Premier Collections:
Crime Classics
Liner notes written by Elizabeth McLeod and Harlan Zinck

Click to listen to an audio sample

A series which is far better known among old-time-radio enthusiasts today than it ever was among the audiences of its own era, "Crime Classics" has attained near-cult status among latter-day genre fans.

And with good reason.

Although the series only ran a single season, attracted negligible ratings, and never earned a sponsor, "Crime Classics" is considered a high point in late-era radio drama -- due largely to the impressive roster of talent CBS-Hollywood assigned to the program. Heading the production staff was one of the great creative minds of 1950s radio, Elliot Lewis, who produced the series with his usual offbeat flair. Veteran crime-drama scribes Morton Fine and Dave Friedkin contributed scripts adapted from historic real-life cases, the distinctive music was under the supervision of composer Bernard Herrmann, and the CBS-Hollywood stock company - including the likes of Lou Merrill, William Conrad, John Dehner, Herb Butterfield, Mary Jane Croft, Jeanette Nolan, and Paula Winslowe - turned in their usual polished performances for each episode.

What distinguishes "Crime Classics" from other crime anthologies of the day is its mordant wit -- while the cases were never played for out-and-out laughs, Lewis, Fine and Friedkin saw to it that just the right edge of tongue-in-cheek humor crept into the scripts and performances. In this way, the series could be taken as either a straight crime show or as an extremely subtle satire of that genre's often overblown conventions. By refusing to ever take itself too seriously, "Crime Classics" earned its reputation as one of the bright spots of the radio era's last years.

This Premier Collection offers 10 audio compact discs containing 20 original CBS network broadcasts, all taken from first generation master recordings and fully restored for excellent sound quality. Here's the complete content:

The Checkered Life and Sudden Death of Col. James Fiske Jr.
New York City - 1872: James Fiske is a wealthy and happily married businessman who, despite the distraction of having a wife and family, has lately been spending time in the company of a young and attractive widow. Imagine his surprise when he discovers that his best friend has been spending his time doing the same thing - with the same young lady! Lou Merrill hosts the broadcast, which also features Mary Jane Croft, William Johnstone, Harry Bartell, Paula Winslowe, Charles Calvert, Martha Wentworth, Steve Roberts, and announcer Bob LeMond.
Monday, June 29, 1953 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining

The Shrapnelled Body of Charles Drew, Sr.
England, 1739 - Charles Drew Sr. informs his son that, due to his consorting with lowlifes and a certain servant girl, he has decided to change his will and award his estate to his four daughters instead. Before he can do so, however, Charles Drew Jr. blithely shoots his father dead -- and soon formulates a complicated plan of false confessions, alibis, and dubious alliances in order to avoid prosecution. Lou Merrill hosts the program, which also features Paul Frees, Antony Ellis, Terry Kilburn, Betty Harford, Ben Wright, Irene Tedrow, William Johnstone, and announcer Bob LeMond.
Monday, July 6, 1953 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining

The Terrible Deed of John White Webster and his Crime that Shocked the Nation
Harvard School of Medicine, 1849: John W. Webster, a medical professor, owes Dr. George Partman $400.00 but has no means by which to pay. The stubborn Partman threatens to contact the police, whereupon Webster murders Partman and soon enlists the help of an unsuspecting custodian to locate a safe hiding place for the body. However, when Webster gives the custodian a $10.00 gift as a Thanksgiving present, the man becomes suspicious and decides to consult with the authorities. Lou Merrill narrates the broadcast, which features Jay Novello, Paula Winslowe, Herb Butterfield, Larry Thor, Junius Matthews, Martha Wentworth, Jean Howell, and announcer Bob LeMond.
Monday, July 13, 1953 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining

The Dread Events Surrounding Mr. Thrower's Hammer
Suffolk, England, 1793. One thing is certain: Mr. Thomas Carter and his daughter Elizabeth have been hammered to death -- one in his chair and the other over a gooseberry bush. There's also no doubt that someone committed the terrible act -- but who? It will take eleven long years and two conflicting stories to answer that question! Lou Merrill hosts the program, which also features William Johnstone, Eric Snowden, Alistair Duncan, Jay Novello, Joseph Kearns, Paula Winslowe, Tudor Owen, and announcer Bob LeMond.
Monday, August 3, 1953 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining

The Axe and the Droot Family: How They Fared
Heidelberg Township, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania - 1795: Peter Droot has died, leaving the bulk of his estate to his two sons and only a small bequest to his daughter, Elizabeth. However, according to the will, should her brothers die, their portion of his estate will go to her -- a minor inconvenience that she and her husband decide should not interfere with the receipt of their full inheritance. It soon becomes apparent, however, that the brothers will be far more difficult to dispose of than anyone anticipates. Lou Merrill hosts the show, which also features Mary Jane Croft, Clayton Post, Herb Butterfield, Sam Edwards, Paul Frees, Charles Davis, and announcer George Walsh.
Monday, August 10, 1953 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining

The Bloody, Bloody Banks of Fall River
Fall River, Massachusetts - 1892: One hot summer evening, Mr. Andrew Borden and his second wife Abby are brutally murdered in their home. Andrew's daughter Lizzie is charged with the crime but, despite the publicity, evidence, and widespread presumption of her guilt, she is acquitted. But the question remains: if Lizzy is innocent, then who killed her father and stepmother? Lou Merrill hosts the program, which also features Irene Tedrow, Jeanette Nolan, Herb Butterfield, Betty Harford, Sarah Selby, William Johnstone, Paul Frees, and announcer Bob LeMond.
Wednesday, September 30, 1953 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining

The Hangman and William Palmer: Who Won?
Rudgely, England - 1854: Dr. William Palmer is a happy man, for he has lately gained the friendship of an elderly doctor who has the authority to sign death certificates. His new friend will congenially state whatever cause of death Dr. Palmer requests, so he is now free to support his gambling habits through a series of casual poisonings and the resulting insurance premiums. Lou Merrill hosts the program, which stars Jay Novello, Betty Harford, Ellen Morgan, Joseph Kearns, Ben Wright, Alistair Duncan, and announcer Bob LeMond.
Wednesday, October 7, 1953 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining

John Hayes, His Head, and How They Were Parted
An interesting and amusing tale of treachery, greed, deception, adultery...and glass blowing. In Warrick, England at the start of the 18th Century, sixteen-year-old Katherine Hall consents to an arranged marriage with wealthy young John Hayes. On their wedding night, she convinces him to join the army -- which he does, having first transferred his fortune into her name. Disliking military life, he soon returns home to find that his bride has been merrily cavorting with her two boarders and is not particularly glad to see him. Lou Merrill hosts the program, which also features Betty Harford, Jeanette Nolan, Richard Peel, William Johnstone, Alistair Duncan, Ben Wright, Charles Davis, and announcer Bob LeMond.
Wednesday, October 28, 1953 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining

Roschi Among the Crocodiles and the Prank He Played
In the village of Mahaquaht in the South Concan Province of India in 1894, there is a pit of crocodiles. Also in the village is the house of Mahtabar, occupied by an elderly and wealthy widower named Udi and his son, Roschi. Udi refuses to give his son a portion of his wealth until he proves himself a man, so Roschi has taken to dressing in rags and begging in the streets for pocket money. Soon, encouraged by the lovely Kamaka - the cousin of his cousin - he plots to disappear and blame his presumed murder on his father. But when an inspector of the British Raj is called in to investigate, Kamaka is attracted to him, too -- and may prove to not be quite the willing conspirator that Roshi had expected she would be. Lou Merrill hosts the program, which stars Edgar Barrier, Jack Edwards, Jane Webb, Jack Kruschen, Ben Wright, William Conrad, Eric Snowden, and announcer Bob LeMond.
Wednesday, November 4, 1953 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
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Blackbeard's Fourteenth Wife: Why She Was No Good For Him
Nassau, 1714: Edward Teach - better known as the pirate Blackbeard - arrives in Nassau and marries a sixteen-year-old girl who drives him to his greatest fame...and ultimately to his doom. Lou Merrill hosts the program, which also features William Conrad, Betty Harford, Joseph Kearns, Alistair Duncan, Ben Wright, Jack Kruschen, Richard Peel, and announcer Bob LeMond.
Wednesday, November 11, 1953 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
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The Killing Story Of William Corder and the Farmer's Daughter
Fallstad, England - 1827: Billy Corder, a rural jack of all trades, is engaged to Mariah Martin -- and well he is, too, since Mariah has professed to tell her father of his theft of the old man's money if he doesn't marry her. But, on the eve of their departure to London for the ceremony, William makes a sudden change of plan...involving a borrowed gun and a freshly sharpened knife. Lou Merrill hosts the program, which also features Richard Peel, Betty Harford, Jeanette Nolan, Alma Lawton, Donald Lawton, Joseph Kearns, and announcer Gil Warren.
Wednesday, November 25, 1953 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
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If a Body Need a Body, Just Call Burke and Hare
Edinburgh, Scotland - 1820: Local medical schools are in desperate need of corpses to dissect in the course of training new doctors and surgeons, but the supply of executed criminals supplied by the courts just doesn't meet the demand. Enter two enterprising young men: Burke and Hare - cobblers by trade who recognize a financial opportunity when they see it! Lou Merrill hosts the program, which also features Charles Davis, William Johnstone, Betty Harford, Richard Peel, Jack Kruschen, Jay Novello, and announcer Bob LeMond.
Wednesday, December 2, 1953 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
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The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
Washington, DC - 1865: In one of the best, darkest, and most fascinating shows of the series, the circumstances surrounding the assassination of President Lincoln are examined -- including the bizarre fact that Lincoln himself foretold his death in a dream days before it came to pass. Lou Merrill hosts the program, which also features Barney Phillips, Betty Lou Gerson, Clayton Post, Herb Butterfield, Irene Tedrow, Jack Edwards, Junius Matthews, Mary Jane Croft, Roy Glenn, Sammie Hill, William Conrad, and announcer Bob LeMond.
Wednesday, December 9, 1953 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
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John & Judith: Their Crime and Why They Didn't Get To Enjoy It
Snitton, Bitterly Parish, England, 1684: John Kupper enjoys having a maid. In fact, he enjoys it so much that he and the young servant girl decide to remove the one barrier that keeps them apart: John's wife, Mrs. Kupper. Lou Merrill hosts a program that also features Ben Wright, Betty Harford, Jeanette Nolan, Irene Tedrow, Norma Varden, Alec Harford, and announcer Bob LeMond.
Wednesday, December 16, 1953 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
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Coyle & Richardson: Why They Hung in a Spanking Breeze
Havana, Cuba - 1736: Dick Coyle and John Richardson are an interesting pair: John is a big, strong, lumbering thief who's not above thumping someone over the head to steal a bauble or two, while Dick is a small, wiry, and fast-thinking fellow with a clever brain and endless nerve. They work well together, with Dick calling the shots and John doing the dirty work. However, their successful criminal careers take an interesting turn when they sign aboard a frigate bound for Venice. Lou Merrill hosts the program, which features Walter Tetley, Clayton Post, Georgia Ellis, Herb Butterfield, Gladys Holland, Charles Calvert, and announcer Gil Warren.
Wednesday, December 30, 1953 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
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The Younger Brothers: Why Some of Them Grew No Older
Missouri, 1866: Just after the Civil War, former Quantrill Raider Cole Younger and his brothers become wanted outlaws after conducting a series of daring robberies in cahoots with the James Brothers. A dark and sometimes disturbing tale of violent times, told with unflinching realism and many little-known historical details. Lou Merrill hosts the program, which features Jack Edwards, Sam Edwards, Barney Phillips, Walter Tetley, James Eagles, Clayton Post, Bill Bissell, and announcer Bob LeMond.
Wednesday, January 6, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining

How Supan Got the Hook Outside Bombay
South Concan Province, India - 1856: After the death of their father, two brothers quarrel over which of them is to inherit his fertile lands -- and, with their scheming wives whispering encouragement in their ears, their quarrel soon escalates into violence. Lou Merrill hosts the program, which also features William Conrad, Byron Kane, Lillian Bieff, Jack Kruschen, Julie Bennett, Alistair Duncan, and announcer Bob LeMond.
Wednesday, January 13, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining

Madeline Smith: Maid or Murderess -- Which?
Glasgow, Scotland - 1857: Pierre and Mimi are a happy couple. They share late-night romantic liaisons, passionate letters, and are both fond of warm cups of chocolate. However, there is a problem: Mimi's father refuses to let them marry -- and will withhold his daughter's dowry if they defy him. Pierre is content to be patient, but Mimi has lately become distracted by the attentions of a more acceptable (and wealthy) suitor. How will she deal with the situation - and will the regular supplies of arsenic she's been purchasing lately help her to decide her future? Lou Merrill hosts the program, which also features Betty Harford, Florence Walcott, John Dehner, William Johnstone, and announcer Gil Warren.
Wednesday, January 20, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining

The Born Brothers and the Hangman: A Study in Nip & Tuck
Manchester Village, Vermont - 1812: Russell Colvin is a strange man, taken to long moonlight walks in the mountains on which he also brings along his young son. Often gone for days at a time, his wife Sally is beside herself with fear, suspicion, and dread of what he will do next. Her two brothers take it upon themselves to rid their sister of the man -- but his disappearance may not be as permanent as they expect. Lou Merrill hosts the program, which also features Virginia Gregg, Lamont Johnson, William Conrad, Irene Tedrow, Jack Kruschen, Joseph Kearns, and announcer Bob LeMond.
Wednesday, January 27, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining

The Incredible History of John Shepherd
London, England - 1722: At only twenty years of age, John Shepherd is already a thief, a gambler, a scoundrel -- and a charming, romantic figure to the wives of the wealthy men he chooses as his victims. A delightful, light-hearted tale of a legendary rogue, told with tongue firmly in cheek. Lou Merrill hosts the program, which also features Alistair Duncan, Betty Harford, Ellen Morgan, D.J. Thompson, Ben Wright, Richard Peel, Jerry Desmond, and announcer Bob LeMond.
Wednesday, February 3, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining

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