Escape and Suspense!

Suspense - How Long is the Night?

In "How Long is the Night?, " Richard Widmark stars as a photographer stranded alone on a radioactive island. This episode is based on the true report by a man named Warner Taube Jr., although there doesn't appear to be a published account of his story. This episode takes place in the Enewetak Atoll, which was the site of atom bomb testing by the United States between 1948 and 1958.

As the episode opens, it is an early morning in May, and an American crew waits for the exlposion of an experimental atom bomb. Afterwards, Warner and his assistants will go to the island dressed in protective gear and photograph the results.

Later, when they arrive on what remains of Island 27, they are overwhelmed by the devastation. The three of them set out to photograph the results, but after a couple of hours, they realize they are short on film. Warner tells his two assistants to take the boat and go back to the ship to get supplies.

Warner remains behind, alone, on the dead island...or is he?

"How Long is the Night" was written for radio by television writer James Moser, and produced/directed by Elliott Lewis. Richard Widmark starred. Also appearing were Joseph Kearns, Herbert Butterfield, and Jack Kruschen. This episode aired on October 13, 1952.

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Suspense - Perchance to Dream

In "Perchance to Dream," a man feels such guilt over his responsibility in an accidental death that he is driven to murder.

As the episode opens, Mrs. Foster has come to visit Dr. Locke about her husband, Paul, who is about to be released from the hospital. Dr. Locke informs her that although they have been able to heal Paul physically, he still blames himself for the car accident that caused the death of a woman.

The accident wasn't Paul's fault, even the dead woman's husband knows that, but Paul is so stricken by guilt that he can't face the reality. He is haunted by dreams of the accident.

So haunted in fact, that the doctor feels that Paul may take his own life to settle the score. Will he? Or, does he have other ideas?

This episode was, according to the announcer, written by Bob Corcoran especially for Suspense. However, it may be the same radioplay used for an episode of the same title in the 1949  radio/television series Starring Boris Karloff. None of the episodes from that series are known to have survived, so it is difficult to determine if it is the same radioplay.

"Perchance to Dream" was produced and directed by Bruno Zirato, Jr.  Paul McGrath starred. Also appearing were Teri Keane, Bernard Grant, Bob Dryden, and Toni Darnay. This episode aired on March 18, 1962.

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 (Image of Paul McGrath)

Suspense - Early to Death

In "Early to Death," Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz star as murderous thieves hoping to recover a hidden fortune. The sound quality of this episode is poor, but it is the best available. If you love Lucy and Desi, a little static won't prevent you from enjoying the story.

As the episode opens, Ben and Evie are in a plane over the mountains of Vera Cruz as they begin the execution of their plan. Ben sends out a distress call of engine trouble, and the two then parachute out of the plane with a box of stolen payroll money.

Ben and Evie land safely, while the plane crashes. They bury the money in the mountains and then, days later, wander into the nearest town. When questioned by the police, Ben and Evie have all of their answers ready.

Their plan is to wait it out until it is safe to go back, but then they meet Rico. He claims to have seen them before...when they were parachuting out of the plane and landing safely with a box. Now, he wants his share of the money...

"Early to Death" was written by John Michael Hayes and E. Jack Neuman. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz starred. Also appearing were Tony Barrett, Tom Holland, Joseph Kearns, and Jack Kruschen. This episode aired on April 12, 1951.

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Suspense - The Dead Alive

Suspense's "The Dead Alive" was adapted from the short novel of the same name by Wilkie Collins, which was first published in 1874. According to Collins, the idea for his tale came from the true story of Jesse and Stephen Boorn, who were accused of murder in Vermont in 1812. You can read more about America's first wrongful death conviction case on the Northwestern University School of Law website. The original text of Wilkie Collin's story, The Dead Alive is available at Project Gutenberg.

As the episode opens, Phillip Lefrank has been informed by his doctor that he requires rest. So, he decides to leave England and visit his cousins in America. Their country farm seems to him to be an ideal place to avoid excitement.

Upon arriving by steamer in New York, Phillip then travels to Morwick Farm, the home of his cousins, the Meadowcrofts. Aside from his family, there is Naomi Colbrook, who also lives in the house.  Phillip is taken with her, but he isn't the only one.

Phillip also meets John Jago, the overseer of the farm, who causes friction among the Meadowbrook cousins. Cousin Lettie is fond of Jago, but cousin Silas wants to run him over with his carriage. When Jago suddenly goes missing, the blame appears to fall on the most obvious suspect, but things aren't what they seem...

"The Dead Alive" was adapted for radio by Sam Rolfe and produced/directed by Elliot Lewis. Herbert Marshall starred. Also appearing were Mary Jane Croft, Lamont Johnson, Jeannette Nolan and Joseph Kearns. This episode aired on March 9, 1953.

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Suspense - Jet Stream

In "Jet Stream,"  a pilot uses a force of nature to help him commit a murder.

As the episode opens, Air National Guard pilot John Martin and his girlfriend/secretary, Vicky, discuss their situation. A threatening letter from John's drunken wife, Millie, has just arrived. She intends to tell John's boss something that will surely cause John to lose his job. Why? She is unhappy because her husband is living on the opposite coast with another woman.

So, what can he do to stop her? John decides to fly to Los Angeles to murder his wife using another pilot's name and identification. With some help from the jet stream, he should be able to get there and back without any problems.

But, should he really hinge his plan on atmospheric conditions?

"Jet Stream" was written by Michael Frost and produced/directed by William N. Robson. Frank Lovejoy starred. Also appearing were Ellen Morgan, Virgina Gregg, James McCallion, Harry Bartell, and Sam Pierce. This episode aired on December 1, 1957.

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(Image of the aerial superhighway from Wikipedia)

Suspense - Blood Sacrifice

In "Blood Sacrifice," Joseph Cotten stars as a playwright who may, or may not, have murdered the promoter of his play. This episode was based on the short story of the same name by Dorothy L. Sayers, which can be found in her book In the Teeth of Evidence (1939).

As the episode opens, Garrick Drury congratulates playwright John Scales on their successful meeting with representatives of a motion picture company. Drury's charm and negotiating skill have once again proven a success in the promotion of Scales' play.

Drury then escorts Scales outside the theatre to get a taxi, when suddenly, they are struck by a car!

Scales recovers from the blow, but Drury is in danger of bleeding to death. They carry him back to his dressing room, and when the doctor arrives, they are informed that the patient needs an immediate blood transfusion! The doctor quickly tests those in attendance to find a potential donor. He tests Scales and finds that he is an acceptable match...or is he? With all of the commotion, Scales isn't exactly sure that the doctor's test is accurate...

"Blood Sacrifice" was adapted for radio by Malcolm Beechum. William Spier produced and Norman MacDonnell directed. Joseph Cotten starred. Also appearing were Hans Conried, John McIntire, and Joseph Kearns. This episode aired on March 30, 1950.

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 (Image of Joseph Cotten)