Old Time Radio Drama

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"Old Time Radio Drama" brought the best of 1930s, '40s, and '50s entertainment to Wisconsin listeners. Host Norman Gilliland explored some of the best comedy, drama, adventure, mystery, and science fiction of the 20th Century. The program was heard Saturday and Sunday nights from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the Ideas Network.

WPR decided to end production of "Old Time Radio Drama" and remove all episodes in June 2020. It was replaced by “PRX Remix.” To find out more about this decision along with a list of contemporary audio drama resources, visit this page.

Playlist for Old Time Radio Drama

Recent Shows

'Arch Oboler's Plays'

Sunday, June 14, 2020, 10:30pm

The tale of a war correspondent, based on a real story, in "Mr. Pyle." Originally aired 06/14/45.

'Philo Vance'

Sunday, June 14, 2020, 10:00pm

The owner of a gambling operation, reports to the cops that she’s about to be murdered, leading Philo Vance to her ex fiancé and her gardener in "Combination Murder Case."

'Crime Classics'

Sunday, June 14, 2020, 9:30pm

Adapted from the real court papers, this story is based on the trial of the first woman to be executed in the United States, in "Bathsheba Spooner." Originally aired 06/15/53.

'FBI In Peace And War'

Sunday, June 14, 2020, 9:00pm

A Miami-based interstate car thief decides to go into business for himself. His unsuspecting bride travels with him toward California, but his former confederates catch up with the couple in Texas—...

Program Staff

Hosts:

Norman Gilliland

Old Time Radio Live!

We've put together a list of live OTRD productions and their audio archives . See Old Time Radio Live!

Our Closing Theme Music

If you always wondered, it's Leon Redbone's 14th Street Blues.

WPR News

Republican lawmakers to hold hearings on what they call lack of 'intellectual diversity' at UW campuses

New Microsoft data center proposed for Foxconn land in Mount Pleasant

Janet Protasiewicz far outpaces Dan Kelly in fundraising for hotly contested Wisconsin Supreme Court seat

April 4 election: Why is Wisconsin's bail proposal split into two ballot questions?

Waukesha first-graders barred from singing 'Rainbowland' by Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton, prompting swift backlash from parents

About Norman

Norman Gilliland is the Wisconsin Public Radio host of "The Midday" and "Old Time Radio Drama." He's also the author of "Sand Mansions," and "Midnight Catch."Read more

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