Riabouchinska: The Ventriloquist’s Obsession

Originally Aired: November 13, 1947

In Suspense #271, “Riabouchinska,” a renowned ventriloquist’s act becomes the center of a baffling murder investigation when a blackmailer is found strangled in a theater cellar. Detective Lieutenant Krovich questions the performer John Fabian, his bitter wife Alice, and the couple’s press agent—but the most unsettling witness is Fabian’s lifelike dummy, Riabouchinska. As the interrogation unfolds, Fabian reveals a haunting past: years earlier he fell desperately in love with a beautiful assistant who mysteriously vanished. In grief and madness, he carved Riabouchinska in her image, pouring his love, memories, and conscience into the wooden figure. When the puppet begins speaking uncomfortable truths about the night of the murder, the line between performer and creation blurs in a chilling psychological battle for control. Adapted from a story by Ray Bradbury, this eerie tale explores obsession, guilt, and the fragile boundaries of the human mind.

Cast:

Joseph Kearns, Lorene Tuttle, Wally Mayer, Armina Feige

Tags:

Suspense, thriller, psychological, ventriloquist, RayBradbury, JosephKearns, LoreneTuttle, Riabouchinska, oldtimeradio, mystery, murder, obsession, puppetry, noir, classicradio, 1940sradio, suspensepodcast