Falcon, The

The Falcon was a popular American radio detective series that captivated audiences from 1943 to 1954. This mystery-detective drama followed the thrilling adventures of Michael Waring, a suave and quick-witted private investigator known by his enigmatic nickname “The Falcon.” The show masterfully blended elements of danger, romance, and comedy, creating a unique and engaging listening experience for radio enthusiasts of the era.

Originally created by “Drexel Drake” (a pseudonym of Charles H. Huff) in his 1936 novel “The Falcon’s Prey,” the character of Michael Waring quickly gained popularity and spawned additional novels. However, it was the success of RKO Radio Pictures’ unrelated Falcon film series that ultimately inspired the creation of the radio show. The radio adaptation drew from Drake’s original character, presenting listeners with a free-lance investigator and troubleshooter who found himself embroiled in intriguing mysteries and dangerous situations.

The series premiered on the Blue Network on April 10, 1943, and continued its run on NBC and Mutual until November 27, 1954.

Each episode began with a distinctive opening: the ringing of a telephone, answered by Michael Waring himself. This clever device immediately drew listeners into the world of The Falcon, as he explained to an unheard female caller that he had an urgent situation involving criminals to attend to. This opening set the stage for the week’s tale of adventure, often featuring incompetent police who relied on The Falcon’s superior sleuthing skills to solve perplexing mysteries.

The Stars

Over its eleven-year run, The Falcon featured several talented actors in the lead role of Michael Waring. The character was brought to life by a succession of skilled performers, each bringing their own unique interpretation to the charismatic detective.

Berry Kroeger was the first to portray The Falcon in 1943, setting the initial tone for the character.

James Meighan took over the role from 1945 to 1947, further developing Waring’s persona.

Les Tremayne then stepped into the shoes of The Falcon from 1947 to 1950.

Les Damon, played the part from 1950 to 1953.

George Petrie, was the final actor to embody Michael Waring and carried the character through to the end of the series in 1954.

Supporting characters also played crucial roles in the show’s success. Nancy, a recurring character, was portrayed by various actresses including Joan Banks, Elspeth Eric, and Joan Alexander. The bumbling police force was represented by Sergeant Johnny Gleason, played by Mandel Kramer, and Sergeant Corbett, brought to life by Ken Lynch.

Other notable actors who lent their talents to supporting roles included Robert Dryden, Ethel Everett, and Everett Sloane, adding depth and variety to the cast of characters that populated The Falcon’s world.

Key Dates

• April 10, 1943: The Falcon radio series makes its debut on the Blue Network, introducing listeners to the world of Michael Waring.
• 1945: James Meighan takes over the role of The Falcon, succeeding Berry Kroeger.
• 1947: Les Tremayne becomes the new voice of Michael Waring, bringing his interpretation to the character.
• May 7, 1950: The series moves from Mutual to NBC, maintaining its popular Sunday 7 p.m. Eastern Time slot. This move was prompted by the show’s success in competing against Jack Benny’s program, outperforming other radio competitors in the same time slot.
• 1950: Les Damon takes on the role of The Falcon, continuing the character’s evolution.
• 1953: George Petrie becomes the final actor to portray Michael Waring.
• November 27, 1954: The last episode of The Falcon is broadcast, bringing the long-running series to a close after more than a decade on the air.

Other Information

The Falcon radio series was known for its high-quality production values and engaging storytelling. The show’s creators understood the importance of creating a rich audio landscape to immerse listeners in The Falcon’s world. To this end, they employed talented musicians to enhance the atmosphere of each episode. Bob Hamilton served as the organist, providing dramatic musical cues and background scores. The series also featured orchestra leaders Emerson Buckley and Harry Sosnik, whose musical contributions added depth and emotion to the stories.

The show’s production team was led by Bernard L. Schubert, who served as the producer. His vision and guidance helped shape the series into a beloved staple of radio drama.

The announcing duties were shared by Ed Herlihy and Jack Costello, whose distinctive voices became familiar to regular listeners of the program.

The Falcon radio series spawned several adaptations in other media, demonstrating its popularity and enduring appeal. In the late 1940s, three movies featuring the Michael Waring version of The Falcon were produced, starring John Calvert in the lead role. This cinematic incarnation helped bring the character to life for audiences beyond the radio waves.

The character’s popularity extended to television as well. A TV series based on The Falcon was created, starring Charles McGraw as Michael Waring. This adaptation brought the detective’s adventures to a new medium, allowing viewers to put a face to the voice they had come to know and love through the radio series.

Throughout its run, The Falcon was sponsored by various companies, including Gem Razors and Blades, Anahist, Kraft Foods, and General Mills. These sponsorships were typical of radio programs of the era and helped finance the production of the show.

One of the most intriguing aspects of The Falcon’s character was the mystery surrounding his nickname. Despite the character’s popularity and the numerous adventures portrayed over the years, no explanation for why Michael Waring was called “The Falcon” was ever provided in any of the dramatizations. This air of mystery added to the character’s allure and left fans to speculate about the origins of his unique moniker.

The Falcon radio series remains a beloved example of the golden age of radio drama. Its blend of mystery, adventure, and charismatic characters continues to captivate old-time radio enthusiasts and new listeners alike. The show’s legacy lives on through preserved recordings, allowing modern audiences to experience the thrilling world of Michael Waring, the enigmatic detective known as The Falcon.