Escape and Suspense!

Suspense - The Death of Barbara Allen

"The Death of Barbara Allen" is one of a series of episodes that Suspense created to dramatize popular folk songs. The song "Barbara Allen" originated in England or Scotland, and the earliest known reference appears in 1666. The song was first printed in England in 1750 and in America in 1836.

The ballad of Barbara Allen usually takes place in Scarlet Town and  involves a young man named William, who is dying of unrequited love for Barbara. On his deathbed, he asks to see his love, but when she arrives, all she can say to him is, "Young man, I think you are dying." Later she regrets her cruelty and dies shortly afterward. They are buried side by side. A rose grows on his grave and a briar on hers, eventually they become entwined.

Some variations of the ballad explain Barbara's attitude as the result of her belief that William had not been true to her, and that is the version that Suspense has chosen to follow. In their dramatization, Barbara mistakenly believes that William loves the new girl in Scarlet Town. There is also the addition of a suitor named Sean, who tries to keep Barbara and William apart.

"The Death of Barbara Allen" was written by Morton Fine and David Friedkin.  Elliott Lewis produced and directed. Anne Baxter starred. Jeannette Nolan played the old woman and Joseph Kearns played Barbara's father. Also appearing were Harry Bartell, William Conrad, Louise Lewis and Junius Matthews. This episode aired on October 20, 1952.

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(Image of Anne Baxter)

Suspense - My True Love's Hair

"My True Love's Hair" is  a dramatic interpretation of a traditional folk ballad called "Black is the Color of My True Love's Hair." The song originated in Scotland but was popularized by American folk singer John Jacob Niles in the early part of the twentieth century. The exact lyrics and origin of the song are unknown, and many artists have created their own interpretations. Suspense took a large measure of dramatic license and created a story that would have played well on Escape.

The episode opens in Suva, the capital of Fiji. John Harveson, midshipman of the Sumatra Bell, arrives at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Genowith. He is greeted by Mr. Genowith, who immediately suspects that John is after Rachel, the beautiful servant girl who lives with them. John has come to them on behalf of an old friend, but that doesn't stop Mrs. Genowith from warning him away from Rachel.

John quickly falls for Rachel, and in doing so, kills the man who thought she was in love with him. Afterward, Rachel and John leave the scene of the crime, and then Rachel leaves him... 

"My True Love's Hair" was written by Morton Fine and David David Friedkin. Elliott Lewis produced and directed. Jeff Chandler starred. Also appearing were Lillian Buyeff, Paula Winslowe, Joseph Kearns, Betty Harper, Jack Kruschen, Clayton Post, Martha Wentworth, and Ben Wright. Ernest Newton performed the ballad. This episode aired on October 19, 1953.

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 (Image of Jeff Chandler)

Suspense - Frankie & Johnny

Suspense's "Frankie & Johnny" is a dramatic interpretation of the American popular ballad of the same name. The origin of the song is uncertain and it has no definitive set of lyrics, but the story is that of a woman named Frankie who catches her man, Johnny, fooling around.  Frankie then shoots and kills Johnny, and in some versions, is executed for her crime. The song may or may not be based on a true crime.  The first published version of the music appeared in 1904 and the lyrics now associated with the song were first published in 1912. The song has since been rewritten and performed by many artists.

As the episode opens, Frankie wants Johnny to pay attention to her, but he is more interested in playing his clarinet. Frankie wants to believe that he is really her man, BUT when she asks him where he goes by himself...Johnny tells her not to question him. Johnny tells her that she needs to to buy him a new suit, because that will make them both feel better.

Frankie buys him the new suit, but not long afterwards, he disappears with another woman. Then Frankie buys a gun...

"Frankie & Johnny" was adapted for radio by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. Elliot Lewis produced and directed. Dinah Shore starred. Also appearing were Harry Bartell, Lamont Johnson, Joseph Kearns, and Jack Kruschen. This episode aired on May 5, 1952.

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Suspense presented this story a second time, with Margaret Whiting in the lead role, on February 3, 1957. Also appearing were Corny Anderson, Daws Butler, Roy Glenn, Shepard Menken, Shirley Mitchell, Jay Novello, Amanda Rudolph, and Joe De Santis.

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Suspense - Tom Dooley

Suspense's "Tom Dooley" stars Joseph Cotten in a dramatic interpretation of a famous folk song. It is one of a group of episodes in which Suspense created an original radio drama from a popular American folk/blues song. (See also "St. James Infirmary Blues").

Suspense first presented this story in 1953, but then brought it back again in 1958 when the Kingston Trio's rendition of 'Tom Dooley" became a major hit. 

This episode is Suspense's unique interpretation of the song and not an account of the events in the 1866 criminal case of Tom Dula in North Carolina. Wikipedia has more information about the history of the folk song and the true events on which it is based.

As the episode opens, Tom Dooley has returned home to North Carolina after his service in the Confederate Army and is on his way to see his girl, Laura Foster. When he tries to rekindle their romance, Laura puts him off. She was told that Tom had died in battle, and after grieving for him, started a relationship with a new man. Now, she wants Tom to leave her in peace, but he won't have it. He threatens her, but he is stopped by his cousin.

Tom doesn't want to let go of Laura, and he doesn't like the Yankee she is involved with. Unwilling to change or accept what has happened, Tom kills Laura and then tries to flee...

"Tom Dooley" was written by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. Elliott Lewis produced and directed. Joseph Cotten starred. Also appearing were Joseph Kearns, Bill Bissell, William Conrad, and Sam Hill. This episode aired on March 30, 1953.

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Suspense presented this story a second time on December 7, 1958, but it is shorter and with some minor changes. The Kingston Trio's song is played as narration during this episode. William N. Robson produced and directed. Robert Horton starred. Also appearing were Robert Esson, Hilda Hart, Norm Alden, Karl Swenson, and Joe DiSantis.  

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If you haven't heard this song in its entirety, you can listen to the Kingston Trio's version in the video below:

(Image of the Kingston Trio from Wikipedia)

Suspense - St. James Infirmary Blues

"St. James Infirmary Blues" is one of a number of Suspense episodes that were based on popular songs. In it, Rosemary Clooney appears as a gal looking for excitement in 1920's New York.

The song has an anonymous origin but it was derived from an 18th century English song called "The Unfortunate Rake." "St. James Infirmary Blues" was first made popular in 1928 by Louis Armstrong and it has since been recorded by many. While most renditions of this song appear to have been performed by men, Suspense wrote their episode around a female character. For more information about the song, there is a website devoted to "St. James Infirmary Blues" at NO Notes.

Rosemary Clooney, in her only appearance on Suspense, both sings the narration and plays the role of Sheila, a girl who falls for a handsome gangster named Nicky. It is a short-lived romance and Sheila ultimately ends up singing the blues when Nicky double-crosses his boss.

"St James Infirmary Blues" was written by Morton Fine and David Friedkin. Elliott Lewis produced and directed. William Conrad played Brock Garvey and Tony Barrett played Nick Volpe. Also appearing were Billy Halop, Vivi Janiss, Joseph Kearns, Shepard Menken, and Clayton Post. This episode aired on February 23, 1953.

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Below is an excellent version of "St. James Infirmary Blues" performed by Cab Calloway. This surreal clip is taken from Max Fleischer"s Snow White cartoon featuring Betty Boop (1933). Cab Calloway appeared as Koko the Clown.

Video from Youtube.com