Showing posts with label Suspense. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Suspense. Show all posts
Monday, June 17, 2013
Saturday, September 17, 2011
A few questions about Suspense (with Dr. Joe Webb)
Again, the OTR Buffet is happy to have the very keen insights of Dr. Joe Webb - giving his opinion of a few questions regarding the radio show, Suspense. You might remember the nice interview he did with me earlier in the year on the subject of Casey, Crime Photographer.
OTR BUFFET: Dr. Joe, thanks for joining me again. I appreciate your time. What do you think the main difference is in the pre-1950's shows (produced/directed by William Spier and Anton M. Leader) and those after 1950 which were mostly led by producer and director Elliottt Lewis?
DR. JOE: My favorite is Anton M. Leader. His influence started during the hour-long run with “Beyond Reason” on February 21, 1948. The last show of that season was May 15, 1948. The show returned in its much better half-hour format on July 22, 1948, and he finished on June 30, 1949. This was the best run of Suspense, in my mind, often with fast-moving thrillers. I was not a fan of the Spier shows, but as I have studied a bit more about the series, you do have to respect what he was doing. It was at a higher level than was usual for radio in terms of the overall production values. The Elliott Lewis run (8/31/50 to 7/20/54) took more chances in terms of stories and casting. Getting comedians also increased interest in the show. Jack Benny in a dramatic role? No one would expect that, so it would get some attention. Lewis would also have actors known for singing careers, like Dick Haymes, or Ethel Merman or Rosemary Clooney. He'd also experiment with musical narration, in shows like “Tom Dooley” (3/30/53) or “The Wreck of the Old 97” (3/17/52) or “Frankie and Johnny” (5/5/52) with Dinah Shore.
The Elliott shows are very good, but they can be spotty because he was experimenting with the format so much. I think the Leader half hour shows are consistently better, but both Leader and Lewis are superior runs of the series. In some ways that time was big radio's last stand against the growing diversion of television. The show still had a good-sized budget and could have more lavish productions.
The other shows with Norman MacDonnell, Antony Ellis, and William Robson are better than most other radio of their time. What did surprise me, however, was the New York series, which started August 30, 1959. Collectors had generally felt that this part of the series was not up to the standards of the Hollywood run. I'm sure part of that feeling was because the recordings from this series were mainly home recordings so the sound that survives among collectors was not the best. Considering the budgetary restrictions they were working under, the New York run is better than its reputation. It had a lot of radio's best actors, few of whom had any remaining notoriety, in some very good productions. I urge collectors to give this part of the series new consideration.
OTR BUFFET: Most people that have a smattering of OTR knowledge probably think of Agnes Moorehead when the topic of Suspense is brought up. Would you agree with this and why?
DR. JOE: She wasn't called the “First Lady of Suspense” as a joke. The performance of “Sorry, Wrong Number” and her performace brought a lot of respect for the series and radio itself. Remember, radio was generally looked down upon. Theater, especially Broadway, was always held in high esteem, and movies were next, with radio dead last. Eventually, the only thing worse than being a radio actor was to be in early television. This is another example where we may not hold William Spier's work in as high regard since we can see the entire series from an historical vantage point, but at the time casting Moorehead, and having a script and a great performance like that was quite an achievement for that time.
OTR BUFFET: I've listened to a lot of Suspense in the past couple of months (in the neighborhood of more than 200 episodes.) I have listened to many others previously. I recently wrote a series of posts here at the Buffet about my favorite Suspense episodes ( Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV.) Would you care to comment on any of those episodes or mention a few of your favorites that I didn't list?
DR. JOE: Generally, the shows based on Cornell Woolrich stories are quite good. My favorite episode is “Three O'Clock” (3/10/49), but Woolrich had numerous shows adapted. There are some other great shows like “Dead Ernest” (8/8/46, 5/8/47, and 3/24/49), “The Crowd” (9/21/50, a Ray Bradbury story), “The Flame” (5/29/56) and “Fragile: Contents Death” (2/1/51 and 5/22/56).
OTR BUFFET; Which episode of Suspense do you think is the most unique or strangest episode that you've heard and why?
DR. JOE: “Allen in Wonderland” (10/27/52) with Cornell Wilde, but for an odd reason. The show takes place in New York City, and an unnamed cop plays a big role in the story. But anyone who knows OTR knows that when Larry Thor is cast as a policeman, that's no ordinary officer, that's Lt. Danny Clover from “Broadway's My Beat.” This little inside joke is a delight for fans of both series.
©Jimbo 2010/2011
OTR BUFFET: Dr. Joe, thanks for joining me again. I appreciate your time. What do you think the main difference is in the pre-1950's shows (produced/directed by William Spier and Anton M. Leader) and those after 1950 which were mostly led by producer and director Elliottt Lewis?
DR. JOE: My favorite is Anton M. Leader. His influence started during the hour-long run with “Beyond Reason” on February 21, 1948. The last show of that season was May 15, 1948. The show returned in its much better half-hour format on July 22, 1948, and he finished on June 30, 1949. This was the best run of Suspense, in my mind, often with fast-moving thrillers. I was not a fan of the Spier shows, but as I have studied a bit more about the series, you do have to respect what he was doing. It was at a higher level than was usual for radio in terms of the overall production values. The Elliott Lewis run (8/31/50 to 7/20/54) took more chances in terms of stories and casting. Getting comedians also increased interest in the show. Jack Benny in a dramatic role? No one would expect that, so it would get some attention. Lewis would also have actors known for singing careers, like Dick Haymes, or Ethel Merman or Rosemary Clooney. He'd also experiment with musical narration, in shows like “Tom Dooley” (3/30/53) or “The Wreck of the Old 97” (3/17/52) or “Frankie and Johnny” (5/5/52) with Dinah Shore.
The Elliott shows are very good, but they can be spotty because he was experimenting with the format so much. I think the Leader half hour shows are consistently better, but both Leader and Lewis are superior runs of the series. In some ways that time was big radio's last stand against the growing diversion of television. The show still had a good-sized budget and could have more lavish productions.
The other shows with Norman MacDonnell, Antony Ellis, and William Robson are better than most other radio of their time. What did surprise me, however, was the New York series, which started August 30, 1959. Collectors had generally felt that this part of the series was not up to the standards of the Hollywood run. I'm sure part of that feeling was because the recordings from this series were mainly home recordings so the sound that survives among collectors was not the best. Considering the budgetary restrictions they were working under, the New York run is better than its reputation. It had a lot of radio's best actors, few of whom had any remaining notoriety, in some very good productions. I urge collectors to give this part of the series new consideration.
OTR BUFFET: Most people that have a smattering of OTR knowledge probably think of Agnes Moorehead when the topic of Suspense is brought up. Would you agree with this and why?
DR. JOE: She wasn't called the “First Lady of Suspense” as a joke. The performance of “Sorry, Wrong Number” and her performace brought a lot of respect for the series and radio itself. Remember, radio was generally looked down upon. Theater, especially Broadway, was always held in high esteem, and movies were next, with radio dead last. Eventually, the only thing worse than being a radio actor was to be in early television. This is another example where we may not hold William Spier's work in as high regard since we can see the entire series from an historical vantage point, but at the time casting Moorehead, and having a script and a great performance like that was quite an achievement for that time.
OTR BUFFET: I've listened to a lot of Suspense in the past couple of months (in the neighborhood of more than 200 episodes.) I have listened to many others previously. I recently wrote a series of posts here at the Buffet about my favorite Suspense episodes ( Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV.) Would you care to comment on any of those episodes or mention a few of your favorites that I didn't list?
DR. JOE: Generally, the shows based on Cornell Woolrich stories are quite good. My favorite episode is “Three O'Clock” (3/10/49), but Woolrich had numerous shows adapted. There are some other great shows like “Dead Ernest” (8/8/46, 5/8/47, and 3/24/49), “The Crowd” (9/21/50, a Ray Bradbury story), “The Flame” (5/29/56) and “Fragile: Contents Death” (2/1/51 and 5/22/56).
OTR BUFFET; Which episode of Suspense do you think is the most unique or strangest episode that you've heard and why?
DR. JOE: “Allen in Wonderland” (10/27/52) with Cornell Wilde, but for an odd reason. The show takes place in New York City, and an unnamed cop plays a big role in the story. But anyone who knows OTR knows that when Larry Thor is cast as a policeman, that's no ordinary officer, that's Lt. Danny Clover from “Broadway's My Beat.” This little inside joke is a delight for fans of both series.
©Jimbo 2010/2011
6 more Suspense episodes I really liked
The last time I wrote about my favorite Suspense episodes, I believe I made made mention it would be my last "favorites" posting. I suppose I was wrong because here's another.
Suspense is such a large series that it's easier to find 100 episodes you find fascinating rather than just 10 as wittling it down to 10 is a hard job.
So, without further delay, a few more favorite episodes of mine:
After Dinner Story 10-26-43
A story that sounds like it could come from one of any detective shows in the late 1930's or early 1940's. I tend to think it reminds me of The Shadow for more than one reason.
The Paste Board Box 1-17-46
A story of twins (both played by Joseph Cotten) and a box that can't be gotten rid of. Gruesome and fun!
Post Mortem 4-4-36
In this case, winning the Irish Sweepstakes brings nothing but trouble.
On a Country Road 11-16-50
Even though I found this tale to be quite predictable, there's something spooky about a deserted country road and a mad killer on the loose. I suggest listening to this late at night with the lights off!
The Holdout 6-28-55
Very much a precursor to Hollywood's 12 Angry Men, a lone holdout juror convinces all the others he is right.
Nobody Loves Me 8-30-45
Perhaps the best acting ever done by Peter Lorre on radio, he holds a police station at bay with a gun and his sad story.
©Jimbo 2010/2011
Suspense is such a large series that it's easier to find 100 episodes you find fascinating rather than just 10 as wittling it down to 10 is a hard job.
So, without further delay, a few more favorite episodes of mine:
After Dinner Story 10-26-43
A story that sounds like it could come from one of any detective shows in the late 1930's or early 1940's. I tend to think it reminds me of The Shadow for more than one reason.
The Paste Board Box 1-17-46
A story of twins (both played by Joseph Cotten) and a box that can't be gotten rid of. Gruesome and fun!
Post Mortem 4-4-36
In this case, winning the Irish Sweepstakes brings nothing but trouble.
On a Country Road 11-16-50
Even though I found this tale to be quite predictable, there's something spooky about a deserted country road and a mad killer on the loose. I suggest listening to this late at night with the lights off!
The Holdout 6-28-55
Very much a precursor to Hollywood's 12 Angry Men, a lone holdout juror convinces all the others he is right.
Nobody Loves Me 8-30-45
Perhaps the best acting ever done by Peter Lorre on radio, he holds a police station at bay with a gun and his sad story.
©Jimbo 2010/2011
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Hodge-podging - Unanswered OTR questions and other stuff
What do we know about The Whistler? This a man who whistles and walks by night and because of this, "knows many things."
The Whistler was nobody. What I mean to say is that The Whistler didn't show up in his show, ever. He just walked around at night whistling a very odd tune and telling us all he knew things - but when you boil it all down, what did he really know?
Don't you love the way the show Suspense starts out? First of all you have the incredible atmospheric Bernard Herrmann score then you hear SUSPENSE!
Well not always, Here's the normal way and then - another way:
That was Howard Duff in 1943, believe it or not.
Alka Seltzer was a long-time sponsor of The Quiz Kids program. In 1950, singer Tito Guizar made a guest appearance and ...
That's all I've got for now. Still looking for stuff to post...
©Jimbo 2010/2011
The Whistler was nobody. What I mean to say is that The Whistler didn't show up in his show, ever. He just walked around at night whistling a very odd tune and telling us all he knew things - but when you boil it all down, what did he really know?
Don't you love the way the show Suspense starts out? First of all you have the incredible atmospheric Bernard Herrmann score then you hear SUSPENSE!
Well not always, Here's the normal way and then - another way:
That was Howard Duff in 1943, believe it or not.
Alka Seltzer was a long-time sponsor of The Quiz Kids program. In 1950, singer Tito Guizar made a guest appearance and ...
That's all I've got for now. Still looking for stuff to post...
©Jimbo 2010/2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
One last batch of Suspense favorites
Peanut Brittle 8-18-57
In jail, items such as candy (or in this case, peanut brittle) are better than cash. A new prisoner gets played for a sucker. Can he pay up (in peanut brittle?) Excellent episode co-stars John Dehner.
Love, Honor or Murder 8-9-55
A lesson learned: if you're honest, drive a taxi and find $12,000 - don't tell your wife about it.
Rain Tonight 6-29-58
Interesting story written by a former San Quentin prisoner about a prisoner who uses a patsy and the prison chaplain to try and escape.
Elementals 6-12-60
Interesting-yet-depressing story about hunger, the human will and all sorts of psychology.
The Man Who Murders People 11-13-60
I love stories that involve trains. Here's a good one: a woman on a train is afraid of a man known as "The Roseville Killer." Well done.
Alibi 7-7-57
A man decides he wants his business partner out of the way. After a hit man is hired, things start to go wrong.
Double Identity 8-8-56
There is a danger involved in stealing from work - running into your boss while you make your escape! Excellent tale, well done.
A Good Neighbor 3-31-57
A man finds it's a hard life as a thief when you have a nice, gentle but way-too-helpful neighbor lady next door. As much tongue-in-cheek as it is suspenseful. Lots of fun.
Fragile: Contents Death 2-1-51
Nice gripper about a bomb in the mail room of a post office.
Hitch-Hike Poker 1-16-48
Gregory Peck gets a ride from a friendly guy who goes all psycho on him. Bizarre episode.
The Big Heist 12-1-52
A man gets talked into being part of a bank robbery but the gang made a mistake in giving him a gun.
227 Minutes of Hate 2-25-57
Fine drama about a cop (Charles McGraw) trying to stop a man who steals an airplane and plans on crashing it into the place that fired him.
The Operation 1-27-55
A robber gets confused for a doctor and must operate on a guy. Good stuff!
Weekend Special: Death 5-24-54
Agnes Moorehead stars as a secretary stuck in a grocery store; what's worse is that 2 burglars show up! The first half of this episode is terrific...
©Jimbo 2010/2011
In jail, items such as candy (or in this case, peanut brittle) are better than cash. A new prisoner gets played for a sucker. Can he pay up (in peanut brittle?) Excellent episode co-stars John Dehner.
Love, Honor or Murder 8-9-55
A lesson learned: if you're honest, drive a taxi and find $12,000 - don't tell your wife about it.
Rain Tonight 6-29-58
Interesting story written by a former San Quentin prisoner about a prisoner who uses a patsy and the prison chaplain to try and escape.
Elementals 6-12-60
Interesting-yet-depressing story about hunger, the human will and all sorts of psychology.
The Man Who Murders People 11-13-60
I love stories that involve trains. Here's a good one: a woman on a train is afraid of a man known as "The Roseville Killer." Well done.
Alibi 7-7-57
A man decides he wants his business partner out of the way. After a hit man is hired, things start to go wrong.
Double Identity 8-8-56
There is a danger involved in stealing from work - running into your boss while you make your escape! Excellent tale, well done.
A Good Neighbor 3-31-57
A man finds it's a hard life as a thief when you have a nice, gentle but way-too-helpful neighbor lady next door. As much tongue-in-cheek as it is suspenseful. Lots of fun.
Fragile: Contents Death 2-1-51
Nice gripper about a bomb in the mail room of a post office.
Hitch-Hike Poker 1-16-48
Gregory Peck gets a ride from a friendly guy who goes all psycho on him. Bizarre episode.
The Big Heist 12-1-52
A man gets talked into being part of a bank robbery but the gang made a mistake in giving him a gun.
227 Minutes of Hate 2-25-57
Fine drama about a cop (Charles McGraw) trying to stop a man who steals an airplane and plans on crashing it into the place that fired him.
The Operation 1-27-55
A robber gets confused for a doctor and must operate on a guy. Good stuff!
Weekend Special: Death 5-24-54
Agnes Moorehead stars as a secretary stuck in a grocery store; what's worse is that 2 burglars show up! The first half of this episode is terrific...
©Jimbo 2010/2011
Sunday, July 31, 2011
A dozen more of my favorite Suspense episodes
Add these to your list of Suspense episodes not to miss!
Nightmare 9-1-49
I've never really thought much about Gregory Peck's acting ability. He stars in this fantastic story - one you don't want to miss. A child is run over by a hit and run driver and the father of the boy wants revenge.
Nobody Ever Quits 3-8-55
An ex-criminal from back East has made a new life for himself and his expecting wife. Life is good until his ex-boss shows up. One of the best endings for a Suspense episode ever and perhaps the best Suspense episode after 1953.
The Giant of Thermopylae 5-3-54
Interesting story about a man who seeks revenge for a brawl the night before and finds himself fighting a giant and perhaps accused of murder to boot.
Dead Ernest 8-8-46
A man with a very rare medical condition dies. Or maybe not. An excellent story - very well done.
Smiley 8-17-47
A strange, feebleminded but pleasant fellow is wrongly accused of harming a girl and he goes to prison for it.; after he gets out, he hates women.
Chicken Feed 9-8-49
A man is a need of a nickel. A very exciting tale starring Ray Milland, one of my favorite actors.
The Man Who Couldn't Lose 12-12-47
A man who commits murder suddenly finds himself to be the luckiest man in the world - will it last?
Three O'Clock 12-12-56
A man seeks revenge for his wife cheating on him, so he sets a bomb in the house - sounds like a great plan until he gets trapped there himself!
Lunch Kit 6-9-49
Similar to the story above - a worker plans on blowing up a factory but upon trying to leave, he keeps getting delayed. Gripping.
Mission Completed 12-1-49
Jimmy Stewart stars as a paralyzed veteran who lies in bed trying to find a way to exact revenge on his former Japanese captor. This is radio at it's finest!
Rave Notice 10-12-50
Milton Berle proves he can act. On Broadway, he's replaced and he kills the show's director and then must act insane in order not to get the electric chair.
The Crowd 9-21-50
A killer strikes then taunts the police. Dana Andrews plays a police chief who tries to stop him.
©Jimbo 2010/2011
Nightmare 9-1-49
I've never really thought much about Gregory Peck's acting ability. He stars in this fantastic story - one you don't want to miss. A child is run over by a hit and run driver and the father of the boy wants revenge.
Nobody Ever Quits 3-8-55
An ex-criminal from back East has made a new life for himself and his expecting wife. Life is good until his ex-boss shows up. One of the best endings for a Suspense episode ever and perhaps the best Suspense episode after 1953.
The Giant of Thermopylae 5-3-54
Interesting story about a man who seeks revenge for a brawl the night before and finds himself fighting a giant and perhaps accused of murder to boot.
Dead Ernest 8-8-46
A man with a very rare medical condition dies. Or maybe not. An excellent story - very well done.
Smiley 8-17-47
A strange, feebleminded but pleasant fellow is wrongly accused of harming a girl and he goes to prison for it.; after he gets out, he hates women.
Chicken Feed 9-8-49
A man is a need of a nickel. A very exciting tale starring Ray Milland, one of my favorite actors.
The Man Who Couldn't Lose 12-12-47
A man who commits murder suddenly finds himself to be the luckiest man in the world - will it last?
Three O'Clock 12-12-56
A man seeks revenge for his wife cheating on him, so he sets a bomb in the house - sounds like a great plan until he gets trapped there himself!
Lunch Kit 6-9-49
Similar to the story above - a worker plans on blowing up a factory but upon trying to leave, he keeps getting delayed. Gripping.
Mission Completed 12-1-49
Jimmy Stewart stars as a paralyzed veteran who lies in bed trying to find a way to exact revenge on his former Japanese captor. This is radio at it's finest!
Rave Notice 10-12-50
Milton Berle proves he can act. On Broadway, he's replaced and he kills the show's director and then must act insane in order not to get the electric chair.
The Crowd 9-21-50
A killer strikes then taunts the police. Dana Andrews plays a police chief who tries to stop him.
©Jimbo 2010/2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Hodge-podging for a change
 |
| Sorry to say: this is me. |
If you are a regular reader of this blog you know that I have been listening to a mess of Suspense episodes the past couple of weeks. It used to be a daily ritual but I had so much on my daily plate of listening that eventually, it got put aside.
There's no doubt however, that the show is one of the best out there and I'd rank it above the various other radio anthology series, including the later ones. Funny but Elliott Lewis had in his hand in many of the better anthology series around...
If you saw my recent list of favorite Suspense episodes, try and remember that there are literally dozens of episodes I find unforgettable. While I did list 15 episodes there are probably 150 plots I remember off the top of my head because the show simply sticks with me. Scary? No But memorable, yes.
The same can't really be said for shows like The Whistler. I do remember a few plots but they simply pale in comparison to Suspense.
And while episodes of Escape! are memorable there are only a few that I can distinguish as being Escape! and not some other show. Suspense had an air of authority behind their stories, whether it's the voice of announcer Larry Thor I remember or the opening theme by Bernard Herrmann or the quality in production of the whole thing.
You know you have good stuff on your blog when people steal from you...
There are some things I wish existed that don't seem to exist. One thing, I'd love to see a film of Fanny Brice doing her Baby Snooks thing. But I've looked and looked and there doesn't seem to be such a film around.
If you are anything like me, once you go to YouTube you find the time flies by. Going on YouTube for me is dangerous. One thing leads to another and another and I realize I have been on YouTube for two hours listening to 13 different renditions of some song I really don't care that much about but are being played by kids that are 8 years old and in most cases doing it better than I did at age 25. Depressing but fun all at the same time. And a time killer/waster.
By tomorrow, I should be done listening to The Six Shooter series. I hate to see it go. I'll try to wait a year and then put it back on my iPod. What a great series that is.
Jimmy Stewart, who was not a great film actor but a good one, is superb in the radio series. The inflections in his voice and the great stories equals one of the very best radio series ever created.
Speaking of great series, I haven't listened to but maybe one of each of Fibber McGee and Molly or the Jack Benny Show in about 4 months. I've really just been too busy. Plus, I've been trying to fix the sound on both series, a monumental task to say the least.
And since I'm on the subject of "monumental tasks" my blog (which you know is really 16-17 blogs) can be a hair-puller. There are never enough hours in the day, I take on too much, some of the tasks are huge...etc. I realize I bite off more than I can chew but it keeps me busy. Sometimes it does overwhelm me but I tend to pick it back up. One thing that I just can't seem to work on is OTR People. You talk about "monumental" that my friends, is the definition of the word.
I have ideas for other blogs but I really don't have the time for them. I'd like to break down Bill Stern's Sports Newsreels into segments and find out from the newspapers if the incidents he tells about really happened. I know most are untrue but actually proving or disproving them would be fun. I may start one and see how it goes...but too many ideas, not enough time. I need a team of helpers who will volunteer to work free 27.8 hours a day.
©Jimbo 2010/2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
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
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
Most-complete list of comedians on Suspense
After some further research, I have come up with (I think) is the most complete list of comedians who did Suspense. Some of the dates could be wrong but I believe everything else to be correct:
1-16-44 Dead of Night - Walter Tetley (he's not the star of the show)
6-22-44 The Ten Grand - Lucille Ball
4-19-45 Pearls are a Nuisance - William Bendix
3-6-47 Elwood - Eddie Bracken
12-30-48 Break Up - William Bendix
1-6-49 I Never Met the Dead Man - Danny Kaye
1-13-49 The Too-Perfect Alibi - Danny Kaye
2-3-49 Backseat Driver - Jim and Marian Jordan
11-3-49 Search For Isabel - Red Skelton
1-26-50 Mr. Diogenes - Ozzie and Harriet Nelson
6-22-50 The One Millionth Joe - Jack Carson
10-12-50 Rave Notice - Milton Berle
11-23-50 Going Going Gone - Ozzie and Harriet Nelson
12-21-50 Christmas For Carol - Dennis Day
1-18-51 The Well-Dressed Corpse - Eve Arden
3-1-51 The Gift of Jumbo Brannigan - William Bendix
3-29-51 Death Pitch - Jack Carson
4-5-51 Murder in G-Flat - Jack Benny
4-12-51 Early to Death - Lucille Ball, Desi Arnez
5-10-51 Death on My Hands - Phil Harris and Alice Faye
2-2-52 Plan X - Jack Benny
6-2-52 A Good and Faithful Servant - Jack Benny
1-18-54 The Face is Familiar - Jack Benny
11-17-54 The Red Headed Woman - Lucille Ball, Desi Arnez
10-6-57 Misfire - Jack Carson
2-22-59 Star Over Hong Kong - Marie Wilson
8-16-59 Like Somebody, Dig Me - Dennis Day
©Jimbo 2010/2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
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