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.