Ed McBain's Reruns - Minipod: Something Fall Guy

Hark! It's an 87th Precinct podcast mini-episode.

This is a little bonus for you all whilst we're still getting sorted ready to tackle Nocturne, the next 'main' book in the series. It gives me an opportunity to tell you all about the TV Guide exclusive 87th Precinct story Reruns. Meyer and Carella are dealing with a burglary at an actor's apartment. Who are all these people taking his stuff to the pawn-shops?

I also answer a listener question all about Ed McBain's working habits - where and when did he write? If you'd like to ask us something please use 'Hark87Podcast' on most social things or email us.

Fare thee well.

Hark! Bonus Interview with Erin MacDonald

Hark! It's an 87th Precinct Podcast special edition.

Joining Paul for this interview is author and professor of English, Erin MacDonald. Erin wrote the essential guide to Evan Hunter's many works, "Ed McBain/Evan Hunter - A Literary Companion", which was published in 2012, and has just completed her new companion piece to the works of Ian Rankin, "Ian Rankin - A Companion to the Mystery Fiction", both available from McFarland.

We've been trying to get hold of Erin for a while, so we're thrilled to have had a chance to chat to her about her books and her research process and some of the things that Rankin and McBain have in common. Hope you enjoy this. Find Erin's books in physical and digital format where you'd normally go (but support indie booksellers where possible!) and you can find Erin's own website here.

Fare thee well.

Mini-Pod: A Selection of Pseudonyms for Sal Lombino

Hark! It's an 87th Precinct podcast Mini-pod.

To fill a gap in our main schedule, Paul presents this quick run-through of the various pseudonyms/name changes used by Evan Hunter throughout his life. This is based in part on some of the research currently being done for the proposed 87th Precinct book that's being worked on at the moment. Hope you find this little stop-gap interesting - let us know your thoughts on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or email us at Hark87Podcast@gmail.com.

Fare Thee Well.

Side-pod: Find The Feathered Serpent - Reduckulous

Hark! It's an 87th Precinct side-pod!

Happy New Year everyone. Thanks for joining us again in 2020. To kick things off, whilst the regular team are still off on holiday, here's a special episode 'completing the set' of the early Evan Hunter juvenile fiction novels for the Winston Science Fiction range. It's the first of those stories, 1952's Find The Feathered Serpent - a tale of time machines, vikings and the hunt for a Mayan god.

Returning to discuss this book is author Garry Abbott (find his books here), Paul's brother. As you can probably hear on this episode, it was taped over Christmas. A long drive and a spot of Cava is the excuse for Paul's poorly-working-brain. Still, we dig into the implausibilities of this already implausible tale, identify a McBain-style of writing in gestation and also take a look at some British and US television and music from the time the book was published.

We'll be back soon with our main episodes and possibly some more bonus material to keep you ticking over. Thanks for staying on the McBain path with us. Fare thee well.

Side-Pod: Barney Miller, Christmas Story - Exotic Yoxall

Hark! It's an 87th Precinct podcast bonus Christmas episode!

Many festive greetings unto you and yours from us and ours. We've finally taken the plunge and delved into the world of Barney Miller, as so many of you suggested that it seems very much like McBain's 87th Precinct tales. And what better episode to watch than Series 3, Episode 10 - Christmas Story. Broadcast over the holidays in 1976, this was on TV between the last book we looked at (So Long As You Both Shall Live) and the next one we'll do (Long Time No See). Sgt Yemana has some doubts about his date, Detective Fish has to get into the big red suit, Wojo helps a man survive a nervous breakdown and Detective Harris gets his presents from the drug-store. There's all sorts going on at the 12th Precinct on Christmas Eve, so here's what Paul, Morgan and Stevo think about it.

We also look at the Christmas Number 1s of 1976 and, of course, discuss that most festive of TV shows, Baywatch Nights. Join us again for our regular episodes in the New Year, but keep an eye open for more Bonus Content to keep you ticking over until then. Visit www.ko-fi.com/hark87podcast if you feel like dropping us a present! Fare thee well.

Side-pod: Appointment On Mars - The Phantom Of The Opera Duck

Hark! It's an 87th Precinct Podcast side-pod!

Paul is joined in this episode by old friend and this podcast's first ever guest, illustrator Adam Paxman. They're looking at Appointment on Mars, the S.A.Lombino story for the television anthology series, Tales of Tomorrow in 1952. This was Lombino/Hunter/McBain's first credited piece of television and draws heavily on his skills as a writer of science-fiction short stories.
Along the way we discuss the cast, the production, the high quality of C H Maslan carpets and Adam tells an unexpected tale about a duck. So step into your one-piece space overall, get out your space lump-hammer and be prepared to learn all about what can go wrong when you send a Pilot, A Scientist and An Idiot to Mars.

Fare thee well!

Adam Paxman's portfolio is online here: http://www.adampaxman.com/ and you can find the full Appointment on Mars episode on Archive.org.

If you'd like to contribute to the running of the show, please buy us a digital coffee at www.ko-fi.com/hark87podcast - thanks!

Hark! Solo-pod: Short Stories - Roger Lasagna?

Hark! It's an 87th Precinct Podcast bonus stopgap, er, thing...

Just so you don't go mad waiting to hear Paul's dulcet tones again, here's a short episode that takes a quick trek around his bookshelves looking at collections of short-stories he loves and then an examination of Ed McBain/Evan Hunter's story collections in a little more detail. We appreciate it's taken a little longer than usual to get round to the next 87th Precinct book, so this is offered by way of a little stopgap.

Featured in this episode particularly are the books THE RETURN OF MR CAMPION, written by Margery Allingham and published by Agora Books - a fine collection and THE DIMENSION SCALES by Garry Abbott.

We'll see you soon for Let's Hear It For The Deaf Man.

Side-Pod - Rocket To Luna - Your Eyebrows Ran Away

IGNITION! It's an 87th Precinct Side-Pod.

Strap on your heavy metal space boots, take a sip from your feeding tube and hail that space taxi - we're launching into orbit and beyond in this special edition all about the Richard Marsten science-fiction book Rocket To Luna.

Another story in the Winston Science Fiction range (as with Danger: Dinosaurs), Rocket To Luna sees Marsten/Hunter speculate on what could happen on the first trip to the moon in the far off year of 1983, imagine what it would be like to be seventeen and in space and provide a stark warning about the hazards of poor riveting.

To discuss whether the story is riveting or not is returning guest, Garry Abbott, who earns his return visit by virtue of his own works as a writer of speculative fiction and sci-fi. Find Garry's author page here. Join us to hear all about this book, all about a particular film and discover why Paul wasn't allowed to go into space in the eighties himself. Until next time, Fare Thee Well.

Hark! Solo-pod: Ed McBain Magazines and Comics

Hark! It's an 87th Precinct extra-special bonus side-pod podcast!

Inspired by a query about a particular magazine from the 1970s by the author Sarah Weinman on Twitter, I fell down a research rabbit-hole and have emerged clutching a whole bunch of information about the various attempts at 'spinning-off' from the 87th Precinct.

The early sixties saw the emergence of Ed McBain's Mystery Book and the 87th Precinct comic and the seventies brought us Ed McBain's 87th Precinct Mystery Magazine. Who brought these to life, how long did they last, who contributed? All questions are, sort of, answered (or at least speculated on) in this solo-podcast from series host, Paul Abbott.

If you like the show, please consider rating & reviewing it on your podcast app, and telling friends who you think would like the show. The usual format is a three-way discussion about each book in the series. All the back-episodes are still available, including bonus interviews and reviews of adaptations and other related McBain stuff. 

Hope you enjoy this episode as much as I enjoyed researching it. Fare thee well!

Sidepod: Fuzz (1972) - Nourish A Vagrant

Hark! It's an 87th Precinct Sidepod!

In this episode, Paul is joined by fan-of-Burt-Reynolds and podcaster (in that order?), John Rain. You can find info about John's fantastic James Bond and Michael Caine podcast, SMERSHPOD through the Twitter page and keep an eye open for John's new podcast, All Rather Mysterious, which aims to solve the mysteries of the past, in the presence of comedians Eleanor Morton and David Reed.

John and Paul got together to chat through the 1972 film version of Ed McBain's 1968 book, Fuzz (find that podcast using this link!) which finds the 87th Precinct now mysteriously in the real world, in Boston and features Burt Reynolds as Steve Carella, Raquel Welch as Eileen McHenry (think Eileen Burke, eight-seven fans!), Tom Skerritt as Bert Kling and many more of the squad - not to mention Yul Brynner as The Deaf Man. We contemplate why the film never got a sequel, harassment in the workplace, whether McBain wrote mucky books and whether Dom DeLuise should have been in the film. Warning: Contains a couple of rude bits (the podcast, not the film). 

The film was adapted by Evan Hunter himself and was directed by Richard A. Colla (Battlestar Galactica, Ironside).

If you've seen the film, let us know what you think at our Twitter or FB page and if you fancy dropping us the price of a digital coffee, pop to KOFI and drop some coins in the jar. Anything we get will go back into the podcast.

Side-Pod - Danger: Dinosaurs! - A Slimy Assistant

ROAR! It's an 87th Precinct Side-pod.

Come with us now as we skate over the surface of time, bumping back through the years to 1953 and to the story, DANGER: DINOSAURS! by Richard Marsten.

Evan Hunter, king of pseudonyms, wrote a few juvenile fiction/Sci-fi books early in his career of which this is one such lizard-filled example. Taking time-travel as a starting point, Hunter/Marsten brings us Goodies, Baddies, Monsters, Mayhem, Machinations and a Singing Chef. Who could ask for more?

Trying to make sense of the story with Paul this episode is his brother, Garry Abbott, a writer of Sci-Fi/Speculative fiction whose work can be found at https://garryabbott.com, with his books available via Amazon. Sweep back the jungly tendrils of the cycads and join us on our mission.

Fare thee wel... oh lord... no... ALLOSAURUS.... AAAAAARGH!

Side-Pod - 87th Precinct, Line Of Duty: Good Hat Acting

Hark! It's an 87th Precinct side-pod!

We jump time-streams from the 87th Precinct of the written-word to the 87th Precinct of the acted-world, as we explore the fifth episode of the NBC TV series (1961-62) based on Ed McBain's stories. McBain/Hunter himself only wrote three teleplays for the series. Two were based on books but this one, Line Of Duty, was an original story.

Paul shares what he's found out about the story and we speculate on how it relates to the broader concept and series of the 87th Precinct and we also say the word "Haberdashery" several times. You have been warned.

This december bonus episode has been enhanced by the amazing generosity of one of our listeners, thus providing us with ample book-huffing opportunities. Should you wish to gift us anything, then our hearts would be gladdened by a review or rating on whatever podcast platform you use - a share and a recommendation to others goes a long way too!

There's more extra pods coming soon, but we'll be back before too long with our main podcast and 1966's "EIGHTY MILLION EYES". See you soon, Merry Christmas and Fare Thee Well!

Hark! Bonus Interview - James Naughtie

Hark! It's an 87th Precinct Extra Special Bonus Podcast!

We're delighted to be able to bring you this short extra episode, which features a discussion with radio presenter, James Naughtie, who is a well-known voice to millions in the UK, as presenter of the fantastic show, Bookclub, on BBC Radio 4 (also available as a podcast), the former presenter of the flagship morning news programme, Today, amongst other duties as a correspondent and contributor. He's also a writer himself, having written history and music books, as well as thriller stories. 

During the recent Liverpool Literary Festival, James was presenting an episode of Bookclub and hosting other talks, and having heard about his love for McBain in an article for the Radio Times, we contacted him and he kindly and enthusiastically agreed to meet up and have a chat. Paul went along with his trusty portable recorder and spoke to this broadcasting legend about his love for McBain, Wodehouse, Simenon and much more - this is a conversation about love for reading, love for the worlds authors can create and James also tells us about his own encounter with Evan Hunter. 

We hope you enjoy this. Please share, rate and review us - it all helps us to reach a wider audience and if you feel inclined to donate the price of a digital coffee towards the running of the show, you can do so at www.ko-fi-com/hark87podcast. Thanks for listening - see you soon for our next episode about Ed McBain's "DOLL". Fare thee well.

Side-Pod - The Birds: Oh My Giddy Aunt *THWACK*

Hark! It's an 87th Precinct Sidepod!

Join Paul and his special guest, Herbert West of the Doctor Who Podcast “Trial Of A Timelord”, as they discuss Alfred Hitchcock’s 1963 film “The Birds”.

In the late fifties and early sixties, Hitchcock and Evan Hunter crossed paths a few times in the course of the making of the TV series “Alfred Hitchcock Presents…” and this led to Hitch inviting Hunter to adapt the 1952 short story by Daphne Du Maurier into the screenplay for his next horror/thriller movie. The journey was not necessarily an easy one and we take a deep dive (from up in the sky – beak sharpened and pointed at your eyes) into what made this film a success, a failure or simply a cinematic curiosity, depending on your point of view (if you’ve got any eyes left after the dive-bombing).

Along the way we hear an interesting theory about how horror and police procedurals work, learn about the magical German device known as the Trautonium and find out what magpies get up to on the winter holidays.

If you want to know more about Hitch and Hunter’s relationship, Evan’s book “Me and Hitch” is a fascinating read, but we’ll put more on the blog about it for you to follow up!

Find “Trial Of A Timelord” on Twitter and Podbean – and why not start with the Paradise Towers episode, eh?

Fare thee well!

Hark! Bonus Interview - Otto Penzler at the Mysterious Bookshop

Hark! It's an 87th Precinct Extra Special Bonus Podcast!

We're absolutely thrilled to be bringing you this podcast - an interview with publisher and owner of the Mysterious Bookshop, Otto Penzler. Otto was a long time close friend and confidante to Evan Hunter and kindly agreed to meet up with Paul when he was recently in New York, to chat about their relationship and tell us more about what Hunter was like as a person. 

During the conversation, we discuss how much Evan's background may have bled into his books, the success of Evan Hunter vs the longevity of the 87th Precinct, who else fans of the 87th Precinct should be reading and Otto shares some personal recollections of a man who, it seems, was intense, honest, friendly, combative, funny and talented.

We can't thank Otto enough for being so open with us and agreeing to give up some of his working time to talk to us. Reward him by visiting the Mysterious Bookshop next time you're in New York, or exploring the Mysterious Press to find some amazing editions of classic authors. 

Thanks for listening. Please rate, review and share. We'd love as many people as possible to hear this great conversation. Visit us at our blog and buy us a coffee at Ko-Fi . Fare Thee Well!

Side-Pod - The Young Savages: A Glistening Pompadour

Hark! It's an 87th Precinct Podcast Sidepod

The team takes in the John Frankenheimer directed film "The Young Savages" from 1961. The film was based on Evan Hunter's "A Matter Of Conviction" from 1959 and is the tale of Hank Bell (Burt Lancaster) and his quest for the truth in preparation for his prosecution of three Italian street-gang members accused of the First-Degree murder of a Puerto Rican boy. When placed alongside the 87th Precinct book "See Them Die" of 1960, it seems streets gangs were much on Hunter's mind.

As we go along we hear some great jazz-slang, Paul's Bin Mystery, Stephen's very best Audiobook voice and discuss another link to the world of Columbo!

Join us soon as we slide back out of the 'real' New York back to the parallel-world of Isola and the 87th Precinct for the next book in the series, "The Empty Hours". Fare thee well. 

Side-Pod Bonus Episode - Inkaar: Sellotape a Phone to a Banana

Hark! It's an 87th Precinct Podcast Side-Pod Bonus Episode! (Phew!)

Hop once more onto the train that left from the station called "King's Ransom - 1959", stopped off at "High and Low - 1963" and is now on the way to "Inkaar - 1977" and then join us in our comfy, sunken living-room seating as Paul and his guest Lorraine (twitter.com/lolmidgeand twitter.com/lolmidgefilms) discuss the late Seventies Bollywood movie Inkaar.

Inkaar was an adaptation of Kurosawa's film, yet is very different and also has some other aspects of McBain's book included. In this bonus-to-a-side-pod episode we discuss what makes a Bollywood film a Bollywood film, wonder about the global penetration of Ind Coope's "Double Diamond" beer and marvel at the strange policing decisions of Inspector Gill (the 'Carella' character).

We'll be back to the main podcast soon with 1960's "See Them Die" - get practising your Spanish, for we shall meet again in the barrio!

Side-Pod - Kurosawa's High and Low: Milkman's Day Out

Hark! It's an 87th Precinct Podcast Sidepod!

Come with us now back to 1963, to Yokohama in Japan, to the glossy Highs of Mr.Gondo's hilltop villa and the seedy Lows of Mr.Takeuchi's shack in the slums. Join us as we follow Chief Detective's Tokura and "Bos'n" Taguchi on the trail of what appears to be a simple kidnapping case that turns into something much more dramatic.

Based on McBain's 1959 novel, King's Ransom, Akira Kurosawa's film Tengoku to Jigoku (Heaven or Hell, but widely known as High and Low) is a fantastic feature which not only provides plenty for the fan of Police Procedural stories to enjoy, but also presents one of the most unique and effective morality tales ever put on screen.

Joining the regular crew for this review is Stef Bradley, cinema fan, illustrator and good pal, to put us to shame with her effective note-taking and ability to not try to crowbar Carry On... film references into everything. Find Stef on Twitter at twitter.com/todayzine and online at todayzine.bigcartel.com - Stef also read King's Ransom in advance of this and gives her thoughts and awards an Honorary Police Shield ranking to the book!

Along the way we meet a crackers incinerator operator, discuss the many different types of Highs and Lows and revel in the majesty of The Dirty Bare-Chested Police Squad. Hope you enjoy it! Please keep sharing, rating and reviewing wherever you get your podcasts. See you soon for McBain's "See Them Die".

A New Way To Listen

Hark!

Soon after our podcast episodes are launched on Apple, Acast, Hearthis.at  etc., we'll be making them available on our Youtube Channel as well!

Simply visit the link under picture below to visit the channel. Feel free to subscribe, share, comment and like (or dislike. I mean, we wouldn't censure you via the medium of a graphical thumb, but whatever...). If there's anything you'd like us to do to enhance the videos, make a suggestion!

Hark! The 87th Precinct Podcast Youtube Channel

All of the back episodes, bonus episodes and side-pods are available now.

Side-Pod - Star Trek Assignment Earth: DISCO BEAR

Hark! It’s an 87^th Precinct Podcast Sidepod!

We slip time-streams today and end up in the 23^rd Century before being whizzed straight back to the 20^th Century, 1968 to be precise, as we look at what could have been Star Trek’s swan-song. The episode “Assignment: Earth” was the final episode of season two of Star Trek at a time when the show was threatened with cancellation. This episode was intended as a back-door pilot for a new spin-off.

So how does this relate to the gritty and down to earth world of Ed McBain and the 87^th Precinct? Well, it’s linked by two very thin strands. The main star of the episode is the best on-screen version of Detective (2^nd Grade) Steve Carella, Robert Lansing as Gary Seven and also Leonard Nimoy who starred as a skinny-tie wearing, car-hiring, drug-running baddy in the 87^th Precinct TV series in 1961.

Joining Paul for the chat is illustrator, educator and all-round sci-fi nerd, Adam Paxman. Search for his various art outputs online: Mister Paxman’s Glorious Bastards, The Museum of Fragmented Shadows and BurningZebra: The Abandoned Storybook – a treasure trove of grotesques, horrors, intrigue, sci-fi, adventure and philosophy in various forms.