The Adventures of Father Brown

Format

Each episode began with commission of a crime, after which Father Brown's help was sought either by the police or by someone affected by the crime. Father brown solved each crime by thinking as the criminal would have thought. He said, "When I've reached the point of committing the crime myself, then I know who the criminal is." He worked with Detective Flambeau more than any other policeman. The series shifted the setting to "the contemporary American scene".

Cast

The 30-minute detective series starred Karl Swenson as Father Brown, introduced as "the best loved detective of them all." (Original plans called for "either Walter Huston or Spencer Tracy in the title role.") Bill Griffis portrayed Flambeau, and Gretchen Douglas was heard as Nora, the rectory housekeeper. The supporting cast included Gretchen Davidson, Will Geer, Mitzi Gould, Vinton Hayworth, Robert Readick, Barry Thomson, and Gladys Thornton.

Production

William Sweets was the director. John Stanley was the announcer. The program was initially broadcast Sundays at 5 p.m. on Mutual from June 10, 1945, to July 29, 1945. Effective August 6, 1945, it was moved to Monday nights.

The premiere episode was "The Oracle of the Dog".

Critical response

Ben Gross wrote in New York Daily News that the first episode indicated that the series would "emphasize well-rounded characterizations and natural dialogue rather than mere blood-and-thunder thrills."

References

• Dunning, John, John Dunning (detective fiction author), On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio, 1998, Oxford University Press, New York, NY, Revised, 2019-09-21
• 'Adventures of Father Brown' To Make Debut Over Mutual and WOMI Today, August 13, 2024, Messenger-Inquirer, June 3, 1945, Kentucky, Owensboro, Newspapers.com, subscription
• Paris & Peart Plans, 15 April 2015, Broadcasting, December 4, 1944
• Terrace, Vincent, Radio Programs, 1924-1984: A Catalog of More Than 1800 Shows, September 2, 2015, McFarland, 9–10, August 13, 2024, en
• Marian Anderson Is Guest With Bell Symphonic Tonight, August 13, 2024, The Springfield Daily Republican, August 6, 1945, Newspapers.com, subscription
• KHAS Starts New Detective Series, August 13, 2024, The Hastings Daily Tribune, June 9, 1945, Newspapers.com, subscription
• Gross, Ben, Listening In, August 13, 2024, Daily News, June 11, 1945, New York, New York City, Newspapers.com, subscription

External links

• Two episodes of program at archive.org
• Two episodes of "Father Brown" available online from Old Time Radio Researchers group.