Stand By for Crime - Single Episodes


(4.4 étoiles; 81 critiques)

Stand By for Crime is a captivating radio show from the early 1950s that exemplifies the true story style of delivery popularized by classic crime shows like Gangbusters and Mr. District Attorney. While not a true crime show, it features Chuck Morgan, portrayed by Glen Langen, a believable news anchor at KOP, a Los Angeles radio station, who is in touch with Lieutenant Bill Miggs of the police force for the latest crime news.

Alongside them is Morgan's "Gal Friday", Carol Curtis, played by Adele Jurgens. The chemistry between Glen and Adele, who were married in real life, adds a delightful layer to the show. Their repartee is reminiscent of old-school dialogue, making the plots engaging and enjoyable. Stand By for Crime may have been overlooked, but it is certainly worth your time.


This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.

License

Critiques

Some scripts have been used in other series.


(4 étoiles)

While the reuse of scripts is rather common in OTR, one interesting use is found in "Trixie's Bank Heist," which happens to be the same script used in Danger Dr. Danfield's "Trixie and the Bank Job" from 1946. Listening to the different deliveries is a great way to analyze actor's styles and directing styles.

Pretty much the bottom of the OTR barrel


(1 étoile)

Pretty awful on all levels: writing, acting and all. The normal sexism of the time amps up to the highest level, and Chuck is unable to refer to his secretary ever without mentioning she is blonde. Why this matters so much is deeply mysterious. The scripts are written as if Joe McCarthy is standing over the writers' shoulders and saying "no, be more jingoistic, your communists aren't being comically evil yet. Be more heavy-handed." I know it went onto the rota of one OTR streaming channel and was pulled by popular request.

Langen vs. Langen


(3 étoiles)

Scripts not up to the quality of his "MYSTERY IS MY HOBBY." The plots are not so much straight mysteries, as with the overwrought dialog of the "Trixie" episode. The plus here over his other series is the absence of the police chief. To have a love interest, "glamour puss" could've been a good thing but it's used purely as a foil warning Langen of danger. The sound at least is good,and there are enough shows to make it worthy of inclusion here.

Stand By


(2 étoiles)

Stand by for Crime is no masterpiece but it makes an honest effort to entertain. I'm actually here to put in a plug for the guy who writes the intros to the stories. Believe me, I've had my share of getting stuck writing things like that, but this person really worked at it, putting in enough info and enthusiasm to make me give Stand By another listen. I like people who try and this guy deserves. full marks. For what it's worth, THANKS!

Good Audio Quality


(4 étoiles)

Good audio quality. I'm guessing these were copied here from vertical cut transcriptions because there's no hiss. Sounds like the main character is talking too close to a ribbon microphone because he bass is somewhat overwhelming. I had to switch off my subwoofer speaker to hear him clearer. Thanks for sharing. :)

Blatant chauvinism


(2 étoiles)

The way Chuck treats his girlfriend is incredibly terrible. In one episode, he tells her to “ drop dead,” which goes beyond the “shut up” he had also said to her. His nickname for her also is cringe-worthy.

STAND BY FOR CRIME


(5 étoiles)

STAND BY FOR CRIME is a recent discovery for me. The sound quality is excellent and the scripts have held up well over time. Most enjoyable program.

Enjoyable show!


(4 étoiles)

This is one of my favorite crime shows. For some reason, all the show lengths are shown incorrectly. These are actually half-hour slhows.