Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar 



                  From Hollywood it’s time now for: 

                  “Johnny Dollar” 


                  One of the most recognizable opening phrases in all of radio, 
                  opening one of the most unique crime dramas ever to grace the 
                  waves of radio. Johnny Dollar is an independent insurance 
                  investigators; a free agent who investigate various insurance 
                  claims to make sure they are legit. Combining a quick wit and 
                  a smooth ability to communicate with people, along with a 
                  knack for getting into a jam, Johnny was the tops in his 
                  field. 

                  The show first hit the airwaves in 1949 in a 30 minute single 
                  episode format. Charles Russell portrayed Johnny the first 
                  year, followed by Edmund O’Brien and John Lund. While the 
                  episodes from this period are good, they do fall into the 
                  typical detective hard boiled style, like Sam Spade and 
                  Phillip Marlowe. In September 1954, the show went off the air 
                  for one year, returning in October 1955. 

                  That’s when the show became something special. 

                  With a new actor, Veteran Bill Bailey (Let George Do It) at 
                  the helm, the format changed to a 15 minute episode format. 
                  The stories, broken up it five parts,were broacast each 
                  weeknight. Since the story was in 5 parts, covering 75 minutes 
                  (minus commercials), instead of the previous 30 minute format, 
                  this allowed director/writer Jack Johnstone to expand the 
                  stories, providing further depth for the characters and more 
                  complex investigations. 

                  Not only were the stories a notch of above typical detective 
                  fare, but the method of narration was unique too. Similar to 
                  Sam Spade, Johnny dictates the story as it goes along…except 
                  that he is dictating his expense report (which was action 
                  packed according to the shows announcers). This provides a 
                  unique glimpse into the past (cab rides for a dollar, dinners 
                  for $2, etc.) 

                  Johnny was tough, but not as hard boiled as other detectives; 
                  he had a romantic streak and had some street wisdom, but 
                  perhaps not as much as his detective peers. He had no 
                  sidekick, no secretary, no real repeat characters. Johnny is 
                  the central focus, each matter stands on its own. Johnny is 
                  comfortable with people, and can carry his own with both the 
                  common man and the company executive. 

                  The serial format lasted a little over a year—there are a 
                  total of 53 five part, 1 seven part, and one nine parter. In 
                  1956, the show returned to the once a week 30 minute format, 
                  with Bill Bailey still at the helm. 

                  Bill Bailey played Johnny Dollar until 1960, when the showed 
                  moved from Hollywood to New York. Robert Readick took over the 
                  role until mid 1961, and then Mandel Kramer finished the radio 
                  run. The show’s final broadcast was on September 30, 1962. 

                  Of the 800+ shows that comprised the series, over 660 are 
                  still available today. A large portion of these can be 
                  downloaded from the Cobalt Club’s own vaults. So if you feel 
                  like listening to a good serial, with thrills, romance, and 
                  crime, then give it a listen. 


                  Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar 


                  YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR 
                  (1949-1962, CBS) 
                  15 and 30 minute episodes 
                  Over 800 broadcasts; approximately 660 broadcasts are 
                  available 
                  First Broadcast: December 8, 1949 
                  Last Broadcast: September 30, 1962 
                  Writers: Stuart Palmer, Jack Johnstone, Gil Doud, Blake 
                  Edwards, E. Jack Neuman, Paul Dudley, E. Jack Neuman, Sidney 
                  Marshall, Bob Ryf, Les Crutchfield and many others. 
                  Directors: Anton Leader, Richard Sanville, Norman MacDonnell, 
                  Gordon Hughes, Jaime Del Valle, Jack Johnstone, Bruno Zirato 
                  Jr., and Fred Hendrickson 
                  Producer Jack Johnstone 
                  Announcers: Charlie Lyons, Dan Cubberly, Roy Rowan, Art Hanna, 
                  and others 

                  Starring: Dick Powell and Gerald Mohr (Audition Shows only), 
                  Charles Russell, Edmond O'Brien, John Lund, Bob Bailey, Bob 
                  Readick and Mandel Kramer as JOHNNY DOLLAR. 
                  Guest Stars: Parley Baer, Michael Ann Barrett, Harry Bartell, 
                  Gloria Blondell, Raymond Burr, Herb Butterfield, Lillian 
                  Buyeff, Bill Conrad, Ted De Corsia, John Dehner, Don Diamond, 
                  Larry Dobkin, Sam Edwards, Virginia Gregg, Stacy Harris, Bill 
                  Johnstone, Charles McGraw, John Mcintyre, Howard McNear, Tyler 
                  McVey, Jack Moyles, Jeanette Nolan, Jay Novello, Dan 
                  O'Herlihy, Vic Perrin, Barney Phillips, Vincent Price, Lurene 
                  Tuttle, Willard Waterman, and many others.