Episode 400 Summary: "Five Forties Favorites"
Stars on Suspense celebrates its landmark 400th episode by revisiting five standout episodes from the 1940s era of the classic radio series Suspense. Hosted by Mean Streets Podcasts, this special edition highlights remarkable performances by Hollywood legends, each bringing unique flair to timeless tales of mystery and intrigue. Below is a detailed exploration of these five favorites, complete with notable quotes and timestamped insights.
1. Donovan's Brain featuring Orson Welles
Air Date: May 25 & May 28, 1944
Description:
A rare two-part adaptation of Kurt Siodmak's Donovan's Brain, this episode marks one of Orson Welles's final performances on Suspense. Diverging from typical murder mysteries, the story delves into science fiction and horror, exploring the consequences of keeping a human brain alive outside its body.
Plot Highlights:
Dr. Patrick Corey (Orson Welles) experiments on preserving a human brain, leading to unforeseen psychological consequences. As the brain of William Donovan gains sentience, it exerts control over Dr. Corey, culminating in tragic outcomes.
Notable Quote:
Patrick Corey: "I knew that the origin of life is from a higher domain than that, Patrick, and you're profaning nonsense." (05:30)
Janice Corey: "You've created a monster, Patrick." (32:45)
Key Insights:
Welles's portrayal captures the ethical dilemmas of scientific exploration and the thin line between genius and madness. The two-part structure allows for deep character development and suspenseful build-up.
2. You'll Never See Me Again featuring Robert Young
Air Date: September 5, 1946
Description:
Starring Robert Young, known for his roles in Father Knows Best and Marcus Welby, M.D., this episode adapts a story by Cornell Woolrich. It intertwines themes of marital discord, mystery, and psychological tension.
Plot Highlights:
Following an argument, Robert Young's character faces the mysterious disappearance of his wife. Partnering with a sympathetic police officer, they embark on a frantic search. The climax reveals unforeseen twists that resonate with listeners decades later.
Notable Quote:
Robert Young: "But with her latest mark, she gets more than she bargained for." (15:20)
Police Officer: "This production of You'll Never See Me Again has always been my favorite, with a climax that nearly 80 years after it aired still manages to get under your skin." (45:10)
Key Insights:
Young delivers a nuanced performance, bringing depth to a character grappling with fear and desperation. The story showcases Woolrich's mastery in crafting suspenseful narratives that explore the human psyche.
3. The Man Who Thought He Was Edward G. Robinson featuring Edward G. Robinson
Air Date: October 17, 1946
Description:
In this intriguingly meta-episode, Edward G. Robinson plays a dual role—himself and his unassuming doppelgänger. The narrative skillfully blends comedy with suspense, highlighting Robinson's versatility as an actor.
Plot Highlights:
Robinson's character discovers he resembles his famed counterpart, leading to a series of comedic and thrilling escapades. As he converses with himself, the lines between reality and illusion blur, creating a delightful tension.
Notable Quote:
Edward G. Robinson: "I think I've got the hiccups now." (10:05)
Doppelgänger: "You're taking a man's life. I'm giving him life." (35:50)
Key Insights:
Robinson expertly balances humor and suspense, offering a fresh take on identity and self-perception. The episode stands out for its clever writing and Robinson's compelling dual performance.
4. Lazarus Walks featuring Brian Donlevy
Air Date: October 31, 1946
Description:
Brian Donlevy stars in Lazarus Walks, a tale that marries supernatural elements with psychological drama. Despite Donlevy's typically wooden radio presence, his performance here aligns perfectly with the episode's eerie atmosphere.
Plot Highlights:
Donlevy portrays an aloof psychiatrist who encounters a patient resurrected with the uncanny ability to detect lies instantly. As the patient’s abilities grow, the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur, leading to spine-chilling outcomes.
Notable Quote:
Brian Donlevy: "These rubber arteries affixed to the vertebral and internal carotid arteries of the brain." (22:10)
Hans Conreid (Patient): "What of it? You men can go now." (40:30)
Key Insights:
Donlevy's portrayal adds a layer of intensity to the supernatural narrative, effectively conveying the tension and mystery central to the story. Lazarus Walks is lauded for its atmospheric storytelling and Donlevy's unexpected depth.
5. A Little Piece of Rope featuring Lucille Ball
Air Date: October 14, 1948
Description:
Lucille Ball, before her iconic television fame, delivers a gripping performance in A Little Piece of Rope. This episode showcases her talent for portraying complex characters within the suspense genre.
Plot Highlights:
Ball's character, a cunning woman who entices men to pick up hitchhikers only to rob them, faces a moral quandary when her latest victim turns out to be the notorious Strangler, forcing her to confront her own safety and ethics.
Notable Quote:
Lucille Ball: "She gets more than she bargained for." (18:55)
Barry Kroger (Strangler): "He is a great radio villain, and he's perfectly creepy as the Strangler." (35:20)
Key Insights:
Ball delivers a captivating performance, balancing charm with menace. The episode is celebrated for its stellar casting and the intense, unpredictable storyline that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats until the memorable climax.
Conclusion
In Episode 400 - Five Forties Favorites of Stars on Suspense, Mean Streets Podcasts pays homage to the golden age of radio by featuring landmark episodes that highlight the enduring appeal of Suspense. Through stellar performances by Orson Welles, Robert Young, Edward G. Robinson, Brian Donlevy, and Lucille Ball, listeners are transported back to a time when radio was the pinnacle of thrilling entertainment. Each story, while unique in its narrative and characterization, underscores the timeless nature of suspenseful storytelling and the legendary talents that brought these tales to life.
Notable Quotes Summary:
- Dr. Patrick Corey (Orson Welles): "I knew that the origin of life is from a higher domain than that, Patrick, and you're profaning nonsense." (05:30)
- Police Officer: "This production of You'll Never See Me Again has always been my favorite..." (45:10)
- Edward G. Robinson: "I think I've got the hiccups now." (10:05)
- Lucille Ball: "She gets more than she bargained for." (18:55)
Stars on Suspense continues to honor the legacy of old-time radio by preserving and celebrating these classic episodes, ensuring that the suspense and thrill remain alive for new generations of listeners.