Episode 395 - Eve McVeagh

Sat Nov 16 2024

Character actress Eve McVeagh was a regular presence on the Broadway stage, the big screen, and on TV for over five decades, and during her career she starred in everything from High Noon to Petticoat Junction. We'll hear her as a woman whose auction...

Transcript

Narrator (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.

Auctioneer (0:37)

Suspense.

Host (0:54)

Hello and welcome to Stars on Suspense with another Hollywood legend in radio's outstanding theater of Thrills. Our leading lady this week is Eve McVeigh, a character actress whose career on the stage and screen spanned five decades. Though you may not know her name, you almost certainly know her face if you're a classic TV fan and you probably know her voice. As an old time radio listener, Ms. McVeigh jumped from the Broadway stage to Hollywood where she appeared in films like High Noon, the Glass Web and the Way West. Later on, she could be seen on television in everything from Dragnet and I Love Lucy to the Twilight Zone in Petticoat Junction. She was also featured in several episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. On radio, she was heard regularly opposite Jack Webb on Jeff Regan, Investigator. She could also be heard on the Whistler, the Lux Radio Theater, Gunsmoke and the Adventures of Philip Marlowe. And she was heard in supporting roles on suspense through the 40s before she started taking on starring roles in the 50s. We'll hear two shows today that put her front and center at the suspense microphone, beginning with Going, going, gone from May 10, 1955. It's a thriller with a healthy helping of comedy, an encore of a story that was first performed on suspense in 1950 with Ozzie and Harriet in the lead roles. This later Production stars Eve McVeigh and Thom Brown as a couple who bring a sealed trunk home from an auction. When they open it up, they discover that it's filled with priceless jewels. Not surprisingly, they're soon visited by a number of characters who want the trunk and who will play rough to get it. Eve McVay and Thom Brown co star in our second show today as well. From February 21st, 1956, it's Hollywood Hostages. They play members of a film crew scouting locations who visit a western ghost town. Unfortunately, a pair of real life criminals on the run from the law are hiding out in the deserted city and they discover the film crew. And the crew thinks the armed men menacing them are all part of a practical joke cooked up by their director. It's another show where the menace is mixed with a little bit of mirth and both benefit from great lead performances by Eve McVeigh and Thom Brown. Finally today, we'll hear Eve McVeigh starring in crime classics as the notorious French poisoner Marie La farge in the seven layered cake of Madame La Farge from October 14, 1953. Ms. McVeigh stars as the woman whose murder trial captivated French society in the the mid 19th century. Our triple feature starring Eve McVeigh will kick off with Going, Going, Gone right after these messages.

Summary

Detailed Summary of "Stars on Suspense" (Old Time Radio) – Episode 395: Eve McVeagh

Introduction to Eve McVeagh In Episode 395 of "Stars on Suspense," hosted by Mean Streets Podcasts, listeners are introduced to the legendary Eve McVeagh. With a career spanning five decades, McVeagh is celebrated for her versatile performances across stage, film, television, and radio. The host highlights her notable film appearances in classics like High Noon and The Way West, as well as her memorable radio roles in Jeff Regan, Investigator, Gunsmoke, and The Adventures of Philip Marlowe at [00:54]. McVeagh's seamless transition from Broadway to Hollywood solidifies her as a staple in classic entertainment, making her a perfect fit for this episode’s spotlight.

Play 1: Going, Going, Gone The first feature of the episode is the radio play "Going, Going, Gone," originally aired on May 10, 1955. Starring Eve McVeagh and Thom Brown, the story blends thriller and comedy elements, revolving around a couple who win a mysterious sealed trunk at an auction.

Auction Discovery ([08:16] - [12:06]): Wally Pindell ([08:16]) and his wife Jan stumble upon a trunk that promises unknown treasures. McVeagh's character, Jan, voices skepticism and excitement as they bid on the trunk, leading to its eventual purchase.
- Notable Quote: “[12:06] Wally Pindell: Well, guess what's in it.”
Unveiling the Mystery ([12:15] - [16:18]): Upon opening the trunk, the Pindells discover it filled with what appears to be priceless jewels. Their excitement quickly turns to paranoia as they suspect the trunk may attract unwanted attention.
- Notable Quote: “[16:10] Wally Pindell: We can't let him die there. Call the police.”
Climactic Confrontation ([16:18] - [20:16]): A mysterious figure arrives, claiming ownership of the trunk and escalating tensions. The Pindells are thrust into a web of deceit and danger, highlighting McVeagh's ability to convey fear and determination.
- Notable Quote: “[20:07] Narrator: You won't have to. Pepto Bismol is not like that.”

Play 2: Hollywood Hostages The second play, "Hollywood Hostages," aired on February 21, 1956, continues to showcase McVeagh's dramatic prowess alongside Thom Brown. This narrative places a film crew in a deserted ghost town, where they unknowingly encounter real criminals disguised as part of a practical joke.

Setting the Scene ([31:23] - [34:09]): The film crew, led by McVeagh’s character, ventures into Potterville, expecting a staged effect for their western movie but instead encountering genuine threats.
- Notable Quote: “[32:00] Wally Pindell: I don't get it.”
Rising Tensions ([37:07] - [39:07]): As suspicions grow, the crew realizes the threats are authentic, forcing them to navigate through paranoia and imminent danger.
- Notable Quote: “[39:07] Wally Pindell: I'm just about finished.”
Showdown and Resolution ([56:07] - [58:37]): The climax involves a tense standoff with law enforcement and the revelation of the true intentions behind the characters' deceit. McVeagh adeptly portrays the mounting fear and resolve necessary to survive the ordeal.
- Notable Quote: “[57:46] Wally Pindell: It was for mice.”

Segment: Crime Classics – The Seven-Layered Arsenic Cake of Madame La Farge Beyond the two suspenseful plays, the episode delves into "Crime Classics," presenting a true crime story centered on Marie La Farge, a notorious French poisoner from the 19th century. This segment intertwines historical facts with dramatic reenactments to recount La Farge's heinous crimes and eventual conviction.

Background and Motive ([64:00] - [65:07]): The story sets the stage in 1839 France, introducing Charles Lafarge and his wife Marie. Their troubled marriage and Charles's ambitions provide the motive for Marie's sinister plans.
- Notable Quote: “[72:07] Wally Pindell: I told you it was for mice,” illustrates the deceit behind the poisoning.
Murder and Investigation ([68:42] - [72:12]): Marie poisons Charles by lacing cakes with arsenic, masking her intentions under the guise of domestic bliss. The investigation unfolds with La Farge’s guilt slowly emerging through testimonies and evidence.
- Notable Quote: “[72:07] Wally Pindell: I told you it was for mice,” emphasizes the pretense used to cover her crime.
Trial and Conviction ([85:18] - [86:30]): The legal proceedings highlight the challenges in convicting Marie, ultimately leading to her life sentence. The segment concludes with reflections on her downfall and legacy.
- Notable Quote: “[85:21] Narrator: Murderous,” unequivocally condemns her actions.

Conclusion and Insights Episode 395 of "Stars on Suspense" masterfully showcases Eve McVeagh's diverse talents through a blend of fictional thrillers and riveting true crime storytelling. By alternating between "Going, Going, Gone," "Hollywood Hostages," and "Crime Classics," the episode offers listeners a comprehensive experience of suspense, drama, and historical intrigue. McVeagh's compelling performances anchor each story, making the narratives resonate with authenticity and emotional depth.

Notable Quotes Highlight:

“[12:06] Wally Pindell: Well, guess what's in it.”
“[16:10] Wally Pindell: We can't let him die there. Call the police.”
“[32:00] Wally Pindell: I don't get it.”
“[72:07] Wally Pindell: I told you it was for mice.”
“[85:21] Narrator: Murderous.”

Through engaging storytelling and stellar acting, Episode 395 not only celebrates Eve McVeagh's enduring legacy but also preserves the rich tradition of old-time radio drama, delivering suspenseful and memorable narratives that captivate both longtime fans and new listeners alike.