Murder By Experts was a popular old-time radio mystery anthology series that aired from 1949 to 1951. Hosted first by renowned mystery writer John Dickson Carr and later by Davis Dresser (writing as Brett Halliday), the show featured some of the best mystery writing ever heard on the radio. Each week, a new murder case was presented, with the solution provided by a “murder expert” - usually a noted mystery author.
The series offered a unique twist on the classic detective story format, focusing on the crime itself rather than the eccentric detective, and delivering a level of sophistication and complexity rarely found in radio drama.
The Stars
The series was hosted by two of the most acclaimed mystery writers of the era. John Dickson Carr was a master of the “locked room” mystery, known for his intricate plots and clever twists. His own stories had been featured on other top radio drama anthologies like Suspense, and his attachment to Murder By Experts immediately lent the new series credibility.
Davis Dresser, writing under the pen name Brett Halliday, was the creator of the popular private eye Michael Shayne and was equally prolific as Carr. The acting talent on the program was also top-notch, drawing from the deep pool of performers familiar to listeners of New York-based radio drama.
Key Dates
- Murder By Experts debuted on the Mutual Broadcasting System in June 1949, with John Dickson Carr as the host. Carr remained with the series until mid-1950, when he was replaced by Brett Halliday.
- The program continued under Halliday’s hosting until its final broadcast in December 1951, spanning a total of three seasons.
- During its run, Murder By Experts received the prestigious Edgar Allan Poe Award from the Mystery Writers of America in 1949 as the best radio thriller on the air.
Other Information
Unlike many other radio drama anthologies of the era, Murder By Experts never attracted a sponsor and was sustained by the Mutual network throughout its run. This lack of commercial support may have contributed to the series’ relatively short lifespan, as it did not receive the financial resources that could have encouraged the producers to further expand the format.
Nevertheless, the program left behind a legacy of outstanding detective drama, with its focus on the “crime of passion” solved primarily through intellect and deduction.
Unfortunately there are only 6 episodes extant.
