It's that time again! So, let's kick off the school year Suspense-style and enjoy a few cautionary tales.
Students, beware! These things could happen to you, too!
First, let's listen to a creepy episode from Lights Out. In "Call Her Jean," we learn that if you are a student on a class trip to a foreign country, you should never, ever, ever decide to strike out on your own. If this story isn't already an urban legend, it should be.
"Call Her Jean" (a.k.a. "It Happened") was written by Arch Oboler and starred Mercedes McCambridge. This episode aired on May 11, 1938.
. Download LightsOut.1938.05.11_Call_Her_Jean.mp3
On a much more light-hearted note, here is an episode of Fibber McGee & Molly wherein Fibber decides to sign up for night school. Unfortunately, no one seems to take his ambitions of higher learning too seriously. Neither does he, really.
Kids, don't end up like Fibber!
"Night School" was written by Don Quinn and Phil Leslie. Jim and Marian Jordan starred This episode aired on November 14, 1944.
. Download Fibber.1944.11.14_Night_School.mp3
Last, but not least, here is an episode of Suspense about the importance of teaching teenagers to drive safely and respect the rules of the road. This episode has a strong message about traffic safety and listening to it will make you a safer driver and a better person. (Just keep down the giggling when Auto-Lite president Royce G. Martin starts talking.)
"The Empty Chair" was written by Morton Fine and David Friedkin . Elliott Lewis produced/directed and Agnes Moorehead starred. Sam Edwards played Bobby. Also appearing were Michael Chapin, Herb Butterfield, Joseph Kearns, and Paula Winslowe. This episode aired on September 21, 1953.
. Download suspense_1953.09.21_The Empty Chair.mp3
Remember, Suspense warned you.
(Image from Morguefile)
Fabulous episodes here, though I always celebrate the new school year with the early "Suspense" classic, "Finishing School."
Posted by: Elliot Lear | September 01, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Thank you! Yes, "Finishing School" is a good one, too. I should have included it here, but I decided to hold back this time around.
There is always next semester!
Posted by: cmillinsf | September 03, 2008 at 09:13 AM
Thanks for sharing, here's what i thought ...
'Call Her Jean' was just so creepy & totally agree with the moral : Never, Ever leave your school party to go exploring !
'Night School' - what a round-a-about way to play hooky from school !
'The Empty Chair', not much of a twist here more like one of those patronizing 'public-information films' you used to see.
Posted by: Asli Jati | October 14, 2010 at 11:12 PM