NEW
I Love A Mystery Book
THE I LOVE A MYSTERY COMPANION
Written by Martin Grams, Jr.
With a foreward by Jim Harmon

L onging only for action, adventure and excitement wherever it would lead them, three men fought through vampire-infested jungles, ghost towns of wind-swept Nevada, and solved mysteries involving werewolves, defeated mad scientists hell-bent on world domination, fought gruesome reptiles and modern-day pirates seeking treasure in every shape and form. Jack, Packard, Doc Long and Reggie York were those three musketeers and for more than a decade I LOVE A MYSTERY ruled the radio airwaves.

Finally after all these decades, the complete production history and episode guide is available under one cover, officially authorized through the estate of Carlton E. Morse. The book's contents include:

A complete history of the radio program, including copies of Morse's correspondence, memories from cast and crew, biographical material about Carlton E. Morse, and trivia about the various serials dramatized.

A complete episode guide for each and every I LOVE A MYSTERY broadcast starting from January of 1939 with an episode-by-episode plot description and cast list!

Documentary about Morse's early mystery and police serials including THE CROSS-EYED PARROT, DEAD MEN PROWL, DRAGON IN THE SUN, PROWL BY NIGHT, KILLED IN ACTION, KILLER AT THE WHEEL, THE RETURN OF CAPTAIN POST, THE GAME CALLED MURDER, CAPTAIN POST: CRIME SPECIALIST, THE WITCH OF ENDOR, BARBARY COAST NIGHTS, CHINATOWN SQUAD, TO THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITY, THE CITY OF THE DEAD, and even a complete episode guide for each serial including episode numbers, titles, air dates, cast lists, plot descriptions and various bits of trivia.

The same treatment is given for I LOVE ADVENTURE and ADVENTURES BY MORSE.

A complete reprint of the January 1939 contract between Carlton E. Morse and NBC and Standard Brands (the sponsor), and later revision and amendments. Even a sneak peak at the contract negotiations!

Learn why the program changed formats in both time slots and length of broadcasts, why sponsors dropped sponsorship, why Michael Raffetto and Barton Yarborough left the series in 1944, and how it came to be reprised in 1949 for Mutual.

Learn where and how Morse came up with the ideas for his serials, and the fact that someone else wrote at least ten of the I LOVE A MYSTERY serials and was quietly paid by Morse for their contribution.

Read the correspondence between Buddy Twiss (the director), Carlton E. Morse and Peter Lorre's agent when Lorre felt his name and character was being infringed upon on the program!

Learn about harry Leopold, the 29-year-old Denver gunman who asked the warden for a short postponement to Colorado's lethal gas chamber so he could listen to the concluding chapter of his favorite radio program, I LOVE A MYSTERY.

Complete documentation of the ILAM novels, comic strips (reprinted in the book courtesy of the artist), and a complete documentation and production of the I LOVE A MYSTERY movies with a reprint of a summary proposed but never made into a full-length motion picture.

Features a reprint of "Treasure Hunt," an unused proposed outline for a ten-chapter ILAM serial that Morse never got around to writing for the series.

Reprints of USO material Morse wrote for Barton Yarborough based on the character of Doc Long.

Complete documentation and episode guides for many of Morse's early serials including HOUSE OF MYTHS, RCA SPLIT-SECOND TALES, PIGSKIN ROMANCES, CHINATOWN TALES, THE UPPER ROOM and much, much more.

Exactly 400 pages thick........$29.95 plus $4.50 for shipping




Have Gun Will Travel Book
THE HAVE GUN, WILL TRAVEL COMPANION
Written by Les Rayburn and Martin Grams, Jr.

This 500 page book (yes, it's thick!) documents the entire history of the popular TV series AND radio series. Includes a complete broadcast log of each and very episode with plots, cast list (who played who, included unbilled actors), broadcast dates, trivia and memories from actors, writers and directors, etc. Includes various chapters bout other Have gun related material such as appendixes, HGWT collectables, etc. .......$29.95 plus $4.50 for shipping




Cavalcade of America Book
THE HISTORY OF THE CAVALCADE OF AMERICA
Written by Martin Grams, Jr.

This 480 page book (yes, it's thick!) documents the entire history of the popular radio and TV series, The Cavalcade of America, which aired from 1935 to 1957. Includes a complete broadcast log of each and every episode with casts (who played who), production credits, plot descriptions, airdates, etc. Includes a lengthy history of the program, origin to demise, trivia and memories from actors, writers and directors. Includes a chapter documenting school books published during the late thirties using the Cavalcade name. Authorized publication with cooperation through DuPont. Now that's comprehensive! ....... $29.95 plus $4.50 for shipping




Ellery Queen Book
THE SOUND OF DETECTION:
Ellery Queen's Adventures in Radio
Written by Francis M. Nevins and Martin Grams, Jr.

This 265 page book documents the entire history of the popular radio series, "The Adventures of Ellery Queen," which aired from 1939 to 1948. Includes a complete broadcast log of each and every episode with cast list, sponsors, airdates, announcers, musicians, production credits, plot descriptions, and more. Includes a lengthy history of the program, trivia and memories from those involved. (Foreward written by Larry Dobkin, who played EQ for a time), and other radio incarnations. ....... $29.95 plus $4.50 for shipping




Alfred Hitchcock Book
THE ALFRED HITCHCOCK PRESENTS COMPANION
Written by Martin Grams, Jr. and Patrik Wikstrom

This 660 page book (yes, it's thick!) documents the entire history of the popular TV series, both original and remake. Includes a complete broadcast log of each and every episode of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, with plots, cast list (who played who, included unbilled actors), broadcast dates, trivia and memories from actors, writers and directors, all of Hitchcock's opening and closing narrations (including alternative narratives filmed but never broadcast), and does the same for the remake series. Includes various chapters written by Hitchcock scholars about other Hitchcock-produced movies and TV series, Suspicion, Psycho, Dark Intruder, Tactic, etc. Chapters about spoofs, spin-offs, comic books, a complete list of all anthology books, etc. Literally EVERYTHING you'd ever want to know about the Hitchcock series. Foreward by Patricia Hitchcock! Authorized through Universal Studios!....... $29.95 plus $4.50 for shipping




Inner Sanctum Book
INNER SANCTUM MYSTERIES:
Behind The Creaking Door
Written by Martin Grams, Jr.

This this 280 page book documents the entire history of the spooky radio program, best remembered for its opening signature of a creaking door. Vampire bats, werewolves, man-eating plants and murderers on the loose, each week guests Boris Karloff, Lon Chaney, Jr., Peter Lorre, Frank Sinatra, Orson Welles and many others starred in creepy dramas.
This book features an interesting history of the program, including ratings statistics, fan mail, unpublished interview with Raymond Edward Johnson (the host), mystery magazine, a complete list of the Simon & Schuster mystery novels, episode guides for both the radio and television series (with plots), a chapter about the Inner Sanctum movies, and much, much more!....... $29.95 plus $4.50 for shipping




Suspense Book
SUSPENSE: TWENTY YEARS OF THRILLS AND CHILLS
Written by Martin Grams, Jr.

This was Martin Grams' earliest work and now, sadly, out of print. Limited quantity available. Documents the history of the radio and television show, the mystery magazines, comic books, movies, and features a complete episode guide for each and every radio and television show (with plots)........ $29.95 plus $4.50 for shipping




Invitation To Learning Book
INVITATION TO LEARNING
Written by Martin Grams, Jr. and Patrik Wikstrom

For those unaware, Invitation to Learning is regarded as the longest-running intellectual panel program (1940 to 1964) and featured a variety of guests: Norman Corwin, John Carradine, Lillian Gish, Clifton Fadiman, John Houseman, John Houston, Eva le Gallienne, and many others in discussions about various stage plays and works of literature. Offers a wonderful documentary with recollections by members of the cast and producers, and a complete episodes guide. Unlike any of Mr. Grams' other books, this is the only one featuring a limited printing (500 quantity) and specially numbered on the title page. Sold on first come, first serve basis........ $15.00 plus $3.50 for shipping




Informtion Please Book
INFORMATION PLEASE
Written by Martin Grams, Jr.

Information Please, the popular radio quiz program that played experts for fall guys, was capital, dependable, adult radio fun for more than a decade (1938 - 1952). The fast-cracking experts - John Kieran, omniscient sports columnist for the New York Times; Franklin Pierce Adams, New York Post columnist; Oscar Levant, composer, pianist, gag-stacked Broadwayfarer - were acknowledged by listeners as the most knowing of know-it-alls. Master of Ceremonies Clifton Fadiman was famous for beating the experts to the pun while he picked the questions submitted each week by listeners. Information Please spawned a short-lived series of film shorts (1940 - 1943), a summer-run television program (1952), at least two card games, and the long-running Information Please Almanac.

  • Documentary on the making of the broadcasts, and background production.
  • Sponsor and Cast contracts are reprinted.
  • Day-by-day information about the 1945 Information Please European Tour.
  • Chapter documenting the history of the 18 RKO Information Please Shorts (1939-1942).
  • Chapter documenting the short-lived 1952 television series.
  • Chapter documenting the radio program's involvement with the Information Please Almanac.
  • A complete episode guide listing each and every radio broadcast, television broadcast and movie short.

$29.95 plus $4.50 for shipping



Gildersleeve Scrapbook
THE GREAT GILDERSLEEVE'S SCRAPBOOK

First time in print! Thanks to material collected from Charles Stumpf and other Gildy collectors, this is a assemblage of letters, articles and photos on the radio series, The Great Gildesleeve. What makes this scrapbook special is:

  • Letters from both Hal Peary and Willard Waterman, discussing the Gildy series and the Fibber McGee series
  • Photos and articles not used in The Great Gildersleeve by Charles Stumpf and Ben Ohmart
  • Written interview with Willard Waterman
  • Introduction by Page Peary, Hal's son
  • And more!

This is a wonderful amount of material, with a beautiful, original color cover. This scrapbook will not be sold in stores - it was created as a companion piece to the official biography. Enjoy!

$15.00 plus $1.00 for shipping



Gildersleeve Book
THE GREAT GILDERSLEEVE BIOGRAPHY
Written by Charles Stumpf & Ben Ohmart

The Great Gildersleeve was radio's first spin-off series, and launched Harold Peary as a major comedy star. The pompous windbag, affectionately known as Gildy, first originated on the Fibber McGee and Molly program in the 1930s. 70 years later, audiences are still laughing at radio's champion water commissioner!

Painstakingly researched, this FIRST book on Gildersleeve gives a detailed history of all the characters, and in-depth biographies of the cast members. Contains many RARE pictures, too!

SPECIAL SIGNED EDITION!

Special Signed Edition of The Great Gildersleeve biography, which comes with the following:

  • Signed by authors Charles Stumpf and Ben Ohmart
  • Signed Gloria Holliday Peary (who played Bessie and was in reality Mrs. Hal Peary) bookplate

$33.00 (US postage paid)



Walter Tetley Book
THE OFFICIAL WALTER TETLEY BIOGRAPHY
Written by Ben Ohmart & Charles Stumpf

The first complete book on the great radio actor Walter Tetley is coming in December of 2003. It will contain RARE UNSEEN photos and never-before-known radio credits and information. NO old-time radio fan will be able to turn down this book. It will be a one of a kind.

$24.95 $2 for US postage ($8 non-US addresses)





Fibber McGee Scrapbook
FIBBER MCGEE'S SCRAPBOOK

This is a brand NEW publication from Charles Stumpf (author of the Fibber McGee & Molly biography, Heavenly Days) and Ben Ohmart, tracing Fibber McGee's (Jim Jordan) early years, to his final days. Contains a 7 page biography of Fibber McGee and Molly and Jim Jordan, plus over 100 reproductions of original newspaper and magazine clippings (full articles, pictures, news items) and photos. Very RARE stuff you'll have trouble finding Any where else! 100 pages, size 8.5x11.

Just $15 postage paid



Baby Snooks Scripts book
THE BABY SNOOKS SCRIPTS
Written by Philip Rapp

The Baby Snooks Scripts! The first time in print, these old time radio scripts by Philip Rapp are taken from otr's golden age shows: Maxwell House Coffee Time, Good News, and more. These are not transcriptions, but the original scripts, sometimes vastly different from broadcast-draft scripts, since Rapp would often revise a script three times before it aired.

Just $16.95 postage paid



Its That Time Again book
ITS THAT TIME AGAIN
Anthology

The first anthology of NEW fiction based on the beloved OTR characters and shows we know and love.

  1. Our Miss Brooks - "One Principal Too Many, One Principal Too Meanie" by Clair Schulz
  2. Tom Mix - "Tom Mix And The Mystery Of The Bodiless Horseman" by Jim Harmon
  3. Candy Matson YUkon 2-8209 - "The Japanese Sandman" by Jack French
  4. The Clyde Beatty Show - "Perils of the Tiger Barn" by Roger Smith
  5. The Green Lama - "The Case Of The Bashful Spider" by Bob Martin
  6. Sgt. Preston of the Yukon - "A Call From the Storm" by Jim Nixon
  7. Quiet Please - "The Cradle Of Peace" by Martin Grams Jr.
  8. The Halls of Ivy - "A Matter of Ethics" by Carol Tiffany
  9. Captain Midnight - "The Vanishing Ruby" by Stephen A. Kallis Jr.
  10. The Bickersons - "You've Got Me, John" by Ben Ohmart
  11. Ma Perkins - "The Letter From John" by John Leasure
  12. The Black Museum - "The Ticket Stub" by Michael Leannah
  13. Honest Harold - "Attack Of The Crawling Things From Outer Space" by Justin Felix
  14. Dimension X - "Willoughby Goes and Gets It" by Joe Bevilacqua & Robert J. Cirasa
  15. Lum & Abner - "A Pine Ridge Christmas Carol" by Donnie Pitchford
  16. Frontier Gentleman - "One Card Draw" by Michael Giorgio
  17. Pat Novak, For Hire - "A Poole of Blood" by Stephen Jansen
  18. Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar - "The Paddy Rose Matter" by Patrick W. Picciarelli
  19. Rogue's Gallery - "The Case of the Missing Bandleader" by Bryan Powell
  20. Inner Sanctum - "Concerto in Death Major" by Christopher Conlon

Just $17.00 postage paid



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