Podcast Summary

Down These Mean Streets (Old Time Radio Detectives)

Episode 648 – An Array of Archies (The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe)
Date: December 14, 2025
Host: Mean Streets Podcasts

Overview

This episode concludes a two-part spotlight on The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe, a notable Golden Age radio detective series starring Sydney Greenstreet as Nero Wolfe. Unique among detective shows, the series cycled through six different actors as Archie Goodwin, Wolfe’s witty and resourceful assistant, during its 1950-51 run. The episode explores why so many Archies appeared, provides context on each actor’s tenure, and features three full-length radio episodes showcasing Larry Dobkin, Gerald Mohr, and Harry Bartell each in the role of Archie. The host offers behind-the-scenes insights and personal commentary, making this an engaging listen for both longtime fans and newcomers to old-time radio mysteries.

Key Discussion & Segment Guide

[00:54] Host’s Introduction and Show Context

• Recaps previous week’s showcase of the first three Archie Goodwins: Wally Mayer, Lamont Johnson, and Herb Ellis.
• Explains ongoing casting difficulties:
  • “Six different actors played the part over the single season. Due to Sidney Greenstreet's frustration with the show's low ratings, he believed his costar was dragging down the series, which led producers to set up a revolving door of actors to take on the role.”
• Introduces this week’s focus: the final three, longer-running Archies.
• Each actor’s strengths and chemistry with Sydney Greenstreet are discussed, with personal rankings by the host.

The “Array of Archies” Lineup

1. Larry Dobkin (8 episodes)

• Praised by the host as “funny, flirtatious with the women he meets... and tough when he needs to be. His rapport with Greenstreet is great. He captures the unique nature of the Wolfe-Archie relationship: affectionate, admiring, but also always slightly exasperated with one another.”
• Featured episode: “The Case of the Deadly Sellout” (A missing boxer, a lady’s hat, and blackmail escalation).

2. Gerald Mohr (4 episodes)

• Renowned for his role as Philip Marlowe. Host notes, “The role lets him show off a more playful side than he got to show as Philip Marlowe, and he too has a nice back and forth with Sidney Greenstreet.”
• Featured episode: “The Case of the Calculated Risk” (A man confesses his intent to murder—a complex web of revenge unfolds).

3. Harry Bartell (10 episodes, longest-running Archie)

• Known for a more “comedic and romantic” Archie, with a “lighter, charming” touch.
• “Bartell is really good, but I don't think he sells the character's tougher edge as effectively as Dobkin and Moore.”
• Featured episode: “The Case of the Final Page” (A murdered novelist, a missing manuscript, and a publisher’s deception).

Episode Showcases & Highlights

[09:12] The Case of the Deadly Sellout (Larry Dobkin as Archie)

Summary:

• Wolfe and Archie are hired by a frantic boxing promoter whose star fighter has vanished.
• The case spirals into murder, blackmail, and betrayal. Key evidence: a ladies’ hat found at the crime scene.

Highlights & Quotes:

• Larry Dobkin’s Archie is sharp with comic banter:
  • “I was all set to argue with you about taking the case. You... you gave in too fast.” (09:27)
• Strong Wolfe/Archie dynamic:
  • Wolfe: “Nonsense. I'm fascinated by the thought of anyone misplacing a prizefighter. They're usually quite large, aren't they?” (09:35)
• Signature moment: Archie spars with femme fatale Jerry Fay in a snappy exchange about blackmail and motive (11:08–12:40).
• Wolfe’s detective method:
  • “If his clothes are missing, it would indicate he left voluntarily and deliberately.” (18:07)
• The case reveals romantic tangles and double-crosses. Notable finale: Wolfe’s deduction exposes the real killer in explosive fashion, using psychological traps and careful witness manipulation.

[39:28] The Case of the Calculated Risk (Gerald Mohr as Archie)

Summary:

• A mysterious, bearded man named Caffrey visits Wolfe, confesses he plans to kill someone out of revenge, and gives Wolfe an envelope to open if anything happens to him.
• Caffrey is soon found murdered. Archie and Wolfe unravel a decades-old crime involving double-crossed business partners, betrayal, and hidden pasts.

Highlights & Quotes:

• Electrifying opening:
  • Caffrey: “Tomorrow morning, Mr. Wolfe, I'm going to kill a man.” (39:28)
• Wolfe maintains calm and logic:
  • “I've been told strange things across this desk, Mr. Caffrey, but this is the first time a murderer has confided his intention to me in advance.” (39:49)
• Archie’s quick wit with secretaries and suspects adds levity (51:13).
• Methodical investigation: Wolfe systematically narrows suspects by height, background gaps, and alibis—intellectual sleuthing at its finest.
• Gripping climax: a gun-waving confrontation in Wolfe’s office. Wolfe bluffs having a gun, Archie covers him, and they talk the killer into surrendering:
  • Wolfe: “I must confess, Archie, that my .45 is in the upstairs den where I took it to oil it last night.” (64:46)

[68:02] The Case of the Final Page (Harry Bartell as Archie)

Summary:

• Wolfe and Archie are guests for dinner at an author’s apartment, but upon arrival, discover him murdered.
• The only clue: the final page of a new mystery novel in the typewriter; the rest is missing.
• Through investigation, Wolfe draws out the killer by tricking them into believing there’s another copy of the incriminating manuscript.

Highlights & Quotes:

• Playful opening as Archie drags reluctant Wolfe out for dinner:
  • Archie: “Would you mind giving me some slight indication that you intend to move from that chair?” Wolfe: “Just as soon as I finish this beer.” (67:26)
• Intriguing meta-moment:
  • Wolfe: “The last person to see Arthur Merle alive was the person who ended his life.” (80:11)
• A fake manuscript and a staged confrontation set the trap. The murderer falls for it and confesses.
  • Wolfe: “No, but we certainly got a murderer, eh, Inspector?” (93:13)
• Wolfe’s wry curiosity about the missing story:
  • “I wish there had been a copy of Arthur Merle’s novel. …I’d like to know what that blackmail gimmick really was.” (93:53)

Notable Quotes (“Archie Moments”)

On Archie’s role:

• Host: “Dobkin is my favorite of the Archies from the Sydney Greenstreet series. He’s funny, he’s flirtatious…”
• Archie (Larry Dobkin): “Okay then, here’s my wrist. Slap it, Ms. Fay. I’m a bad bull.” (11:26)
• Archie (Harry Bartell): “Women are usurping everything.” (70:05)

Classic Wolfe:

• Wolfe: “Mr. Rainey, if I were not a modest man, I would point out to you that you're getting quite a bargain.” (18:47)
• Wolfe: “Monumental, but a little hasty.” (34:52)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:54 – Introduction to the three featured Archies and show context
• 09:12 – Start “Case of the Deadly Sellout” (Dobkin)
• 39:28 – Start “Case of the Calculated Risk” (Mohr)
• 68:02 – Start “Case of the Final Page” (Bartell)
• 95:40 – Outro and tease for next week’s episode

Memorable Moments

• The host’s affectionate rankings of each Archie and analysis of their chemistry with Greenstreet.
• Each Archie’s banter and style: Dobkin’s dry wit, Mohr’s playful side, Bartell’s romantic charm.
• Three intricate mystery plots, each solved with Wolfe’s trademark blend of psychology and evidence.
• The final “fake manuscript” confrontation: a classic Wolfe trap.
• Wolfe’s closing craving for lobster bisque (36:15), and his relatable reluctance to leave home for social events.

Tone & Language

• The host delivers insights warmly, clearly a fan and historian as well as a presenter.
• In the shows, Archie is breezy and wisecracking; Wolfe is erudite, gruff, and understatedly humorous—a perfect radio detective duo.
• Period details and radio settings convey a sense of mid-century New York, enhancing the nostalgic, atmospheric charm.

Conclusion

This “Array of Archies” episode provides a fascinating look at the casting quirks of The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe, celebrates three memorable radio mysteries, and functions both as a fun historical survey and as a sampler of classic detective radio drama. Whether you’re nostalgic for Golden Age radio or discovering Nero Wolfe for the first time, this episode is rich in character, clever plots, and a unique flavor of sharp repartee.

Key Quote (Host, 00:54):

“It's another assembly of Archie Goodwins with three more Nero Wolf adventures. Larry Dobkin is up first right after these messages.”