Stars on Suspense (Old Time Radio) – Episode 415: Favorites from 1944

Release Date: June 5, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 415 of Stars on Suspense, hosted by Leonard Snell of Mean Streets Podcasts, listeners are treated to a curated selection of his favorite episodes from the suspenseful year of 1944. This compilation showcases legendary Hollywood stars such as Lucille Ball, Charles Ruggles, Orson Welles, Vincent Price, and Gene Kelly, each delivering riveting performances in some of radio’s most memorable thrillers. Below is a detailed summary of each featured episode, capturing key plot points, standout performances, and notable quotes with timestamps.

1. Dime a Dance

Star: Lucille Ball as Ginger Allen

Plot Summary:
Adapted from Cornell Woolrich's story, Dime a Dance introduces Ginger Allen, a taxi dancer at the Joyland Palace on New York's Broadway. Her evening takes a dark turn when her friend Julie is murdered, leading the police to suspect a serial killer targeting dancers. As Ginger becomes the next target, suspicion falls on her boyfriend, Marino, played impeccably by Lucille Ball. The tension escalates as Ginger grapples with fear and the need to uncover the murderer before it's too late.

Notable Quotes:

• Leonard Snell (00:58):
  "Lucy plays Ginger, a taxi dancer at a New York dance hall... a particularly effective use of the song 'Poor Butterfly' and a hair-raising climax."

• Ginger Allen (08:10):
  "I know, I know, Marino. I put you in a spot."

• Narrator (10:20):
  "Tonight in our suspense theater, death is a dancing thing."

• Ginger Allen (14:14):
  "A dime a dance. Whether you're alive or dead."

• Police Officer (24:05):
  "This brain has been dead and slowly decaying for at least three months."

• Ginger Allen (28:20):
  "You just must die."

Insights:
Lucille Ball's portrayal of Ginger adds a layer of vulnerability and resilience, making her fight against the lurking killer both personal and intense. The use of music, particularly "Poor Butterfly," serves as a haunting motif that intertwines with the suspenseful narrative, enhancing the overall tension and atmosphere.

2. Suspicion

Star: Charles Ruggles as Mr. Hubert Mummery

Plot Summary:
Based on Dorothy L. Sayers' story, Suspicion features Mr. Hubert Mummery, a respected businessman who becomes paranoid after experiencing mysterious stomach pains. He begins to suspect his new cook and housekeeper might be a notorious poisoner. As his fears escalate, it’s revealed that Agnes Moorehead’s character harbors a dark secret, returning to witness twisted reenactments of past murders, ultimately exposing her as the true culprit.

Notable Quotes:

• Mr. Mummery (38:14):
  "What do you mean by that?"

• Narrator (42:07):
  "I have to keep my eye on you all night while you work."

• Mrs. Digby (53:01):
  "He wasn't supposed to be up and about, are you?"

• Mr. Evans (60:24):
  "He's dead."

• Agnes Moorehead's Character (61:14):
  "You've got to stop the brain."

Insights:
Charles Ruggles delivers a nuanced performance as Mr. Mummery, effectively portraying his descent into paranoia. Agnes Moorehead's return in multiple roles adds a recurring eerie presence, reinforcing themes of trust and deception. The plot expertly builds suspense through Mummery's increasing distrust, culminating in a dramatic revelation that keeps listeners on edge.

3. Donovan's Brain, Part One & Two

Star: Orson Welles as Dr. Patrick Corey

Plot Summary:
Adapted from Kurt Siodmak's novel, Donovan's Brain spans two parts. Dr. Patrick Corey conducts an unethical experiment to keep a deceased brain of William Donovan alive outside the body. As Donovan's consciousness begins to manifest, Corey's grip on reality falters, leading to a chilling struggle between man and brain. In Part Two, the brain gains control, manipulating Patrick to commit heinous acts, ultimately resulting in a harrowing conclusion where Patrick becomes both the master and victim of Donovan's insatiable desire for power.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Corey (65:47):
  "I know that these are the last words I shall ever write upon this earth."

• Donovan's Brain (80:56):
  "I think of it as my partner in execution."

• Dr. Corey (85:08):
  "The brain must die."

• Final Entry (75:57):
  "I shook my head. I got my money and fled."

Insights:
Orson Welles' portrayal of Dr. Corey is both commanding and tormented, capturing the scientist's obsession and gradual loss of sanity. The storyline delves into themes of unchecked scientific ambition and the ethical boundaries of experimentation. The interaction between Corey and Donovan's Brain serves as a compelling exploration of control and autonomy, making it a standout in the suspense genre.

4. Fugue in C Minor

Stars: Ida Lupino as Amanda Peabody and Vincent Price as Theodore Evans

Plot Summary:
Set in the late Victorian era, Fugue in C Minor revolves around Amanda Peabody and Vincent Price’s character, Theodore Evans, who host a grand dinner party. The evening takes a sinister turn as family secrets unravel, revealing Amanda’s involvement in dark acts. The narrative weaves through themes of guilt, revenge, and the haunting presence of past tragedies, all underscored by Beethoven’s Fugue in C Minor as a recurring musical motif.

Notable Quotes:

• Celia (126:17):
  "I'm going to play a little music like old times."

• Mrs. Digby (130:05):
  "It was something I don't like to think about very often. Poor, beautiful Margaret."

• Celia (145:24):
  "Are you saying that I am?"

• Mrs. Digby (150:52):
  "She was dead, all right. The key was on that little chain around her neck."

Insights:
Ida Lupino and Vincent Price deliver captivating performances, with their chemistry adding depth to the unfolding mystery. The use of classical music, particularly the Fugue in C Minor, not only enhances the atmospheric tension but also serves as a narrative device that mirrors the characters' internal conflicts and the story's escalating suspense. The plot masterfully intertwines personal vendettas with broader themes of power and control.

5. The Man Who Knew How

Star: Gene Kelly as Leonard Snell

Plot Summary:
The Man Who Knew How tells the story of Leonard Snell, a man burdened by debts and desperation. Snell devises a meticulous plan to commit the perfect murder using a specialized poison, Sulfate of Thanatol. His plan unfolds seamlessly until unforeseen circumstances and his increasing paranoia lead to his downfall. The narrative explores the thin line between genius and madness, and how luck and meticulous planning can still succumb to human flaws.

Notable Quotes:

• Leonard Snell (82:20):
  "I think I have a way to kill the brain. It's simple."

• Officer (85:00):
  "Do you realize what you may have done?"

• Leonard Snell (90:00):
  "You're mad. You don't know what you're doing."

• Final Confrontation (104:19):
  "I'm trying to stop this experiment."

Insights:
Gene Kelly's transition from his well-known musical roles to the dark, intense character of Leonard Snell showcases his versatile acting prowess. The story delves into themes of desperation, morality, and the consequences of playing god. The intricate planning and eventual unraveling of Snell's scheme serve as a poignant reminder of the inherent unpredictability of human endeavors, no matter how flawless they seem.

Conclusion

Episode 415 of Stars on Suspense masterfully brings together a collection of some of 1944's most gripping radio thrillers, each featuring stellar performances from iconic Hollywood figures. From Lucille Ball's portrayal of a dancing heroine entangled in murder to Orson Welles’ chilling depiction of a scientist losing his sanity to a living brain, the episode offers a diverse array of suspenseful narratives that captivate and engage. Leonard Snell’s insightful commentary ties these stories together, highlighting the timeless appeal of suspense and the enduring legacy of old-time radio dramas.

Notable Overall Quotes:

• Leonard Snell (00:58):
  "This year saw... Certain scripts also made encore appearances."

• Leonard Snell (31:59):
  "And it was a great pleasure to appear on Suspense this evening."

• Leonard Snell (213:17):
  "Thanks so much for joining me. I'll be back next week with my favorites from 1945."

Stars on Suspense continues to honor the rich tradition of radio suspense, making classic stories accessible and thrilling for new generations of listeners.