Escape and Suspense!

Suspense - The Last Trip

"The Last Trip" is a tense story about a woman named Myra Jason, her boyfriend, and her husband, Mr. Jason. Myra and her boyfriend want her husband out of their lives. So, they devise a way to get rid of him with a simple time bomb. Mr. Jason is about to leave on a business trip, and their plan is to put their little gift in his suitcase and blow up the whole plane. Myra manages, with some difficulty, to get the gift into his suitcase, and Mr. Jason leaves for the airport. Then, Myra and her boyfriend wait for the news. They wait and they wait. Soon, they realize they didn't anticipate all of the things that could go wrong with their plan.

This episode is a good old-fashioned suspense tale with a ticking time bomb at the center of the action, but it is also an episode with something to say about thoughtfulness.

"The Last Trip" was written by Ralph Bell and Eugene Francis, who also appeared in this episode along with Robert Dryden and Connie Lempke.

This episode aired on November 8, 1959.

. Download Suspense_1959.11.08_TheLastTrip.mp3

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Escape - Incident in Quito

Escape's "Incident in Quito" is a harsh but amusing story about what can happen when you give the wrong gift.

In the wilds of an Ecuadorian jungle, an explorer named Frank Harvey is struggling to find something extraordinary to bring back from his expedition. When he learns that one of the local tribes has a special knack for shrinking the heads of their enemies, he is determined to obtain a few examples of their work. Frank's wife, Edith, is the one paying for this expedition, and she is an unpleasant, demanding woman. Tired of the jungle, she demands that they leave. Edith expects her husband to follow through on her orders, but he disobeys her. Frank wants those shrunken heads -- more than he wants her.

"Incident in Quito" was written by writer and Suspense sound effects technician Ross Murray. Antony Ellis produced/directed and Larry Thor starred as Frank Harvey. Also appearing were: Jeanne Bates, Edgar Barrier, Don Diamond, Fay Baker, Jack Kruschen, and Tony Barrett. This episode aired on December 7, 1952.

.  Download Escape__1952.12.07_IncidentinQuito.mp3

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Suspense - No Hiding Place

"No Hiding Place" has one of Suspense's more dramatic intros. Who is narrating? It appears to be the "voice of all humankind" giving us a sermon. What better way to begin an episode that has something to say about nuclear war, television, and the media?

The story opens with Sam Endover, his wife, Mary-Lou, and their two children. They are the first family in Happy Valley to have their own fallout shelter. Mary-Lou is annoyed by the shelter and by the media attention that has come upon them without warning. Their son, Sandy, thinks the shelter is "cool and a half." Their daughter Cindy thinks... well actually, Cindy isn't much of a thinker.

When one of the reporters doubts that the family would be able to survive down in the shelter for a long period, Sam tells him that he and his family will spend the whole weekend in the shelter to demonstrate just how easy it is.

By the end of the day they are all ready to give up on their demonstration. When they try to leave, however, they realize that a natural disaster has trapped them inside.

"No Hiding Place" was written for Suspense by William N. Robson. Court Benson and Grace Matthews starred as Sam and Mary-Lou.  Leon Janney played the mayor and Lee Vines played Charlie Lemon. This episode aired on October 1, 1961.

.  Download Suspense_1961.10.01_NoHidingPlace.mp3

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Suspense - The Sisters

"The Sisters" begins with the purchase of a coffin for someone who has not yet died. Lydia Haskell explains that she has had a premonition of her own death and wants to plan her own funeral arrangements. The mortician and the police don't believe her story and think she is suicidal. It appears, however, that Lydia may have someone else in mind for that coffin. Her sister, Ellie, is a madwoman who lives in the attic of Lydia's house. One of them is going to die, but which one?

"The Sisters" was written for Suspense by screenwriter George Wells and was presented three times. The script is more or less the same in each version, but the performances vary with the actresses in the lead roles. The first time this story aired, Ida Lupino starred as the cold and calculating Lydia Haskell and Agnes Moorehead put in a gentle performance as Ellie. This episode was produced/directed by William Spier and aired on February 3, 1944.

.  Download Suspense_1944.02.03_TheSisters.mp3

The second time Suspense presented this story, Rosalind Russell and Lurene Tuttle starred. In this version, the sister fight scenes are the best and we get a better sense of how disturbed Lydia is.  This episode was produced/directed by Anton Leader and aired on December 9, 1948.

Download Suspense_1948.12.09_TheSisters.mp3

The third time this story was presented Francis Farmer and Cathy Lewis starred. This version is shorter and less intense . It was produced/directed by William N. Robson and aired on March 30, 1958.

Download Suspense_1958.03.30_The Sisters.MP3

(Image of Rosalind Russell and Lurene Tuttle performing "The Sisters" from Library of Congress/American Memory)

The Holiday Season is Upon Us

It is family-holiday funtime! Here we see our office boy Jimmy being criticized by his family for listening to too much vintage radio. He has put on a helmut to muffle out the sound of their complaints. Good for you, Jimmy!

Anyhow, Thanksgiving is over and now the Christmas season is upon us. Here at Escape and Suspense!, that means that I am putting together a line-up of episodes about family, gifts, adventure, and Christmas.

To begin, we present Suspense's portrait of sisterly madness and deception in the episode, "The Sisters." The screaming and yelling in this story may just remind you of home and your own dear sis.

Happy Holidays!

-Christine

Escape - Log of the Evening Star

Escape's "Log of the Evening Star" is an excellent radio adaptation of a story by the English poet Alfred Noyes. This tale of a doomed ship was originally published in the book Walking Shadows; Sea Tales and Others in 1918. The short story is available online at R.U.R.itania Muglug.

The events that occurred on the South Seas schooner Evening Star are narrated to us by Mr. Harper, the first mate. As the episode opens, we are listening to his written account of the voyage, but it isn't the ship's official log. Harper has left his own log behind.

Mr. Harper explains that the Evening Star was set to sail on a routine voyage from San Francisco to Tahiti with 12 persons aboard. Captain Dayrell, the previous captain of the Evening Star, had died onboard three months earlier and the former first mate, Mr. Burgess, was the new captain. When Captain Burgess arrived with his new bride, the crew was stunned to see that he had married Mrs. Dayrell, the wife of their former captain. The new Mrs. Burgess, who had sailed with them before, would be accompanying them on this trip as well.

Three weeks into the voyage, the ghost of Captain Dayrell appears onboard and begins to murder his former crew.

"Log of the Evening Star" was adapted for radio by Les Crutchfield and produced/directed by William N. Robson. Jack Webb of Dragnet fame, appeared as Harper. Alan Reed, the familiar voice of cartoon character Fred Flinstone, played Captain Burgess. Gail Page played Mrs. Burgess and ethnic character actor Luis Van Rooten played Kato and the cat.

.  Download escape_1948.03.14_Log of Evening Star.mp3

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Suspense - Melody in Dreams

"Melody in Dreams" was Suspense's idea of an anti-drug cautionary tale.

The episode begins with an overwrought father, named Mr. Graf, who has made a citizen's arrest of his 16-year old daughter, Joanie. He found marijuana in her room, and not just a little. The police arrive and question Mr. Graf and Joanie. The narcotics division has been trying to find the source of the drugs that are permeating the local high schools and they hope that Joanie's arrest will lead them toward that source. It isn't just marijuana that is being sold to the local kids, but opium and heroin as well.

At first, Joanie plays the tough little minx when interrogated, but then she realizes the pain she has caused her father, and starts to 'fess up. She now seems adorable and innocent.

Joanie tells the police about her boyfriend, Nicky Malone. He's the no-goodnick who has been supplying her with the stuff. She remains innocent and adorable through the rest of the episode, which is a let-down.

"Melody in Dreams" was written by Richard George Pendicini. It is more of a police drama than a show about the dangers of drugs, but overall, it is an interesting time-capsule from 1952. The background music throughout this episode is nicely done. John Lund and Joseph Kearns starred as the detectives. Junius Matthews played Mr. Graf. Also appearing were Sam Edwards, Howard McNear, Shepard Menken, and Anne Whitfield.

This episode aired on December 29, 1952.

.  Download Suspense_1952.12.29.MelodyInDreams.mp3

(Image from Wikimedia Commons)

Suspense - Dame Fortune

Suspense's "Dame Fortune" is set in Southern California and when the story opens, we are brought into the fashionable home of Jean and Frank Nicholson. They are throwing an elegant soiree to celebrate their fifth anniversary and Jean, played by guest star Susan Hayward, sings a little bit of Cole Porter's, "I've Got You Under My Skin." After that it turns into a tale of blackmail and murder.

During the party, Jean receives a phone call from an old "friend" named Charles Prescott. He has just been released from prison and wants her help. It seems that he went to prison for a murder they both committed and he feels that she owes him. When they meet to discuss his demands, Charles tells her that he wants to murder her husband so that Jean can inherit the estate. His blackmail threat ensures that she will then share the inheritance with him. Jean agrees, but then tells her husband what has happened. They hire a private investigator named Mr. Sparks to follow Charles.

Susan Hayward not only had a fantastic voice for radio, but she knew how to make a radio script come alive. At the time she appeared in this episode she was promoting her upcoming film, Smash Up: The Story of a Woman, for which she would receive an Academy Award nomination.

"Dame Fortune" was adapted for Suspense by Robert L. Richards from a story by Max Wilk and Ted Murkland. Wally Maher, who seemed to always play the detective in these kinds of episodes, played the sophisticated husband this time around. Also appearing were Hans Conried and William Johnstone.

This episode aired on October 24, 1946.

.  Download Suspense.1946.10.24_Dame Fortune.mp3

(Image of Susan Hayward in Smash Up from Wikipedia)

Escape - The Man Who Won the War

"The Man Who Won the War" was adapted from the classic short story written by Robert Buckner. This World War I tale about a British officer first appeared in the Atlantic Monthly in February of 1936. It was reprinted shortly afterwards in Reader's Digest (April 1936) and was also included in the anthology book, The Best American Short Stories of 1937. Robert Buckner later went on to become a screenwriter for movies and television. He was nominated for an Academy Award for the film Yankee Doodle Dandy in 1942.

According to Buckner's entry in the Dictionary of Literary Biography, "The Man Who Won the War" was based on an event in the life of a man named Cecil Brandon, whom Buckner met while in Europe. The story recounts a pivotal moment in World War I that supposedly took place on a beach in Belgium in October of 1914.

"The Man Who Won the War" was adapted for Escape by producer/director William N. Robson. The radio-play isn't an exact retelling of the original work but it is a worthy dramatization. It is an episode about patriotism and destiny. This Escape presentation also features an unusually large cast. Ben Wright starred as Commander Bradman. Also appearing were: John Dehner, Terry Kilbern, Joseph Kearns, Barton Yarborough, Jeff Corey, Ian Wolfe, Paul Frees, Charlie Lung, and John Hoyt.

This episode aired on February 28, 1950.

.  Download Escape.1950.02.28_TheManWhoWonTheWar.mp3

(Image of Remembrance Poppies from Wikipedia)

Suspense - I Had an Alibi

Suspense's "I Had an Alibi" is a radio noir that moves quickly through all of its twists and turns.

The story opens as a writer named Joseph Eichner is about to begin dictating his first novel to Miss Lansen, his new and unsociable secretary. He has a deadline to meet and they have to work fast. He then narrates to her a dark story of deception and murder. At the center of it is an aspiring mystery writer who tries to get ahead in life in all of the wrong ways.

"I Had an Alibi" was written for Suspense by Mindret Lord, a man with a colorful background. Although he achieved a fair amount of success as a screenwriter, Lord took his own life in 1955. His best known work was the screenplay for the Bette Davis movie The Virgin Queen, which he cowrote with Academy Award winning screenwriter Harry Brown.

Keenan Wynn played Joseph Eichner and Cathy Lewis played Miss Lansen. Also appearing were Wally Maher, John McIntire, Lurene Tuttle, and Joseph Kearns.

This episode aired on January 4, 1945.

Download Suspense_1945.01.04_IHadAnAlibi.mp3

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Supense - Post Mortem

Suspense's "Post Mortem" was based on the Cornell Woolrich short story of the same name. It was first published in Black Mask magazine (April 1940) and it is currently available The Cornell Woolrich Omnibus.

The episode opens in the home of Josie and Stephen Archer as they go about their usual morning routine. After Stephen leaves for work, Josie is called from her bathtub by the clamoring of reporters at her front door. They inform her that she has just won $150,000 in the Irish Sweepstakes. Josie informs them that she didn't buy a ticket. So, how could she have won? 

Frances M. Nevins, Woolrich's biographer, singles this episode out for abuse as the "worst of all of Suspense's Woolrich based plays." In his book, First You Dream, Then You Die, he states: "As Woolrich wrote it, the story was an uncomfortable mix of serious and grotesquely comic elements, but it wasn't improved by the Suspense adapter's decision to play the whole show for laughs." (Pg. 497)

Suspense didn't do that badly. They just added their own flair to it. Their presentation, with all of its unique sound effects, has more originality than the lackluster version done for television by Alfred Hitchcock Presents twelve years later.

The Suspense television show adapted Woolrich's story in 1949, but that episode is not currently available.

"Post Mortem" starred Agnes Moorehead and Joseph Kearns. It was adapted for Suspense by Robert Tallman.

This episode aired on April 4, 1946.

.  Download suspense_1946.04.04_Post Mortem.mp3

See also: "Post Mortem" released last month on the Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Season Three collection.

(Image from stock.xchng)

Escape - Danger at Matecumbe

Escape's "Danger at Matecumbe" begins at the Miami city limits. There we meet a guy named Joe, who has just been politely escorted to the edge of town by the police. He is a bit down-on-his-luck and the police would like him to go elsewhere. As Joe is hitching his way north of Miami, he has a chance encounter with a famous author named William Res. Suddenly, his luck changes. Mr. Res offers Joe a job making personal appearances for him, but it requires returning to Miami. Joe accepts because he needs the money and because he is fascinated by Mr. Res' girlfriend, Henda.

Not long after he starts his new job, Joe realizes he hasn't just taken on all of the author's perks, but all of his problems as well.

"Danger at Matecumbe" was written for Escape by the husband and wife writing team of John and Gwen Bagni. Frank Lovejoy starred as Joe, Marie Windsor as Henda, and Ted de Corsia as Mr. Res.

This episode aired on March 24, 1950.

.  Download Escape_1950.03.24_DangeratMatecumbe.mp3

(Image from author's collection)

Suspense - The Lucky Lady

Suspense's "The Lucky Lady" is a story of theatrical superstition that stars a badass cat named Suzie.

The story begins in a boarding house for young actresses where the proprietress, Miss Leonora Plimm, is interviewing a man named George to be their handyman. Despite his lack of references, vague mentions of deceased family members, peculiar demeanor, and his hatred of cats -- the proprietress hires him anyway. The war has created a man-shortage and she has to hire someone to help keep the house together.  Her cat, "Lucky Lady Suzie" is unhappy about this. She yowls, spits and hisses her way through this episode with such ferocity that is hard to believe anyone would want to live with such an angry pet.

Suzie is considered lucky because struggling actresses who have been given a scratch by her have then become famous. One of the residents in the house, Dianne, receives a scratch and then becomes the "Toast of Broadway." She also dies mysteriously at the height of her fame.

"The Lucky Lady"  was written by Ruth Vital Nemick and was produced/directed by William Spier. Academy award winning actress Fay Bainter starred as Miss Leonora Plimm. Also appearing were Cathy Lewis as Dianne, Elliot Lewis and Wally Maher.

This episode aired on February 14, 1946.

. Download Suspense_1946.02.14_The LuckyLady (WC).MP3

(Image from Wikimedia Commons)

Suspense - Phobia

"Phobia" stars stage actress Eva Le Gallienne as woman with a peculiar terror of touching anything metal. It is one of a few episodes of Suspense broadcast from New York in 1947.

The story centers around a wealthy, wheelchair-bound woman named Emily Haven. She lives with her crabby, kleptomaniacal sister Grace and their crafty servant Anna. Emily meets Mr. Henry Lane when he comes to her house to collect for the items Grace has stolen from his store. Emily writes a check and the problem is resolved.  Mr. Lane continues to visit the ladies from then on, and soon finds out about Emily's phobia of metal. It is blatant that he is after her money, but Emily is entertained by the way he goes about it. It stops being amusing when he forces her to agree to his marriage proposal by caressing her with a silver candlestick.

"Phobia" was written for Suspense by Joel Hunt and produced/directed by William Spier. Eva Le Gallienne, an accomplished New York stage actress, director, and producer starred as Emily Haven. Also featured were Jeannette Nolan and Joseph Kearns.

This episode aired on June 26, 1947.

Download Suspense_1947.06.26_Phobia.mp3

(Image from Morguefile.com )

Suspense: The Lost Episodes Collection 2

Hello,

Just a reminder that Suspense: The Lost Episodes Collection 2 was released on October 30th. (Click on the purple widget to the left for more information.)

It's been a busy Halloween here at Escape and Suspense! and I will be posting this weekend's new episodes soon. In the meantime, check out our television blog (www.suspensetelevision.com) which has already been updated.  This week, I examined the television version of the Suspense classic "On a Country Road."

Best,

Christine