Let George Do It

Let George Do It was a popular old-time radio detective series that aired from 1946 to 1954. The show followed the adventures of George Valentine, a private investigator who advertised his services in the newspaper with the tagline “Danger’s my stock in trade. If the job’s too tough for you to handle, you’ve got a job for me.”

The series blended elements of the hard-boiled detective genre with a more lighthearted, romantic tone. George Valentine, played by the talented actor Bob Bailey, was a savvy and resourceful private eye, but he also had a softer side and a developing relationship with his loyal secretary, Claire “Brooksie” Brooks. The constant banter and playful back-and-forth between George and Brooksie was a key part of the show’s appeal, reminiscent of the dynamic between Sam Spade and Effie in The Adventures of Sam Spade.

The mysteries in Let George Do It were well-crafted, with surprising solutions that kept listeners engaged. While George Valentine didn’t quite fit the mold of the gruff, hard-boiled detectives like Philip Marlowe or Sam Spade, he had his own unique charm and appeal. As the show progressed, George became more confident and capable, evolving from a somewhat rookie private eye into a seasoned professional.

The Stars

Bob Bailey was the heart and soul of Let George Do It, delivering a nuanced and engaging performance as the lead character, George Valentine. Bailey’s ability to balance the character’s toughness and vulnerability, as well as his natural charisma, made him the perfect fit for the role.

The show’s other regular star was Frances Robinson, who played Brooksie in the early years. Robinson brought a sharp-witted and sassy energy to the character, often challenging George and keeping him on his toes.

When Robinson left the series, Virginia Gregg stepped in as the new Brooksie, and she continued the tradition of a strong, capable, and independent female lead.

Key Dates

• Let George Do It debuted on October 18, 1946, and ran for eight seasons.
• The final episode aired on September 27, 1954.
• During its run, the show was a consistent presence on the Mutual Broadcasting System, entertaining listeners with its blend of mystery, humor, and romance.

Other Information

One of the unique aspects of Let George Do It was its use of the “personal notice” format, with George Valentine advertising his services in the newspaper. This premise allowed the show to explore a wide variety of cases, from missing persons to murder mysteries, and gave it a sense of versatility that kept the stories fresh and engaging.

The series also had a strong connection to the film industry, with several episodes being adapted from short stories or novels. Additionally, the show’s popularity led to the production of a series of silent comedy films in the late 1920s, also titled Let George Do It, which featured the character of George in a variety of comedic situations.

Despite its enduring popularity, Let George Do It has often been overshadowed by some of the more well-known old-time radio detective shows, such as Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar and Dragnet. However, for fans of the genre, Let George Do It remains a hidden gem, offering a unique and entertaining take on the classic private eye story.