Classic Radio Rewind | Old Time Radio

Classic Radio Rewind celebrates a milestone with Episode 100!

Join host Jarnathan Cross, for a special edition featuring two classic crime dramas from radio’s golden age.

First, it’s Boston Blackie in “The John Daley Case,” originally broadcast November 10th, 1948. Then, The Big Story takes us into the streets of New York with “Manhunt in Manhattan,” originally heard January 7th, 1948.

Plus, we’ll share what’s coming up across the WOTR Radio Network, including the annual Dragnet Labor Day Marathon, moving this year to its new home on Crime Time Radio USA, and the September 21st return of “September 21st, 1939: A Day in Broadcast History” — an extraordinary 19-hour journey through a single day of American broadcasting.

Thank you for helping Classic Radio Rewind reach 100 episodes!

If you enjoy the podcast, Like, Subscribe, and Follow on your favorite podcast app so you never miss our next journey back to the golden age of radio.

Classic Radio Rewind — Brought to you by the WOTR Radio Network.

🎙️ Classic Radio Rewind — Episode 75 Encore Presentation: The Burns and Allen Show & Dragnet

This week on Classic Radio Rewind, we’re reaching back into the archives for a special encore presentation of one of our favorite double features from the Golden Age of Radio!

💫 First, join George Burns and Gracie Allen for The Burns and Allen Show — "Helping a Friend's Daughter." What begins as a simple act of kindness quickly turns into the kind of delightful confusion that only Gracie Allen can create. With her unforgettable brand of logic, George’s patient reactions, and plenty of comedic surprises along the way, this episode showcases why Burns and Allen remain legends of radio comedy.

🚨 Then, we head to Los Angeles with Sergeant Joe Friday and Frank Smith in Dragnet — "The Big Siege." Known for its realistic storytelling and no-nonsense approach, Dragnet delivers another gripping case as Friday and his partner face a tense situation where every detail matters.

From Gracie’s wonderfully unpredictable world of comedy to the hard-hitting realism of Dragnet, this encore episode reminds us why these classic programs continue to captivate listeners decades later.

So sit back, turn up the volume, and join us as we rewind the dial once again for another trip into the Golden Age of Radio!

Classic Radio Rewind – Episode 99

This week on Classic Radio Rewind, host Jarnathan Cross of the WOTR Radio Network opens the vault for two unforgettable broadcasts from radio’s golden era. We kick things off with The Milton Berle Show and its lively variety episode “Salute to the Great Outdoors,” originally aired August 5th, 1947. Uncle Miltie heads into the wilderness, and—true to form—chaos, comedy, and musical mayhem follow close behind.

After that, we descend into the eerie world of The Haunting Hour with “The Devil’s Deep,” first broadcast October 20th, 1945. A diver’s routine salvage mission becomes a chilling confrontation with something ancient lurking beneath the waves.

Jarnathan also shares a programming update about WOTR Radio Network’s 27‑year anniversary special, featuring the WOTR Radio Network’s curated 100 Must‑Hear Old Time Radio Shows, airing August 17-18. Plus, hear about our four live streaming stations and our daily podcast dedicated entirely to The Whistler—every known episode, released in chronological order.

Tap the like button, hit subscribe on your favorite podcast app, and join us each week as we rewind the classics together.

Classic Radio Rewind – Episode 97: The Abbott and Costello Show & The Saint

Step back into the Golden Age of Radio with Classic Radio Rewind, presented by the WOTR Radio Network. Join your host Jarnathan Cross as we revisit two unforgettable broadcasts that showcase the incredible comedy, mystery, and adventure that made old-time radio a beloved form of entertainment.

This week, we begin with one of radio's greatest comedy teams, Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, in "Costello In Court" from The Abbott and Costello Show, originally broadcast on April 11, 1946. When Lou finds himself facing a courtroom situation, a simple misunderstanding quickly turns into a hilarious legal adventure filled with confusion, chaos, and the classic comedy timing that made Abbott and Costello legends of radio.

Then, we travel into the world of mystery and adventure with The Saint in "Death of a Cowboy," originally heard on July 1, 1951. Fans of The Saint may know that Vincent Price became one of the most recognizable voices of Simon Templar, helping define the character for radio audiences. However, this particular adventure comes from a later chapter in the series, featuring Tom Conway as Simon Templar after he stepped into the role following Price's departure.

In this thrilling adventure, The Saint investigates a suspicious death connected to the world of the Old West. As Simon Templar follows the clues, he discovers that uncovering the truth may be just as dangerous as facing the people trying to keep the mystery hidden.

So sit back, relax, and join us as we rewind the clock for another trip through the unforgettable sounds of classic radio.

Classic Radio Rewind – Episode 97
Brought to you by the WOTR Radio Network.