"The Thing in the Window" is the story of a man convinced that he sees a dead body in an apartment across the street. Try as he might, he can't get anyone to believe him. Obsessed with finding the phantom body, he becomes a terrific annoyance to his neighbors.
The radioplay, written for Suspense by Lucille Fletcher, was performed in 1946 and 1949. The first presentation starred Joseph Cotten, and the second Robert Montgomery. There are some minor differences in the scripts and the endings, but both versions are entertaining.
When "The Thing in the Window" aired in 1946, it was Joseph Cotten's 7th guest appearance on the series. The "perennial Suspense favorite" would make a total of 17 appearances. At the time, he was promoting his upcoming film Duel in the Sun.
Actor, director, and SAG president Robert Montgomery made a number of appearances as well. In 1944 and 1948, he starred in later adaptations of Suspense's premier episode, "The Lodger". Montgomery was also the host of Suspense for a period in 1948 when the show was temporarily expanded to a one-hour format. When he appeared in "The Thing in the Window," he was promoting the movie June Bride. 
As it turned out, it was his last appearance on the series. It is worth noting however, that his daughter, actress Elizabeth Montgomery, would later star with Suspense's favorite actress, Agnes Moorehead, on the television show Bewitched.
"The Thing in the Window" starring Joseph Cotten aired on December 19, 1946.
Download Suspense.1946.12.19_Thing_In_The_Window.mp3
The version starring Robert Montgomery aired on January 27, 1949.
Download Suspense.1949.1.27_The_Thing_in_the_Window.mp3
(Photo from Morguefile.com)
Thank you so much for these! I love Suspense and one of my favorites is "The Thing in the Window." I've had the Montgomery version for a while but I could never find the Joseph Cotten one which I like a little better. Thanks again. Wonderful shows!
Posted by: Gatton | April 12, 2008 at 12:42 AM
I am a senior residing in Century Village, West Palm Beach, fl. I would love to receive some scripts of old time radio suspense shows, it would be a treat for me to try to recreate some of these shows for the residents here in the village. I would cast other seniors for some sort of activity to keep their minds and body active. Can u please help us. would really appreciate it. thank you
Posted by: martin ruderman | January 11, 2009 at 05:03 PM
http://www.simplyscripts.com/radio.html
http://www.genericradio.com/library.php
These sites should help
Posted by: Grigs | January 11, 2009 at 05:44 PM
Thanks Grigs!
Posted by: cmillinsf | January 11, 2009 at 07:25 PM