I Deal in Crime

I Deal in Crime was an American old-time radio detective drama. It was broadcast on ABC from January 21, 1946, until October 18, 1947, and on Mutual from October 25, 1947 until September 4, 1948.^[1] In 1947, the title was changed to Ross Dolan, Detective.

I Deal in Crime

William Gargan starred as detective Russ Dolan in I Deal in Crime.
Other names	Ross Dolan, Detective
Genre	Detective drama
Country of origin	United States
Language(s)	English
Syndicates	ABC Mutual
Starring	William Gargan
Announcer	Dresser Dahlstead
Written by	Ted Hediger
Directed by	Leonard Reeg
Original release	January 21, 1946 (1946-01-21) – September 4, 1948 (1948-09-04)
Sponsored by	Hastings

Premise

Private detective Ross Dolan returned to investigating crimes after serving in the Navy during World War II.^[2] A 10-year veteran as a private investigator, he found clients via ads in The Chronicle and worked for $25 per day, plus expenses. Many of Dolan's cases involved murders, and he often encountered problems with the police as he worked.^[1] Dolan narrated the stories, "relating his own reactions to the clues as they occur."^[3]

Initially, the program was sustaining.^[4] In 1946 the Hastings company (a manufacturer of piston rings)^[5] began sponsoring the broadcasts.^[6]

Personnel

William Gargan portrayed Ross Dolan, the only featured role on the program. Others often heard in support roles were Hans Conreid, Ted de Corsia, Betty Lou Gerson, Mitzi Gould, Joseph Kearns, and Lurene Tuttle. Dresser Dahlstead was the announcer. Leonard Reeg and Ted Hediger were the director and writer, respectively, and Skitch Henderson and his orchestra provided the music.^[1]