Episode 412 - Harry Bartell - Stars on Suspense (Old Time Radio)

Transcript

Joe Thurston (0:00)

Would you hand me that, please?

Sam (0:01)

Thank you. Now, let's see.

Joe Thurston (0:05)

Survey.

Sam (0:07)

Survive.

Joe Thurston (0:08)

Susanna. Suspect.

Sam (0:10)

Ah, here we are. Suspense. Meaning held in doubt, expressing doubt.

Mary (0:16)

The state of being uncertain, undecided or insecure.

Sam (0:21)

State of anxious expectation or waiting for.

Joe Thurston (0:23)

Information such as to keep one in suspense. Therefore delay acquainting him with what he.

Sam (0:31)

Is eager to know. Suspense.

Narrator (0:51)

Hello and welcome to Stars on Suspense with another Hollywood legend in radio's outstanding theater of thrills. Our leading man this week is Harry Bartel. A classic case of you may not know the name, but you probably know the voice. Bartel worked extensively during the golden age of radio as both an announcer and an actor. In the former role, he spent years pitching petri wine and chatting with Nigel Bruce on the New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. And in the latter, he racked up hundreds of acting credits on Escape, Gunsmoke, Johnny Dollar and Philip Marlowe, just to name a few. On the New Adventures of Nero Wolf, he played Archie Goodwin to Sydney Greenstreet's Gargantuan Gourmet for 10 episodes. His other big regular radio role came on Fort Laramie, where he played Lieutenant Sybert's the young, inexperienced officer assigned to Raymond Burr's Captain Lee Quinn. Harry Bartel is one of my favorite old time radio actors. And while he didn't have as large a list of film credits as some of his contemporaries, his body of radio work is an impressive legacy by itself. Today we'll hear two of his starring performances on Suspense, beginning with Final Payment. Originally aired on CBS on January 13, 1955. Bartell Co stars with Peter Leeds, and they play a pair of men who concoct what they think is a perfect insurance swindle where they'll fake a car accident to collect a big payday. Since the episode opens with Bartell on trial, you can probably guess their plan didn't pan out. Then we'll hear to A Deadly Drug Originally aired on October 25, 1955, and this is a great episode. Bartell plays a pharmacist who steps away from his counter for just a moment, a decision that could prove to be fatal for a young boy. Because instead of receiving the prescription Bartell filled for his stomachache, Bartel's wife gives the boy a powerful drug that could kill him by mistake. With the boy and his mother already back on the road, the pharmacist frantically tries to think of a way to alert them to the deadly mix. Up in time and we'll close with some of Harry Bartel's other radio work. First, he plays the legendary Doc Holliday in a July 19, 1952 episode of Gunsmoke. And we'll hear him as Archie Goodwin opposite Sydney Green street in the Case of the Disappearing Diamonds. An episode of the New Adventures of Nero Wolf from March 9, 1951. But first, it's Showtime for Suspense with Harry Potter, Harry Bartel in final payment. We'll kick things off right after these messages.

Summary

Podcast Summary: Stars on Suspense (Old Time Radio) – Episode 412: Harry Bartell

Introduction

In Episode 412 of Stars on Suspense, hosted by Mean Streets Podcasts, listeners are treated to performances by the legendary radio actor Harry Bartell. Known for his extensive work during radio's golden age, Bartell showcases his versatility in two gripping episodes of the classic Suspense series: "Final Payment" and "To a Deadly Drug". This episode delves deep into themes of deception, morality, and the unforeseen consequences of one's actions, all brought to life by Bartell's compelling performances.

"Final Payment"

Plot Summary

"Final Payment" is a taut thriller that follows Joe Thurston (played by Harry Bartell) and his acquaintance Sam Monroe (Peter Leeds) as they embark on what they believe is a flawless insurance fraud scheme. Their plan involves faking a car accident to claim a substantial insurance payout. However, as the narrative unfolds, the duo finds themselves entangled in unforeseen complications that test their morals and friendship.

The episode begins with Joe under trial, implying that their scheme has already gone awry. Through courtroom drama and flashbacks, listeners witness the meticulous planning and the eventual fallout when Sam sues Joe for a hefty sum, only to reveal ulterior motives that jeopardize Joe's life and relationships.

Key Points and Discussions

Insurance Fraud: The central theme revolves around the allure and risks of financial deception. Joe and Sam's plan represents the lengths individuals might go to attain quick money, highlighting the ethical boundaries crossed in the pursuit of profit.
Friendship and Trust: As the plot thickens, the fragility of trust between Joe and Sam becomes evident. Sam's betrayal serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of entangling personal relationships with illicit activities.
Courtroom Tension: The courtroom scenes amplify the suspense, showcasing the legal intricacies and the psychological manipulation employed to secure a confession from Joe.
Twist Ending: The revelation of Sam's alleged death is a pivotal moment that leaves both characters and listeners questioning the reality of the events, adding layers to the narrative's suspense.

Notable Quotes

[07:21] Sam Monroe: "Your Honor, I just wish you'd call us when it happened, Mr. Thurston. You made a big mistake by not calling us."
[10:12] Mary Thurston: "No one."
[26:05] Judge: "No."
[28:07] Joe Thurston: "Well, this is highly irregular."
[57:18] Joe Thurston: "And they do what? Play games and listen to the radio."
[86:14] Mary Thurston: "Ruth ran the ranch alone. A man started pestering her, and she hated him."

"To a Deadly Drug"

Plot Summary

In "To a Deadly Drug," Harry Bartell portrays Cal Foster, an ex-GI and dedicated pharmacist who finds his life spiraling out of control due to a tragic mistake. Cal inadvertently fills a prescription incorrectly, handing over a fatal drug instead of the intended medication for a young boy named Tippy Smith. As Tippy and his mother, Mrs. Peabody, are already on the road, Cal grapples with the urgent need to rectify his error before the innocent boy succumbs to the overdose.

The narrative intricately weaves Cal's desperation to locate Tippy, his ethical obligations as a pharmacist, and the escalating tension as time ticks away. The episode underscores the profound impact of seemingly minor mistakes and the moral responsibilities that come with professions entrusted with people's lives.

Key Points and Discussions

Medical Ethics: The core of the episode addresses the Hippocratic oath and the ethical obligations that healthcare professionals bear. Cal's predicament emphasizes the dire consequences of lapses in professional responsibility.
Desperation and Redemption: As Cal endeavors to save Tippy, his journey reflects a quest for redemption, illustrating how individuals strive to amend their wrongdoings.
Technological Limitations: The challenges faced by Cal in tracking down the young boy highlight the limitations of the era's technology and the reliance on human networks and ingenuity.
Family Dynamics: The strain on Cal's relationship with his wife, Marian, adds a personal layer to the narrative, showcasing the ripple effects of professional failings on one's personal life.

Notable Quotes

[32:44] Mr. Hirsch (Mary Thurston): "Cal, you promised. It's 6:30 and you promised."
[35:22] Joe Thurston: "What it's going to do. We got a real good for you."
[45:10] Joe Thurston: "A deadly drug."
[56:15] Sam: "It's news when it happens. A drugstore mistake."
[73:45] Joe Thurston: "She would rather have the law do its justice than take matters into her own hands."
[82:26] Joe Thurston: "How far?"

Conclusion

Episode 412 of Stars on Suspense masterfully showcases Harry Bartell's exceptional talent in bringing complex characters and intricate plots to life. Through "Final Payment" and "To a Deadly Drug," listeners are immersed in tales of suspense that explore the depths of human emotion, ethical dilemmas, and the unforeseen consequences of one's actions. Bartell's performances not only entertain but also provoke thought about the fragile interplay between right and wrong in desperate circumstances.

Listeners unfamiliar with the episode will find themselves captivated by the high-stakes drama and the moral quandaries presented, all within the timeless charm of old-time radio storytelling.