The Relic Radio Show: "Night Beat and Suspense"

Episode Details:

• Title: Night Beat and Suspense
• Release Date: July 22, 2025
• Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
• Description: Unearthing audio artifacts from radio's golden age, featuring a variety of old-time radio genres including horror, science fiction, comedy, adventure, and more.

Section 1: Night Beat – "The Slasher"

Overview: The episode begins with a gripping noir-style narrative centered around Randy Stone, a dedicated reporter for the Chicago Star, who becomes entangled in a sinister series of attacks by a mysterious figure known as "The Slasher." The story unfolds with tension, intrigue, and a deep dive into the psychological turmoil of the characters involved.

Key Plot Points:

1. Introduction to Nighttime Chicago:

   • Randy Stone (Frank Lovejoy) sets the scene of Chicago after dark, highlighting the transformation from day to night and the undercurrent of both romance and menace that accompanies the city's nocturnal life.
   • Quote [00:45]: "You ever notice how when the sun goes down, the chemistry of the whole earth starts a new reaction?"

2. Discovery of a Victim:

   • While covering his nightly beat, Stone discovers a woman lying injured on the sidewalk, a victim of The Slasher.
   • Quote [02:15]: "What happened, Charlie? ... They call him the Slasher, like a good newspaper man should."

3. Introduction of Rick Bennett:

   • Stone visits Mike Creshaw’s establishment and meets Rick Bennett, an artist whose murals unintentionally reveal a clue—each depicts the victims with a distinct, jagged scar on one side of their faces.
   • Quote [05:10]: "Maybe he did make a mistake. ... But look at that shape. Rick Bennett at the half brow, huh? That's the guy."

4. Rick Bennett’s Obsession:

   • Stone's investigation leads him to Rick, who reveals his deep-seated obsession with Selma Vasik, a dancer he has been pursuing for years. Their shared history paints a complex picture of unrequited love and betrayal.
   • Quote [10:50]: "I fell in love when I was three. I did all my dating with Rick until I was 17. Then I went for another guy."

5. Confrontation and Revelation:

   • In a dramatic confrontation at Rick’s rooming house, Stone realizes that Rick Bennett is actually The Slasher, revealing his motive rooted in twisted love and psychological torment.
   • Quote [12:15]: "But I didn't want to. Rick Bennett was the slasher."

6. Police Involvement:

   • Stone contacts the police with his findings, leading to an intense chase and eventual capture of Rick Bennett. However, the realization that The Slasher was someone so deeply connected to Selma adds a tragic layer to the narrative.
   • Quote [14:50]: "We cut our guy doing a job. Sleep it off, Stone. But that isn't all."

Character Insights:

• Randy Stone: A relentless reporter whose pursuit of truth brings him face-to-face with dark aspects of human nature.
• Rick Bennett: An artist driven to madness by unrequited love, embodying the destructive power of obsession.
• Selma Vasik: The tragic figure at the center of Rick’s vendetta, representing innocence caught in the crossfire of tortured love.

Conclusion of "The Slasher": The story culminates in the tragic downfall of Rick Bennett, whose inability to reconcile his love for Selma with reality leads to his demise. The narrative underscores themes of love, obsession, and the thin line between passion and madness.

Section 2: Suspense – "Blue Eyes"

Overview: Following the intense narrative of "The Slasher," the episode transitions to a poignant tale in the Suspense segment titled "Blue Eyes." This story delves into the life of Oliver Littlefield, revealing the psychological unraveling of a man driven to contemplate murder.

Key Plot Points:

1. Oliver Littlefield’s Fractured Life:

   • Rick Bennett (Jeff Corey) is portrayed as a once-loving husband who experiences a severe mental breakdown, leading him to consider murdering his wife, Laura.
   • Quote [32:41]: "Well, I dressed myself rather carefully this morning. ... Jane said she liked it. Told me it matched my eyes, made them look good."

2. Strain in Marriage:

   • The narrative explores the deteriorating relationship between Oliver and Laura, highlighting Oliver’s growing sense of entrapment and Laura’s constant worrying, which exacerbates his stress.
   • Quote [39:03]: "You ought to be scared. The boy loved you once with everything he had, in every way he could."

3. The Decision to Commit Murder:

   • Oliver’s internal conflict intensifies, leading him to purchase cyanate with the intention of poisoning his wife, believing it to be the only solution to his unhappiness.
   • Quote [44:57]: "Suddenly, I had it. Laura took some medicine every night at bedtime."

4. Climactic Realization:

   • As Oliver prepares to act, moments of clarity propel him to abandon his plan, only to inadvertently reveal his guilt when confronted by Dr. Thacker about the discrepancies in the poison’s whereabouts.
   • Quote [54:37]: "Yes, sir. I didn’t do it, if that’s what you’re thinking."

5. Twist and Aftermath:

   • The story concludes with Oliver being wrongfully accused of murdering his wife, despite his innocence. The lack of direct evidence and his desperate attempts to hide the truth lead to his tragic downfall.
   • Quote [56:49]: "I knew it. I knew what you would find."

Character Insights:

• Oliver Littlefield: A tragic figure whose mental instability and strained marriage drive him to the brink of committing murder.
• Laura Littlefield: Represents the innocent victim caught in the turmoil of her husband’s psychological struggles.
• Dr. Thacker: The voice of reason who uncovers the truth, highlighting the tragic irony of Oliver’s situation.

Conclusion of "Blue Eyes": "Blue Eyes" is a haunting exploration of mental anguish and the catastrophic consequences of untreated psychological issues. The narrative emphasizes the fragility of the human mind and the tragic outcomes that can result from internal battles and misunderstandings.

Notable Quotes and Moments:

• Randy Stone Reflects on Love and Hate:

  • Quote [25:10]: "A definition of love. Love is so close to hate. And hate is so close to love that if you find yourself hating someone you love, you're liable to love someone you hate. That makes sense. Love never does."

• Rick Bennett’s Descent into Madness:

  • Quote [40:05]: "That's not what I mean either, Mr. Bevans. I'm perfectly all right, except that I'm not going to sit here and listen to you calling me names."

• Oliver Littlefield’s Moment of Clarity:

  • Quote [52:43]: "I must kill Laura."

• Tragic Irony in Oliver’s Fate:

  • Quote [57:34]: "No poison. And lucky for you, Mr. Littlefield, because if she committed suicide as she planned, just how would you have been able to prove your innocence, Mr. Littlefield? Just exactly how."

Final Reflections:

"The Slasher" and "Blue Eyes" intertwine themes of obsession, love, madness, and tragedy, offering listeners a profound look into the human psyche and the dire consequences of unchecked emotions. Randy Stone's relentless pursuit of The Slasher mirrors Oliver Littlefield's internal struggle, painting a vivid picture of personal demons and societal pressures. The episode masterfully balances suspense with deep character studies, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.

Production Credits:

• Produced, Edited, and Directed by: Warren Lewis
• Story Writers: E. Jack Newman and John Michael Hayes
• Music by: Frank Worth
• Cast:
  • Randy Stone: Frank Lovejoy
  • Rick Bennett: Jeff Corey
  • Selma Vasik: Joan Banks
  • Others: Sid Miller, Nestor Piva, Jerry Hausner, Lou Krugman

Additional Information: Frank Lovejoy, who stars as Randy Stone, appears in the Warner Brothers film Breakthrough alongside David Bryan and John Agar.

Conclusion: This episode of The Relic Radio Show expertly captures the essence of old-time radio drama, immersing listeners in stories that are both thrilling and emotionally resonant. Through compelling narratives and rich character development, "Night Beat and Suspense" stands as a testament to the enduring power of radio storytelling.