Pat Novak, For Hire - Single Episodes
Pat Novak, For Hire is an old-time radio detective drama series that originally aired from 1946 to 1948 and was revived in 1949. Set on the San Francisco waterfront, the series follows Pat Novak, who owns a boat shop and takes on unusual jobs that often lead him into trouble. The show is known for its fast-paced, hard-boiled dialogue and witty one-liners.
Each episode begins with Novak's iconic introduction, "Sure, I'm Pat Novak . . . for hire," followed by a monologue about the troubles along the waterfront. The series features a cast of memorable characters, including Police Inspector Hellman and Novak's friend Jocko Madigan, who help unravel the mysteries Novak encounters.
With its clever writing and engaging performances, Pat Novak, For Hire remains a beloved classic among fans of old-time radio.
This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.
Chapters
| Pat Novak For Hire Synopsis | 5:05 |
| Jack Webb Biography | 5:40 |
| Raymond Burr Biography | 5:02 |
| Tudor Owen Biography | 3:11 |
| Lloyd Del Castillo Biography | 1:36 |
| Jack of Clubs | 29:30 |
| Jack of Clubs | 29:30 |
| Killing In A Church | 31:42 |
| John St. John | 29:00 |
| Dixie Gillian | 30:10 |
| Johnny Brown Gambling Ring | 29:29 |
| Mysterious Set of Books | 28:59 |
| Lydia Reynolds Case | 29:51 |
| Death in Herald Square | 30:34 |
| Don't Tell Hilda | 28:33 |
| Fleet Lady | 32:14 |
| Rubin Callaway's Pictures | 29:48 |
| Rory Malone | 29:07 |
| Joe Candono - Blackmail Pictures | 31:49 |
| Father Leahy | 29:57 |
| Sam Tolliver | 30:15 |
| Go Away Dixie Gillian | 30:05 |
| Rita Malloy | 30:40 |
| Wendy Morris | 29:13 |
| Shirt Mix-Up at the Laundry | 27:28 |
| Geranium Plant | 29:33 |
| Give Envelope to John St John | 30:44 |
| Agnes Bolton | 29:21 |
| Georgie Lampson | 30:02 |
| The Only Way to Make Friends Is to Die | 29:44 |
| Little Jake Siegel | 28:22 |
| Tudor Owen Biography | 4:44 |
Reviews
Where there's smoke . . .
harron68
So "over the top" even back then you weren't to take it seriously. Lines like 'I had as much chance as a pound of liver at a cat show' either tickled folks' funny bones or had them running to turn off the radio. I give it 3 stars, feel free to ad or subtract a few. Right now I gotta catch up with a babe who isn't like smoke, more like a fire in an excelsior factory.
audio quality is poor. not balanced.
Test Test
the audio is all over the place! sometimes characters whisper ->turn up volume organ music plays loudly! ->turn down volume. character talks ->turn up volume same character starts YELLING! -> NEVER listen to this. suffering awaits you should you try. also, the writing isn't very good.
Yea,I’m Pat Novak.
ChiefMacon
This is radio at its best.Hard boiled like a twenty minute egg,rough as a handful of bloody knuckles,moody as a spinster at a strip club.Well you get the idea so just sit back and enjoy.The only things missing are the smoke and the smell of stale beer.