Suspense - Radio's Outstanding Theater of Thrills

Originally Aired: February 24, 1944

Sorry, Wrong Number: A Desperate Call for Help:

One of the most famous radio dramas of all time, Sorry, Wrong Number is a chilling masterpiece of suspense starring Agnes Moorehead in a tour-de-force performance.

Mrs. Elbert Stevenson, a bedridden woman plagued by nerves, frantically tries to reach her husband’s office but is accidentally connected to a conversation between two men plotting a murder. As she listens in horror, she realizes the crime is set to occur that very night at 11:15—just when a train will be passing to mask the sound. Desperate to prevent the killing, she contacts the operator, the police, and anyone who will listen. But bureaucracy and indifference slow her efforts, leaving her feeling increasingly isolated and powerless.

As the tension builds, a terrifying revelation dawns upon her—the intended victim may not be some stranger, but her. Alone in her house, she hears the ominous sound of another phone clicking… an intruder is inside. Her desperate pleas go unheard as the killer closes in, and the episode ends with a chilling final moment of silence.

A masterful example of psychological terror, Sorry, Wrong Number remains one of the most iconic broadcasts in radio history, demonstrating how a simple wrong number can spiral into an inescapable nightmare.

Keywords: "Suspense Sorry Wrong Number episode," "February 1944 Suspense radio," "Agnes Moorehead thriller," "classic radio horror drama," "Roma Wines suspense series," "psychological suspense radio," "William Spier suspense direction."

Cast: Agnes Moorehead, William Spier, Joseph Kearns.

Originally Aired: February 17, 1944

Life Ends at Midnight: A Deadly Debt:

In this gripping episode of Suspense, Walter Bates (Dane Clark) finds himself in a desperate race against time. Owing $1,500 that must be paid by midnight, Walter turns to his aging mother, Mrs. Bates (Faye Bainter), for help. But when she reveals that she has nothing left to give, Walter's desperation pushes him toward a sinister solution—eliminating Mr. Chalmers (Ralph Morgan), their quiet and unsuspecting lodger, who just so happens to have an insurance policy.

Walter meticulously plots Chalmers’ death, tampering with the gas heater in his room, ensuring the death will look like an accident. However, fate intervenes in the most ironic way—Mr. Chalmers, in an act of kindness, unknowingly foils Walter’s plan by placing a quarter in the gas meter, ultimately sealing Walter’s own doom.

With its masterful buildup of suspense and poetic justice, Life Ends at Midnight delivers a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat experience, proving that sometimes, the best-laid plans lead to the most unexpected consequences.

Keywords: "Suspense Life Ends at Midnight episode," "February 1944 Suspense radio," "Dane Clark Walter Bates crime drama," "murder for insurance money plot," "Faye Bainter psychological thriller," "Roma Wines suspense series," "classic radio noir drama."

Cast: Dane Clark, Faye Bainter, Ralph Morgan, William Spier.

In this chilling episode of Suspense, Charles Ruggles delivers a gripping performance as Hubert Mummery, a mild-mannered businessman whose life takes a terrifying turn when he begins to suspect his new housekeeper might be a killer. What begins as casual gossip about a notorious poisoner named Carolyn Andrews soon becomes a waking nightmare when Hubert realizes that his own cook, Sutton, may not be who she claims to be.

As mysterious illnesses, missing newspaper clippings, and unsettling coincidences pile up, Hubert’s paranoia grows. When he suddenly falls violently ill after drinking tea prepared by Sutton, he knows he must act fast. A desperate search of the house uncovers a nearly empty bottle of arsenic-laced weed killer and a burning pile of newspaper articles—all evidence pointing to Sutton’s deadly past.

With the help of Scotland Yard, Hubert’s fears are confirmed. The woman he and his wife had welcomed into their home is none other than the infamous poisoner herself. But in a final twist, the deception runs even deeper than he imagined.

This masterfully woven thriller keeps listeners on edge until the shocking final moments, proving that in the world of Suspense, nothing is ever as it seems.

Keywords: "Suspense Suspicion episode," "February 1944 Suspense radio," "Charles Ruggles psychological thriller," "poisoner Carolyn Andrews mystery," "murderous housekeeper radio drama," "Roma Wines Suspense series," "classic radio crime drama."

Cast: Charles Ruggles, William Spier, Agnes Moorehead, Joseph Kearns.

Originally Aired: February 3, 1944

The Sisters: A Deadly Bond:

This eerie episode of Suspense stars Ida Lupino as Lydia Haskell and Agnes Moorehead as her mentally fragile sister, Ellie. When Lydia visits an undertaker to purchase an expensive casket—one she requests be held for three weeks—the request raises suspicions. But when asked who the casket is for, her chilling answer is: “It’s for me.”

As Ellie’s paranoia grows, she begins to suspect Lydia has sinister plans—not just for herself, but for Ellie as well. Convinced her sister intends to kill her and take her identity, Ellie’s mind unravels, leading to a harrowing psychological showdown. In a shocking conclusion, Lydia is the one who meets an untimely end, fulfilling her own grim premonition.

Blending psychological horror with masterful suspense, The Sisters is a chilling study of manipulation, madness, and the dark secrets that can fester within a family.

Keywords: "Suspense The Sisters episode," "Ida Lupino Agnes Moorehead thriller," "February 1944 Suspense radio," "psychological horror radio drama," "murder and mistaken identity," "classic suspense radio show," "Roma Wines radio series."

Cast: Ida Lupino, Agnes Moorehead, William Spier.

Originally Aired: January 27, 1944

The Locked Room: Secrets and Betrayal:

In this twist-filled episode of Suspense, Virginia Bruce, Alan Jocelyn, and George Zuko star in a tale of murder, greed, and a seemingly impossible crime. When millionaire diamond dealer Francis Seaton is found unconscious in his locked study, the investigation uncovers a web of lies and deception among the four suspects in the house.

The discovery of a massive diamond heightens the stakes, with each character hiding motives tied to greed, jealousy, or survival. As tensions escalate, Dr. Charles Woodhall and Harold Mills are drawn into a dangerous game of manipulation, while Iris Lane works to outsmart the real culprit. The final confrontation reveals a shocking twist, with deadly consequences for the perpetrator.

Blending classic locked-room mystery elements with psychological suspense, The Locked Room keeps listeners guessing until its climactic resolution.

Keywords: "Suspense The Locked Room episode," "January 1944 Suspense radio," "Virginia Bruce mystery drama," "George Zuko diamond heist plot," "classic locked-room radio mystery," "Roma Wines suspense drama," "psychological thriller radio."

Cast: Virginia Bruce, Alan Jocelyn, George Zuko, William Spier.

In this compelling episode of Suspense, Paul Lukas delivers a riveting performance as Anton Rejak, a blind pianist who becomes the key witness in a cold-blooded murder. Despite his blindness, Anton’s heightened senses allow him to hear the events of a brutal stabbing in the rooming house where he lives. As the police investigate, Anton's extraordinary ability to perceive the world through sound leads him to identify the murderer, exposing the shocking truth in a series of tense revelations.

The drama crescendos as Anton’s testimony uncovers not only the identity of the killer but also the sinister motives behind the crime, rooted in greed and betrayal. With its intricate plot and masterful acting, A World of Darkness captivates listeners, showcasing the enduring tension and intrigue that defines the golden age of radio.

Keywords: "Suspense A World of Darkness episode," "Paul Lukas blind pianist drama," "January 1944 Suspense radio," "rooming house murder mystery," "Roma Wines suspense series," "classic radio drama Suspense," "heightened senses mystery."

Cast: Paul Lukas, William Spier, Hans Conried, Bea Benaderet.

In this thrilling episode of Suspense, Lucille Ball stars as Ginger Allen, a red-headed taxi dancer at the Joyland Palace dance hall just off Broadway. When her close friend and fellow dancer Julie is found murdered, Ginger learns she's potentially next on the killer's list - the third victim in a string of murders targeting red-headed dance hall girls.

Enter Nick, a mysterious man who claims to be an undercover police officer assigned to protect her. As more details emerge about the killer's signature - including his obsession with the song "Poor Butterfly" and his habit of dancing with his victims post-mortem - Ginger must determine who she can trust before she becomes the next target in this chilling tale of obsession and revenge.

Originally Aired: January 13, 1944

Keywords: "Suspense Lucille Ball episode," "Dime a Dance radio drama," "1944 Suspense radio," "Broadway dance hall mystery," "taxi dancer murder mystery," "classic Roma Wines Suspense," "1940s thriller radio"

Cast: Lucille Ball (as Ginger Allen), with supporting cast

Sponsor: Roma Wines

Producer/Director: William Speer

Writer: Cornell Woolrich

Notable Elements: Features Lucille Ball in a dramatic role during her MGM years, with the episode airing during the theatrical run of "Madame Curie." The story effectively blends elements of Broadway life with noir thriller elements, creating a uniquely atmospheric tale of suspense.

This thrilling episode of Suspense stars Alan Ladd as Tom Dwyer, a shrewd private detective who stumbles upon a deadly mystery at Ocean City's amusement park. When a professor's body mysteriously appears on a roller coaster ride - in a seat that was empty when the ride began - Dwyer's instincts tell him something sinister is afoot.

The investigation leads him to Sheila Kennedy, a local performer whose photograph was found in the dead man's pocket, and to a suspicious exhibition featuring a bulletproof car from a notorious $400,000 mail robbery. As Dwyer digs deeper, he uncovers a conspiracy involving corrupt law enforcement, organized crime, and a killer known as "Wires" who has a signature method of disposing of his victims.

Racing against time and facing deadly adversaries, Dwyer must expose the truth behind the professor's murder and its connection to the missing robbery money before he becomes the next victim of the "one-way ride to nowhere."

Originally Aired: January 6, 1944

Keywords: "Suspense Alan Ladd episode," "One-Way Ride to Nowhere radio drama," "1944 Suspense radio," "Ocean City amusement park mystery," "roller coaster murder mystery," "classic Roma Wines Suspense," "1940s detective thriller radio."

Cast: Alan Ladd (as Tom Dwyer), with supporting cast (unnamed in transcript)

Sponsor: Roma Wines

Producer/Director: William Spear

Writer: Robert L. Richards

Notable Elements: Features a clever blend of noir detective elements with an amusement park setting, creating a unique atmosphere for this murder mystery. The episode showcases Alan Ladd in his prime, during what the announcer describes as his "sensational rise to stardom."

This captivating episode of Suspense features an all-female cast, with Margo, Elsa Lanchester, and Janet Beecher leading the charge in a tale of manipulation, jealousy, and murder at the Nash School for Girls. Caroline Watts begins her new teaching position with excitement, only to uncover sinister undercurrents within the prestigious institution.

The formidable Dean Sterling exerts a chilling influence over the school, using seances and eerie predictions to manipulate the grieving Miss Nash, the school’s headmistress. As tensions rise, Miss Melody, the housekeeper, reveals Sterling’s dark ambitions to take over the school by orchestrating “accidents” to eliminate those in her way.

When a vulnerable student, Flora Nash, becomes Sterling’s latest victim, Caroline and Miss Melody race to expose the dean’s deadly schemes. The drama crescendos in a series of shocking twists, culminating in a violent showdown that unveils the true mastermind behind the school’s tragedies.

Keywords: "Suspense Finishing School episode," "Margo and Elsa Lanchester suspense," "December 1943 Suspense radio," "Nash School for Girls murder mystery," "manipulation and jealousy thriller," "classic Roma Wines Suspense," "1940s radio drama suspense."

Cast: Margo, Elsa Lanchester, Janet Beecher.

In this darkly humorous and chilling episode of Suspense, Peter Lorre stars as Hubert Schumacher, a mild-mannered professor who plans to murder his overbearing wife, Hermione, and bury her in the cellar beneath his "devil’s garden." Hubert’s meticulously crafted plan is designed to ensure no one suspects her disappearance while he embarks on a lecture tour in America.

Hubert’s plan seems flawless—until a letter from a contractor in Salisbury reveals Hermione’s own secret plans. As the chilling twist unfolds, Hubert realizes that despite his crime, Hermione's domineering influence might still haunt him, proving her unshakable control even from beyond the grave.

A tale filled with tension, irony, and Peter Lorre’s masterful performance, Back for Christmas examines themes of manipulation, desperation, and the lengths to which one man will go for freedom.

Keywords: "Suspense Back for Christmas episode," "Peter Lorre murder thriller," "December 1943 Suspense radio," "John Collier dark comedy drama," "devil’s garden plot," "Roma Wines suspense series," "classic radio suspense drama."

Cast: Peter Lorre, Bea Benaderet, William Spier.

This sardonic tale of Suspense follows the Princy family on a rainy afternoon as they attempt to cover up a murder committed by their daughter, Millicent. When the body of Mr. Withers, a local curate and Millicent’s unrequited love, is discovered in their home, the family’s patriarch, Mr. Princy, devises a sinister plan to hide the crime and protect the family’s reputation.

The tension escalates when Captain Smollett, a nosy neighbor, pays an unexpected visit and becomes ensnared in the scheme. Through a series of manipulations and threats, Mr. Princy forces Smollett to assist in disposing of the body, while ensuring he has leverage to keep Smollett silent. However, the macabre plot takes a darkly ironic turn when the police arrive, unraveling the family’s carefully constructed lies.

With Charles Laughton delivering a chilling performance as Mr. Princy, Wet Saturday is a masterful exploration of moral decay, manipulation, and the lengths to which people will go to maintain appearances.

Keywords: "Suspense Wet Saturday episode," "Charles Laughton Suspense performance," "December 1943 Suspense radio," "dark family drama radio," "murder cover-up Suspense," "Roma Wines radio series," "classic radio suspense drama."

Cast: Charles Laughton, Denis Green, Hans Conried, Beatrice Benaderet.

In this haunting episode of Suspense, Robert Young stars as Harry Jordan, an investigator for a fire insurance company who begins to suspect that his wife, Marie (played by Margo), is responsible for a string of mysterious fires in their neighborhood. Harry’s unease grows as he uncovers troubling evidence, including matches hidden throughout their home and newspaper clippings detailing local blazes.

The tension reaches its peak when Harry discovers that Marie’s behavior is linked to her suppressed psychological trauma, which manifests in an uncontrollable compulsion to set fires. As Harry grapples with his suspicions, a devastating house fire forces Marie to confront her inner turmoil, culminating in a dramatic confession.

A gripping tale of psychological suspense, The Night Reveals delves into the complexities of love, trust, and the devastating effects of mental illness, delivering a story that keeps listeners enthralled until the chilling conclusion.

Keywords: "Suspense The Night Reveals episode," "Robert Young fire investigator drama," "December 1943 Suspense radio," "pyromaniac psychological thriller," "Margo Suspense performance," "Roma Wines radio series," "classic radio suspense drama."

Cast: Robert Young, Margo, William Spear, Hans Conried.

In this gripping Suspense episode, Cary Grant delivers a masterful performance as Frank Townsend, a man plagued by amnesia who awakens on a snowy street with no memory of the last three years of his life. Haunted by the initials "D.N." on a hat and cigar case, Frank sets out to uncover the truth about his forgotten past.

As Frank retraces his steps to Tillery Street, he discovers he was once known as Daniel Nearing, a man wanted for the murder of his employer, John Dietrich. While fleeing from a relentless detective, Frank reunites with his former fiancée, Ruth, who reveals shocking details about his former life. Together, they return to the scene of the crime, where Frank confronts a paralyzed witness, a vindictive family, and a deadly conspiracy that threatens to destroy him.

With taut suspense and a stunning revelation, The Black Curtain explores themes of identity, memory, and the darkness of human nature, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats until the final moment.

Keywords: "Suspense The Black Curtain episode," "Cary Grant radio drama," "December 1943 Suspense radio," "Cornell Woolrich amnesia thriller," "John Dietrich murder mystery," "classic radio suspense drama," "Roma Wines Suspense series."

Cast: Cary Grant, William Spear, Hans Conried, Bea Benaderet, Wally Maher, Joseph Kearns.

In this gripping episode of Suspense, Vincent Price delivers a masterful performance as Charles Umberstein, an undercover operative embedded within Nazi Germany. Posing as an architect in a munitions factory, Umberstein's meticulous espionage activities are suddenly exposed, thrusting him into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the Gestapo.

As Captain von Heinde, a chilling and relentless Gestapo officer, closes in, Umberstein reflects on his carefully constructed façade, questioning who betrayed him and how his flawless plan unraveled. The tension escalates to a shocking climax when Umberstein discovers the ultimate twist: the Gestapo officer pursuing him shares an uncanny connection to his own hidden identity.

Set against the backdrop of wartime Berlin, this tale of paranoia, betrayal, and survival explores the moral complexities of espionage and the devastating consequences of deception.

Keywords: "Suspense Charles Umberstein episode," "Vincent Price Suspense radio drama," "wartime espionage thriller," "November 1943 Suspense episode," "Gestapo intrigue radio play," "Nazi Germany spy drama," "classic radio suspense."

Cast: Vincent Price, William Spear, Lud Gluskin, Lucien Moraweck.

This high-stakes episode of Suspense stars Gene Kelly as Art Kramer, a cunning black market operator whose shady dealings spiral into a tangled web of greed and murder. When Art's financial troubles push him to desperate measures, he plans an alibi for a deadly robbery, implicating a fellow criminal, Canelli. But as events unfold, fate has its own sinister plans, leading both men into a deadly trap.

The story follows Kramer's scheme to frame Canelli for the murder of a rival, only to have his plans unravel in a series of coincidences. Canelli, meanwhile, faces his own reckoning in a parallel crime. The two men are ultimately caught in a stunning twist, their lives converging in a shared downfall that highlights the inescapable consequences of their actions.

With a thrilling script by Robert L. Richards and standout performances, Thieves Fall Out is a gripping tale of betrayal, greed, and justice, delivered with the signature suspense and drama of this classic series.

Keywords: "Suspense Thieves Fall Out episode," "Gene Kelly Suspense radio drama," "black market murder mystery," "November 1943 Suspense episode," "Art Kramer Canelli rivalry," "Robert L. Richards thriller," "classic radio crime drama."

Cast: Gene Kelly, Hans Conried, William Johnstone.

This classic episode of Suspense delivers a masterfully woven tale of intrigue, betrayal, and murder on the high seas. Anne Brewster boards the luxurious ocean liner Moravania for a honeymoon voyage with her new husband, Ricky. But when Ricky mysteriously disappears, and the crew denies his existence, Anne begins to question her own sanity.

Austrian doctor Carl Heinrich intervenes, piecing together a chilling conspiracy. As Anne struggles against deception and isolation, a shocking truth unfolds: Ricky is not who he claimed to be. His real identity, a ship's officer with sinister motives, reveals a plan to steal Anne's fortune and stage her "suicide."

The suspense builds to a dramatic climax as Dr. Heinrich confronts Ricky on a fog-covered deck, leading to a desperate struggle that exposes the deadly plot. With expert performances and a tense, atmospheric narrative, Cabin B-13 stands as a hallmark of radio's golden age.

Keywords: "Suspense Cabin B-13 episode," "November 1943 Suspense radio," "Margot and Philip Dorn suspense drama," "ocean liner murder mystery," "high seas betrayal story," "Dr. Heinrich thriller," "classic radio mystery Suspense."

Cast: Margot, Philip Dorn, Dennis Hoye, William Johnstone.

This chilling episode of Suspense explores the unraveling psyche of Henry Wilson, a man consumed by hatred and ambition. When Henry’s resentment toward his supervisor, Charles Dodds, boils over, it leads to a calculated act of murder. But in his attempt to cover up his crime, Henry’s paranoia intensifies, trapping him in a web of lies, hallucinations, and guilt.

Gene Lockhart delivers a masterful performance as Henry, portraying the character's descent into madness with gripping intensity. The story twists and turns as Henry faces the voices of his conscience and the clever tactics of investigators. What begins as a straightforward crime spirals into a psychological battle, culminating in an unforgettable confession and a haunting realization about the consequences of unchecked ambition.

Keywords: "Suspense Statement of Employee Henry Wilson," "Gene Lockhart Suspense episode," "November 1943 Suspense radio," "psychological thriller radio drama," "classic murder mystery Suspense," "Charles Dodds murder Suspense," "Henry Wilson descent into madness."

Cast: Gene Lockhart, William Spear, Lud Gluskin, Lucien Moraweck, John Shaw.

A quiet dinner party erupts into a deadly revelation in this chilling Suspense episode. Five men, including millionaire industrialist Ralph Chandler, sit down for what begins as a routine evening. As the evening unfolds, Chandler shocks his guests with a haunting tale involving a murder that hits dangerously close to home. Secrets unravel and tensions mount as Chandler dares his companions to face the grim truth about their roles in the crime.

Based on a story by Cornell Woolrich, The After Dinner Story delivers a masterclass in psychological drama and edge-of-your-seat intrigue. As dark motives and dangerous games come to light, the episode keeps listeners guessing until the very end. Expertly performed by a stellar cast and accompanied by Bernard Herrmann’s evocative score, this installment leaves a lasting impression on fans of suspenseful storytelling.

SEO Keywords: Suspense radio episode After Dinner Story, Cornell Woolrich radio adaptations, October 26, 1943 radio dramas, 1940s murder mystery radio, psychological thriller radio shows, classic Suspense episodes, Suspense Bernard Herrmann score

Prepare for a tale of tension, revelation, and retribution that will keep you hooked until its unforgettable conclusion.

Dr. Robert Wensley Graham, a psychiatrist, faces an unparalleled case of the supernatural. Roger Holcomb, a man who “returned from the dead,” is plagued by an unexplainable compulsion: the ability to see through lies and reveal the truth. When Graham invites Holcomb into his home for treatment, his wife, Isabel, begins to unravel under the weight of her own insecurities and a growing sense of unease.

Set against a backdrop of haunting revelations, Lazarus Walks delves deep into the fragility of human relationships and the devastating power of absolute truth. As Roger’s presence unravels the carefully constructed lives of those around him, Graham becomes consumed by his ambitions and the consequences of his own deceit. Featuring a masterful performance by Orson Welles as Roger Holcomb, this episode offers a chilling look into the human psyche and the terrifying weight of secrets brought to light.

Lazarus Walks is a suspenseful masterpiece, blending psychological horror with an exploration of morality and ambition. Bernard Herrmann’s eerie score adds to the tension, while Welles’ portrayal of Holcomb creates an unforgettable character whose very existence challenges the concept of reality.

Keywords: “Suspense Lazarus Walks episode,” “October 19, 1943 Orson Welles,” “Supernatural radio drama,” “Truth-telling radio play,” “Bernard Herrmann score,” “Classic Suspense mystery,” “1940s psychological thriller,” “Roger Holcomb supernatural story”

Tune in to this gripping tale of life, death, and the inescapable truth in Lazarus Walks. Don’t miss this classic episode that will leave you questioning the boundaries of science and the supernatural.

This suspenseful episode of Suspense showcases Agatha Christie’s gripping short story brought to life by the talents of Geraldine Fitzgerald as Alex Martin and Orson Welles as her enigmatic husband, Gerald.

Newlyweds Alex and Gerald Martin begin their idyllic life together in the secluded Philomel Cottage. But beneath their seemingly perfect marriage lies a dark web of secrets. When Alex stumbles upon a cryptic note in Gerald’s diary, her suspicions are ignited, and a chilling series of discoveries unfold. Tension mounts as Alex uncovers eerie parallels between Gerald and a notorious murderer from the past. As the clock ticks toward a fateful 6 PM, Alex must confront the terrifying possibility that her charming husband may not be who he claims to be.

This episode, directed by William Speer, masterfully builds the suspense through its atmospheric sound design and the haunting performances of its lead actors. With themes of trust, manipulation, and survival, Philomel Cottage will leave listeners captivated until the very end.

Keywords:

“Philomel Cottage Suspense,” “Agatha Christie radio adaptation,” “Orson Welles Suspense,” “October 7, 1943 Suspense episode,” “radio mystery thriller,” “1940s suspenseful radio drama,” “Geraldine Fitzgerald suspense.”

In this suspenseful adaptation of a story by Arthur Conan Doyle, Orson Welles delivers a gripping performance as he narrates a tale involving a vanished train and an unsolved mystery. The story follows the strange disappearance of a special train transporting a mysterious figure named Monsieur Louis Caratel and his companion, Gomez. As the train travels through the English countryside, it veers off course, seemingly swallowed by the darkness. In a tale full of twists and turns, Welles’ character unveils a complex conspiracy involving corrupt officials and secret agents, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats.

Set against the backdrop of British railways and hidden motives, “The Lost Special” offers a thrilling blend of mystery and suspense that leaves the audience questioning what truly happened to the ill-fated train. The episode is celebrated for its immersive sound effects and intense storytelling that exemplify classic radio suspense at its best.

SEO Keywords: “The Lost Special Suspense,” “Arthur Conan Doyle radio drama,” “Orson Welles suspense,” “vanishing train mystery,” “1943 radio thriller,” “classic radio suspense episode,” “Suspense mystery train story”

In this thrilling episode of Suspense, Orson Welles stars as General Zaroff, a menacing character who has turned the remote island he inhabits into a hunting ground for the most dangerous prey of all—humans. When celebrated hunter Sanger Rainsford, portrayed by Keenan Wynn, is shipwrecked and finds himself on Zaroff’s eerie island, he soon learns that his host’s passion for the hunt extends beyond mere animals. Zaroff reveals his deadly sport: hunting shipwrecked sailors to satisfy his need for a new and thrilling challenge.

With chilling suspense and impeccable performances, this radio adaptation of Richard Connell’s classic story showcases Rainsford’s desperate struggle to survive as Zaroff’s “game.” This episode, featuring intense dialogue and a battle of wits, is a gripping tale that will keep you on edge as Rainsford uses every skill he possesses to evade his pursuer.

The story is masterfully brought to life by Welles’s portrayal of the ruthless Zaroff, alongside a memorable cast including Joseph Kearns, Elsa Maxwell, and Stefan Schnabel. This episode remains a standout in radio suspense, highlighting the dark thrill of survival against impossible odds.

Keywords: “The Most Dangerous Game radio,” “Suspense February 1 1945,” “Orson Welles Suspense episode,” “Survival thriller radio drama,” “Richard Connell radio adaptation,” “classic radio suspense,” “General Zaroff hunt”

Tune in to this nail-biting Suspense episode, where the boundaries between hunter and hunted blur in a fight for survival in the darkest corners of Zaroff’s twisted domain.

In this gripping episode of Suspense, Lisanne Steppen, portrayed by Virginia Bruce, becomes entangled in a dangerous mystery involving a wealthy man’s estate and his three sons, all of whom are desperate to inherit his fortune. The story begins when Lisanne answers a mysterious personal ad requesting “a beautiful girl, no special training required, but must not be afraid to look upon the bright face of danger.” Drawn into the scheme, Lisanne soon discovers that the man’s sons are killing each other over pieces of a torn check that unlock the inheritance.

With murder and treachery lurking at every turn, Lisanne must navigate the tangled web of deception, greed, and betrayal. As the story unfolds, she finds herself facing life-threatening danger as she tries to stay one step ahead of the killers.

Featuring excellent performances by Virginia Bruce and John Loder, The Cross-Eyed Bear keeps the audience on the edge of their seat with its twists and turns. This thrilling episode is sure to captivate fans of suspense and mystery.

SEO Keywords: “The Cross-Eyed Bear Suspense,” “September 16, 1943 episode,” “Suspense radio drama,” “Virginia Bruce thriller,” “inheritance mystery story,” “murder mystery radio play,” “1940s radio drama”

Tune in to this intense episode of Suspense to experience the chilling story of The Cross-Eyed Bear and discover who will survive to claim the inheritance.

In this chilling episode of Suspense!, a sinister plot unfolds in the fog-shrouded Cape as a woman named Lettie Hawthorne, portrayed by Lillian Gish, finds herself ensnared in a web of deceit and danger. Newly married to the younger and mysterious Mark Taylor, Lettie’s attempts to adapt to her life by the sea are shadowed by fear and suspicion. As her nerves unravel amid the constant sound of foghorns, she becomes increasingly wary of Mark’s intentions.

With only three key characters, including a lawyer named Philip Alden, played by Ray Collins, who narrates the story, Marry for Murder builds tension through its eerie atmosphere and unsettling developments. As Lettie’s dread intensifies, secrets from the past and hidden motives come to light, leading to a dramatic confrontation that leaves listeners questioning who is truly the predator and who is the prey.

This episode showcases the talents of Lillian Gish as a woman on the brink, Ray Collins as the perceptive lawyer, and Bramwell Fletcher as the enigmatic husband, all brought together under the direction of Ted Bliss. Marry for Murder weaves a tale of slow terror and swift death, keeping listeners in suspense until the final twist.

Tags: suspense, thriller, LillianGish, CapeCod, foghorns, eerie, psychologicaldrama, classicradio, murderplot, radiohistory, TedBliss, BramwellFletcher, RayCollins, suspensefulstory, vintagebroadcast, crime, mystery, dramaticperformance, classicthriller, oldtimeradio

In this gripping episode of “Suspense,” Dolores Costello stars as Countess Elsa in a tale set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied Denmark. The story follows the people of Denmark who face oppression from their Nazi rulers but find strange and effective ways to deal with their enemies and those who betray them.

The episode begins with the arrival of Nazi Gauleiter Herr Reichmann, played by Martin Kozlek, at the Danish castle of Kronwald, where Countess Elsa resides. As Reichmann questions Elsa and others, he discovers a mysterious series of notes predicting the death of Count Victor on the night of the King’s birthday. Despite Reichmann’s attempts to intimidate Elsa and Dr. Erickson (George Zuko), the people of Kronwald have plans of their own.

As the tension builds, the truth about Count Victor’s death is revealed, uncovering the lengths to which the Danish people will go to protect their country’s honor and fight against Nazi tyranny.

The episode is brought to life with excellent performances by Costello, Kozlek, Zuko, and Ian Wolfe, creating a suspenseful and eerie atmosphere that culminates in a shocking finale.

Keywords: “The King’s Birthday Suspense,” “Dolores Costello radio drama,” “August 28, 1943 Suspense,” “Nazi-occupied Denmark story,” “classic radio mystery,” “Louis Pelletier writer,” “George Zuko Suspense episode.”

Tune in to “The King’s Birthday” and experience the haunting tale of courage, rebellion, and the unbreakable spirit of a nation under occupation in this classic episode of “Suspense.”