"An Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge" tells the strange story of a Confederate civilian sentenced to be hanged by the Union army. The short story by Ambrose Bierce was first published in 1890, and the text is available online from Wikisource.
In 1947, William N. Robson adapted this story for Escape, and though he took some liberties to fill the half-hour time slot, his dialogue and story enhancements were good. He added a scene with a deadly snake, presumably so we wouldn't forget what show we were listening to, and also added a scene with Jethro, a former slave. He presented his radio play once on Escape and then three times on Suspense. Though the script is the same in all four episodes, the lead role was played by four different actors. Most notably, by Joseph Cotten and Vincent Price.
"An Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge" was produced, directed and adapted for Escape by William N. Robson. The role of Peyton Fahrquhar was played by Harry Bartell and Jethro was played by Luis Van Rooten. William Conrad and Bill Johnstone narrated. This episode aired on December 10, 1947.
. Download Escape_12.10.1947_OwlCreekBridge.mp3
Nine years later, the story was presented for the first time on Suspense. Victor Jory starred. This episode aired on December 9, 1956.
. Download suspense_1956.12.09_Occurrence At Owl Creek Bridge.mp3
Suspense presented a slightly shorter version of the same radio-play on December 15, 1957. Joseph Cotten played Peyton Fahrquhar. Also appearing were Ellen Morgan, Harry Bartell, Jack Kruschen, Lou Merrill, and Roy Glenn. William Conrad was the narrator. This episode aired on December 15, 1957.
. Download Suspense_1957.12.15_OccurenceatOwlCreekBridge.mp3
Suspense presented this story for the last time on July 9, 1959, with Vincent Price in the lead role. Also appearing were Cathy Lewis, Barney Phillips, Sam Pierce, Roy Glenn, Norm Alden, and Sam Edwards.
. Download Suspense_1959.07.19_OccurrenceatOwlCreekBridge.mp3
(Image of Ambrose Bierce from Wikipedia)
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