Gang Busters

Gang Busters  -  Listen to Episodes, Below

Gang Busters featured interesting and dramatic crimes from the files of law enforcement organizations all over the country

Gang Busters made its debut in mid-January, 1936. The show opened with a barrage of blaring sound effects – a shrill police whistle, convicts marching in formation, police sirens wailing, machine guns firing, and tires squealing.

Next, an authoritative voice would announce the title of that night's episode.  Finally, the opening would end with more blasts from a police whistle. This intrusive introduction led to the popular catchphrase "came on like Gangbusters."

The show aired on CBS from January, 1936 to June, 1940, sponsored by Colgate-Palmolive and Cue magazine. From October, 1940 to December, 1948, it was heard on the Blue Network, with various sponsors, including Sloan's Liniment, Waterman pens and Tide. Returning to CBS in January, 1949, it ran until June 25, 1955, sponsored by Grape-Nuts and Wrigley's chewing gum. The series concluded the Mutual Broadcasting System from October, 1955 to November, 1957.

Gang Busters often featured prominent names in radio broadcasting, many of whom also starred in movies and television. Two of the most famous were Richard Widmark and Art Carney. Joan Banks, who later played many TV roles, was a regular cast member. Her husband, Frank Lovejoy, also appeared often, and later went on to star in many movies and TV shows. Larry Haines was another regular on the show. He went on to an extensive career in TV soap operas

The show was produced in New York and the episodes were largely free of musical backgrounds, lending to the authentic feel.  The show is a lot of fun to listen to, especially considering the stories are based on actual police cases.