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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Comments

[Daryl Russ]

This is one of those titles I've known for years but I guess the name Saphronia kept me away from it.
Good listening though. I guess you just can't go wrong with Agnes Moorehead.

[cmillinsf]

That is true, you can't go wrong with Agnes Moorehead. (Especially in a Lucille Fletcher radio-play.) They made a great combo.

[Grigs]

I'm glad that I listened to this episode for the first time yesterday because if I'd listened to it as a youngster, I would have been creeped out every time we would sing "Work For The Night Is Coming" at church. Oh well, I like "Blessed Assurance" better anyway. :)

This was a good story that became a great radio drama because of excellent performances, the building creepiness and a plot twist at the end that I really didn't expect. Thanks for making us aware of this little gem.