The Avenger: Murder Hits the Jackpot (11-09-1945)

Classic Streams: Old Time Retro Radio

In the realm of old-time radio crime dramas, two iterations of "The Avenger" emerged in the United States. The first installment, broadcast weekly on WHN in New York City, aired from July 18, 1941, until November 3, 1942. The second version, syndicated nationally, ran from October 25, 1945, to April 18, 1946.

In the 1941-1942 version, Richard Henry Benson, a crime-fighter with super-strength known as "The Avenger," was joined by his sidekick Fergus "Mac" MacMurdie. Benson was considered a blend of the Shadow and Doc Savage characters, combining elements of each in an attempt to replicate their commercial success.

The 1945-1946 version of "The Avenger" was described as a "poor man's version of The Shadow" by radio historian John Dunning. Jim Brandon, the alter ego of the new Avenger, was a biochemist who used inventions like the Telepathic Indicator and Secret Diffusion Capsule to combat crime.

Despite their differences, the two versions of "The Avenger" shared some similarities. The Avenger in both iterations had a loyal subordinate who knew his true identity, was hidden by a black light of invisibility, and could interpret the "thought flashes" of others. These similarities could be attributed to the fact that Walter B. Gibson, the creator of The Shadow, also played a role in shaping the character of The Avenger.

In terms of personnel, the 1941-1942 version featured an unknown New York actor as Richard Henry Benson and Humphrey Davis as Fergus "Mac" MacMurdie, with Maurice Joachim as the director and Paul Ernst (writing as Kenneth Robeson) and Henry Ralston as writers. The 1945-1946 version had James Monks initially playing the lead role, later replaced by Dick Janaver, with Helen Adamson as assistant Fern Collier, George Ansbro as the announcer, Doc Whipple providing the music, and Charles Michelson as the producer. Writers for this version included Gil Braun, Ruth Braun, and Walter Gibson.

The 1945-1946 version of "The Avenger," distributed by Charles Michelson Inc. of New York City, was syndicated via transcription, with 52 episodes available to stations across the nation.

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