Calling All Cars
Various
Old Time Radio Programs, Calling All Cars
This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.
Chapters
Reviews
In the streets of...
AncientAxim
Louse Angle-less (how it was pronounced by many, and was in this program ) great show, dramatized episodes of real? or mostly real? events: Mae West's diamond robbery, or the gore-y limbless,headless torso found- only identifying item is one single blonde armpit hair! The phrase "Attention to Detail" as a buzzword is implemented by the announcer to the show regarding what a good detective's job is, so it is not a new catch-phrase as I thought. Interesting show, watch out for the "helpful persons" near the close of program (and coincidentally the time they catch up with the bad guy) that sounds legit but ends up being a foil. They really throw you (and the pursuing cops) off a few times. I got used to their too casual attitudes so you'll learn to spot them after you've heard a few: "What, officer? MY son-in-law, a crook..? Well, I just can't believe it! Here, I know where he is, give me one moment while I get my shoes on, and I;ll show you where you can find him..." (meanwhile the crook is hiding in the basement or something while the seemingly innocuous helpful guy stalls the cops) Another witty deal is where the cops manage to un-wool the covers over their eyes placed daintily by not-so-bright citizen witnesses: like one episode where an excited older man quickly tells the responding officer that "He TRIED to stop him, officer" OFficer:' HOW did you try to stop him? Did you actually stand in his way, or grab him physically?" Witness: "Well, noo.... officer.. I well, uh.. I kind of spoke out to him as he was running away.." Officer:"What did he LOOK like? Is there any identifying information you can give us that will assist us in apprehending this man?" Witness: "Uh.. no... er.. ah.. he looked, average.. you know.... " mins later come to find the witness forgot to mention the guy had a pronounced limp or a torn right sleeve or something- Hilarious! The little nuances in the show you notice like this are spot on, having a parent that served over 25 years as an L.A. prosecuting lawman I've heard all of these, to hear it being implemented as points in the program add that realism. GREAT show, really great show. Thanks for uploading- only complaint, which is really miniscule and won't make any difference in listening enjoyment whatsoever, is the lack of episode identification or dates.
Wild, wacky stuff!
Pithecanthropus
It's police procedure from 15 years before Dragnet's premiere episode. Many of the episodes are set in and around L.A., offering a glimpse into what is a very remote past here. For example "Opium Den" recounts the raid of the last such place in Old Chinatown, and only a few years before the entire neighborhood was razed to build Union Station. Funnily enough, in "The Man Who Walked Like An Ape" the title villain sounds *exactly* like Fred Flintstone. I can't confirm it, but it's certainly possible as he was old enough, and he did do radio acting.
Santana
Technically, the overall audio quality is good. As for the contents, the episodes are for the most part very interesting and show the truth of the old adage that nothing is new under the sun. The included commercials for Rio Grande gasoline and oil are interesting and informative and illuminate a distinct period in our cultures history. My many thanks are extended to the individuals who have dedicated their time and effort in preserving these great programs from the time of the golden age of radio.
Episode notes
ZLoth Kram
These recordings are of varying quality. Some of these are TOP NOTCH recording while others are somewhat audible. Be aware of the following: 202. Sirens in the Night - THe audio lists this as "broadcast 200", and is NOT "Sirens In The Night" 290. Man With the Injured Knee - IA Copy is only 20 minutes long, ending is cut off 293. The Wicked Flea - IA Copy is only 10 minutes long, only the beginning is online
Calling All Cars
albie
AncientAxim. Thanks,I read your review on the single episodes site and found this lot,far superior in quality,thanks again,I also enjoy this series very much.