Radio Retropolis

In Act 2, Vince and Cliff discover the broken safe and dried blood in the closet where Vince dragged the murdered body from his dream.  Was it a dream?  The clues say a murder was committed and Vince appears to know all about it.  Commentary on the careers of Eddie Bracken and William Conrad.

In Act 1, a man dreams of having committed a murder that may have actually happened when he discovers little clues to that fact.  Commentary on dreams of murder and why some dreams come true.

With Kent out of town, veteran homesteader Jerry Barton and Lois Lane approach the secret location of where the rally will take place that will expose the secret of Freeville.  JR comments on how racism has been taken to the next level to make a point to Superman listeners.

Liz is convinced that she is a musical talent, but when a music professor tells her she'll never be a singer, she decides to take up songwriting. Commentary on the music featured in this episode and the answer to whether Lucille Ball can really sing or not.

Over a four month period, fifteen food markets have been held-up and robbed. The assailant is well dressed and well armed. Commentary on why people choose to make false confessions such as what Frank Pollard did in the opening scene.  Plus, a look at the potential creative problems of this episode as well as a probable rare technical mistake.

Homesteader veteran Barton convinces Lois Lane to join him on a secret mission to what he promises will reveal the truth about what’s going on in Freeville.  But can he be trusted?  JR comments on why Lois Lane's negativity towards Clark probably affected why she hasn't been heard much in this series.

Arch Oboler stars as himself preparing his next horror masterpiece for Lights Out, who finds the monster his brain conceived has come to life.  Commentary on why Oboler became the star of this episode, which was the very last episode in the 1942-43 season and version of the series. We also discuss if this episode story was the right choice for fans.  Finally, we share a rare 1973 interview with Mercedes McCambridge as she talks about her early days in radio and why radio is still her preferred choice.

Lamont and Margo visit a secluded island, where Lamont receives a telepathic message from a native that men are robbing the diamond mine on the island.

In Act 2, LA Police Detective Brub Nicolai made the discovery of the dead woman whom we, the listener, know was last seen alive with Dix Steele.  The police have not made any connection to Steele so far, but the six degrees of separation is slowly closing in on him.  Commentary on the comparison between the ending in the novel and the feature film starring Humphrey Bogart.

In Act 1 tonight, Dix Steele is an ex-airman with a deadly secret involving the murder of a young woman in his past, who decides to help his friend, an LA Police Detective, solve a new murder involving a young woman.  Commentary on what makes a good mystery as seen through the eyes of a murderer.

As Clark walks Lois to her hotel room, he uses his X-ray vision which detects a detonator behind the door but is too late in preventing Lois from opening it and instead triggers a massive explosion sure to kill anyone nearby.  JR speaks on why conflicts are black and white in Superman.

To save money thanks to Liz’ bad bookkeeping, George takes over the bill paying duties which include one major luxury for Liz to be eliminated-the beauty parlor. Commentary following the episode on the importance of Richard Denning to the success of the series.

Friday and Romero are on the hunt for a few slimy swindlers who use the obituaries to prey on grief-stricken families selling worthless merchandise.  Commentary on Friday getting visibly upset which is a rarity during questioning.  Plus a look at character actor Robert Clarke and Jack Webb friend and writer Raymond Breen whose name was used as one of swindlers here and why Webb chose to do so.

Abner Sykes, the town’s telegrapher, was about to tell Lois and Clark what was happening in Freeville when he was gunned down before he could say anything.  JR comments on Lois Lane's penchant for trouble.  Plus, the polio epidemic of 1947.

A couple walking down the beach one night come across an old man writing names in the sand and the dates when they'll die.  Commentary on the accountable decisions we make in life and how tentative that life really is.

A killer in prison manages to enact his revenge on those who sent him up by placing their dead bodies in a wax museum.

Although the inquest firmly points the finger of guilt towards Steven and John as the key suspects, there are still many secrets yet to uncover as to what really led to this murder that pushes each character to the razor’s edge of sanity. Commentary on whether Steven was a sociopath or an extreme narcissist as well as a comparison between two brothers in one of the most popular situation comedies of all time!

In Act 1,  a man accidentally murders his maid when she refuses his advances and enlists his brother to help sink her body into the river.  Commentary on the relationship of the two brothers as to why one would assist in the cover-up.

As Kent was being warned by telegrapher Sykes to leave town immediately, a dazed Lois Lane suddenly appears falling into his arms unconscious.  JR comments on how this episode resembles the television series with the relationship of Lois and Clark.

The Atterburys have bought a new car, but Rudolph refuses to teach Iris how to drive. So, Liz readily volunteers to be Iris's driving instructor. Commentary on cost of living in 1950 and how much money Atterbury might have made. Plus a look at the pioneering partnership of two women- Lucille Ball and writer Madelyn Pugh- in creating the Liz character.