Episode Summary: Stars on Suspense (Old Time Radio) Episode: 413 - Myron McCormick
Release Date: May 22, 2025
Host: Mean Streets Podcasts

Introduction

In Episode 413 of Stars on Suspense, hosted by Mean Streets Podcasts, listeners are treated to a captivating showcase of suspenseful tales featuring the esteemed actor Myron McCormick. This episode presents two thrilling stories: "Door of Gold" and "Madman of Manhattan," both masterfully performed by McCormick. Additionally, the episode revisits the classic mystery "No Time for Murder" from the Crime Club series.

Story 1: Door of Gold

Original Air Date: February 10, 1957
Details:
Door of Gold introduces Myron McCormick as Philip, part of a married archaeologist duo honeymooning in the perilous jungles of Peru. The couple is on a quest to uncover the legendary hidden treasure of alien Inca gold, leading them to a mysterious door within a burial mound.

Plot Summary:

• Discovery of the Door:
  Philip and his wife Janice, portrayed by Shirley Mitchell, believe they are close to finding alien Inca gold. Their excavation leads them to a door inside a burial mound, adorned with a rising sun emblem and streams of gold.

• Deciphering the Inscription:
  The inscription reads, "Light to the seeker comes through the shafts of God." Philip interprets this as a clue to opening the door, utilizing sunlight channeled through cracks in the stones.

• Entering the Passage:
  Equipped with flashlights, spare batteries, and a rope, Philip and Janice navigate the dangerous passageways, facing booby traps and treacherous conditions set by the ancient Incas to protect their treasure.

• Encounter with Traps:
  As they delve deeper, Janice accidentally triggers a trap, causing her to fall through a pivot stone. Philip valiantly rescues her, highlighting the couple's perilous yet determined journey.

• Unveiling the Treasure:
  The duo eventually discovers a vast repository of pure gold, guarded by the spirits of the Inca sun god. However, the air circulation fails, trapping them inside. Through ingenuity and teamwork, they manage to escape just as the traps re-engage.

• Aftermath:
  With the treasure safely uncovered, Philip reflects on proving his theories and overcoming skepticism from the academic community. The story concludes with a hint of further mysteries as they compare the gold against the vanished Dr. Clayton.

Notable Quotes:

• Philip: "What have you? Finally, the Door of Oro."
  [00:54]

• Janice: "Oh, Phil, I'm so very pleased for you. They'll have to listen to you now."
  [09:45]

• Philip: "We can't open it from the inside. They'll either get it open or they won't."
  [19:44]

Story 2: Madman of Manhattan

Original Air Date: March 8, 1959
Details:
Madman of Manhattan is an intense tale of vengeance and deception. Myron McCormick stars as Lacey Abbott, an inmate who escapes from Bellevue Hospital by impersonating his lawyer. His mission: to avenge the murder of his wife and to expose the man responsible.

Plot Summary:

• Escape from Bellevue:
  Lacey Abbott (McCormick) cunningly replaces his lawyer, Nicholas Westland, to facilitate his escape from Bellevue, driven by a deep-seated need for revenge.

• Confrontation with Martin Avery:
  Abbott confronts Martin Avery, the man who killed his wife. Their dialogue reveals Avery's tormented psyche and motivations rooted in betrayal and deceit.

• Police Tangle:
  Avery attempts to manipulate the situation by involving the police, but Abbott remains a step ahead, determined to unearth the truth behind his wife's death.

• Psychological Duels:
  The story delves into a psychological battle between Abbott and Avery, with both characters grappling with guilt, revenge, and the pursuit of justice.

• Climactic Revelation:
  Abbott's relentless pursuit leads to a heated confrontation where Avery's crimes are exposed, culminating in a dramatic resolution that underscores the futility and destructiveness of vengeance.

Notable Quotes:

• Avery: "I have my wife and child, my son, here in the apartment. So put that away."
  [40:57]

• Avery: "I was the defendant too. If a jury believes that girl, I'll go to Sing Sing for five years and I'll be disbarred."
  [64:34]

• Avery: "You’re misrepresenting. Steve. She’s not the girl we saw."
  [80:05]

Story 3: No Time for Murder (Crime Club)

Original Air Date: September 25, 1947
Details:
No Time for Murder is a classic mystery from the Crime Club series, featuring a young lawyer named Peter Woods entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and murder.

Plot Summary:

• Initial Encounter:
  Peter Woods, played by Myron McCormick, is accused of assault with intent to kill by Dixie Martell. Unaware of her vendetta, Peter finds himself fighting to prove his innocence.

• Local Investigation:
  As Peter navigates through accusations, he meets Hilda Ryan, his fiancée, who becomes inadvertently involved in uncovering the truth behind Dixie's claims.

• Clues Unveiled:
  Discoveries related to antique clocks and hidden diamonds propel Peter and Hilda into a deeper investigation, revealing connections between Dixie, Steve Jackson, and the mysterious Carl Andrews.

• Final Confrontation:
  The climax revolves around exposing the real murderer, Carl Andrews, who orchestrated crimes to secure priceless diamonds hidden within antique clocks, leading to his downfall.

Notable Quotes:

• Peter Woods: "I was just getting interested in some of the titles when he was joined by a couple. What are you stopping here for, Dickie?"
  [61:36]

• Hilda Ryan: "I didn't mean. Was an accident. I killed her."
  [40:30]

• Peter Woods: "If a jury believes that girl, I'll go to Sing Sing for five years and I'll be disbarred."
  [64:34]

Conclusion

Episode 413 masterfully intertwines suspense, mystery, and dramatic storytelling, showcasing Myron McCormick's versatile acting prowess. Through Door of Gold and Madman of Manhattan, listeners are immersed in tales of adventure and vengeance, while No Time for Murder adds a classic twist to the anthology. The episode underscores themes of obsession, the quest for truth, and the moral complexities of revenge.

Supporting Cast:

• Door of Gold:

  • Shirley Mitchell as Janice
  • Jane Novello as Juan
  • Ramsay Hill as Dr. Clayton

• Madman of Manhattan:

  • Doris Singleton
  • Carl Swenson
  • Barney Phillips
  • Norm Alden

• No Time for Murder:

  • Charlotte Lawrence as Hilda Ryan
  • Raymond Edward Johnson as Steve Jackson
  • Cameron Princess as Carl Andrews
  • Gene Ellen as Dixie Martel

Production Credits:

• Director: William N. Robeson
• Screenwriters: E. Scott Floor (Door of Gold), Gilbert Thomas (Madman of Manhattan), Stedman Coles (No Time for Murder)
• Musical Score: Amerigo Marino (Door of Gold)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Philip (Door of Gold): "What have you? Finally, the Door of Oro."
  [00:54]

• Janice (Door of Gold): "Oh, Phil, I'm so very pleased for you. They'll have to listen to you now."
  [09:45]

• Avery (Madman of Manhattan): "I have my wife and child, my son, here in the apartment. So put that away."
  [40:57]

• Peter Woods (No Time for Murder): "I was just getting interested in some of the titles when he was joined by a couple. What are you stopping here for, Dickie?"
  [61:36]

Final Thoughts

Episode 413 delivers an enthralling blend of old-time radio suspense with rich narratives and compelling performances. Whether unraveling ancient mysteries or navigating human psychologies, Stars on Suspense captivates its audience, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts of classic radio dramas.

For more engaging episodes and classic tales, tune in to future releases of Stars on Suspense by Mean Streets Podcasts.