Escape and Suspense!

Suspense - The High Wall

In "The High Wall," Robert Young plays a man who suddenly finds himself locked away in an asylum for the criminally insane.

Mr. Lewis wakes up in a hospital with no memory of events that have happened within the last six months. He thinks it is December, but then realizes it is summer when he looks outside. The last thing that he does remember was returning home to his wife after being away for three years. He was in a hotel room and there was a knock at the door, but he doesn't remember what occurred after that. What happened between then and now? His friendly nurse Amy is willing to break the rules to help him remember.

"The High Wall" was written by Bradbury Foote and produced/directed by William Spier. This was the third of Robert Young's seven appearances on Suspense. English character actor George Zucco, in the last of his five appearances on Suspense, played the Professor. Cathy Lewis played Amy and Wally Maher played Dr. Dunlap. This episode aired on June 6, 1946.

. Download Suspense_1946.06.06_TheHighWall.mp3

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Suspense - A Killing in Abilene

"A Killing in Abilene" stars Alan Ladd in a western saga about a man determined to bring his brother's murderer to trial.

Jeff Mander has spent two years in pursuit of the man who murdered his brother. As the episode opens, Jeff rides into the small town of Pleasant Valley. There, he finds the townspeople gathered around a pit where they have just uncovered a body . As it turns out, the man whom they believe has committed this murder, Lee Burrage, is the same man that Jeff is looking for.

Jeff wants to bring the accused man back to trial in Abilene, but the townspeople have their own ideas about justice. Will he be able to convince the townspeople that Lee Burrage deserves a trial?

"A Killing in Abilene" was written by Gil Doud and Antony Ellis. Elliott Lewis produced and directed. Appearing with Alan Ladd were Parley Baer, Jeannette Nolan, and Barton Yarborough. This episode aired on December 14, 1950.

. Download Suspense_1950.12.14_AKillingInAbilene.mp3 

Suspense presented this tale again with Parley Baer in the lead role on February 3, 1955.

. Download Suspense_1955.02.03_AKillingInAbilene.MP3

This story also made it to the Suspense television show in 1951, but that episode, if it survives, is not available at this time.

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Suspense - Don't Call Me Mother

"Dont' Call Me Mother" is the story of a woman grasping to keep her son in her life--and her daughter-in-law out.

Agnes Moorehead plays Lori, a domineering single mom with a 25 year-old son named Larry. Lori thinks that the life that she and her son share is wonderful, but then Larry ruins it by getting a girlfriend. When he brings Roberta home to meet his mother, the meeting doesn't go well. Lori immediately begins a campaign of emotional blackmail to break them up, but it doesn't work. Larry and Roberta marry over his mother's objections, but when Larry has doubts about his new bride, he makes the mistake of going back to mother for advice.

"Don't Call Me Mother" was written/produced/directed by William N. Robson. Agnes Moorehead starred as Lori. Also featured were James McCallion and Cathy Lewis. This episode aired on January 4, 1959.

. Download suspense_1959.01.04_Don'tCallMeMother.mp3

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Suspense - Song of the Heart

"Song of the Heart" is the story of a stifled man and the suffocating, passive-aggressive aunt who raised him.

Van Heflin plays Neil Wilson, a young guy with an overburdened life. Neil was raised by Aunt Alice and as the episode opens, he is turning himself into the police. Neil tells them he has just killed his aunt.

The trouble started when Neil met Muriel Jones at the company picnic. Neil and Muriel fell in love instantly and wanted to marry, but his aunt refused to accept what was really happening. She didn't like Muriel, and she tried in a not-too-subtle way to communicate those feelings to Neil. Did he understand what his Aunt Alice was trying to tell him?

"Song of the Heart" was written for Suspense by Elliott Lewis and produced/directed by Anton Leader. Van Heflin starred as Neil and Betty Lou Gerson played Muriel. Lurene Tuttle played Aunt Alice.

. Download Suspense_1948.08.26_SongoftheHeart.mp3

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Suspense - Muddy Track

"The Muddy Track" is a radio noir about a bookie who is framed for the murder of a model.

Harry Clark is new in town and down on his luck. He is alone in a bar sipping a Coke when he is descended upon by Brandy. She takes a liking to him, buys him a bourbon, and soon his luck begins to change. Her "friend," Mr. Persian, arrives shortly afterwards and offers Harry a job as a bookie. Mr. Persian buys Harry another round, but this time Harry asks for a brandy. Mr. Persian warns Harry that, "Brandy lovers often die young."

Harry goes to work the next day, but when he finds Brandy murdered, he realizes he was set-up. Now Harry is on the run for a murder he didn't commit, but he can't get out of town without some help.

"The Muddy Track" was written by Buckley Angell and Bob Shelly. Anton M. Leader produced and directed. Academy-award winner Edmond O'Brien, in one of his four appearances on Suspense, starred as Harry. Ann Blyth starred as Eleanor Grayson. This episode aired on November 11, 1948.

.  Download Suspense_1948.11.11_Muddy_Track.mp3

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Suspense - The One Millionth Joe

In "The One Millionth Joe," a publicity stunt turns deadly when things don't go off as planned.

Al is a public relations man in Los Angeles. He came up with a promotional stunt for his client, the Bureau of Better Business Promotion, wherein the one millionth passenger through the airport would win an all-expenses paid whirl through the city.

As everyone gathers at the airport for the one millionth visitor to step through Gate 5, the surprise is on Al when two passengers arrive through the gate at the same moment. Then an argument ensues over who actually deserves the prize, and Al has to come up with an arrangement that will keep both of the prize-winners happy. As he gets to know the two winners, Al finds he has to negotiate a much more complicated deal than he expected.

"The One Millionth Joe" was written for radio by Sylvia Richards, produced by William Spier, and directed by Norman Macdonnell. Jack Carson, in one his five appearances on Suspense, starred as Al. This episode aired on June 22, 1950.

. Download Suspense_1950.06.22_TheOneMillionthJoe.mp3

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Suspense - And So to Sleep My Love

"And So to Sleep My Love" is a Suspense episode from 1961, but the story seems reminiscent of their radio-plays from earlier years. In it, a man devises a clever plan to murder his wife for her money.

George is tired of being told what to do by his wife, May. He does what she says, not because he agrees with her, but because she is the one with the money.

George finally arrives at the decision that he would be better off with just the money and not May. So, he devises a way to drive her crazy by making her believe that she is hearing screaming in the night. The plan is for her to become so worn out from lack of sleep that she will turn to sleeping tablets. When she does, he plans to arrange an overdose.

"And So to Sleep My Love" was written for Suspense by Dave W. Gilbert and produced/directed by Bruno Zirato, Jr. William Redfield played George and Elaine Rost played May. Also appearing were Bernard Remlo and Bryna Rayburn. Abby Lewis provided the voice of the screaming woman.

. Download Suspense_1961.12.10_AndSoToSleep.mp3

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Suspense - The Whole Town's Sleeping

"The Whole Town's Sleeping" was closely adapted from the Ray Bradbury short story of the same name, and it will make you think twice about walking home alone at night.

As the episode opens, Lavinia Nebbs is sitting on her porch waiting for her friend, Francine, so that they can go to a movie. When Francine arrives, they start walking towards the movie theater downtown. To get there, they must cross a dark and steep ravine that cuts through the middle of their town.

It would seem that crossing the ravine would be the most dangerous aspect of their trip, but it isn't. Their small Illinois town has been traumatized by a series of murders, each one a month apart, by a strangler called "The Lonely One." Lavinia isn't afraid of "The Lonely One," but Francine is. Lavinia says "Bosh!" to all of it and insists that it will be safe for her to walk home alone after the movie. Will it?

"The Whole Town's Sleeping" was produced, directed, and adapted for radio by Antony Ellis. William Conrad narrated and Jeannette Nolan played Lavinia. Also featured were Eve McVeagh and Paula Winslowe. This episode June 14, 1955.

. Download Suspense_1955.06.14_TheWholeTownsSleeping.mp3

This story was presented again on August 31, 1958. William Conrad narrated and Agnes Moorehead played Lavinia. (The sound quality of this episode isn't the best.)

. Download Suspense_1958.08.31_WholeTown's Sleeping.MP3

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Suspense - Backseat Driver

"Backseat Driver" is a Suspense story that borrows from the urban legend, "The Killer in the Backseat." Radio comedians Fibber McGee & Molly appeared twice in this drama about a suburban couple held hostage by a killer.

According to the Encyclopedia of Urban Legends by Jan Harold Brunvand "The Killer in the Backseat" is a classic automobile horror legend in the United States. It is also a cautionary anecdote that has appeared in many articles on crime prevention. In it, the victim usually is a woman driving alone at night. Unbeknownst to her, a killer has slipped into the back seat of her car and is hiding there. The story ends with either a passing car on the road noticing the man in the backseat and following her, or with a gas station attendant noticing the man and asking the woman to step out of the car. Either way, the point of the story is to always check the backseat of your car before driving.

In Suspense's version, the intended victims are a husband and wife on their way home from a night out in Hollywood. As they are driving, they turn on the radio and hear a story about a murderer from New Hampshire who has been spotted in Los Angeles. Soon they discover that the murderer is in their backseat! The killer threatens that if they don't do as he says, he will kill the wife. As the three of them drive towards the San Fernando Valley, the husband tries to find a way to communicate their need for help to others on the road.

"Backseat Driver" was written for Suspense by Sally Thorson. Radio Hall-of-Famers Jim Jordan (a.k.a Fibber McGee) and Marion Jordan (a.k.a Molly) starred. Anton M. Leader produced/directed. This episode first aired on February 3, 1949 and it is probably the best version of the three.

. Download suspense_1949.02.03_ BackSeatDriver.mp3

Jim and Marion Jordan appeared in this story again on February 22, 1951. Elliott Lewis produced/directed.

. Download Suspense_1951.02.22_BackSeatDriverAFRS.mp3

Suspense presented this story for the last time on July 19, 1955. Parley Baer and Vivi Janiss starred. Antony Ellis produced/directed.

.  Download suspense_1955.07.19_ Backseat Driver.MP3

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Suspense - St. James Infirmary Blues

"St. James Infirmary Blues" is one of a number of Suspense episodes that were based on popular songs. In it, Rosemary Clooney appears as a gal looking for excitement in 1920's New York.

The song has an anonymous origin but it was derived from an 18th century English song called "The Unfortunate Rake." "St. James Infirmary Blues" was first made popular in 1928 by Louis Armstrong and it has since been recorded by many. While most renditions of this song appear to have been performed by men, Suspense wrote their episode around a female character. For more information about the song, there is a website devoted to "St. James Infirmary Blues" at NO Notes.

Rosemary Clooney, in her only appearance on Suspense, both sings the narration and plays the role of Sheila, a girl who falls for a handsome gangster named Nicky. It is a short-lived romance and Sheila ultimately ends up singing the blues when Nicky double-crosses his boss.

"St James Infirmary Blues" was written by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. Elliott Lewis produced and directed. William Conrad played Brock Garvey and Tony Barrett played Nick Volpe. Also appearing were Billy Halop, Vivi Janiss, Joseph Kearns, Shepard Menken, and Clayton Post. This episode aired on February 23, 1953.

. Download suspense_1953.02.23_St James Infirmary Blues.mp3

Below is an excellent version of "St. James Infirmary Blues" performed by Cab Calloway. This surreal clip is taken from Max Fleischer"s Snow White cartoon featuring Betty Boop (1933). Cab Calloway appeared as Koko the Clown.

Video from Youtube.com

Suspense - The Leading Citizen of Pratt County

"The Leading Citizen of Pratt County" stars Alan Hale, Sr. in a story about a con artist who ends up a hero.

As the episode opens, Alonzo P. Witherspoon narrates for us the story of his rise to prominence.

Twenty years earlier he arrived in Prattville with nothing. He had just gambled away all of his money on a horse and his business associate, upon learning this, had kicked him out of their car while driving through Prattville.

Fortunately, two of the locals came to his aid and took in Alonzo. When they told him about their town and the river that used to run through it, he quickly spotted an opportunity. Introducing himself to them as Professor Alonzo P. Witherspoon, Professor of Geology, he announced that he was there on behalf of their senator to survey the river and possibly reroute it.

The unexpected results of his fibbery ultimately lead to his lofty position as their most beloved citizen.

"The Leading Citizen of Pratt County" was written by Robert L. Richards and produced/directed by William Spier. Alan Hale, Sr. starred as Professor Alonzo P. Witherspoon. Also appearing were Joseph Kearns, Verna Felton, Jerry Hausner, and Wally Maher. This episode aired on May 30, 1946.

.  Download Suspense_1946.05.30_LeadingCitizenOfPrattCounty.mp3

(Image of Green River near Mammoth Cave National Park from Wikipedia)

Suspense - Pigeon in the Cage

Suspense's "Pigeon in the Cage" tells the story of a man trapped inside an elevator and the two murderers waiting for him on the outside.

Gerald Brewer is stuck in a small, rickety elevator in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Rogers. He was hanging wallpaper upstairs, but when he tried to leave for the day, the elevator stopped between floors. Brewer wants to get home to his wife, but he is helpless until the owners return.

Soon, one of the owners does return. Brewer can see and hear Mr. Rogers and his girlfriend, Janice, on the floor below, but they don't realize he is there. Mr. Rogers intends to murder Mrs. Rogers when she comes home, and Janice is anxious to get it over with. Brewer tries to hide within the darkness of the suspended elevator, but it isn't long before Mr. Rogers and Janice realize that someone is inside.

"Pigeon in the Cage" was written by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. Elliott Lewis produced and directed. Dick Haymes, in his only appearance on Suspense, played Brewer. Joseph Kearns played Harry Rogers and Charlotte Lawrence turned out a particularly good performance as Janice. This episode aired on May 25, 1953.

.  Download Suspense_1953.05.25_PigeonInTheCage.mp3

This story was presented again on August 11, 1957. Lloyd Bridges, in one of his four appearances on Suspense, played the role of Brewer. Joe DeSantis played Harry Rogers, and Ellen Morgan played Janice. William N. Robson produced and directed.

.  Download Suspense_1957.08.11_PigeonintheCage.mp3

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Suspense - Return to Dust

"Return to Dust" is the story of a scientist who is accidentally exposed to a chemical mist that makes him smaller and smaller and smaller...

James Howard, a research fellow in Pathology at the state university, has been working after-hours on an experiment in shrinking cancer cells. His supervisor warned him not to work in the lab on his own, but James disobeyed his orders.

Now, James is recording a message to his supervisor describing the circumstances that have left him 12 inches tall. James is still shrinking and needs help before midnight, at which time he will probably be of microscopic size. Will help come in time?

"Return to Dust" was written for Suspense by George Bamber and produced/directed by William N. Robson. Richard Beals gives an utterly convincing performance as the shrinking scientist.  Also appearing were Lawrence Dobkin and Paula Winslowe. This episode aired on February 1, 1959.

.  Download Suspense_1959.02.01_ReturnToDust.mp3

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Suspense - Snow on 66

"Snow on 66" is a story about a drunk driver named Leroy, who enjoys scaring tourists on the road. Suspense did a number of shows about traffic safety and this episode addresses the dangers of red-neck drunks in pick-up trucks. 

What makes this episode more than just a radio-play about road safety is that it features Grayson Hall, an Academy-award nominated actress. To many she is primarily known for her role as Dr. Julia Hoffman on the 1960's gothic soap opera Dark Shadows, but she was also an accomplished stage actress. "Snow on 66" was the first of her two appearances on Suspense.

Charlie and Flo are newlyweds traveling on Route 66. They have stopped for the night at a motel in a remote town in Arizona, but they need to find a place to have dinner. As they are driving to a nearby restaurant, they run into trouble on the road with Leroy. As the night progresses, they find that they can't seem to resolve the trouble no matter what they do.

"Snow on 66" was written by William N. Robson and produced/directed by Fred Hendrickson. Also appearing were Jimmy Blaine, Gwen Davis, James Dimetree, William Mason and Sam Raskyn.  This episode aired on July 15, 1962.

. Download suspense__1962.07.15_SnowOn66.mp3

(Image of Route 66 from Wikimedia Commons. The Burma-Shave signs read: "Big Mistake -- Make Many -- Rely on Horn -- Instead of Brake -- Burma-Shave.")

Suspense - Subway

"Subway" stars June Havoc in a story about woman who is annoyed to the brink of murder by an old friend from school.

Paula Stevens is battling the 5:00 mob in a New York subway station. She has a terrible cold, she is weary, and she hates everyone and everything around her. On the train, Paula finds herself standing next to an old friend from college, Ruth Carney. The two had both attended the same acting academy, but things haven't turned out the way either of them expected. Paula was determined to become a great and serious actress, but her career went nowhere. Ruth, however, made a career for herself in the theater but did it through her family's connections and money. Paula is envious and depressed by the way things have turned out. Suddenly, she remembers the scissors in her purse and she comes up with an idea...

"Subway" was written by Mel Dinelli and Eileen Douglas Walzer. William Spier produced/directed. June Havoc played Paula and Lurene Tuttle played Ruth. This episode aired on October 30, 1947.

.  Download Suspense_1947.10.30_Subway.mp3

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Suspense - The Track of the Cat

In "The Track of the Cat," Richard Widmark plays Curt, a Nevada rancher who is determined to hunt down the mysterious panther that killed his brother.

The snow is falling on the Nevada mountains, and in the early morning winds, there are sounds of trouble on the ranch. Curt and his brothers think that a mountain lion is upsetting their cattle, and they want to go into the canyon to kill it. Their mother asks them not to go because there is a blizzard coming, and because she believes that the first snow of the year brings out the great black panther. Is the black panther a Native American legend or is it real? When Curt finds his brother Arthur dead from an attack by the ghostly animal, he vows to hunt it down.

Suspense's radio-play was adapted by Sylvia Richards from the 1949 novel by Walter Van Tilburg Clark. This story also became a movie in 1954 that starred Robert Mitchum and Teresa Wright. For a review of the DVD version of Track of the Cat visit DVDBeaver.com.

Appearing with Richard Widmark in "Track of the Cat" were Parley Baer, Harry Bartell, Sharon Douglas, Lee Millar, and Martha Wentworth. Elliott Lewis produced and directed. This episode aired on February 18, 1952.

.  Download Suspense_1952.02.18_TheTrackOfTheCat.mp3

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Suspense - Night Must Fall

"Night Must Fall" was one of a number of hour-long episodes that Suspense presented in 1948. Their radio play was adapted from the 1935 play by Emlyn Williams and performed by actors from both the original London stage production and the 1937 film Night Must Fall.

The episode opens in a cottage in rural England, the home of Mrs. Bramson. The disappearance of a local woman has recently brought Scotland Yard investigators into the town and into her home. At the same time, she also receives a visitor named Danny. He and Dora, the maid, are involved and Mrs. Bramson expects him to marry Dora. Mrs. Bramson is a difficult old bitty confined to a wheelchair, but she takes a liking to Danny and offers him a job in her home.

Danny accepts the job and moves in, but Mrs. Bramson's niece, Olivia, has her suspicions about him.

"Night Must Fall" was adapted for Suspense by Robert L. Richards and directed by Anton M. Leader. Robert Montgomery produced, hosted and starred as Danny. Ten years earlier, he had been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor in the film Night Must Fall. Dame May Whitty and Matthew Boulton had both appeared in the original London stage play, but Whitty also appeared in the film version and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Also appearing in this broadcast were Heather Angel as Olivia and Richard Ney as Hubert. This episode aired on March 27, 1948.

. Download Suspense_1948.03.27_NightMustFall.mp3

(Image of Robert Montgomery in Night Must Fall from Wikimedia Commons)

Suspense - The Black Shawl

"The Black Shawl" stars Dame May Whitty and Maureen O'Sullivan in a weird story about an Englishwoman who engages a home companion to live with her...and the person hidden in her home.

As the episode opens, Susan Applebie tells us that she is about to be murdered. Only three days earlier, she had been enjoying herself at the town fair, but then she met Elizabeth Masters.

Mrs. Masters approached Susan at the fair with an offer of employment as a home companion. She told Susan that her primary responsibilities would be to brew tea and chit chat, and for that, she would be well paid. Susan agreed because she and her fiance needed the money, but when her fiance heard about her new position with the strange old woman, he wasn't pleased.  Despite his concerns, she started her new job the next night.

Now, Susan is imprisoned in the house of a madwoman who has a peculiar grudge against home companions.

"The Black Shawl" was written by Richard R. Lewis and produced/directed by William Spier. This episode was the first of Dame May Whitty's four appearances on Suspense, but it was Maureen O'Sullivan's only appearance. This episode aired on July 27, 1944. 

. Download Suspense_1944.07.27_TheBlackShawl.mp3   

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Suspense - Inferno

With "Inferno," Suspense reminds us to be careful when driving through a long stretch of desert.

Lester and his wife Sheila are driving across the country to his new job in California. As the episode opens, they drive right past a sign advising them to have their vehicle checked before traveling any farther into the desert. The highway in front of them is a lonely one, with no service stations for the next 50 miles, but Lester isn't worried. He tells Sheila that they have enough gas to go twice that distance...but do they have water?

A little farther into their trip, they take a five mile detour down an old road to find a place to eat their picnic lunch. Lester and Sheila assume they are alone in their isolated picnic spot, but two old miners working nearby are watching them...and their car.

"Inferno" was written by Peter Fernandez and was produced/directed by Paul Roberts. Ellen McRae played Sheila and Richard Holland played Lester. Mandel Kramer and Robert Dryden played the miners. (The sound quality of this episode isn't perfect but it was the best recording that could be found.) This episode aired on October 16, 1960.

.  Download Suspense_1960.10.16_Inferno.mp3   

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Suspense - Murder is a Matter of Opinion

In "Murder is a Matter of Opinion," two law students stage a mock crime in order to prove that an innocent man can be convicted of premeditated murder.

Frank and his younger brother Brian are students at the Tulane College of Law. The two of them disagree on most subjects, but lately they have been arguing about capital punishment. Frank believes the laws are right, and Brian believes that the laws are wrong.

Every year the law school stages a crime and then holds a mock trial to argue the case. This year, Frank and Brian decide to go one better and surprise the school by staging their own crime. Frank will "murder" Brian, and then Brian will argue the case in front of the Mock Trial Board. Or will he?

"Murder is a Matter of Opinion" was based on a short story by Jules Archer and was adapted for radio by Ronald Dawson. Phil Meader and William Lipton starred. This episode aired on August 20, 1961.

.  Download Suspense_1961.08.20_MurderIsAMatterofOpinion.mp3

For other stories by Jules Archer see:

Escape - Two Came Back

Suspense - Sold to Satan

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Suspense - A Coffin for Mr. Cash

In "A Coffin for Mr. Cash," the supervisor of a crematorium becomes involved in an intricate plan to steal a fortune.

Pete Wilson is the night supervisor of the Lakeside Municipal Crematorium. On one particularly dark and stormy night, Pete receives a visit from Al Thomas. Not too long ago Pete and Al used to share a cell, but now they share a drink while Al explains his visit. He wants Pete to go in with him on a heist, and all Pete has to do is drive a horse.

Pete agrees to the arrangement, primarily because he can't think of a way to get out of it. Al's target is the Dollar Delivery Company, through which payroll funds are delivered by armored cars onThursdays. Al's plan is to steal the money from the delivery company, but not directly. Pete and Al will be robbing the gang that is planning to rob the Dollar Delivery Company next Thursday.

"A Coffin for Mr. Cash" was written for Suspense by Robert A. Arthur and was produced/directed by Paul Roberts. Leon Janney played Pete Wilson and Mandel Kramer played Al Thomas. Also appearing were: Sam Raskyn, Sam Gray, Robert Donley and Joseph Boland. This episode aired on March 27, 1960.

.  Download Suspense_1960.03.27_ACoffinforMrCash.mp3

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Suspense - The Lonely Road

In "The Lonely Road," Gregory Peck plays a man who becomes dangerously smitten with his house-maid.

Steven Gare and his wife, Ellen, life in an isolated house in the country. They are in need of help around their home and so, they post an advertisement. A girl named Jenny responds, and Ellen hires her. Initially, everything seems to go well, but soon Ellen becomes uncomfortable with Jenny. Ellen sees something dangerous in her, and she isn't wrong. Jenny wants get rid of the Ellen, so she and Steven can run off together.

"The Lonely Road" was written by Mary North and produced/directed by William Spier. Gregory Peck, in the first of his five appearances on Suspense, played Steven Gare. Cathy Lewis played Ellen Gare, and Maria Palmer played Jenny. Peck and Palmer had previously worked together in the 1944 film Days of Glory. This episode aired on March 21, 1946.

. Download Suspense_1946.03.21_Lonely_Road.mp3

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Suspense - The Diary of Saphronia Winters

In Suspense's "The Diary of Saphronia Winters," we learn that it is best not to jump into marriage too quickly.

Saphronia Winters, at age 40, is starting her life over again. After the death of her invalid father, whom she took care of for many years, Safronia has gone to stay in Florida. While enjoying her new freedom, she meets Hiram Johnson. He is a handsome hotel owner from Maine, with whom she has a whirlwind courtship. The only thing that seems odd is that he mentions his sister-in-law often. Safronia assumes that it is only because the two of them share the same name.

In a short time, Hiram convinces Safronia to marry him and return with him to his home. When they arrive at his hotel in Maine, Safronia is stunned to find a large, empty hotel that hasn't been open in twenty-five years. Soon, Safronia discovers why he has brought her there and why he mentions his sister-in-law so often.

"The Diary of Safronia Winters" was written by Lucille Fletcher and displays her distinctive style of radio horror. Suspense presented this story twice with Agnes Moorehead and Ray Collins in the lead roles.

This story first aired on April 27, 1943.

.  Download Suspense_1943.04.27_DiaryOfSaphroniaWinters.mp3

Suspense presented this story again on August 17, 1944.

. Download Suspense_1944.08.17_DiaryofSaphroniaWinters.mp3

The story aired for the last time on August 10, 1958, with Mercedes McCambridge and Karl Swenson. Mercedes McCambridge was a well-known radio actress, who also found success in films. She was an Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actress in 1950, but she is also remembered in movie history for her voice-work as a demon in the 1973 film The Exorcist.

. Download Suspense_1958.08.10_DiaryofSaphroniaWinters.mp3   

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Suspense - Hide and Seek

Suspense's "Hide and Seek" is the story of a Chicago gambler trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse.

Dandy D'Angelis is a gambler known around town for his dapper appearance, and he owes money to Ed Bigelow. Dandy put borrowed money on a horse that came in fifth, but he doesn't have the funds to cover his bet.

Bigelow isn't happy that the debt isn't being repaid, and he tells "the boys" to take the "bloom off the dandy man." So, Ed's associates decide to take Dandy for a nice drive in the country -- one from which he won't be returning. When they pass through Dandy's old neighborhood on their way out of town, he jumps out of the car and runs away. Now he has to hide in an alley from Ed's men, but his past comes back to haunt him.

"Hide and Seek" was written for Suspense by Bob Corcoran. Jackson Beck and William Redfield starred. (The voice of Jackson Beck, the narrator of this episode, is one that is familiar to many. Although it may not be immediately obvious, he was the voice of Bluto in over 300 Popeye cartoons.) This episode aired on May 13, 1962.

.  Download Suspense_1962.05.13_HideAndSeek.mp3

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