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...

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Episodes

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.
Keywords: "Death Flies Blind podcast episode," "Suspense radio show," "Nazi spy story," "May 4, 1943 broadcast," "classic radio drama," "Richard Dix actor," "John Dickson Carr writer," "Ted Bliss director," "airplane hijacking story," "wartime espionage."
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

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.
Keywords: "The Diary of Sophronia Winters podcast episode," "Suspense radio show," "horror story," "April 27, 1943 broadcast," "classic radio drama," "new bride and madman," "Ted Bliss director," "Ray Collins actor," "Agnes Moorehead actress," "hotel with deserted rooms."
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

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.
Keywords: "Moment of Darkness podcast episode," "Suspense radio show," "seance murder mystery," "April 20, 1943 broadcast," "classic radio drama," "phony medium story," "John Dickson Carr writer," "Ted Bliss director," "Peter Lorre actor," "Wendy Barrie actress."
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!"

Wednesday Jul 31, 2024

Fear Paints A Picture: Inheritance of Madness
Step into a world of eerie inheritance and creeping dread with "Fear Paints A Picture," a haunting episode from the classic radio series "Suspense!" which originally aired on April 13, 1943. This chilling tale follows Julia Powell, a young woman on the brink of inheriting a vast fortune, as she battles the onset of madness.
The story begins with the death of Benjamin Powell, a wealthy and enigmatic man with a dark past. Whispers surround the Powell family, especially about the mysterious death of Benjamin's wife years ago. Benjamin's daughter, Julia, a high-strung and neurotic girl, is set to inherit his considerable fortune under certain conditions.
In Julia's room hangs an extraordinary painting, skillfully rendered with fine brushstrokes and superb colors. However, the subject matter is bizarre—a portrait of a man that seems to come closer and closer to her with each passing day. As Julia's mental state deteriorates, the painting becomes a symbol of her encroaching madness and the sinister secrets of the Powell family.
Directed by Ted Bliss and featuring stellar performances by Nancy Coleman and Edwin Maxwell, with a script by Sigmund Miller, "Fear Paints A Picture" masterfully weaves suspense and psychological horror. The narrative grips listeners with its slow-building tension and the eerie atmosphere surrounding Julia's inheritance and sanity.
Join us for this spine-tingling journey where art, madness, and family secrets collide. Whether you're a fan of horror, classic radio dramas, or psychological thrillers, "Fear Paints A Picture" promises to captivate and haunt you.
Keywords: "Fear Paints A Picture podcast episode," "Suspense radio show," "inheritance and madness," "April 13, 1943 broadcast," "classic radio drama," "Ted Bliss director," "Nancy Coleman actress," "Edwin Maxwell actor," "Sigmund Miller writer," "creepy painting story."
Click to listen and unravel the terrifying mystery of "Fear Paints A Picture," where a young woman's inheritance brings with it a legacy of fear and insanity in this unforgettable episode of "Suspense!"

Tuesday Jul 30, 2024

Fire Burn And Cauldron Bubble: A Shakespearean Mystery
Prepare for a spine-tingling journey into the world of Shakespearean drama with "Fire Burn And Cauldron Bubble," an intriguing episode from the classic radio series "Suspense!" which originally aired on April 6, 1943. This episode, introduced by "The Man In Black" (Ted Osborne), stars Paul Lukas in a tale that intertwines the eerie elements of Macbeth with a modern-day murder mystery.
The story centers around a famous actress who meets a gruesome end—a long blade through her eye—while watching a performance of Macbeth. The chilling murder, executed with precision and surrounded by the dark themes of the play, creates a suspenseful atmosphere that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.
Written by John Dickson Carr and directed by John Dietz, "Fire Burn And Cauldron Bubble" is designed to intrigue and stir your nerves. The narrative masterfully sets up a precarious situation and withholds the solution until the last possible moment, ensuring a gripping experience from start to finish. Robert Simmons' performance adds depth to this captivating mystery, making it a standout episode in the series.
Join us as we delve into this Shakespearean-inspired tale of murder and mystery, where the lines between performance and reality blur, and the final reveal will leave you breathless. Whether you're a fan of classic literature, suspenseful dramas, or thrilling radio plays, "Fire Burn And Cauldron Bubble" promises to deliver a haunting and memorable experience.
Keywords: "Fire Burn And Cauldron Bubble podcast episode," "Suspense radio show," "Shakespearean mystery," "April 6, 1943 broadcast," "classic radio drama," "Paul Lukas actor," "Ted Osborne The Man In Black," "John Dickson Carr writer," "John Dietz director," "Macbeth inspired tale."
Click to listen and uncover the suspenseful story of "Fire Burn And Cauldron Bubble," where a Shakespearean tragedy becomes the backdrop for a modern-day murder mystery.

Friday Jul 26, 2024

The Dead Sleep Lightly: A Haunting Tale of Love and Revenge
Immerse yourself in the eerie atmosphere of "The Dead Sleep Lightly," a spine-tingling ghost story from the classic radio series "Suspense!" which originally aired on March 30, 1943. This chilling episode explores the haunting presence of a long-forgotten wife who returns to torment her wealthy husband.
Set against the gloomy backdrop of Meadow Vale Cemetery near New York, the story opens on a dim, grey morning in early April. Rain forms a mist across the leafless trees and white gravestones. A group of silk-hatted gentlemen, each sheltered by a protective umbrella, gathers around an open grave. As the freshly dug clay soil is prepared to receive its new occupant, the clergyman's droning voice recites the solemn words of the burial service.
In this eerie setting, we meet a rich old man who is soon haunted by the ghost of his long-deceased wife. The narrative, penned by John Dickson Carr and directed by John Dietz, masterfully blends elements of the supernatural with human drama. With the talented performances of Walter Hampton and Susan Hayward, "The Dead Sleep Lightly" delivers a story that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.
Produced by Lee Bowman, this episode captures the essence of "Suspense!" with its atmospheric storytelling and compelling characters. As the plot unfolds, the rich old man's past and the reasons for his haunting are gradually revealed, leading to a climax that will leave you breathless.
Join us as we delve into this haunting tale of love, revenge, and the supernatural. Whether you're a fan of ghost stories, classic mysteries, or thrilling radio dramas, "The Dead Sleep Lightly" promises to captivate and unsettle.
Keywords: "The Dead Sleep Lightly podcast episode," "Suspense radio show," "ghost story," "March 30, 1943 broadcast," "classic radio drama," "John Dickson Carr writer," "John Dietz director," "Walter Hampton actor," "Susan Hayward actress," "haunted cemetery tale."
Click to listen and experience the chilling story of "The Dead Sleep Lightly," where love and revenge transcend the grave in this unforgettable episode of "Suspense!"

Monday Jul 22, 2024

Step into the world of suspense and psychological drama with "In Fear And Trembling," an intense episode from the classic radio series "Suspense!" which originally aired on February 16, 1943. This gripping story explores the depths of fear and paranoia as a woman becomes convinced that her husband and his lover are plotting to kill her.
The setting is a grey stone mansion perched on the edge of a cliff, battered by decades of storms. Four years ago, Gilbert Durant brought his wife, Lucia, to this isolated home. Their happiness was shattered a year ago when Lucia's half-sister moved in. Since then, an insidious horror has gnawed at Lucia's mind. She notices her husband’s growing detachment and his increasing absorption in his writing. Fear grips her, a fear of something unspoken and inexplicable.
As Lucia's paranoia intensifies, she becomes certain that Gilbert and his lover are conspiring against her. In a desperate bid to protect herself, she decides to act first. This tale of psychological tension and impending doom is masterfully brought to life by a stellar cast including Mary Astor, Verna Felton, and Joseph Kearns ("The Man In Black").
Directed by Ted Bliss and produced by William Spier, "In Fear And Trembling" delves into the dark corners of the human psyche, exploring themes of betrayal, fear, and the fragile nature of sanity.
Join us for a chilling journey into the mind of a woman on the edge, where every shadow hides a threat and every whisper fuels the fire of paranoia. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers, classic radio dramas, or tales of suspense, "In Fear And Trembling" promises to captivate and unsettle.
Keywords: "In Fear And Trembling podcast episode," "Suspense radio show," "psychological thriller," "February 16, 1943 broadcast," "classic radio drama," "Mary Astor performance," "Ted Bliss director," "William Spier producer," "paranoia and fear story," "Suspense episode recap."
Click to listen and uncover the chilling story of Lucia Durant, where fear and suspicion drive her to desperate measures in this haunting episode of "Suspense!"

Friday Jul 19, 2024

Uncover the unsettling world of psychological manipulation with "The Doctor Prescribed Death," an intriguing episode from the classic radio series "Suspense!" which originally aired on February 2, 1943. This captivating story delves into a chilling experiment conducted by Professor Antonio Bastille, a psychologist with a dark theory about the human mind.
Professor Bastille posits that a person on the brink of suicide can be easily redirected towards committing murder. Determined to prove his theory, the professor embarks on a dangerous experiment that blurs the line between science and morality.
The script, originally used on "The Whistler" on June 11, 1944, is masterfully adapted for "Suspense!" by Ted Bliss and brought to life by an exceptional cast including Geraldine Fitzgerald and the legendary Bela Lugosi. Their performances add depth and intensity to this psychological thriller, making it a standout episode in the series.
Join us as we delve into the dark recesses of the human psyche and explore the lengths to which one man will go to validate his disturbing hypothesis. "The Doctor Prescribed Death" is a gripping tale of manipulation, desperation, and the fine line between life and death.
Keywords: "The Doctor Prescribed Death podcast episode," "Suspense radio show," "psychological thriller," "February 2, 1943 broadcast," "classic radio drama," "Professor Antonio Bastille," "Bela Lugosi performance," "Geraldine Fitzgerald actress," "Ted Bliss director," "crime and psychology."
Click to listen and witness the unsettling experiment that challenges the boundaries of psychology and morality, only on "Suspense!"

Wednesday Jul 17, 2024

Step into a world of intrigue and horror with "The Devil's Saint," a captivating episode from the classic radio series "Suspense!" which originally aired on January 19, 1943. Introduced by "The Man In Black," this episode features the legendary Peter Lorre as a sinister nobleman who sets the stage for a night of terror.
The story begins on St. Catherine’s Day in 1927, at a masquerade ball at the Opera House in Paris. Amidst the revelry, a young couple, Eleanor and Edward, decide to marry after only four days of knowing each other. However, Eleanor's uncle, the sinister Count Stefan Caharey of Hungary, would never permit the union.
Determined to test Edward's resolve, the Count invites him to stay at his castle for a week. If Edward remains infatuated with Eleanor after the stay, the Count will bless their marriage. But there is a catch: Edward must sleep in the infamous Tapestry Room, a place shrouded in mystery and fear. Eleanor is terrified, for everyone who has ever slept in that room has met a mysterious and untimely death.
As Edward accepts the challenge, the episode weaves a tale of suspense, love, and supernatural dread. The gripping narrative, penned by John Dickson Carr and directed by John Dietz, is brought to life by Peter Lorre's chilling performance as Count Stefan Caharey.
Join us for a night of terror and intrigue in "The Devil's Saint," where love is tested by sinister forces, and the past haunts the present with a terrible vengeance. Whether you're a fan of gothic tales, suspenseful dramas, or classic radio horror, this episode promises to enthrall and unsettle.
Keywords: "The Devil's Saint podcast episode," "Suspense radio show," "Peter Lorre performance," "January 19, 1943 broadcast," "classic radio drama," "John Dickson Carr writer," "John Dietz director," "gothic horror story," "haunted room mystery," "Suspense episode recap."
Click to listen and discover the terrifying fate that awaits in "The Devil's Saint," where a night in the Tapestry Room could mean the difference between life and death.

Sunday Jul 14, 2024

Enter the dark and terrifying world of Edgar Allan Poe with "The Pit and The Pendulum," a spine-chilling episode from the classic radio series "Suspense!" which originally aired on January 12, 1943. Introduced by "The Man In Black," this famous horror tale plunges listeners into the dreadful tortures of the Spanish Inquisition.
Adapted for "Suspense" by the talented John Dickson Carr, the story follows a French officer who finds himself a prisoner of the Inquisition, condemned to death. As he sits in his cell, he is tormented by the sound of inquisitorial voices merging into an indistinct hum, signaling the beginning of his long agony. He faces the impending doom of a pit—his personal —and is left alone with the torment of his own mind, awaiting the inevitable torture.
The episode masterfully captures the essence of Poe's original work, immersing listeners in an atmosphere of dread and despair. The gripping narrative, combined with the evocative direction of John Dietz and the haunting performance by Henry Hull, makes this episode an unforgettable experience.
"The Pit and The Pendulum" was subsequently produced on "Suspense" on November 28, 1947, November 10, 1957, and June 7, 1959, each time bringing new life to Poe's classic tale of terror.
Join us as we journey into the depths of human fear and endurance, where the boundaries of sanity are tested by the relentless horrors of the Inquisition. Whether you're a fan of gothic literature, horror stories, or classic radio dramas, "The Pit and The Pendulum" promises to captivate and horrify.
Keywords: "The Pit and The Pendulum podcast episode," "Suspense radio show," "Edgar Allan Poe horror story," "Spanish Inquisition torture," "January 12, 1943 broadcast," "classic radio drama," "John Dickson Carr adaptation," "Henry Hull performance," "gothic horror tale," "Suspense episode recap."
Click to listen and experience the harrowing tale of "The Pit and The Pendulum," where fear and despair intertwine in a timeless story of survival and terror.

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