Suspense - 2462

While Escape's attempts at presenting heroic stories about poets fell flat, (see El Guitarrero and Evening Primrose), Suspense produced 2462, a superb episode about an American poet who rebels against the system. In this story, a man is put in prison in Arizona for wasting time and writing "doggerel" at his government job. His world, the Earth as it is 400 years into the future, is grossly overpopulated. "Nonproductive" workers like this poet are superfluous because they are not contributing to the survival of mankind with mathematical and scientific skills. He has spent his time at his job expressing himself creatively and now he has to face a trial by a computerized judicial system. Here we also learn that workers of the future are given "tranquil gum" and "happy gum." So, the future doesn't sound all bad.

"2462" is a thought provoking episode that makes a statement about the value of artistic expression. It was written by George Bamber and starred Lawson Zerbe as the poet and Robert Dryden as the old prison guard.

This episode aired on January 21, 1962.

Download Suspense.1962.01.21_2462.mp3

(Photo from Morguefile.com)

Comments

[Kevin]

One of my all time favourite OTR shows from any genre. Great story and well done. Have heard it several times throughout the years and never tire of it.

[Cmillinsf]

I agree. 2462 is an exceptional episode. - Christine

[Kevin]

See Christine agrees with me! :) And to perhaps add to the enjoyment of this episode for some I have transcribed it and it is at the Generic Radio Workshop www.genericradio.com direct link to it is http://www.genericradio.com/show.php?id=ITLE85820

[cmillinsf]

Wonderful! Thanks so much! - Christine

[Kevin]

I know Suspense is in the Public Domain but does that mean the scripts are as well? Could the author not have a copyright on their original work? I've tried to find out about George Bamber and there is currently a George Bamber in film as a first and second assistant director. If he was say 20 when he had his first script for Suspense used in 1958 he would be 70 now and could have started in film in the early 90's at the age of 50ish. There is a 1971 futuristic environment themed novel from 1971 by a George Bamber with 1 negative and 1 positive review.

I would like to know if there is a copyright on this story 2462 by George Bamber. If you are reading this George or his agent please make a post :)

here is a list of all George Bambers work on Suspense.

Suspense scripts by George Bamber by date

May 25, 1958 Like Man, Somebody Dig Me
February 1, 1959 Return To Dust
April 19, 1959 See How She Runs
August 16, 1959 Like, Man, Somebody Dig Me
November 1, 1959 Re-Entry
December 20, 1959 A Korean Christmas Carol
Fevruary 28, 1960 Lt. Langer's Last Collection
April 17, 1960 Tonight At 5:55
July 10, 1960 Report From A Dead Planet
November 6, 1960 The Green Lorelei
October 29, 1961 Death Of An Old Flame
January 21, 1962 2462