Product ID: BSTMDe
Control Number: 7498048
Blackstone, the Magic Detective 57 Episodes
Blackstone, the Magic Detective was a unique and engaging mystery-adventure radio series that blended detective fiction with stage magic, starring the real-life master illusionist Harry Blackstone as a fictionalized version of himself. Each episode followed Blackstone as he solved crimes using his magician’s knowledge of deception, illusion, and misdirection. With its combination of mystery-solving, magic-themed plots, and interactive “trick of the week” segments, the show offered a clever twist on the standard detective formula — delighting young audiences while celebrating the art of stage magic.
The series brought a theatrical flair to radio crime-solving and was one of the few programs to merge the worlds of mystery and performance.
The Stars
Ed Jerome voiced Blackstone, portraying him as a calm, brilliant sleuth who used logic and magical expertise to outwit crooks and uncover secrets. He was accompanied by his loyal assistant Rhoda Brent (played by Fran Carlon) and his comic sidekick Don Richards (played by Ted Osborne), who narrated the episodes and often played the curious bystander or comic foil.
Though the character was fictionalized for radio, the show was based on the real-life Harry Blackstone Sr., one of America’s most famous stage magicians of the 20th century.
Key Dates
• Blackstone, the Magic Detective first aired as a 15-minute weekly show beginning on October 3, 1948, in syndication and later on Mutual Broadcasting System.
• The series ran until April 1950, with a total of over 100 episodes produced.
• The show was later rebroadcast in the 1950s and enjoyed a resurgence through transcription disks and collectors.
Other Information
Each episode presented a standalone mystery involving theft, fraud, or a seemingly supernatural occurrence — often staged by criminals to confuse or frighten their victims. Blackstone would calmly deconstruct the illusion, explain the trickery involved, and bring the culprits to justice. In the final minutes, he would often perform a magic trick for the audience and explain how it worked, encouraging listeners to try it themselves — an interactive segment that made the show especially appealing to younger fans.
The combination of mystery, education, and showmanship set Blackstone apart from other detective shows of the time. Its short runtime made it ideal for syndication and daily broadcasting.
Today, Blackstone, the Magic Detective is remembered as one of the most original detective shows in old-time radio. It served both as entertainment and a tribute to the world of stage illusion, capturing the wonder of magic while reinforcing the classic detective values of logic, observation, and deduction.
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: $14.99
Mice Price: $11.59
Length: 15
Width: 57
Weight: 0.0500 pounds
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