Escape and Suspense!

Escape - The Scarlet Plague

"The Scarlet Plague" is a loose adaptation of a grim story by Jack London in which civilization collapses after the outbreak of a mysterious illness.

London's story is set in San Francisco in the year 2073, sixty years after the Scarlet Death broke out and destroyed civilization. The main character is an old man named James Howard Smith, who had once been a university professor. While he and his grandsons are sitting by a campfire on Cliff House Beach (Ocean Beach), he recounts to them the story of how the Scarlet Death came. His grandsons, however, are unable to grasp much of what he tries to describe to them because San Francisco has long since turned into a wilderness. In the end, there is hope and the professor is certain that the knowledge that was lost will be rediscovered. If you are interested in reading "The Scarlet Plague" (1912), it is available online here.

Escape's adaptation places the story in 1950's San Francisco and changes the tone into that of a tense disaster epic. The focus is primarily on the professor as he and other frenzied survivors try to escape the chaos of a civilization that is crumbling. The other parts of the original story weren't incorporated and Escape doesn't end the episode on a happy note. Still, their adaptation is an interesting one.

"The Scarlett Plague" was adapted for Escape by Les Crutchfield and directed by Norman MacDonnell. Vic Perrin starred. Also appearing were Parley Baer, Greg Dehner, John Dehner , Eleanor Tanin, John Larch, Barney Phillips, and Sam Edwards. This episode aired on April 8, 1954.

.  Download Escape_1954.04.08_The Scarlet Plague.mp3

(Image from Wikimedia Commons )

Suspense - The Pit and the Pendulum

Edgar Allan Poe's classic story "The Pit and the Pendulum" (1842) was adapted for Suspense by John Dickson Carr. Poe's story wasn't long enough to fill a half-hour show, so it was expanded with the addition of a court scene and a running dialogue that takes place in the mind of the prisoner. The result was an unusual combination of Poe, Carr, and Suspense that was presented four times between 1943 and 1959. John Dickson Carr was considered a master of the "locked room mystery," and he wrote many of Suspense's early episodes. 

Suspense first presented this story with Henry Hull in the role of the prisoner. William Spier produced, John Dietz directed, and Bernard Herrmann composed/conducted the music. This episode aired on January 12, 1943.

.  Download Suspense_1943.01.12_The Pit And The Pendulum.mp3

Suspense presented this story a second time on November 28, 1947. Jose Ferrer starred. William Spier produced and directed.

.  Download Suspense_1947.11.27_The Pit and the Pendulum.mp3

The third production starred Vincent Price in the role of the prisoner. William N. Robson produced and directed. This episode aired on November 10, 1957.

.  Download Suspense_1957.11.10_The Pit & The Pendulum.MP3

The fourth presentation starred Raymond Burr in the role of the prisoner. William N. Robson produced and directed. This episode aired on June 7, 1959.

.  Download Suspense_1959.06.07_The Pit And The Pendulum.mp3

(Image of Penguin Books 1995 edition The Pit and the Pendulum and Other Stories)

Resurrecting the Dead (on Radio)

Resurrecting the dead was a subject that prompted interesting episodes from a number of old time radio series. Let's take a look at three of these episodes and the life and death struggles that resulted from experiments gone wrong.

In "The Return from Death," an episode from The Hall of Fantasy, a doctor named Jason Sinclair believes he can bring the dead back to life.  Sinclair and his lab assistant persuade a death row inmate to allow them to experiment on his body after his execution. If they can bring him back to life, he will be a free man. Will Sinclair's experiment work? This episode aired on April 6, 1953.

.  Download HallofFantasy_1953.04.06_Return_From_Death.mp3

"The Search for Life" from The Hermit's Cave tells the story of a lab assistant who wants his girlfriend to forget her career and marry him. He decides to kill her and then resurrect her in such a way that she will have no memory of her career. What can possibly go wrong with a plan like that? You'll never guess. This episode aired in 1940, the exact date is not known.

.  Download HermitsCave.1940_The_Search_for_Life.mp3

"Death Robbery" from Lights Out stars Boris Karloff in a story about a scientist who has succeeded many times in bringing dead animals back to life. He wants to try his experiment on a human, but dead bodies are hard to come by! When his wife suddenly dies in a car crash, he gets his opportunity. Will he be happy with the results? "Death Robbery" takes a while to get where it is going. Most of the action is past the seventeen minute mark. This episode aired on July 16, 1947.

.  Download LightsOut_1947.07.16_Death_Robbery.mp3

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Fun in The Hall of Fantasy

For some Halloween fun this year, let's take a brief journey over to The Hall of Fantasy, a radio series that pronounced itself to be "dedicated to the supernatural, the unusual, and the unknown."

The Hall of Fantasy was created in 1947 by Richard Thorne, who also wrote, produced, and directed most of its shows. The series aired locally in Salt Lake City and then in Chicago during its first few incarnations. In 1952-53, The Hall of Fantasy aired on national radio through the Mutual Broadcasting System, and most of the series' surviving episodes are from its 1953 run.

The Hall of Fantasy had a campy but likeable style that reflected its obviously moderate budget.  The surviving episodes demonstrate that this series had problems with repetition in its scripts, a style of presentation that was repetitive, and stories that didn't resolve the plot with impact.

Nevertheless, when they got most of the elements right, The Hall of Fantasy knocked out some good episodes that are still fun to listen to.

So now, come with me, my friends. Let's enter The Hall of Fantasy, a series with one of the best introductions in all of Old Time Radio. (Richard Thorne is the narrator beckoning you to join him.)

"The Shadow People" tells the story of what is waiting in the darkness...to get YOU! This episode aired on September 21, 1953.

. Download HallofFantasy_1953.09.21_The_Shadow_People.mp3

"Stone's Revenge" takes place in a cabin in the woods that is cursed by a ghost. Don't think it through too much. This episode aired on August 17, 1953.

. Download Halloffantasy.1953.08.17_Stone's_Revenge.mp3

On a different note, "The Hand of Botar" is supposed to be scary but it is too campy to take seriously. Go ahead and laugh, this suspenseful episode about a hand that has a murderous mind of its own is a hoot! This episode aired on June 8, 1953.

. Download HallofFantasy_1953.06.08_TheHandofBotar.mp3

(Image from Morguefile)

Escape - The Fall of the House of Usher

Escape's "The Fall of the House of Usher" was closely adapted from the classic tale of horror by Edgar Allan Poe. If you want to read Poe's story, which was first published in 1839, it is available online at Wikisource.

As the episode opens, the narrator receives a letter from his childhood friend, Roderick Usher, that requests he come for a visit. Roderick is the last male descendant of the ancient House of Usher, and he is in ill health. Roderick asks his old friend to come immediately to the Usher family estate.

When the narrator arrives at the gloomy home, he finds an oppressive scene. Roderick is tormented by his nervous ailment and his twin sister, Madeline, is dying from the same mysterious affliction. As events unfold, the narrator soon witnesses the terrifying end of the House of Usher.

"The Fall of the House of Usher" was adapted for Escape by Les Crutchfield and produced/directed by William N. Robson.  Paul Frees played the narrator and Ramsay Hill played Roderick Usher. This episode aired on October 22, 1947.

.  Download escape_1947.10.22_Fall of House of Usher.mp3

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Suspense - Nineteen Deacon Street

"Nineteen Deacon Street" is a light-hearted ghost story/mystery in which a tie salesman is haunted by the ghost of a beautiful actress. 

Maury Schwartz is a wholesale tie salesman who has come to Chicago to find a place to live and to find a place to set up his new business. On a tip, he is told about a rooming house for actors that might be able to accomodate him.

When he gets there, the landlady offers a room but only on a temporary basis. The room belongs to an actress named Laverne who is away. When Mr. Schwartz asks when Laverne will return, the landlady doesn't know. When he asks how long Laverne has been gone, the landlady tells him that it has been about...ten years since she went away.

"Nineteen Deacon Street" was written by Robert M. Light and Larry Marcus . William Spier produced/directed. Lloyd Nolan starred. Also appearing were Verna Felton, Joseph Kearns, Cathy Lewis, Elliott Lewis, and Bill Johstone. This episode aired November 22, 1945.

. Download suspense_1945.11.22_ 19 Deacon Street.mp3

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Suspense - The Fall River Tragedy/Goodbye, Miss Lizzie Borden

"The Fall River Tragedy" stars Agnes Moorehead as the infamous Lizzie Borden in an episode that reenacts the juicier bits of the Borden trial of 1893.

As the episode opens, Lizzie Borden invites a reporter into her home to discuss her life, her notoriety, and the events of her famous trial. We only hear Lizzie tell her side of the story, the reporter is not heard. Scenes from the trial unfold as Lizzie recounts her experiences to her silent visitor.

"The Fall River Tragedy" was written by Gil Doud and produced/directed Elliot Lewis. Joseph Kearns played the prosecuter William H. Moody. Also appearing were Peggy Webber , Herb Butterfield, Rolfe Sedan, Stuffy Singer, and William Wright . This episode aired on January 14, 1952.

. Download suspense_1952.01.14_Fall River Tragedy.mp3

A few years later, Suspense presented another episode based on the Borden murders called, "Goodbye, Miss Lizzie Borden." Instead of a reenactment of the courtroom drama, this episode "imagined" what might occur if the Borden sisters were caught unaware by a reporter. What did the two sisters really know about the murders...and about each other?

"Goodbye, Miss Lizzie Borden" was written by Lillian de la Torre and produced/directed by Antony Ellis. Irene Tedrow, Paula Winslowe, and Virginia Gregg starred. Also appearing were Helen Kleeb, Leonard Weinrib, and Dick Beals . This episode aired on October 4, 1955.

. Download suspense_1955.10.04_Goodbye Miss Lizzie Borden.mp3

A few months later, de la Torre's story was also presented on the television show Alfred Hitchcock Presents under the title, "The Older Sister." Joan Lorring, Carmen Matthews, and Polly Rowles starred.  This episode aired on January 22, 1956

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(Image of the Borden home as it appeared in the late 1800's from Wikipedia. Today, it is a bed & breakfast/museum. For more information, visit their website.)

Escape - The Man Who Liked Dickens

"The Man Who Liked Dickens" is a classic tale of jungle terror that was written by Evelyn Waugh and first published as a chapter in the novel A Handful of Dust  (1934). The story was adapted for radio by Suspense and then later by Escape. Of the two, Escape's version is better because it stayed true to the original work.

Tony Last was on an expedition in Brazil, but after it ran into difficulties, he ended up alone and sick in the jungle.  While in a fever-ridden stupor, Tony was found by Mr. Todd and taken to his home in a remote jungle village.

When Tony recovered from his illness, he was grateful to Mr. Todd for his help. He was also happy to comply with Mr. Todd's request to read aloud to him for a couple of hours each day. However, as the days went by, Tony realized that Mr. Todd had no intention of allowing him to leave...ever.

"The Man Who Liked Dickens" was adapted for Escape by John Meston and directed by Norman MacDonnell . Terry Kilburn, who played Tiny Tim in the 1938 MGM film A Christmas Carol, starred as Tony. Joseph Kearns played Mr. Todd, a role he had played previously on Suspense. Also appearing were Ramsay Hill and Joe Cranston. This episode aired on December 21, 1952.

. Download Escape.1952.12.21_The_Man_Who_Liked_Dickens.mp3

Suspense had presented their version of this story five years earlier. Although dangerous jungle adventure wasn't what they were best at, Suspense's adaptation seems to be just as good as Escape's...until you get to the happy ending. 

"The Man Who Liked Dickens" was adapted for Suspense by Academy Award winning screenwriter Richard Breen and produced/directed by William Spier. Richard Ney played Tony and Joseph Kearns played Mr. Todd. This episode aired on October 9, 1947.

. Download Suspense_1947.10.09_The_Man_Who_Liked_Dickens.mp3

(Image of Charles Dickens from Wikipedia )

Suspense - Never Steal a Butcher's Wife

"Never Steal a Butcher's Wife" is a tale of lust and danger in a Los Angeles supermarket.

Harry Carr is new in town, and he has just started a job in the liquor department of a supermarket. In the afternoon, he chances to lock eyes with Mary, one of the check-out clerks. Harry is intrigued, but Nick, the head of the vegetable department, warns Harry to stay away from Mary. Not only is she married, but she is married to the burly, knife-weilding butcher.

Harry tries to follow Nick's advice, but he soon loses control of the situation.

"Never Steal A Butcher's Wife" (or "The Butcher's Wife") was written by screenwriter James Poe, produced by William Spier, and directed by Norman MacDonnell. Kirk Douglas,in one of his three appearances on Suspense, starred as Harry. This episode aired on February 9, 1950.

. Download Suspense_1950.02.09_TheButchersWife.mp3

Suspense presented this story a second time with Hy Averback in the role of Harry. Also appearing were Paula Winslowe, Jack Kruschen, and Lawrence Dobkin. Norman MacDonnell produced/directed. This episode aired on August 10, 1954.

.  Download suspense_1954.08.10_Never_Steal_Butcher's_Wife.mp3

Suspense presented this story for the third time on December 29, 1957. William Conrad and Cathy Lewis starred. William N. Robson produced/directed.

.  Download suspense_1957.12.29_Never Streal A Butcher's Wife.MP3

*Revised 10/14/08 (Thanks to loyal reader Stacy for sending me the version with Kirk Douglas that I had missed!)

(Image from Stock.xchng )

Suspense - The Night Man

In "The Night Man," a woman is convinced that an elevator operator is out to get her.

As the episode opens, Miss Rhodes arrives at a prison warden's office. She is there to inquire about a prisoner named Tom Nixon. Miss Rhodes testified against him at his trial, and afterwards, Nixon swore revenge. For the last ten years, Miss Rhodes has lived in fear of his threat.

MIss Rhodes now believes that Tom Nixon is working as an elevator operator in her building. He should still be in prison, but she is certain that he isn't! 

So, is the man in the elevator really Tom Nixon, or is Miss Rhodes just paranoid?

"The Night Man" was written by Lucille Fletcher and produced/directed by William Spier. Virginia Bruce starred as Miss Rhodes. This episode aired on October 26, 1944.

. Download suspense_1944.10.26_The Night Man.mp3

Suspense presented this story again on July 25, 1959. Marsha Hunt played Miss Rhodes. William N. Robson produced/directed.

.  Download suspense_1959.07.26_ Night Man.MP3

Suspense presented this story for the third time on October 23, 1960. Ginger Jones played Miss Rhodes. Paul Roberts produced/directed.

.  Download suspense_1960.10.23_Night Man.mp3

(Image from Stock.xchng )

Escape - The Shanghai Document

"The Shanghai Document" was written for Escape by the husband and wife writing team of John and Gwen Bagni. In total, they wrote seven witty and adventuresome episodes of Escape, including the brilliant "Treasure Incorporated." (The other episodes written by the Bagnis were The Sure Thing, Maracas, Border Town, Danger at Matecumbe, and The Man Who Stole the Bible. )

As the episode opens, an American newspaper correspondent named Tony Dehner is stuck in Chongqing, China. He wants to buy passage to Shanghai on a river steamer, but he can't get a ticket. His attempt to rent a boat lands him in a local hospital where he meets an American lady doctor named Jane Roma. She bandages up his wounds and promises to help him get to Shanghai.

True to her word, the following day Jane provides him with a ticket to Shanghai on a river steamer. Why would someone he just met be so helpful?  Could it be that the "Shanghai Document" that everyone is looking for has something to do with it?

"The Shanghai Document" was produced and directed by William N. Robson. John Dehner played Tony and Joan Banks played Dr. Jane Roma. Also appearing were Ben Wright, William Conrad, Benson Fong, and Charles Lung. This episode aired on April 21, 1950. 

.  Download Escape.1950.04.21_Shanghai_Document.mp3

(Image from Wikipedia)

Suspense - Heads You Lose

In "Heads You Lose," two private detectives are hired to find a missing Wall Street millionaire. This episode has some similarities to "Donovan's Brain," but the story plays out in a different way.

Steve Kimberly and Rollo Collins are private detectives. They aren't quite as reputable as the other detectives in town, so people usually come to them only in desperation. As the episodes opens, an attorney named Harrison Ward arrives at their office.

Mr. Ward asks them to find Joshua Franklin, the famous Wall Street financier who disappeared about six years ago with $100,000 in cash. Joshua Franklin only had six months to live at the time he disappeared, so it was assumed that he must have died some time ago. At least, that is what Mr. Ward thought until he suddenly received a phone call from Joshua Franklin! How could he still be alive?

Perhaps, just part of Joshua Franklin has been kept alive...

"Heads You Lose" was written for Suspense by Robert A. Arthur and produced/directed by Bruno Zirato, Jr. William Redfield starred as Steve Kimberley. Raymond Edward Johnson played Joshua Franklin. Also appearing were Kermit Murdock, Santos Ortega, Mel Ruick, and Jimsey Somers. This episode aired on March 11, 1962.

.  Download suspense_1962.03.11_Heads You Lose.mp3

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Suspense - Summer Night

"Summer Night" is based on a story by Ray Bradbury and stars Ida Lupino in a creepy episode about a serial killer.

As the episode opens, Anna is trying to phone her friend Helen, but she can't get through. The operator is having trouble connecting the call because everyone in town is in a panic about two murders that have recently taken place. The "Lipstick Killer" has struck twice, and the town is terrified he will strike again.

Anna wants Helen to come and stay with her because she doesn't feel safe alone in her home. Helen finds the request odd because the two of them haven't spoken for four years, but she eventually agrees to come over. Helen knows that her old friend Anna is a bit strange, but she soon realizes how much stranger Anna has become since she last saw her.

"Summer Night" was adapted by Robert L. Richards from an original story by Ray Bradbury. Anton M. Leader produced and directed. Ida Lupino starred as Anna. This episode aired on July 15, 1948.

. Download suspense_1948.07.15_Summer Night.mp3

"Summer Night" was also presented on the Suspense television show on February 19, 1952, but that episode is not known to be available at this time.

(Image from Stock.xchng)