Stars on Suspense (Old Time Radio) Episode 402: Tony Barrett Release Date: January 23, 2025 Host/Author: Mean Streets Podcasts

Introduction

In Episode 402 of Stars on Suspense, the Mean Streets Podcasts delve into the illustrious career of Tony Barrett, a venerable figure in old-time radio. Renowned for his distinctive voice and versatile acting skills, Barrett brings to life four gripping suspenseful tales that epitomize radio’s golden age of thrills. This episode offers listeners a rich exploration of Barrett's contributions both as a character actor and a prolific writer, showcasing his ability to craft and portray complex narratives that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Tony Barrett: The Man Behind the Voice

Tony Barrett was a cornerstone of old-time radio, admired for his exceptional character acting across various genres, including mysteries, dramas, and westerns. His most notable roles include Mark Donovan, the sidekick to the globetrotting detective Frank Race, and the narrator and supporting actor on Tales of the Texas Rangers. Beyond acting, Barrett made significant strides as a writer, penning episodes for beloved series such as Peter Gunn, Burke's Law, and The Untouchables. His creative prowess was further exemplified in developing the classic 1960s cop show, The Mod Squad.

Barrett's transition from acting to writing underscored his deep understanding of storytelling and character development, making him a multifaceted talent in Hollywood. In this episode, listeners are treated to four of his starring roles on Suspense, alongside a script he authored for Escape, showcasing his dual talents as an actor and writer.

Featured Suspense Episodes

1. Give Me Liberty

Original Air Date: March 29, 1955
Rebroadcast Through: Armed Forces Radio Service
Notable Original Stars: William Powell (1948), Dan Duryea (1958)

Plot Summary: In Give Me Liberty, Tony Barrett portrays an embezzler who finds himself in a precarious situation aboard a train bound for penitentiary. After a train crash, Barrett's character gains temporary freedom but remains handcuffed to a detective. His plan to retrieve his stolen money spirals into chaos as he grapples with his physical restraints and the relentless pursuit of freedom.

Key Discussions and Insights:

• Psychological Tension: Barrett masterfully conveys the internal conflict of a man torn between his criminal past and the yearning for freedom.
• Themes of Trust and Betrayal: The interplay between Barrett's character and the detective highlights the fragile nature of trust in dire circumstances.

Notable Quotes:

• Barrett's Character (00:10:15): "I wouldn't be taking kind of a chance there, would I? To tell the truth, you wouldn't be taking a chance at all."
• Detective French (00:15:42): "Tell me what you want with a key? You can pull me out by an arm, can't you?"

Timestamped Highlight: At 00:30:25, Barrett's character grapples with the realization of being trapped by his own greed:
"A cheat. A dirty little cheat. Come on, little children. Come on, babies. 250,000 beautiful little babies."
This moment underscores his descent into desperation and moral decay.

2. Remember Me

Original Air Date: May 3, 1955
Rebroadcast Through: Armed Forces Radio Service
Notable Original Stars: Dan Duryea (1952), Jackie Cooper (1958)

Plot Summary: Remember Me centers on a life of crime catching up with Tony Barrett's character, who, after committing a robbery and murder, must navigate the complications of a past relationship resurfacing. When an old high school classmate recognizes him during a heist, Barrett's character is forced to confront his past and the lengths he'll go to protect his illicit gains.

Key Discussions and Insights:

• Nostalgia vs. Reality: The episode juxtaposes the protagonist's nostalgic past with his grim present, emphasizing how unresolved histories can wreak havoc.
• Moral Quandaries: Barrett's portrayal explores the ethical dilemmas faced by someone ensnared in a life of crime.

Notable Quotes:

• Barrett's Character (00:45:10): "What a chance. I would have my liberty. And I'd have my money."
• Charlotte Lawrence's Character (00:50:55): "I could never forget him. I always hoped something would change."

Timestamped Highlight: At 00:55:30, the tension peaks as Barrett's character confronts his old acquaintance:
"You can't rob me. You can't. That is rude."
This exchange highlights his vulnerability and the inescapable nature of his past.

3. Over the Bounding Main

Original Air Date: June 21, 1955
Notable Original Star: Dan Daly (1950)

Plot Summary: In Over the Bounding Main, Tony Barrett stars as a man who discovers his wife's infidelity during a seemingly idyllic fishing trip. What begins as a quest for relaxation turns into a fight for survival as Barrett's character battles not only his disloyal spouse but also his own impending demise.

Key Discussions and Insights:

• Betrayal and Survival: The narrative delves into the primal instincts that surface when trust is broken, and survival is at stake.
• Isolation: The setting amplifies the protagonist's sense of isolation, heightening the suspense.

Notable Quotes:

• Barrett's Character (01:10:20): "I couldn't snap the chain. I twisted it. I'd pull at it."
• Wife's Character (01:15:45): "You are a liar, piece of fire. Get me out of here, please."

Timestamped Highlight: At 01:20:10, the protagonist faces a life-threatening dilemma:
"I gave all the pain, the pain in my wrist. But I didn't care. I just didn't care."
This moment encapsulates his desperation and loss of control.

4. The Flame

Original Air Date: May 29, 1956
Notable Original Star: Cornel Wilde (1951)

Plot Summary: The Flame introduces listeners to a pyromaniac portrayed by Tony Barrett, whose obsession with fire leads him to orchestrate arson for personal gain. As he manipulates those around him, his dark passions ignite a series of catastrophic events, revealing the destructive power of unchecked desires.

Key Discussions and Insights:

• Obsession and Control: Barrett's character embodies the peril of obsession, illustrating how it can consume and control one's actions.
• Destruction for Gain: The narrative critiques the moral bankruptcy that accompanies using destructive means for selfish ends.

Notable Quotes:

• Barrett's Character (01:35:30): "I had to act now and act fast. I called Needles."
• Mary Lee (01:40:55): "You have to nag at me all the time."

Timestamped Highlight: At 01:45:00, the protagonist reflects on his actions:
"I wanted the right kind of job. What's a man worth more than his soul can buy?"
This introspection reveals the internal conflicts driving his destructive behavior.

5. The Target

Original Air Date: September 18, 1950
Presented Through: Escape
Writer: Tony Barrett

Plot Summary: The Target showcases Tony Barrett not only as an actor but also as a writer. The story follows a detective relentlessly pursuing a fugitive, culminating in a tense showdown on an isolated island. Barrett's script intertwines themes of obsession, desperation, and the thin line between hunter and hunted.

Key Discussions and Insights:

• Dual Roles: Barrett's involvement as both writer and actor provides a unique depth to the narrative, allowing for nuanced character development.
• Man vs. Self: The detective's pursuit becomes a battle against his own demons, blurring the lines between justice and personal vendetta.

Notable Quotes:

• Detective (02:00:25): "You never have a chance. Listen, baby, there's a lot of dough invested in the sky."
• Fugitive (02:05:40): "I love you, darling. I want to hear you say it."

Timestamped Highlight: At 02:10:15, the climax unfolds as the detective confronts his target:
"You're gonna kill for her. You only stole for yourself, Matson."
This confrontation underscores the destructive nature of obsession and misplaced loyalty.

Tony Barrett as a Writer

Beyond his acting prowess, Tony Barrett's contributions as a writer have left an indelible mark on the landscape of radio drama. His scripts are characterized by intricate plotting, deep character arcs, and the ability to evoke intense emotional and psychological responses from the audience. In Episode 402, The Target stands as a testament to Barrett's storytelling acumen, seamlessly blending suspense with complex character dynamics.

Barrett's work on television series like Peter Gunn and The Untouchables further highlights his versatility and understanding of various narrative forms. His transition from radio to television maintained the essence of suspense and thrill, adapting it to the evolving mediums of entertainment.

Conclusion

Episode 402 of Stars on Suspense offers a comprehensive homage to Tony Barrett, celebrating his multifaceted talents as both an actor and a writer. Through the four riveting plays—Give Me Liberty, Remember Me, Over the Bounding Main, and The Flame—Barrett demonstrates his unparalleled ability to craft suspenseful narratives that resonate with audiences. Additionally, The Target showcases his dual capacity to write and embody complex characters, further cementing his legacy in old-time radio.

For enthusiasts of classic radio dramas, this episode not only entertains but also provides insightful commentary on Barrett's significant contributions to the genre. Whether through his evocative performances or his masterful storytelling, Tony Barrett remains a towering figure whose work continues to influence and inspire.

Listeners are encouraged to tune into future episodes of Stars on Suspense to discover more legends of Hollywood and their timeless tales of suspense and intrigue.

Notable Quotes Summary:

1. Give Me Liberty

   • Barrett's Character (00:10:15): "I wouldn't be taking kind of a chance there, would I? To tell the truth, you wouldn't be taking a chance at all."
   • Detective French (00:15:42): "Tell me what you want with a key? You can pull me out by an arm, can't you?"

2. Remember Me

   • Barrett's Character (00:45:10): "What a chance. I would have my liberty. And I'd have my money."
   • Charlotte Lawrence's Character (00:50:55): "I could never forget him. I always hoped something would change."

3. Over the Bounding Main

   • Barrett's Character (01:10:20): "I couldn't snap the chain. I twisted it. I'd pull at it."
   • Wife's Character (01:15:45): "You are a liar, piece of fire. Get me out of here, please."

4. The Flame

   • Barrett's Character (01:35:30): "I had to act now and act fast. I called Needles."
   • Mary Lee (01:40:55): "You have to nag at me all the time."

5. The Target

   • Detective (02:00:25): "You never have a chance. Listen, baby, there's a lot of dough invested in the sky."
   • Fugitive (02:05:40): "I love you, darling. I want to hear you say it."

These quotes encapsulate the essence of each story, highlighting the tension, emotional depth, and dramatic turns that make Tony Barrett's performances unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

Stars on Suspense expertly curates Tony Barrett's masterpieces, offering both nostalgia and fresh appreciation for his work. This episode stands as a tribute to the golden age of radio, where voice and script combined to create immersive storytelling experiences. As Tony Barrett continues to inspire new generations, episodes like this ensure that his legacy remains vibrant and celebrated.

For more summaries and analyses of classic radio dramas, subscribe to Mean Streets Podcasts and stay tuned every Sunday for new episodes.