In the fifties sponsors were abandoning network radio drama in droves. Because the networks sustained (paid for) many of the programs they were broadcasting, a new sense of creative freedom took hold. During this time, many excellent series were heard. One was produced by actor, writer, director Elliott Lewis (right) called Crime Classics. A bit tongue-in-cheek, this series was well written and acted. This week, I'll look at a more dramatic one from that series.

Music under is Baroki by Kila.

One of the most notable horror radio series was created by Himan Brown and initially starred Raymond Edward Johnson as the host, "Raymond." This week a short history on the genesis of the series and its impact on future horror shows.

This week's adventure takes us on a journey - in the year 1962 and the first lunar landing by man!  The episode is called "Journey of the Pegasus" and the scriptwriter missed the actual moon landing by only 7 years, even though this episode is from 1953.

This science fictional morality play stars Raymond Burr (right) when he was appearing on radio and the future Johnny Dollar, Bob Bailey.

A long episode: what happens if the leading actor in a radio series, who has a distinctive voice and devoted listenership, is suddenly killed in an accident? Back in 1941, radio was live and such an event could be catastrophic.

It happened to Earl Graser (right), who was tragically killed in a single car accident in 1941, Graser was the distinctive voice of The Lone Ranger. Suddenly a scramble was on to replace him.