Suspense - Radio’s Outstanding Theater of Thrills

Thieves Fall Out: Crime's Deadly Chain

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.
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Cast: Gene Kelly, Hans Conried, William Johnstone.

Cabin B-13: A Murderous Deception

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

Statement of Employee Henry Wilson: A Mind Unraveled

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

The After Dinner Story: Murder in the Boardroom

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

Lazarus Walks: A Tale of Truth and Treachery

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.
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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.

Philomel Cottage: A Tale of Deception and Terror

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.
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The Lost Special: A Vanishing Train Mystery

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.
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The Most Dangerous Game: The Hunter Becomes the Hunted

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.
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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.

The Cross-Eyed Bear: A Twisted Inheritance

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.
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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.

Marry for Murder: A Tale of Deception and Danger

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.
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