Escape and Suspense!

Escape - Wild Jack Rhett

Escape's "Wild Jack Rhett" was adapted from the short story of the same name by Ernest Haycox, which was first published in Adventure (Sept. 1933). It can also be found in the book Rough Justice (1950), a collection of Haycox's short stories. Escape made almost no changes to the story in its adaptation.

As the episode opens, the townsfolk of Red Mesa are burying their sheriff in the local graveyard. Afterward, some of the local men gather to discuss hiring a new sheriff. The reformers want to hire a professional "town-tamer" named Jack Rhett, but the saloon owner, BeauHelen, wants to get a sheriff that won't scare people away. Matt Tavener, the U.S. Deputy Marshall for the district, also has concerns that hiring a professional killer will attract outlaws who want to challenge him.

Three weeks later, Jack Rhett comes to town and the mayor explains their problem. Red Mesa, close to the Chisholm Trail, wants its visitors to have a good time but not wreak havoc on the community. Rhett accepts the job and goes to work with the understanding that he has complete authority.

The biggest problem to his authority is an outlaw named Todd Mallon, the man who killed the previous sherriff. Matt Tavener wants to get him, but Rhett says that he will take care of the problem. 

Can Rhett stop Mallon and his men? Will his luck as a professional killer hold out?

"Wild Jack Rhett" was adapted for radio by John Meston and directed by Norman MacDonnell. John Dehner starred as Jack Rhett. Lawrence Dobkin played Matt Tavener and Lou Krugman played BeauHelen. Parley Baer was the narrator. Also appearing were Junius Matthews, Russell Simpson, Jeanne Bates, Paul Dubov, and Sam Edwards. This episode aired on December 17, 1950.

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Escape presented this story a second time on February 15, 1953. John Dehner starred, and Parley Baer was the narrator. Also appearing were Harry Bartell, Lawrence Dobkin, Georgia Ellis, Howard McNear, Herb Ellis, Peter Leeds, and Lou Krugman.

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Escape - Night in Havana

Escape's "Night in Havana" was adapted fom the short story by Burnham Carter, which was first published in the Saturday Evening Post (May 6, 1939). Their adaptation kept the basics intact, but some changes were made to the original story.

The episode opens on a quiet street in Havana as Tio encounters his friend, the Dutch smuggler, Maru.  Soon, they realize the stillness around them has been caused by the police. Two officers stop and search Tio because he is a well known thief, but finding nothing, they move on.

Tio then leaves Maru to go to the Cafe Mosca to see his fiance, Amelia. She tells him that a lieutenant visited earlier because the police are searching for a valuable emerald that was lost by an American tourist. She warns him to stay out of trouble because they are soon to get married. Tio tells her not to worry, and that he will stay within the law.

Tio takes the lieutenant's business card and goes off to visit the owner of the lost emerald. If the reward for finding the lost jewel is large enough, it just may be worth the risk of breaking the law. Then, he would be able to start married life without having to rely on Amelia's income.

Will Tio take the risk of getting caught? Or, is he clever enough to find a way to profit from the lost emerald?

"Night in Havana" was adapted for radio by Walter Brown Newman. William N. Robson produced and directed. Tony Barrett, Alan Reed, Jeannette Nolan were featured. Also appearing were William Conrad,  Ted Von Eltz , Jeff Corey, and Jack Webb . This episode aired on October 22, 1949.

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(Image of Havana from Wikipedia)

Escape - The Killer Mine

Escape's "The Killer Mine" was adapted from the 1947 novel by English author Hammond Innes (1913-1998). For radio, the story was shortened considerably, and as a result, the high tension of the novel and some of the characters, are missing. If you like this episode, then do yourself a favor and read the book.

The story is set in England, three years after the end of World War II. Jim Pryce, a miner by trade, but  a deserter from the British army, has just returned to England from Italy. He has made his way to the Cornish coast in the hopes of securing a "no questions asked" mining job through his friend, Dave Tanner.

When Jim finds Dave, his friend is in trouble with the law for liquor-running. Nevertheless, Dave follows through on his promise and sends him over to talk to Captain Manack, the owner of a local mine. When he does, Jim discovers that Captain Manack doesn't want to work the old tin mine for profit, he wants Jim to blow a hole through the top of an undersea shaft and flood it. That way, they can create an underwater entrance for illegal liquor to be unloaded into the mine. Will Jim take the job?

The radio version leaves out Kitty, the brave and good-hearted local girl he falls in love with, as well as the storyline about how Jim avenges his mother's untimely death.

"The Killer Mine" was adapted for radio by Antony Ellis and directed by Norman MacDonnell. John Dehner starred as Jim Pryce. Also appearing were Eileen Erskine, Tony Barrett, Ray Lawrence, Wilms Herbert, Jay Novello, and Lou Krugman. This episode aired on February 11, 1951.

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(Image from the cover of the 1968 Avon Book edition)

Escape - Diary of a Madman

Escape's "Diary of a Madman" tells the story of German soldiers who decide to cross the Sahara Desert to follow their dream of becoming kings.

The episode opens in November of 1942, as the German army is retreating westward from advancing British forces in North Africa. Many of these soldiers flee southward into the desert, never to be heard of again...

The story then picks up with a group of ten German soldiers traveling into the Sahara under the leadership of General Hans Brach. They have agreed to take the risk of crossing the desert because Brach has convinced them that if they reach the "Empire of the Niger," they will become kings. Their plan is to travel along a string of oasis until they reach the Niger region. Then, they will seize control of the area from the French.

When a German plane, sent out to shoot military deserters, bombs their truck and leaves them with no supplies, they have to make a decision. If they turn back, they will all face a German firing squad. If they continue into the Sahara, they may be captured by Arabs or British soldiers, but they may also make it to freedom...

"Diary of a Madman" was written by Les Crutchfield and produced/directed by Norman MacDonnell. Ben Wright starred. Also appearing were Harry Bartell, Lawrence Dobkin, Paul Richards, Edgar Barrier, and Barney Phillips. This episode aired on January 25, 1953.

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(Image from Wikipedia)

Escape - Conquest

Escape's "Conquest" was adapted from the short story by Leonard Lee, which was published in the Saturday Evening Post (November 9, 1935). It can also be found in the anthology Post Stories of 1935. Escape made a few changes and additions to pump up the action and lengthen "Conquest" for radio but  kept the point of the story intact.

As the episode opens, Chase Hamilton describes the conditions and perils of climbing Mount Everest. He then describes the experience of watching  George Mallory and Andrew Irvine leave to make their ascent to the top of Everest during a British expedition in June 1924. As it turned out, it would be the last time Mallory and Irvine would be seen alive.

From that moment, Hamilton became obsessed with climbing to the summit of Mount Everest. He worked hard to obtain the financing and to gather a qualified team to make his own expedition. Now, they are about to make their ascent. Will his determination conquer the numerous obstacles in his path? In the end, will he finally be able to say he was the first man to reach the summit of Everest?

"Conquest" was adapted for radio by David Ellis and produced/directed by Norman MacDonnell. William Conrad starred as Hamilton. Also appearing were Lawrence Dobkin, Ramsay Hill, Lou Krugman, Jack Kruschen, Larry Thor, and Ben Wright. This episode aired on January 7, 1951.

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(Image of George Mallory from Wikipedia )

Escape - Three Good Witnesses

Escape's "Three Good Witnesses" was based on the short story by Harold Lamb, which first appeared in the January 1945 issue of Blue Book. The story can also be found in Midnight Specials: An Anthology for Train Buffs and Suspense Aficionados (1977). Escape's adaptation is a good one and only small changes were made to lengthen it for radio.

As the episode opens, Humphrey Ward is on his way home to the United States from business in Turkey. He works for an oil company, but wishes that he could be a part of the war.

Ward is booked on the Taurus Express, which will take him from Istanbul to Cairo. As he boards the train, he is overwhelmed by Mary, who is desperate for help. Ward helps hide her from the police, and so does the conductor, Kevorkian. Then, Ward meets Tom Hatfield, a fellow American who is traveling on official government business.  Hatfield meets Mary when he finds her in his compartment.

As the train travels through the night, spies steal Hatfield's briefcase and Humphrey Ward takes it upon himself to get it back. The trouble that results can only be fixed by three good witnesses...Mary, Kevorkian, and Hatfield.

"Three Good Witnesses" was adapted for radio by John Dunkel, produced by William N. Robson, and directed by Norman MacDonnell. Morgan Farley played Humphrey Ward, Jack Webb played Tom Hatfield, Jeannette Nolan played Mary, and Harry Bartell played Kevorkian. Also appearing were Barton Yarborough and Jack Kruschen. This episode aired on January 28, 1948.

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Escape - Roulette

Escape's "Roulette" is the story of a young man on holiday who becomes involved in a dangerous intrigue.

Richard Ferris was supposed to spend his summer bicycling through France, but when he tired of the scenery, he sold his bicycle in Avignon and spent the money at the roulette tables in Monte Carlo. In a short time, that left him with only enough money to get back to England.

Richard was content to go back home and start Trinity College the following week, but then he met...Tina.

She tells Richard that she saw him lose his money at the roulette table, and she wants to help. All he has to do is accompany her to Ankara, and she will give him 50,000 francs. Richard, overwhelmed by the beauty and spirit of Tina, agrees to the deal.

Now, they are on the train to Naples, in the hopes of crossing to Ankara by boat. Will they make it?

"Roulette" was written by Antony Ellis and produced/directed by Norman MacDonnell. Terry Kilburn starred as Richard. Also appearing were John Dehner, Alberto Morin, Georgia Ellis, Lou Krugman, and Edgar Barrier. This episode aired on October 8, 1950.

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Escape - Train from Oebisfelde

In Escape's "Train from Oebisfelde," a British agent must transport a nuclear physicist on a train that is rigged for destruction.

Lawton Herrick, a valuable nuclear scientist, has decided to return to the western world after selling his services behind the Iron Curtain. Agent Bruce Kellander now has to transport him by train to British Intelligence in Hanover, Germany.

Things seem to be going smoothly, but after the train makes its first stop, an enemy agent boards with a suitcase filled with explosives. British Intelligence is aware of the threat and sends an agent to help Bruce. The bomb is set to go off when the train reaches the Oker River Bridge--and they have an hour before that happens. If the train stops beforehand, the bomb will blow. Can they find the enemy agent and his suitcase in time?

"Train from Oebisfelde" was written by Ross Murray. William Conrad starred. The ending credits are cut off in this recording, so names of the other actors aren't given. This episode aired on September 6, 1953.

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Escape - The Ambassador of Poker

Escape's "The Ambassador of Poker" was based on the short story of the same name by Achmed Abdullah, which was first published in Stories for Men: An Anthology(1944). Achmed Abdullah was the pen name of Alexander Nicholayevitch Romanoff, a Russian writer, playwright, and screenwriter. He was also the son of a second cousin of Czar Nicholas Romanoff.

Escape's adaptation is different from Abdullah's story, but it isn't bad. They just added a dangerous female character and a notorious Chinese general, making this episode vaguely reminiscent of the 1949 episode "The General Died at Dawn."

As the episode opens, Randolph C. Fairborn of Virginia is being thrown off a ship in Hong Kong for being too good at poker. He says that he can't help winning, but the captain still doesn't want him on board. Fairborn leaves the ship and, with no other way to earn money, goes looking for a poker game on the waterfront.

He finds one, and after getting in a fight over his winnings, he encounters businessman Sheng Pao, who offers Fairborn a job because he believes him to be a fighting man. Sheng Pao wants him to recover the great seal of Yin Dynasty, which is the property of his company, Jones & Sheng Pao. The seal was confiscated from his late business partner by a general. It is worth a fortune and Sheng Pao wants the seal back...any way Fairborn can get it.

"The Ambassador of Poker" was adapted for radio by John Dunkel. William N. Robson produced and directed. Elliott Reedplayed Randolph C. Fairborn and Lucille Meredith played Susan Jones. Also appearing were Ben Wright, Benson Fong, Richard Loo, John Dehner, Ramsay Hill, William Conrad, and Rick Valens. This episode aired on April 7, 1950.

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(Image of Achmed Abdullah from Wikisource.)

Escape - Command

Escape's "Command" was adapted from the short story by James Warner Bellah, which first appeared in The Saturday Evening Post on June 8, 1946. You can find it in The Saturday Evening Post Stories (1946), and it is also available online through Google Books.

William N. Robson adapted "Command" for Escape and also produced and directed this episode. He made a few changes to the story, but his adaptation and added dialogue are admirable. Several years later, Robson also presented "Command" on Suspense.

The episode opens somewhere on the Great Plains as Captain Brittles and his men come across the remains of the cavalry unit they have been sent to find. Lt. Flintridge Cohill, second in command, doesn't agree with the way Captain Brittles handles the situation. He thinks that the old man is dodging the real action and wasting time following strict cavalry procedures. Cohill believes that he knows better. Does he? Captain Brittles doesn't think so, and he does his best to correct Cohill's thinking.

"Command" was first presented on December 26, 1949, but attempts to locate that broadcast were unsuccessful. It appears to be among their lost episodes.

Fortunately, Escape presented this story a second time on May 26, 1950. Harry Bartell played Lt. Cohill, John Hoyt played Capt. Brittles, Wally Maher played Sgt. Utterback, and Paul Frees played Sarver. Also appearing were David Ellis, Walter Burke, and Hugh Thomas.

. Download Escape_1950.05.26_Command

"Command" was also presented on Suspense on September 14, 1958. The audio quality isn't as good, but the performances are. The script is the same, but Suspense's version is different from Escape's. Television actor Richard Anderson starred. Also appearing were William Conrad, Joe De Santis, Alan Manson, Sam Edwards, Bill Quinn, and Chestor Stratton.  

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(Image from Wikipedia)

Escape - Figure a Dame

Escape's "Figure a Dame" is based on the short story by Richard Sale, which was first published in 1937. It can be found in the Fireside Mystery Book by Lantern Press, Inc. (1947).

In their adaptation, Escape made a few changes to "Figure a Dame" and to the main character of Joe Harriman, who becomes more treacherous and condescending. In the original story, his actions come out as a surprise at the end.

The episode opens in a town called Raj Jehore in India. Mrs. Bankner has arrived to purchase a fabulous emerald called the "Star of Kilimanjo" from Mr. Semeri Dal.  To guard the emerald on the return trip to Paris, she has brought along Mr. Joe Harriman, a detective with the Magnum insurance Company.

After the purchase, they board a train to Calcutta, and Joe knows that they are being followed by more than one thief. Wiill they get to the emerald back to Paris without it being stolen from them?

"Figure a Dame" was adapted for radio by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. William N. Robson produced and directed. Frank Lovejoy played Joe, Joan Banks played Marian, Sara Selby played Mrs. Bankner, and Ben Wright played Rafferty. Also appearing were Paul Frees, Harry Bartell, and Gary Merrill. This episode aired on December 20, 1949.

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(Image from Morguefile)

Escape - Funeral Fires

In "Funeral Fires," an American doctor in Malaya must solve the mystery of who has stolen his supply of plague serum.

The episode opens in the British colony of Malaya, where funeral fires are burning in a river town, and the Malays are mourning those who have died from plague. A World Health Organization doctor, Mark Donovan has just arrived with a case of plague serum, and he is met by the local lieutenant. He also meets Mr. Oscar Forbes, a loud and arrogant plantation owner, who is upset that his workers are taking time off to mourn.

Next, Dr. Donovan finds Miss Randall, the nurse who has been caring for the sick because the town doctor is a drunk. He asks her to help him set up a serum station, and then goes out to find Dr. Grimes and sober him up.

After all of that, he returns to his room to find...the serum is missing! Who would have a reason to steal it?

The sound quality of this episode dips in a few places, particularly during the part where Dr. Donovan injects his suspects with plague to ferret out which one has stolen the serum.

This episode stars actor/director/producer Lamont Johnson, who started his career on radio, but went on to work in film, television, and on the stage. He also went on to win a number of prestigious awards as a television director. You can read about Lamont Johnson's remarkable career on the website of the Museum of Broadcast Communications. His radio credits include Suspense, Lux Radio Theatre, Let's Pretend, Tarzan, and others. 

"Funeral Fires" was written by Charles Israel and produced/directed by Norman MacDonnell. Georgia Ellis played Miss Randall. Also appearing were Don Diamond, Ben Wright, Wilms Herbert, and television actor Leon Lontoc. This episode aired on November 26, 1950.

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Escape - Jimmy Goggles the God

Escape's "Jimmy Goggles the God" was adapted from the 1898 short story of the same name by H.G. Wells. The original story, written as a narrative, appears to have been too short for a half hour broadcast. Escape kept most of Well's story intact, but expanded the ending, punched up the drama to make it more exciting, and excluded the outdated racial slang. (The text of Well's "Jimmy Goggles the God" is available online at Wikisource.)

As the episode opens, George reflects back on the wreck of the Ocean Pioneer forty years earlier. He and two other survivors had joined forces with a fourth man to find the wreck and retrieve a fortune in gold dust.

George was chosen to go down to the Ocean Pioneer in a hefty rubber diving suit  nicknamed "Jimmy Goggles." While he was trying to retrieve the gold, the other three men were attacked and killed by native Papuans. When George finally emerged from water, the natives mistook him for a god.

Having no choice but to continue the impersonation, George looks for a way to escape. One of the natives offers him a deal, but can Herbert trust him? Will the missionary who finds him be any help?

"Jimmy Goggles the God" was produced and directed by William N. Robson. Paul Frees, in one of his best acting roles, played George. Also appearing were Berry Kroeger, Luis Van Rooten, and Parley Baer. This recording cuts off before the credits are given, so the name of the person who adapted this story for radio isn't certain. This episode aired on March 7, 1948.

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(Image from Wikimedia Commons)

Escape - John Jack Todd

In Escape's "John Jack Todd," a longshoreman must stand his ground against a sadistic dock boss.

This episode was based on a short story by Robert Simpson but attempts to locate it have been unsuccessful.  

"John Jack Todd" is a story about cruelty and cowardice, not  Escape's typical adventure fare, but a good story about the destruction of a bully.

As the episode opens, John Todd arrives at a trading post in Africa where he is to work for the next four years. The dock boss, Captain Brock, is known as a difficult man, and he immediately appears hateful towards Todd.

John Todd makes it known that he is a peace-loving man, but because of that, Captain Brock is antagonistic towards him. He thinks that Todd won't put up a fight, but when a matter of justice is involved, Mr. Brock gets into a fight that exposes him for what he is.

"John Jack Todd" was adapted for radio by Les Crutchfield and produced/directed by Norman MacDonnell. John Todd was played by Wilms Herbert, Captain Brock was played by Jack Kruschen, and Tony Barrett played Ganson. Also appearing were Don Diamond and Paul McVeigh. This episode aired on May 2, 1948.

.  Download Escape 480502 039 29m30s John Jock Todd 41498 192-44

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Escape - Casting the Runes

Escape's "Casting the Runes" was closely adapted from the short story of the same name by Montague R. James. This tale about a demon curse first appeared in James' second collection, which was titled More Ghost Stories (1911). The original work is available online at Wikisource, and  you may appreciate this episode more if you read it first. 

As the tale opens, John Dunning, scientist and Britain's leading authority on medieval life, explains that only a few weeks ago he would have laughed at the idea that a curse could kill a man. Now, he can't laugh --- because he is under a curse that will kill him in three months.

Dunning's problems started when he made a critical review of a manuscript called "The Truth of Alchemy" written by a man named Karswell. As a result of his review, and the subsequent rejection by the association to which it had been submitted, Karswell was angry. The secretary of the association warns Dunning that Karswell seems a bit...evil.

The last person to give an unfavorable review of Karswell's work died under mysterious circumstances. Will Dunning suffer the same fate?

"Casting the Runes" was adapted for radio by Irving Ravetch and John Dunkel. William N. Robson produced and directed. John McIntire played Dunning. Ian Wolfe played Harrington and William Conrad as Karswell. This episode aired on November 19, 1947.

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Here also is an HQ version of this episode. It is a large file so it may take longer to download. 

Download Escape_1947.11.19_Casting the Runes HQ

"Casting the Runes" has been also been adapted for film and television. Below is an action-packed trailer from the 1957 film Night of the Demon.

(Image of Montague R. James from Wikipedia )

Escape - The Adaptive Ultimate

Escape's "The Adaptive Ultimate" was taken from the short story of the same name by science fiction author Stanley G. Weinbaum. The story was first published in the November 1935 issue of Amazing, and the author was credited under the name of John Jessel. Escape changed a few things about the story, but it was essentially presented as it was written.

"The Adaptive Ultimate" was also dramatized on the television program Studio One under the name "Kyra Zelas." In 1957, it was turned into a film titled She Devil.

As the episode opens, Dr. Scott is attempting to convince Dr. Bach that he has a theory about human adaptability than he can prove. He has a serum that he tested on insects and animals, but now he wants to try it on a human being. To do that, he needs help. Dr. Bach reluctantly agrees that if he comes across a hopeless case, who consents to the experimental treatment, he will allow it.

It isn't long before Dr. Scott gets his chance. Dr. Bach calls him in to help a young woman named Kyra Zelas, who is dying of tuberculosis. They administer the serum, and she soon gets well. 

Not only does Kyra recover, but she begins to adapt to her new life...rapidly.

"Adaptive Ultimate" was adapted for radio by Chet Spurgeon and Herb Futrand. The producer and director was Norman MacDonnell. Edgar Barrier played Dr. Bach and Stacy Harris played Dr. Scott. Also appearing were Elsie Holmes, Frank Gerstle, Lawrence Dobkin, Tom Charlesworth, and Ann Morrison. This episode aired on March 26, 1949.

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(This is a HQ version of this broadcast. It is a large file, so it may take longer to download.)

Escape - Habit

Escape's "Habit" was adapted from the short story by F.R. Buckley, which first appeared in Adventure, April 30, 1923.

As the episode opens, fiesty Captain Weatherfield is in a courtroom in New Bristol. He is being tried for an assault on a man who made insulting jokes about his ship, the Wakeland. Captain Weatherfield admits to assaulting the man--and that it was the right thing to do. The court decides otherwise and sentences him to seven days in jail.

When he is released, Captain Weatherfield is incensed about what happened. Insulted, too!  He swears that he will find a way to restore his good name.

A few days later, out on the north Atlantic and on the edge of a hurricane, Captain Weatherby sees an opporturnity to do just that. A distress signal comes in from a helpless ship registered from New Bristol.

Captain Weatherfield decides to rescue the crew so that the town of New Bristol will have to publicly herald him as a hero. However, in order for his plan to succeed, he has to plow his ship in to a hurricane, go out into a longboat to rescue the surviving crew, perform surgery on the injured captain, and smack down a first mate.

In the end, will he get a hero's welcome and public apology from the town of New Bristol?

"Habit" was adapted for radio by Les Crutchfield with editorial supervision by John Dunkel. Norman MacDonnell produced/directed. Luis Van Rooten played Captain Weatherfield. John Dehner played Mr. Connelly. Also appearing were Berry Kroeger, Wilms Herbert, and Bill Bouchet. This episode aired on July 18, 1948.

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(Image of Luis Van Rooten from Wikipedia)

Escape - The Boiling Sea

Escape's "The Boiling Sea" was adapted from a short story by poet and novelist Vincent McHugh that was published in the July 1953 issue of Argosy: The Complete Man's Magazine. Aside from adding some well-placed dialogue, Escape presented McHugh's straightforward story without changes. 

The episode opens in the South Pacific in the spring of 1945. The first mate of the cargo ship Hopi Victory explains that they went to the Maluku Islands in Indonesia to pick up a detachment of rangers, and now, they have set a course for the Phillipines.

On the first night, they pause to admire one of the area's active volcanoes...but hope that they don't see anymore. 

In the early morning hours, as they travel along the Maluku Passage, they notice a smell of sulphur. Then, the first mate gets a call from the engine room informing him that the temperature of the intake water is going up. So, the captain is called up to the deck. They look at the charts, but the only indication of trouble was made by a whaling ship in 1871. With no other information to go by, they make a decision to change their course.

As dawn breaks, they see a ridge rise up all around them, and they realize that they are trapped inside  an emerging volcano...

"The Boiling Sea" was adapted for radio by John Dunkel. David Friedkin and Morton Fine produced/directed. Featured in the cast were Ted de Corsia, Herb Butterfield, Harry Bartell, Herb Ellis, and Tony Barrett. Also appearing were Jack Moyles, Clayton Post, and Jim Hayward. This episode aired on September 4, 1954.

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(Illustration by Walter Richards from"The Boiling Sea." Argosy, July 1953)

Escape - The Vessel of Wrath

Escape's "The Vessel of Wrath" was adapted from the 1931 short story by W. Somerset Maugham, which also goes by the title of "The Beachcomber." The story first appeared in the April, 1931 edition of International Magazine and was later included in his book Ah King. It has been adapted for film twice and for television twice. "The Vessel of Wrath" is one of Escape's best adaptations, and it is presented almost exactly as Maugham wrote it.

The story takes place on Baru, the largest of the Alas Islands in Papua New Guineau.  Mr. Gruyter is the Dutch controller of the islands and one morning, he receives a visit from Mr. Owen Jones. He and his sister, Miss Martha Jones, are the local Baptist missionaries, and they are appalled by the behaviour of one of Baru's residents, Ginger Ted.

Drinking, womanizing, brawling,...it is more than Mr. and Miss Jones can put up with. They want him deported, but instead, Mr. Gruyter sentences Ginger Ted to six months hard labor for his most recent public brawl.

Six months later, Miss Jones is called away to a nearby island to help with a medical case. On her return, she forced to share a boat ride with Ginger Ted, who has just finished his term and is returning to Baru. A problem with the boat causes them to stop for the night on an uninhabited island. Miss Jones is terrified of being alone with Ginger Ted and the two natives -- but is Ginger Ted really as frightening as she thinks?

"The Vessel of Wrath" was adapted for radio and directed by Antony Ellis. Ben Wright was the narrator. Alan Reed played Ginger Ted and Jeannette Nolan played Miss Jones. Also appearing were Parley Baer, Eric Snowden, and Dave Young. This episode aired on May 10, 1953.

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(Image of Dell 10 Cent Book #16. Dell Publishing. 1951)

Escape - The Log

In "The Log," a captain and his submarine go out in a blaze of glory.

The episode opens in a Scandinavian port where a New York newspaper reporter is touring an old submarine captured during the war. The nation that the vessel once represented ceased to exist after the war's end, and with nowhere to go, its host nation was stuck with it. To pay for its costs, the S.S. Seagull was turned into a tourist attraction with its captain as caretaker and head tour guide.

As the reporter begins to interview the captain, they are interrupted by a man who has come to look over the submarine. The company the man works for has just purchased it--for scrap. The captain convinces the man to let him sail the S.S. Seagull to Liverpool, where it will be dismantled, but will he really sail his ship to its end? Or, will he finish fighting the war?

"The Log" was written by Marianne Mosner and Francis Rosenwald. Antony Ellis directed. Lawrence Dobkin and Byron Kane starred. Also appearing were Alan Reed, Kurt Martell, Frank Gerstle, Eric Snowden, Richard Peel, and Jim Nusser. This episode aired on September 20

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Escape - The Earthmen/Mars is Heaven

Escape adapted two stories from The Martian Chronicles (1950) by Ray Bradbury, a collection of science fiction short stories about the colonization of Mars. "The Earthmen" was first published in Thrilling Wonder Stories in August of 1948 and appears in the The Martian Chronicles under the same chapter title.  "Mars is Heaven!" first appeared in Planet Stories in the fall 1948 issue, but it appears under the chapter title of "The Third Expedition." "Mars is Heaven!" was also published in The Science Fiction Hall of Fame Volume One: 1929-1964 after it was chosen as one of the best science fiction short stories of all time by The Science Fiction Writers of America in 1970. Escape modified the two stories for radio, but overall, their adaptations are good.

"The Earthmen" tells the tale of a captain and his crew after they arrive on Mars. (They are the second expedition.) To their surprise, no one on Mars seems interested in them. When they finally do receive the hero's welcome that they expect, they realize that they are receiving it for all of the wrong reasons. Can they make the Martians believe they are really visitors from Earth-- and not insane?

"The Earthmen" was adapted for radio by screenwriter Walter Newman and directed by Norman MacDonnell. Parley Baer starred. Also appearing were Harry Bartell, Hans Conried, Lawrence Dobkin, Lou Krugman, John Dehner, Sidney Miller, Georgia Ellis, Jack Kruschen, and Byron Kane. This episode aired on July 25, 1951.

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"Mars is Heaven" tells the story of Captain John Black and his crew, the third expedition to Mars.  When their rocket lands, they are surprised to find themselves in a world remarkably similar to their own. Not only does Mars have the appearance of home, but it is populated with the deceased loved ones of the captain and crew. Is Mars heaven? Or, is there another reason why this small town exists?

"Mars is Heaven" was adapted for radio by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. William N. Robson  produced/directed. Jeff Corey played Captain Black. Also appearing were Florence Bates, William Johnstone, Walter Catlett, Elizabeth Root, Paul Frees, Ian Wolfe, and Stuart Novins. This episode aired on June 2, 1950.

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(Cover of the first edition of The Martian Chronicles. 1950. Doubleday.)

Escape - A Dream of Armageddon

Escape's "A Dream of Armageddon" is based on the 1901 short story by H.G. Wells. (The original work is available online at Wikisource.) Escape made a few alterations to the story by skipping the original beginning, by changing the setting from the nineteenth century to the twentieth century, and by changing the nationalities from English to American. Otherwise, they kept the rest of the story intact.

As the episode opens, a man describes a vivid dream in which he finds himself living a completely different life. In his dream, he wakes to a new life in Capri, hundreds of years into the future. He is with a woman he loves, but there is a cloud over their happiness. In order to be together, he had to leave his position as a world leader, and now, without him, world politics seems to be steadily moving towards war.

When the man wakes up in his own time, he is back in his own drab life. Was it really a dream? Days pass and eventually his dream of the future picks up again and turns into a nightmare.

"A Dream of Armageddon" was adapted for radio by Les Crutchfield and was produced and directed by Norman MacDonnell. Featured in the cast were Stacy Harris and Betty Lou Gerson. Also appearing were Charlotte Lawrence, Jack Kruschen, Erik Rolf, and John Dehner. This episode aired on September 5, 1948.

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Escape - The Tramp

In "The Tramp" an undesirable ship is hijacked by three murderous crew members.

As the episode opens, The Lace Wing is sitting in a Liverpool dock. Three men stand looking over the tramp steamer, and they are not impressed. Still, they need to find a ship that no one will miss, then hijack it, and sail to Dominica. The Lace Wing appears to be just what they need.

Because the ship lacks a sufficient crew, they have no problems being hired by the drunken captain. Arthur Jennings is taken on as mate and his two associates become the chief engineer and second officer.

The captain spends most of the trip in a stupor, but when he does wake up, he realizes that the ship is off course. He confronts the three men, and they throw him overboard. Unfortunately, one of the other crew members saw what happened to him. Can the three mutineers keep him quiet?

"The Tramp" was written and directed by Antony Ellis. Ben Wright starred as Jennings, Jay Novello as Gowdy, and Charlie Lung as Winkle Jones. Also appearing were Tudor Owen, Alec Harford, Lou Krugman, and Charles Davis. This episode aired on March 1, 1953.

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Escape - The Second Class Passenger

Escape's "The Second Class Passenger" was adapted and expanded from the short story by Perceval Gibbon. The original tale is available online at Open Library and in The Second Class Passenger and Other Stories (1913).

As the episode opens, Mr. Dawson is on a cruise that has stopped for the day in Mozambique.  He and Miss Patterson are in town for lunch, along with a couple of the other gentlemen from the ship. On their return, Miss Patterson realizes that she left her souvenir back at the restaurant. Mr. Dawson doesn't want to retrieve it, but to save face in front of the other gents, he agrees to go.

After he picks up her souvenir, he gets caught in a terrible rainstorm. When he asks for shelter from one of the local residents, he soon becomes tangled in a web of intrigue.  With the help of a mysterious woman, he faces one danger after another...but will he get back to his ship?

"The Second Class Passenger" was adapted for radio, produced, and directed by William N. Robson. Harry Bartell played Dawson. Jeannette Nolan played the woman. Also appearing were William Conrad and Cathy Lewis. This episode aired on January 7, 1948. 

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Escape presented this story a second time on July 28, 1949. Parley Baer played Dawson. Also appearing were Georgia Ellis, Paul Dubov, Ben Wright, Vivi Janiss, John Dehner, Edgar Barrier, and Nestor Paiva.

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William N. Robson later presented this story on Suspense on January 20, 1957.  Character actor and "Disney Legend" Sterling Holloway, the voice of Winnie the Pooh, starred as Mr. Dawson. This was his only appearance on Suspense. Also appearing were William Conrad and Hans Conried.

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(Image from The Second Class Passenger, Dodo Press 2007)

Escape - Typhoon

Escape's "Typhoon" was adapted from the 1903 short story by Joseph Conrad. It can be found in Typhoon and Other Tales, and online at Wikisource. It is one of two Conrad stories adapted for radio by Escape. (See also "The Brute" ) To read more about Escape's presentations, click here, to read an article published in Conradiana (3-22-06).

The episode is narrated by Mr. Jukes, first mate of the Nan-Shan. As the story opens, the ship is about to set sail for three years of cargo-hauling in the China Seas. The commander is Captain MacWhirr, a man whose lack of imagination easily frustates Mr. Jukes.

When the ship arrives in Singapore, the captain takes on an unusal cargo, two hundred Chinese workers on their way to Fu-Chau. As the ship sails toward the next port, Mr. Jukes has an ominous feeling.

Soon, the barometer drops and the swells start to grow. Is it just "some dirty weather knocking about", or is there something more serious on the horizon?

"Typhoon" was adapted for radio by Les Crutchfield and produced/directed by William N. Robson. Frank Lovejoy starred. Also appearing were Raymond Lawrence and Cy Kendall. This episode aired on July 28, 1947.

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Escape - The Brute

Escape's "The Brute" was adapted from the 1906 short story by Joseph Conrad. The story can be found in A Set of Six (1908), a collection of his short stories available online at Wikisource. To read more about Escape's adaptations of 'The Brute" and "Typhoon," click here to read an article published in Conradiana. 

As the episode opens in the year 1900, The Apse Family is about to be christened and launched. Young Charley Wilmot and his father go down to the docks to watch, and Charley wishes desperately that he could fulfill his apprenticeship on the beautiful new ship.

As they watch the ceremonies, the unexpected happens. The ship is "launched in blood" and quickly gains a reputation as a murderess,  a "brute." With every voyage, the ship's reputation for death and trouble increases.

Eventually, Charley does get assigned to The Apse Family as third mate. His older brother, Ned, is first mate and together they hope to break the jinx. Will they, or will "The Brute" continue to cause destruction?

"The Brute" was adapted for radio by Les Crutchfield and produced/directed by Norman MacDonnell. Dan O'Herlihy played Ned Wilmot and Eric Rolf played Charley Wilmot. Also appearing were Nina Codden, Jeff Corey, Wilms Herbert, and Parley Baer. This episode aired on April 11, 1948.

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Escape - An Ordinary Man

In Escape's "An Ordinary Man," a cruise passenger gets caught in a web of intrigue by telling a fib to a beautiful woman.

Mr. Hensill is 40 years old  and an ordinary man with an ordinary job. So, he decides to live it up and spend his life savings on a Mediterranean cruise. His feeling of freedom gets the better of him, and one night, he casually lets it be known that he is an importer of rare gems. His hope was to impress a fellow passenger, the beautiful Maria, and it appears to have worked.

Maria asks him to help her by guarding a valuable piece of jewelry.  She is a woman traveling alone, and she does not feel safe carrying the expensive brooch with her. So, Mr. Hensill agrees to keep it until the ship docks in Trapani.

Soon after he promises Maria that he will guard the brooch, it is stolen from him. Now, he is determined to get it back in order to prove that he is more than just an ordinary man.

"An Ordinary Man" was written by Kathleen Hite  and directed by Norman MacDonnell. John Dehner starred. Also appearing were Virginia Gregg, Edgar Barrier, Anthony Barrett, Eda Reiss Merin, and Harry Bartell. This episode aired on June 3, 1954.

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Escape - The Man Who Would Be King

"The Man Who Would Be King" is a classic short story by Rudyard Kipling that was first published in 1888. Escape's version makes a few changes for radio, but for the most part, it stays true to the original. If you want to read Kipling's short story, it is available online at Project Gutenberg. In 1975, "The Man Who Would Be King" was made into a film starring Sean Connery, Michael Caine, and Christopher Plummer.

The episode begins inside a newspaper office on a stifling June night in Delhi. The narrator, Kipling, describes being visited by two men, Peachey Carnehan and Daniel Dravot. At first he doesn't know them, but then they remind him that they had met before. They had been posing as newspaper reporters and he had threatened to expose them to the authorities as frauds.

Now, Peachey and Daniel announce that they have decided to become kings by traveling to Kafiristan in Afghanistan.  Although the narrator doesn't believe their story, he agrees to meet them in the marketplace the next morning. There, Peachey and Daniel show him two camels loaded with weapons. Their plan is to travel to Kafiristan and establish themselves as rulers.

Three years pass, and the narrator suddenly receives another late night visit, but this time Peachey is alone.  Slowly, he recounts the story of how he and Daniel followed their plan to became kings of Kafiristan...

"The Man Who Would Be King," Escape's second episode, was adapted for radio by Les Crutchfield. William N. Robson produced and directed. Raymond Lawrence played Peachey, Eric Snowden played Daniel, and Herbert Rawlinson played Kipling.

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Escape presented this story again on August 1, 1948. Ben Wright and Wilms Herbert played Peachy and Daniel. Also appearing were John Dehner, Peggy Webber, and Jack Kruschen.

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Escape - Pressure

In "Pressure," a submarine captain plays a cat and mouse game with an enemy destroyer.The story, which doesn't appear to be based on an actual incident, is set in November of 1944.

As the episode opens, the submarine, U.S.S. Amberfish, begins her patrol of the South China Seas. The sub has already been on three other patrols but none involved action. The crew is demoralized by their futile missions, as is their captain, Daniel Hall.

Off the southern coast of Japan, their situation changes. Captain Hall and his crew suddenly find themselves in a battle that strands them 400 feet below the surface. Will the enemy destroyer patrolling the waters above them be victorious, or will Captain Hall bring his crew and ship to safety?

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"Pressure" was written by Richard Chandlee and directed by Antony Ellis. William Conrad played the captain. Larry Thor was the narrator. Featured in the cast were Bob Sweeney, Hy Averback, Herb Ellis, Jerry Hausner, Frank Gerstle, Kurt Martell, and Eddie Firestone. This episode aired on March 22, 1953.

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Escape - Two and Two Make Four

"Two and Two Make Four" is an Escape episode about the Channel Tunnel back when it was still just an idea. The story was fanciful at the time that it aired in 1954, but the tunnel connecting England and France became a reality in 1994. This episode appears to be loosely based on an actual tunnel proprosal that was given to Napolean III in 1856.

As the episode opens, David Parker, an American merchant marine, has suddenly found himself robbed and alone somewhere in the country. He has no idea where he is or how he got there. 

When he meets a young American tourist on the road, he questions her. When she tells him that he is in England, he doesn't believe her. How could she be telling the truth? He was just in Calais!

Slowly, David does begin to accept that he is in England, but he doesn't understand how that is possible. A local eccentric then explains to David that he must have come through by the way of the tunnel...the secret one that no one knows about.

"Two and Two Make Four" was written by three-time Academy Award nominated screenwriter Walter Brown Newman. David Friedkin and Morton Fine produced and directed. Featured in the cast were Shep Menken, Joyce McClusky, Tudor Owen, and Richard Peel. This episode aired on August 21, 1954.

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Escape - Poison

"Poison" is a short story by Roald Dahl that was first published in Collier's Weekly (June 3, 1950). The story, about a terrified man trapped in his bed by a deadly snake, is set in India during the period of British rule. In Escape's version, the two British characters were changed to Americans and original dialogue was added.  Escape's adaptation is to be admired in many respects. "Poison" is one of their finest episodes. 

Arthur Woods ,"Woodsy," and his business partner, Harry Pope, are in Bombay working on a construction job. Woodsy has adapted well to his new surroundings, but Harry doesn't like anyone or anything that isn't American.

One night, Woodsy goes out for the evening, while Harry stays home in bed to read. When Woodsy checks in on him later, he finds Harry trapped. A small krait has slipped into his bed, gone under the sheets, and fallen asleep on his stomach. If Harry moves, the little snake will kill him.

Woodsy calls his friend, Dr. Ganderbai, for help. The doctor goes to painstaking lengths to save his patient, but in the end, the real problem is Harry's venomous racism.

"Poison" was adapted for Escape by James Poe produced/directed by William N. Robson. Jack Webb played Woodsy and William Conrad, in one of his best performances, played Harry. Also appearing were Jay Novello and Charlie Lung. This episode aired on July 28, 1950.

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Escape - The Outstation

"The Outstation" was closely adapted from a 1924 short story by W. Somerset Maugham about class conflict in a remote British outpost in Borneo. If you want to read the short story, it is available online here.

As the episode opens, Mr. Warburton is awaiting the arrival of his new assistant, Mr. Alan Cooper. Having been posted in Borneo for many years, Mr. Warburton has become accustomed to his solitary life as an officer among the Malays, and he is apprehensive about the change.

When Mr. Cooper arrives, Mr. Warburton finds him to be undignified and coarse in his manners. Worse still, he is abusive to the Malays. Mr. Warburton warns him that his behaviour is dangerous, but Mr. Cooper doesn't listen.

The two men have little in common in their backgrounds, and as time passes, it becomes impossible for them to adapt to each other.

"The Outstation" was adapted for radio and directed by Antony Ellis. Ben Wright starred as the  narrator, Alistair Duncan as Mr. Warburton and Richard Peel as Mr. Cooper. Also appearing were Dave Young and Terry Kilburn. This episode aired on July 12, 1953.

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Escape - Operation Fleur de Lys

"Operation Fleur de Lys" is an early Escape episode  that  dramatizes an incident recorded in the book Sub Rosa: the O.S.S. and American Espionage (1946) by former O.S.S. agents Stewart Alsop and Thomas Braden. William N. Robson adapted the story for radio. 

(It is worth noting that in later years, Stewart Alsop became a prominent newspaper columnist and political analyst. Thomas Braden became a CIA operative, then a journalist, and later the co-host of CNN's Crossfire. He was also the author of the 1975 book Eight is Enough, which spawned the ABC television series of the same name.)

The episode begins in London at the Office of the Strategic Services during World War II. An operation is being planned to assist the advance of Allied Forces in Nazi occupied France. Two O.S.S. agents will parachute into northern France and then organize roadblocks on three major highways. The leader of the local French rebels, and his soldiers, will aid them in their mission.

The two agents assigned to this operation make their parachute jump successfully, but when they land, they quickly discover that the local patriots aren't as organized as they had hoped. Will the agents continue with their mission, or will they take the next plane back to London?

"Operation Fleur de Lys" was written, produced, and directed by William N. Robson. Jack Webb played Duke. Also appearing were Elliott Lewis, Peggy Webber, and Harry Bartell. This episode aired on July 14, 1947.

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Escape - The Far Away Island

In "The Far Away Island," a man in a mid-life crisis comes to realize that he has to face his problems rather than run away from them.

As the episode opens, Adam Hamish is on the run from a man who is diligently following him. Adam stole money back in Boston, but now he is in French Polynesia. His sole desire is to get to the island of Amoka, a paradise where he had lived six years earlier during the war.

Adam hopes to be reunited with the woman he loves and start a new life, but when he arrives at Amoka, that dream disappears. Shortly afterwards, the man who has been following him arrives on the island, too. Adam now has to face the fact that chasing a dream half-way around the globe doesn't mean his problems won't follow him.

"The Far Away Island" was written by Charles Smith and directed by Antony Ellis. Ted deCorsia starred as Adam. Also appearing were Antony Barrett, Edgar Barrier, Marian Richman, Vic Perrin, Jack Kruschen, and Richard Peel. This episode aired on June 21, 1953.

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Escape - Seven Hours to Freedom

"Seven Hours to Freedom" tells the story of a fishing boat off the California coast that is hijacked by escaped criminals.

Jeff and Lou are in their boat, The Merry Widow, trolling for mackeral not far from the shoreline. Suddenly they hear the sounds of a car wreck on the nearby highway. Shortly afterwards, a rowboat comes toward them carrying a group of men who seem to be in trouble.

When they get the men safely on their boat, Jeff and Lou realize they have made a mistake. The men have just escaped from prison and now, they want to be taken to Mexico. The border is seven hours away, will Jeff and Lou make it there alive?

"Seven Hours to Freedom" was written by Bud A. Nelson and produced/directed by Norman MacDonnell. Jack Moyles starred as Jeff. Also appearing were Stan Waxman, Jack Kruschen, Barney Phillips, and Lou Krugman. This episode aired on November 3, 1950.

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Escape - Night of the Guns

In "Night of the Guns," two tourists have an adventure in Haiti when they are mistaken for revolutionary gun runners.

Josh Ford and Ryan Dixon, two young haberdashers from Pennsylvania, have left their old lives behind and sailed to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Shortly after their arrival, they receive a strange offer for the contents of their boat from a poet named Mr. Renee. They ignore him and go about their business sight-seeing without any more thought about it.

Later that day, they are introduced to the beautiful and alluring Bebe. She, too, is interested in the merchandise on their boat. Bebe invites them into a back room of a cantina to negotiate for more money, but when they get there, they find her murdered.

Josh and Ryan finally realize that their boat is being mistaken for another. They run away, but Mr. Renee quickly finds them. Soon they discover that Mr. Renee is a revolutionary, and that, on his heels, are the patriots who want all three of them dead.

"Night of the Guns" was written/directed by David Friedkin and Morton Fine. Featured in the cast were Herb Ellis, Byron Kane, Jack Kruschen, and Jay Novello. Also heard were Lillian Buyeff, Shep Menken, John Dehner, and Paula Pascal. This episode aired on July 31, 1954.

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(Image of the Citadel Laferrie in Haiti by Remi Kaupp.)

Escape - A Sleeping Draught

Escape's "A Sleeping Draught" is based on a short story by Weston Martyr that appeared in The Argosy (UK) in November of 1937 (v. 22 #138).

As the episode opens, Captain Godfrey is about to set sail from London for Australia with a cargo of four hundred prisoners. Mr. Finch is the man in charge of the prisoners, a human cargo that he sees as nothing more than "murdering devils."

Captain Godfrey dislikes Mr. Finch and does not approve of how he treats the prisoners. Mr Finch on the other hand, tries to make the captain understand that not one of those prisoners can be trusted. They are the dregs of the London prisons and they have no scruples. 

Mr. Finch soon discovers that some of the prisoners have acquired knives, and the captain realizes just how dangerous the men really are.

"A Sleeping Draught" was adapted for radio by Antony Ellis and produced/directed by Norman MacDonell. Ben Wright starred as the captain. Also appearing were John Dodsworth, Bruce Payne, Anthony Barrett, John Dehner, and Lou Krugman. This episode aired on October 1, 1950.

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This story was presented again on April 5, 1953. Antony Ellis produced/directed and Ben Wright again starred as the captain. Also appearing were John Dodsworth, Richard Peel, Charles Lung, Alec Harford, and Eric Snowden.

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Three years later Antony Ellis produced and directed this story for Suspense on June 19, 1956. Ben Wright and Abraham Sofaer starred. Also appearing were Hans Conried, Stan Jones, Raymond Lawrence, Charles Lung, Eric Snowden.

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