The Silent Men

The Silent Men tells stories of America's undercover operatives, adapted from actual covert operations in the 1940s and early 1950s. It features investigative tales from many different agencies, such as the CIA, the FBI, and the Secret Service, as well as other agencies whose use of undercover enforcement work is less well-known, such as the Post Office and the Commerce Department.

Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., created and starred in the show. At the beginning of each half-hour episode, he receives his marching orders from his boss, often played by William Conrad best remembered as radio's Matt Dillon and TV's Cannon, then proceeds to complete his mission.

It is thought that Fairbanks was inspired to create the series in part to recognize those who are often unrecognized, because of his own involvement in planning and managing covert operations during his own service in World War II. His many assignments included service with Britain's Lord Mountbatten's Commando Staff at the behest of the U. S. Navy.

For more information, see the Old Time Radio Catalog.

Series description provided by Frank Bell.