Suspense - Radio’s Outstanding Theater of Thrills

Nothing Up My Sleeve - January 5, 1943

Nothing Up My Sleeve: A Gripping Tale of Deception and Intrigue
Enter the world of high-stakes robbery and cunning deception with "Nothing Up My Sleeve," a riveting episode from the classic radio series "Suspense!" which originally aired on January 5, 1943. This enthralling narrative takes listeners into the heart of a bank heist mystery that revolves around a locked room and missing money.
The story centers on Dorothy Dale, a determined young woman set on clearing her fiancé Jerry Winton's name. Jerry, a bank employee, finds himself under suspicion after $88,000 is stolen from the bank where he works. Dorothy is convinced that Mr. Rolse, her employer's intelligent lawyer nephew, orchestrated the entire robbery. However, without the stolen money, she has no proof to exonerate Jerry and implicate Rolse.
Written by the masterful John Dickson Carr and directed by John Dietz, this episode features a stellar performance by Elissa Landi. "Nothing Up My Sleeve" weaves a complex web of intrigue, suspense, and clever plot twists that keep listeners on the edge of their seats.
As Dorothy digs deeper into the mystery, she faces numerous challenges and risks in her quest to uncover the truth. The episode explores themes of loyalty, justice, and the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones.
Join us for this suspenseful tale of robbery, missing money, and a young woman's relentless pursuit of justice. Whether you're a fan of classic mysteries, thrilling dramas, or the golden age of radio, "Nothing Up My Sleeve" promises to captivate and entertain.
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Click to listen and follow Dorothy Dale's thrilling quest to uncover the truth behind the stolen money and clear her fiancé's name in this captivating episode of "Suspense!"

Two Sharp Knives - December 22, 1942

Two Sharp Knives: A Tale of Deception and a Surprise Twist
Step into the seemingly quiet world of a small town with "Two Sharp Knives," a riveting episode from the classic radio series "Suspense!" which originally aired on December 22, 1942. This engaging story follows the adventures of a bumbling assistant police chief who proves to be much sharper than he appears.
The episode begins with the capture of a wanted man, a significant triumph for the small-town police force. However, the victory is short-lived as the captured man is later found hanging in his cell under mysterious circumstances. As the investigation unfolds, the assistant police chief's true cleverness comes to light, revealing a web of deception and intrigue.
Written by the renowned John Dickson Carr and directed by John Dietz, this episode features a talented cast including Stu Erwin and the legendary Dashiell Hammett. The combination of Carr's masterful storytelling and Hammett's influence brings a unique depth to the narrative, culminating in a surprise ending that will leave listeners astounded.
"Two Sharp Knives" is a perfect blend of suspense, mystery, and dark humor, showcasing the classic elements that make "Suspense!" a beloved radio series. The story's unexpected twists and turns keep listeners on the edge of their seats, making it a standout episode in the series.
Join us as we delve into the mystery of "Two Sharp Knives," where nothing is as it seems and every clue leads to a deeper enigma. Whether you're a fan of classic detective stories, thrilling mysteries, or suspenseful dramas, this episode promises to captivate and surprise you.
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Click to listen and uncover the clever twists and turns in the tale of "Two Sharp Knives," where appearances are deceiving and the truth is far more complex than it seems. 

Til Death Do Us Part - December 15, 1942

Til Death Do Us Part: A Chilling Tale of Betrayal and Desperation
Step into the desolate English countryside with "Til Death Do Us Part," a haunting episode from the classic radio series that aired on December 15, 1942. This suspenseful narrative weaves a gripping tale of jealousy, betrayal, and the dark lengths one man will go to seek vengeance.
The story centers around Professor Craft and his wife, Cynthia, who reside in a secluded country cottage, miles away from the nearest neighbor. The lack of modern conveniences such as electricity, central heating, or a telephone adds to the isolation and tension that permeate their lives. Convinced that Cynthia is having an affair with a young doctor from the village, Professor Craft devises a sinister plan to eliminate them both.
As the plot unfolds, we learn about Paul, a man who once loved his wife more deeply than anyone could imagine. But after seven years of marriage, his love has turned to a burning hatred. Ten months ago, during his time of illness and need, Cynthia abandoned him. When she returned two months later, as if nothing had happened, Paul's feelings of love had transformed into a murderous rage. Driven by his intense loathing, he meticulously plans to end her life.
"Til Death Do Us Part" is a masterfully written tale of suspense and psychological drama. The episode, penned by Ben Kagen and produced and directed by Bruno Zarroto Jr., features a talented cast including Jim Boles, Herb Duncan, Carl Frank, Alice Frost, David Gothard, Sam Gray, Bill Lipton, Mercedes McCambridge, and Elaine Rost. The atmospheric storytelling, combined with the eerie setting and complex characters, makes this episode an unforgettable journey into the darker side of human emotions.
Join us as we delve into this chilling story of love turned to hate, and the desperate acts of a man pushed to his limits. Whether you're a fan of suspenseful dramas, classic radio thrillers, or psychological mysteries, "Til Death Do Us Part" promises to captivate and unsettle you.
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Click to listen and immerse yourself in the chilling narrative of "Til Death Do Us Part," where love, hate, and desperation collide in a desolate English setting.

The Bride Vanishes - December 1, 1942

The Bride Vanishes: A Haunting Tale of Mystery and Madness
Step into the eerie and atmospheric world of "The Bride Vanishes," a chilling episode from the classic radio series "Suspense!" which originally aired on December 1, 1942. This gripping story transports listeners to an Italian villa, where a haunted balcony becomes the backdrop for a spine-tingling tale of murder and madness.
The episode unfolds with the mysterious disappearance of a bride, setting the stage for a tale of suspense and supernatural intrigue. A madman, driven by dark forces and the sinister influence of the villa's haunted balcony, is compelled to attempt a second murder. As the tension builds, listeners are drawn into a web of deception, fear, and eerie occurrences.
Penned by the renowned writer John Dickson Carr, directed by John Dietz, and brought to life by the haunting compositions of Alexander Semmler, "The Bride Vanishes" is a masterful blend of mystery and horror. The stellar cast, featuring Hanley Stafford and Lesley Woods, delivers a performance that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats, capturing the essence of classic radio drama.
Join us for a journey into the heart of an Italian villa, where the line between reality and the supernatural blurs, and where a madman's sinister intentions threaten to unleash chaos. Whether you're a fan of ghost stories, classic mysteries, or thrilling dramas, "The Bride Vanishes" promises to captivate and terrify.
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Click to listen and uncover the chilling mystery of "The Bride Vanishes," where a haunted balcony and a madman's dark desires collide in a tale that will leave you breathless.

The Body Snatchers - November 24, 1942

The Body Snatchers: A Chilling Tale of Medicine and Murder in Old England
Step into the eerie world of 19th-century England with "The Body Snatchers," a spine-tingling episode from the classic radio series "Suspense!," which originally aired on November 24, 1942. This gripping tale delves into the dark practice of body snatching at a time when the demand for cadavers to advance medical science led to sinister and unlawful deeds.
Up to the year 1832, body snatchers terrorized the streets of England, driven by the law that allowed only four bodies per year to be legally supplied to surgeons for anatomical study. Yet, the pursuit of medical knowledge could not be halted, and reputable doctors across the country were forced into the shadows, buying bodies from nefarious sources without question.
The episode recounts the infamous scandal of Burke and Hare in 1828, who found grave robbing too slow and turned to murder to meet the insatiable demand for corpses. These two men killed 16 individuals to supply Dr. Knox of Edinburgh, marking one of the darkest chapters in medical history. From a basic need for scientific progress arose the horrifying practice of body snatching, casting a long shadow over the noble field of surgery.
"The Body Snatchers" masterfully blends historical fact with suspenseful storytelling, transporting listeners to a time when the pursuit of knowledge came at a dreadful cost. With its atmospheric narrative and chilling details, this episode captures the essence of a bygone era fraught with moral dilemmas and macabre events.
Join us as we explore the grim world of 19th-century medical practices, where the line between right and wrong was often blurred in the quest for anatomical enlightenment. Whether you're a fan of historical drama, true crime, or classic radio thrillers, "The Body Snatchers" promises to captivate and haunt you long after the final note.
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Click to listen and delve into the dark history of body snatching, where the pursuit of medical knowledge led to chilling and unlawful deeds.

Menace In Wax - November 17, 1942

Menace in Wax: A Thrilling Tale of Espionage and Sabotage
Step into the shadowy world of wartime London with "Menace in Wax," a captivating episode from the classic radio series "Suspense!," which originally aired on November 17, 1942. This thrilling story weaves together historical intrigue and high-stakes espionage, taking listeners on a suspenseful journey through the eerie halls of Madame Tussaud's Waxworks.
The adventure begins at 10:30 P.M., when two intrepid English reporters uncover a secret code hidden within the wax figures of Madame Tussaud's. This discovery sets off a race against time to thwart a sinister plot aimed at sabotaging a crucial bomber factory. The reporters must navigate a labyrinth of deception and danger to prevent a devastating attack.
The episode transports listeners back to the French Revolution of 1793, where a Swiss girl meticulously crafted wax replicas of the severed heads of guillotined victims. This young artist, who later became Madame Tussaud, eventually moved to London and established the famed wax museum. Her legacy lives on, even as the museum faces new threats during the turbulent days of World War II.
As bombs rain down on London in March of 1941, a young man rushes to the grand doors of Madame Tussaud's Waxworks, determined to uncover the truth and stop the impending disaster. The story masterfully blends historical facts with fictional suspense, creating a gripping narrative that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.
"Menace in Wax" is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic radio drama, offering a blend of mystery, history, and heart-pounding action. Join us as we delve into a tale where the past and present collide, and where bravery and quick thinking are the keys to survival.
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Click to listen and experience the thrilling adventure of two reporters as they unravel a deadly conspiracy hidden in the waxworks of Madame Tussaud's.

Will You Make a Bet with Death - November 10, 1942

Will You Make a Bet with Death: A Thrilling Tale of Life, Death, and Betrayal
Step into the shadowy and tension-filled world of "Will You Make a Bet with Death," a gripping episode from the classic radio series "Suspense," which originally aired on November 10, 1942. This thrilling story, written by the legendary John Dickson Carr, explores the dark corners of human ambition and desperation as a man stakes his very life against a sizable fortune.
The episode follows a chilling wager between a man and his malevolent stepfather, a plot that unfolds with breathtaking suspense. For a prize of $25,000, the man must survive being hunted for five harrowing hours, with his stepfather as the relentless pursuer. The stakes are life and death, and the tension mounts as the clock ticks down.
"Will You Make a Bet with Death" captures the essence of classic suspense with its high-stakes drama and psychological intensity. The protagonist must navigate a perilous game of cat and mouse, evading his cunning stepfather while the audience is kept on the edge of their seats. The clever narrative twists and turns, leading to a heart-pounding climax that will leave listeners questioning just how far someone will go to secure their fortune.
This episode offers a masterful blend of suspense and psychological thriller, making it a standout tale that resonates with themes of betrayal, survival, and the dangerous allure of easy money. The atmospheric storytelling and the intricate plot make this a must-listen for fans of classic radio drama and anyone who loves a good suspenseful story.
Join us for a journey into a world where every decision could mean life or death, and where the true cost of greed is revealed. Whether you're a fan of classic suspense, true crime, or just a gripping story, "Will You Make a Bet with Death" promises to captivate and enthrall.
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Click to listen and experience the electrifying tale of a man who dares to bet his life against death itself.

The Devil in the Summerhouse - November 3, 1942

The Devil in the Summerhouse: Unraveling a Sinister Mystery Along the Hudson
Step into a world of chilling intrigue and long-buried secrets with "The Devil in the Summerhouse," a captivating episode from the classic radio series "Suspense," which originally aired on November 3, 1942. This enthralling tale takes you along the tranquil Hudson River, not far from the town of Terry Town, where a modest house and its sinister summerhouse hide a dark and mysterious past.
More than 25 years ago, in the secluded garden of this quiet home, Major Kenyon was found dead in the summerhouse, a bullet wound in his head and a gun by his side. The case, shrouded in whispers of scandal and tragedy, faded into obscurity—until now. The summerhouse, now overgrown with vines and heavy with the weight of its grim history, stands as a silent witness to the events that unfolded so long ago.
The story unfolds in the present day, as two men venture into the garden at twilight, just as a storm begins to brew along the Hudson. They carry with them a recorded confession, a key to unlocking the mystery that has haunted the summerhouse for decades. As the truth is revealed, the sinister shadows of the past come to light, exposing the secrets that led to Major Kenyon's untimely death.
"The Devil in the Summerhouse" masterfully blends historical drama with suspense, creating a gripping narrative that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. This episode, originally broadcast on the BBC, is a testament to the timeless appeal of a well-crafted mystery and the enduring power of a dark secret.
Join us for a journey into the heart of a bygone era, where the lines between past and present blur, and the truth lies hidden in the shadows. Whether you are a fan of historical mysteries, classic radio drama, or simply love a good story, "The Devil in the Summerhouse" promises to captivate your imagination and leave you yearning for more.
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Click to listen and unravel the chilling mystery of a crime that refuses to stay buried.

Lord Of The Witch Doctors - October 27, 1942

Lord of the Witch Doctors: A Gripping Tale of Diplomacy and Deception
Step back in time to the exotic and treacherous island of Zanzibar with "Lord of the Witch Doctors," an enthralling episode from the timeless radio series "Suspense," which originally aired on October 27, 1942. This episode immerses you in a world of political intrigue, mysticism, and high-stakes rivalry among powerful nations.
The story begins with the rhythmic beating of drums echoing through the tropical night, signaling the arrival of the enigmatic lord of the witch doctors. Just twenty miles off the east African coast, in the sweltering heat of the Indian Ocean, lies the island of Zanzibar. In the year 1889, this island becomes the focal point of a gripping power struggle as three mighty nations vie for control and influence over its lucrative trade routes.
Amidst the political turmoil, English diplomats find themselves in a delicate dance of wit and cunning against their German counterparts, all under the watchful eyes of the unsuspecting Caliph of Zanzibar. The air is thick with tension and the promise of imminent danger as the fate of empires rests in the balance. This episode masterfully blends historical intrigue with the eerie and mystical elements that have made "Suspense" a beloved classic.
"Lord of the Witch Doctors" transports listeners to a time when diplomacy was as perilous as any battlefield, and where every shadow held a secret, every ally could be a foe. The story unfolds with rich, atmospheric detail, capturing the essence of a bygone era where the stakes were high, and the consequences of failure could be dire.
Join us for a journey into the heart of 19th-century intrigue and mysticism with "Lord of the Witch Doctors." Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of classic radio drama, or simply enjoy a well-told tale of suspense and deception, this episode promises to captivate your imagination and keep you on the edge of your seat.
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One Hundred In The Dark - September 30, 1942

One Hundred In The Dark: A Masterpiece of Gentle Suspense and High-Class Intrigue
Step into the opulent world of early 20th-century New York with "One Hundred In The Dark," a fascinating episode from the timeless radio show "Suspense," which originally aired on September 30, 1942. This episode offers a refreshing take on the suspense genre, deviating from the typical thrilling finish with gunshots and graveyard scenes to present a unique and captivating story.
Based on a tale by Owen Johnson, "One Hundred In The Dark" weaves its suspense in an elegant and subtle manner. The setting is a prestigious clubroom, where the city's elite gather for a night of storytelling. The evening takes an unexpected turn as a high-class robbery becomes the focal point of the discussion. Unlike most tales of theft, this one is shrouded in sophistication, casting suspicion on the refined ladies and gentlemen in attendance.
What sets this episode apart is its innovative approach to building tension. The story unfolds without a single life lost or a corpse discovered. Instead, the suspense is masterfully crafted through a simple yet unnerving exercise: counting from one to one hundred in complete darkness. The eerie silence and growing anxiety as each number is pronounced creates an atmosphere thick with anticipation and dread.
As the tale progresses, listeners are drawn into a web of intrigue and subtle suspicion. Each character, from the charming socialites to the dignified club members, becomes a potential suspect in a high-stakes game of wit and deception. The script, which was also produced on "Suspense" on November 20, 1947, captivates with its sophisticated storytelling and unique approach to suspense.
Join us for an evening of refined mystery and understated tension with "One Hundred In The Dark." This episode promises to enchant and intrigue, offering a glimpse into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the simple act of counting reveals the hidden complexities of human nature. Whether you're a fan of classic radio drama or new to the genre, this episode is sure to captivate your imagination and leave you pondering long after the final number is spoken.
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