Suspense - A Little Matter of Memory

In "A Little Matter of Memory," an English couple find themselves trapped in their home while a maniac-at-large prowls the countryside.

Edward and his wife, Joan, are staying in an isolated cottage on the Moors while Edward convalesces from ill health. One day, while they are out for a walk, they return to find two notes on their door. One is a rambling, threatening letter from a stranger, and the other is a warning from the local curate about a dangerous maniac on the loose. Both the stranger and the curate promise to come back later that evening. How will they know which one is which?

"A Little Matter of Memory" was based on the story by James Helvick and adapted for Suspense by James Poe. James Helvick was a pseudonym for Francis Claud Cockburn (1904-1981), a radical British journalist and novelist. (He was also the cousin of Evelyn Waugh.) Norman MacDonnell produced and directed. Lawrence Dobkin played Edward and Paula Winslowe played Joan. Also appearing were Edgar Barrier, Joseph Kearns, and Richard Peel. This episode aired on September 30, 1954.

. Download Suspense_1954.09.30_ALittleMatterofMemory.mp3

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Comments

[Mike Hobart]

This story works well on radio -- the middle, where the couple cower in their dimly-lighted cottage awaiting either a rescuer or a murderer, is quintessential radio drama. Alas, the "third act" problem rears its ugly head again; having set up the situation, there are only a couple of ways it can end, so the climax comes as no surprise to any experienced listner. But well produced episode.

[cmillinsf]

True, the story only leaves you with two options! What it lacks in surprise, it makes up for with good performances. Also, there is an obvious similarity to "On A Country Road."

[cmillinsf]

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