The Suspense episode, "A Thing of Beauty," tells of a beautiful London stage actress of yesteryear named Madeleine Tremaine. As the story begins, Madeleine is a recluse who accepts no visitors other than the local vicar, Father Benson. He is soon to retire and Father Benson wants Mr. Sedley, the new curate, to continue to counsel her. So, he has brought Mr. Sedley with him on his fortnightly visit to Madeleine.
They arrive at her house during a thunderstorm and sit with her in a darkened parlor. As she reminisces about her career, she tells them about her first stage role. Though she had a small part, Madeleine had upstaged the lead actress, Nell Garrett, too many times by showing off her ankles and performing other distracting "gutter antics" during Nell's scenes. It had all led to a confrontation with Nell Garrett in which Madeleine received a smack in the face. Later that same night, Nell Garrett was found with a knife in her back.
Suspense aired "A Thing of Beauty" twice. The first time, June Duprez starred as Madeleine. Herbert Rawlinson, and John McIntire also appeared. The radioplay was adapted from a story by Elizabeth Hiestand and written by Robert L. Richards. Produced and directed by William Spier, this episode aired on December 28, 1944.
. Download suspense_1944.12.28_ A_Thing_Of_Beauty.mp3
The second time this episode was performed it starred Angela Lansbury as Madeleine. Hans Conried and Cathy Lewis also appeared. The second version includes a few script changes but the story is the same. It aired on May 29, 1947.
. Download Suspense_1947.05.29_AThingofBeauty.mp3
(Image of Angela Lansbury from The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945) Wikimedia Commons)
Any idea where the original story can be found? This one was really good! I want more!
Posted by: Cherry | June 29, 2011 at 01:12 AM
Can you tell me where I canlistento ESCAPE on the internet?
I listen to it now on the XM radio in my car ---GReg Bell Media site...but I want to be able to listen on the internet...
Can someone email at baumgardn4@aol.com and tell me...I would really appreciate it!
JMB in Maryland
Posted by: Jeanine Baumgardner | July 03, 2011 at 04:22 PM
Hi Cherry,
Let's see, I wrote this post quite a while back. If I don't include info about the original story, it was because I had trouble finding it. If, however, I do find it in the future, I will let you know.
Best,
Christine
Posted by: Cmillinsf | July 05, 2011 at 10:51 AM