Product ID: ATFMDE
Control Number: 7788475
Australian The Fat Man 38 Episodes
The Fat Man (Australian version) was a compelling old time radio crime drama that adapted the popular American character for a local audience. Based on the "Brad Runyon" character created by Dashiell Hammett, the series offered a unique blend of hard boiled detective work and sharp, intellectual wit. While the American version is well known, the Australian production carved out its own legacy, providing a gritty yet sophisticated alternative to the standard private eye fare of the 1950s.
Larger than life, cynical, and remarkably observant, the Australian production of The Fat Man remains a standout example of the high quality detective fiction produced during the Golden Age of Australian Radio.
The Stars
The series starred the versatile Lloyd Berrell as Brad Runyon, the titular "Fat Man." Berrell’s deep, resonant voice and commanding presence allowed him to embody Runyon’s physical stature and sharp tongued personality perfectly.
When Berrell left the series to pursue work overseas, the role was taken over by Ken Wayne , another stalwart of the Australian airwaves, who continued the character's tradition of being a formidable investigator who used his weight and his wits to crack the toughest cases.
Key Dates
The Fat Man premiered in Australia on October 28, 1952 .
The show was produced by Grace Gibson Radio Productions , one of the most prolific syndicators in Australian history.
The series enjoyed a successful run throughout the mid 1950s , airing as a weekly 30 minute program.
Like many Gibson productions, the show was widely syndicated across commercial stations in Australia and New Zealand.
Other Information
The show famously opened with the sound of a coin dropping into a scale, followed by the weight being announced: "The Fat Man... 237 pounds!" This iconic introduction immediately set the stage for Brad Runyon, a private investigator who didn't let his size slow him down. In fact, Runyon often used people's underestimation of him to his advantage.
The Australian scripts were often adapted from the American originals but were tailored to suit local sensibilities. The stories focused on a "street level" view of crime, featuring a colorful array of thugs, femme fatales, and corrupt officials. Despite the "tough guy" exterior, the show was known for its literate dialogue and Runyon’s philosophical musings on the nature of crime and human weakness.
Because many of the original recordings were preserved by the Grace Gibson archives, The Fat Man is one of the better preserved Australian series from this era. It remains a favorite for modern OTR enthusiasts who appreciate the distinctive "Aussie" take on the classic American noir style.
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
***** Item Detail Page End
***** Home
Blind Mice Order Center: 346 839-3150
Open 9 am - 4pm CST Monday-Friday
You have arrived!
Blind Mice Mega Mall - "The Mall with the Blind
In Mind!
Blind Mice Mega Mall is designed for use with screen reader and low vision software for visually impaired shoppers!
The Mice have built Blind Mice exclusivily for the Blind & Low Vision Community! The sighted have millions of web sites built for them...
Each store is an independent business owned and managed by a member of the Blind / Low Vision Community!
Please browse the great offerings from the merchants in Blind Mice Mega Mall
You will find great items and unique products for the Blind and Low Vision community.
Shop all the stores and check out just one time! The Mice make it easy to shop from all of our outstanding merchants!
Remember, the Merchants operating stores in Blind Mice Mega Mall are also part of the Blind and Low Vision Community so when you buy from them you are supporting the Blind and Low Vision Community directly!
Every purchase at Blind Mice Mega Mall benefits the Low Vision / Blind Community!
** **
Have a MICE Day! Make It Count Everyday!
You help the Blind Community every time you purchase from the merchants at Blind Mice Mega Mall
Every purchase made at Blind Mice Mega Mall gives back to the Blind and Visually Impaired Community!
Proceeds from sales fund the MouseHole Scholarship Program, the Cooking In The Dark Show and The Movie Vault!
Join the Today's Cheese Newsletter Here!