The Avenger: Old-Time Radio's Forgotten Superhero Crime Fighter

In the golden age of American radio, the airwaves were filled with a diverse array of crime dramas, from the gritty realism of Dragnet to the supernatural thrills of The Shadow. Amidst this crowded landscape, one series stood out with its unique blend of pulp heroics and scientific intrigue - "The Avenger." Though largely forgotten today, this old-time radio program offered listeners a captivating superhero-inspired crime fighter, whose adventures unfolded across two distinct eras in the 1940s.

Series Overview and Creation

"The Avenger" first debuted on July 18, 1941, airing weekly on the New York City radio station WHN. The series centered around the exploits of Richard Henry Benson, a brilliant scientist and crime-fighter with extraordinary abilities. Described as "one part Shadow and three parts Doc Savage," Benson possessed superhuman strength, the power of invisibility, and the capacity to read the thoughts of others. Accompanied by his loyal sidekick, Fergus "Mac" MacMurdie, the Avenger used his remarkable talents to battle a variety of criminal masterminds and protect the innocent.

The creation of "The Avenger" was an attempt by the program's producers to capitalize on the commercial success of other pulp-inspired radio heroes. According to radio historian John Dunning, the series was "an effort to recreate the commercial success of [The Shadow and Doc Savage]," drawing elements from both iconic characters. This strategy was further reinforced by the program's strong ties to Street & Smith Publications, the company behind the original "Avenger" pulp magazine character.

Notable Episodes and Storylines

During its initial 1941-1942 run, "The Avenger" featured a variety of thrilling storylines that showcased Benson's unique abilities. In one memorable episode, the Avenger used his "Telepathic Indicator" to track down a criminal mastermind who had kidnapped a scientist and his daughter. Another story saw Benson employing his "Secret Diffusion Capsule" to infiltrate a gang of saboteurs targeting American war production facilities.

The series' second incarnation, which aired from October 1945 to April 1946, offered a slightly different take on the Avenger's adventures. Now portrayed by actors James Monks and Dick Janaver, the crime-fighter faced off against a new array of villains, including mad scientists and ruthless racketeers. One episode followed the Avenger as he used his extraordinary senses to uncover a plot to steal valuable industrial secrets.

Across both versions of the program, "The Avenger" maintained a consistent focus on high-stakes mysteries and technological intrigue, blending elements of the superhero and detective genres in a way that captivated listeners.

Cast and Crew

The original 1941-1942 run of "The Avenger" featured an unknown New York actor in the lead role of Richard Henry Benson, with Humphrey Davis portraying his sidekick, Fergus "Mac" MacMurdie. The series was directed by Maurice Joachim, with writers Paul Ernst (under the pseudonym "Kenneth Robeson") and Henry Ralston crafting the scripts.

When the program was revived in 1945, the Avenger was played by James Monks, later replaced by Dick Janaver. Helen Adamson took on the role of Benson's assistant, Fern Collier, while George Ansbro served as the announcer and Doc Whipple provided the musical accompaniment. The writing team for this version included Gil Braun, Ruth Braun, and Walter B. Gibson.

The diverse array of talent behind "The Avenger" helped to shape the series' unique tone and style, blending the pulp sensibilities of its creators with the technical expertise of its production team.

Impact and Reception

Though "The Avenger" never achieved the same level of popularity as contemporaries like "The Shadow" or "The Green Hornet," the series did leave a lasting mark on the old-time radio landscape. Radio historian Jim Cox noted the program's similarities to "The Shadow," including the crime-fighter's ability to read minds and his "drop-dead gorgeous subordinate" who knew his true identity. These parallels, combined with the Avenger's superhuman abilities, helped to position the series as a unique hybrid of the superhero and detective genres.

Critics of the time had a mixed response to "The Avenger." John Dunning described the 1945-1946 version as a "poor man's version of The Shadow," suggesting that the program struggled to capture the same level of excitement and intrigue as its more famous counterpart. However, the series' innovative blend of pulp tropes and scientific intrigue earned it a dedicated following among listeners, who were drawn to the Avenger's larger-than-life exploits.

Legacy and Influence

While "The Avenger" may have faded from the public consciousness in the decades since its original broadcasts, the series' impact can still be felt in the world of old-time radio and beyond. The character's unique combination of superhuman abilities and detective work paved the way for later crime-fighting heroes, influencing the development of characters like The Spider and The Black Bat.

Moreover, the program's willingness to experiment with the conventions of the radio drama genre helped to push the medium in new directions. By blending elements of the superhero, detective, and science fiction genres, "The Avenger" offered listeners a fresh and innovative take on the classic crime drama, foreshadowing the more diverse and boundary-pushing programming that would emerge in the decades to come.

Though largely forgotten today, "The Avenger" remains a fascinating and important chapter in the history of old-time radio. Its captivating hero, thrilling storylines, and innovative approach to the crime drama genre have left an indelible mark on the medium, inspiring generations of storytellers and captivating audiences with the power of the spoken word.