Suspense - Radio’s Outstanding Theater of Thrills

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.
SEO Keywords: Suspense radio episode After Dinner Story, Cornell Woolrich radio adaptations, October 26, 1943 radio dramas, 1940s murder mystery radio, psychological thriller radio shows, classic Suspense episodes, Suspense Bernard Herrmann score
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.
Keywords: “Suspense Lazarus Walks episode,” “October 19, 1943 Orson Welles,” “Supernatural radio drama,” “Truth-telling radio play,” “Bernard Herrmann score,” “Classic Suspense mystery,” “1940s psychological thriller,” “Roger Holcomb supernatural story”
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.
Keywords:
“Philomel Cottage Suspense,” “Agatha Christie radio adaptation,” “Orson Welles Suspense,” “October 7, 1943 Suspense episode,” “radio mystery thriller,” “1940s suspenseful radio drama,” “Geraldine Fitzgerald suspense.”

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.
Keywords: “The Lost Special Suspense,” “Arthur Conan Doyle radio drama,” “Orson Welles suspense,” “vanishing train mystery,” “1943 radio thriller,” “classic radio suspense episode,” “Suspense mystery train story”

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.
Keywords: “The Most Dangerous Game radio,” “Suspense February 1 1945,” “Orson Welles Suspense episode,” “Survival thriller radio drama,” “Richard Connell radio adaptation,” “classic radio suspense,” “General Zaroff hunt”
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.
SEO Keywords: “The Cross-Eyed Bear Suspense,” “September 16, 1943 episode,” “Suspense radio drama,” “Virginia Bruce thriller,” “inheritance mystery story,” “murder mystery radio play,” “1940s radio drama”
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.
Tags: suspense, thriller, LillianGish, CapeCod, foghorns, eerie, psychologicaldrama, classicradio, murderplot, radiohistory, TedBliss, BramwellFletcher, RayCollins, suspensefulstory, vintagebroadcast, crime, mystery, dramaticperformance, classicthriller, oldtimeradio

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.
Keywords: “The King’s Birthday Suspense,” “Dolores Costello radio drama,” “August 28, 1943 Suspense,” “Nazi-occupied Denmark story,” “classic radio mystery,” “Louis Pelletier writer,” “George Zuko Suspense episode.”
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.
Keywords: “The Fountain Plays Suspense,” “August 10, 1943 episode,” “Edmund Gwenn Suspense,” “British murder mystery radio,” “Dorothy L. Sayers adaptation,” “classic radio drama,” “1940s Suspense series,” “Ted Bliss director.”
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.
Keywords: "Sorry Wrong Number radio drama," "Suspense episode September 6, 1945," "Agnes Moorehead performance," "classic radio thriller," "Suspense radio show," "Lucille Fletcher writer," "Mrs. Stevenson murder plot."
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.