The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Danger with Granger: "The Rainy Night Murder" (EP4816)

Date: October 6, 2025
Host: Adam Graham
Original Air Date of Drama: c.1956–57

Brief Overview

This episode features a suspenseful classic detective audio drama, Danger with Granger: The Rainy Night Murder. Host Adam Graham introduces private detective Steve Granger as he becomes entangled in a dangerous murder case on a stormy night—after a panicked stranger claims to have witnessed a killing. The episode is a fast-paced whodunit, complete with atmospheric rain, mistaken identities, and a web of deception. After the radio drama, Graham offers brief commentary and responds to listener feedback.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Stormy Encounter (02:34–03:31)

• Steve Granger is stopped on a rainy night by a terrified young woman, Pat Benton, who insists she witnessed a murder and fears the killer is pursuing her.
• Pat describes the killer as a "big man wearing a gray hat."

Pat (03:26): "Because I... I saw him commit murder." Steve Granger (03:31): "This is Steve Granger, private detective, with a story about a rainy night which was the setting for violent death..."

2. The Witness Story (03:35–07:10)

• Granger takes Pat to her apartment and presses for details.
• Pat describes watching her neighbors through her window, witnessing a man (later named Stanick) stab another man after an apparent nod from a woman (Hannah Rosley).
• She claims the killer saw her and then attempted to break into her door.
• Granger investigates but finds the apartment across the court innocuous and the crime unconfirmed.

Pat (06:12): "He plunged it into the man's back. Mr. Granger was awful. I'd never seen anything like that before." Granger (06:37): "You were going to call the police, is that it?"

3. Danger in the Building (07:12–09:19)

• Granger and Pat discover her phone line is dead—he suspects sabotage.
• While checking the basement, Granger is knocked out, and when he comes to, Pat has vanished.

Granger (09:19): "I did a slow, ungraceful swan dive and landed on my face."

4. Police Involvement (09:20–13:02)

• After regaining consciousness, Granger contacts Lt. Jake Rankin of the police.
• They search Hannah Rosley's apartment (the scene of the supposed murder), but find no evidence—no body, no blood—but do spot traces of a man's recent presence (pipe ash).
• Rankin is skeptical but agrees to search further.

Lt. Rankin (10:55): "Are you having a good time? Something strange happening." Granger (13:02): "The ashtray next to the chair where Pat Benton claimed she saw the man was loaded with ashes from a pipe."

5. Shadowing the Suspects (13:02–17:04)

• Granger does undercover work, calling in journalist Cal Hendricks for background on Hannah Rosley.
• Spots the "man in the gray hat" (Will Stanick), tailing him between the connected apartment buildings.
• Overhears a plot: Stanick and Rosley plan to kill Pat and frame Granger, using his own revolver.

Stanick (16:08): "We'll have to dispose of the girl as well as Kelvin's body... I'll have a little surprise for him. You're going to kill her with this gun? With his gun." Rosley (16:44): "Very smart, Will."

6. Pat’s Rescue and Confrontation (17:04–24:52)

• Granger rescues Pat from the basement laundry, narrowly escaping Stanick.
• They regroup at Granger’s apartment, arm Pat with a blackjack for defense.
• Hannah Rosley arrives, posing as Pat’s cousin, claiming Pat is delusional.
• Granger exposes Rosley's lie—he overheard her plan from the fire escape.

Rosley (21:38): "Pat is my cousin. She's been having a little trouble; it's affected her mind..." Granger (22:17): "Your little gag won't work, Ms. Rosalie."

• Stanick (the "man in the gray hat") bursts in, attempts to take control, but Pat uses the blackjack to subdue Rosley, as Granger predicted.

Pat (24:39): "The blackjack... as you suggested, I hit her over the head." Granger (24:40): "One!"

7. Resolution and Wrap-Up (24:52–26:43)

• Lt. Rankin arrives, arrests Stanick and Rosley for the murder of their criminal partner.
• The body is found in the car trunk, and all evidence points to their guilt.
• Granger credits Pat with bravery.

Rankin (26:33): "You did a good job. I better thank Ms. Benton here. She did most of the work, including the spotting of the murder." Pat: (Silent but implied relief and vindication.)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Opening Granger monologue, scene-setting:

  "This is Steve Granger, private detective, with a story about a rainy night which was the setting for violent death..." (03:31)

• Pat reveals the murder:

  "He plunged it into the man's back. Mr. Granger was awful. I'd never seen anything like that before." (06:12)

• Granger’s dry humor after being knocked out:

  "I did a slow, ungraceful swan dive and landed on my face." (09:19)

• Twist: Suspects plan to use Granger’s revolver for framing:

  "You're going to kill her with this gun? With his gun. The police will ask questions when they find our body. It'll divert suspicion." (16:32)

• Climactic confrontation:

  "Stand still, Mr. Granger."
  "It's the man in the gray hat." (22:51–22:54)

• Pat overcomes her fear and takes action:

  "The blackjack... as you suggested, I hit her over the head." (24:39)

Host Commentary & Listener Feedback (26:43–30:00)

Adam Graham's Thoughts (26:43–28:29)

• Praises the story: "Really a fun, pacey and suspenseful mystery."
• Notes how old-time radio detectives stumble onto cases by chance.
• Encourages listeners to leave comments and become Patreon supporters.

Listener Feedback Highlight

• Richie comments on a previous episode, commending Adam's effort in identifying radio episode origins:

  "That was a fun episode. I have no experience with this series before and was pleasantly surprised..." (28:02)

• Adam Graham responds, appreciating the feedback and expressing the challenges of identifying air dates for classic episodes.

Episode Highlights & Structure

| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------- |--------------| | Drama intro | 02:34 | | Pat's encounter with Granger | 02:45–03:31 | | Details of murder described | 03:35–07:10 | | Basement attack | 09:02–09:19 | | Police called | 09:20–13:02 | | Tailing suspects/plot revealed | 13:02–17:04 | | Pat’s rescue and trap | 17:04–24:52 | | Pat subdues Rosley | 24:39–24:52 | | Resolution | 24:52–26:43 | | Host commentary | 26:43–28:29 | | Listener feedback | 28:29–30:00 |

Tone & Style

• The episode maintains a brisk, suspenseful, and slightly noir tone.
• Granger’s narration is wry and atmospheric; Pat Benton’s terror feels authentic yet evolves into courage; the villains are cunning and cold.
• Adam Graham’s hosting is nostalgic, warm, and appreciative of detective radio drama history.

For New Listeners

This episode is a perfect example of mid-century radio detective drama: full of rain-soaked tension, red herrings, and quick wit. Even without prior context, listeners can easily follow Granger’s dogged investigation as it unfolds from a simple street encounter to a criminal conspiracy. Host Adam Graham’s commentary adds insightful appreciation for the form and cleverness of vintage mysteries.