Crime Correspondent

Crime Correspondent was a short-lived American radio drama series that aired in 1949. The series followed the exploits of Larry Mitchell, a radio crime reporter who found himself embroiled in the cases he was covering. Starring the prolific voice actor Paul Frees, the show blended elements of detective fiction and crime journalism, with Mitchell often finding himself in dangerous situations as he pursued stories.

Though the series only lasted for a handful of episodes, it provided an early showcase for Frees' remarkable vocal talents and versatility as a performer.

The Stars

Paul Frees was the star of Crime Correspondent, portraying the lead role of Larry Mitchell. Frees was a highly sought-after voice actor who lent his talents to countless radio dramas, cartoons, and films over the course of his career. Known for his ability to seamlessly shift between a wide range of distinct voices and characters,

Frees brought a dynamic and captivating presence to the role of Mitchell, imbuing the crime reporter with a sense of determination and resourcefulness as he navigated the seedy underworld of the stories he covered.

The show's announcer was Paul Masterson, who was known for his work on programs like The Adventures of Ellery Queen. The series' musical score was composed by Martin Skyles, who had contributed to a variety of radio dramas and serials over the years.

The series was produced and directed by Gordon T. Hughes, with the scripts written by Adrian Gendot and William Fifield.

Key Dates

• Crime Correspondent debuted on November 4, 1949 and ran for a total of just four episodes.
• The final installment airing on November 25, 1949.

Other Information

Despite its brief run, the show left an impression through Frees' standout performance and the unique blend of crime reporting and detective fiction that it presented to listeners.

Though Crime Correspondent ultimately failed to find a lasting audience, it stands as an intriguing example of the creative ways in which radio drama producers sought to engage listeners during the medium's golden age.

The series' blend of crime reporting and detective fiction, combined with Frees' captivating performance, make it a noteworthy, if short-lived, entry in the annals of old-time radio.

Only 1 episode is extant.