New Adventures of Nero Wolfe - Single Episodes


(4.6 stars; 313 reviews)

THE NEW ADVENTURES OF NERO WOLFE

Nero Wolfe first appeared on radio on July 5, 1943 on the NBC Blue Network in The Adventures Of Nero Wolfe. This series didn't last long and starred Santos Ortega as Wolfe and Luis Van Rooten as Archie. The second series was during 1945 on the Mutual network in The Amazing Nero Wolfe. This lasted only until December 15, 1946 and starred Francis X. Bushman and Elliot Lewis as Archie. The third series was known as The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe. Starting on October 20, 1950 it lasted only until April 27, 1951. It starred Sidney Greenstreet as Nero Wolfe. The part of Archie was played by Lawrence Dobkin for the first twelve shows. Gerald Mohr took over for the next four shows after making a guest appearance in the twelfth show. Harry Bartell was Archie for the remainder of the series. Nero Wolfe, also known as the galloping gourmet, was an armchair detective. He rarely left the house; instead his assistant, Archie Goodwin, would collect the facts and report back. Nero Wolfe would probably not have taken on many cases had he not needed the clients' money to pay for his two true passions: fine food and the collecting of orchids. Archie Goodwin, Wolfe's male secretary, prodded him into taking cases whenever the bank balance got a little low. Wolfe, as a character, is difficult to like. He's a self-assured type that does nothing unless he wants to, making his assistant, Archie Goodwin, deal with the outside world. The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe is based on a series of books begun in 1934 by Rex Stout. There were two previous incarnations of the radio series: The Adventures of Nero Wolfe which ran in 1943 and 1944 and The New Adventures of (aka The Amazing) Nero Wolfe which ran in 1945 to 1946. Very few episodes from these earlier series are in circulation today. There was also one later series created by the Canadian Broadcasting Company in 1982.

NOTE: Updated Release! Miscellaneous changes (15-Oct-2011).

From the Old Time Radio Researcher's Group. See "Note" Section below for more information on the OTRR.

This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.

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Reviews

Disappearing Diamonds


(5 stars)

It's important to listen to these programs with the attitude that you're hearing them for the first time. It's contrary to compare them to episodes with other actors or other programs. It's not a contest. I try to listen "fresh": 1. Do they hold my interest? 2. Are they entertaining? 3. Is the story easy to follow? What more could we want from an old radio program? I enjoy all the Nero Wolfe episodes, some more then others.


(5 stars)

my fav so far. i sooo wish there were more of these.

These recordings are exciting and fun to listen to


(4.5 stars)

Interesting series of sleuth who breaks the mold!


(4 stars)

Great series of a detective that breaks every single stereotypical detective trait. In fact he rarely leaves his house! Not for everyone, in fact it might offend some. Try it. If you like, you might find a real hoot!!!

Misinformation in description.


(3 stars)

Contrary to the description of the series, Larry Dobkin did not appear until the 4th episode as Archie Goodwin. The first three episodes each had a different actor playing the role. As for the series, it is just a so-so in my opinion.

just like Christmas, finding new Nero Wolfe stories


(4.5 stars)

What I’ve listened so far


(5 stars)

The mystery’s aren’t anything note worthy but still they do make a good listen(if that makes sense). The humor is the best part in my opinion, the quick remarks, come backs, and banter, make it very enjoyable. Plus the detective and his assistant put a bit of a spin on the classic roles of this genre. If you’re looking for a fun listen and want to experience the radio dramas of old, I would definitely recommend.

Radio Nero


(5 stars)

This series stands on its own. Whether better or worse than the books is not the issue. Lively characters, clever plots and witty dialog all combine to make a fine series. The Canadian series of 1980s 1 hr. eps are also worth searching out. These shows have excellent clarity as well. A rare five star rating from me.