Stars on Suspense – Episode 432: Stars of "The Bishop's Wife"

Podcast Host: Mean Streets Podcasts
Episode Date: December 18, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Stars on Suspense celebrates the Hollywood legends who starred in the beloved 1947 film "The Bishop’s Wife": Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven. Before revisiting their recreation of the movie for Camel Screen Guild Theater, the episode features three classic “Suspense” radio thrillers, showcasing each star's dramatic range in darker, more chilling stories. The episode masterfully contrasts the warmth and hope of the holiday film with the tension and intrigue of vintage radio mystery.

Key Segments and Notable Highlights

[00:52] – Episode Introduction

• Host introduces the holiday theme: “Our December series of classic holiday movies continues today with the cast of The Bishop's Wife ... But before they indulge in some holiday cheers, they'll keep us on the edge of our seats in three stories from Suspense.”
• Brief background on "The Bishop’s Wife" and its stars; mentions its remake and current streaming status.
• Outlines the episode plan: “First up is Loretta Young in Lady Killer ... then Cary Grant stars in one of the scariest shows Suspense ever produced, On a Country Road ... and finally, David Niven headlines Grand Theft ... we'll close with The Bishop's Wife, but the characters in our first three shows are far from angelic.”

[06:12] – Loretta Young in "Lady Killer"

Plot Summary

Peg Lincoln, insurance investigator (Loretta Young), boards a flight under an assumed name, is nearly poisoned, and suspects fellow passenger Grant Benton (Larry Dobkin) of foul play after a series of fatal incidents. Her suspicions drag her into a web of deceit, murder, and betrayal—even implicating the local Chief of Police.

Key Moments & Quotes

• Meet Cute Turned Deadly:
  “Do you always babble on like this?” (Loretta Young as Peg Lincoln, [09:02])
  The dialogue quickly flips from playful to suspicious as poisoning is revealed.

• Investigator's Instinct:
  “I am an insurance investigator, and insurance investigators get to be pretty good at spotting phonies. I think you're a phony.” (Peg Lincoln, [12:24])

• Danger Escalates:
  “Maybe I should explain … I nearly died of poisoning. Suppose I told you I Never eat for 12 hours before traveling?” (Peg Lincoln, [12:52])

• Taut Final Confrontation:
  As Peg pieces the crime together, she confronts both the true killer and a corrupt police chief: “Surely you see, the Chief of police is just a big, dumb flat foot being taken in by a pal.” (Peg Lincoln, [26:21])

  • The tension crescendos as she bluffs about police outside, exposing the ringleaders’ guilt.

Noteworthy Segment

• Peg’s deduction scene and verbal sparring with Benton and the chief ([27:53]–[34:15]): Strong female lead, suspicion, accusation, and a battle of psychological wits.

[37:08] – Cary Grant in "On a Country Road"

Plot Summary

David (Cary Grant) and his wife Dorothy are stranded by a storm on a deserted backroad, with news of an escaped, murderous insane woman on the loose. Increasing paranoia, a tense standoff with a fearful stranger, and a terrifying twist ensue.

Key Moments & Quotes

• Atmospheric Anxiety:
  On hearing the radio warning:
  “What good does that do the people who get chopped up with a meat cleaver?” (Dorothy, [41:01])

• Fear and Suspicion:
  “Turn off the headlights, please, she’ll see us if you don’t.” (Dorothy, [46:06])
  The couple’s fear builds as a mysterious woman begs for sanctuary.

• Paranoia Peaks:
  “Maybe you two are more dangerous than the crazy woman. I’ll tell you what I think. I think you’re the crazy woman!” (Stranger, [58:52])

• Macabre Finale:
  After a violent struggle, David and Dorothy believe they've killed the escaped murderer—only to discover the real killer was already caught.
  “We captured that crazy woman a half hour ago. I don’t know who this lady—” (Police officer, [64:09])

Noteworthy Segment

• Prolonged tension in the car, illuminated by lightning, culminating in terror and mistaken identity ([48:03]–[64:01]).

[67:21] – David Niven in "Grand Theft"

Plot Summary

Chalmers Bentley (David Niven), a suave appraiser with a penchant for high-stakes theft and insurance fraud, orchestrates a complex con involving fake claims, fragile alliances, and ultimately, justice nipping at his heels.

Key Moments & Quotes

• Cynical, Cool-Thief Narration:
  “If one is resourceful and competent and ambitious, when no one is looking, one might turn out to be wealthy.” (Bentley, [69:07])

• Soft Manipulation:
  “You and I, Ben, we are two of a kind. But Grandmother’s not like us. And she doesn't know about us.” (Maud to Bentley, [72:19])

• Investigative Heat:
  “We aren’t convinced there was a burglary. And we aren’t sure there was ever that much jewelry in the Mullen family.” (Coombs, insurance investigator, [79:53])

• Final Standoff and Downfall:
  “Diamond earrings. Here. Right under my belt. This would have paid for my passage to Paris … You never can trust these beginners. Should have worn my top coat.” (Bentley, [92:52])

Noteworthy Segment

• The face-off between Bentley and Coombs, blending polite menace, dry wit, and mounting evidence ([75:44]–[93:05]).

[98:37] – "The Bishop’s Wife" (Camel Screen Guild Theater Adaptation)

Plot Summary

Bishop Henry Brougham (David Niven) wrestles with worldly pressures as he seeks funds for a cathedral, neglecting his wife Julia (Loretta Young) and daughter. His prayers summon Dudley (Cary Grant), a charming angel who helps heal the family—while threatening to fall, himself, for Julia.

Key Moments & Quotes

• Opening Reflection:
  Loretta Young as Julia sets the wistful, holiday tone:
  “Suppose you saw [your husband] growing haggard with his cares … then suddenly he changed, became again the simple, charming man you’d once fallen in love with. Now tell me, wouldn’t you be apt to call that a miracle?” ([98:37])

• Cary Grant’s Seraphic Dudley:
  His arrival, following Henry’s prayer:
  “I’m an angel. No wings at the moment, but …” (Dudley, [102:50])
  And his gentle refusal to perform overt miracles:
  “That would be a mistake. People would be puzzled. … No man could ever admit he's been visited by an angel.” ([103:40])

• Romantic Triangle, Divine Comedy:
  Dudley’s growing affection for Julia, his effortless magic:
  “For weeks.” (Julia, [104:12])
  “Mrs. Hamilton is giving you the money for the cathedral. So you made a slight sacrifice of principles, Henry.” (Dudley, [112:55])

• Moral Epiphany:
  Dudley’s lesson:
  “These are lean years for the world, Henry. So many people need food, so many need shelter … one big roof could make many little roofs.” ([113:07])

• Bittersweet Farewell:
  “Take her in your arms, Henry, and hold her tight. … Kiss her for me, you fortunate Henry.” (Dudley, [122:16])

Noteworthy Segment

• Dudley miraculously changes hearts, the bishop realizes his true calling, and the family is restored—warm, witty, and infused with seasonal spirit ([98:37]–[123:01]).

Memorable Quotes by Timestamp

• "I think you're a phony." — Peg Lincoln (Loretta Young), Lady Killer ([12:24])
• "You'd have the dubious honor of having proved your point." — Grant Benton (Larry Dobkin), Lady Killer ([32:02])
• "We captured that crazy woman a half hour ago. I don't know who this lady—" — Police officer, On a Country Road ([64:09])
• "If one is resourceful … when no one is looking, one might turn out to be wealthy." — Bentley (David Niven), Grand Theft ([69:07])
• "I’m an angel. No wings at the moment, but ..." — Dudley (Cary Grant), The Bishop's Wife ([102:50])
• "Take her in your arms, Henry, and hold her tight ... Kiss her for me, you fortunate Henry." — Dudley (Cary Grant), The Bishop's Wife ([122:16])

Structure and Progression

1. [00:52]–[06:12]: Introduction, background, and episode guide by the host.
2. [06:12]–[36:48]: Suspense – Lady Killer starring Loretta Young
3. [37:08]–[66:48]: Suspense – On a Country Road starring Cary Grant
4. [67:21]–[96:34]: Suspense – Grand Theft starring David Niven
5. [98:37]–[123:01]: The Bishop’s Wife (Camel Screen Guild adaptation) starring Grant, Young, Niven
6. [124:16]–end: Cast curtain call, credits, next week's preview

Language and Tone

• The host mixes warm nostalgia with slightly tongue-in-cheek references.
• The Suspense plays themselves use sharp, classic 1940s radio language – brisk, witty, slightly arch, sometimes noir-ish or deadpan.
• The adaptation of The Bishop’s Wife is warmer, luminous, and touches gently on themes of renewal, humility, and love.

Conclusion

This episode is a treasure trove for fans of old Hollywood, playing up both the suspenseful and the sentimental, with each star given the spotlight in a dramatically different showcase. The journey from the perils and paranoia of “Suspense” to the grace and hope of “The Bishop’s Wife” is not just entertaining; it highlights the range of beloved Golden Age actors and the power of radio storytelling.

Next Week:
The series closes out with "It's a Wonderful Life," promising another heady mix of nostalgia and artistry for the holiday season.