Suspense - Radio’s Outstanding Theater of Thrills

Sorry, Wrong Number: A Chilling Call for Help

In this gripping episode of "Suspense," one of radio's most iconic thrillers, an invalid woman named Mrs. Stevenson becomes entangled in a terrifying murder plot when she accidentally overhears a chilling conversation over the telephone. Alone in her home, Mrs. Stevenson frantically tries to contact her husband but is met with frustration and indifference from the telephone operators. As the night progresses, she becomes increasingly desperate, trying to convince the authorities that a life is at stake.
The tension builds as Mrs. Stevenson realizes that the murder she overheard might be closer to her than she thinks. Her helplessness and mounting fear create an atmosphere of dread, making "Sorry, Wrong Number" one of the most memorable and suspenseful episodes in old-time radio history.
Starring the incomparable Agnes Moorehead, who delivers a powerhouse performance as the frantic and desperate Mrs. Stevenson, this episode is a masterclass in suspense, demonstrating the terrifying possibilities of isolation and vulnerability.
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Tune in to experience the suspenseful and haunting tale of "Sorry, Wrong Number," where an innocent phone call becomes a chilling descent into fear and danger.

The Singing Walls: A Melody of Mystery and Murder

In this chilling episode of Suspense, a young man, Tom Cochran, finds himself in a desperate situation after waking up from what he thought was a nightmare. The only problem is, the strange events that unfolded in his dream might have been real—and now he's in a serious jam. Was there a murder? And why does that eerie music seem to follow him wherever he goes?
Tom, played by Dane Clark, seeks help from his friend Danny Sullivan, a San Francisco homicide detective, played by Preston Foster. Sullivan is willing to lend a hand, but his loyalty has limits. If Cochran is guilty, Sullivan will have no choice but to arrest him.
As they work to unravel the mystery, clues emerge in the most bizarre ways—a man with a frog-like voice, the haunting sound of the "singing walls," and a strange location known as Joe's Place. With each revelation, the tension mounts, leading to the discovery of a body and evidence that increasingly points to Tom.
Adapted from a story by Cornell Woolrich, The Singing Walls expertly weaves suspense, guilt, and the supernatural into an unforgettable tale. Directed by Ted Bliss, with Bernard Herrmann providing a haunting musical score, this episode will leave listeners questioning what is real and what is imagined.
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Don’t miss The Singing Walls, a classic episode of Suspense that keeps you guessing until the very end. What is the truth behind the music, and can Tom escape the fate that seems to be closing in on him?

A Friend to Alexander: Haunted by History

In this captivating episode of Suspense, Harry Andrews finds himself haunted by unsettling dreams that blur the line between his reality and the infamous duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. The story, based on the classic short tale by James Thurber, delves into the psychological torment that arises from Harry’s personal connection to Hamilton’s tragic fate.
Harry, an architect by profession, experiences recurring dreams where he converses with Alexander Hamilton—only to witness Aaron Burr, Hamilton's historical adversary, taunt and ultimately kill him in a duel. But in these dreams, the conflict becomes more personal, with Hamilton occasionally taking on the visage of Harry’s own deceased brother, intensifying the emotional and psychological strain. Even after the fatal duel, Aaron Burr continues to haunt Harry’s dreams, refusing to let go of his grip on Harry’s subconscious.
First aired on August 3, 1943, and again on June 15, 1944, this version from 1956 features the skilled direction of Antony Ellis and standout performances by John Dehner and Joseph Kearns. "A Friend to Alexander" weaves a tale of historical obsession, where past events echo through time to affect the living in deeply personal and mysterious ways.
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Tune in to A Friend to Alexander and follow Harry Andrews as his dreams become a nightmarish connection to one of the most famous duels in American history, blurring the lines between the past and his present reality.

The Last Letter of Dr. Bronson: A Descent into Madness

In this chilling episode of Suspense, Dr. Bronson, a brilliant but increasingly unstable physician, embarks on a dangerous experiment that teeters on the brink of insanity. Convinced that he has devised an unbreakable method to prevent himself from being murdered, Dr. Bronson sets out to prove his theory by giving five men the motive and opportunity to kill him. His objective? To demonstrate that his safeguards will prevent the inevitable act of violence.
However, as each attempt to murder him fails, Dr. Bronson's confidence grows—until a final, unforeseen twist threatens to shatter his carefully constructed experiment and unravel his mind. The episode explores the dark recesses of human psychology, paranoia, and the dangerous consequences of playing with life and death.
Featuring a gripping performance by John Dehner, alongside Parley Baer, Virginia Gregg, and William Johnstone, The Last Letter of Dr. Bronson is a tale of suspense, manipulation, and the fine line between genius and madness.
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Tune in to The Last Letter of Dr. Bronson and experience the harrowing story of a man whose quest to cheat death becomes a terrifying descent into madness in this unforgettable episode of Suspense.

Murder Goes For A Swim: The Lone Wolf's Deadly Dive

In this thrilling episode of Suspense!, Michael Lanyard, also known as "The Lone Wolf," takes center stage in his first radio appearance. What starts as a high-society treasure hunt at a glamorous party soon turns dark when a beautiful swimmer turns up dead, and a gossip columnist meets the same grim fate. Michael Lanyard, portrayed by Warren William, is quickly drawn into the mystery, with his sharp wit and investigative prowess tested by a series of deadly turns.
The episode captures the suspense of the beloved Lone Wolf film series, with Warren William reprising his iconic role alongside Eric Blore as Jamison, Lanyard's trusted valet. Together, they navigate a sea of intrigue, secrets, and danger as the clues point toward a chilling conspiracy.
Under the direction of Robert Lewis Shayon, the episode weaves a tightly plotted mystery, elevated by Bernard Herrmann’s evocative musical score. Introduced by "The Man In Black," Murder Goes For A Swim is a classic example of the tension and thrills that made Suspense! one of radio’s finest dramatic series.
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Click to listen and dive into the mystery as Michael Lanyard unravels the deadly events in Murder Goes For A Swim, a captivating episode of Suspense! that will keep you guessing until the very end.

The White Rose Murders: A Maniacal Killer's Calling Card

In this chilling episode of "Suspense!", a deranged murderer prowls the dimly lit streets, leaving behind a trail of terror and a single white rose as his grisly signature. The story follows the sinister figure as he waits in the shadows outside a second-rate dance hall, targeting young girls for his next gruesome act.
The tension builds as the episode unfolds, with each moment bringing the listener closer to the horrifying realization of the killer's intentions. With a surprise ending that will leave you breathless, "The White Rose Murders" is a masterful blend of suspense and psychological horror, showcasing the dark talents of writer Cornell Woolrich.
Directed by Ted Bliss and produced by William Spier, this episode features a stellar performance by Maureen O'Hara, whose portrayal adds depth and emotion to the terrifying tale. The atmospheric direction and haunting narrative make this a standout episode in the "Suspense!" series, reminding listeners why the show remains a classic in the annals of radio drama.
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Tune in to "The White Rose Murders" and experience the fear and intrigue of a maniacal killer's twisted game, brought to life in this unforgettable episode of "Suspense!"

Uncle Henry's Rosebush: Secrets Beneath the Surface

In this eerie and unsettling episode of "Suspense!", the Lindens set out for a seemingly innocent vacation that takes a dark and mysterious turn. Carol Linden, eager to surprise her Aunt Julie and Uncle Henry, brings her husband Paul along to visit the family farm. But what begins as a pleasant trip quickly descends into suspicion and fear.
Upon arrival, the Lindens are puzzled by the strange behavior of Aunt Julie, who seems intent on keeping them at arm's length. The immaculate condition of Uncle Henry's room and the meticulous care given to his prized rosebush stand in stark contrast to the otherwise neglected state of the farm. As Carol and Paul dig deeper, they begin to wonder if Aunt Julie’s odd demeanor hides a sinister secret—could she have done away with Uncle Henry?
Written by Larry Roman, a new talent at the time who later became a prominent figure in radio, television, and film, "Uncle Henry's Rosebush" is a chilling tale of suspicion and paranoia. Agnes Moorehead, known for her commanding roles, stars as Aunt Julie, bringing an unsettling edge to this suspenseful narrative.
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Dive into this classic episode of "Suspense!" and discover the secrets buried beneath the surface of Uncle Henry's rosebush.

Man Without a Body: A Terrifying Tale of the Invisible Terror

In "Man Without a Body," a spine-chilling episode of "Suspense" originally aired on June 22, 1943, the quiet English countryside becomes the setting for an eerie and mysterious terror that defies explanation.
Dr. Jim Norwood, a young and astute English doctor played by John Sutton, finds himself embroiled in a series of strange and unsettling events that grip the village in fear. The local curate, Reverend Arthur Morley, portrayed by George Zuko, seeks Norwood's help as whispers of an "invisible man" terrorizing the countryside begin to spread. But what is the truth behind these terrifying claims? And how much does Dr. Norwood really know about the mysterious occurrences?
As the story unfolds, tension mounts, and the sense of dread intensifies. The invisible presence that haunts the village may be more than just a figment of imagination—it's a malevolent force that threatens to unravel the very fabric of reality. With each twist and turn, the villagers, and the audience, are drawn deeper into a mystery that builds to a shocking and unforgettable climax.
Written by John Dickson Carr and directed by Ted Bliss, "Man Without a Body" is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling. With a plot that keeps listeners guessing until the very end, this episode is a prime example of why "Suspense" remains one of the most celebrated radio dramas of all time.
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Click to listen and delve into the terrifying mystery of "Man Without a Body," where an unseen terror grips a village and leaves everyone questioning what is real in this gripping episode of "Suspense."

Last Night: Secrets, Lies, and a Corpse in the Rumble Seat

In "Last Night," a tense and twisting episode of "Suspense!" originally aired on June 15, 1943, a desperate couple running a debt-ridden dude ranch find themselves embroiled in a mystery involving a businessman, his secretary, and a corpse that unexpectedly turns up in the rumble seat of a car.
The owners of the ranch are in dire financial straits, needing $2,500 to keep their business afloat. Hope arrives in the form of a wealthy businessman and his male secretary, potential investors who could save the ranch. But when the businessman suddenly changes his plans and departs in the middle of the night, things take a sinister turn.
As the mystery unfolds, it becomes clear that not everything is as it seems. The businessman’s sudden departure, the discovery of a body, and the strange behavior of those involved lead to a web of deceit and danger. The woman at the heart of the story must piece together the truth and confront the possibility that her husband might have resorted to murder to save their livelihood.
Based on the short story "The Red Tide" by Cornell Woolrich, this episode is a masterclass in suspense, featuring strong performances by Kent Smith and Margo. Directed with a focus on building tension, "Last Night" keeps listeners guessing until the very end.
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Click to listen and experience the intrigue and twists of "Last Night," where desperation leads to a deadly mystery in this gripping episode of "Suspense!"

Five Canaries in the Room: A Bachelor Party Gone Deadly

"Five Canaries in the Room" is an intriguing and mysterious episode of "Suspense!" that originally aired on June 8, 1943. What starts as a fun-filled bachelor party quickly spirals into a night of confusion, danger, and a vanishing crime scene.
Ronald Denham is just two weeks away from marrying the love of his life, Anita. His friend Jimmy Westlake decides to celebrate with a bachelor party, but things take a bizarre turn when Ronald, after only a couple of drinks, begins to feel like something is terribly wrong. Disoriented and confused, he stumbles back to what he believes is his apartment, only to find himself in a strange room with five canaries in cages, all lined up in a row.
But that’s not the most disturbing part—Ronald also discovers a dead body in the room. Before he can make sense of what’s happening, he is struck from behind, and everything goes black. When he awakens, the entire apartment, along with the body, has vanished without a trace.
With his wedding day fast approaching, Ronald is plunged into a deadly mystery where nothing is as it seems. Directed by Ted Bliss and written by the master of suspense, John Dickson Carr, this episode features a gripping performance by Lee Bowman, supported by Osa Massen and Ona Munson.
"Five Canaries in the Room" is a classic example of how "Suspense!" blends the mundane with the macabre, turning an ordinary event into a chilling mystery. This episode will keep you on the edge of your seat as you try to unravel the strange events alongside Ronald Denham.
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Click to listen and dive into the puzzling world of "Five Canaries in the Room," where a bachelor party leads to a baffling mystery in this suspenseful episode of "Suspense!"