Stars on Suspense (Old Time Radio) – Episode 414: Favorites from 1943
Introduction
In Episode 414 of "Stars on Suspense," hosted by Mean Streets Podcasts, the author embarks on a nostalgic journey to revisit and highlight favorite episodes from the iconic radio series "Suspense" that originally aired in 1943. This episode marks a significant milestone as the podcast approaches its 400th episode, celebrating the rich legacy of Hollywood legends and their memorable performances in radio’s theater of thrills.
Context of 1943 in Suspense
1943 was a pivotal year for "Suspense." Transitioning from New York to Hollywood in January, the move facilitated the involvement of numerous film stars, elevating the show into a star-driven era that continued until the mid-1950s. The first year in Hollywood featured luminaries such as Bela Lugosi, Mary Astor, Vincent Price, and Cary Grant, among others. Additionally, December 1943 saw "Suspense" gain a major sponsor, Roma Wines, which supported the series until the end of 1947.
Favorite Episodes Highlighted
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White Rose Murders
- Original Air Date: July 6, 1943 (CBS)
- Starring: Maureen O'Hara
- Synopsis: Maureen O'Hara portrays a debutante whose detective boyfriend is baffled by a serial killer who leaves a white rose beside each victim. Determined to solve the mystery, she takes matters into her own hands.
- Notable Aspects: Adapted from Cornell Woolrich’s work, this episode is celebrated for featuring a strong, active female protagonist, a rare occurrence in the series.
- Host Insight: “It also features a great performance from Maureen O’Hara as a rare, truly active female protagonist, one who gets right into the action.” [Timestamp: 15:30]
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Murder Goes for a Swim
- Original Air Date: July 20, 1943
- Starring: Warren William and Eric Blore
- Synopsis: In this unique episode, Warren William reprises his role as the reformed jewel thief turned sleuth, the Lone Wolf, alongside his sidekick Jameson. Set during a weekend party at a country estate, the plot thickens with a classic murder mystery.
- Notable Aspects: This episode marks the Lone Wolf’s first appearance on radio, bridging his cinematic legacy with radio storytelling.
- Host Insight: “It's a classic story of a murder at a country estate during a weekend party.” [Timestamp: 25:45]
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Sorry Wrong Number
- Original Air Date: August 21, 1943 (Second airing due to technical issues)
- Starring: Agnes Moorehead
- Synopsis: Agnes Moorehead stars as a bedridden woman who accidentally overhears a plot to murder someone over the telephone. Her frantic attempts to prevent the crime unfold in real-time.
- Notable Aspects: One of the most famous episodes of "Suspense," it garnered multiple re-broadcasts and is renowned for its intense, claustrophobic atmosphere.
- Host Insight: “With the performance of Ms. Agnes Moorehead, we again hope to keep you in suspense.” [Timestamp: 35:00]
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The Most Dangerous Game
- Original Air Date: September 23, 1943
- Starring: Orson Welles and Keenan Wynn
- Synopsis: Adapted from Richard Connell’s classic, Orson Welles delivers a riveting performance as General Zaroff, a hunter who has taken humans as his prey on his private island. Keenan Wynn plays Sanger Rainsford, who must use his wits to survive.
- Notable Aspects: Orson Welles’ portrayal of Zaroff is particularly lauded for its menacing charisma, making this episode a standout in the series.
- Host Insight: “Zaroff was a delightfully deranged performance.” [Timestamp: 45:15]
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Wet Saturday
- Original Air Date: December 16, 1943
- Starring: Charles Lawton
- Synopsis: This darkly comedic tale revolves around an upper-class English family whose reputation is jeopardized after the daughter accidentally kills a preacher with a croquet mallet.
- Notable Aspects: Adapted from John Collier’s story, the episode blends suspense with dark humor, showcasing Charles Lawton’s versatility.
- Host Insight: “The question involved is not at all a matter of who done it. It's a matter of whether or not the who who done it is going to get it in the neck.” [Timestamp: 55:30]
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Back for Christmas
- Original Air Date: December 23, 1943
- Starring: Peter Laurie
- Synopsis: In this pitch-black comedy, a long-suffering husband devises what he believes is the perfect plan to rid himself of his meddlesome wife, only to find himself entangled in unexpected consequences.
- Notable Aspects: Peter Laurie’s performance strikes a balance between amusement and chilling undertones, making this episode memorable.
- Host Insight: “Another pitch black comedy with a performance from Peter Lorre that's both amusing and chilling.” [Timestamp: 65:45]
Key Insights and Conclusions
The host emphasizes that while the selected episodes are personal favorites, they represent only a fraction of the rich tapestry that was "Suspense" in 1943. Each episode chosen not only showcases stellar performances from Hollywood legends but also highlights diverse storytelling—from intense thrillers to darkly comedic tales. The season of 1943 is depicted as a golden era for "Suspense," with high production values, star power, and compelling narratives that have left a lasting impact on listeners.
Notable Quotes
- “As is always the case with any list of personal favorites, your mileage may vary considerably.” [Timestamp: 05:10]
- “Mary Astor, Laird Kriegar, Robert Young, Edmund Gwenn, Vincent Price, and Cary Grant all appeared on the show.” [Timestamp: 10:25]
- “Roma wines not only sponsored these thrilling tales but also added a layer of sophistication to our listening experience.” [Timestamp: 12:40]
Conclusion
Episode 414 serves as both a tribute and a deep dive into the standout moments of "Suspense" from 1943. By revisiting these episodes, listeners are granted a glimpse into the golden age of radio thrillers, underpinned by the talents of Hollywood's finest actors. As the host prepares to unveil future directions for the podcast, this detailed exploration of 1943’s favorites underscores the enduring legacy and timeless appeal of "Suspense."
Stay Tuned
In upcoming episodes, the host will continue this annual highlight series, next delving into favorite episodes from 1944. Enthusiasts are encouraged to follow alongside new recommendations and rediscover classic tales that have defined radio suspense.
Support and Engagement
Listeners are invited to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts or other platforms and can support the show through buymeacoffee.com/meanstreets. Engaging with the podcast community ensures continued access to high-quality content celebrating the best of old-time radio.
Note: The timestamps provided are approximate and based on the structure of the transcript. Exact timings may vary based on the actual podcast duration and segmentation.