"The House in Cypress Canyon" has a reputation as one the superior horror episodes produced during the "Golden Age of Radio." What makes this story about werewolves interesting is that it was not a Halloween episode--it was Suspense's idea of a Christmas story. As such, it has to be one the most chilling Christmas tales ever told.
The story begins in the office of a Hollywood real estate agent named Jerry. He is about to put up a sign advertising a new home in Cypress Canyon, but he is having doubts about doing so. This property has one peculiarity that he can't explain. A shoebox containing a manuscript was found by construction workers inside the unfinished house. The mysterious manuscript detailed a disturbing story about what would happen to the future occupants. Not sure what to do, Jerry asks his friend Sam, a detective, for advice.
"The House in Cypress Canyon" was written by Robert L. Richards and was produced/directed by William Spier. Robert Taylor starred as James A. Woods and Cathy Lewis played Ellen. Also appearing were Wally Maher, Paul Frees, Howard Duff, Jim Backus, and Hans Conried. This episode aired on December 5, 1946.
. Download Suspense_1945.12.05_TheHouseInCypressCanyon.mp3
(Image from Wikimedia Commons)
In this episode of Suspense, Howard Duff played the role of a detective the character played by Hans Conreid calls "Sam". Suspense producer William Spier also produced "The Adventures of Sam Spade", about Dashiell Hammett's famous "Maltese Falcon" character, starring Howard Duff in the title role. It appears Spier decided to have a little fun in this episode with a sort of "cameo" appearance by the central character of another of his own shows!
Posted by: Tom Gabriel | October 22, 2009 at 08:59 PM