Suspense's "Suspicion" was adapted from the 1940 short story by Dororthy L. Sayers, which is available in the book Dorothy L. Sayers: The Complete Short Stories, as well as in other anthology books.
As the episode opens, Mr. Mummery is not feeling well. His business partner, Mr. Brookes notices and they discuss his health, the health of his wife, and their new cook. Mr. Brookes then asks Mr. Mummery if he can recommend any other cooks because he knows a family that needs one. Recommendations are important because there is a poisoner on the loose named Mrs. Andrews, who seeks out positions as cook. The police think she is still in their neighborhood.
It doesn't take long for Mr. Mummery to start to think about his stomach problems, his new cook, and the the danger that they might be in. So, he begins to investigate his suspicions...
"Suspicion" was was adapted for Suspense by Peter Barry and presented on August 12, 1942 but there are no known recordings of that broadcast. Pedro de Cordoba and Helen Lewis starred.
Suspense presented this story a second time on February 10, 1944 using the same script. William Spier produced and directed. Charles Ruggles starred. Also appearing were Hans Conried, William Johnstone, John McIntire, and Joseph Kearns.
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Suspense presented this story a third time on April 3, 1948, but this time it was adapted by Irving Ravetch for an hour-long presentation. Sam Jaffe starred. Also appearing were Lurene Tuttle and Alan Reed.
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The Suspense television show also presented an adapation of "Suspicion" on March 15, 1949. That episode survives, and can be found on disc one of Suspense: The Lost Episodes Collection Two.
"Suspicion" was also adapted for television by The Actors Studio ("Mr. Mummery's Suspicion") in 1950, Studio One ("Mr. Mummery's Suspicion") in 1951 and Alfred Hitchock Presents ("Our Cook's a Treasure")in 1955.
Studio One's 1951 broadcast can be found online at the Internet Archive.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents version can be found online at Hulu.com
(Image of Dorothy L. Sayers)
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