BONUS - More Favorites from '46 - Stars on Suspense (Old Time Radio)

Transcript

Walter Crane (0:09)

The hushed voice. The prowling step in the dead of night. The crime that is almost committed. The stir of nerves at the ticking of the clock. The rescue that might be too late. Or the murderer who might get away. Mystery and intrigue and dangerous adventure. We invite you to enjoy stories that keep you in suspense. Suspense. Mr. Brian Dunleavy as star of out of Control, a suspense play produced, edited and directed by William Spear. I arrived in Gatlinburg around 10 in the morning. I checked in at a hotel called the Mountain Inn. Went downstairs to breakfast. My dog Snooki went with me, as she always does. I gave my order to the waiter, and as I sat there, I looked the place over. It was a good sized room by the echo in it. There was a log fire crackling in a fireplace on the far side of the room. And the large view window on my right glass has a special kind of echo. There was only one person in the room when I entered. It was a woman, apparently a wealthy and rather vain woman, judging from her perfume. She was sitting at a table diagonally across from me. I looked in her direction, so to speak. I heard a man's footsteps approaching across the room and smelled fresh polish on riding boots. As he went past me, he paused before her table. Well, if it is Mrs. Dennis Fillmore. Hello, Marcia.

Marcia Fillmore (2:13)

Walter Crane.

Walter Crane (2:14)

You surprised to see me?

Marcia Fillmore (2:16)

What do you want?

Walter Crane (2:18)

I hear your husband is thinking of running for governor.

Marcia Fillmore (2:21)

So what?

Walter Crane (2:23)

Well, Marcia, I've got a newspaper clipping here. I thought it might interest him. It's about your pal, the late Eddie Hasson.

Marcia Fillmore (2:31)

What about Eddie?

Walter Crane (2:32)

I'll read you the headline. Eddie Hassan killed in auto Crash. Colorful Reno Figure Plunges from Mountain Road. Car out of control. Say Police.

Marcia Fillmore (2:43)

Dennis, never.

Walter Crane (2:44)

I didn't mean to eavesdrop. I never mean to. But as some people can read what's on the marquee of a movie theater 10 blocks away, the most intimate conduct and conversation comes to me from across the room as if spoken into a microphone. This is a dubious pleasure for me at most times. But as Marcia Fillmore and Walter Crane continued, my interest became more than casual. He was reading again from the newspaper clipping here at the bottom of the article. Marcia Hanley, hostess at the Blue Parrot Hasson's gambling club, is beneficiary of an insurance policy. Ms. Hanley was the late Mr. Hassan's companion and was to have been married to him upon his divorce decree becoming final. Well, I was just wondering if your brand new politically minded house would be interested in the fact that you were Known locally as a gangster's companion.

Summary

Episode Summary: BONUS - More Favorites from '46

Stars on Suspense presents a captivating collection of classic suspense radio plays from 1946, featuring legendary Hollywood actors in riveting tales of mystery, intrigue, and unexpected twists. This bonus episode, released on July 8, 2025, showcases some of the most enthralling stories from the golden age of radio drama.

1. "Out of Control"

[00:09]
Starring Mr. Brian Dunleavy as Walter Crane and Marcia Fillmore.

Plot Overview:
Walter Crane, a former insurance investigator, arrives in Gatlinburg with his loyal German shepherd, Snooki. He confronts Marcia Fillmore, insinuating that her husband's potential gubernatorial run is jeopardized by secrets surrounding the late Eddie Hassan's mysterious automobile crash. As tensions escalate, Walter's probing reveals inconsistencies in Marcia's account, suggesting deeper involvement and ulterior motives. The narrative weaves a complex web of blackmail, suspicion, and deceit, keeping listeners on edge.

Notable Quote:
Walter Crane at [02:13]:

"Eddie Hasson killed in auto Crash. Colorful Reno Figure Plunges from Mountain Road. Car out of control. Say Police."

Key Points:

Introduction of Walter Crane's character and his connection to Marcia Fillmore.
Revelation of Eddie Hassan's death and its implications.
Psychological tension between Walter and Marcia as secrets begin to surface.
Clues suggesting that the car crash may not have been accidental.

2. "Post Mortem"

[05:08]
Starring Agnes Moorhead as Josie Archer.

Plot Overview:
Josie Archer grapples with confessing her role in her husband Harry Mead's demise. Initially appearing as the victim of a tragic accident, deeper investigation by Walter Crane uncovers evidence of foul play. Josie's meticulously crafted alibi begins to crumble under scrutiny, revealing her as the manipulative force behind the orchestrated accident. The story delves into themes of guilt, manipulation, and the facade of normalcy masking dark intentions.

Notable Quote:
Josie Archer at [45:44]:

"I swung the flatiron by its handle squarely at the back of his head. He didn't die right away, but he was unconscious and... I did it."

Key Points:

Josie's seemingly innocent demeanor hides her true intentions.
The use of an ice pick as a method of murder adds a chilling element to the plot.
The unraveling of Josie's alibi showcases the intricate nature of her deceit.
Final confrontation leads to the exposure of Josie's guilt.

3. "Hunting Trip"

[56:11]
Starring Vincent Price as Eric and Lloyd Nolan as Stan.

Plot Overview:
Stan and Eric embark on a hunting trip that swiftly devolves into a battle of wits and survival. Eric, harboring a deep-seated vendetta, orchestrates a series of events to eliminate Stan through various methods—strangulation, pistol shots, drowning, and poison. The tension mounts as Stan realizes Eric's true intentions, leading to a climactic showdown where survival instincts are pitted against calculated malice.

Notable Quote:
Eric at [105:09]:

"Four Ways to Commit Murder. By strangulation, by pistol bullet, by drowning, By Po."

Key Points:

The dynamic between the two characters evolves from camaraderie to confrontation.
Eric's meticulous planning highlights his obsession and strategic mindset.
The suspense builds through near-misses and psychological manipulation.
The conclusion emphasizes themes of trust, betrayal, and the instinctual will to survive.

4. "The Thing in the Window"

[117:17]
Starring Joseph Cotton as Martin Ames and Karen Landis as Vivian Landis.

Plot Overview:
Martin Ames concocts an elaborate scheme to frighten his neighbor, Vivian Landis, by simulating the presence of a ghost in her apartment window. Utilizing his background in acting, Martin manipulates shadows and perceptions to create believable supernatural occurrences. As Vivian becomes increasingly unnerved, the façade begins to falter, leading to a revelation of Martin's true motives and the consequences of his deceitful actions.

Notable Quote:
Martin Ames at [132:02]:

"The supernatural. A ghost. What nonsense, Mr. Ames."

Key Points:

Martin's expertise in acting and manipulation serves as the foundation for his scheme.
Vivian's skepticism gradually gives way to fear as the "ghost's" presence becomes more convincing.
The interplay between illusion and reality drives the suspense forward.
The aftermath explores the psychological impact of deceit and the thin line between perception and truth.

Conclusion:
This bonus episode of Stars on Suspense transports listeners back to the thrilling world of 1940s radio dramas, where masterful storytelling and compelling performances converge to create unforgettable tales of suspense. Each play offers a unique exploration of human psychology, moral dilemmas, and the dark corners of ambition and desire. For fans of classic suspense, this episode is a treasure trove of intricate plots and timeless intrigue.

Notable Overall Quote:
Walter Crane at [22:10]:

"That's your method, Marcia. First, the victim is drugged with an overdose of sleeping medicine... Only this time, it's not going to work."

This comprehensive summary highlights the key narratives and dramatic twists of each play featured in the episode, providing both context and insight for new and returning listeners alike.