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Besides posting book reviews, once in a while I will be posting articles on the subject of pulps. I hope we can generate more interest for the Blog. If you would like to share an article on the pulps, you can send me a message in the Comments of a post.

Friday, January 31, 2014

Radio Archives


 
January 31, 2014
 
 
 
Like New Orleans Dixieland music? If you do, then you will love these thirty minute programs from the NBC Radio Network, broadcast in 1941.Featured are the bands of Henry Levine and Paul Lavalle, vocals by Diane Courtney, with such hosts as Gino "Long Locks" Hamilton, and Jackamo "Satchel Trousers" McCarthy.

Everyone on the program is jokingly addressed as either "professor" or "doctor," thereby attempting to give the impression that they have a certain lofty, high brow distinction. However, Gene Hamilton contradicts this image when he states that the Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street is out to "give culture its lumps," which it does, in a very delightfully musical, and humorous, way.

One of the early program vocalists was Dinah Shore, who went on to host the Chevy Show on NBC Television in the 1960s. In addition to his duties on the Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street, Paul Lavalle was the musical director at New York City's Radio City Music Hall.

Some of the guest artists include Stuff Smith and his jazz violin, the Charles Magnante Accordion Quartet, and Sylvia Marlow playing jazz on the harpsichord.

Henry Levine in the middle of the show, guest commentators do such things as attempting to play an accordion under water, and an NBC Page introduces a corny new song he has just written, which will never, ever make the charts.

But, of course, the main attractions are the wonderful Dixieland band arrangements of Paul Lavalle and Henry Levine, which keep everything jumping.

These programs were recorded directly from the NBC Radio Network line, so the audio quality is exceptional.

If you like good Dixieland band music, and want to relive a laugh filled, fun time that was enjoyed by millions of radio listeners in 1941, the Chamber Music Society of Lower Basin Street will not disappoint you
. 7 hours. $20.98 Audio CDs / $10.49 Download.

 
Special 50% discount Offer
Need proof that Radio Drama is timeless and can capture a modern, more sophisticated audience as well as classic shows did in the early 20th Century? The Mutual Radio Theater, Volume 1 is definitely evidence of that.
 
The Mutual Radio Theater aired every weeknight on hundreds of Mutual stations March-December 1980, 103 original one-hour shows being produced. This program was no small attempt to recapture the glory days of Old Time Radio by any means. It was reported to have a budget of several million dollars and involved talent that definitely was worth every penny spent.
 
Each program was written specifically for radio, including scripts penned by such radio legends as Arch Oboler, Norman, Corwin, and Elliot Lewis. And the stories themselves ranged the genre gambit.
 
As a matter of fact, Mutual Radio Theater’s commitment to variety is clearly evident in how each night’s program was dedicated to a certain genre and hosted by a different notable performer. Lorne Greene hosted Western Night on Monday. Andy Griffith followed on Tuesday with Comedy Night. Wednesday Night was Mystery Night hosted by Vincent Price. Love & Hate took center stage on Thursday, hosted by Cicely Tyson. Friday Night was Adventure Night with Leonard Nimoy as host.
 
Mutual Radio Theater, Volume 1 is a 20 Audio CD set consisting of programs as they originally aired, complete and uncut, with original commercials, and produced in full stereo-high fidelity. Thrills, chills, laughs, tears, and more. Mutual Radio Theater, Volume 1 has it all with star power! Regular Price $59.98 - Specially priced until February 13 for $29.99 Audio CDs / $14.99 Download.
 
 
Note to fans of Will Murray's Pulp Classics.
I've been looking at our March schedule, and we have a very interesting Spider audiobook planned, The Corpse Broker. As you know, we stepped up production of our Spider audiobooks in response to customer demand. But I've been wondering what else you want to hear? Already recorded are the next Secret 6, Green Lama, Dr. Yen Sin and G-8 and His Battle Aces audiobooks.
 
Would you rather have one of those instead of the Spider for March? If so, which one? Write me at WillMurray@RadioArchives.com and I will consider all requests. Thanks! — Will

Will Murray's Pulp Classics #44
by G. T. Fleming-Roberts
Read by Michael C. Gwynne. Liner Notes by Will Murray
 
 
Most pulp heroes were born in editorial conferences, with or without the input of the assigned author. This is how great characters like Doc Savage and The Avenger were created.
 
Not so the Master of Midnight, Captain Zero. He was solely the brainchild of pulp veteran G. T. Fleming-Roberts, who had previously worked on Secret Agent X, the Black Hood and the Green Ghost, the latter two under his own name.
 
In 1948, Fleming-Roberts decided to turn the stalwart pulp superhero on its head and came up with mild-mannered newspaperman, Lee Allyn, who stripped down to his skivvies every midnight and sallied forth as the invisible but nervous Captain Zero. Thinking he had a winner, Fleming-Roberts left his Indianapolis home and went knocking on the doors of the major Manhattan pulp houses.
 
Street & Smith’s Daisy Bacon turned him down. They already had the original unseen avenger, The Shadow. Who needed another? But when the writer paid a call on Popular Publications, the former issuers of The Spider and Secret 6 decided to get back into the hero business. They announced the first issue for early 1949, but the pulp industry remained stuck in the post-war doldrums, so Popular held back Captain Zero #1 for a September release. The first issue of the new bi-monthly was cover-dated November.
 
Captain Zero was a breath of fresh air in a field dominated by grim crimebusters. Lee Allyn didn’t really want to fight crime, but what are you going to do with your time after an accident turns you invisible (except for your eyeballs, that is) every midnight? Underfunded, unappreciated, at risk of being overwhelmed by the furious guns of the Underworld, Captain Zero battles small-town crime far from the big cities braver superheroes guarded.
 
For his second caper, Captain Zero challenges a mysterious mastermind who commands his murderous minions via radio, and is known only as the Man in the Black Hat. It appears as if G. T. Fleming-Roberts was having a bit of fun––for the Man in the Black Hat sounds a lot like The Shadow! If that’s not enough, he manages to run afoul of the local law, and becomes a wanted fugitive.
 
The Mark of Zero! is the name of this thrilling tale. It’s narrated with just the right leavening of wry wit by Michael C. Gwynne. Also included in this exciting audiobook are two short stories torn from the pages of the January, 1950 issue of Captain Zero, “Pinned Down!” and “Double-Take on Death,” penned by Alan Ritner Anderson and Walt Sheldon respectively. 7 hours $27.98 Audio CDs / $13.99 Download.


Last year, Tom Brown asked me to talk to my old friend, Bob Weinberg, at the Windy City Pulp convention in Chicago about working with Radio Archives. The relationship has since blossomed and the first project, The Best of Argosy Selected by Robert Weinberg, was released last month. Today we are proud to announce Bob's bestseller, The Devil's Auction, is now available in audiobook and eBook versions. Three additional Bob's Weinberg thrillers will be released in the next three months. And starting in May, Robert Weinberg Presents” will showcase even more exciting material. We’re very excited to have this major talent on our team. — Will Murray


Robert Weinberg Presents
by Robert Weinberg
Read by Nick Santa Maria
 
 
Held once each generation and attended by the greatest mages in the world, the Auction offered a prize of incredible power to the winner. But, what happened to those bidders whose offers didn't meet the final price?
 
Valerie Lancaster had no desire to attend the Auction. But when her father was murdered for his invitation, she knew she had to go to find his killer — and keep from being slain herself.
 
It's the Devil's Auction. Accompanied by her father's friend, Alex Warner, Valerie found herself confronted by werewolves, golems and the most powerful sorcerers in the world. But none of them prepared her for the final, shocking secret of the Devil's Auction.
 
"I haven't had this much fun since I beat my pet hamster to death with a chair leg! A rootin-tottin booger of a book! Fresh as a spring daisy, but mean and nasty as a rattlesnake bite!" — Joe R. Lansdale
 
"I liked everything about this book, including the title!" — Robert Bloch
 
This audiobook features a beautiful wraparound cover by Stephen Fabian. 7 hours $27.98 Audio CDs / $13.99 Download.

 
 
Robert Weinberg Presents
The Devil's Auction eBook
by Robert Weinberg
 
Held once each generation and attended by the greatest mages in the world, the Auction offered a prize of incredible power to the winner. But, what happened to those bidders whose offers didn't meet the final price?
 
Valerie Lancaster had no desire to attend the Auction. But when her father was murdered for his invitation, she knew she had to go to find his killer — and keep from being slain herself.
 
It's the Devil's Auction. Accompanied by her father's friend, Alex Warner, Valerie found herself confronted by werewolves, golems and the most powerful sorcerers in the world. But none of them prepared her for the final, shocking secret of the Devil's Auction.
 
"I haven't had this much fun since I beat my pet hamster to death with a chair leg! A rootin-tottin booger of a book! Fresh as a spring daisy, but mean and nasty as a rattlesnake bite!" — Joe R. Lansdale
 
"I liked everything about this book, including the title!" — Robert Bloch

This exciting novel has been beautifully reformatted for easy reading as an eBook. This entire line of eBooks are of the highest quality and feature great horror/fantasy novels long out of print.
 
All eBooks produced by Radio Archives are available in ePub, Mobi, and PDF formats for the ultimate in compatibility. When you upgrade to a new eReader, you can transfer your eBook to your new device without the need to purchase anything new.
 
Use the PDF version when reading on your PC or Mac computer. If you have a Kindle, the Mobi version is what you want. If you have an iPad/iPhone, Android, Sony eReader or Nook, then the ePub version is what you want. $9.99
 
 
Robert Weinberg's photo gallery
 
For the Robert Weinberg Presents series of audiobooks and eBooks, I will be picking a few photos with some of my friends.
 

Bob, and his friends, Hugh B. Cave and Robert Bloch all receive awards at PULPcon 1983.

 
New Will Murray's Pulp Classics eBooks
 
The best of timeless Pulp now available as cutting edge eBooks! Will Murray's Pulp Classics brings the greatest heroes, awesome action, and two fisted thrills to your eReader! Presenting Pulp Icons such as the Spider and G-8 and His Battle Aces as well as wonderfully obscure characters like the Octopus and Captain Satan. Will Murray's Pulp Classics brings you the best of yesterday's Pulp today!
 
Not until the Man in the Red Mask had seized the nation’s entire supply of life-saving drugs and enslaved the medical profession, did the police realize the purpose of Murder’s newest henchman! By then, the department was paralyzed; young Dr. Guilmuir was sacrificing his life in the chair; his fiancee and Nita van Sloan were in the Vipers’ Pit — and the Spider alone was left to answer Humanity’s urgent cry for help! Total Pulp Experience. These exciting pulp adventures have been beautifully reformatted for easy reading as an eBook and features every story, every editorial, and every column of the original pulp magazine. $2.99.

Dime Mystery Magazine Bruno Fischer
In 1934 a new type of magazine was born. Known by various names — the shudder pulps, mystery-terror magazines, horror-terror magazines — weird menace is the sub-genre term that has survived today. Dime Mystery Magazine was one of the most popular. It came from Popular Publications, whose publisher Harry Steeger was inspired by the Grand Guignol theater of Paris. This breed of pulp story survived less than ten years, but in that time, they became infamous, even to this day. This ebook contains a collection of stories from the pages of Dime Mystery Magazine, all written by Bruno Fischer  reissued for today’s readers in electronic format. $2.99.
 
America's Defenders wavered at the Divide before those trenches of the Purple Empire hordes — checked by a living wall of crucified children! How could they gain victory without massacring their own? And how could Operator 5 avert this total annihilation of the nation's young? From behind that human barricade, the mad Emperor's legion poured out death, secure in its ghastly strategy. There was but one way of overthrowing the invaders, terrible though its cost. Into the jaws of destruction marched the men who knew how to die — then miraculously attack again! What has become known as the “War and Peace of the Pulps” commenced with the searing novel, Death’s Ragged Army, which appeared in the July, 1936 issue of Operator #5 magazine. The legions of Emperor Maximilian swept in and took over New England, initiating the Second War of Independence. Jimmy Christopher and his friends and allies in the Intelligence Service were enlisted in a desperate undertaking to hurl back to Europe the forces of the Purple Emperor. The legendary Purple Invasion series had begun and lasted for 13 installments. In order to enjoy the unfolding storyline, it's best to start with Death’s Ragged Army and read sequentially through to The Siege that Brought the Black Death. These 13 novels represent the most daring and unique departure ever in this kind of pulp magazine. Operator #5 and the Purple Invasion series returns in vintage pulp tales, reissued for today’s readers in electronic format. $2.99.
 
A clever killer leaves a trail of bloody fingerprints that lead exactly nowhere, because the owner apparently materializes only to kill. The jade-robed Buddhist priest who battled crime as The Green Lama is back! Conceived in 1939 at the behest of the editors of Munsey Publications to compete with The Shadow, it was an outlandish concept. While The Shadow possessed the power to cloud men’s minds after his time in the East, The Green Lama relied on other, even weirder, powers — including the ability to become radioactive and electrically shock opponents into submission! He carried a traditional Tibetan scarf, which he employed to bind and befuddle opponents, and possessed a knowledge of vulnerable nerve centers which he put to good use in hand-and-hand combat. Om Mani Padme Hum! The Green Lama knows! The Green Lama returns in vintage pulp tales, reissued for today’s readers in electronic format. $2.99.


99 cent eBook Singles
Each 99 cent eBook Single contains a single short story, one of the many tales selected from the pages of Dime Mystery and Terror Tales. These short stories are not included in any of our other eBooks.

“I’ll tell you where the money is, Daniel,” Aunt Emily said. “It’s waiting for you — in your coffin!” In 1934 a new type of magazine was born. Known by various names — the shudder pulps, mystery-terror magazines, horror-terror magazines — weird menace is the sub-genre term that has survived today. Dime Mystery Magazine was one of the most popular. It came from Popular Publications, whose publisher Harry Steeger was inspired by the Grand Guignol theater of Paris. This breed of pulp story survived less than ten years, but in that time, they became infamous, even to this day. This ebook contains a classic story the pages of Dime Mystery Magazine, reissued for today’s readers in electronic format$0.99.
 
The writhing, fanged death buried its venom-filled teeth into a priceless fortune — but Dane Vernon didn’t get it! In 1934 a new type of magazine was born. Known by various names — the shudder pulps, mystery-terror magazines, horror-terror magazines — weird menace is the sub-genre term that has survived today. Dime Mystery Magazine was one of the most popular. It came from Popular Publications, whose publisher Harry Steeger was inspired by the Grand Guignol theater of Paris. This breed of pulp story survived less than ten years, but in that time, they became infamous, even to this day. This ebook contains a classic story the pages of Dime Mystery Magazine, reissued for today’s readers in electronic format$0.99.
 
When that screwball inventor’s lab blew up, it was like a direct hit on an ammo dump, and I saw those fiery tracers blaze their cryptic, deadly sign across the sky: Murder — fifty shares a shroud! In 1934 a new type of magazine was born. Known by various names — the shudder pulps, mystery-terror magazines, horror-terror magazines — weird menace is the sub-genre term that has survived today. Dime Mystery Magazine was one of the most popular. It came from Popular Publications, whose publisher Harry Steeger was inspired by the Grand Guignol theater of Paris. This breed of pulp story survived less than ten years, but in that time, they became infamous, even to this day. This ebook contains a classic story the pages of Dime Mystery Magazine, reissued for today’s readers in electronic format$0.99.
 
Lovely Linda Hudson disregarded young Blair’s inspired warning, and took a job as teacher to a horde of inbred idiots. How could she know that she would be called upon to mother a new strain among that brood of slavering, bestial imbeciles! In 1934 a new type of magazine was born. Known by various names — the shudder pulps, mystery-terror magazines, horror-terror magazines — weird me most popular. It came from Popular Publications, whose publisher Harry Steeger was inspired by the Grand Guignol theater of Paris. This breed of pulp story survived less than ten years, but in that time, they became infamous, even to this day. This ebook contains a classic story from the pages of Terror Tales magazine, reissued for today’s readers in electronic format. $0.99.
 
 
 
 
All eBooks produced by Radio Archives are available in ePub, Mobi, and PDF formats for the ultimate in compatibility. When you upgrade to a new eReader, you can transfer your eBook to your new device without the need to purchase anything new.
 
 
by Will Murray and Lester Dent, writing as Kenneth Robeson
 
When a brazen adventuress tries to hire Doc Savage for a secret mission—but won’t tell him why—it lights the fuse for one of the most explosive exploits ever to involve the Man of Bronze.Who is Hornetta Hale? Why does she need to rent Doc’s private submarine? And who is so determined to eliminate her that they destroy Doc Savage’s skyscraper headquarters in the process?
From Manhattan Island to the Caribbean Sea, Doc and his fighting crew chase the most violent gang of criminals they have ever encountered in a desperate race to unlock the secret of Phantom Lagoon. Or are they more than mere criminals? $24.95.
 
by Will Murray and Lester Dent, writing as Kenneth Robeson
 
The world believed that aviator Tom Franklin was dead. Years before, he had set out on a pioneering transpacific flight alone—and vanished!When he returned, as it from the grave, Franklin and a mysterious woman flew a battered plane that had been repaired with plates of pure gold. Desperately seeking the help of Doc Savage, the mighty Man of Bronze, Franklin and his curvaceous charge fall into the clutches of diamond smuggler Blackbird Hinton and his cutthroat crew—but not before the bronze adventurer hears of their plight.
From Manhattan to Cape Town ensues a quest as dangerous as any in recorded history. One that will embroil the compassionate yet hard-fisted Doc Savage and his resourceful men in a raging struggle for control of one of history’s most closely guarded mysteries.The lost secret of Python Isle! $24.95.
 
Richard Wentworth, in the guise of his crime-fighting alter-ego, returns in two 1930s tales of The Spider. First, in "Builders of the Black Empire" (1934), swift and terrible death rides the waves as modern day pirates turn the seas into a battlefield, striking down majestic ocean liners and lumbering cargo ships with violent abandon. To defeat these seafaring slaughterers, The Spider must match wits with a criminal genius whose cruelty runs the gamut of terror, mass destruction and torture! Then, in "Satan's Shackles"(1938), Wentworth hangs up The Spider's guns and seeks peace and contentment in the rural countryside  while his fiancee Nita van Sloan recovers her health. But even here, a gang of vicious criminals is at work, threatening not only the citizens of Harper's Falls but The Spider's own hidden identity! These two exciting pulp adventures have been beautifully reformatted for easy reading and feature both of the original full color covers as well as interior illustrations that accompany each story. $14.95.
 
The legendary super-sleuth returns in two more pulp classics by Walter Gibson, writing as Maxwell Grant. In "The Black Falcon" (1934), Lamont Cranston is abducted by a kidnapper who unearths secrets from The Shadow's mysterious past. Then, the Knight of Darkness must defeat a Dragon of Fire before the city becomes a blazing inferno in an action-packed 1936 thriller titled "The Salamanders". This instant collector's item also features the original pulp covers by George Rozen, interior illustrations by Tom Lovell, and "The Island of Ancient Death," a bonus Shadow story adapted from the Mutual Broadcasting System radio program by scriptwriter Gibson Scott Fox. $12.95.
 
Pulp fiction's legendary Man of Bronze returns in two of his most engrossing adventures. In "The Spook Legion" (1935), the Man of Bronze and his aide Monk Mayfair battle invisible supercrooks led by a criminal mastermind whose scientific brilliance may surpass Doc's own. Then, in 1938's "The Submarine Mystery," Doc Savage investigates modern-day piracy when a Navy sub is destroyed off of Boston Harbor, and it's only survivor is found to be speaking an obscure 16th-century dialect. These classic pulp thrillers are reproduced with the original color pulp covers by Walter Baumhofer and Emery Clarke, interior illustrations by Paul Orban, and historical articles by pulp historian Will Murray. $12.95.
 
The Knight of Darkness confronts his greatest superfoe in the classic pulp novels that inspired the 1994 Shadow film starring Alec Baldwin! In"Shiwan Khan Returns," the last descendent of Genghis Khan comes back from the dead for a titanic rematch with The Shadow! Then, the Dark Avenger and the exotic Myra Reldon team up to battle the mesmeric menace of "The Invincible Shiwan Khan" in another of Walter Gibson's greatest pulp thrillers! This instant collector's item showcases both original color pulp covers by Graves Gladney, the classic interior illustrations by legendary artist Edd Cartier and historical commentary by Will Murray and Anthony Tollin. $14.95.

The pulp era's greatest superhero returns in two-fisted pulp classics by Harold A. Davis and Lester Dent writing as "Kenneth Robeson." First, graduates of Doc Savage's Crime College revert to their earlier evil ways, leading the Man of Bronze into a deadly confrontation with an uncanny trickster and "The Purple Dragon." Then, a failed murder attempt and a gorgeous damsel in distress set Doc, Monk and Ham on the trail of an evil mastermind in "Colors for Murder." BONUS: a classic Doc Savage script from the Golden Age of Radio! This deluxe pulp reprint also features a classic color pulp cover by Emery Clarke and the original interior illustrations by Paul Orban, plus new historical commentary by Will Murray, author of 13 Doc Savage novels. $14.95.
 
This is an authentic replica of an original pulp magazine published by Girasol Collectables. This edition is designed to give the reader an authentic taste of what a typical pulp magazine was like when it was first issued - but without the frailty or expense of trying to find a decades-old collectable to enjoy. The outer covers, the interior pages, and the advertisements are reprinted just as they appeared in the original magazine, left intact to give the reader the true feel of the original as well as an appreciation for the way in which these publications were first offered to their avid readers. To further enhance the “pulp experience”, this edition is printed on off-white bond paper intended to simulate the original look while, at the same time, assuring that this edition will last far longer than the original upon which it is based. The overall construction and appearance of this reprint is designed to be as faithful to the original magazine as is reasonably possible, given the unavoidable changes in production methods and materials. $20.00.
 
 
 
 
 

 



By John Olsen
 
 
The Salamanders was originally published in the April 1, 1936 issue of The Shadow Magazine. Yes, the April Fool's issue! But it's no April Fool's joke when The Shadow must confront the strangest dangers of his entire career: a ring of criminals who use fire to cover their crimes. A gang that's impervious to the flames - much as the mythical salamanders of old - they actually walk through fire! The Shadow has never seen a challenge like this before.
 
It all starts at the Capital Hotel in the small city of Riverport, several hundred miles south of New York. Harry Vincent, secret agent for The Shadow, is there on a mission from his master. He's there to investigate why Chester Woldorf is afraid of some unspecified threat. Fire breaks out. Vincent rushes
to Woldorf's room to find him dead - murdered - stabbed through the heart.
 
The entire building is one huge conflagration. Harry makes his way down the stairs through the inferno when he encounters Woldorf's murderer. The man punches Harry, knocking him out. Harry tumbles to the bottom of the stone steps and lays helpless in the basement of the raging furnace. The brick walls of the hotel crumble leaving Harry imprisoned inside the death trap.
 
When the fire is finally out, it is discovered that the hotel safe is missing. Obviously no one could have lugged it out in the middle of the blast furnace, so all assume it must have melted in the intense heat of the hotel fire. All assume that except The Shadow. Yes, The Shadow is on the scene and knows that something unusual has taken place.
 
The Shadow figures that the safe was spirited away in some unexplainable fashion, and takes to tracking a mysterious truck that is the likely method of transportation. But he follows it straight into a death trap. On the road outside town, the hillside is blasted away and The Shadow's car is sent through the guard rails to a thirty foot drop to the river below. The coupe is sunk deep in the waters, a man-made avalanche of massive stone on top of it, and The Shadow trapped inside.
 
The gang of thugs who have perpetrated the two crimes returns to New York. On the fiftieth floor of a Manhattan skyscraper, they report to the offices of the Great American Power . . .
 
Double Novel reprint $12.95
 

Comments From Our Customers!
 
Robert Mullen writes:
Thank you. I love your web site and your products!
 
Marilyn Wiggins writes:
Music of the 1930s, Volume 1, enchantingly beautiful with first rate sound quality. Thanks!
 
Howard Wiley writes:
Fast service. Very pleased with Gene Autry's Melody Ranch, Volume 1. Thanks
 
If you'd like to share a comment with us or if you have a question or a suggestion send an email to Service@RadioArchives.com. We'd love to hear from you!

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