Old Time Radio Downloads > Crime > Gang Busters

Gang Busters, one of the earliest crime shows on radio, was created by actor-producer Phillips Lord. Deemed as the only radio program that featured authentic police cases, it debuted on NBC Radio on July 27, 1935, under the title G-Men and Lord himself as the narrator. He was later replaced by Colonel Norman Schwarzkopf, the New Jersey Police superintendent during the investigation of the infamous Lindbergh case, along with Commissioner Lewis Valentine of the New York City Police.

 

Each episode began with loud sound effects like gun fires and tire screeches, which led to the catch phrase "come on like Gang Busters." And then, at the end of each episode were the description of each criminal captured and some information on those who were still on the loose.

 

 To be able to provide real crime stories, Lord sought the help of the police and law departments across the United States. During its entire run, hundreds of criminals were brought to justice, courtesy of the Gang Busters. The show's last episode was aired on November 27, 1957. Just recently, in 2011, Gang Busters was included into the Radio Hall of Fame. 

Gang-Busters

Please enjoy these old time radio shows:

Air Date Title Synopsis
 1939-11-30  Date With Death

Program #583. CBS net origination, syndicated, WRVR-FM, New York aircheck. "The Case Of The Date With Death". Sponsored by: World Wide Handicrafts. WRVR rebroadcast date: March 12, 1973. 
 1939-11-30  A Date With Death

+ Program #583. CBS net origination, syndicated, WRVR-FM, New York aircheck. "The Case Of The Date With Death". Sponsored by: World Wide Handicrafts. WRVR rebroadcast date: March 12, 1973. 
 1940-11-01  Ape Bandit

+ Program #210. Blue Network. "The Ape Bandit"/"The Case Of Dwight Beard". Sponsored by: Sloan's Liniment. An athletic collegiate turns to robbery and murder for a career. "Gangbusters Nationwide Clues." Charles Duffield (escaped convict): tattoo of the the word "Chief" on left arm, tattoo of heart-dagger-bird-ribbon on right arm. Attention Western states: a man with dark bushy hair (wanted for robbery, beating of woman). Attention Pacific coast: Bank robber wanted. The spelling of the program name is open to debate. Original literature in the 1930's spells the program name as two words. By at least 1953, the program was spelled as one word. When the changeover occurred is uncertain. Next week's program is announced as number #213. Charles Stark (commercial spokesman). 
 1943-11-30  Nickle And Dime Bandits

+ Program #231. Blue Network. "The Nickel and Dime Bandits". Sponsored by: Sloan's Liniment. Two small-timers (Rogers and Charleson), and their moll, terrorize Chattanooga and think they can get away with it because they only rob small amounts. "Gangbusters Nationwide Clues." Murderer: with wrinkle-faced companion. Attention Pennsylvania: farmer wanted for nude slaying. 
 1945-12-22  Al Simioni

+ Program #413. ABC net. "The Case Of Al Simeone". Sponsored by: Waterman. Al Simeone shoots two people during two different robberies, but each time the gunshot sound effect isn't audible! Introducing the second act, Lewis Valentine is unable to pronounce, "Simeone." Gangbusters Nationwide Clues: Michael James Quinn (murderer). He has tattoos of Cupid on his elbow, other tattoos on his forearms. Joan Deutch (bank robber) has a tattoo on his arm, speaks German and English with an accent. Carlo Petzopanni (bank robber) speaks Italian, is an aviation enthusiast and student pilot. Don Gardiner (announcer), Phillips H. Lord (producer), Lewis J. Valentine ("Commissioner of the largest police force in the world"), Larry Haines. 
 1946-03-23  Joe McCann West Side Syndicate

+ Program #426. ABC net. "The Case Of Joe McCann and The West Side Syndicate" (part one). Sponsored by: Waterman's Pens and Inks. Three crooks steal $4 million, but it turns out to be all mutilated currency. The program includes Gangbusters Nationwide Clues. Don Gardiner (announcer), Phillips H. Lord (producer), Stanley Niss (writer). 
 1946-12-21  Elusive Leader

+ Program #603. CBS net origination, syndicated, WRVR-FM, New York aircheck. "The Case Of The Elusive Leader". Sponsored by: Stereo Exchange. The Hooker gang is finally caught, but Lopez Hooker soon escapes and has to be caught all over again. WRVR rebroadcast date: January 29, 1973. Roger Foster (announcer), Phillips H. Lord (producer). 

Other Crime Shows you may enjoy:

1 Response to Gang Busters


Great to hear the voice of Swartskopf. As many of these radio shows they depict society at the time, good and bad. They were living history captured in their own time.

Lex , 2013-03-22 12:35:03 Edit Delete

Leave a comment

* Your email address will not be published.

Join Our Free Mailing List...
 ABOUT OLD TIME RADIO
The buzz-term for Old Time Radio is "OTR". OTR usually means radio broadcasting from the golden age of radio, mostly before 1964.These shows from the pre-television age include adventure, comedies, mystery shows, western dramas and shows from World War II. These programs feature the best talent of the day and were broadcast nearly as widely as cable programs today. And just like TV today, families would gather around their crystal radio sets to enjoy the entertainment together.