New Adventures of Nero Wolfe

The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe  -  Listen to Episodes Below

In 1934 American mystery writer Rex Stout introduced readers to his creation: The fictional detective known as Nero Wolfe, who became one of the country's most popular and beloved literary sleuths.

In all, Wolfe appeared in 33 novels and 39 short stories. He was a man with elaborate eccentricities that made readers feel they knew a true flesh-and-blood individual.

Yes, Nero Wolfe was a licensed private detective -- but in reality his work as a sleuth served more as a diversion from his more sophisticated interests. Wolfe collected rare books, he dressed impeccably, was a prize-winning horticulturist specializing in orchids, and, perhaps above all else, was a world-class gourmet. Did we mention Wolfe tipped the scale at close to 300 pounds?

With his faithful assistant Archie Goodwin providing most of the leg work (Wolfe hated to leave his 35th Street brownstone), the rotund bonvivant had come to the realization his detective duties were necessary to replenish his oft-depleted bank account.

On radio "The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe" made its premiere October 20, 1950 on NBC. It was the third radio go-round for Wolfe, and the most successful. The casting of Sydney Greenstreet in the title role was the thing that made fans of the novels take notice.

The series ran for just one season -- and five separate actors portrayed Archie Goodwin: Wally Maher, Lawrence Dobkin, Herb Ellis, Gerald Mohr, and Harry Bartell. And since the show came so late during radio's golden years, more and more sponsors were putting their money into TV ads. Even so, of the twenty-six episodes broadcast, all but one remain in circulation today.

As you listen you will determine one thing is clear -- if Nero Wolfe had come along just a few years earlier he would have been held in the same high esteem as Sam Spade, Philip Marlowe, or any other of the great radio detectives.