Radio Retropolis

Friday investigates an experienced confidence man who targets elderly widows for their money has already conned his first two victims of more than $8,000. Commentary on the departure of Barney Phillips as Ed Jacobs and the introduction of Ben Romero's nephew Bill Lockwood.  Plus, actor Martin Milner and how Jack Webb guided his career.

As Zaram is about to expose Kent as being actually Superman having never left the cell, the planet Utopia suffers a strong earthquake signaling the pending doom of the planet.  JR speaks on how much Superman radio and TV actors were really paid. 

A clock maker is in possession of a cursed clock that only operates when using the original 30 pieces of silver given to Judas Iscariot. Any man who has come in contact with this clock has died a violent death. With this information, the clock maker seeks the man who murdered his father. Commentary on tonight's guest star Berry Kroeger. Plus, we look at the different views of Judas Iscariot.

A young man is about to inherit his parents estate until his evil uncle gets involved by placing a hypnotic spell on him which could mean his death. Commentary on why this episode was a misfire for the series.

Two sisters find their lives unraveling inside a lonely seaside mansion when one of the sisters decides to buy a casket for someone who will die in three weeks.  But which one?  JR speaks on star Rosalind Russell's combative career against the studios.

After it is revealed that Clark Kent has "replaced" Superman in the cell, Zaram places Jimmy in with him while he bugs the cell hoping that Kent will tip his hand.  JR speaks on the popularity of Superman through the decades.

Liz fakes an illness in order to get George to buy her a mink coat.  George is on to her and brings in a real doctor to give her fake diagnosis that Liz thinks is very real.  Commentary on the I Love Lucy episode "Lucy fakes an Illness" from which this script was adapted.

A seven week old baby has been abandoned in the bus depot waiting area and the mother is nowhere in sight with no leads as to where she could be. Commentary on this controversial episode and how the Code of Practices for Television Broadcasters in 1952 affected the story.

Superman, who still cannot move due to heavy pull of gravity from Utopia, has one final and seemingly dangerous trick that could change things forever.  JR speaks on ratings for the series and the changes made to increase listenership.

After forty years, a headless skeleton and a bog oak necklace that turns out to be a woman's murdered sister who was to marry the man the first sister vowed to have. Commentary on the controversial life and career of tonight's guest star Miriam Hopkins.

A mad musician threatens the city with his, "Symphony of Silence in E-flat" in which hidden bombs explode at a loud noise.  Commentary on the brilliant last few minutes of the episode plus the significance of E Flat in heavy metal music.

Regarded as the best mystery story of all time by the Mystery Writers of America, tonight's episode features a police sergeant, a newspaper reporter and an elusive serial killer who seems to elude both men.  JR speaks on the twist that alarmed audiences at that time.  Plus stars Claude Rains and Vincent Price.

Superman finally arrives safely on Utopia to rescue Jimmy but is faced with a heavy gravitational pull from the planet that renders him unable to move.  JR speaks on the two major pop culture genres that emerged in the postwar 1940s.

Liz goes on the radio quiz show, "Everybody Wins," and wins a check for $500, but she only gets to keep it if she can cash it within 25 minutes, and the banks are closed. Commentary on the continuity of the plot line.  Also we celebrate the gentle humor of guest actor Wally Maher who shines in this episode.  Plus , we look back at a classic scene between Lucille Ball and Wally Maher in the episode Vacation Time in which Lucy flubs her line which evokes a huge audience laugh and breaks up Maher.

A man is shot and critically wounded in the street of a residential neighborhood. His assailant is unknown and nowhere to be found. Commentary on Barney Phillips as Ed Jacobs taking glee in Friday missing dinner at the diner.  Plus, the California State Juvenile Officers Association which is mentioned in tonight's episode.  Finally, guest stars Jack Kruschen and Helen Kleeb.

Superman, now on Utopia, to save Jimmy from execution finds himself unable to move from the heavy gravitational pull of the planet rendering him completely helpless.  JR speaks on how Perry White's blustery disbelief in others related to the children listening which JR compares to a very special episode of The Andy Griffith Show called "Mr. McBeevee". 

Peter Frame was killed in a knife attack leaving another man still alive who vows vengeance on his killer. The only clue is a certain watch charm that belonged to the dead man. Commentary on star Les Tremayne.

A madman kills a scientist who has developed a secret serum for restoring youth. Commentary on the connection in this plot to the real life Nazi genetic experiment called Lebensborn or the Fountain of Life.

A young girl believes she hears a woman screaming for help deep underground in the empty lot next door yet no one believes her.  JR speaks on star Margaret O'Brien, her lost Oscar, and the controversy that almost resulted in her death on the set of Meet Me in St. Louis.

Perry White, Kent and Poco finally meet as Kent tries to understand what this strange rhyming fellow means  on this other planet called Utopia with Jimmy there in danger for his life.  JR speaks on Superman special guest Rear Admiral Reginald Belknap retired who awards the Superman radio series as The Best Children's program.  Plus, what being in space really meant in early 1947 and what was about to come forth later that summer.