"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)
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