Relic Radio Thrillers – "The Brighton Strangler" by Suspense

Original Air Date: December 21, 1944
Podcast Date: October 10, 2025
Host: RelicRadio.com
Stars: John Loder, June Duprez (note transcript: June Dupre)

Episode Overview

This episode of Relic Radio Thrillers presents "The Brighton Strangler," an adaptation by the classic series Suspense, based on the RKO picture of the same name. It's a psychological thriller set during WWII, weaving together the lines between theatrical fiction and grim reality. John Loder plays Reginald Parker, an actor famous for his role as a stage murderer. When a bombing raid leaves him concussed, his grip on sanity weakens, and he becomes ensnared in his murderous stage persona—with deadly results.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

Introduction and Context (00:11–01:39)

• The host sets the scene for the episode, introducing Suspense as a seminal radio thriller series with over 900 episodes.
• Preview: Tonight’s story is a drama about an actor specializing in stage murder whose real life eerily mirrors his on-stage persona.

Opening Scene – A Play Within a Play (02:23–04:13)

• The episode begins with a scene from the play "The Brighton Strangler," with the main character, Edward, confessing to murders and threatening April.
• Ironic twist: The “audience” applauds the villain’s capture—blurring lines between fiction and reality.

"Go on, say it. The Brighton Strangler." — Edward (04:28)

The Actor’s Fatigue & the Blitz (04:48–06:44)

• Backstage, Reginald Parker (John Loder) expresses his exhaustion from playing a murderer so often. He admits it’s affecting his psyche.
• During a bombing raid in London, Parker is hit on the head, which proves to be the catalyst for the blurring of his character with reality.

"Has it ever occurred to you that a man might feel if he strangled one more person, he'd go stark raving mad?" — Reggie (05:23)

Delirium and Departure (06:09–09:47)

• Dazed by his injury, Parker aimlessly buys a train ticket bound for Brighton, mirroring his stage character's journey.
• On the train, he meets April Manby (June Duprez), a woman from Brighton who warmly takes him under her care despite his confusion.

“You've been very kind... Are you sure you're all right now?” — April (10:29)

Arrival in Brighton & Unsettling Coincidences (13:13–15:54)

• At April’s family party, Parker is introduced to a group that eerily resembles characters from the play, including the Lord Mayor and Chief Inspector.
• News breaks: The real Lord Mayor has been murdered—strangled—just as in the play.

"I use this to strangle people." — Reggie, holding a silk cord (12:17)

Psychological Suspense and Self-Doubt (16:36–18:03)

• April grows concerned about the influence Parker’s play may have had on real crimes, theorizing that an unstable person may be imitating the murders.
• Parker’s own alibi places him at a concert during the second murder, which coincides with the timing in the play.

"A play like that should never have been written. Should never have been allowed." — April (17:18)

Showdown with the Inspector (18:44–21:12)

• Parker visits Chief Inspector Allison, and their conversation turns morbid, referencing trophies of murder cases in the Inspector’s collection.
• Parker insinuates Allison was partly responsible for sending an innocent man to prison years ago—a central motive in the play.

"Let us suppose that instead of defending his client, he betrayed him… And let us suppose that the man returned one day after all those years in prison to take revenge…" — Reggie (20:08)

The Second Murder & Escalating Paranoia (21:25–22:26)

• Chief Inspector Allison is murdered in the same way, during the time Parker was at the concert.
• April is torn between suspicion and loyalty, forced to reckon with the possibility that Reggie is the real killer.

"It's fortunate, my dear, that you and others know I was at the concert this evening. Fortunate, because otherwise it might seem almost one coincidence too many." — Reggie (22:11)

Climax – The Terrace Confrontation (24:07–25:31)

• April meets Reggie at the Plaza Hotel terrace on New Year’s Eve, replaying lines from the stage play.
• April tries desperately to reach the fractured mind within Reggie, insisting he’s been sick and needs help.
• Police wait in the wings, ready to intervene.
• In a confused and tragic final moment, Reggie—mistaking reality for the stage—bows and steps backward off the parapet, falling to his death.

"So, in a trance, bowing as he had so often to so many enchanted audiences... he stepped backwards towards the low parapet… and fell." — April (25:31)

Resolution and Aftermath (25:49–26:13)

• Reggie dies in April’s arms, his final words touching on the diffused boundaries between his true self and his role as the Brighton Strangler.
• April mourns not just the man, but the tragic consequences of blurred fiction and reality.

"It's April... From Brighton. We were bombed… Then I heard applause. I think I'm hurt. But you'll help me, won't you? I want to take just one last curtain call." — Reggie (25:49)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments with Timestamps

• Actor’s Descent:
  "Has it ever occurred to you that a man might feel if he strangled one more person, he'd go stark raving mad?" — Reggie (05:23)

• Blurred Reality:
  "I use this to strangle people." — Reggie, showing a silk cord (12:17)

• April's Insight:
  "A play like that should never have been written. Should never have been allowed." — April (17:18)

• Confrontation with Inspector:
  "Let us also suppose that the representative of the prosecution was more interested in collecting trophies than seeing justice done... Someone like you, Inspector." — Reggie (20:29)

• Final Curtain Call:
  "So, in a trance, bowing... he stepped backwards towards the low parapet... and fell." — April’s narration (25:31)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Intro & Play Setup: 00:11–01:39
• Play Opening/Reality Merges: 02:23–04:13
• Actor’s Breakdown/Bombing: 04:48–06:44
• Train Sequence (Meet April): 10:10–12:05
• Family Gathering, Lord Mayor’s Death: 13:13–15:54
• April's Concern: 16:36–17:18
• Inspector Allison Confrontation: 18:44–21:12
• Inspector’s Murder/Aftermath: 21:25–22:26
• Terrace Climax: 24:07–25:31
• Reggie’s Death and Closing: 25:49–26:13

Tone and Style

The episode masterfully balances classic “whodunit” suspense with psychological drama, inviting listeners to question the thresholds between fiction, performance, and reality. The dialogue is formal, often poetic and darkly humorous—typical of mid-century radio drama.

Summary

"The Brighton Strangler" is a riveting journey into the fragile boundaries between reality and performance. As the actor Reginald Parker succumbs to his stage persona after trauma, the story unspools a chilling commentary on fate, guilt, and the influence of fiction on real life. The immersive performances and taut writing maintain tension until the haunting final moments—underscoring why Suspense remains an Old Time Radio classic.

For more classic radio episodes and mysteries, visit RelicRadio.com!