Candy Matson Tribute

Re-Imagined Radio pays tribute to the popular female detective series Candy Matson (1949-1951), a weekly radio drama series noted for its strong female protagonist. She was a compelling alternative to the popular male detective radio genre, and the best of the popular female detective programs.

Candy Matson was an intelligent, no nonsense detective. She was driven, relentless, and disarming. Rather than a seedy office, she ran her business from a Telegraph Hill penthouse in San Francisco, California. She worked with Rembrandt Watson, an eccentric photographer, and sparred with Lieutenant Ray Mallard, a San Francisco Police detective, and her love interest. San Francisco actors, musicians, and colorful locales often played supporting roles.

Ninety one episodes of Candy Matson were broadcast from 1949 to 1951 when, despite its popularity, the series was cancelled. This Re-Imagined Radio Candy Matson Tribute highlights the first and last episodes, "The Donna Dunham Case" and "Candy's Last Case.

The first episode, "The Donna Dunham Case," was broadcast 30 June 1949. In this episode Candy investigates a jealous-lover murder and nearly falls victim herself. The final episode, "Candy's Last Case" (AKA "The Cape Hatteras Diamond") features a double murder and a missing diamond. Both lead indirectly to Mallard proposing marriage to Candy. Both episodes showcase Candy Matson as a ground-breaking female detective series with a strong lead character, local references, and a cast of characters representing diversity and inclusivity. Both demonstrate the appeal and power of radio storytelling and how it engages listeners' imaginations.