If You Please... Himan Brown’s Radio Mystery Theater Returns

 In many ways, classic radio exists as the genealogical forbearer of narrative podcasting. With all the gushing over video podcasting, classic radio dramas relied on audio to tell their stories. Himan Brown perfected the art form that has become modern audio dramas and narrative podcasting. In essence, "he's your daddy."

If You Please... Himan Brown’s Radio Mystery Theater is a popular podcast that rebroadcasts classic radio dramas created by legendary producer Himan Brown. Originally airing on CBS between 1974 and 1982, these thrilling, atmospheric episodes range from psychological mysteries and true crime to tense supernatural thrillers. 
The show features expert introductions and behind-the-scenes production secrets for a comprehensive, vintage audio experience.

 These are classic audio whodunnits and suspense tales with full voice acting, sound effects, and classic storytelling.
Each episode is introduced by scholar John Slavnney, who provides historical context before diving into the archives.

Radio producer Himan Brown created over 10,000 programs in his lifetime, with a vigor and intensity that kept him going for a century. His life and prodigious output are celebrated in the podcast series Audio Maverick. 

Over 65 years, Brown produced more than 30,000 radio programs, including The Adventures of the Thin Man, The Affairs of Peter Salem, Bulldog Drummond, CBS Radio Mystery Theater, Dick Tracy, Flash Gordon, The General Mills Radio Adventure Theater, Grand Central Station, Green Valley, USA, The Gumps, Inner Sanctum Mysteries, Joyce Jordan, M.D., Marie, the Little French Princess, The NBC Radio Theater, The Private Files of Rex Saunders, Terry and the Pirates and numerous daytime soap operas. During World War II, Brown worked with the Writers' War Board, producing patriotic serials to aid the war effort.

When television arrived, Brown produced 26 episodes of the syndicated Inner Sanctum TV series, plus a daytime show, Morning Matinee. Realizing that "all these guys making TV, they have to have a set," he profited by acquiring the studios in Chelsea; they were used for 35 years by New York TV production firms.

Through his non-profit educational foundation, Brown produced They Were Giants, radio programs dramatizing the lives of such literary figures as Walt Whitman and H. G. Wells, and We, The Living, fact-based dramas about the lives of senior citizens. 

Brown died on June 4, 2010. He was a month shy of 100 years old. 

I recommend that you listen to the trailer on YouTube. The images created by the animation are stunning. When I listened to episode one, there were two options. I could listen on an audio podcast feed, or on YouTube where the primary design image is displayed during the show. Either way, these episodes propel us into a past that gives us a front-row seat to classic radio at its apex. 

If You Please... Himan Brown’s Radio Mystery Theater revives an art form that captivated millions for decades. It's definitely worth the trip down memory lane. With If You Please... Himan Brown’s Radio Mystery Theater, you go first class all the way.