Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)

Episode 647: A Gaggle of Goodwins (New Adventures of Nero Wolfe) Date: December 7, 2025
Host: Mean Streets Podcasts

Episode Overview

This episode inaugurates a two-part spotlight series on The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe, focusing on the classic detective radio show and, in particular, on the succession of actors who played Wolfe’s irrepressible assistant, Archie Goodwin. In honor of the December birthdays of creator Rex Stout and star Sydney Greenstreet, the host presents three rare episodes from early in the Greenstreet radio run—each featuring a different Archie Goodwin. Alongside rich background about the show’s history and casting peculiarities, listeners are treated to vintage radio mysteries that capture the wit, esoteric tastes, and thunderous presence of Nero Wolfe.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Spotlight on Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin

• Nero Wolfe’s Character and Style:

  • Described by the host as having “the mind of Sherlock Holmes, but the build and disposition of Holmes’ older brother, Mycroft.” (00:57)
  • Wolfe is unwilling to leave his brownstone, preferring beer and orchids, leaving “physical elements of crime-solving” to Archie.

• Sydney Greenstreet as Wolfe:

  • Noted for his commanding screen roles (“The Maltese Falcon,” “Casablanca”), Greenstreet lent gravitas and complexity to the role, though was reportedly in failing health during the show's production.

• Archie Goodwin Revolving Door:

  • Six different actors played Archie during the 26-episode run, a unique anomaly in radio drama believed to result from casting difficulties, Greenstreet’s personality and health, and the search for better chemistry.
  • The series of episodes in this show features the first three Archies, each with unique style and tenure.

Quote:

"Several actors played Nero Wolfe in multiple series on radio, but the Sidney Greenstreet series is unique... No fewer than six different actors played Archie Goodwin."
—Podcast Host, [01:14]

2. Episode Structure and Featured Shows

Each portion of this episode presents a full Nero Wolfe radio mystery featuring a different Archie Goodwin actor, complete with period-appropriate advertisements and program announcements.

a. Wally Mayer as Archie Goodwin – "Stamped for Murder"

• Air Date: October 20, 1950

• Actor Profile:

  • Wally Mayer, known for toughness and comedic relief, gets one of the weakest openings in the series according to the host, but showcases the working dynamic between Wolfe and Archie.

• Memorable Dynamic:

  • “Will you for the love of heaven stop turning down clients and turn an honest dollar?”
    —Archie (Wally Mayer), [12:25]
  • The episode involves Archie pushing a reluctant Wolfe into taking a case, setting up the trademark banter and friction that define their partnership.

• Plot Highlights:

  • Gloria Kent seeks help after her father is swindled into buying a fake treasure map.
  • Wolfe initially refuses, is pressured by Archie, and eventually confronts the conmen.
  • The case escalates to murder, setting off a web of suspicion around the map, which ultimately turns out to hold value not for its supposed treasure, but for rare postage stamps ('missionaries').

Memorable Quotes:

• “You're an alarmist.”
  —Nero Wolfe, [12:24]
• “She's beautiful. Archie, you're impossible. Oh, very well. Go back into them. Get names, addresses, facts. I am not committed to Ms. Kent's case. But we’ll see.”
  —Nero Wolfe, [15:44]
• “There must be something of great value in the letters.”
  —Nero Wolfe, [33:51]

Notable Moment:

The climactic exposure of the stamps' value:

“The stamps—the missionaries. They're worth a fortune. The missionary. Of course, you know that.” —Wolfe to the assembled suspects, [35:12]

b. Lamont Johnson as Archie Goodwin – "Case of the Careworn Cuff"

• Air Date: October 27, 1950

• Actor Profile:

  • Lamont Johnson, praised by the host for great energy and repartee with Greenstreet, only played the role once but left a strong impression.

• Dynamic and Tone:

  • Johnson’s Archie is sharp-witted, quick with a comeback, and playful, engaging in the banter that keeps the stories lively.
  • Early in the show:

    “It's on your desk. All you have to do is lean forward.”
    —Archie, [42:01] “Confound it, Archie. What do you think I am, an athlete?”
    —Nero Wolfe, [42:06]

• Plot Highlights:

  • Wolfe and Archie are hired (with a $1000 bribe) to “drop a client” they've never heard of—Dorothy Spencer. The case quickly turns to murder and blackmail as false identities are uncovered and Dorothy becomes a prime suspect.
  • The intricate mystery revolves around mistaken identity, musical cues, and office intrigue, ultimately solved by deducing the true profession and motives of those involved.

Notable Moments and Quotes:

• “I am never wrong. Therefore the man who was here is not Charles Porter.”
  —Nero Wolfe, [49:54]

• “You know, Mr. Wolf, with hiring rooms for girls and paying visits to a perfume factory, I'm beginning to feel like a maiden aunt.”
  —Archie, [61:14]

• Memorable Ending:

  • Romantic sparks fly between Archie and Dorothy, to Wolfe’s consternation:

    “Would you very much mind conducting your romance elsewhere?... I have a very important matter to attend to.”
    —Nero Wolfe, [67:10]

c. Herb Ellis as Archie Goodwin – "Case of the Dear Dead Lady"

• Air Date: November 3, 1950

• Actor Profile:

  • Herb Ellis, known more for his radio writing and brief run on “Dragnet,” is the first Archie to make it to two episodes. The host considers him less suited to the role, but acknowledges his limited opportunity in this "character heavy" story.

• Plot Highlights:

  • Ilse Dana, a notorious socialite, hires Wolfe amid threats from jealous suitors. Soon she is found murdered, with several suspects and lovers, each with motive.
  • The case delves into hidden marriage, jealousy, and hidden identities, culminating in exposure of multiple secrets.
  • The investigation hinges on a cryptic message, the physical strength required for the murder, and a marriage license with a German connection.

• Key Moments:

  • Exposing the true motive and perpetrator:

    “The line, 'Have you prayed tonight?' is spoken by the hero to the heroine just before he murders her. The name of the heroine is Desdemona. And the hero, as I'm sure you all know, is Othello.”
    —Nero Wolfe, [92:31]

  • Final reveal that Jack Hunter is actually Johann Jaeger, the victim’s secret husband:

    “Jack Hunter is the English translation of our friend's real name back in Germany, where he comes from, Mr. Johann Yeager.”
    —Nero Wolfe, [94:32]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Archie Goodwin on Wolfe’s Irresponsibility:
  “Dinner any day is going to be a problem if we don't pay.” [12:04]

• Wolfe on Fees and Motives:
  “I charge high fees, Archie.” [15:28]

• Wolfe’s Deadpan:
  “Confound you, Archie, you're mutinous.” [12:44]

• Wolfe's Exquisite Reasoning:
  “You imagine you possess legal immunity... but you forget me. I'm a detective with a fee to earn.” [18:27]

• Final Flourish—Wolfe’s Dinner Request:
  “Will you use your red hair, your pretty face, your admirable figure, and your ample fortune to lure Mr. Goodwin away from this house tonight? I would like to enjoy my dinner in peace.” [38:21]

• Archie Teasing Wolfe’s Sedentary Nature:
  “There are exactly 23 steps between here and the kitchen... After a while you might be able to see your shoes.” [42:53], [53:33]

Historical and Production Insights

• Series Context:

  • The host provides valuable context on the shifting casting of Archie Goodwin, Greenstreet’s declining health, and the unintended value this inconsistency brings for radio history enthusiasts.
  • Mentions how the show’s surviving episodes—the Greenstreet run in particular—form a unique record among the various radio adaptations.

• Tribute to Creator and Star:

  • The episode is also positioned as a celebration of Rex Stout and Sydney Greenstreet’s birthdays, underscoring their contributions to detective fiction and radio drama.

Episode Structure (Timestamps for Key Segments)

• Intro and Historical Context: [00:57–06:45]
• First Feature: "Stamped for Murder" – Wally Mayer: [10:46–39:40]
• Second Feature: "Case of the Careworn Cuff" – Lamont Johnson: [40:52–67:24]
• Third Feature: "Case of the Dear Dead Lady" – Herb Ellis: [70:23–97:37]
• Host Recap & Upcoming Previews: [99:26]

Language and Tone

The tone throughout is witty, sharp, and respectful of the original material, with playful banter between Wolfe and Archie preserved. The host's commentary is effusive and informed but never overbearing, balancing nostalgia and critique.

Conclusion

This episode of Down These Mean Streets serves as a nostalgic survey and celebration of the variety and vitality of Nero Wolfe radio dramas, particularly focusing on the comic tension, interplay, and personality each Archie Goodwin brought to the stories. With rare audio, colorful anecdotes, and sharp insights, it’s an essential listen for classic radio detectives fans and newcomers alike.

Next Week Preview:
The host promises to continue the Archie Goodwin spotlight with episodes featuring Larry Dobkin, Gerald Moore, and Harry Bartel—actors who left their own marks on the literary gumshoe.

Final Quote from the Host:

“Now, your mileage may vary, but for me the behind the scenes turmoil doesn't make the show any less enjoyable. Nero Wolf is one of my favorite radio detective shows, and I think it hews pretty close to the tone and style of Rex Stout's stories.”
—Podcast Host, [01:46]