Suspense - Radio’s Outstanding Theater of Thrills
Unravel the Mystery with Suspense! - The Classic Radio Thriller Series Step back in time to the golden age of radio with ”Suspense!” - the iconic series that captivated audiences from 1942 to 1962 with its thrilling tales and unforgettable performances. Featuring over 900 broadcasts penned by renowned authors and directors, ”Suspense!” brought the finest in thriller and mystery genres to the airwaves. Broadcast on the CBS Radio Network, ”Suspense!” showcased Hollywood’s brightest stars, including Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart, Orson Welles, and Marlene Dietrich. Under the masterful direction of William Spier, known as the ”Hitchcock of the airwaves,” the series delivered gripping human dramas that kept listeners on the edge of their seats. From the eerie introductions by the ”Man in Black” to the evocative scores by Bernard Hermann and Lucian Moraweck, ”Suspense!” was a paragon of radio production excellence. The show’s unique formula of minimal rehearsal and genuine unease created authe...
Episodes
2 days ago
2 days ago
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!"
Monday Sep 09, 2024
Monday Sep 09, 2024
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.
Friday Sep 06, 2024
Friday Sep 06, 2024
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."
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
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!"
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
Tuesday Aug 13, 2024
"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!"
Saturday Aug 10, 2024
Saturday Aug 10, 2024
Step into the mind of a possible homicidal maniac with "The A.B.C. Murders," a suspenseful episode from the classic radio series "Suspense!" originally aired on May 18, 1943. Based on a story by the legendary Agatha Christie, this British chiller unravels the dark mystery of a meek little man whose seemingly ordinary life takes a sinister turn.
The story begins with Alexander Bonaparte Custer, a quiet, unassuming man who spends his days in the public library. As the closing bell rings, Custer picks up his battered briefcase, marked with the fated initials "ABC," and shuffles over to the librarian's desk. This seemingly mundane action sets the stage for a mystery that grows more chilling with every minute.
As the narrative unfolds, the tension builds, leading to a surprising and unforgettable conclusion. Is Custer truly a homicidal maniac, or is there more to the story than meets the eye?
Directed by Ted Bliss and produced by William Spier, with a script written by Robert Tallman, this episode features stellar performances by Bramwell Fletcher, Joseph Kearns, and the unmistakable touch of Agatha Christie's storytelling genius.
Join us for this gripping tale where appearances are deceiving, and the line between sanity and madness blurs. Whether you're a fan of Agatha Christie, classic radio dramas, or psychological thrillers, "The A.B.C. Murders" promises to captivate and keep you guessing until the very end.
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Click to listen and delve into the mysterious world of "The A.B.C. Murders," where a meek man’s dark secrets lead to a chilling and unexpected climax in this thrilling episode of "Suspense!"
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Tuesday Aug 06, 2024
Mr. Markham, Antique Dealer: A Tale of Murder and Mystique
Enter the shadowy world of deceit and supernatural suspense with "Mr. Markham, Antique Dealer," an episode from the classic radio series "Suspense!" originally aired on May 11, 1943. This gripping story centers on a cunning antique dealer who doubles as a blackmailer and finds himself ensnared in a deadly game.
Paul Lukas stars as Mr. Markham, an antique dealer whose lucrative sideline in blackmail leads him to target a desperate couple. When the couple visits his shop to pay him off, they realize the only way to end his hold over them is to murder him. Markham, however, warns them that if they do, he will return to haunt them within half an hour... and he does!
The narrative unfolds in a room full of clocks, one of which mysteriously talks, adding to the eerie atmosphere. This tale of murder, blackmail, and supernatural retribution keeps listeners on the edge of their seats until the very end.
Written by John Dickson Carr and directed by Ted Bliss, this episode features a stellar cast including Heather Angel, Bramwell Fletcher, and Paul Lukas. The story was so compelling that it was adapted for the second issue of the "Suspense" comic book under the title “The Man Who Lived Again” and was later re-broadcast in 1945 as “The Dealings of Mr. Markham.”
Join us for this chilling episode where the lines between the living and the dead blur, and the past returns with a vengeance. Whether you're a fan of supernatural tales, classic radio dramas, or stories of crime and retribution, "Mr. Markham, Antique Dealer" promises to captivate and haunt you.
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Click to listen and delve into the eerie and suspenseful world of "Mr. Markham, Antique Dealer," where murder leads to an unforgettable supernatural encounter in this thrilling episode of "Suspense!"
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Prepare for a high-stakes adventure with "Death Flies Blind," an episode from the classic radio series "Suspense!" originally aired on May 4, 1943. This thrilling story unfolds in the skies, as a Nazi spy hijacks a plane carrying an American millionaire with valuable plans for submarine freighters.
The episode stars Richard Dix as a United States naval officer who finds himself in a remarkable predicament during what should have been an uneventful flight from New York to Philadelphia. Alongside him are Gale Page, portraying a girl named Monica, and Montague Love, playing the aged and domineering millionaire, Stylus Naylor.
As the flight progresses, the tension rises when the true nature of one of the passengers is revealed. The Nazi spy's mission to obtain the plans sets off a series of dramatic events, turning the flight into a perilous journey where trust is shattered, and survival becomes paramount.
Directed by Ted Bliss and written by John Dickson Carr, "Death Flies Blind" masterfully blends suspense and action, creating an edge-of-your-seat experience for listeners. The stellar cast, including Richard Dix, Montague Love, and Gale Page, delivers compelling performances that bring this airborne thriller to life.
Join us for this captivating episode where espionage, danger, and heroism take to the skies. Whether you're a fan of wartime dramas, classic radio thrillers, or stories of daring adventure, "Death Flies Blind" promises to captivate and entertain.
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Click to listen and soar into the suspenseful world of "Death Flies Blind," where a routine flight turns into a deadly game of espionage in this thrilling episode of "Suspense!"
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
The Diary of Sophronia Winters: A Tale of Love and Madness
Delve into a spine-chilling episode of "Suspense!" with "The Diary of Sophronia Winters," originally aired on April 27, 1943. This gripping horror story revolves around a new bride, a madman, and a hotel with 125 deserted rooms, weaving a narrative that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.
Sophronia Moorhead is enjoying a holiday in Florida when she meets H. Johnson, a man who seems too good to be true. Strong, generous, poetic, deep, and handsome, Johnson quickly wins Sophronia's heart. He treats her like a queen throughout her holiday, and their marriage seems inevitable. However, as Sophronia steps into her new life, she begins to question whether her perfect bridegroom is hiding a sinister secret.
The episode explores the eerie and unsettling events that unfold as Sophronia discovers the true nature of her husband and the haunting secrets of their hotel. The tension builds as the story progresses, leading to a shocking and suspenseful climax.
Directed by Ted Bliss, with music by Lud Gluskin, and featuring performances by Ray Collins and Agnes Moorehead, "The Diary of Sophronia Winters" masterfully combines elements of horror and psychological thriller. The episode was so compelling that it was subsequently produced on "Suspense!" again on August 17, 1944, and August 10, 1958.
Join us for this haunting tale where love turns to terror, and the past reveals dark secrets. Whether you're a fan of horror, classic radio dramas, or psychological thrillers, "The Diary of Sophronia Winters" promises to captivate and unsettle.
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Click to listen and uncover the chilling story of "The Diary of Sophronia Winters," where love and madness intertwine in this unforgettable episode of "Suspense!"
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Friday Aug 02, 2024
Moment of Darkness: A Seance of Murder
Immerse yourself in the eerie world of "Moment of Darkness," an episode from the classic radio series "Suspense!" which originally aired on April 20, 1943. This chilling tale revolves around a murder that occurs during a séance led by a phony medium, George Ravel.
When Marjorie’s Uncle Paul dies, her Aunt Hester, overcome with grief, employs the services of George Ravel, who claims to be in touch with the spirits. Concerned for her aunt, Marjorie, along with her aunt's solicitor, Mr. Toby Stevens, sets out to prove that Ravel is an impostor.
During a séance, a man is mysteriously murdered. However, it seems impossible for any of the participants to have committed the crime as everyone was holding hands at the time. As the story unfolds, listeners are kept in suspense until the very last minute, wondering who could have committed the murder and how.
Directed by Ted Bliss and written by John Dickson Carr, this episode features a stellar cast including Wendy Barrie and Peter Lorre. The narrative weaves a web of intrigue, deception, and supernatural elements, ensuring that "Moment of Darkness" remains an unforgettable experience for its audience.
Join us for this spine-tingling journey where the line between reality and the supernatural blurs, and every moment is filled with suspense and mystery. Whether you're a fan of horror, classic radio dramas, or psychological thrillers, "Moment of Darkness" promises to captivate and unsettle.
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Click to listen and unravel the mystery behind the séance murder in "Moment of Darkness," where suspense and the supernatural intertwine in this thrilling episode of "Suspense!"
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