 Telephone Book Murder
    2. Mr Keen 500209 Murder And Jewel Thief

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A016

    1. Mr Keen 500216 The Two Faced Murderer
    2. Mr Keen 500223 319 Tealeaf Murder Case

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A017

    1. Mr Keen 500309 The Melody Of Murder
    2. Mr Keen 500316 Innocent Flirtation Murder

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A018

    1. Mr Keen 500406 The Murdered Detective
    2. Mr Keen 500413 Eccentric Millionaire Murder

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A019

    1. Mr Keen 500420 Country Club Murder
    2. Mr Keen 500427 The Woman Who Married A Murderer

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A020

    1. Mr Keen 500504 King Cobra Murder
    2. Mr Keen 500511 Murder And Missing Car

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A021

    1. Mr Keen 500518 xxx Case of the Missing Countess
    2. Mr Keen 500525 Broken Window Murder

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A022

    1. Mr Keen 500601 Quicksand Murder
    2. Mr Keen 500615 Skull And Crossbones Murder

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A023

    1. Mr Keen 510720 Murder And Strange Woman
    2. Mr Keen 510727 Photograph Album Murder

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A024

    1. Mr Keen 510803 The Strange Murder Of Carrie Ellis
    2. Mr Keen 510810 Abandoned Well Murder

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A025

    1. Mr Keen 510817 Poisoned Sandwich Murder
    2. Mr Keen 511206 Murder At A Mile A Minute

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A026

    1. Mr Keen 520313 Silver Candlestick Murder
    2. Mr Keen 520403 Rented Cottage Murder

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A027

    1. Mr Keen 520410 Mothers Plea Murder
    2. Mr Keen 521024 Gossip Column Murder

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A028

    1. Mr Keen 540621 Shrieking Prisoner Murder Part 1
    2. Mr Keen 540623 Shrieking Prisoner Murder Part 2
    3. Mr Keen 540624 Shrieking Prisoner Murder Part 3
    4. Mr Keen 540625 Shrieking Prisoner Murder Part 4

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Mr Keen Tracer of Lost Persons Disc A029

    1. Mr Keen 550222 Murder And Revengeful Ghost

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00

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