Escape and Suspense!

Suspense - Blood Sacrifice

In "Blood Sacrifice," Joseph Cotten stars as a playwright who may, or may not, have murdered the promoter of his play. This episode was based on the short story of the same name by Dorothy L. Sayers, which can be found in her book In the Teeth of Evidence (1939).

As the episode opens, Garrick Drury congratulates playwright John Scales on their successful meeting with representatives of a motion picture company. Drury's charm and negotiating skill have once again proven a success in the promotion of Scales' play.

Drury then escorts Scales outside the theatre to get a taxi, when suddenly, they are struck by a car!

Scales recovers from the blow, but Drury is in danger of bleeding to death. They carry him back to his dressing room, and when the doctor arrives, they are informed that the patient needs an immediate blood transfusion! The doctor quickly tests those in attendance to find a potential donor. He tests Scales and finds that he is an acceptable match...or is he? With all of the commotion, Scales isn't exactly sure that the doctor's test is accurate...

"Blood Sacrifice" was adapted for radio by Malcolm Beechum. William Spier produced and Norman MacDonnell directed. Joseph Cotten starred. Also appearing were Hans Conried, John McIntire, and Joseph Kearns. This episode aired on March 30, 1950.

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 (Image of Joseph Cotten)

Suspense - Fire Burn and Cauldren Bubble

In "Fire Burn and Cauldren Bubble," the first night of a Shakespearean production is interrupted by a murder in the box seats.

As the episode opens, three actresses watch from behind the stage curtain as the opening night audience enters the theatre. Then, one of them spots Marcia Blair, a once-famous actress, in the box seats. She explains how Marcia Blair had been their director's leading lady, and that, after great success, she retired from the stage. Her glamour was tarnished slightly by her disappointing first husband, but after he died, she married her second husband, Howard White. He had always been devoted to her, and according to the newspaper, tonight was their one year anniversary.

Although their union appears idyllic, the truth is Marcia and Howard are worried. Lately, she has been receiving letters from her first husband! She is scared that he is still alive, but Howard tells her not to worry. Someone is playing a joke. He then leaves her at the theatre to enjoy the show while he attends to his business. How could anything happen to her in a theatre in full view of 3,000 people ?

"Fire Burn and Cauldren Bubble" was written by John Dickson Carr. John Dietz directed and William Spier produced. Paul Lukas starred. This episode aired on April 6, 1943.

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(Image of Paul Lukas from Wikipedia)

Suspense - Philomel Cottage

In "Philomel Cottage," a woman marries quickly and then discovers that her idyllic life is not what she believed.

This episode was based on the short story of the same name by Agatha Christie, which was first published in the United Kingdom in her book The Listerdale Mystery (1934). Since then, "Philomel Cottage" has been adapted for the stage, film, radio, and television.

As the episode opens, newlyweds Gerald and Alix Martin are in the garden of their rustic new home. They met a month ago, married after one week, and have spent the last three weeks in their lovely and remote country cottage.

Before she had met Gerald, she intended to marry her long-time friend, Dick Windyford.  However, when she inherited a little money, Dick's pride kept him from proposing.  When Gerald came along and swept Alix off her feet, Dick warned her that she was making a mistake.

Now, Alix is begining to understand that perhaps she married her husband too quickly. Perhaps...he hasn't been entirely honest with her.

Her curiousity is peaked when she finds her husband's pocket diary and discovers that Gerald has something in particular planned for them later that day...

Suspense first presented their adaptation on July 29, 1942, but that episode is considered lost. No known recordings of that broadcast are known to exist.

The story was presented a second time on October 7, 1943. "Philomel Cottage" was adapted for radio by screenwriter  Harold Medford and produced/directed by William Spier. Orson Welles and Geraldine Fitzgerald starred. Joseph Kearns was the narrator.

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Suspense presented this story a third time on December 26, 1946. Elliot Lewis and Lilli Palmer starred. 

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(Image of the first edition of The Listerdale Mystery from Wikipedia)

Suspense - Where There's a Will

In "Where There's a Will," James Mason stars as a man who tries to expedite his inheritance by scaring his aunt to death. This episode was based on a short story by Agatha Christie, which was first published under the title ""Wireless" in the United Kingdom in 1926. Later, in the 1948 publication, The Witness for The Prosecution and Other Stories, the title was changed to "Where There's a Will".

As the episode opens, Charles Ridgeway needs money. One of his business associates, Mr. Jebson, wants the money that he is owed--or else. Charles tells him not to worry. He'll get the money! He is the favorite nephew of his wealthy but sickly aunt, and upon her death, he stands to gain forty thousand pounds.

To insure this will happen, Charles then takes his aunt to the doctor to determine the state of her health. The doctor gravely informs Charles that his aunt's heart is weak, and she must have no sudden shocks.

Charles agrees, but then devises an elaborate plan to deliver a shock that will solve of all his problems. Will it work?

"Where There's a Will" was adapted for radio by William Fifeld, and produced/directed by Anton M. Leader . James Mason starred as Charles Ridgeway and his wife Pamelo Kellino (Mason) appeared as Elizabeth. The name of the actress who played the aunt is not given. This episode aired on February 24, 1949.

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(Image of James Mason)