Edgar Allan Poe's classic story "The Pit and the Pendulum" (1842) was adapted for Suspense by John Dickson Carr. Poe's story wasn't long enough to fill a half-hour show, so it was expanded with the addition of a court scene and a running dialogue that takes place in the mind of the prisoner. The result was an unusual combination of Poe, Carr, and Suspense that was presented four times between 1943 and 1959. John Dickson Carr was considered a master of the "locked room mystery," and he wrote many of Suspense's early episodes.
Suspense first presented this story with Henry Hull in the role of the prisoner. William Spier produced, John Dietz directed, and Bernard Herrmann composed/conducted the music. This episode aired on January 12, 1943.
. Download Suspense_1943.01.12_The Pit And The Pendulum.mp3
Suspense presented this story a second time on November 28, 1947. Jose Ferrer starred. William Spier produced and directed.
. Download Suspense_1947.11.27_The Pit and the Pendulum.mp3
The third production starred Vincent Price in the role of the prisoner. William N. Robson produced and directed. This episode aired on November 10, 1957.
. Download Suspense_1957.11.10_The Pit & The Pendulum.MP3
The fourth presentation starred Raymond Burr in the role of the prisoner. William N. Robson produced and directed. This episode aired on June 7, 1959.
. Download Suspense_1959.06.07_The Pit And The Pendulum.mp3
(Image of Penguin Books 1995 edition The Pit and the Pendulum and Other Stories)
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