#2 in a Series on Old-Time Radio Trivia
Take a walk down Memory Lane and take our radio trivia.
True Crime, Mysteries and Horror – 1930s to 1950s Trivia
1. THE SHADOW, debuted 1930.
The show was based on a series of novels entitled “SHADOW“ by Walter Gibson. Contrary to the title, the show had nothing to do with an invisible man.
Can you remember the bone-chilling quote at the beginning of this radio show which seemingly held the fate of the world in its embrace for 30 minutes every Sunday afternoon?
A. “Never forget, the shadow is following you.”
B. “Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men“ The Shadow knows!”
C. “Have you seen your shadow?”
2. GANG BUSTERS, debuted 1935.
The first program portrayed the death of the Lady In Red’s friend, John Dillenger, at the Biograph Theatre in Chicago.
The show featured the sounds of violence, police whistles, breaking glass, the staccato bursts of machine-gun fire and metallic burglar alarms.
How was this thriller billed?
A. ‘We exist only to bust up the gangs who work to destroy
the American Way of Life.“
B. “Wiping out gangland warfare to save the world.“
C. “The only national program that brings you authentic police case histories.“
3. YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR, debuted 1949.
Dollar was played as a freelance insurance investigator with a keen mind, and a nose for murder. He was known for his shameless padding
of expense accounts. As the narrator of the show Dollar would begin each show with “Expense account: Item one“ and we were off and running.
How did Dollar sign these mostly fictitious accounts, when presenting them to his companies boss?
A. “Love ‘ya boss, JD.“
B. “Eternally yours, JD.“
C. “Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar.“
4. THE LONE WOLF, debuted 1948. 
The Lone Wolf was the pet name for Michael Lanyard, just another radio gumshoe. He was usually found sipping highballs at the Silver Seashell Bar and Grill.
This show had a very noticeable resemblance to another detective series. Can you name the series?
A. Falcon Crest.
B. The Falcon.
C. As the Falcon Flies.
5. THE INNER SANCTUM, debuted 1941.
Fear was generated by organ music, rumbling and deep, sounding as if he organ was being played underwater.
What was the sound effect used to open the show?
A. The screech of a Raven saying “Nevermore.“
B. The sound of fingernails running down a blackboard. This sound raised the hair on the back of necks all over the US.
C. The sound of a door to the basement being opened, to insane laughter. The groaning and creaking of that door created shivers up and down listeners spines.
6. DICK TRACY, debuted 1935. 
The show was based on Chester Gould’s comic strip detective and opened with a burst of radio code, and Tracy’s summary of the crime scene, all relayed on Tracy’s wrist radio.
Can you name some of the character sidekicks of Tracy’s?
A. Tess Trueheart, Vitamin Flintheart, and probably the most memorable, the crew cut wearing Flat Top.
B. Mahem Milgilicuty, Virginia Vedders, Plug Norton, Butch Fenders.
C. Joe Bob Skinner, Ralph Malph, and old Doc Fogarty.
Cowboys and Indians – 1930s to 1960s Trivia
7. DEATH VALLEY DAYS, debuted 1930.
With stories rooted in fact, this series became one of the most respected dramas of early radio. Written by Ruth Corwall Woodman, it was rich with strange characters, the foremost being the Old Ranger who fought the never-ending crimes of bushwhackers and cattle rustlers.
Do you remember what sound effect opened the show?
A. The call of an Army-issue bugle.
B.“Giddyap! Let’s go catch us some bad guys,“ by an unnamed announcer.
C. “Head ’em up, Roll ’em out!“ followed by the crack of a bullwhip.
8. GENE AUTRY’S MELODY RANCH, debuted 1940.
Aurty liked to tell his listeners that the show was being beamed directly from his home, Melody Ranch, in the San Fernando Mountains. A “Cowboy Classic“musical number and several simple jokes helped round out every broadcast.
Do you remember the name of Autry’s sidekick?
A. Right eyepatch-wearing Johnny Jakes.
B. The forever jovial Pat Butram.
C. Cowpoke Bill Jenkins and his wonder horse, Davy Crockett.
9. TALES OF THE TEXAS RANGERS, debuted 1950.
Featuring “authentic reenactments of actual Ranger case histories“ this series brought cowboy star Joel McCrea to the radio waves. Only names, dates, and places were fictitious “for obvious reasons.“
Do you remember McCrea’s Ranger name?
A. U.S. Ranger Sammy Spade
B. U.S. Ranger Jase Pearson
C. U. S. Ranger John Goodman Thompson
10. WILD BILL HICKOK, debuted 1951.
Fists flew as Wild Bill Hickok warded off bad men with his knockout punches and his trusty sidekick, Jingles, butted them with his fat gut. Bad men flew through the air and peace reigned once more. At least until the next broadcast.
Who played the title role of Wild Bill Hickok and who played Jingles?
A. Guy Madison was Wild Bill and Andy Devine played Jingles
B. Fess Parker was Bill and Andy Walther played Jingles
C. Clint Eastwood was Bill and Billy Bob Thornton played Jingles
CORRECT ANSWERS
1. THE SHADOW answer: B
2. GANG BUSTERS answer: C
3. “YOURS TRULY, JOHNNY DOLLAR“ answer: C
