Old Time Radio Downloads > Crime > Mr Keen Tracer Of Lost Persons

Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost Persons was a long-running radio detective series that debuted on NBC Blue on October 12, 1937. The show featured Bennett Kilpack (and later Arthur Hughes and Phil Clarke) as Mr. Keen, along with Jim Kelly as his sidekick Mike Clancy.  

 

Although the show was extremely popular, the plots were so unnatural and predictable that the listeners themselves had already solved the crime even before Mr. Keen explained it to Clancy. Nevertheless, the show had mastered the formula that kept fans waiting for the next episodes. Just by looking at how long the show remained on air proved how good this series is.

 

During its 18-year run, the show had various time slots, sponsors, and also networks, although it was usually aired on CBS.  The show ended on April 19, 1955.

Mr-Keen-Tracer-of-Lost-Persons

Please enjoy these old time radio shows:

Air Date Title Synopsis
 1940-06-05  Womanwhowasntneeded

 "The Case Of The Woman Who Wasn't Needed". Sponsored by: Kolynos Toothpaste. The last episode of the story. Mrs. Frank's strange reason for leaving her family is explained by Mr. Keen. The program open and close, music cues not included on this recording. Bennett Kilpack, Ray Collins, Frank Hummert (producer), Anne Hummert (producer). 

 1944-01-06  Moonlessnight

+ CBS net. "The Case Of The Moonless Night". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. Mr. Keen's in the deep South to find a missing southern gentleman on a plantation with black walnut trees. Bennett Kilpack, Frank Hummert (producer), Anne Hummert (producer), Larry Elliott (announcer). 

 1944-01-13  Missingwitness

+ CBS net. "The Case Of The Missing Witness". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. A famous fashion designer has killed her daughter's lover...or has she? Bennett Kilpack, Frank Hummert, Anne Hummert (author), Larry Elliott (announcer). 

 1944-01-20  Girlwhosangtoowell

+ CBS net. "The Case Of The Girl Who Sang Too Well". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. Murder plays the Palladium as big time vaudeville leads to a star performer's disappearance. Bennett Kilpack, Frank Hummert, Anne Hummert (author). 

 1944-02-03  Girlwhoflirted

+ CBS net. "The Case Of The Girl Who Flirted". Sponsored by: Aerowax, Kolynos Toothpaste. A murderer in an Egyptian tomb leads to a kidnapped girl and a stolen painting. Larry Elliott (announcer), Bennett Kilpack, Frank Hummert (producer), Anne Hummert (producer). 

 1944-02-10  Boywhousedbigwords

+ CBS net. "The Case Of The Boy Who Used Big Words". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs, Aerowax. A twelve year old with an extraordinary vocabulary is kidnapped after his mysterious Uncle Bill is killed. Frank Hummert (writer, producer), Anne Hummert (writer, producer), Larry Elliott (announcer), Bennett Kilpack.

 1944-02-17  Mrtrevorssecret

+ CBS net. "Mr. Trevor's Secret". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs, Aerowax. A valuable chemical engineer has disappeared from a defense plant, seriously harming the war effort. Frank Hummert (writer, producer), Anne Hummert (writer, producer), Bennett Kilpack, Larry Elliott (announcer).

 1944-02-24  Murderintheair

+ CBS net. "The Case Of Murder In The Air". Sponsored by: Kolynos, Aerowax. A woman found hiding in Mr. Keen's closet is the target of three murder attempts. Frank Hummert (writer, producer), Anne Hummert (writer, producer), Bennett Kilpack, Jim Kelly, Larry Elliott (announcer). 

 1944-03-16  Strangedisplay

+ CBS net. "The Case Of The Strange Display". Sponsored by: Kolynos Toothpaste, Aerowax. Murder takes place in a department store, but Mr. Keen's no dummy! Bennett Kilpack, Frank Hummert (producer), Anne Hummert (producer). 

 1944-04-13  Leapingdog

+ CBS net. "The Case Of The Leaping Dog". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs,. Aerowax. An abandoned dog on the street leads Mr. Keen to a missing old couple and a vicious extortion plot. Frank Hummert (writer, producer), Anne Hummert (writer, producer), Larry Elliott (announcer), Bennett Kilpack.

 1944-06-15  Womaninblue

+ CBS net. "The Case Of The Woman In Blue". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs,. Black Flag. A soldier recovers from heartbreak with the help of Mr. Keen and Suzy, his secretary. Not one murder on this broadcast! Frank Hummert (producer), Anne Hummert (writer, producer), Bennett Kilpack. 

 1944-11-16  Frightenedchild

+ CBS net. "The Case Of The Frightened Child". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos Toothpaste, Hill's Cold Tablets, Aerowax. A five year old boy has been left to die in a dark, abandoned warehouse. Bennett Kilpack, Larry Elliott (announcer), Frank Hummert (writer, producer), Anne Hummert (writer, producer).

 1944-12-14  Thenightmaremurdercase

+ CBS net. "The Nightmare Murder Case". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. A woman spends her husband's savings on secret voice lessons for her daughter. Frank Hummert (producer), Anne Hummert (writer, producer), Bennett Kilpack, Larry Elliott (announcer). 

 1945-03-15  Absentmindedprofessor

+ CBS net. "The Case Of The Absent Minded Professor". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. The wife of a quiet poetry professor dies, then his housekeeper, then his daughter. Why? Frank Hummert (producer), Anne Hummert (writer, producer), Bennett Kilpack, Larry Elliott (announcer).

 1946-05-23  Glamorouswidow

+ CBS net. "The Case Of The Glamorous Widow". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos Toothpaste, Old English Wax. Which one of her four boyfriends did her in? Bennett Kilpack, Frank Hummert (producer), Anne Hummert (producer), Larry Elliott (announcer). 

 1948-10-28  Identicaltwinsmurdercase
 1949-06-09  Murder&thestarofdeath

+ CBS net. "The Case Of Murder and The Star Of Death". Sponsored by: Kolynos Toothpaste, Bisodol Mints, Anacin. A magnificent jewel is stolen; a killer strikes in the dark. Bennett Kilpack, Frank Hummert (writer, producer), Anne Hummert (writer, producer). 

 1949-09-15  Murder&thebloodstainednecklace

+ CBS net. "The Case Of Murder and The Bloodstained Necklace". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. A widow for one week is found dead in a hotel room with a string of worthless pearls clutched in her hand. Frank Hummert (producer), Anne Hummert (writer, producer), Bennett Kilpack. 

 1949-09-22  Theyellowtalonmurdercase

+ CBS net. "The Yellow Talon Murder Case". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. Murder stalks a large estate along the Hudson River, fifty miles north of the city (Croton?). The killer is apparently a bird of enormous size. Frank Hummert (producer), Anne Hummert (writer, producer), Bennett Kilpack.

 1949-09-29  Murderwithathousandwitnesses

+ CBS net. "The Case Of Murder With A Thousand Witnesses". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos Toothpaste, Bisodol Mints. A kindly county squire is poisoned while judging a baking contest at a county fair. Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Bennett Kilpack, Lawrence Klee (dialogue), Larry Elliott (announcer). 

 1949-10-06  Manwhoinventeddeath

+ CBS net. "The Case Of The Man Who Invented Death". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos Toothpaste, Heet. A modern alchemist has been electrocuted to learn his secrets. Bennett Kilpack, Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Lawrence Klee (dialogue), Larry Elliott (announcer).

 1949-10-13  Thesilverdaggermurdercase

+ CBS net. "The Silver Dagger Murder Case". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. A young woman, about to break off with a young playwright, is knifed. Frank Hummert (producer), Anne Hummert (writer, producer), Bennett Kilpack, Larry Elliott (announcer), Lawrence Klee (dialogue).

 1949-10-27  Ruthlessmurderers

+ CBS net. "The Case Of The Ruthless Murderers". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. A man just out of prison after five years had sworn to kill Mr. Keen. But Keen is saved by one of his secret inventions. Frank Hummert (producer), Anne Hummert (writer, producer), Bennett Kilpack.

 1949-11-03  Theforgottencavemurdercase

+ CBS net. "The Forgotten Cave Murder Case". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. Two men in a search of hidden gold find death instead. Frank Hummert (producer), Anne Hummert (writer, producer), Lawrence Klee (dialogue), Bennett Kilpack, Larry Elliott (announcer).

 1949-11-10  Theengagedgirlmurdercase

+ CBS net. "The Engaged Girl Murder Case". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. Mr. Keen solves a murder case while on horseback! Frank Hummert (producer), Anne Hummert (producer), Larry Elliott (announcer), Bennett Kilpack, Lawrence Klee (dialogue). 

 1950-01-05  Rushvillemurder

+ CBS net. "The Case Of The Rushville Murder". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. A madwoman has escaped from the asylum and committed murder, but what about her sane sister? Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Bennett Kilpack, Lawrence Klee (writer), Larry Elliott (announcer).

 1950-01-19  Thebride&groommurdercase

+ CBS net origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "The Bride and Groom Murder Case". A bride of only a few days is pushed off a fourteen story roof. It later is discovered she was a millionaire. Bennett Kilpack, Frank Hummert (producer), Anne Hummert (producer). 

 1950-01-26  Thetelephonebookmurdercase

+ CBS net. "The Telephone Book Murder Case". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. A wealthy oil man, about to be married, is murdered. Believe it or not...it looks like the butler did it! Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Lawrence Klee (dialogue), Bennett Kilpack.

 1950-02-09  Murder&thejewelthief

+ CBS net. "The Case Of Murder and The Jewel Thief". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. "Kansas Karl," a notorious jewel thief, decides to go straight...but doesn't get very far. Frank Hummert (producer), Anne Hummert (writer, producer), Bennett Kilpack.

 1950-02-16  Twofacedmurderer

+ CBS net. "The Case Of The Two Faced Murderer". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos Toothpaste, Bisodol. A mask provides the clue to a killer with two faces! Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Lawrence Klee (dialogue), Bennett Kilpack, Dick Dunham (announcer).

 1950-03-09  Melodyofmurder

+ CBS net. "The Case Of The Melody Of Murder". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kripton, Heet. Who is the Antwerp Strangler? The key to the crime is in a pianist's hands! Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Lawrence Klee (dialogue), Bennett Kilpack, Larry Elliott (announcer). 

 1950-03-16  Theinnocentflirtationmurdercase

+ CBS net. "The Innocent Flirtation Murder Case". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. A modern duel leads to a murder and an attempted frame. Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Bennett Kilpack, Lawrence Klee (dialogue), Larry Elliott (announcer). 

 1950-04-06  Murdereddetective

+ CBS net. "The Case Of The Murdered Detective". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. A private eye is knifed in a phone booth and the trail leads to stolen charity funds. Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Bennett Kilpack, Larry Elliott (announcer).

 1950-04-13  Theeccentricmillionairemurdercase

+ CBS net. "The Eccentric Millionaire Murder Case". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Lawrence Klee (dialogue), Bennett Kilpack, Larry Elliott (announcer). 

 1950-04-20  Thecountryclubmurdercase

+ CBS net. "The Country Club Murder Case". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. A strangulation at a exclusive Westchester Club leads to forgery as well. Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Bennett Kilpack, Larry Elliott (announcer), Lawrence Klee (dialogue).

 1950-04-27  Womanwhomarriedamurderer

+ CBS net. "The Case Of A Woman Who Married A Murderer". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Lawrence Klee (dialogue), Bennett Kilpack, Larry Elliott (announcer). 

 1950-05-04  Thekingcobramurdercase

+ CBS net. "The King Cobra Murder Case". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Bisodol. A snake is used to kill on an ocean liner. Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Richard Leonard (director), Lawrence Klee (dialogue), Bennett Kilpack, Larry Elliott (announcer). 

 1950-05-11  Murder&themissingcar

+ CBS net. "The Case Of Murder and The Missing Car". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. A body is found in a car trunk...and a false clue is found in the glove compartment. Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Bennett Kilpack, Richard Leonard (director), Lawrence Klee (dialogue), Larry Elliott (announcer). 

 1950-05-25  Thebrokenwindowmurdercase

+ CBS net. "The Broken Window Murder Case". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. A dead rabbit provides Mr. Keen with the final clue to a killer. Frank Hummert (producer), Anne Hummert (writer, producer), Bennett Kilpack.

 1950-06-01  Thequicksandmurdercase

+ CBS net. "The Quicksand Murder Case". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. A real estate agent losses his new tenant...to a murderess. Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Bennett Kilpack, Larry Elliott (announcer), Lawrence Klee (dialogue), Richard Leonard (director).

 1950-06-15  Theskull&crossbonesmurdercase

+ CBS net. "The Skull and Crossbones Murder Case". Sponsored by: Anacin, Kolynos, Heet, Kriptin, Bisodol, Hills Cold Tabs. A murder victim receives the skull and crossbones from a poison bottle before being murdered. His wife then receives the same warning. Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Richard Leonard (director), Lawrence Klee (dialogue), Bennett Kilpack, Larry Elliott (announcer).

 1951-07-20  Murder&thestrangewoman

+ NBC net. "The Case Of Murder and The Strange Woman". Sponsored by: Chesterfield, Anacin, RCA Television. A popular crooner is killed while rehearsing. Was it done by the madwoman locked in his dressing room? Bing Crosby (Chesterfield commercial), Ken Carpenter (Chesterfield commercial), Phillip Clarke, Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Richard Leonard (director), Jack Costello (announcer). 

 1951-07-27  Thephotographalbummurdercase

+ NBC net. "The Photograph Album Murder Case". Sponsored by: Anacin, RCA Victor, Chesterfield. An impoverished actress, taken into a wealthy society home, is found murdered outside the door. Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Jean Carroll (dialogue), Phillip Clarke, Bob Hope (Chesterfield commercial), Richard Leonard (director), Jack Costello (announcer). 

 1951-08-03  Strangemurderofcarieellis

+ NBC net. "The Case Of The Strange Murder Of Carrie Ellis". Sponsored by: Anacin, RCA Victor, Chesterfield. Mr. Keen has discovered the identity of a murderer, but is unable to do anything about it. Phillip Clarke, Perry Como (RCA commercial), Bing Crosby (RCA commercial), Jack Costello (announcer), Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer). 

 1951-08-10  Theabandonedwell Murdercase

+ NBC net. "The Abandoned Well Murder Case". Sponsored by: Anacin, RCA Victor, Chesterfield. A wealthy old man has been shot and thrown down as well..whodunit? Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Phillip Clarke, Bing Crosby (Chesterfield), Ken Carpenter (Chesterfield announcer), Richard Leonard (director), Jean Carroll (dialogue), Jack Costello (announcer).

 1951-08-17  Thepoisonedsandwichmurdercase

+ NBC net. "The Poison Sandwich Murder Case". Sponsored by: Anacin, RCA Victor, Chesterfield. A law student telephones Mr. Keen for protection, but dies while on the phone. Phillip Clarke, Henry Howard (director), Jack Costello (announcer), Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer). 

 1951-12-06  Murderatamileaminute

+ NBC net. "Murder At A Mile A Minute". Sponsored by: Dentyne, Chesterfield, Anacin. A man is shot while driving through the park. Bing Crosby (Chesterfield commercial), Bob Hope (Chesterfield commercial), Phillip Clarke, Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer).

 1952-02-22  Murder&therevengfulghost

+ CBS net, WMT, Cedar Rapids Iowa aircheck. "Murder and The Revengeful Ghost". Sustaining. An interesting tale of homicide involving ghosts, a crazy woman and more. Bennett Kilpack, Frank Hummert (producer), Anne Hummert (producer). 

 1952-03-13  Thesilvercandlestickmurdercase

+ NBC net. "The Silver Candlestick Murder Case". Sponsored by: Chesterfield, Anacin, Beeman's Pepsin Gum, Dentyne. A photographer's model is killed and his body stuffed in the coal bin. Phillip Clarke, Jack Costello (announcer), Jean Carroll (dialogue), Richard Leonard (director), Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer).

 1952-04-03  Therentedcottagemurdercase

+ NBC net. "The Rented Cottage Murder Case". Sponsored by: Anacin, Dentyne, Chesterfield. A strange cottage, renting for $25 during the housing shortage, is the scene of the murder of a cripple. The clue is in the crutches. Phillip Clarke, Richard Leonard (director), Jack Costello (announcer), Frank Hummert (originator, producer, dialogue), Anne Hummert (originator, producer). 

 1952-04-10  Themotherspleamurdercase

+ NBC net. "The Mother's Plea Murder Case". Sponsored by: Dentyne, Chesterfield, Anacin. Shirley Spears has been murdered...by the wife of the wealthy man she's trying to victimize. Agnes Gray seems to be the killer, but she swears that she's innocent. Agnes' son Jack confesses to the crime! Despite two other confessions, Mr. Keen names the killer in a surprise ending! Phillip Clarke, Frank Hummert (originator, producer, dialogue), Anne Hummert (creator, producer), Jack Costello (announcer), Richard Leonard (director). 

 1954-06-21  Theshriekingprisonermurdercase Part 1

+ Program #1. CBS net. "The Shrieking Prisoner Murder Case". Sustaining. The strange Carson sisters block Mr. Keen's investigation of the murder of Donald Travers. Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Lawrence Klee (dialogue), Blair Walliser (director), Phillip Clarke, Stuart Metz (announcer), Frank Hummert (originator, producer). 

 1954-06-23  Theshriekingprisonermurdercase Part 2

+ Program #2. CBS net. "The Shrieking Prisoner Murder Case". Sustaining. Insane Amy Carson is kept imprisoned in the strange house. George implicates ax-wielding Luther Prague. Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Stuart Metz (announcer), Lawrence Klee (dialogue), Phillip Clarke, Blair Walliser (director).

 1954-06-24  Theshriekingprisonermurdercase Part 3

+ Program #3. CBS net. "The Shrieking Prisoner Murder Case". Sustaining. A $50 bill and the dead man's wallet give Mr. Keen clues as he meets the madwoman. Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer), Stuart Metz (announcer), Lawrence Klee (dialogue), Phillip Clarke, Blair Walliser (director).

 1954-06-25  Theshriekingprisonermurdercase Part 4

+ Program #4. CBS net. "The Shrieking Prisoner Murder Case". Sustaining. The conclusion of the story, the killer is revealed. George Bryan (announcer), Phillip Clarke, Blair Walliser (director), Lawrence Klee (dialogue), Frank Hummert (originator, producer), Anne Hummert (originator, producer). 

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