The Avenger - Classic Radio Crime Drama
Overview: "The Avenger" is an iconic old-time radio crime drama with two distinct series that captured audiences in the 1940s. The first series aired on WHN in New York City from July 18, 1941, to November 3, 1942. The second series was nationally syndicated from October 25, 1945, to April 18, 1946. It holds the distinction of being the first program distributed by the WHN Transcription Service, known previously for distributing commercials.
Format and Characters:
1941–1942 Series:
Main Character: Richard Henry Benson, a super-strength crime-fighter known as "The Avenger."
Sidekick: Fergus "Mac" MacMurdie.
Inspiration: Benson's character drew heavily from popular figures like The Shadow and Doc Savage, combining their traits to appeal to fans of those successful series.
Promotion: In August 1941, WHN linked the radio show to Street and Smith's magazine, The Avenger, through eye-catching red posters displayed at newsstands.
1945–1946 Series:
Main Character: Jim Brandon, a biochemist who becomes The Avenger.
Innovations: Brandon uses a Telepathic Indicator and a Secret Diffusion Capsule to aid in his crime-fighting efforts.
Comparison: This version was often seen as a budget-friendly counterpart to The Shadow, sharing similarities in narrative style and character traits. For instance, Brandon, like The Shadow, had a beautiful assistant, Fern Collier, who knew his true identity and helped him in his missions. Brandon also used "a black light of invisibility" and could interpret "thought flashes."
Personnel:
1941–1942 Series:
Main Role: Played by an unidentified New York actor, while Humphrey Davis portrayed Mac.
Notable Cast: Bill Zuckert joined the cast in 1942, but his specific role was not disclosed.
Director: Maurice Joachim.
Writers: Paul Ernst (using the pseudonym Kenneth Robeson) and Henry Ralston.
1945–1946 Series:
Lead Role: Initially played by James Monks, later replaced by Dick Janaver.
Fern Collier: Played by Helen Adamson.
Announcer: George Ansbro.
Music: Provided by Doc Whipple.
Producer: Charles Michelson.
Writers: Included Gil Braun, Ruth Braun, and Walter Gibson (also the creator of The Shadow).
Syndication:
Distribution: Managed by Charles Michelson Inc. of New York City, which offered the series to stations across the country.
Episodes: A total of 52 episodes were made available for syndication, as noted in the October 22, 1945, issue of Broadcasting.
Dive into "The Avenger" to experience thrilling crime stories from the golden age of radio. Whether it's Richard Henry Benson or Jim Brandon, each brings their unique blend of heroism and innovation to the fight against crime.
