Escape and Suspense!

Escape - Seeds of Greed

"Seeds of Greed" is a story about two men obsessed with retrieving a fortune in pearls from a sunken ship.

The story begins in a port city, off the coast of Borneo. There, Kenneth Brown is wasting his life in the bars on the waterfront. One day he meets Lee, a pearl merchant who wants to hire him to command a ship that he has just bought. Lee is particularly interested in Brown because he needs someone who can operate the sonar equipment.

Brown is in need of money, so he takes Lee up on his offer. A few days later they head off on an expedition to salvage a treasure of pearls at the bottom of the ocean. The only thing standing in the way of success is their mistrust of each other and their greed.

"Seeds of Greed" was written by Freud A. Nelson and produced/direct by William N. Robson. Gary Merrill played Brown and Ben Wright (the English character actor) played the role of Lee the Chinese pearl merchant. This episode aired on December 27, 1949.

.  Download Escape_1949.12.27_SeedsOfGreed.mp3

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Suspense - And So to Sleep My Love

"And So to Sleep My Love" is a Suspense episode from 1961, but the story seems reminiscent of their radio-plays from earlier years. In it, a man devises a clever plan to murder his wife for her money.

George is tired of being told what to do by his wife, May. He does what she says, not because he agrees with her, but because she is the one with the money.

George finally arrives at the decision that he would be better off with just the money and not May. So, he devises a way to drive her crazy by making her believe that she is hearing screaming in the night. The plan is for her to become so worn out from lack of sleep that she will turn to sleeping tablets. When she does, he plans to arrange an overdose.

"And So to Sleep My Love" was written for Suspense by Dave W. Gilbert and produced/directed by Bruno Zirato, Jr. William Redfield played George and Elaine Rost played May. Also appearing were Bernard Remlo and Bryna Rayburn. Abby Lewis provided the voice of the screaming woman.

. Download Suspense_1961.12.10_AndSoToSleep.mp3

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The Educated Dummy

Adding to our collection of old time radio shows about the dangers of ventriloquist's dummies, here is an episode of Blackstone, The Magic Detective called "The Educated Dummy."

In this story, Blackstone and his assistant, Rhoda, are playing a charity benefit. Rhoda loves their dressing room, but she isn't impressed by the ventriloquist act that goes on before them. In her opinion, the act is "pure corn."

Rhoda is right, but that corny ventriloquist just may have a better trick up his sleeve than Blackstone.

This twelve minute mystery aired on Halloween in 1948, but it isn't scary. Ed Jerome played Blackstone and Fran Carlon played Rhoda.

This episode aired on October 31, 1948.

.  Download Blackstone_1948.10.31_Educated_Dummy.mp3

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Suspense - The Whole Town's Sleeping

"The Whole Town's Sleeping" was closely adapted from the Ray Bradbury short story of the same name, and it will make you think twice about walking home alone at night.

As the episode opens, Lavinia Nebbs is sitting on her porch waiting for her friend, Francine, so that they can go to a movie. When Francine arrives, they start walking towards the movie theater downtown. To get there, they must cross a dark and steep ravine that cuts through the middle of their town.

It would seem that crossing the ravine would be the most dangerous aspect of their trip, but it isn't. Their small Illinois town has been traumatized by a series of murders, each one a month apart, by a strangler called "The Lonely One." Lavinia isn't afraid of "The Lonely One," but Francine is. Lavinia says "Bosh!" to all of it and insists that it will be safe for her to walk home alone after the movie. Will it?

"The Whole Town's Sleeping" was produced, directed, and adapted for radio by Antony Ellis. William Conrad narrated and Jeannette Nolan played Lavinia. Also featured were Eve McVeagh and Paula Winslowe. This episode June 14, 1955.

. Download Suspense_1955.06.14_TheWholeTownsSleeping.mp3

This story was presented again on August 31, 1958. William Conrad narrated and Agnes Moorehead played Lavinia. (The sound quality of this episode isn't the best.)

. Download Suspense_1958.08.31_WholeTown's Sleeping.MP3

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Escape - The Price of the Head

Escape's "The Price of the Head" was loosely adapted from the short story of the same name by John Russell. It is available, along with several other stories that were adapted into Escape episodes, in a book called The Red Mark: And Other Stories (1919).

The episode opens in a place called Fufuti in the Solomon Islands. There, an alcoholic named Christopher Pellett has become a nuisance and embarrassment to all but his devoted friend Karaki. When Pellett kills a Chinese man named Moy Jack, Karaki convinces Pellett to return with him to his home island of Bougainville. Karaki assures Pellett that the authorities will never find him there.

Escape's version is somewhat better than the short story, which leaves you with an indefinite ending.

This tale was presented twice on Escape. The first time was on October 19, 1952, but a decent recording of that episode is hard to come by.

"The Price of the Head" was adapted for radio by John Meston. Suspense writers Morton Fine and David Friedkin produced/directed this episode. The narrator was Mary Jane Croft. Hans Conried, Ben Wright, Jack Kruschen were featured. This episode aired on August 7, 1954.

.  Download Escape.1954.08.07_Price_of_the_Head.mp3

(Image from Wikipedia)

 

Suspense - Backseat Driver

"Backseat Driver" is a Suspense story that borrows from the urban legend, "The Killer in the Backseat." Radio comedians Fibber McGee & Molly appeared twice in this drama about a suburban couple held hostage by a killer.

According to the Encyclopedia of Urban Legends by Jan Harold Brunvand "The Killer in the Backseat" is a classic automobile horror legend in the United States. It is also a cautionary anecdote that has appeared in many articles on crime prevention. In it, the victim usually is a woman driving alone at night. Unbeknownst to her, a killer has slipped into the back seat of her car and is hiding there. The story ends with either a passing car on the road noticing the man in the backseat and following her, or with a gas station attendant noticing the man and asking the woman to step out of the car. Either way, the point of the story is to always check the backseat of your car before driving.

In Suspense's version, the intended victims are a husband and wife on their way home from a night out in Hollywood. As they are driving, they turn on the radio and hear a story about a murderer from New Hampshire who has been spotted in Los Angeles. Soon they discover that the murderer is in their backseat! The killer threatens that if they don't do as he says, he will kill the wife. As the three of them drive towards the San Fernando Valley, the husband tries to find a way to communicate their need for help to others on the road.

"Backseat Driver" was written for Suspense by Sally Thorson. Radio Hall-of-Famers Jim Jordan (a.k.a Fibber McGee) and Marion Jordan (a.k.a Molly) starred. Anton M. Leader produced/directed. This episode first aired on February 3, 1949 and it is probably the best version of the three.

. Download suspense_1949.02.03_ BackSeatDriver.mp3

Jim and Marion Jordan appeared in this story again on February 22, 1951. Elliott Lewis produced/directed.

. Download Suspense_1951.02.22_BackSeatDriverAFRS.mp3

Suspense presented this story for the last time on July 19, 1955. Parley Baer and Vivi Janiss starred. Antony Ellis produced/directed.

.  Download suspense_1955.07.19_ Backseat Driver.MP3

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Suspense - St. James Infirmary Blues

"St. James Infirmary Blues" is one of a number of Suspense episodes that were based on popular songs. In it, Rosemary Clooney appears as a gal looking for excitement in 1920's New York.

The song has an anonymous origin but it was derived from an 18th century English song called "The Unfortunate Rake." "St. James Infirmary Blues" was first made popular in 1928 by Louis Armstrong and it has since been recorded by many. While most renditions of this song appear to have been performed by men, Suspense wrote their episode around a female character. For more information about the song, there is a website devoted to "St. James Infirmary Blues" at NO Notes.

Rosemary Clooney, in her only appearance on Suspense, both sings the narration and plays the role of Sheila, a girl who falls for a handsome gangster named Nicky. It is a short-lived romance and Sheila ultimately ends up singing the blues when Nicky double-crosses his boss.

"St James Infirmary Blues" was written by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. Elliott Lewis produced and directed. William Conrad played Brock Garvey and Tony Barrett played Nick Volpe. Also appearing were Billy Halop, Vivi Janiss, Joseph Kearns, Shepard Menken, and Clayton Post. This episode aired on February 23, 1953.

. Download suspense_1953.02.23_St James Infirmary Blues.mp3

Below is an excellent version of "St. James Infirmary Blues" performed by Cab Calloway. This surreal clip is taken from Max Fleischer"s Snow White cartoon featuring Betty Boop (1933). Cab Calloway appeared as Koko the Clown.

Video from Youtube.com

Escape - Green Splotches

Escape's "Green Splotches" is about plant-men from Jupiter who visit the Andean jungle to collect radium. This episode was closely adapted from the 1920 short story "The Green Splotches" by T.S. Stribling, but lacks the humorous nuances. The short story can be found in The Pocket Book of Science Fiction (1943). T.S. Stribling (1881-1965) was a Pulitzer Prize winning author and literary maverick from the American South.

"Green Splotches" takes place in the Valley of the Infernal River, between Chile and Peru. The DeLong Geographical Expedition has been sent there to survey the area and chart it for the first time, but they receive little help from the locals.

Undeterred, the expedition goes into the large and forbidding valley.  There, they encounter Mr. Three, from a country called One.  He and his compatriots belong to an advanced civilization which is powered by radium and where all communication is telepathic. (They are also collecting specimens for their zoo, but because they don't understand mammals, they don't realize they need to collect two of everything. They just assume their specimens will sprout.)

Escape's adaptation could have been better, but this episode is worth listening to at least once.

"Green Splotches" was produced, directed, and adapted for radio by William N. Robson. William Conrad and Paul Frees starred. Also appearing were Ted De Corsia, Harry Bartell, Barton Yarborough and Jay Novello. This episode aired on March 31, 1950.

.  Download escape_1950.03.31_Green Splotches.mp3

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Suspense - The Leading Citizen of Pratt County

"The Leading Citizen of Pratt County" stars Alan Hale, Sr. in a story about a con artist who ends up a hero.

As the episode opens, Alonzo P. Witherspoon narrates for us the story of his rise to prominence.

Twenty years earlier he arrived in Prattville with nothing. He had just gambled away all of his money on a horse and his business associate, upon learning this, had kicked him out of their car while driving through Prattville.

Fortunately, two of the locals came to his aid and took in Alonzo. When they told him about their town and the river that used to run through it, he quickly spotted an opportunity. Introducing himself to them as Professor Alonzo P. Witherspoon, Professor of Geology, he announced that he was there on behalf of their senator to survey the river and possibly reroute it.

The unexpected results of his fibbery ultimately lead to his lofty position as their most beloved citizen.

"The Leading Citizen of Pratt County" was written by Robert L. Richards and produced/directed by William Spier. Alan Hale, Sr. starred as Professor Alonzo P. Witherspoon. Also appearing were Joseph Kearns, Verna Felton, Jerry Hausner, and Wally Maher. This episode aired on May 30, 1946.

.  Download Suspense_1946.05.30_LeadingCitizenOfPrattCounty.mp3

(Image of Green River near Mammoth Cave National Park from Wikipedia)

Suspense - Pigeon in the Cage

Suspense's "Pigeon in the Cage" tells the story of a man trapped inside an elevator and the two murderers waiting for him on the outside.

Gerald Brewer is stuck in a small, rickety elevator in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Rogers. He was hanging wallpaper upstairs, but when he tried to leave for the day, the elevator stopped between floors. Brewer wants to get home to his wife, but he is helpless until the owners return.

Soon, one of the owners does return. Brewer can see and hear Mr. Rogers and his girlfriend, Janice, on the floor below, but they don't realize he is there. Mr. Rogers intends to murder Mrs. Rogers when she comes home, and Janice is anxious to get it over with. Brewer tries to hide within the darkness of the suspended elevator, but it isn't long before Mr. Rogers and Janice realize that someone is inside.

"Pigeon in the Cage" was written by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. Elliott Lewis produced and directed. Dick Haymes, in his only appearance on Suspense, played Brewer. Joseph Kearns played Harry Rogers and Charlotte Lawrence turned out a particularly good performance as Janice. This episode aired on May 25, 1953.

.  Download Suspense_1953.05.25_PigeonInTheCage.mp3

This story was presented again on August 11, 1957. Lloyd Bridges, in one of his four appearances on Suspense, played the role of Brewer. Joe DeSantis played Harry Rogers, and Ellen Morgan played Janice. William N. Robson produced and directed.

.  Download Suspense_1957.08.11_PigeonintheCage.mp3

(Images from Stock.xchng and Wikimedia Commons)

Escape - An Occurance at Owl Creek Bridge

"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)

Suspense - Return to Dust

"Return to Dust" is the story of a scientist who is accidentally exposed to a chemical mist that makes him smaller and smaller and smaller...

James Howard, a research fellow in Pathology at the state university, has been working after-hours on an experiment in shrinking cancer cells. His supervisor warned him not to work in the lab on his own, but James disobeyed his orders.

Now, James is recording a message to his supervisor describing the circumstances that have left him 12 inches tall. James is still shrinking and needs help before midnight, at which time he will probably be of microscopic size. Will help come in time?

"Return to Dust" was written for Suspense by George Bamber and produced/directed by William N. Robson. Richard Beals gives an utterly convincing performance as the shrinking scientist.  Also appearing were Lawrence Dobkin and Paula Winslowe. This episode aired on February 1, 1959.

.  Download Suspense_1959.02.01_ReturnToDust.mp3

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Suspense - Snow on 66

"Snow on 66" is a story about a drunk driver named Leroy, who enjoys scaring tourists on the road. Suspense did a number of shows about traffic safety and this episode addresses the dangers of red-neck drunks in pick-up trucks. 

What makes this episode more than just a radio-play about road safety is that it features Grayson Hall, an Academy-award nominated actress. To many she is primarily known for her role as Dr. Julia Hoffman on the 1960's gothic soap opera Dark Shadows, but she was also an accomplished stage actress. "Snow on 66" was the first of her two appearances on Suspense.

Charlie and Flo are newlyweds traveling on Route 66. They have stopped for the night at a motel in a remote town in Arizona, but they need to find a place to have dinner. As they are driving to a nearby restaurant, they run into trouble on the road with Leroy. As the night progresses, they find that they can't seem to resolve the trouble no matter what they do.

"Snow on 66" was written by William N. Robson and produced/directed by Fred Hendrickson. Also appearing were Jimmy Blaine, Gwen Davis, James Dimetree, William Mason and Sam Raskyn.  This episode aired on July 15, 1962.

. Download suspense__1962.07.15_SnowOn66.mp3

(Image of Route 66 from Wikimedia Commons. The Burma-Shave signs read: "Big Mistake -- Make Many -- Rely on Horn -- Instead of Brake -- Burma-Shave.")