Suspense - Radio’s Outstanding Theater of Thrills

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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The King’s Birthday: Vengeance in Nazi-Occupied Denmark

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.
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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.”

The Fountain Plays: A Delightfully British Murder

In this classic episode of “Suspense,” originally aired on August 10, 1943, listeners are treated to a delightfully British tale of murder and intrigue. The story stars the distinguished British actor Edmund Gwenn as Mr. Archibald Spiller, a conservative man who has recently come into a bit of luck. Spiller resides on a country estate, enjoying a comfortable lifestyle with a cook, a manservant, and his most treasured possession—a fountain in the garden.
What seems like an ordinary evening takes a dark and unexpected turn, as Spiller discovers that the fountain, which he finds so fascinating, is destined to play a more significant role than he ever anticipated. As events unfold, Spiller becomes entangled in a situation that tests his resolve and pushes him to the edge.
Featuring the talented performances of Edmund Gwenn, Wendy Barrie, and Dennis Hoey, “The Fountain Plays” is a masterfully crafted episode that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. With direction from Ted Bliss and an adaptation by Robert L. Richards based on Dorothy L. Sayers’ work, this episode remains a memorable entry in the “Suspense” anthology series.
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Experience “The Fountain Plays,” a suspenseful story that blends British charm with gripping drama, proving once again why “Suspense” was one of radio’s most beloved series.

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.