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Rare Mystery Programs

Deep from the vaults of old time radio history, some of these rare mystery shows haven't been heard widely in decades. These Rare Mystery Programs are filled with whodunits which you may have never heard before!

Rare Mystery

44 old time radio show recordings
(total playtime 17 hours, 494 min)
available in the following formats:

1 MP3 CD
or
18 Audio CDs


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

Few stories are quite as satisfying as a good mystery tale. Other forms of storytelling ask the listener to passively absorb the information shared in the narrative to generate the feelings the storyteller is trying to induce. A good mystery compels the listener to dig into what he is being told and solve the puzzle before a solution is revealed.

Rare MysteriesSome critics have trouble with the mystery genre because the puzzles often involve murder. In most cases, the murder in question is fictional, with no more nefarious intent than a campfire ghost story. Of course, some are intended for consumption by more mature audiences.

One of the best things about vintage mystery stories is that they are still fun to hear, even after you have heard the story and know the solution to the puzzle. The stories in this collection are taken from our huge library of Old Time Radio Rarities. These are shows that may not fit in another collection, may be an audition program which was not picked up by sponsors, or one of the only surviving episodes of a show lost to history. It also means that these are new mysteries to most listeners, so you get the thrill of hearing them for the first time here.

  • Lincoln Highway, February 14, 1942, Red Network, sponsored by Shinola Shoe Polish. "The Aviatrix Triangle". Publisher Courtney Peters lands the chance to collaborate with famous flyer Lillian Kettenberg, but the piece needs to be on the market soon while her famous flight is still in the public's attention. The best way to get the thing written will be in the privacy of Peters' farmhouse in Ohio, but Courtney's wife, Helen, is not so sure that is a good idea. Mary Astor and George Murphy star.
  • Max Haines Mystery Hall of Fame. "Albert Guay". Haines was known as North America's Foremost True Crime Reporter. Although he didn't begin his column in the Toronto Sun until 1972, he collected a marvelous assortment of murder stories. The case of Albert Guay, an adulterous jeweler in Quebec, involves a conspiracy to murder Guay's wife using dynamite in her suitcase as she flies on a Canadian Pacific Airliner. This will allow him to collect her insurance, avoid a divorce (which was impossible to get in Catholic Quebec) and elope with his teenage girlfriend. 23 people died on the plane and Guay won a date with a rope.
  • Two One a Clue, 1944, CBS. The Spencer's are a relatively normal family of three, Jeff is a lawyer with a beautiful red-headed wife, Debby, and their nine-year-old son Mickey, all very normal, except for their constantly becoming involved in murder! Couples as Mystery Solvers is a popular "soft-boiled" detective format, with a tougher-than-she-seems wife and an often-reluctant crime-solving husband. Other examples include The Thin Man, Mr. and Mrs. North, and Abbott Murders. Although not quite a soap opera, the target audience is pretty obvious from the laundry product ads. The quarter-hour programs are not afraid of setting up fun cliffhangers.
  • The Whisper Men, Mutual, 1945. Crusading radio commentator Max Chandler, played by Karl Swenson, has a running crusade against a ring of international criminals known as the Whisper Men. These underworld figures seem to have ties to the Communists and have no problem using murder to achieve their goals.
  • Scared EyesA Voice in the Night, June 14, 1948, Mutual. Singer Carl Brisson manages to combine his nightclub act with solving murder mysteries. Danish immigrant Brisson previously worked as a prizefighter and became Rosalind Russell's father-in-law. In this surviving episode, the singer gets involved with a girl whose necklace was stolen and leads to murder.
  • This is Your F.B.I., August 10, 1951, ABC, "The Adopted Thief". One of the reasons the Bureau supports the program is to alert citizens, so they can be on alert for criminal activity. Tonight, the subject is larceny. Mrs. Fulton receives a mysterious phone call from a man who claims to be the son she gave up for adoption many years ago. Her new husband is wealthy and considering a run for mayor. She is the perfect target for blackmail.
  • ABC Mystery Time/Masters of Mystery, 1956, ABC net/AFRTS, Live from New York. "No One Will Ever Know". Everything seems to be going great for "Lucky" Sam Parnell, the stocks he picks all go up ten points, the longshot horse he bets on wins, he has that oil well in Texas, and a pretty wife whom he is getting ready to take to Paris. Everything is great until he gets the telegram that the oil well is dry. Everything is tied up in the well, he will lose everything, but he does have a sizable life insurance policy, so he contacts a mobster to arrange a hit, on himself!
  • Adventures in the Supernatural, Audition Program. "Mysterious Carriage", Host Dr. Lionel Hirsch explains that the program will explore mysteries of supernatural occurrences and that it will be up to the audience to determine if they are part of a hoax or something other-worldly. It is a sultry night when two couples are playing bridge, the housekeeper is away visiting relatives when the hostess faints, having a vision of a murderous carriage approaching. The heat of the past few days can explain some of the strange occurrences, but there are still mysteries to deal with.

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

    11
    10     1


    COMMENTS

    I've been listening to this, & just LOVING it ALL!!!! Haven't finished it yet; gonna hate when I DO!!!!

    Debbie Verified Purchase

    LOVED them ALL; but found one I HOPE you have OODLES of; a show by the name of "TWO BY TWO"!!!! Fell in LOVE with it, but one of the multi episode shows, I NEVER found out how they wrapped it up!!!!!

    Debbie Verified Purchase

    Today, I listened to disc #6 of Rare Mysteries. It contained 3 episodes. The first was called Guests of Doom. It was reminiscent of House On Haunted Hill. It sounded like the 1930's. The second was from 1932 called Adventures in Supernatural and the episode was titled " Mysterious Carriage". This was a lot like an old fashioned ghost story. The last program was an early episode of Lights Out called "Strange Couple Stays Overnight". This 1935 episode was my favorite as it built up the suspense before reaching its climax. Any program with a couple travelling from Transylvania can't be all bad. I thought this was a good disc and sampler of early oldtime radio.

    Dan 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.



    44 recordings on 1 MP3 CD for just $5.00. Total playtime 17 hours, 494 min
    44 recordings on 1 MP3 CD for just $5.00
    total playtime 17 hours, 494 min
    Add MP3 CD Collection to Cart

    1. 44 shows – total playtime 17 hours, 8 minutes
    2. Adventures In Supernatural 320000 Epaud Mysterious Carriage.mp3
    3. Black Night 510925 Title Unknown [wdan Dowd] .mp3
    4. Black Night 510925 Title Unknown w dan Dowd .mp3
    5. Board Of Missing Heirs 460331 X00 Estate Of John B Fontaine.mp3
    6. Boulevard Of Make Believe 01 Nelson Gives Advice New Starlet.mp3
    7. Boulevard Of Make Believe 12 Wally Talks To Police.mp3
    8. Cat 461021 Audition.mp3
    9. Chamber Of Horrors The Waxwork .mp3
    10. Focus Hal Youngblood Intrv 790515 Jay Anson Amityvile Horror.mp3
    11. Great Caesars Ghost 460308 Audition.mp3
    12. Guests Of Doom 000000 Program 11 [000].mp3
    13. Guests Of Doom 000000 Program 12 [000].mp3
    14. Half Hour To Kill 461029 Aud Blackout Never Aired.mp3
    15. Hollywood Mystery Time 430520 Case Of The Glowing Eyes.mp3
    16. Hollywood Mystery Time 450819 Murder By Coincidence.mp3
    17. Hollywood Theater 521217 Sitting Duck.mp3
    18. Isnt It Crime 451214 Speaking Of Murder.mp3
    19. Its Murder 440810 Picture Wire Murder.mp3
    20. Judy And Jane 420325 00x Marijuana Plot.mp3
    21. Judy And Jane 420325 Marijuana Plot.mp3
    22. Lights Outstrange Couple Stays Overnight 350000.mp3
    23. Lincoln Highway 410802 Betsy Barnes.mp3
    24. Lincoln Highway 420214 Aviatrix Triangle.mp3
    25. Masters Of Mystery Four Time Loser.mp3
    26. Masters Of Mystery Murder In Haste (v).mp3
    27. Masters Of Mystery No One Will Ever Know (v).mp3
    28. Masters Of Mystery Success Story (v).mp3
    29. Max Haines Mystery 03 Arthur Gusy.mp3
    30. Mercer Mcleod Man With Story 470000 048 Blood On Doorstep.mp3
    31. Once Upon Midnight 450511 Malice Aforethought .mp3
    32. Out Of Night 471125 Dead End.mp3
    33. Rajput Hindu Secret Service Jasmine Tower Murder 1930.mp3
    34. Starlight Theater Man Hires Hit Man To Kill Him.mp3
    35. Starlighttheater Man Hires Hit Man To Kill Him.mp3
    36. Ted Drake Guardian Big Top 1949 02 Case Of Invisible Thief.mp3
    37. The Croupier 490921 The Roman.mp3
    38. Time For Love 540000 Counterfeit Plates.mp3
    39. Time For Love 540000 Trouble In Tanganika.mp3
    40. Tiyfbi 19510810 Thead Opted Thief.mp3
    41. Two On Clue 441003.mp3
    42. Two On Clue 441006.mp3
    43. Two On Clue 441225.mp3
    44. Voice In Night 480614 Necklace.mp3
    45. Whisper Men 451229 Rose Gilman Is Murdered.mp3
  • MP3 downloads are available instantly after purchase!



    44 recordings on 1 MP3 Collection Download for just $5.00. Total playtime 17 hours, 494 min
    44 recordings on 1 MP3 Collection Download for just $5.00
    417 MB – total playtime 17 hours, 8 min
    Add Instant Download Collection to Cart

    1. 44 shows – 417 MB – total playtime 17 hours, 8 minutes
    2. Adventures In Supernatural 320000 Epaud Mysterious Carriage.mp3
    3. Black Night 510925 Title Unknown [wdan Dowd] .mp3
    4. Black Night 510925 Title Unknown w dan Dowd .mp3
    5. Board Of Missing Heirs 460331 X00 Estate Of John B Fontaine.mp3
    6. Boulevard Of Make Believe 01 Nelson Gives Advice New Starlet.mp3
    7. Boulevard Of Make Believe 12 Wally Talks To Police.mp3
    8. Cat 461021 Audition.mp3
    9. Chamber Of Horrors The Waxwork .mp3
    10. Focus Hal Youngblood Intrv 790515 Jay Anson Amityvile Horror.mp3
    11. Great Caesars Ghost 460308 Audition.mp3
    12. Guests Of Doom 000000 Program 11 [000].mp3
    13. Guests Of Doom 000000 Program 12 [000].mp3
    14. Half Hour To Kill 461029 Aud Blackout Never Aired.mp3
    15. Hollywood Mystery Time 430520 Case Of The Glowing Eyes.mp3
    16. Hollywood Mystery Time 450819 Murder By Coincidence.mp3
    17. Hollywood Theater 521217 Sitting Duck.mp3
    18. Isnt It Crime 451214 Speaking Of Murder.mp3
    19. Its Murder 440810 Picture Wire Murder.mp3
    20. Judy And Jane 420325 00x Marijuana Plot.mp3
    21. Judy And Jane 420325 Marijuana Plot.mp3
    22. Lights Outstrange Couple Stays Overnight 350000.mp3
    23. Lincoln Highway 410802 Betsy Barnes.mp3
    24. Lincoln Highway 420214 Aviatrix Triangle.mp3
    25. Masters Of Mystery Four Time Loser.mp3
    26. Masters Of Mystery Murder In Haste (v).mp3
    27. Masters Of Mystery No One Will Ever Know (v).mp3
    28. Masters Of Mystery Success Story (v).mp3
    29. Max Haines Mystery 03 Arthur Gusy.mp3
    30. Mercer Mcleod Man With Story 470000 048 Blood On Doorstep.mp3
    31. Once Upon Midnight 450511 Malice Aforethought .mp3
    32. Out Of Night 471125 Dead End.mp3
    33. Rajput Hindu Secret Service Jasmine Tower Murder 1930.mp3
    34. Starlight Theater Man Hires Hit Man To Kill Him.mp3
    35. Starlighttheater Man Hires Hit Man To Kill Him.mp3
    36. Ted Drake Guardian Big Top 1949 02 Case Of Invisible Thief.mp3
    37. The Croupier 490921 The Roman.mp3
    38. Time For Love 540000 Counterfeit Plates.mp3
    39. Time For Love 540000 Trouble In Tanganika.mp3
    40. Tiyfbi 19510810 Thead Opted Thief.mp3
    41. Two On Clue 441003.mp3
    42. Two On Clue 441006.mp3
    43. Two On Clue 441225.mp3
    44. Voice In Night 480614 Necklace.mp3
    45. Whisper Men 451229 Rose Gilman Is Murdered.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



    44 recordings on 18 Audio CDs. Total playtime 17 hours, 8 min
    44 recordings on 18 Audio CDs
    total playtime 17 hours, 8 min

    Rare Mystery Disc A001

    1. Boulevard Of Make Believe 01 Nelson Gives Advice New Starlet
    2. Boulevard Of Make Believe 12 Wally Talks To Police
    3. Chamber Of Horrors The Waxwork

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Rare Mystery Disc A002

    1. Masters Of Mystery Four Time Loser
    2. Masters Of Mystery Murder In Haste (v)
    3. Masters Of Mystery No One Will Ever Know (v)

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Rare Mystery Disc A003

    1. Masters Of Mystery Success Story (v)
    2. Max Haines Mystery 03 Arthur Gusy
    3. Rajput Hindu Secret Service Jasmine Tower Murder 1930

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Rare Mystery Disc A004

    1. Starlight Theater Man Hires Hit Man To Kill Him
    2. Starlighttheater Man Hires Hit Man To Kill Him

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Rare Mystery Disc A005

    1. Ted Drake Guardian Big Top 1949 02 Case Of Invisible Thief
    2. Tiyfbi 19510810 Thead Opted Thief
    3. Guests Of Doom 000000 Program 11 [000]

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Rare Mystery Disc A006

    1. Guests Of Doom 000000 Program 12 [000]
    2. Adventures In Supernatural 320000 Epaud Mysterious Carriage
    3. Lights Outstrange Couple Stays Overnight 350000

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Rare Mystery Disc A007

    1. Lincoln Highway 410802 Betsy Barnes
    2. Lincoln Highway 420214 Aviatrix Triangle

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Rare Mystery Disc A008

    1. Judy And Jane 420325 00x Marijuana Plot
    2. Judy And Jane 420325 Marijuana Plot
    3. Hollywood Mystery Time 430520 Case Of The Glowing Eyes
    4. Its Murder 440810 Picture Wire Murder

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Rare Mystery Disc A009

    1. Two On Clue 441003
    2. Two On Clue 441006
    3. Two On Clue 441225

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Rare Mystery Disc A010

    1. Once Upon Midnight 450511 Malice Aforethought
    2. Hollywood Mystery Time 450819 Murder By Coincidence

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Rare Mystery Disc A011

    1. Isnt It Crime 451214 Speaking Of Murder
    2. Whisper Men 451229 Rose Gilman Is Murdered

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Rare Mystery Disc A012

    1. Great Caesars Ghost 460308 Audition
    2. Board Of Missing Heirs 460331 X00 Estate Of John B Fontaine

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Rare Mystery Disc A013

    1. Cat 461021 Audition
    2. Half Hour To Kill 461029 Aud Blackout Never Aired
    3. Mercer Mcleod Man With Story 470000 048 Blood On Doorstep

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Rare Mystery Disc A014

    1. Out Of Night 471125 Dead End
    2. Voice In Night 480614 Necklace

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Rare Mystery Disc A015

    1. The Croupier 490921 The Roman
    2. Black Night 510925 Title Unknown [wdan Dowd]

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Rare Mystery Disc A016

    1. Black Night 510925 Title Unknown w dan Dowd
    2. Hollywood Theater 521217 Sitting Duck

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Rare Mystery Disc A017

    1. Time For Love 540000 Counterfeit Plates
    2. Time For Love 540000 Trouble In Tanganika

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Rare Mystery Disc A018

    1. Focus Hal Youngblood Intrv 790515 Jay Anson Amityvile Horror

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00

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