Podcast Summary: Stars on Suspense (Old Time Radio)

Host: Mean Streets Podcasts
Episode: 430 - Stars of "Miracle on 34th Street"
Date: December 4, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Stars on Suspense celebrates the legendary cast of the beloved holiday film Miracle on 34th Street by featuring its stars—Maureen O’Hara, Edmund Gwen, and John Payne—in classic episodes of the radio mystery series Suspense, followed by a radio adaptation of Miracle on 34th Street itself. The show takes listeners through tales of chilling suspense and heartwarming holiday magic, tying together iconic Hollywood performances from the golden age of radio and film.

Main Themes

• Showcasing Miracle on 34th Street cast in darker, suspense-filled radio dramas
• Exploring the versatility and star power of classic Hollywood actors
• Revisiting the timeless holiday spirit through a beloved radio adaptation

Segment Breakdown and Key Insights

1. Opening and Introduction

[00:55-03:43]

• The host introduces a holiday-themed series, beginning with Miracle on 34th Street, highlighting the main cast: Edmund Gwen (Kris Kringle), Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, and Natalie Wood.
• The film’s legacy is briefly discussed, along with its award-winning status and accessibility for modern audiences.
• Outline of the episode: three Suspense episodes featuring the film’s stars, followed by a Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of the movie.

Quote:
"It’s a heartwarming comedy that still plays great, and it’s the rare classic film that has a pretty good remake…But unlike some of the other movies we’ve discussed, Miracle on 34th Street is widely available to stream. No surprise, given Christmas is only a few weeks away." — Host, [00:55]

2. Maureen O’Hara in “The White Rose Murders” (Suspense)

[07:36-35:20]

Plot Summary

• Maureen O'Hara stars as Virginia (“Ginny”), a debutante who becomes involved in the investigation of the “White Rose Killer,” a serial murderer who leaves a white rosebud in the hands of his victims—always women fitting a specific profile.
• Ginny’s fiancé, homicide detective Terry Riley, shares details of the case with her. Driven by both love and curiosity, Ginny attempts to lure out the killer by making herself his next intended victim.
• The murderer is ultimately revealed to be her chauffeur, Edwards, who nearly murders Ginny before Terry rescues her.

Key Moments & Quotes

• [12:03]
  "And I’m a rich debutante." — Virginia / Ginny (Maureen O’Hara)

• [13:00]
  "It’s a rose. A white rosebud. Death rose. Puts it into each victim’s hand after he kills her." — Terry

• [31:42]
  "The White Rose Killer. But you see, I am, Miss Virginia. Driving you and your family around day after day, sitting there right in front of you all the time." — Edwards (killer reveal)

• Suspenseful narrative, atmospheric production, and O’Hara’s resourceful heroine stand out.

Notable: The episode mixes procedural detail (“How do you know it’s always him?”) with psychological tension and noir-style romance.

3. Edmund Gwen in “The Fountain Plays” (Suspense - Dorothy L. Sayers)

[37:20-65:53]

Plot Summary

• Edmund Gwen portrays Mr. Spiller, a respectable Englishman whose old acquaintance turns to blackmail. During a confrontation by Spiller’s prized fountain, the acquaintance is accidentally killed.
• Spiller executes a meticulous cover-up, staging the death as an accident to protect himself from scandal and legal trouble.
• As Spiller congratulates himself on a perfect crime, his servant, Masters, reveals he overheard everything and demands double salary for his silence.

Key Moments & Quotes

• [39:01]
  "You and your blasted fountain. Wasting your money on a doodad." — Sam, the blackmailer
• [54:27]
  "He's alive. Gooch is alive. After all that trouble, after committing practically the perfect crime, he’s alive!" — Spiller, at the climactic moment when he must finish the job
• [64:16]
  "I think, sir, all things taken into consideration, you might find it worth your while to retain me permanently in your service at, shall we say, double my present wage for now." — Masters (blackmailing Spiller)

Noteworthy:

• Gwen’s ingratiating, anxious character anchors this darkly witty tale.
• The psychological tension and understated British humor distinguish the story.

4. John Payne in “Two Sharp Knives” (Suspense - Dashiell Hammett)

[67:57-94:03]

Plot Summary

• John Payne stars as Scott Anderson, a small-town police chief who arrests a Philadelphia man, Furman, suspected of murder after a forged wanted circular appears.
• Furman seemingly commits suicide in his cell, but investigation reveals foul play—the wanted circular was a forgery, and Furman had been lured to town under false pretenses.
• Payne’s character uncovers that his own trusted assistant, Wally, committed the murder for a half-million-dollar inheritance tied to Furman’s estranged wife.

Key Moments & Quotes

• [73:02]
  "What am I wanted for?" — Furman
  "Murder." — Anderson
• [91:01]
  "Harry. Harry." — Mrs. Furman, recognizing Wally’s true identity
• [93:22]
  "What got you like this, Wally?"
  "What gets most saps into jams? A yen for easy dough." — Wally (Frank McHugh), admitting his motive

Noteworthy:

• Classic hard-boiled Hammett plot with twists, moral ambiguity, and a clever denouement.
• Payne’s straight-arrow cop and McHugh’s affable, ultimately tragic Wally make a memorable pair.

5. Lux Radio Theatre Presents “Miracle on 34th Street”

[97:22-149:34]

Cast

• Maureen O’Hara (Doris Walker)
• John Payne (Fred Gailey)
• Edmund Gwen (Kris Kringle)
• Natalie Wood (Susan Walker)

Plot Summary

• Faithful adaptation of the iconic 1947 Christmas film:
  • Doris Walker hires Kris Kringle as a department store Santa at Macy’s.
  • Kris spreads happiness by sending customers to other stores for toys Macy’s doesn’t stock, creating a sensation and a rivalry with Gimbels.
  • Doris’ skeptical daughter Susan, influenced by her mother’s realism, gradually comes to believe in Kris thanks to his kindness and Fred Gailey’s support.
  • When Kris is unfairly committed, Fred defends him in court, ultimately proving Kris' identity as Santa with help from the US Postal Service.
  • Ends with Susan’s Christmas wish for a house coming true, underscoring the film’s message about faith, goodwill, and the power of belief.

Key Moments & Quotes

• [105:51]
  "Kris Kringle. I’m Santa Claus." — Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwen)
• [140:01]
  "Do you believe in Santa Claus?"
  "I sure do. He gave me a brand new sled last year." — Tommy Mara Jr.
• [144:34]
  "Every one of those letters and every one of those mail sacks is addressed to Santa Claus. The post office department has delivered them. Therefore, the post office department recognizes Kris Kringle to be the one and only Santa Claus." — Fred Gailey
• [146:46]
  "Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to." — Doris, passing on Fred’s wisdom to Susan

Noteworthy:

• The radio adaptation retains all the heart, wit, and tenderness of the original film.
• Standout performances, especially Gwen’s as Kris Kringle and Wood’s earnest Susan.
• The story’s themes resonate: kindness, magic, and faith over cynicism.

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• "It’s a rose. A white rosebud. Death rose..." — Terry (Maureen O’Hara’s co-star), [13:00]
• "Because you see, I am, Miss Virginia. Driving you and your family around day after day, sitting there right in front of you all the time." — Edwards (The White Rose Killer), [31:42]
• "You and your blasted fountain. Wasting your money on a doodad." — Sam (The Fountain Plays), [39:01]
• "He’s alive. Gooch is alive. After all that trouble, after committing practically the perfect crime, he’s alive!" — Spiller (Edmund Gwen), [54:27]
• "What am I wanted for?" — Furman,
  "Murder." — Anderson (John Payne), [73:02]
• "Kris Kringle. I’m Santa Claus." — Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwen), [105:51]
• "Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to." — Doris Walker (Maureen O’Hara), [146:46]

Memorable Moments

• Transformation of genre: The episode juxtaposes the sunny hope of Miracle on 34th Street with radio’s noir-laden suspense tales, showing these stars’ range.
• Courtroom climax: In the Miracle on 34th Street adaptation, the iconic “sacks of letters” scene reaffirms the show's central message about belief and goodwill ([144:34]).
• Host’s wrap-up: The host invites listeners to continue the holiday film series and check out the companion detective podcast.

Conclusion

This episode of Stars on Suspense beautifully blends holiday nostalgia, old-time radio thrills, and insightful performances from some of Hollywood’s most celebrated stars. With a balance of mystery, heart, wit, and a little Christmas magic, it’s an ideal listen for fans of classic film, radio drama, and the enduring power of belief.

For listeners wanting to experience golden-age radio at its finest—with chills, clever plots, and genuine holiday warmth—this episode delivers on all counts.

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