Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)

849
Arts #86Performing Arts #12

Presenting the best detectives from the Golden Age of Radio. Each week, we'll bring you an episode starring one of Old Time Radio's greatest detectives and the story behind the show. Join us for adventures of Philip Marlowe, Sam Spade, Johnny Dollar, and many more.

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Recent Reviews
  • Ladiecyber
    Love the variety
    Been with this podcast since it started. Love the intros and the hosts soothing voice. Richard Diamond is my favorite but I listen to all of the OTR’s shows presented here. Great job, look forward to listening to more shows.
  • GenX Business Owner
    Wonderful listening!
    This podcast is well-engineered, clean, and full of great stories. It’s time travel for those of us who can take this as a snapshot of a different time. Love it-
  • J Clam
    Berlin 1945
    I grew up on a military base in Germany from 63-68. Listened to AFN radio. I’ve been listening to old time radio ever since- Found your podcast and really glad I gave it a try. I’ve heard most of the programs before but never heard Berlin 1945! Thank you! It was a great reminder. I’m a fan now of your podcast!
  • PAHerrin
    Top 5 podcasts in this great genre. Always my go-to!
    Interesting but not overly long intros to shows. Keeps fresh content coming.
  • MadAboutTown
    Pat Novak
    I love this show, the curation the informative and entertaining host introductions. I especially like the episodes including Pat Novak. Pat Novak is the best.
  • Wally 2537694432
    Old Time Podcasts
    Congratulations on your 600th episode! As the genre becomes increasingly commercialized, Down These Mean Streets recalls the Golden Age of Podcasts. Thank you.
  • is rhis name taken?
    I can’t stand Pat Novak either!
    But I love all the others, and the introductions. The intro music of late drowns out the intro dialogue, which makes me fast forward past it. Nice variety of shows!
  • Billy GP
    Love the show, but…….
    I love listening to these classic radio dramas. And I love your background intros each episode. But, the last few entries in your series has background music playing so loud your words are drowned out. Please adjust your levels so we can enjoy your intros. Thanks
  • childish drivel
    Pat Novak
    Am I the only listener who cannot stand Pat Novak?
  • John ofMalta
    Banger!
    Every week a walk down memory lane
  • Chesterossa
    Pretty awesome!
    I specifically like that the host ends each episode with a Vincent Price monologue about being a good American and a decent human being. Are there some parts that didn’t age very well? Absolutely! However, the selections often provide context and background that may ease the bitterness of some problematic moments and material.
  • adam7782
    Delightful !
    There could be no better host to curate and introduce us to these Old Time Radio programs. These old shows bring a breath of fresh air to those long hours behind the wheel, and transport me to a time long passed. A Very Happy Birthday , sir, and thank you.
  • 2quiet2
    Happy 40th and Thank You!
    Thanks for your Birthday bash! Best yet!
  • Shadowdragon230
    Disappointed
    Either this podcast is mysteries or comedy. Cannot be both
  • cassie 25
    Fun
    This is a fun show - great way to hear old time shows
  • Nahnonicknamw
    Fantastically curated OTR entertainment
    This is my favorite OTR podcast and podcaster. His commentary at the beginning of the show does a great job setting the historical and narrative context for the forthcoming show(s). Love the inclusion of original advertisements and the fact that the host is so low-key about the podcast’s own fundraising needs - it’s the least intrusive of almost any podcast I follow. I love the themed episodes from different shows. Keep up the great work!
  • wffeus
    Should be 5 stars but…
    I listen to OTR every night as I go to bed. It helps set my mind at ease. Down These Mean Streets and it’s companion Stars on Susoense are OUTSTANDING! I would give them 5 stars each but for consistency—not in production or content but in regularity. Too often new episodes are not produced on a weekly basis. But when they are produced, they are sublime. Especially love the vintage ads.
  • DeezGruntled
    Outstanding
    Outstanding presentation complete with otr commercials from days gone by as well as insightful notes and anecdotes at the start of each episode from the passionate curator. This otr podcast is tip top. 5 stars.
  • Grin Ann Barrett
    Delightful
    Better than the rest, with the exception of the equally delightful Stars on Suspense, their other OTR podcast.
  • Blacky Green
    Top of the Old Time Radio heap
    This show distinguishes itself from the rest of the OTR players in its quality production, the odd and sometimes hilarious ads, and the host’s velvet delivery. Above all, though, I appreciate the context and commentary surrounding the episodes. I’d listen to more history and analysis of these shows.
  • Altaimom
    Hope all is well
    Haven’t seen new postings in a while, so I’m hoping you and your family are all well. May the coming year bring you joy and I hope your holidays were happy.
  • nicafromnowhere
    You alright?
    Hope you are ok, missed some episode dates, no intros …
  • Big House Boy
    Love it!
    Fantastic imagination ride!!
  • ChubbRockwell
    Great audio quality
    It’s difficult finding old time radio with clear, distortion free audio and Down These Mean Streets is the best sounding recording I’ve heard to date.
  • Bajxjdjansbdb
    Fantastic!
    Hi!! I love the show and I also really appreciate the way you have highlighted black radio actors during Black History Month and how you’re always encouraging people to get vaccinated/stay safe!
  • moving on-missu
    Great show
    Appreciate you telling us the background of the actors. Best example was Case Crime Photographer episode. Great show but your descriptions add value, thank you. Hope you become a listener like me. Wonderful background material for each show. I’d be proud to be a part of the program but since I am not, happy to provide my 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • sleeptime listener
    Down These Mean Streets
    Love the presenter. He has such a soothing voice and gives so many background detail. It makes the shows much more enjoyable.
  • FuzeOne
    Racist remarks n ??
    Great stories but racist remarks ?? SLANTED EYES?? Really?? Yeah a Chinese detective was called that 🥴🥴🥴👎🏾👎🏾.. I heard other racist remarks too on some other podcasts👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾 from the characters themselves … Also Have Gun Will Travel? Didn’t know they actually used the word POLICE back in those days( western era) I thought it was either SHERIFF OR DEPUTY?? Another show with SAM SPADE, about some barrel of oils missing , they’re eventually found but of course Sam n the brother are caught. Oil up to their ankles, ok,, next they walk the bad guy up some stairs ( without slipping?), then Sam wants to light aCIGARETTE WHILE COVERED IN CRUDE OIL,when before he was about to blow the place up while standing in CRUDE Oil?? Make it to make sense 🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴🥴😳😳😳🥴🥴😳😳
  • somewhat_trashy
    An experience!!
    Definitely a great listen
  • LumpyGolf
    Brilliant
    Can’t tell you how much I enjoy this program. So nice to have something that I can go to that’s not related to the terrible times that we’re living in. The host is extremely qualified and understands the subject matter.
  • alinmyhead
    Top tier
    You will not be disappointed
  • Liv Moore99
    Great Bedtime Listen
    I’ve been listening to old time radio shows for as long as I can remember. Started with cassettes when I had trouble sleeping, and now I am so lucky to listen to Down these Mean Streets. The catalog is fantastic. I also listen to suspense and so happy that there is always something to listen to. This is better than the calm app. Love the dialogue. Keep up the god work-and keep playing Johnny Dollar. ❤️
  • semajroops
    Themed episodes are great
    I’ve really enjoyed the last few episodes that have a readily apparent theme or thread running through them. Great idea.
  • M.Mako
    Bonus? Really?
    The Comedy Bonus podcasts are just off topic. But I enjoy the private eyes, the old time ads, and even the host. I even like the overview of varied shows each podcast, this is a format choice, not a failing, as some reviews seem to insinuate; I might even want to listen to a Comedy show from time to time, but usually I skip these. If people like it, how about a different podcast. I May be to blame because I am still subscribed, and I just delete the “bonus” comedy episodes, maybe I need to unsubscribe.
  • SuperShoeDiva
    Mixed Bag poor production
    I started listening to these during the pandemic from the start of the series. In the beginning the episodes weren’t bad. The intros were relatively brief but informative. Some of the detective stories are pretty good. After a while the host stopped using the musical intro and started compiling a bunch of detective story intros and when he adds his intros so you are two minutes in before the host starts. In 2020 there was a glitch where the host intros would be doubled so you be at least 10 or 15 minutes in before you even go to the program. Then he piles on a bunch of cigarette ads which are deplorable and now I have to wait 20 minutes to get into the actual program. Still he makes more missteps by glomming on mediocre comedy programs once a week that are not what the podcast is about. Generally the host repeats himself, doesn’t edit his work well, one serial he posted is completely out of order. He usually has the background music mixed too loud that you have a hard time hearing what he is saying. Most of this content can easily be found online through other sources where it is better organized.
  • MI lutheran bear
    Down these mean streets
    A great trio episodes of this week. The more i hear Dureaya in the part the more I like him. Always loved in the movies as either a good bad man or a heel. An actor who understood his place in Hollywood. Bill Johnstone is some ways better than Jack Webb because he feels the job more. And then my favorite crime show of all time and my favorite episode. It is Dashiel Hammet meets Shakespeare. Happy New Year and stay safe
  • Her0d0tus
    Great Quality!
    Fun intro and classic commercials. This podcast is very well done!
  • Hi-line
    The best host and curation around
    I love this interesting, well-researched podcast. All the gems of information shared by the host only add to the enjoyment of the radio shows. The sound quality is better than all the other radio anthologies. Keep up the excellent work...you’re putting me in touch with my parents’ and grandparents’ world. Thank you.
  • deputy cc
    Thank you for making this fantastic podcast.
    I love this podcast. There are several old time radio podcasts. But this one has the best production value and the history and background information provided by the host is superlative.
  • Lucy&asia
    Love this show!!
    I have been listening to OldTimeRadio for years since the 70’s on radio then buying tapes later DVD’s, now podcasts. I have found myself enjoying this show best. To people who complain about shows they watch on tv or listen to streaming or podcast stop complaining move on, find something you may enjoy better! As for me your show makes my day!
  • stephyb1
    Great entertainment along with a history lesson!
    This podcast is perfectly curated with something new all the time. This was my introduction to classic radio shows and it’s addictive. Love all the intros, the classic commercials, and the excellent sound restoration and quality.
  • Kate G
    Nice job of curation and sound
    Having listened to another classic radio detective podcasts for a while, I'm delighted to find this one. It's well-curated. The sound is excellent. The discussion is really good and on point; more info is available elsewhere. The narrator has a lovely voice, in keeping with the style of the radio shows, and I love the jazz lead in!
  • Mamabear616
    Love this podcast!
    Between the soothingly delivered background information and the wide variety of programs played, what’s not to love?
  • SM Vito
    Love the show and the host’s perspective!
    I found this podcast while hunting for more episodes of Suspense! for a project of my own. Of course, as with most pop culture, these shows both reflect and shape their times. It’s a genuine pleasure to hear the host ponder these issues, instead of ignoring them—episode 401 especially has turned me from a casual listener to a die-hard fan! Keep it up, please!
  • The Virtuous Lady
    Love this Podcast
    I really Love this Podcast and look forward to the weekly Detective episodes. The Host provides a nice Introduction and Commentary as well. My Favorites are Johnny Dollar with Bob Bailey, Sherlock Holmes with Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce to name a few. I like Comedy but would prefer that these episodes have a separate Podcast.
  • phxross
    Unique and fun OTR
    Really like these episodes, 2-3 themed episodes strung together with interesting content added by knowledgeable host.
  • padraigmccue
    The best
    This is easily the best place to come for your old time radio fill! The host does an incredible job at introducing each episode and the actors/actresses involved. This is definitely in my top 5 weekly podcasts.
  • 20digits
    A well curated source of radio’s past
    A knowledgeable and informative host whose show has made the current crisis more bearable
  • Pelcher314
    Generous
    This is my favorite old time radio. I like the introductions and information and especially appreciate the length of the podcast. The shows are beautifully curated.
  • your service is bad
    The introductionSSS
    A lovely podcast. My only problem with it is that the show runner has a brain piercing whistle when he says the letter s. Every intro drives me into an instant headache. Initially I thought it was just an inflection, but now I realize he has purposefully written an s into every other word in the intro. The man is trying to kill me.
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