Product ID: PNFHDE
Control Number: 7497908
Pat Novak For Hire 29 Episodes
Pat Novak for Hire is one of radio’s most hard-boiled and poetically written detective dramas, known for its gritty atmosphere, razor-sharp dialogue, and relentless noir style. Set on the fog-drenched waterfronts of San Francisco, the show followed the tough, cynical Pat Novak — a man-for-hire whose simple jobs always spiraled into murder, betrayal, and beatings. With its moody tone and rapid-fire metaphors, the series stood out as one of the most stylized and hard-hitting programs of its era.
Starring a young Jack Webb, Pat Novak for Hire became a cult favorite for fans of dark, witty detective fiction.
The Stars
Jack Webb starred as Pat Novak, a sardonic, streetwise operator who took on odd jobs for money and always ended up knee-deep in danger. Webb’s fast, clipped delivery perfectly matched the character’s world-weary perspective and razor wit.
Raymond Burr (later famous as Perry Mason) played Novak’s nemesis, Inspector Hellman, a blustering, antagonistic police detective who constantly accused Novak of the crimes he stumbled into. Tudor Owen portrayed Novak’s alcoholic friend and philosophical sidekick, Jocko Madigan, a former doctor with a love for whisky and abstract wisdom.
Key Dates
• Pat Novak for Hire originally aired regionally on ABC’s West Coast network from 1946 to 1947.
• It returned nationally on ABC Radio from February 13 to June 18, 1949.
• Though short-lived, the show produced over 30 known episodes during its combined runs.
Other Information
What made Pat Novak for Hire unique was its dazzling, metaphor-heavy writing. Every line from Novak dripped with sardonic commentary — comparing women to razors, murderers to jigsaw puzzles, and the city to a bad dream. The noir influence was strong, but the writing elevated it into something lyrical and unforgettable.
The plots typically followed a familiar structure: Novak accepted a shady job for quick cash, got framed for murder, fought his way through thugs, and cracked the case — all while delivering narration that could be both brutal and poetic.
The show’s dark humor, biting irony, and fatalistic worldview gave it an edge that separated it from more straightforward detective programs of the time. It remains a favorite among OTR collectors for its writing and for offering one of Jack Webb’s best pre-Dragnet performances.
Today, Pat Novak for Hire is remembered as a gem of noir radio — hard-hitting, atmospheric, and filled with some of the most memorable dialogue in the genre. Its influence can be seen in later noir pastiches and detective parodies, and it remains a masterclass in stylized storytelling.
This collection comes preloaded on a USB stick, allowing you to easily transfer all episodes to the device of your choice. Enjoy seamless playback a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern convenience.
Suggested Retail Price: $12.49
Mice Price: $9.69
Length: 12.5
Width: 29
Weight: 0.0500 pounds
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