Escape and Suspense!

Escape - Jimmy Goggles the God

Escape's "Jimmy Goggles the God" was adapted from the 1898 short story of the same name by H.G. Wells. The original story, written as a narrative, appears to have been too short for a half hour broadcast. Escape kept most of Well's story intact, but expanded the ending, punched up the drama to make it more exciting, and excluded the outdated racial slang. (The text of Well's "Jimmy Goggles the God" is available online at Wikisource.)

As the episode opens, George reflects back on the wreck of the Ocean Pioneer forty years earlier. He and two other survivors had joined forces with a fourth man to find the wreck and retrieve a fortune in gold dust.

George was chosen to go down to the Ocean Pioneer in a hefty rubber diving suit  nicknamed "Jimmy Goggles." While he was trying to retrieve the gold, the other three men were attacked and killed by native Papuans. When George finally emerged from water, the natives mistook him for a god.

Having no choice but to continue the impersonation, George looks for a way to escape. One of the natives offers him a deal, but can Herbert trust him? Will the missionary who finds him be any help?

"Jimmy Goggles the God" was produced and directed by William N. Robson. Paul Frees, in one of his best acting roles, played George. Also appearing were Berry Kroeger, Luis Van Rooten, and Parley Baer. This recording cuts off before the credits are given, so the name of the person who adapted this story for radio isn't certain. This episode aired on March 7, 1948.

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(Image from Wikimedia Commons)

Suspense - Run Sheep Run

In "Run Sheep Run," a husband picks up a lady hitch-hiker, but the real trouble comes when he accidentally hits a pedestrian in the fog.

As the episode opens, Joe Hayward has just left work, and he is driving to his home in Long Beach. The drive is difficult because of the fog, so Joe calls his wife, Hazel, to explain. She doesn't believe him. Hazel thinks he is making up a story because he is late.

Joe continues on his way, and suddenly, he encounters a beautiful girl hitching a ride. Her name is Roberta, and her car has broken down. Roberta is happy to have a ride into town, and the two of them hit it off right away. She asks him to take the scenic route, so they can take their time. Joe agrees, but somewhere along the bumpy road, in the thick fog--they run over a man! Roberta wants to make a break for it, but Joe isn't sure. Should he run off to Mexico with Roberta, or face the consequences?

"Run Sheep Run" was written by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. Elliott Lewis produced, directed, and played the role of Joe. Cathy Lewis played Roberta. Richard Widmark also appeared. This episode aired on July 13, 1954.

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Suspense - The Beetle and Mr. Bottle

In "The Beetle and Mr. Bottle," a man resorts to violence to protect his flower garden from his wife.

As the episode opens, Mr. Eldon Bottle explains that he has been a widower for eight years, but his life has not been unhappy because of his garden, which he tends with great care.

Mr. Bottle's daughter thinks that he should remarry, so when circumstances throw him together with an eligible widow, he marries again.

As it turns out, his new wife is a pushy woman with plans of her own, plans that involve changing everything about Eldon Bottle, as well as, getting rid of his garden. Mr. Bottle decides that he can take no more--his new wife has to go!

"The Beetle and Mr. Bottle" was written by Richard Chandlee. The first time Suspense presented this episode was on August 23, 1955, with Eric Snowden playing the role of Mr. Bottle. No known recordings of that broadcast exist at this time.

The second time Suspense presented this story was on September 20, 1959. Paul Roberts produced and directed. John Gibson starred as Mr. Bottle and Kathleen Cordell played Ethel. Also appearing Were Patricia Baxter, Ian Martin, Mason Adams, and Guy Repp.

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Escape - The Notebook

Escape's "The Notebook" is set in the Dakota Terrritory during the Black Hills Gold Rush in the mid 1870's. It is a tale of two prospectors who are stalked by claim jumpers...and that's about all that happens until the end of the episode. "The Notebook" is a story about pursuit and, ultimately, escape, but does not include a happy ending. It isn't that kind of story.

"The Notebook" was transcribed under the direction of Antony Ellis from a story by William J. Radcliff. No short story under this title by that author can be found. So, it is possible that it was scripted for radio from an unpublished work.

As the episode opens, two prospectors, Robbie and Mac, have broken camp and are on their way to Deadwood to file their claim. Suddenly, a whiskered man in the distance shoots at them...and it isn't the first time. He wants their claim and he will kill to get it. 

Mac asks Robbie if he is ready to kill protect their claim, but Robbie can't give him an answer. Is the gold worth it? The whiskered man and his boss seem to think so. They are relentless in their pursuit.

"The Notebook" was produced and directed by Antony Ellis. John Dehner starred as Robbie, Joseph Kearns as Mac, and William Conrad as Jack Morris. This episode aired on July 26, 1953.

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Image of Deadwood, South Dakota from Wikipedia.

Suspense - Want Ad

In "Want Ad," a thief, who makes his living through the classified ads, discovers that he isn't as clever as he thinks. This is an episode that is supposedly based on true crime.

As the episode opens, Mr. Vernon and his wife are enjoying the morning paper. She wants the two of them to spend the day together, but Mr. Vernon has to work. 

So, he pulls out the want ads and peruses the day's offerings. He quickly notices a fur coat that is being sold by a private owner and makes a call. In this case, the fur coat is being sold by a woman, and he then  assumes that it will be easy to steal it from her.

Mr. Vernon heads off to the home of the seller, Mrs. Phelps, and runs through the routine of pretending to buy a coat. Everything happens just the way he planned... until Mr. Phelps arrives home unexpectedly. Then, the robbery takes a violent turn. Afterwards, Mr. Vernon is stuck with a fur coat he can't get rid of and murder charge that he has to run from.

"Want Ad" was written by E. Jack Neuman and produced/directed by Elliott Lewis. Robert Cummings starred. Also appearing were Mary Jane Croft, Charles Calvert, Virginia Gregg, Larry Thor, and Paula Winslowe. This episode aired on January 25, 1954.

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This story was presented a second time on July 10, 1956. Stacy Harris starred. Antony Ellis produced and directed. Also appearing were Mary Jane Croft, Paula Winslowe, Joseph Kearns, Virginia Gregg, Jack Moyles, and Lou Krugman.

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Suspense - The Tip

In "The Tip," a devoted wife is kept hostage in her home while a killer waits for her husband to arrive.

As the episode opens, Elaine Stratton is driving her husband, George, to catch his morning train. He doesn't like it that his wife goes to such trouble for him, but she insists. 

Elaine has a heart problem, and George doesn't want her to exert herself. She tells him not to worry, and that she would be happy to pick him up at the station that evening.

When Elaine returns home, she finds a stranger there! He has a gun and he wants revenge on Mr. Stratton for ruining his business. Elaine tries to plead, reason, and fight with him, but it is useless. If the stranger has to wait all day--he will. 

Sooner or later, Mr. Stratton will come home and the stranger will kill him. Can Elaine find a way to get help?

Suspense presented this radio play only twice. It originally aired on September 7, 1950, with Ida Lupino in the starring role. Sadly, no known recordings of that broadcast exist at this time. This radio play is classic Suspense.

"The Tip" was written by Carl Abrams and produced/directed by Elliott Lewis. Lurene Tuttle starred as Elaine. Hy Averback played George and Herb Butterfield played the stranger. Also appearing were  Dick Beals, Eddie Fields, Jerry Hausner, Shepard Menken, and Howard McNear.  This episode aired on July 6, 1954.

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This story was also presented on the Suspense television Show on December 26, 1950.

(Image of Lurene Tuttle)

Escape - John Jack Todd

In Escape's "John Jack Todd," a longshoreman must stand his ground against a sadistic dock boss.

This episode was based on a short story by Robert Simpson but attempts to locate it have been unsuccessful.  

"John Jack Todd" is a story about cruelty and cowardice, not  Escape's typical adventure fare, but a good story about the destruction of a bully.

As the episode opens, John Todd arrives at a trading post in Africa where he is to work for the next four years. The dock boss, Captain Brock, is known as a difficult man, and he immediately appears hateful towards Todd.

John Todd makes it known that he is a peace-loving man, but because of that, Captain Brock is antagonistic towards him. He thinks that Todd won't put up a fight, but when a matter of justice is involved, Mr. Brock gets into a fight that exposes him for what he is.

"John Jack Todd" was adapted for radio by Les Crutchfield and produced/directed by Norman MacDonnell. John Todd was played by Wilms Herbert, Captain Brock was played by Jack Kruschen, and Tony Barrett played Ganson. Also appearing were Don Diamond and Paul McVeigh. This episode aired on May 2, 1948.

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Suspense - Win, Place and Murder

In "Win, Place and Murder," a bookie is murdered and two detectives try to find the real killer.

Chris Draper and Laura Lee are competing private detectives who occupy offices across the hall from each other. Laura wants Chris to marry her, but he doesn't have the money.

As the episode opens, Chris calls his bookie, Joey Gault, to place a bet. When he is told that isn't possible, he leaves his office to place his bet down the street.

As Draper returns, Joey Gault's collection man, Mike Ferrago, arrives. He is looking for Frank Pilson, who, he claims, has just shot Gault.  

Draper doesn't know anything about it until he goes across the hall and finds Frank Pilson in the office of Laura Lee. What has Laura gotten herself into? She doesn't believe Pilson is Gault's killer.

Is Laura right? Or, is she in over her head?

"Win, Place and Murder" was adapted from a story by Emile C. Tepperman. William Spier produced and directed. Richard Conte starred. Also appearing were Hans Conried, Cathy Lewis, and Wally Maher. This episode aired on April 24, 1947.

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(Image from Wikipedia) 

Suspense - The Holdout

In "The Holdout," a decision hangs in the balance because of one stubborn and persuasive juror.

As the episode opens, a long murder trial has ended and the decision is now up to the jury. After their initial discussion, they take a vote. Everyone thinks that the defendant is guilty--except one.

That lone dissenter doesn't identify himself to the others, and the single, anonymous "not guilty" vote stirs doubt among them. That doubt then leads several to change their minds. On the next vote, and the next, the number of "not guilty" ballots goes up. Will the jury ever reach a decision? When they do, will it be the right one?

"The Holdout" was produced and directed by Antony Ellis. Featured in the cast were Harry Bartell and Parley Baer. Also appearing were Sam Edwards and Paula Winslowe. This episode aired on June 28, 1955.

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Escape - Robert of Huntingdon

Escape's "Robert of Huntingdon" is based on the legends of English folk-hero Robin Hood. It has been suggested that if Robin Hood was an actual historical figure, he may have been Robert, Earl of Huntingdon. The first reference to this name in the Robin Hood legend appeared in the stage plays The Downfall of Robert Earl of Huntington and The Death of Robert Earl of Huntington by Anthony Munday, published in 1601.

A critical analysis of Escape's adaptation of the Robin Hood legend won't be attempted here. Enjoy this episode for what it is--a romp in the forest with a bunch of talented radio actors who aren't even pretending to have English accents.

As the episode opens, the Sheriff of Nottingham offers a reward for the outlaw Robert of Huntingdon, known as Robin Hood. Additional rewards are also offered for the capture of Little John, Will Scarlet, Friar Tuck, and the other known members of his band of followers.

In a meeting of noblemen to discuss the situation, Sir Martin of Matlock offers his services to the king and the sheriff. He thinks that stealing from the rich to give to the poor is just an excuse to be outlaws. Sir Martin proposes to stop Robert of Huntingdon and his gang by gathering a force of men to storm into Sherwood forest and exterminate them.

When told that his idea isn't feasible, Sir Martin volunteers to go into the forest alone. He will join the outlaws by pretending to be a yeoman who has been wronged by the sheriff. Then, he will gain their confidence and discover where they are hiding.  

It doesn't take long for Sir Martin to accomplish just that. Everyone accepts him into the gang except Little John. Will Sir Martin's plan cause Robin Hood and his gang to be captured? Or, will Robin Hood become suspicious, too?

"Robert of Huntingdon" was adapted for radio by Antony Ellis and produced/directed by Norman MacDonnell. William Conrad played Robin Hood. Also appearing were Lawrence Dobkin, Edgar Barrier, Herb Ellis, Jack Kruschen, Vic Perrin, John Stevenson, Harry Bartell, and Peter Leeds. This episode aired on October 26, 1952.

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Suspense - Carnival

In "Carnival," Joseph Cotten plays a man, desperate to release himself from the boss who is blackmailing him to perform.

As the episode opens, a carnival sideshow act is beginning...it is "Renee--The Mechanical Man!" 

Renee is a performer who controls his emotion and does only what he is told to do by his boss, O'Mara.  Renee dances when O'Mara commands and speaks when he is told to recite.

When the show is over, however, Renee bursts with emotion. He isn't a human machine! He has feelings...and lots of them. Renee hates O'Mara for fifteen years of blackmail, and he is jealous and suspicious of his wife, Gabrielle.

Renee believes that the only solution is to kill O'Mara, but he is so controlled that he can't do it himself. So, he asks Gabrielle. Will she, or will she find out why O'Mara is blackmailing her husband?

The performances of Joseph Cotton and Joseph Kearns make this episode's storyline worthwhile.

"Carnival" was written by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. Elliott Lewis produced and directed. Joseph Cotten starred as Renee and Joseph Kearns played O'Mara. Also appearing were Mary Jane Croft, Charles Calvert, Sylvia Syms, and Dick Ryan. This episode aired on January 28, 1952.

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Suspense - Call Me at Half Past

In "Call Me at Half Past," a man must prevent his unstable wife from killing him.

As the episode opens, Cliff Simmons is checking into the hotel that he visits routinely. All the employees know that he stays with them while visiting his wife, who is in the hospital. They all seem concerned about him...and his situation.

What is the situation? We find out when his wife, Fran, unexpectedly turns up in his hotel room. She isn't happy with Cliff, and she has a loaded gun to show him just how much. If he keeps talking, he may be able to stall for time. Can he?

"Call Me at Half Past" was written by Allan Sloane, a writer who won three Emmy awards, six Peabody awards (four of which were for radio), and two Writers Guild awards. Elspeth Eric played Fran and Bernard Grant played Cliff. Also appearing were Lawson Zerbe, Sarah Fussell, Jack Grimes, Freddie Chandler, and Frank Milano. Bruno Zirato, Jr. produced and directed. 

This episode aired on June 25, 1961.

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Escape - S.S. San Pedro

Escape's "S.S. San Pedro" was adapted from the 1931 short novel about a doomed ship by James Gould Cozzens. The novel was loosely based on the true story of the S.S. Vestris in 1928, a preventable disaster that caused significant changes in safety at sea. 

Cozzens' book doesn't retell the story of the S.S. Vestris, but adapts some of its elements for a story about duty and the puzzling way in which safety measures aren't taken on ship that is clearly in trouble.

Escape's episode is adapted from Cozzens' novel but with some further changes. They created a supernatural storyline by expanding the character of Dr. Percival, the corpse-like visitor who first notices the S.S. San Pedro has a problem. 

This Escape episode is unusual because the two main characters don't escape the dying ship. As for the true identity of Dr. Percival, they leave that up to the listener.

As the episode opens, the S.S. San Pedro is about to sail from New York to Argentina. Mr. Bradell, the first officer, is called into the captain's cabin and introduced to Doctor Percival. The captain asks him to take the doctor on a quick tour of the ship before they sail. Doctor Percival takes an interest in the port cabins and then points out that ship is not floating level.

Mr. Bradell is disturbed by his guest and happy to say goodbye to him at the end of the tour. However, later one of the passengers claims to have seen Doctor Percival on board..after they set sail.

"S.S. San Pedro" was adapted for radio by Les Crutchfield and produced/directed by Norman MacDonnell. Featured in the cast were John Dehner and Charlotte Lawrence. Also appearing were Jeff Corey, Don Diamond, Harry Bartell, Lawrence Dobkin, and Jay Novello. This episode aired on August 22, 1948.

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(Image of S.S. San Pedro 1968 paperback edition)

Suspense - The Lady Pamela

In "The Lady Pamela," Deborah Kerr plays a jewel thief in a story that is "based on fact."

As the episode opens, Lady Pamela Barnes is admiring diamonds at an upscale New York jewelers. Suddenly, there is a robbery! How could it happen? Well, Pamela arranged it that way.

Later that evening, Lady Pamela, mastermind of the operation, and the two hold-up men celebrate their success over dinner. Their plan is to sell the jewelry in San Francisco and split the profits. Colonel Halliday will take the jewels, sell them and return in five days. Pamela and David Archer will wait for him.

Unfortunately, while the two of them are waiting, the police come, arrest them, and take them to prison. Colonel Halliday gets away with the jewels...and never comes back.

Pamela isn't happy about that. Two years later, when she is released from prison, she sets out to track down Halliday. Will she find him and recover her share? Or, will she once again lead the authorities to capture her and her accomplice.

"The Lady Pamela" was written by Antony Ellis and produced/directed by Elliott Lewis. Deborah Kerr starred. Also appearing were Joseph Kearns, Ben Wright, Ted Osborne, Peter Leeds, and Larry Thor. This episode aired on March 31, 1952.

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If the sound quality of the above version isn't sharp enough, you can try downloading this larger file instead:

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