Life In Your Hands, A

A Life in Your Hands was a unique and thought-provoking old-time radio series that aired during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Unlike traditional murder mystery shows, this program took listeners into the courtroom, where they were presented with the evidence and invited to determine the truth for themselves.

The series was created by renowned mystery writer Erle Stanley Gardner, the mastermind behind the iconic Perry Mason character, and featured a fictional hero named Jonathan Kegg, who would enter cases as an “amicus curiae” or “friend of the court.” Kegg’s role was to cross-examine witnesses and uncover the real story behind each case, rather than representing the prosecution or defense.

This innovative approach allowed the audience to actively participate in the investigation, making A Life in Your Hands a unique and engaging listening experience.

The Stars

The lead role of Jonathan Kegg was portrayed by three different actors over the course of the series’ four-year run: Carlton Kadell, Everett Clarke, and Wilbur Hatch. Kadell, a well-known radio actor and announcer, was perhaps best known for his work on the long-running Amos ‘n’ Andy program.

Everett Clarke and Wilbur Hatch also brought their own distinct interpretations to the character, ensuring that each episode offered a fresh and compelling perspective on the cases at hand.

Key Dates

• A Life in Your Hands first premiered as a summer replacement series on NBC from June 7th - September 13th,1949, with Carlton Kadell in the lead role.
• The show proved popular enough to return for three more summer seasons, airing: -
• June 27th - September 12th 1950.
• June 29th - September 21st 1951
• July 10th - August 21st, 1952

Other Information

In addition to its innovative format, A Life in Your Hands also reflected the real-life work of Erle Stanley Gardner and his colleagues, who were involved with the “Court of Last Resort.” This organization would investigate cases where they believed individuals may have been wrongfully accused, using their resources to uncover new evidence and fight for the innocent.

The show’s emphasis on truth and justice, rather than simply solving a crime, made it a refreshing and thought-provoking addition to the old-time radio landscape.

Despite its relatively short run, A Life in Your Hands has remained a beloved and respected program among old-time radio enthusiasts. Its unique approach to storytelling, combined with the talented performances of its lead actors, have ensured that the series continues to captivate and intrigue listeners to this day.