Product ID: MRCDE
Control Number: 7790477
Mr Chameleon 63 Episodes
Mr. Chameleon was a colorful and unique old time radio crime drama that added a theatrical twist to the traditional police procedural. The show followed the adventures of a master detective known simply as "Mr. Chameleon," a top investigator for Central Headquarters who utilized his extraordinary talent for mimicry and costume to go undercover. Known as the "man of many faces," he believed that to catch a killer, one had to walk among them, often assuming the identity of someone the criminal would never suspect.
Dramatically stylized and fast paced, Mr. Chameleon was known for its inventive use of disguises and its unwavering commitment to the idea that no criminal can hide from the "ever changing" face of justice.
The Stars
The series starred Karl Swenson as the titular Mr. Chameleon. Swenson, one of radio’s most versatile "men of a thousand voices," was the perfect fit for the role. In every episode, he performed not only as the primary investigator but also as the various characters Chameleon transformed into ranging from elderly professors and street thugs to foreign dignitaries.
He was supported by Frank Butler as Dave, his loyal assistant and the only person (other than the audience) who usually knew his true identity. Their partnership provided a grounded anchor to the show’s more theatrical elements, with Dave often providing the necessary backup when a disguise was nearly compromised.
Key Dates
Mr. Chameleon premiered on December 1, 1948 , on the CBS Radio Network.
The series ran for several successful years, concluding its broadcast in 1952.
Episodes were broadcast in a 30 minute format , airing weekly as self contained "cases" that were introduced with high dramatic flair.
Produced by the legendary team of Frank and Anne Hummert , the show carried the same high production polish as their other hits, like Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons.
Other Information
The show’s signature hook was its theatricality . Each episode began with a dramatic introduction describing how the detective could "change his face, his voice, and his very personality" to solve the "most celebrated crimes of our time." This allowed the writers to explore a wide variety of settings, as Chameleon could practically "fit in" anywhere.
While the show featured plenty of action, the real draw for the listener was the vocal performance of Karl Swenson . Part of the fun was trying to spot the moment Chameleon transitioned from his "natural" authoritative voice into his undercover persona. This "play within a play" dynamic set the series apart from the more straightforward, gritty realism of shows like Dragnet.
Today, Mr. Chameleon is remembered as one of the more imaginative entries in the crime genre. It remains a favorite for OTR fans who appreciate the art of radio acting, as it served as a weekly showcase for one of the medium's greatest vocal talents.
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: 52
Weight: 0.0500 pounds
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