Favorites: Suspense

I know before I even try and write a "review" for Suspense that it's not really going to be a review at all.  It's impossible to review (properly) programs that last so many years with various directors and producers.  And don't even get me started on the anthology series; there is just no way to properly review such a program unless you break them down by cast and I am too busy and too lazy to even take on such a feat.

Therefore, a show like Suspense can really never be broken down properly unless you go episode by episode.  The only person who comes close to this is Christine Miller and her fantastic Escape!-Suspense website.

Was Suspense a great show?  It sure was.  At least 7 out of every 10 episodes is a memorable one and 2 of the 7 are usually unforgettable.

Let's just say I give Suspense 4 stars and I think it's a fantastic show.  And after having said that, I'm going to tell you my favorite episodes in order:

1. It's hard picking out a very favorite episode out of more than 800 shows (available to hear) but I think it has to be To Find Help.   There's something creepy about a mentally handicapped young man and a kind, helpless old lady.  There are 2 versions of this drama available but my favorite is the one starring Gene Kelly (although the one with Frank Sinatra is also worth hearing.) DOWNLOAD IT
or DOWNLOAD THE SINATRA VERSION.

 2. Ghost Hunt.  This is a "horror" story - but to me -  this comes off as complete fun.  A story about a radio DJ spending a night in a haunted house and recording the exploits for all to hear later.  If this isn't fun radio, there is no such thing.  DOWNLOAD IT.

 3. Sorry, Wrong Number.  Surely you have heard of this one.  This really is a fantastic episode and Agnes Moorehead has the part of her life here. The original radio production is even better than the film adaptation!  DOWNLOAD IT.

Others I have noted:

A Friend of Daddy's.  A show that gets creepier and creepier as it goes along. DOWNLOAD IT.

The Pit and the Pendulum.  The Edgar A. Poe story comes to life, starring Vincent Price, who would later recreate the role for a fantastic movie with the same name. DOWNLOAD IT.

The Hitch-Hiker.  I thought he was dead.  Oh! DOWNLOAD IT.

Speed Trap.  A motorcycle cop chases his wife down a wet highway at breakneck speed...  DOWNLOAD IT

Windy City Six.  Set in the Roaring 20's, a guy in a band steals a mobster's girlfriend.  Will he have to pay the price for that AND for witnessing a murder?

The ABC Murders.  The Agatha Christie story about people getting knocked off alphabetically  DOWNLOAD IT.

Two For the Road - Two famous TV actors are accused of all sorts of crimes.  DOWNLOAD IT.

Zero Hour - The oft-told Ray Bradbury story; still comes out bold.  DOWNLOAD IT.

Classified Secret - Twists abound in this Hitchcockian tale of international intrigue..  DOWNLOAD IT.

Report on the X-915 - A U.S. nuclear sub has been stolen and it's heading for...  This is a "white knuckler!"  DOWNLOAD IT.

Heavens to Betsy - One of the most unusual tales ever.  A UFO lands in a backyard...  DOWNLOAD IT.

Ordeal in Donner Pass -  Famous story is done quite well here.  DOWNLOAD IT.

There are literally hundred of others that I like but these easily come to mind as being my favorites.


©Jimbo 2010/2011