Casey, Crime Photographer
The Santa Claus of Bums' Boulevard
1947-12-25
par
Some listeners may write off The Santa Claus of Bums' Boulevard as just a schmaltzy and obligatory Christmas program typical of the golden age of radio. It's not. It's a real Casey plotline, told and presented well. It has a real crime, but the main story is a spirit of redemption and generosity. Good but mysterious things occur, playing into Cole's interests in supernatural storylines, but this time they are explained by the magic of Santa and the religious nature of the holiday.
Many classic radio enthusiasts make listening to this episode an annual Christmas tradition. Casey and Ann are assigned to secure a story about a mysterious gray-haired, poorly dressed man who has appeared on a slum street, known as Bums' Blvd., where he has distributed new one dollar bills to the derelicts of the neighborhood. The thrilling search for the criminal that follows leads Casey and Ann to solve the exciting mystery of "The Santa Claus of Bums' Blvd." This episode weaves Christological symbols with Biblical aspects, making it a poignant reflection on the themes of generosity and community.
This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.