Podcast Summary: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio – EP4862 "Feature Assignment: The Majczek Case"

Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham
Episode: Feature Assignment: The Majczek Case (EP4862)
Date: December 9, 2025

Overview

This episode features the audition recording of a Golden Age radio drama episode titled "Feature Assignment: The Majczek Case," which later evolved into the famous series "The Big Story." Host Adam Graham introduces and provides insightful commentary on the program, which dramatizes the true story of a newspaper reporter’s dogged investigation into a wrongful conviction case. The Majczek case served as the inspiration for multiple adaptations, including the film "Call Northside 777" and the "Defense Attorney" pilot. The episode examines the power—and pitfalls—of press-driven justice.

Main Content & Key Discussion Points

1. Introduction & Background ([02:08])

• Adam Graham sets the context, noting this is an audition (pilot) for what would become "The Big Story", aired as "Feature Assignment."
• The case dramatized became the basis for "Call Northside 777" and other adaptations.
• Quote:

  “You will hear that it was originally for CBS, though The Big Story would become an NBC staple … the working title for the pilot was Feature Assignment.” (Adam Graham, [03:26])

2. The Majczek Case Drama

Opening Scene: Setting the Stage ([04:56])

• Introduces the framework: stories of brave newspaper reporters.
• Narrates the 1932 murder of a Chicago cop and resulting investigation.

The Reporter’s Assignment ([08:32])

• Reporter Jimmy McGuire receives a mysterious reward ad for information about the old murder.
• He’s tasked with investigating the ad’s origin, leading to the convict’s mother.

Investigative Process ([10:43]–[23:41])

• The timeline jumps 13 years ahead. The reporter interviews the mother, scrapes together meager clues, visits the wife, digs through old clips:

  • Visiting the mother, who is a scrubwoman tirelessly trying to exonerate her son.
  • Uncovering possible witnesses and reviewing court documents.
  • Key witness, Vera Wallach, is tracked down after considerable effort.

• Quote:

  “You have to wade through looking for the truth in a pile of legal garbage.” (Reporter narration, [20:49])

• Discovers inconsistencies with police procedure and affidavits—key evidence was mishandled, timelines don’t add up.

Key Witness Confrontation & Breakthrough ([22:48]–[25:11])

• The reporter confronts Vera Wallach about her original identification and the strange delay by the police.

• After pressure, Vera admits her original testimony wasn’t truthful, finally releasing the truth that exonerates Majczek.

  • Notable Quote:

    “All right, all right, I’m scared. Ah, what else? Me, his mother—the cops, a state attorney.” (Vera, [23:41])

Resolution and Aftermath ([26:13]–[28:31])

• Majczek is freed; the reporter reflects on the emotional toll of relentless pursuit.
• Ceremony scene: the Governor of Illinois presents the reporter with an award for his work.
  • Quote:

    “You uncovered the facts which enabled me to grant a full pardon to Joseph Majczek.” (Governor Dwight Green, [28:55])

3. Host’s Commentary and Real-World Analysis ([33:16])

• Adam Graham discusses the veracity of the radio dramatization:

  • Stresses the actual case involved two convicted men, but media and public attention focused almost entirely on Majczek.
  • Points out "Call Northside 777" altered details for cinematic effect (e.g., the famous photo-negative clue was fictional).
  • Notes the original case involved police corruption and perjured testimony.

• Critique of media-driven justice:

  “[The other man] wasn’t a media cause célèbre and didn’t have a mother scrubbing floors for him, so he ended up sitting in jail for another five years.” (Adam Graham, [35:12])

• Cites that both men were eventually compensated by the state legislature but with differing amounts.

4. Listener Feedback ([36:18])

• Responds to listener Mildred’s comments about previous episodes’ audio difficulties.
• Notes improvements in audio quality for future episodes.

5. Patreon Thanks ([37:11])

• Thanks longtime Patreon supporter Jim.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "You have to wade through looking for the truth in a pile of legal garbage." (Reporter Narration, [20:49])
• "You uncovered the facts which enabled me to grant a full pardon to Joseph Majczek." (Governor Green, [28:55])
• "The other man wasn’t a media call celeb and didn’t have a mother scrubbing floors for him, so he ended up sitting in jail for another five years." (Adam Graham, [35:12])

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |--------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 02:08 | Adam Graham’s introduction & context | | 04:56 | Beginning of the Majczek Case radio drama | | 08:32 | Assignment to reporter & start of the investigation | | 10:43 | Visit to the convict’s mother | | 20:49 | Reflection on the messy truth of the case | | 22:48–25:11 | Climax: witness confrontation and truth revealed | | 28:31 | Award ceremony and governor’s speech | | 33:16 | Adam Graham’s commentary and historical analysis | | 36:18 | Listener feedback | | 37:11 | Patreon appreciation |

Tone & Style

The episode maintains a classic radio drama tone—suspenseful, earnest, and rooted in period journalism. Adam Graham’s commentary is knowledgeable and warm, balancing admiration for old radio with honest critique of historical whitewashing and the dangers of popular media in justice.

For New Listeners

This episode is an excellent showcase of both Golden Age radio storytelling and real-world case analysis. It offers:

• A gripping dramatization of a classic wrongful conviction case,
• The complex, sometimes troubling relationship between journalism, justice, and public opinion,
• Insightful historical and behind-the-scenes context from the host.

No prior knowledge is necessary—Adam Graham’s commentary is accessible and educational for newcomers and long-time fans alike.