Stars on Suspense (Old Time Radio) - Episode 419: Favorites from 1948

Release Date: August 14, 2025
Host: Mean Streets Podcasts

Introduction

In Episode 419 of "Stars on Suspense," hosted by Mean Streets Podcasts, listeners are treated to a curated selection of the host's favorite suspense episodes from the transformative year of 1948. This episode delves into a pivotal period for the classic radio series "Suspense," highlighting key episodes that showcase legendary Hollywood stars in gripping narratives. The host provides insightful commentary, contextualizing each story within the broader landscape of radio drama during that era.

1. The Candy Tooth
Timestamp: 00:57 - 06:54

Overview:
"The Candy Tooth" serves as a standout episode, blending the worlds of "Suspense" and "The Adventures of Sam Spade." Originally aired on January 10, 1948, this two-part sequel to "The Maltese Falcon" features Howard Duff reprising his role as the iconic detective Sam Spade.

Key Points:

• Crossover Event: This episode marks a significant crossover between "Suspense" and the detective adventures of Sam Spade, bridging genres and audiences.

• Production Quality: Unlike other hour-long episodes that often felt padded, "The Candy Tooth" maintains tight narrative tension, demonstrating why it stands out among the favorites. (04:02)

• Star Performances: The episode boasts an impressive cast, including Lorene Tuttle as Effie Perrine and Joseph Kearns stepping into Sydney Greenstreet's role as Caspar Gutman.

• Plot Highlights: Sam Spade receives a cryptic telegram from the presumed-dead Caspar Gutman, igniting a suspenseful quest involving a stolen relic—a tooth from Dom Constantino's jawbone, connected to the legendary Maltese Falcon.

Notable Quote:
Robert Montgomery, serving as a narrator and guide, emphasizes the importance of character and emotion in suspense:
"But always the basic ingredient is people. For people give us emotion. And emotion marks the high drama that cold logic can never achieve."
(05:30)

2. The Big Shot
Timestamp: 67:35 - 77:09

Overview:
Burt Lancaster takes center stage in "The Big Shot," portraying Charles Morton, an ambitious engineer whose quest to amass gold in Mexico leads him down a path of greed and peril.

Key Points:

• Star Power: Burt Lancaster's debut in a dramatic radio role brings a charismatic presence to the story, enhancing the episode's appeal.

• Plot Dynamics: Charles Morton's arrogance and desire for wealth drive him to deceitfully secure a gold mine, only to face betrayal and conflict with his partner, Martin Quinn.

• Themes: The episode explores themes of ambition, trust, and the destructive impact of greed.

Notable Quote:
Lancaster's character, Charles Morton, asserts his dominance with grit:
"You gotta be tough to be a big shot. Especially when you're cursed with yellow curly hair and a pretty baby face."
(68:25)

3. The Man Who Wanted to Be Edward G. Robinson
Timestamp: 93:07 - 125:12

Overview:
Edward G. Robinson stars in this intriguing narrative as Homer J. Hubbard, a meek librarian who becomes obsessed with mimicking Robinson's tough-guy persona, leading to a series of distressing events.

Key Points:

• Character Study: The episode offers a deep dive into Hubbard's psychological transformation, blurring the lines between reality and delusion.

• Narrative Twist: As Hubbard's imitation becomes increasingly violent, the story culminates in a confrontation where his obsession leads to unintended consequences.

• Themes: Identity, obsession, and the impact of media on personal psyche are central to this story.

Notable Quote:
Homer J. Hubbard reflects on his transformation:
"After I hit this berg, I've been feeling like the forgotten pardon man. Now I'm the strangler, a murderer at heart."
(110:25)

4. A Little Piece of Rope
Timestamp: 06:54 - 29:15

Overview:
Lucille Ball delivers a compelling performance in "A Little Piece of Rope," one of the host's all-time favorites. This episode stands out for its engaging plot and Ball’s portrayal of Isabelle, showcasing her range beyond her well-known comedic roles.

Key Points:

• Performance: Lucille Ball's role as Isabelle demonstrates her versatility, bringing depth and emotion to the suspense narrative.

• Plot Elements: The story revolves around mysterious events tied to a valuable relic—a sacred tooth—and the ensuing conflict among various characters vying for its possession.

• Production Values: High-quality direction by Anton M. Leiter ensures a seamless blend of suspense and character-driven drama.

Notable Quote:
Lucille Ball's character, Isabelle, muses on the perilous events unfold:
"The tooth. It's gone. It was cremated."
(30:22)

5. The Hands of Mr. Ottermole
Timestamp: 156:46 - 179:35

Overview:
Claude Rains and Vincent Price star together in "The Hands of Mr. Ottermole," a gripping tale of deceit, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of a hidden relic connected to historical lore.

Key Points:

• Dynamic Duo: The chemistry between Rains and Price adds a rich layer of tension and intrigue to the narrative.

• Plot Intricacies: The episode intricately ties present-day conflicts with historical legends, as characters navigate treacherous alliances and moral dilemmas in their quest for the sacred tooth.

• Climactic Conclusion: The story builds to a riveting climax where hidden motives and true identities are unveiled, culminating in a dramatic confrontation.

Notable Quote:
Vincent Price's character, Caspar Gutman, outlines the stakes:
"To mark you, sir, what part of it survived the claw? You believe in omen?"
(34:25)

Host Commentary and Insights

Throughout the episode, the host, Mean Streets Podcasts, provides valuable insights into the production changes "Suspense" underwent in 1948, including:

• Format Shifts: The show's expansion to an hour-long format in early 1948 and the subsequent return to thirty minutes in July, drawing parallels to "The Twilight Zone's" similar experience. The host notes that while the longer format often felt diluted, "The Candy Tooth" remained exceptional. (02:00)

• Behind-the-Scenes Changes: The transition in production leadership from William Speer to Anton M. Leiter and later Norman MacDonald, highlighting how these changes influenced the quality of episodes.

• Legacy and Impact: The host emphasizes the enduring legacy of "Suspense" as radio's premier theater of thrills, noting its ability to adapt and maintain high standards despite challenges.

Notable Quote from Host:
"With a full hour for our theater of thrills, we can give these authors a full stage on which to have their people play out their lusts and desires, their temptations and frustrations, their frantic fears and villainous triumphs."
(05:00)

Conclusion

Episode 419 of "Stars on Suspense" masterfully showcases the pinnacle of 1948's radio drama, featuring legendary performances and intricate storytelling. From the detective charisma of Sam Spade in "The Candy Tooth" to the psychological depths explored in "The Man Who Wanted to Be Edward G. Robinson," each featured episode exemplifies the best of what "Suspense" had to offer. The host's expert commentary enriches the listening experience, providing historical context and highlighting the significance of each story within the golden age of radio.

For enthusiasts of classic radio dramas and suspense narratives, this episode serves as both an entertaining journey through riveting tales and a scholarly exploration of the genre's evolution.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Robert Montgomery (Host/Narrator):
  "With a full hour for our theater of thrills, we can give these authors a full stage on which to have their people play out their lusts and desires, their temptations and frustrations, their frantic fears and villainous triumphs."
  (05:00)

• Victor Price (Caspar Gutman):
  "To mark you, sir, what part of it survived the claw? You believe in omen?"
  (34:25)

• Lucille Ball (Isabelle):
  "The tooth. It's gone. It was cremated."
  (30:22)

• Burt Lancaster (Charles Morton):
  "You gotta be tough to be a big shot. Especially when you're cursed with yellow curly hair and a pretty baby face."
  (68:25)

• Claude Rains (Homer J. Hubbard):
  "After I hit this berg, I've been feeling like the forgotten pardon man. Now I'm the strangler, a murderer at heart."
  (110:25)

Production Credits:

• Producer/Director: Anton M. Leiter
• Musical Director/Conductor: Lucian Marowak
• Composer: Led Gluskin
• Special Thanks: Joseph Kearns, Claude Rains, Vincent Price, Howard Duff, Lucille Ball, and other supporting cast members.

Next Episode Preview:

Looking ahead, Episode 420 will continue the journey through 1949's favorite "Suspense" episodes, promising another collection of thrilling narratives and stellar performances. Stay tuned for more classic suspense tales that defined radio's golden era.

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This summary is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of Episode 419 of "Stars on Suspense." For full episode details and to experience the stories firsthand, tune into the episode on your favorite podcast platform.