The Mysterious Old Radio Listening Society

Episode 379: The Mystery of the Dog That Did and Didn’t & The Mystery of the Guest in Number Two Jun 15, 2025

Once again we’re checking out a series we’ve never featured before, Dr. Tim, Detective! We’re listening to two 15 minute episodes, “The Mystery of the Dog That Did and Didn’t” & “The Mystery of the Guest in Number Two,” both of which feature the educational adventures of Dr. Tim and his two young companions, Jill […]

Episode 378: She Jun 08, 2025

Escape presents “She,” an adaptation of H. Rider Haggard’s iconic adventure novel set in a lost world in the African interior. After his father passed away, a son inherits an ancient artifact suggesting the location of a mythic city and the god-like figure known as “She Who Must Be Obeyed” who rules over the land. […]

Episode 377: Love and the Lonely One Jun 03, 2025

Our Patreon supporter Simon recommended we check out the debut episode of Nightfall, “Love and the Lonely One”! A young surgical student uses a cadaver in a grisly prank. Shortly afterwards, he finds himself caught up in a troubling romance. How will he react when he finds out the truth about his new flame? How […]

Episode 376: The Accusing Corpse May 27, 2025

The Mysterious Traveler has stopped by to share the story of “The Accusing Corpse”! The story features a jealous husband who shoots his unfaithful wife with the help of her brother. But not all is as it seems. What sinister plot is happening behind the scenes? How can a corpse accuse its killer? Which room […]

Episode 375: The Red-Headed Woman May 20, 2025

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz star in this week’s episode, “The Red-Headed Woman” from Suspense! The story features a young woman who commits an impulsive crime and then crosses paths with a potentially dangerous man on the run. Does she have the nerve and the wits to get away with her crime? Who will get […]

Episode 374: The Chicago Fraud Matter May 11, 2025

We now complete our trilogy of actors who starred in Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar during its initial run! This time, we’re listening to “The Chicago Fraud Matter” featuring John Lund in the title role! This story features an investigation into the sudden death of a life insurance policy holder. But the dead man seemed to have not […]

Episode 373: The April Fool’s Day Adventure May 03, 2025

Our Patreon listener Mark recommended we pay a visit to our Listener Library to check out “The April Fool’s Day Adventure” from The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes! Thanks, Mark! In this episode, Watson recounts one of his earliest escapades with the famed detective, in which the doctor joins a conspiracy to make Holmes the […]

Episode 372: Too Hot to Live Apr 21, 2025

Richard Widmark stars as a drifter named Jefferson in this episode of Suspense, “Too Hot to Live”! On a blisteringly hot summer day, Jefferson wanders into a small town only to lose his shoes and find a world of trouble. Did he commit the murder that he’s accused of committing? If not, is there any […]

Episode 371: The Queen Anne Pistols Matter Apr 15, 2025

We are two-thirds of the way through our tour of actors who starred in Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar during its initial run! This time, Edmond O’Brien is our titular investigator with the action-packed expense account in a story entitled “The Queen Anne Pistols Matter.” This episode sees Dollar hired to accompany the delivery of a […]

Episode 370: A Shipment of Mute Fate Apr 08, 2025

For this episode, our Patreon supporter Ryan joins your hosts Eric, Tim, Joshua, and special guest host Shanan live on stage at the Bryant-Lake Bowl! Ryan has brought us “A Shipment of Mute Fate,” an episode of Escape featuring Jack Webb as a passenger transporting dangerous cargo aboard a ship at sea! What deadly thing […]

Episode 369: Candy’s Last Case Mar 29, 2025

We’re once again calling Candy Matson, YUkon 2-8209! In what may be her final case, Candy discovers that her beau, Lt. Mallard, may be the target of her investigation. After Mallard is behaving suspiciously, Candy secretly follows him only to discover a dead body! Is Mallard truly up to something illegal? Is this truly her […]

Episode 368: Bathysphere Mar 18, 2025

Arch Oboler takes us deep into the oceanic depths for this episode of Lights Out entitled “Bathysphere,” recommended to us by our Patreon supporter, Mark. Thanks, Mark! The story features an authoritarian leader attempting to dive down to a record-breaking depth beneath the ocean’s surface. Accompanied only by a doctor experienced in such dives, his […]

Episode 367: Men Call Me Mad Mar 08, 2025

We return to test our courage and our sanity in the mysterious dream realm of Dark Fantasy for an episode entitled, “Men Call Me Mad”! The story features a scientist who has discovered a strange other world and the means to transport himself there. What adventures await him there? What unforeseen challenges must he face […]

Episode 366: The Thing in Cabin 105 Feb 28, 2025

Our Patreon supporter, Zach, recommended we listen to “The Thing in Cabin 105” from Beyond Midnight, and we did! Thanks, Zach! The production adapts F. Marion Crawford’s short story, The Upper Berth, which tells the story of a passenger aboard a cruise ship whose cabin seems to have unnatural effects on its inhabitants. But even […]

Episode 365: The Little Man Who Wasn’t All There Feb 21, 2025

We’re diving far back into the history of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar to listen to “The Little Man Who Wasn’t All There” featuring the first actor to play the iconic insurance investigator on the air, Charles Russell! The story features a man who claims to be taking revenge on an insurance company by killing off […]

Episode 364: First Contact Feb 13, 2025

It’s another trip to our Listener Library! This time we’re checking out “First Contact” from X Minus One, recommended to us by our Patreon support, Mark. Thanks, Mark! The story features the initial meeting between Earthlings and aliens, who find themselves trapped in a détente, each unable to understand or trust the other. Can their […]

Episode 363: Iron Curtain Express Feb 05, 2025

We’ve returned to The Chase! In this episode, an American reporter who has made himself unwelcome in Russia finds himself traveling by train to Nuremberg, sharing a car with an important figure in Soviet politics. After speaking together, the reporter soon finds himself in the custody of Russian agents. What information did he learn from […]

Episode 362: The First Year Jan 25, 2025

For our first proper episode of the new year, we left the decision to fate! We chose at random from a collection of New Years’ themed episodes and wound up listening to “The First Year,” from The Whistler! The story features a wedded couple whose marriage began on New Year’s Eve and ended with murder […]

Patreon Secrets Preview: Random Notes Jan 13, 2025

We’re starting the new year off with a sneak peek at what awaits listeners when they become one of our Patreon supporters! Our current members voted on their favorite bonus content in the past year and this episode of Frontier Gentleman, “Random Notes,” tied for the top selection! Our supporters on Patreon already know what […]

Episode 361: The Thing in the Tunnel (The Signal-Man Year 8) Dec 31, 2024

Happy New Year’s Eve! It’s that heartwarming time of year when we gather around the tunnel and try to discern the ghostly message being relayed from beyond. It’s another adaptation of Charles Dickens’ other famous ghost story, “The Signal-Man”! This year we gather in The Weird Circle for their version which they retitled, “The Thing […]

Episode 360: The Tip Dec 27, 2024

We’re spending Boxing Day with Lurene Tuttle in this Suspense episode, “The Tip”! In this production, she plays a devoted wife being held at gunpoint by a desperate man. This intruder intends to kill her husband as revenge for crimes unknown to her. As the two wait for his intended victim to come home, she […]

Episode 359B: Leftovers Special Dec 12, 2024

Thanksgiving has passed but it’s too soon for Christmas, and that means it’s time for leftovers! Specifically, it means another live Q&A at the Bryant-Lake Bowl in which special guest Shanan Custer asks your Mysterious Old Hosts all the leftover questions from our previous Q&A! Tim, Eric, and Joshua share their opinions about classic monster […]

Episode 359: Gremlins and the Future Dec 04, 2024

We were joined by Shanan Custer for this live recording of our podcast at the Bryant-Lake Bowl! She brought a couple episodes of Ceiling Unlimited for us to check out! The series features Orson Welles in patriotic tales of flight sponsored by Lockheed-Vega! The first of these two scripts was written by Lucille Fletcher and […]

Episode 358: The Target Nov 29, 2024

This week’s episode, “The Target” was the penultimate episode of Escape and featured Whitfield Connor as Vic Kennedy, a hard-boiled insurance investigator scouring South America to track down a man named Arthur Matson. Soon the case leads Vic to a dead body and a femme fatale, as well as deceptions and accusations. Will he track […]

Episode 357: The House of Horror Nov 20, 2024

And with this, Joshua finally concludes his trilogy of ape-themed episodes of The Shadow with “The House of Horror”! The story features a kidnapped gorilla, a fortune teller, and a series of wealthy young socialites who vanish in a taxidermist’s shop! And a plot happens! What will young women be willing to do to find […]

Episode 356: Little Old Lady Nov 14, 2024

Our thanks to our Patreon supporter, Lance, who suggested this week’s episode, “Little Old Lady” from Lights Out! Thanks, Lance! The story features a young college student and her friend paying an unannounced visit to her elderly aunt. But once there, the two find themselves menaced by a large cat and their aunt is behaving […]

Episode 355: The Fall of the House of Usher Oct 31, 2024

Happy Halloween! We’re celebrating the spooky season with CBS Radio Mystery Theater’s adaptation of Edgar Allen Poe’s short story, “The Fall of the House of Usher”! Kevin McCarthy stars in this story of Roderick Usher, a man consumed by nameless fears even as his sister falls in and out of catatonic states indistinguishable from death. […]

Episode 354: The Book of Hell Oct 31, 2024

Our Patreon supporter Zachary sent us to the Listener Library to check out “The Book of Hell” from Nightfall! Thanks, Zachary! The episode features a publishing house struggling to survive which is presented with a strange manuscript from an author who apparently died two years ago. Allegedly, the text is an actual message from hell! […]

Episode 353: The Dark Mirror Oct 23, 2024

This week we’ll be reflecting upon the Screen Director’s Playhouse adaptation of the film, “The Dark Mirror”! Olivia_de_Havilland recreates her dual role as a set of identical twins who come under suspicion for murder. But it’s unclear which was at the scene of the crime, and which had an alibi— and the twins refuse to […]

Episode 352: The Earth Men Oct 16, 2024

For this week’s trip to the Listener Library, one of our Patreon supporters sent us to Mars! Thanks, Mark! We’re listening to Escape’s adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s “The Earth Men”! A band of brave astronauts have arrived on Mars and, while they wait to report back to Earth, they encounter the planet’s inhabitants. But the […]

Episode 351: The Night Marauders Oct 04, 2024

It’s time for another thrilling adventure of The Shadow! This time we’re listening to “The Night Marauders,” in which a series of home invasions attracts Lamont Cranston’s attention when the perpetrators break into Margo’s home! Even as their crimes grow more brutal, the police remain unable to solve the crimes! Will Commissioner Weston accept Lamont’s […]

Episode 350B: Questions and Answers Sep 28, 2024

Our 350th episode celebration continues with a live Q&A at the Bryant-Lake Bowl! Special guest Shanan Custer interviews your Mysterious Old Hosts to find out the true origin of the MORLS and to learn their secret opinions on a wide range of topics! We collected questions from Patreon and the audience and here are the […]

Episode 350: The Most Dangerous Game Sep 20, 2024

It’s our 350th episode and we’re celebrating with live recording of our podcast at the Bryant-Lake Bowl! Our audience joined us for the Suspense adaptation of “The Most Dangerous Game” based on the short story by Richard Connell! The production features Orson Welles as General Zaroff, an eccentric big game hunter who lives a reclusive […]

The Best and Worst of 2023 Awards Sep 12, 2024

It’s that time again! Join us as we celebrate the glorious triumphs and the embarrassing whoopsies of 2023! We’re revisiting all the episodes we listened to last year. Then, based on listener polls, the keen insights of esteemed special guests, and our own incoherent ramblings, one episode shall travel a Long Distance to The Black […]

Episode 349: David Dexter Sep 06, 2024

This week, we take a gamble on a new-to-us series, Diary of Fate! “David Dexter” is the story of a grifter trying to con a recently remarried widow. But Fate has other plans for the man who calls himself David Dexter! When past crimes come back to haunt him, there are no guarantees for who […]

Episode 348: The Gorilla Man Aug 29, 2024

Joshua’s old college friend John suggested we listen to “The Gorilla Man” from The Shadow. So we did! Thanks, John! The story features a man who takes care of a large gorilla at the zoo. He finds himself growing to resemble the beast in his care, and the more he does, the further he retreats […]

Episode 347: The Lifeboat Mutiny Aug 23, 2024

This week we’re listening to an episode of X Minus One recommended to us by our Patreon supporter, Evan. Thanks, Evan! “The Lifeboat Mutiny” is an adaptation of the Robert Sheckley story of the same name. The plot features a crew of space travelers who get a bargain on a used lifeboat. But when the […]

Episode 346: The Tomb Aug 15, 2024

We’re checking out a new-to-us series this week, The Eleventh Hour for an episode entitled “The Tomb!” Robbers take a hostage to help them break into a jewelry shop’s safe, but lives are on the line when the plan takes a turn for the worse! Will their hostage survive? Will the heist ultimately succeed? Is […]

Episode 345: The Mad Scientist Caper Aug 07, 2024

This week we pay our first visit to The Adventures of Sam Spade for an episode entitled “The Mad Scientist Caper”! The story features Dashiell Hammett’s famous detective working for an inventor who believes that that the secrets of one of his creations have been stolen. But the inventor himself may be a bit unhinged! […]

Episode 344: August Heat Aug 01, 2024

As we head into August, we’re listening to the Suspense adaptation of W.F. Harvey’s story, “August Heat”! Ronald Colman stars as an illustrator who inexplicably starts drawing a man on trial. It’s a man the artist has never seen before. Caught up in a strange sense of foreboding, the artist wanders out into the oppressive […]

Episode 343: The Edge of the Shadow Jul 25, 2024

Special guest Shanan Custer joined us at the Bryant-Lake Bowl for this live recording of the MORLS as we listened to “The Edge of the Shadow” from Dark Fantasy! The story features a farmer investigating a strange cut on his cow’s leg, which of course leads to a romantic betrayal, strange omens of the future, […]

Episode 342: The Search for Life Jul 15, 2024

This week we’re paying a visit to the Hermit’s Cave to listen to “The Search for Life”! A scientific breakthrough has enabled a doctor to extend human life, but he may also be able to raise the dead! His colleague hopes to step away from the work, as a way to show his devotion to […]

Patreon Live Performance Preview: The MORLS at Crooners! Jul 08, 2024

Your hosts are taking the weekend off to celebrate July 4th, but we do have a treat for you! We’ve been performing live radio shows on stage at Crooners Supper Club for a while now, and here’s two examples of our work, starring Shanan Custer, Joshua English Scrimshaw, Tim Uren, and Eric Webster ! First, […]

Episode 341: The Burning Court Jul 02, 2024

Suspense began its run with an adaptation of John Dickson Carr’s novel, “The Burning Court” and this week, we’re tuning in to give it a listen! A man discovers an image of a notorious 17th century poisoner who looks like exactly like his wife. And as fate would have it, his friend’s uncle has just […]

Episode 340: The Lost Special Jun 23, 2024

All aboard for this adaptation of an Arthur Conan Doyle mystery that does not feature Sherlock Holmes! “The Lost Special” from Escape depicts the mysterious disappearance of a train that has Scotland Yard utterly baffled. But once they eliminate what is impossible, they begin to see how the crime could have been committed! What happened […]

Episode 339: The Old Nurse’s Story Jun 15, 2024

This week, we’re taking our place once again in the Weird Circle! This episode, “The Old Nurse’s Story” features an adaptation of Elizabeth Gaskell’s short story of the same name. In this tale, a daughter’s ill-conceived marriage drives a wedge between her and her father, leading to a bitter grudge and a promise of revenge. […]

Episode 338: A Thing of Beauty Jun 05, 2024

Special guest Laura Zabel joins us for this week’s episode recorded in front of a live audience at the Bryant-Lake Bowl! We’re listening to “A Thing of Beauty” from Suspense! Angela Lansbury stars as a reclusive woman recounting the days of her youth to two clergymen. She tells them of her time as a renowned […]

Episode 337: The Final Reckoning May 31, 2024

Boris Karloff stars in this week’s episode, “The Final Reckoning” from Creeps by Night! After a convict has his life sentence commuted, his long-planned path of revenge can begin. Soon the man who put him in prison finds a dead rat on his doorstep and is looking for someplace to hide! Will this quest for […]

Episode 336: Shadow of Huntley House May 21, 2024

We’ve been compelled to revisit Obsession! This time for a story entitled “Shadow of Huntley House” (also known as “On the Wild Seas”), a story about a woman reuniting with her estranged twin sister, who was recently widowed. But rather than familial support, the reunion is thick with jealousy and plotting that might result in […]

Episode 335: Wild Jack Rhett May 14, 2024

This week we’re listening to “Wild Jack Rhett,” an episode of Escape set in a small frontier town in the Old West! When the town’s previous sheriff dies, the citizens need to decide what kind of man they want to hire to replace him. But electing to a hire a steely-eyed killer like Wild Jack […]

Episode 334: The Pathetic Fallacy May 06, 2024

This sci-fi themed episode of Quiet Please was recommended to us by our Patreon supporter Lance. Thanks, Lance! Appropriate to the story’s title, “The Pathetic Fallacy” is the story of a scientist who has created a machine capable of computing fantastically complex mathematical problems, but the device seems to willfully be making errors. Soon the […]

Episode 333: The Clock Strikes Eight Apr 29, 2024

Our Patreon supporter Simon recommended we make another Appointment with Fear for an episode entitled, “The Clock Strikes Eight”! Thanks, Simon! John Dickson Carr’s corpulent detective, Gideon Fell, is summoned to meet a woman about to be executed for murder. But this woman has lost all her memories, starting with the victim’s death! Can Fell […]

Episode 332: Death from the Deep Apr 22, 2024

The seas aren’t safe while a madman commands the crew of a submarine, sinking whatever ships it finds! But Lamont Cranston is on the case as The Shadow in this episode entitled “Death from the Deep!” But before he can stop this submarine, the Shadow will need to find it! What motivates the killer to […]

Episode 331: The Wailing Wall Apr 14, 2024

This episode was recorded live at the Bryant-Lake Bowl in Minneapolis with special guest, Shanan Custer! We’re listening to “The Wailing Wall” from Inner Sanctum Mystery, starring Boris Karloff! The story features a murderous husband who can’t seem to escape his crimes! What is the source of the keening sound that haunts him? Is he […]

Episode 330: The Red Light Bandit Apr 09, 2024

A violent series of robberies have Joe Friday and the entire L.A. police force on high alert in this episode of Dragnet, “The Red Light Bandit”! According to his victims, the assailant approached them pretending to be a policeman. Even as a city-wide manhunt fails to stop him, his crimes grow more brutal by the […]

Episode 329: The Cipher Murder Case Mar 30, 2024

Philo Vance returns to the podcast! S.S. Van Dine’s classic detective pits his wits against a gang of robbers targeting upper class house parties in “The Cipher Murder Case.” When one of these robbers kills his own partner, a cipher is found on the dead man’s body that could unmask the mastermind behind the crimes! […]

Episode 328: A Night to Forget Mar 23, 2024

This week, we’re presenting one of our B Sides of the Mysterious Old Radio, an example of the sort of bonus content we make available to our supporters on Patreon! Each B Side is a companion piece to an episode presented as part of our usual podcast. In this case we’re listening to “A Night […]

Episode 327: The Coffin in Studio B Mar 14, 2024

It’s not just any episode of Lights Out this week, it’s a recreation of one of Wyllis Cooper’s scripts from the earliest days of the classic series! “The Coffin in Studio B” features the story of actors and a director struggling to get a production of Lights Out ready in time for its broadcast, but […]

Episode 326: Storm Over the Alps Mar 04, 2024

This week we meet The Man Called X! Herbert Marsall starred as the title character in this series of espionage thrillers. During this episode, “Storm Over the Alps,” X’s investigation into a counterfeiting ring brings him to the Swiss Alps, specifically an area of the mountains with peculiar weather conditions. But instead of answers, he […]

Episode 325: Showgirl Murdered Feb 25, 2024

We’re revisiting the Australian series, The Key, about which not much is known. This episode, “Showgirl Murdered,” tells the story of a man seemingly framed for the murder of his former girlfriend. As the trial proceeds, a variety of circumstances align to prevent him from proving his innocence. Will the true killer be found? Will […]

Episode 324: The Wages of Sin Feb 17, 2024

This week we’re listening to Barbara Stanwyck’s lone appearance on Suspense, “The Wages of Sin”! Stanwyck stars as a hard-boiled woman being used to help cover up a murder. But once the police become involved she comes up with a scheme to secure a sizeable payday for herself! Will she successfully get her payout? Or […]

Episode 323: Gerald Feb 06, 2024

Our mysterious listener (and Patreon supporter and artist) Tim sent us down to the Listener Library for an episode of Nightfall entitled, “Gerald”! Thanks, Tim! This story features a young boy who is drawn down a dark path by a mysterious figure, someone who can’t always be seen or heard. As the child’s actions grow […]

Episode 322: Milford Brooks III Jan 30, 2024

We conclude our trio of inaugural episodes from classic radio series! This time we’re listening to “Milford Brooks III,” the audition episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar! In this initial story, Johnny has to keep the holder of a two-million-dollar life insurance policy holder from committing suicide. Along the way he’ll try to get some […]

Episode 321: The Dead of Night Jan 24, 2024

For the second of our trio of inaugural episodes from classic radio series, we present “Dead of Night,” the audition episode for Escape! This story of a British ventriloquist plagued by paranoia and delusions was adapted from one section of the classic horror anthology film of the same name. When this entertainer encounters his American […]

Episode 320: The Old Ones are Hard to Kill Jan 14, 2024

In the hopes of launching 2024 with some auspicious beginnings, we’re presenting a trio of first episodes from classic radio series! Our mysterious listener Glenn starts us out by celebrating 50 years of CBS Radio Mystery Theater with the series’ debut episode, “The Old Ones are Hard to Kill!” Agnes Moorehead stars as a kindly […]

Patreon Halloween Special: Spirits and Spooks Summoned for Halloween by William Conrad Jan 09, 2024

Before we dive fully into 2024, we’d like to take a moment to share a sample from our Patreon page! Last October, our patrons were treated to a Halloween Special, “Spirits and Spooks Summoned for Halloween by William Conrad,” a 1973 children’s spoken word album! At the end of the year, our Patreon members declared […]

Episode 319: The Signal-Man (Year Seven) Dec 31, 2023

Happy New Year’s Eve! We cannot let the year pass without another adaptation of Charles Dickens’ other famous ghost story, “The Signal-Man.” Unexpectedly, we learned of a version even more contemporary than last year’s, presented by Seeing Ear Theater from 1998! As before, this story depicts a curious stranger who encounters a rail worker beset […]

Episode 318: Jack Frost Dec 25, 2023

We’re spending this Christmas with Candy Matson! This episode, entitled “Jack Frost,” features Candy on the case of a missing assistant to a department store Santa, Jack Frost! When the man who played Jack turns up dead, she needs to call in some festive help from her friend Rembrandt Watson! Who would want to kill […]

Episode 317: The Crisis of Dirk Diamond Dec 24, 2023

This week’s visit to the Listener Library is a gift for Tim from our mysterious listener, Hank. Thanks, Hank! “The Crisis of Dirk Diamond” is an episode of Suspense featuring a cartoonist who’s going to lose his job if he doesn’t come up with a new villain to challenge his protagonist, Dirk Diamond. But when […]

The Best and Worst of 2022 Awards Dec 17, 2023

Join us in this celebratory toast to the peaks and valleys that we traveled through in 2022! Based on listener polls, the keen insights of esteemed special guests, and our own incoherent ramblings, one episode shall be declared the specialty of the house and another shall be declared a real punch to the groin. Who […]

Episode 316: The Man Who Stole a Planet Dec 04, 2023

This week’s episode is “The Man Who Stole a Planet,” from Quiet, Please! Even for this idiosyncratic, and groundbreaking series, this story is one of the stranger ones, featuring tomb raiding, the undead, and natural disasters in the Iron Range! Who is this man? What planet did he steal? Who wrote the script for the […]

Episode 315: The Man in Black Nov 26, 2023

It’s been a while since we’ve payed a visit to The Hall of Fantasy, so we’re stopping by for an episode entitled, “The Man in Black!” The story features two men who encounter a woman terrified by a person she calls “the man in black.” Once she’s found dead, the men become obsessed with finding […]

Episode 314: The Black Room Nov 23, 2023

Happy Thanksgiving! As always, we are most grateful for our listeners and today we’re celebrating with a visit to our Listener Library! Our Mysterious Listener Dave recommended we check out “The Black Room” from CBS Radio Mysterious Theater. Thanks, Dave! The story features a man locked against his will in a light-less, window-less room. The […]

Episode 313: The Cabin Nov 12, 2023

As the weather turns cold, “The Cabin” from Gunsmoke is the perfect was to prepare for the snow! In this story, Marshal Dillon and his horse get caught in a blizzard and his only hope for survival is to find shelter in a small cabin in the middle of nowhere. But what he finds inside […]

Episode 312: Carmilla Oct 31, 2023

Happy Halloween! We conclude our Monster on the Air series with this adaptation Sheridan Le Fanu’s novella, “Carmilla,” from Nightfall! We previously listened to Lucille Fletcher’s adaptation for Columbia Workshop about the mysterious young girl named Carmilla who must suddenly be taken in by a kind man and his lonely daughter. As this daughter and […]

Episode 311: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Oct 29, 2023

We continue with Monsters on the Air, our series of monster-themed episodes to celebrate the Halloween season! Our third installment features “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” from NBC Presents: Short Story! This adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s iconic novella features Victorian chemist Henry Jekyll, whose experiments transform him into a murderous […]

Episode 310: No Grave Can Hold Me Oct 21, 2023

This is our second installment in Monsters on the Air, a series of monster-themed episodes to celebrate the Halloween season! This time we’re listening to “No Grave Can Hold Me” from The Mysterious Traveler! The story features The Great Randolph, a magician sentenced to the death for murder. But Randolph threatens that if he dies […]

Episode 309: Death Prowls at Night Oct 14, 2023

This week we begin Monsters on the Air, a series of monster-themed episodes to celebrate the Halloween season! Our first installment, “Death Prowls at Night,” from the Shadow, features Lamont and Margo taking a ski vacation in a forest that might be home to a werewolf! Is there a real lycanthrope in these woods? Why […]

Episode 308: The Diary of Sophronia Winters Oct 07, 2023

We’re listening to that classic episode of Suspense written by Lucille Fletcher for Agnes Moorehead! No, the other classic episode. Our Mysterious Old Radio Listener and Patreon supporter Brooke recommended we pay a visit to the Listener Library for “The Diary of Sophronia Winters!” A young woman named Sophronia goes out in the world for […]

Episode 307: The Enormous Radio Sep 29, 2023

CBS Radio Workshop adapted John Cheever’s short story “The Enormous Radio” for this week’s episode! It features a married couple whose old radio finally stops working. The replacement they purchase is a large and complicated model that broadcasts more than just classical music. What insights into her friends and neighbors does this new radio provide? […]

Episode 306: The Crime of Bathsheba Spooner Sep 15, 2023

Thanks to our Mysterious Listener Emmett whose enthusiasm for Crime Classics brings us to the Listener Library for an episode entitled “The Crime of Bathsheba Spooner!” Based on the true story of the first woman to be executed in the United States, the script depicts her plot to murder her own husband. How did the […]

Episode 305: This Ain’t No Way to Run a Railroad Sep 04, 2023

We’re trying something new this week, Let George Do It! In this episode, detective George Valentine is hired by a wealthy man who has been thwarted in his attempt to spend a million dollars! The railroad he hopes to buy is losing money and may be haunted. Why has a different detective been hired to […]

Episode 304: Mr. Costello, Hero Aug 27, 2023

Our thanks to our Mysterious Listener Mike for this visit to the Listener Library! Mike recommended we check out the episode of X Minus One entitled, “Mr. Costello, Hero.” The script is an adaptation of Theodore Sturgeon’s short story about a space-faring ship’s purser who encounters a passenger with a peculiar world view and a […]

Episode 303: Conspiracy Aug 14, 2023

For this week’s episode, we went to some experts! Specifically we went to Murder by Experts for a story entitled “Conspiracy!” When a torrential rain threatens to wash away a city, a journalist discovers that the storm is a nearly perfect opportunity to get away with murder! Nearly, but not perfect. A witness to the […]

Episode 302: Long Distance Aug 07, 2023

Our mysterious listener Jillion sent us to the Listener Library for an episode of The Chase entitled “Long Distance”! Thanks, Jillion! The story features Jan Miner as the distraught wife of a man about to be executed for a murder he didn’t commit. Having just found evidence to exonerate him, she’s racing against the clock […]

Episode 301: Murder in the Script Department Jul 24, 2023

We’re listening to one of Arch Oboler’s most Arch Oboler contributions to the famed series Lights Out, an episode entitled, “Murder in the Script Department!” The story features a pair of typists who are obliged to work late into the night to complete a particularly terrifying script for Lights Out. As the evening wears on, […]

Episode 300: Donovan’s Brain, Part 2 Jul 16, 2023

It’s our 300th episode and we’re celebrating with the second half of “Donovan’s Brain,” a special presentation from Suspense! Last week we listened to the first installment, recommended to us by our mysterious listener and Patreon supporter Trevor. Thanks, Trevor! The story features Orson Welles as a scientist experimenting with a brain that has been […]

Episode 299: Donovan’s Brain, Part 1 Jul 09, 2023

We’re on the brink of our 300th episode and we’re marking the event with a special visit to the Listener Library! Our mysterious listener and Patreon supporter Trevor recommended we listen to “Donovan’s Brain,” the first two-part installment of Suspense. Thanks, Trevor! The story features Orson Welles as a scientist convinced he can keep a […]

Episode 298: Two Sharp Knives Jun 30, 2023

Our thanks to our Mysterious Listener Jessica for directing us to the Listener Library for this adaptation of a Dashiell Hammett’s short story “Two Sharp Knives,” presented by Suspense! In this episode, a small town chief of police and his assistant arrest a fugitive wanted for murder. But a lot can happen while they wait […]

Episode 297: Double Murder Jun 18, 2023

BIG TOWN! We’re headed to BIG TOWN for an episode entitled “Double Murder,” in which a woman visits the Illustrated Press to get help finding her missing twin sister. As editor Steve Wilson digs into the disappearance, he discovers lies, bribes, and murder! Will he learn what happened to the missing sister? What are the […]

Episode 296: The Doll Jun 12, 2023

We’re returning to the Weird Circle for an episode entitled “The Doll,” an adaptation of Fitz-James O’Brien’s short story, “The Wondersmith.” The story begins with the creator of an ingenious doll confessing to the murder of a fortune teller. And it only gets stranger from there. What criminal plot first brought the two of them […]

Episode 295: A Murderous Revision Jun 03, 2023

This episode of Suspense comes from the Listener Library, recommended to us by our Mysterious Listener, Pip. Thanks, Pip! “Murderous Revision” features a writer of crime stories who loses his job after clashing with his producer over the quality of his scripts. To take his revenge and prove his mastery, he plans to record a […]

Episode 294: The Black Tie Affair May 14, 2023

This trip to the Listener Library is at the request of a whole family of Mysterious Old Radio Listeners and Patreon supporters! Our thanks to Tom, Barb, Christy, and Jeff! They’ve sent us to “The Black Tie Affair” from Bold Venture starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall! The iconic duo star as Slate and Sailor, […]

Episode 293: Dark Side of the Mind May 07, 2023

This time, we are joined by one of our most generous Patreon supporters, Michael! We’re listening to an episode Michael chose for us, “Dark Side of the Mind” from Nightfall! In this story, a married couple reunite with an old college friend, only to discover that he’s grown more cynical and morose. Why is he […]

Episode 292: The Island of Ancient Death Apr 25, 2023

Eric brings us back for another visit to The Shadow, this time with a story entitled, “The Island of Ancient Death!” In this story, Margo and Lamont come to an exotic island at the request of a woman who has seen her own face painted in a horrific mural. What secrets lie hidden within the […]

Episode 291: Split Second Apr 14, 2023

This week, we’re listening to another episode of Vanishing Point, the mind-bending Canadian series from the 1980s. “Split Second” is an adaptation of a story by Daphne du Maurier about a woman who leaves her home for a short walk and returns to find the world is not as she left it. Is she the […]

Episode 290: Powder River Kid Apr 02, 2023

Joshua has brought another episode of Frontier Gentleman hoping that it receives a warmer reception than his first try! This episode, entitled “Powder River Kid,” features the titular British journalist on a carriage ride across Montana in the company of a chatty bullwhacker and his doddering old father. But soon the party finds a trio […]

Episode 289: Zero Hour Mar 25, 2023

Our thanks to our Mysterious Listener and Patreon Supporter Carl for recommending this episode from the Listener Library, “Zero Hour” from Suspense! This adaptation of a story by Ray Bradbury features a strange children’s game called “invasion.” This game seems to have suddenly become an obsession of kids across the country, all working toward a […]

Episode 288: Milwaukee Deep Mar 09, 2023

We’re listening to our first episode of Sears Radio Theater, “Milwaukee Deep,” one of the show’s Friday night installments, featuring tales of high adventure! The story features a coast guard officer sent undercover to investigate a string of missing ships, seemingly lost in the depths of the Milwaukee Deep. His investigation soon brings him face […]

Episode 287: The Devil’s Workshop Mar 01, 2023

We’re paying another visit to Inner Sanctum Mystery with an episode rebroadcast by the Armed Forces Radio Network, “The Devil’s Workshop,” by John Roeburt! The story features a man who has dedicated his life to the creation of sinister wax figures, sold to wax museums around the world. But within his workshop, the real and […]

Episode 286: Little Jake Feb 21, 2023

This week is our first foray into Pete Kelly’s Blues, a series featuring Jack Webb as a jazz cornet player who gets wrapped up in the seedy side of Prohibition-era Kansas City. This episode, entitled “Little Jake,” features Pete receiving an unwanted envelope that leads to brutal violence and unspeakable tragedy. What will happen when […]

Episode 285: Hideout Feb 11, 2023

William Conrad stars in this episode of Dark Venture entitled “Hideout!” The story features a fugitive, wanted by both the police and criminals after a game of cards turns deadly. But the more he runs, the more it seems as if the cards are stacked against him! Can he find a way out of this […]

Episode 284: The Thirteenth Sound Feb 02, 2023

We’re joined this week by one of our most generous Patreon supporters, Katherine, to listen to an episode of her choosing, “The Thirteenth Sound” from Suspense! The production features Agnes Moorehead and William Johnstone in the tale of a murderer tormented by grating noises and a guilty conscience. As the story unfolds, it both draws […]

Episode 283: Number 31 Jan 27, 2023

Join us as we return to The Adventures of Ellery Queen for an episode entitled, “Number 31!” Ellery Queen begins working on a case of overseas smuggling, but is interrupted by the seemingly unrelated disappearance of a butler. As Queen investigates the two cases, he finds they both significantly feature the number 31, suggesting that […]

Episode 282: Come as You Are Jan 17, 2023

This time we’ve been sent down to the Listener Library by a particularly mysterious listener, an individual known only as “S.” Thanks, S! The recommendation is an episode of Price of Fear called “Come as You Are,” featuring the one and only Vincent Price! This story depicts Price begrudgingly attending a costume party at a […]

Episode 281: Junkyard Jan 09, 2023

We start the new year with eyes on the future! “Junkyard” is an episode of “X Minus One,” in which a starship investigates a mysterious collection of junk on a supposedly uninhabited planet. But they quickly discover they cannot leave as something is stealing one of their most precious resources. Will they be able to […]

Episode 280: The Signal-Man (Year Six) Dec 31, 2022

Happy New Year! As has become our annual tradition, we are listening to yet another adaptations of Charles Dickens’ other famous ghost story, “The Signal-Man.” This time, we are checking out the most contemporary version on our list, the episode of Nightfall first broadcast on December 17, 1982! As before, this story depicts a curious […]

Episode 279: Back for Christmas Dec 26, 2022

We’re celebrating Christmas with this holiday-themed episode of Suspense! In “Back for Christmas,” Peter Lorre stars as a hen-pecked husband who concocts a fiendish plan to start a new life apart from his spouse. Can his scheme succeed without his wife’s oversight? What might bring him back home for Christmas? Do our faces match our […]

Episode 278: Tanglefoot Dec 21, 2022

The gauntlet has been thrown! Our mysterious listener Sam claimed we were too afraid to go to the darkest corners of the Listener Library for “Tanglefoot,” an episode of Quiet, Please! The time has come to prove our courage! The story features Buck, a plumber who discovers that he doesn’t know as much about flies […]

Episode 277: The Man in 206 Dec 18, 2022

“The Man in 206” from Dark Venture was brought to us by our generous Patreon subscriber Greg, who joins us as our guest! In this story, a landlord suspects that one of his tenants is the murderous madman known as “The Executioner!” Can he convince the inspector who lives in the building of his suspicions? […]

Episode 276: The Man from Damascus Dec 09, 2022

We are joined by our Patreon subscriber Ryan as we continue to express our gratitude for our most generous supporters! Ryan has brought us an episode from a series we haven’t listened to before, Rocky Jordon! This story, entitled “The Man from Damascus,” features an ominous offer from a stranger who claims to have once […]

Episode 275: The Shadow Challenged Dec 01, 2022

Our gratitude to our most generous Patreon supporters continues, this time featuring our patron Mark! Mark joins us a for a discussion of an episode of his choosing, “The Shadow Challenged” from The Shadow! This unique installment in the series features Frank Readick, who played the title character back when he was simply the host […]

The Best and Worst of 2021 Awards Nov 24, 2022

Remember 2021? That’s what we’re doing this Thanksgiving! Based on listener polls, the keen insights of esteemed special guests, and our own incoherent ramblings, one episode shall be declared the creme de la creme and another shall be declared the ham and bananas hollandaise. Who will win this Battle of Magicians? Who will feel the […]

Episode 274: Action Nov 19, 2022

In November, we say thank you to some of our most generous Patreon supporters by inviting them to join us a for a discussion of an episode of their choosing! For this installment, our guest Jeff has selected “Action” from Escape! This adaptation of C.E. Montague’s short story features a man attempting a near-impossible climb […]

Episode 273: The Crowd Nov 12, 2022

As the last bit of our month-long encouragement to check out our Patreon, we present this adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s “The Crowd” presented by Suspense! For our Patreon supporters, it’s a timely accompaniment to our next Mysterious Old Book Club, featuring an online group discussion of Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes! This adaptation features […]

Patreon B-Sides Preview: “Adventure in Paris” Oct 31, 2022

Every once in a while during our discussions, we are inspired to explore a second episode as a response or supplement to the first. (Or sometimes we just get a random whim…) That’s where our semi-regular B-Sides Bonus Episodes allow us to provide that additional material for our Patreon members! For example, at the end […]

Patreon Live Performance Preview: “Battle of the Magicians” Oct 26, 2022

On June 26, 2022 we performed our own version of “Battle of the Magicians” from Lights Out on stage at Park Square Theatre! Our Patreon members have access to video recordings of all of our performances as part of their subscription, and we’re sharing this audio recording as a sample of the benefits of supporting […]

Episode 272: The Doctor Prescribed Death Oct 12, 2022

This October is our Patreon pledge drive and we continue to try to entice you to support us via Patreon with this, the only episode of Suspense to feature Bela Lugosi, “The Doctor Prescribed Death!” (Lugosi just happens to be the topic of discussion for this month’s online Happy Hour, where patrons can chat live […]

Episode 271e: The McCormick Matter, Part 5 Oct 10, 2022

Today is the exciting conclusion of “The McCormick Matter,” from Yours Truly Johnny Dollar! All week long we’ve been releasing one installment per day as part of our Patreon drive month! The finale begins with Dollar suffering from a bullet wound, searching for the woman he now knows to be McCormick’s wife! Who did steal […]

Episode 271d: The McCormick Matter, Part 4 Oct 09, 2022

It’s our Patreon drive month and part of the celebration is listening to all five parts of “The McCormick Matter” from Yours Truly Johnny Dollar, one per day for the whole week! Today’s episode is part 4 of the run, in which Dollar’s investigation of a jewel theft has become a murder investigation! What’s the […]

Episode 271c: The McCormick Matter, Part 3 Oct 08, 2022

Today we are listening to part 3 of “The McCormick Matter”from Yours Truly Johnny Dollar as part of our Patreon drive month! In this installment, Dollar continues to dig into an unsolved jewelry theft from years ago. And as the police are close in on the main suspect, Johnny hunts for the man’s ex-wife. How […]

Episode 271b: The McCormick Matter, Part 2 Oct 07, 2022

Our Patreon drive month continues with part 2 of “The McCormick Matter,” from our week-long journey into Yours Truly Johnny Dollar! This is the second episode in the investigation of an unsolved jewelry theft from years ago. Based on a tip given by a dying convict, Johnny interviews both the owner of the jewels and […]

Episode 271a: The McCormick Matter, Part 1 Oct 06, 2022

It’s our Patreon drive month! We’ve got a whole bunch of special offerings to give all our listeners a taste of the extra content enjoyed by all of our Patreon supporters! For example, you can get a sample of our “Cliffhangers of Doom” bonus episodes! (And thank you to everyone who already does supports us!) […]

Patreon “Cliffhangers of Doom” Preview: City of the Dead, Part 1 Oct 05, 2022

In February of 2020, we debuted “Cliffhangers of Doom,” a new type of bonus content for our patrons which featured serialized tales from the Golden Age of Radio! We’re hoping to entice our listeners to join our Patreon page by sharing this sample of “Cliffhangers of Doom,” the first episode of “City of the Dead” […]

Episode 270: The First Letter Oct 04, 2022

Our thanks to Kaj for sending us down to the Listener Library for the debut episode of a show we haven’t checked out yet, “The First Letter” from Box 13! The series features Alan Ladd as Dan Holiday, a writer who has posted an ad seeking adventure! In this first installment, a woman asks for […]

Episode 269: The Clicking Silver Sep 27, 2022

Based on the novels by Frances Crane, The Adventures of the Abbotts featured the mystery-solving husband and wife team, Pat and Jean Abbott! This particular episode, “The Clicking Silver,” tells the story of a visit to a steel factory that results in murder and a reunion with an old flame! (Fair warning, the story includes […]

Episode 268: Deep Deep is My Love Sep 17, 2022

We’re going deep, deep into the Listener Library for this episode of Suspense, “Deep Deep is My Love,” recommended to us by our mysterious listener Elena! Thanks, Elena! This production features Lloyd Bridges as a diver whose compulsion for solitude has driven him to an undersea grotto where he may have seen a miraculous vision. […]

Episode 267: The Playground Sep 11, 2022

We’re not too old to pay a visit to “The Playground,” an adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s short story from Vanishing Point! The story features Charlie, a young father who wrestles with his own troubled childhood as his own son wants to go play with other children. When Charlie visits the neighborhood playground, it looks sinister […]

Episode 266: The Sidewinder Matter Aug 31, 2022

Our Mysterious Listener Waymon really wanted us to listen to another episode of Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar! So we are paying another visit to the Listener Library for this standalone installment of the iconic series, “The Sidewinder Matter!” This story features Johnny and his action-packed expense account investigating a bitter feud over poisoned cattle. Along […]

Episode 265: Conqueror’s Isle Aug 21, 2022

We return to Escape for “Conqueror’s Isle,” an adaptation of the short story by Nelson Bond! The story features a Navy pilot who, after a three year absence, returns with a strange tale of landing on an island inhabited by a group that seems superior to humanity in almost every way. What ultimate goal is […]

Episode 264: Death Robbery Aug 07, 2022

This episode of Lights Out comes from our Listener Library based on a recommendation from our mysterious listener, Zachary! Thanks, Zachary! This particular story, entitled “Death Robbery,” is one of the few surviving episodes to feature a script written by the creator Wyllis Cooper, and even these extant recordings are all revivals of Cooper’s writing […]

Episode 263: If a Body Need a Body Just Call Burke and Hare Jul 23, 2022

This is the second of two episodes recorded live in front of an audience at Open Eye Theatre, featuring special guest, Shanan Custer! Our audience joined us listening to “If a Body Need a Body Just Call Burke and Hare” from Crime Classics! In the poorest parts of mid-19th century Edinburgh, William Burke and William […]

Episode 262: Never Follow a Banjo Act Jul 12, 2022

This episode is the first of two recorded live in front of an audience at Open Eye Theatre, featuring special guest, Shanan Custer! We started the evening with the legendary Ethel Merman starring in “Never Follow a Banjo Act” from Suspense! In this story, Merman plays an “mature” singer hired to share the stage with […]

Episode 261: Expectant Father Jul 04, 2022

We’re late, but that won’t stop us from celebrating Father’s Day! To mark the occasion, we’re heading down to the Listener Library for a dad-themed episode of Night Beat entitled “Expectant Father.” Our thanks to Diana for recommending the story! Your usual hosts are joined this time by our summer intern (and Joshua’s son) Aaron! […]

Episode 260: The Honky Tonkers Jun 27, 2022

We’re headed back to the Old West, this time listening to an episode of Frontier Gentleman, entitled “The Honky Tonkers!” In this story, the titular British journalist finds himself passing the night in a rough-and-tumble saloon where a drunken argument breaks out. Guns are drawn, blood is spilled, and the true natures of the assembled […]

Episode 259: The Chess Master Jun 20, 2022

Our thanks to our mysterious listener Joe, whose extraordinary effort convinced us to visit a corner of the Listener Library we’ve been known to avoid, the CBS Radio Mystery Theater section! Based on Joe’s recommendation, we’re listening to an episode entitled, “The Chess Master,” featuring a performance by Fred Gwynn! The story features a man […]

Episode 258: The Voice on the Wire Jun 02, 2022

What’s on the other side of the world’s squeakiest door? Another episode of Inner Sanctum Mystery of course! This installment, entitled “The Voice on the Wire,” features a young widow who is being apparently haunted by the ghosts of her late husband and their dog. She hears his voice on the phone threatening her imminent […]

Episode 257: The House of Mystery Case May 17, 2022

Who’s that singing in the Listener Library? Richard Diamond Private Detective, of course! Our thanks to our mysterious listener Matt for recommending “The House of Mystery Case!” A client has called on our musical protagonist to help her uncover the secrets behind her supposedly haunted house. If she doesn’t have the nerve to remain, she […]

Episode 256: Final Resting Place May 11, 2022

It’s been more than five years since the last time we checked out an episode of Macabre. This week, we return for a story titled “Final Resting Place!” This installment of the series recorded by members of the Far East Network features a pair of young newlyweds who take up a bizarre challenge at a […]

Episode 255: Clarissa May 02, 2022

Our Mysterious Listener Anna has sent us to the Listener Library for “Clarissa,” an episode of Quiet Please! Thanks, Anna! This story features a young mathematician who befriends the elderly man who rents a room to him. Soon, the younger man begins to hear the singing of an unseen child. The landlord claims that it […]

Episode 254: The Pit and the Pendulum Apr 22, 2022

This week features Appointment with Fear’s adaptation of a classic tale of torment and despair by Edgar Allen Poe! “The Pit and the Pendulum” tells the story of a soldier in Napoleon’s army who is captured and then sentenced by the Spanish Inquisition to a horrific fate. What torture awaits him in this diabolical prison? […]

Episode 253: Specialty of the House Apr 15, 2022

We’ve had many requests for this particular installment from the Listener Library, “Specialty of the House” from The Price of Fear! As was always the case with the series, Vincent Price stars as a fictionalized version of himself, relating diabolical tales from his adventures as a globe-trotting gourmand. This particular script is actually an adaptation […]

Episode 252: The Statue of Thor Apr 06, 2022

This week we go way back for an episode of The Witch’s Tale, “The Statue of Thor”! The story features a hedonistic sculptor who constantly ridicules the brawny model posing for him. As the artist grows more cruel and self-indulgent, he may incur the wrath of the gods! Will the the model catch on to […]

Episode 251: Never Pester Chester Mar 26, 2022

Our thanks to our mysterious listener Jessica for sending us back to our Listener Library for “Never Pester Chester” from Gunsmoke! This episode features Marshal Dillon on the trail of two cruel men who made the mistake of attacking his friend Chester. But given Dillon’s anger and sense of responsibility, it isn’t clear if he […]

Episode 250: The Final Problem Mar 16, 2022

For our 250th episode we listen to an adaptation of a landmark detective story, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Final Problem,” presented by The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes! In this broadcast, Sir John Gielgud’s Sherlock Holmes attempts to once and for all put an end to the criminal machinations of Orson Welles’ James Moriarty! Will […]

Episode 249: Kaleidoscope Mar 07, 2022

Join us this week for an adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s short story, “Kaleidoscope,” presented by Suspense! A group of astronauts suddenly find themselves in a hopeless situation, one that forces them to confront how they’ve lived their lives. Some are content, others bitter. But does any of that matter when facing death? Are we all […]

Episode 248: The Case of Clarence Hogan Feb 24, 2022

It’s been almost 250 episodes and we are still discovering shows we’ve never listened to before! This week, we check out Up for Parole! Based on real cases, the show presents stories as told by convicts addressing a parole board. This installment, “The Case of Clarence Hogan,” features a ranch hand whose hard life led […]

Episode 247: The Waxwork Feb 14, 2022

We’re paying another visit to our Listener Library for an episode of Suspense recommended to us by our Patreon supporter, Marc. Thanks, Marc! This production adapts A.M. Burrage’s story, “The Waxwork,” and features a one-man performance by William Conrad! In this story, a journalist in need of cash bargains to pass the night in a […]

Episode 246: The Blind Beggar Dies Feb 02, 2022

Our Patreon supporter James suggested that we listen to “The Blind Beggar Dies” from The Shadow! In this story, the enigmatic vigilante seeks justice for the murder of a blind man and fights to protect the city’s poor. But even the power to cloud men’s minds may not be enough to save him if the […]

Episode 245: Trespassers Will Be Experimented Upon Jan 26, 2022

Many thanks to our Patreon supporter Chris for suggesting we take up the challenge of this Theatre 10:30 episode, “Trespassers Will Be Experimented Upon!” written by Anthony Lee Flanders. This strange narrative features a brilliant scientist and his acclaimed sex-symbol wife racing through a storm to a castle in Saskatchewan. There, they will come face […]

Episode 244: Subbasement Jan 17, 2022

Our thanks to our Patreon supporter Jules for suggesting this episode of Lights Out, “Subbasement!” The story features a husband grudgingly granting his wife a tour of his subterranean workplace. Beneath the city’s department stores, the buildings are connected by a dark tunnel that seems to be abandoned as the couple make their way through […]

Patreon Secrets Preview: The Diamond as Big as the Ritz Jan 12, 2022

We’re beginning 2022 with a little enticement to join our Patreon page! When our patrons checked out their monthly bonus content in August of last year, they got an installment of the members-only series, Secrets of the Mysterious Old Radio, which featured “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz,” from Escape! And as it happens, […]

Episode 243: The Signal-Man (Year Five) Jan 01, 2022

Happy New Year! We are celebrating every last drop of the holiday season, ending the year with our traditional presentation of different adaptations of Charles Dickens’ other famous ghost story, “The Signal-Man.” The first time we did this, we listened to the 1956 Suspense version featuring Sarah Churchill. This time around, we return to Suspense […]

Episode 242: The Case of the Slaughtered Santas Dec 26, 2021

Merry Christmas! It’s time for another visit from our favorite fat man, Nero Wolfe! Legendary actor Sydney Greenstreet brought Rex Stout’s famous detective to life throughout The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe! In this episode, “The Case of the Slaughtered Santas,” Wolfe and his assistant Archie Goodwin are called upon to solve a series of […]

Episode 241: Murder on the Train Dec 24, 2021

Our holiday celebration continues! Tim is again offering a gift episode to his co-hosts! This time, his selection is a present for Joshua, “Murder on the Train” from The Adventures of Leonidas Witherall! The series is based on a run of detective novels by Alice Tilton, a pen name used by Phoebe Atwood Taylor! The […]

Episode 240: The Locomotive Ghost Dec 24, 2021

To celebrate he holidays, Tim is offering gift episodes to his co-hosts! The first offering is a present for Eric, “The Locomotive Ghost” from The Mysterious Traveler! In this story, two men engineer a train wreck in order to steal the fortune on board. But a strange old man warns them that trains are living […]

Episode 239: A Pride of Carrots Dec 20, 2021

For this episode, we are joined by our esteemed Patreon supporter, Atticus! Atticus has brought us an episode of CBS Radio Workshop, “A Pride of Carrots!” Written and narrated by the novelist Robert Nathan, the story concerns the first astronauts to reach Venus and the fantastical creatures they find there. Will the Earthmen be able […]

Episode 238: The House of Death Dec 05, 2021

This week we’re listening to “The House of Death,” an episode of The Mysterious Traveler recommended to us by to esteemed Patreon supporter, Patricia! Thanks, Patricia! The story features two elderly sisters whose extended visit with their nephew and niece seems to have become permanent captivity or worse, a death sentence! But despite their failing […]

Episode 237: Four Went Home Nov 29, 2021

This episode of Escape was recommended to us by to our esteemed Patreon supporter, Tim! In “Four Went Home,” a small group of soldiers held in a German POW Camp must weigh their options near the end of World War II. The longer they remain imprisoned, the more likely they are to be executed by […]

Episode 236: The Fisherman and his Soul Nov 18, 2021

As a reward for his top-tier Patreon support of the MORLS, Brian joins us this week to discuss an episode of his choosing, “The Fisherman and his Soul!” The script is an adaptation of an Oscar Wilde story, produced for Columbia Workshop. The tale features a fisherman who falls in love with a mermaid, only […]

Episode 235: Ringing the Changes Oct 31, 2021

Happy Halloween! We found this treat in our Listener Library. Our mysterious listener Ben recommended “Ringing the Changes” from Nightfall. Thanks, Ben! This episode adapts a story by Robert Aikman about a newlywed couple whose plans take them to the small seaside town of Holyhaven on Halloween. But for some reason the town’s bells continue […]

Episode 234: The Big Cast Oct 31, 2021

Our thanks to Paul whose recommendation has sent us to the Listener Library for another episode of Dragnet, “The Big Cast!” Friday and Romero bring in a suspect who may be responsible for several missing persons cases. But once they begin to interrogate him, his peculiar behavior makes the detectives wonder what motive might connect […]

Episode 233: Death of a Picture Hanger Oct 23, 2021

This episode of Crime Classics features a tale of the Old West, told in a style that blends tragedy, wry comedy, and historic documentary. “Death of a Picture Hanger” is a series of a surprising vignettes that lead to the inevitable. Who is the picture hanger mentioned in the title? How should one keep track […]

Episode 232: The Parade Oct 17, 2021

There’s a big event in the Listener Library this week! Our mysterious listener Jessica recommended we listen to “The Parade” from X Minus One. Thanks, Jessica! An ambitious promoter is hired to tease an impending event with the simple slogan, “The Martians are coming.” As more money gets spent to advertise the big day, the […]

Episode 231: The Hands of Mr. Smith Oct 13, 2021

It’s been a while, but this week brings us The Haunting Hour once again! In “The Hands of Mr. Smith,” a pair of criminals get a shot at one big payday. But when the moment comes, Smith can’t control his homicidal impulses. Will their partnership survive this murder? Is this ultimately a ghost story or […]

Episode 230: Too Many Smiths Oct 04, 2021

For this trip to the Listener Library, we’re listening to Hume Cronyn in “Too Many Smiths” from Suspense! Our thanks to our Mysterious Listener Kimberly for recommending this tale of a man who believes he can make a fortune from a slogan writing contest for toothpaste. But complications soon demand that he go further than […]

Episode 229: Skylab, Are You There? Sep 23, 2021

This week we launch ourselves into the world of Rod Serling’s Zero Hour for an episode entitled “Skylab, Are You There?” William Shatner and Casey Kasem contribute to this story of an astronaut who in desperate need of medical help. What mystery awaits when that help arrives? Why have we never heard the details of […]

Episode 228: Bon Voyage Sep 16, 2021

Our Mysterious Listener Keith kindly sent us back into the Lights Out section of our Listener Library for an episode entitled “Bon Voyage!” Two elderly women have bought passage on a ship that departs at midnight, but they soon discover that the sea offers no refuge from the secret that haunts them. Why have these […]

Episode 227: In Flanders Fields Sep 07, 2021

“In Flanders Fields” is an unusual episode of The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, featuring older versions of Holmes and Watson visiting the front lines of World War I! On the eve of a major offensive, a theatrical presentation has been planned to entertain the troops. But something sinister is waiting in the wings, a […]

Episode 226: Tissue Memory Aug 31, 2021

Our Mysterious Listener Todd has directed us to the more contemporary areas of the Listener Library, recommending “Tissue Memory” from the BBC’s Fear on Four! Thanks, Todd! This story, written by Judy Upton, features a young woman named Anna who begins to have visions of another life after receiving a donor heart. These visions seem […]

Episode 225: The Heart of Kali Aug 25, 2021

Our installment this week was the final episode of the iconic series, Escape! “The Heart of Kali” features a down-on-his-luck veteran desperate to return to India to recover a temple’s treasure. But to do so, he must sink to the depths of human brutality. How far will he go to claim his prize? What fate […]

Episode 224: The House with a Past Aug 17, 2021

It’s time to pay another visit to The Hermit’s Cave for an episode entitled “The House with a Past!” Our thanks to Roberta for recommending this particular contribution to our Listener Library. The story features a young couple who move into a house that has an eerie reputation in the neighborhood. Soon they begin to […]

Episode 223: Who Goes There? Aug 10, 2021

This week we’re listening to a very modern adaptation of a classic story of sci-fi and horror, “Who Goes There?” from the BBC series, Chillers! The script is adapted from the novella of the same name written by John W. Campbell, Jr. (under the pen name Don A. Stuart). This tale of a small group […]

Episode 222: The Ring of Thoth Jul 29, 2021

Our thanks to our Mysterious Listener Paul for recommending this adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Ring of Thoth” from Escape! Thanks, Paul! Inside the Louvre, an old Egyptian man tells the story of a near-immortal priest. To this day, the priest searches the world for a ring that will grant him his heart’s […]

Episode 221: The Village of Doom Jul 19, 2021

This week, The Shadow takes a trip to “The Village of Doom,” and we’re going with him! A small town reaches out to the crime-fighter when death itself seems to be holding the population hostage! Can the Shadow uncover the truth behind this mysterious threat before he becomes the next victim? Is this the most […]

Episode 220: Hot Rod Accident Jul 16, 2021

We’re making a particularly special trip to the Listener Library this week for an episode of Defense Attorney, a series recommended to us by our long-time supporter, Chip! Thanks, Chip, and we wish you a speedy recovery! The show featured Mercedes McCambridge in the title role, and in this particular story, “The Hot Rod Accident,” […]

Episode 219: The Werewolf Jul 05, 2021

This week we pay a visit to the early days of the legendary series, Dragnet! In this episode, “The Werewolf,” an elusive maniac is terrorizing the city with a series of seemingly random attacks on young women. Sergeant Joe Friday and the rest of the LAPD have been tasked to use every resource at their […]

Episode 218: The Thing in the Window Jun 26, 2021

This week’s visit to the Listener Library provides us with a startling view! Our thanks to our Mysterious Listener Keara for recommending “The Thing in the Window” from Suspense! This Lucille Fletcher-penned tale features an out-of-work actor who becomes fixated on a window across from his own. Despite what everyone else claims, he insists that […]

The Best and Worst of 2020 Awards Jun 21, 2021

Gentle listeners, please join us as we fondly recall the best episodes of 2020 and ruefully regret the worst! Based on listener polls, the learned opinions of esteemed special guests, and our own dubious blithering, one episode shall be declared a mighty champion and another shall be declared a raging dumpster fire. Which episode will […]

Episode 217: The Ghost Jun 07, 2021

Not much is known about The Key, the Australian series that produced this week’s episode, “The Ghost!” The story features a puzzle master who is called upon to solve the mystery of a strange spirit haunting two elderly women. But he soon discovers that the supernatural details defy all rational explanation! (Note that the recording […]

Episode 216: The Author and the Thing May 30, 2021

This week’s visit to the Listener Library was requested by two Mysterious Old Radio fans from overseas! Thanks to both Katherine and Stuart for recommending we listen to “The Author and the Thing!” This recording of Arch Obloler’s script served as the final episode of Lights Out in 1943. Of course, the series could never […]

Episode 215: Ticket to Tangier May 13, 2021

This month includes Orson Welles’ birthday and we celebrate with this episode of The Lives of Harry Lime! The series chronicles the adventures of the notorious rogue before his famous appearance in the classic film, The Third Man. In this story, entitled “Ticket to Tangier,” Lime answers an enigmatic message inviting him to Tangier. This […]

Episode 214: One Hundred in the Dark May 06, 2021

Our thanks to James for sending us back to the Listener Library for this episode of Suspense! “One Hundred in the Dark” is a tale of mystery told to the members of a gentleman’s club for art appreciation. In this story, the hostess of a dinner party discovers that a crime has been committed and […]

Episode 213: The Lodger Apr 27, 2021

No, we’re not repeating ourselves (yet). You may recall that back in episode 166 we listened to the adaptation of Marie Bellic Lowndes’ short story/novel, “The Lodger” that was used to launch Suspense! This week we are checking out a different interpretation, presented by Mystery in the Air and featuring Peter Lorre and Agnes Moorehead! […]

Episode 212: S.O.S. Apr 18, 2021

Despite Joshua’s illness, we’re making another trip to the Listener Library! This time we’re checking out an episode of The Mysterious Traveler, recommended to us by both Jeffery and Paul! Thanks to you both! This story, entitled “S.O.S.,” features three men who have been cast adrift recalling their supposedly fool-proof crime! What could have possibly […]

Episode 211: The Cheesecake Murder Case Apr 09, 2021

This week is our first encounter with Philo Vance, the radio series based on the iconic detective created by S. S. Van Dine. In this episode, “The Cheesecake Murder Case,” the police think a deadly crime has already been solved, but Vance suspects the murderous thief is still on the loose! What details of the […]

Episode 210: Battle of the Magicians Mar 29, 2021

We’re paying another visit to our Listener Library this week, checking out “Battle of the Magicians” from the legendary series, Lights Out! Our thanks to our Mysterious Listener Tim for the recommendation! This recording is a revival of an earlier Lights Out script written by Wyllis Cooper about a mysterious occult figure known as Saladin […]

Episode 209: He Who Follows Me Mar 20, 2021

UPDATE: The date we give for the episode’s initial broadcast is incorrect! The actual date was March 11, 1950 and was rebroadcast on October 26, 1953. Richard Thorne adapted M.R. James’ ghost story “Count Magnus” for this episode of Hall of Fantasy, entitled “He Who Follows Me!” In this installment, a husband and wife apparently […]

Episode 208: The Louis Spence Case Mar 11, 2021

This episode is the fourth of our four-part series featuring one of our Patreon members who supports us at the highest level! This time, we welcome Evan as we listen to an episode of his choosing, “The Louis Spence Case” from the series Richard Diamond, Private Detective! In this installment, the legendary singing detective must […]

Episode 207: Meshougah Feb 27, 2021

Our thanks to Christian, a Patreon supporter at the highest level, who joins us as we listen to an episode of his choosing, “Meshougah” from the classic Western series, Gunsmoke! Wait, we’re listening to Westerns now? Well, this story does have crime, horror, and suspense! (For some great background on Gunsmoke, check out Episode 90 […]

Episode 206: The Night Man Feb 19, 2021

For this episode we are joined by Kelly, a Patreon supporter at the highest level! Kelly has chosen this week’s selection, “The Night Man,” written by Lucille Fletcher for Suspense! In this story, a woman tries to convince a prison warden that one of his prisoners, a man she convicted of murder with her testimony, […]

Episode 205: Brave New World, Parts 1 & 2 Feb 08, 2021

This episode features special guest David, a Patreon supporter at the highest level! David has chosen the CBS Radio Workshop adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, told in two parts. Thanks, David! Huxley himself narrated this version of his classic dystopic vision. In the future, industry has completely eclipsed morality, and hedonism has replaced […]

Episode 204: Only the Dead Die Twice Feb 04, 2021

This week’s episode corresponds to the second installment of our Mysterious Old Radio Watching Society! After listening to “Only the Dead Die Twice” from Inner Sanctum, head over to our YouTube page to watch “Dead Level,” the adaptation of this story used for the unaired pilot of the Inner Sanctum television series! In this tale, […]

Episode 203: The Devil in the Deep Freeze Jan 27, 2021

No special event this week! We’re just listening to Candy Matson for the sheer pleasure of it. In this episode the San Francisco-based detective is called in to investigate a dead body discovered in a restaurant. Some time after that, she goes to the opera! Is that essentially the whole story? Is the food any […]

Episode 202: Present Tense Jan 18, 2021

We’re listening to another episode of Escape featuring Vincent Price! This time it’s “Present Tense,” the story of a man on the way to his execution after being convicted of murdering his wife. But before being put to death, he will go to any lengths to avoid his predicament. Is his wife truly dead? Can […]

Episode 201: The Signal-Man (Year Four) Jan 01, 2021

Happy New Year! As the holiday season comes to a close, it’s time for our annual visit to the diligent man who lives by the rails. This is our fourth year sharing an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ other famous ghost story, “The Signal-Man.” We listen to the Lights Out adaptation this year and as before, […]

Episode 200: The Hitchhiker Dec 30, 2020

Not only is this the conclusion of our Suspense-o-rama, a whole bunch of episodes from the classic series, it’s also our 200th episode! We are celebrating this momentous landmark by listening to a story written by the esteemed Lucille Fletcher and performed by the one-and-only Orson Welles, a tale entitled, “The Hitchhiker!” Welles plays a […]

Episode 199: Bells Dec 27, 2020

Our Suspense-o-rama continues, featuring a whole bunch of episodes from the classic series that were recommended by our listeners! Our fifth installment in the series is “Bells,” the story of a young couple whose search for a new house seems to get some mysterious assistance. Once they move in, supernatural forces seem to descend upon […]

Episode 198: Murder in G-Flat Dec 20, 2020

Welcome to our fourth installment of our Suspense-o-rama, a whole bunch of episodes from the classic series that were recommended by our listeners! This time we are listening to “Murder in G-Flat,” featuring a performance by Jack Benny. Benny plays a keen-eared piano tuner who finds himself inadvertently in possession of $25,000. But this money […]

Episode 197: Riabouchinska Dec 14, 2020

Ray Bradbury authored this episode of Suspense, the third installment in our Suspense-o-rama, a whole bunch of episodes from the classic series that were recommended by our listeners! While investigating a murder, a detective finds that a ventriloquist might be his prime suspect. But the only one who’s willing to talk is the performer’s strikingly […]

Episode 196: Dime a Dance Dec 04, 2020

Lucille Ball stars in “Dime a Dance” from Suspense! This week we’re listening to the second installment in our Suspense-o-rama, a whole bunch of episodes from the classic series that were recommended by our listeners! In this story, a series of grisly murders targeting taxi dancers baffles the police and Ginger may be the next […]

Episode 195: The Dark Tower Nov 17, 2020

We’ve collected quite a backlog of Suspense episodes recommended to us by our mysterious listeners, so it’s time for a Suspense-o-rama! We begin with “The Dark Tower,” an episode that features Orson Welles in a theatrical, perhaps self-parodying role. In the story (based on a play), a larger-than-life actor spins a tale about an alleged […]

Episode 194: Wear the Dead Man’s Coat Nov 12, 2020

This week’s episode corresponds to our first Mysterious Old Radio Watching Society episode! After listening to “Wear the Dead Man’s Coat,” from Quiet Please, head over to our YouTube page to watch the adaptation of the story that was presented as part of the Lights Out television series! This audio version features a hard-luck resident […]

Episode 193: The Headless Dead Oct 30, 2020

Welcome to the second half of our Mysterious Old Radio Double-Header! If you missed last week’s episode, you may want to check it out first. For this Double-Header, Joshua and Tim each chose a story from Dark Fantasy to redeem the series in your hosts’ opinions. For the second half, we listen to “The Headless […]

Episode 192: The Letter from Yesterday Oct 24, 2020

This week we start an experiment with a new format, The Mysterious Old Radio Double-Header! For a Double-Header, we present two episodes— one the first week and the second during the following week— that are connected in some way. In this case, Joshua and Tim have each chosen a story from Dark Fantasy to break […]

Episode 191: Death and the Compass Oct 16, 2020

The celebration of our fourth anniversary continues with Joshua’s present for Tim, a specially chosen episode of Vanishing Point, “Death and the Compass!” In this adaptation of Jorge Luis Borges’s short story, detective Erik Lönnrot is on the case when a rabbi and has been found murdered. A message found with the body suggests the […]

Episode 190: The Temple Bells of Neban Oct 05, 2020

We’re celebrating our fourth anniversary with presents! Specifically, Joshua has chosen an episode of The Shadow as a gift for Eric! (Tim will get his present next week…) In this tale, “The Temple Bells of Neban,” Lamont Cranston and his heroic alter ego investigate a rash of drug abuse among young, wealthy socialites. However he […]

Episode 189: The Ash Tree Sep 25, 2020

Our apologies for running late with this episode, but we’re launching ourselves into the Halloween season with this adaptation of a classic M. R. James tale! In “The Ash Tree” from The Black Mass, a woman convicted of witchcraft lays a curses upon the man who accused her. Soon his home is beset by mysterious […]

Episode 188: The Case of the Double Zero Sep 05, 2020

This week we listen to an episode of The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes recommend to us by our mysterious listener Daniel. Thanks, Daniel! In this story, entitled “The Case of the Double Zero,” Holmes and Watson are portrayed by the two actors most associated with the roles, Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. This case […]

Episode 187: John Saint John Aug 25, 2020

Pat Novak for Hire was a radio series with enough snappy dialogue to metaphor a whole podcast full of patter. This episode, “John Saint John,” features Jack Webb’s titular character trying to fulfill a stranger’s dying wish to see a letter delivered. But no good deed goes unpunished and soon Novak is the target of […]

Episode 186: Cat’s Cradle Aug 17, 2020

After a long stretch of recording remotely, we finally assembled in the same room for this week’s episode! It features a story entitled “Cat’s Cradle” from the series, Price of Fear! Our mysterious listener Monica recommended the story of a tour of a sinister medieval castle, but the tourists themselves may be the true horrors. […]

Episode 185: The Case of the Killer Cards Aug 04, 2020

“The Case of the Killer Cards” is an episode of The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe that was recommended to us by our mysterious listener Rob in an actual letter that was sent in the mail! Sydney Greenstreet stars as Rex Stout’s famous corpulent detective. This particular mystery features four criminals who decide to play […]

Episode 184: The Haunted Cell Jul 29, 2020

Our sincere thanks to mysterious listeners Lionel and Abby for recommending this episode of Lights Out, “The Haunted Cell!” You are both awesome! In this story, the police get their hands on a suspected murderer and lock him in a cell— a cell that is allegedly occupied by the ghost of an executed felon! There […]

Episode 183: Disappearance Jul 20, 2020

This week we’re checking out an episode of a series that we haven’t featured before! Our mysterious listener Nathan recommended a story called “Disappearance” from the Canadian show, Vanishing Point. In this tale, a woman starts leads a bartender to a philosophical journey down a bizarre path. Are the strange moments that begin to manifest […]

Episode 182: The Black Door Jul 17, 2020

This week we’re listening to “The Black Door” from Suspense, yet another installment in our ongoing Lockdown Listener Series. Thanks to our mysterious listener Roberta for recommending this episode to us! An ambitious archaeologist partners with a treasure hunter to uncover a lost city in the mountains. But the legend of this city contains a […]

Episode 181: The Deadly Hour Jul 06, 2020

We’re back this week with another recommendation from our listeners, in this case “The Deadly Hour” from CBS Radio Mystery Theater, an episode suggested by Cindy. Thanks, Cindy! In this tale, heartbreak has driven a man to years of self-imposed silence, but now a bizarre turn of events has compelled him to share his story […]

Episode 180: Border Town Jun 26, 2020

As we continue to record these episodes under lock-down conditions, we also continue to listen to suggestions provided by our Mysterious Listeners! This week, we check out “Border Town,” an episode of Escape recommended to us by Marc. Thanks, Marc! Jack Webb stars in this tale of an aspiring actor who decides to explore the […]

Episode 179: The Wig Makers of Doom Street Jun 15, 2020

Apologies for running a little late, but we are back with an episode recommended to us by our mysterious listener, Swearoh! Thanks, Swearoh! This week, we are listening to “The Wig Makers of Doom Street,” from The Shadow! A ghoulish couple is killing young women to harvest their victims’ hair for theatrical wigs! Can Lamont […]

Episode 178: Delay en Route Jun 01, 2020

Our thanks to our mysterious listener Tim, who recommended we check out “Delay en Route,” from Cloak and Dagger! This series took its inspiration from the files of the OSS, the American organization dedicated to espionage during World War II! In this particular episode, an OSS agent must face a difficult decision after helping the […]

Episode 177: Short Order May 20, 2020

Our long-time listener David recommended that we check out “Short Order,” another all-star episode of Suspense! Thanks, David! The owner of a small but successful diner gains a new customer, a man whose face has been horribly disfigured. Even as this new guest starts to drive away his other customers, the owner seems to fall […]

Episode 176: Ancient Sorceries May 10, 2020

This week we kick off the first in a series of episodes recorded during stay-at-home orders, beginning with “Ancient Sorceries” from Escape recommended to us by our Mysterious Listeners Marc and Anton! Based on the story by Algernon Blackwood, “Ancient Sorceries” tells the tale of a buttoned-up British man who finds himself mysteriously drawn to a Welsh […]

Episode 175: The Big Ruling Apr 22, 2020

April 2nd would have been the late Jack Webb’s 100th birthday! Our mysterious listener Mark recommended that we celebrate the occasion and by happy coincidence, our mysterious listener Tim recommended that we listen to “The Big Ruling” from Webb’s signature series, Dragnet! This particular episode depicts an investigation of a heroin ring and evidence that […]

Episode 174: The Shanghai Secret Apr 12, 2020

This week we seek high adventure with the episode “The Shanghai Secret,” from the series, Voyage of the Scarlet Queen. Ship’s Master Kearney cannot set sail until the murder of his first mate is solved. But staying ashore makes him an easy target for an international conspiracy. Can Kearney trust anyone? Who did kill his […]

Episode 173: Where Do We Go From Here? Apr 08, 2020

Our thanks to Dawn who recommended this week’s visit to the Listener Library, “Where Do We Go From Here?” from Nightfall! This episode of the beloved series tells the tale of a man who has been left completely immobilized in a death-like state after a car crash. Can he find a way to communicate that […]

Episode 172: The Cave of Ali Baba Mar 31, 2020

Our Valentine’s Day celebration is over a month late and still not what we intended, but we won’t let that stop us! As a gift for his wife Adrienne, Joshua chose an adaptation of a story by one of her favorite authors, Dorothy Sayers. “The Cave of Ali Baba,” was an early episode of Suspense […]

Episode 171: The Cup of Gold Mar 19, 2020

When the world has turned upside down and nothing makes any sense, it’s time for Dark Fantasy! This week’s episode, “Cup of Gold,” features a golf tournament where the winner has been murdered! The prime suspect is a woman who can recall neither why she was there nor why she presented the winner with a […]

Episode 170: The Abominable Snowman Mar 15, 2020

This month marks 100 years since the birth of actor/writer/director/ producer Antony Ellis! Our listener Mark suggested we celebrate Ellis’ remarkable career and we have chosen an episode of Escape to do just that! The Abominable Snowman was written and directed by Ellis and it tells the tale of a hunting expedition in the Himalayas […]

Episode 169: The Case of the Flaming Skull Mar 08, 2020

Our thanks to Mark for sending us to the Listener Library this week for a special treat, “The Case of the Flaming Skull,” an episode of The Shadow that was rebroadcast as part of Mystery Playhouse. It’s a treat because we get Peter Lorre serving as host to the Shadow! In this particular episode, our […]

Episode 168: The Cable Car Case Feb 28, 2020

There’s been a murder and we’re joining San Francisco P.I. Candy Matson to find the solution to “The Cable Car Case!” When a shopping trip puts Candy on the same cable car as a murder victim, our sharp-witted heroine sees a chance to earn a few bucks if she can solve the crime before the […]

Episode 167: Devilstone Feb 20, 2020

This week is the second of two episodes in which we check out the beginning of Suspense and its end! “Devilstone” was the last episode of the classic series to be broadcast and it features the tale of a haunted Irish manor that has a peculiar effect on the dead. What secret drove the previous […]

Episode 166: The Lodger Feb 11, 2020

We keep surpassing Patreon goals! This week, we are cerebrating with episodes featuring the beginning and end of Suspense! For the first part, we listen to the (sort-of) audition episode presented as part of the Forecast series in July of 1940. Alfred Hitchcock (sort of, not really) presented this adaptation of the short story and […]

Episode 165: The Fiddler and More! Feb 06, 2020

We have passed another Patreon goal and to celebrate we are exploring strange new territory: classic radio comedies! This week we listen to three different comedic takes on our usual suspense and horror diet. First, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis get the creeps with Peter Lorre! Then Stan Freberg parodies a beloved crime drama! And […]

The Best and Worst of 2019 Awards Jan 28, 2020

It’s time to look back over the last year and choose which of the episodes we listened to stood above the rest and which sank to the bottom! Based on listener polls, the learned opinions of esteemed special guests, and our own unfocused rambling, one episode shall be declared champion and another shall be declared […]

Episode 164: The Dark Wall Jan 19, 2020

Pardon our delay! Apparently we were a little slow getting back from the Listener Library where we found “The Dark Wall,” from Escape, recommended to us by Sarah. Thanks, Sarah! This story, written by Kathleen Hite, tells the story of a man traveling through Andora with his wife. She starts to behave strangely, her love […]

Episode 163: Rain on New Year’s Eve Jan 05, 2020

We are still celebrating the new year by listening to “Rain on New Year’s Eve,” an episode of Quiet, Please that was probably inspired by Wyllis Cooper’s time spent working on Son of Frankenstein! The story features a beleaguered screenwriter who is trapped in a seemingly endless film production. Can anything convince this director to […]

Episode 162: A Christmas Carol Dec 25, 2019

Happy holidays, everyone! Please join us as we celebrate with Campbell Playhouse’s 1939 version of A Christmas Carol featuring Orson Welles and Lionel Barrymore. This treasured annual tradition tells the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge, whose miserly ways summon three spirits to teach him the true meaning of Christmas. Was Barrymore’s performance the definitive Scrooge? Is […]

Episode 161: The Signal-Man (Year Three) Dec 23, 2019

It’s time once again for our annual holiday trip to the danger light by the rails! For the third year, we are listening to an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ other famous ghost story, “The Signal-Man,” this time adapted by the South African series, Beyond Midnight! As before, this story depicts a curious stranger who encounters […]

Episode 160: The Snowman Killing Dec 22, 2019

There’s no better way to celebrate a winter wonderland than listening to “The Snowman Killing” from Fear on Four! This intense tale of suburban horror features a chilling performance by Imelda Staunton. (And at no point in the discussion afterwards do we identify her as the actress who played Dolores Jane Umbridge in the Harry […]

Episode 159: Come to the Bank Dec 14, 2019

This week, our visit to the Listener Library brings us an episode of Lights Out, “Come to the Bank,” recommended to us by our Mysterious Listener Kristaps! Thanks, Kristaps! In this Arch Oboler story, a desperate woman pleads with the listener to accompany her to the bank. She has an improbable tale about a man […]

Episode 158: The Tom Keeler Murder Case Dec 08, 2019

We recently polled our mysterious listeners to recommend a show that we have not listened to yet. The winner was Broadway is My Beat! Detective Danny Clover is called down to the morgue to examine a body that has evidently been killed twice. The ensuing investigation presents Danny with a wide array of eccentric suspects. […]

Episode 157: The Martian Chronicles Dec 02, 2019

We finish our month of gratitude by saying, “Thank you!” to David, who supports this podcast at the highest level on Patreon! David requested that we listen to “The Martian Chronicles” from Dimension X! Thanks, David! Ray Bradbury’s famous anthology of interconnected stories presents the colonization of the red planet and explores the impact it […]

Episode 156: Quiet Please Nov 20, 2019

We continue to spend November saying, “Thank you!” to those who support our Patreon at the highest level! David wrote us a lovely message which included a request that we listen to “Quiet Please,” a script which served as the final episode of the series, Quiet Please. Thanks, David! The tale features the lone survivor […]

Episode 155: The Silent Avenger Nov 09, 2019

It’s a month of Thanksgiving and we are saying, “Thanks!” to some of our Patreon supporters! Our supporter Joseph asked that we listen to “The Silent Avenger,” an episode of The Shadow! A convict condemned to execution threatens the death of the judge, jurors, and governor. When his predicted victims start to turn up dead […]

Episode 154: Dracula Oct 31, 2019

Happy Halloween from the MORLS! We are celebrating the holiday by listening to the CBS Radio Mystery Theater version of “Dracula,” featuring Mercedes McCambridge! A sudden sickness has befallen Lucy Westenra, suspiciously just as Count Dracula arrives! Can her friend, Mina, save her from a horrific fate? Will Mina herself fall victim to this grisly […]

Episode 153: The House and the Brain Oct 28, 2019

It was a dark and stormy night when your hosts retrieved this episode of The Weird Circle from their Listener Library, recommended to them by Jill. Thanks. Jill! “The House and the Brain,” is an adaptation of a story by Edward Bulwer-Lytton and it features a couple whose interest in a sinister-looking portrait leads them […]

Episode 152: The Man Who Hated Scenes Oct 22, 2019

We return to one of the earliest series that we featured on this podcast, The Price of Fear! Today we hop on a train with the series’ star Vincent Price for the episode, “The Man Who Hated Scenes,” featuring fellow horror icon Peter Cushing. Price sits down for breakfast with a stranger who has a […]

Episode 151: The Queen of the Cats Oct 15, 2019

Inspired by our “Cat Wife” episode, our mysterious listener Shaun recommended we listen to “The Queen of the Cats” from The Mysterious Traveler. This episode features a man who has been lured into an ill-advised marriage by a seductive woman with a strange affinity for cats. How does she always seem to know where he […]

Episode 150: Am I My Brother’s Keeper Oct 04, 2019

To celebrate our 150th episode, we listen to a series that we have never featured before, Night Beat starring Frank Lovejoy! Randy Stone’s nightly search for stories leads him to a crowd of people awaiting a gunfight between the police and a cornered fugitive. Why does a particular couple in the crowd have such a […]

Episode 149: I Saw Myself Running Sep 27, 2019

Our thanks to Flannery, one our Mysterious Listeners who recommended this week’s Listener Library episode, “I Saw Myself Running,” from Escape! A young woman’s sleep is plagued by recurrent nightmares in which she sees a version of herself tormented by an ambiguous figure. The more she tries to help her double in the dream, the […]

Episode 148e: The Indestructible Mike Matter, Part 5 Sep 20, 2019

Today is the exciting conclusion of “The Indestructible Mike Matter,” from Yours Truly Johnny Dollar! All week long we’ve been releasing one installment per day as a reward for meeting our Patreon goal, and today Johnny hopes his insurance fraud case ends with an arrest! How much leeway are the police willing to grant Johnny […]

Episode 148d: The Indestructible Mike Matter, Part 4 Sep 19, 2019

It’s the penultimate episode of “The Indestructible Mike Matter,” from Yours Truly Johnny Dollar! All week long we’ve been releasing one installment per day as a reward for meeting our Patreon goal, and we will post the conclusion tomorrow! Thank you, Patreon supporters! Johnny’s potential insurance fraud case has turned into an investigation of multiple […]

Episode 148c: The Indestructible Mike Matter, Part 3 Sep 18, 2019

Today we present our third installment in “The Indestructible Mike Matter,” from Yours Truly Johnny Dollar! This five-part, week-long series is a treat for our listeners and a reward for our generous Patreon supporters! Johnny’s investigation into potential insurance fraud now leads him from the poorest part of town to a lavishly-furnished apartment. Will Johnny […]

Episode 148b: The Indestructible Mike Matter, Part 2 Sep 17, 2019

We continue listening to “The Indestructible Mike Matter,” as part of our week-long journey into Yours Truly Johnny Dollar! This break from our usual routine is a reward for meeting our Patreon goal! Thank you, Patreon supporters! This is the second episode in Johnny Dollar’s investigation of potential insurance fraud. Can Mike’s assailants kill him […]

Episode 148a: The Indestructible Mike Matter, Part 1 Sep 16, 2019

As a reward for meeting our Patreon goal (thank you to all our supporters!), we are dedicating this entire week to Yours Truly Johnny Dollar! Each day, we are going to post one installment of “The Indestructible Mike Matter,” a story in which insurance investigator Johnny Dollar looks into potential fraud when a homeless man’s […]

Episode 147: Legacy for a Ghost Sep 14, 2019

This week’s visit to the Listener Library features an episode of the Lone Ranger recommended to us by Will. Thanks, Will! “Legacy for a Ghost” features a conspiracy to frame and murder an innocent man. But the Lone Ranger and Tonto have other plans! Will the ghost story concocted by the Masked Man bring two […]

Episode 146: Mission Completed Sep 10, 2019

Jimmy Stewart stars in “Mission Completed,” an episode of Suspense about a veteran whose experiences in a Japanese POW camp left him paralyzed. When he sees the face of his former captor working across the street, his strength begins to return. Will he get the revenge he has longed for? Can he keep his newfound […]

Episode 145: Murder Comes at Midnight Aug 31, 2019

We’re listening to another episode of Mystery Playhouse, a series which repurposed other shows (in this case Inner Sanctum Mystery) for the Armed Forces Network! This story, “Murder Comes at Midnight,” depicts a woman at home alone with her child when when a dangerous stranger shows up at her door, nursing a broken arm. Why […]

Episode 144: Bad Dreams Aug 25, 2019

We’ve been listening to a lot of Lucille Fletcher-penned stories lately, and this week we check out an episode she wrote for The Clock, “Bad Dreams!” A Hungarian husband who has just immigrated to America with his wife begins suffering from terrible dreams of imprisonment and death. Why is he suddenly tormented by these nightmares? […]

Episode 143: The Masks of Ashor Aug 17, 2019

UPDATE: The date we give for the episode’s initial broadcast is incorrect! The actual date was March 9, 1953 and was rebroadcast on November 23, 1953. This week’s visit to our Listener Library features an episode of Hall of Fantasy, “The Masks of Ashor,” recommended to us by Clarence! Thanks, Clarence! A couple receives two […]

Episode 142: The Dream Aug 10, 2019

Horror icon Boris Karloff made a handful of appearances on Lights Out and this week, we’re listening to a peculiar example, “The Dream!” Templeton Fox joined Karloff for this story of a man who never dreams suddenly experiencing strange visions both in his sleep and while awake! What is the source of these horrific imaginings? […]

Episode 141: The Circle of Death Jul 31, 2019

We pulled this episode of The Shadow from our Listener Library, recommended to us by Chris. Thanks, Chris! In “The Circle of Death,” the Shadow plays a dangerous game, manipulating the police in his hunt for a madman who is terrorizing the city! Will the Shadow’s plan lead to disaster? Is the Shadow really just […]

Episode 140: Remodeled Brownstone Jul 25, 2019

We follow up last week with another episode written by Lucille Fletcher! This time we are listening to “Remodeled Brownstone” from Columbia Workshop. While her husband renovates their newly purchased Victorian home, a woman fears that their brownstone is haunted by a ghostly child. Is she simply imagining this spirit? How much renovation does it […]

Episode 139: Fugue in C Minor Jul 14, 2019

Our thanks to Scott for this week’s visit to the Listener Library! Scott recommended an episode of Suspense entitled, “Fugue in C Minor!” Vincent Price and Ida Lupino star in this story written by Lucille Fletcher about a woman whose widowed suitor lives in a home built around an enormous pipe organ. She soon discovers […]

Episode 138: The Adventure of the World Series Crime Jul 05, 2019

Can you solve the mystery in this episode of The Adventures of Ellery Queen? This week, we’re listening to “The Adventure of the World Series Crime,” a story of baseball sabotage and the disappearance of a very special bat! This time, famed detective Ellery Queen only has three hours to find the culprit! Will he […]

Episode 137: Til Death Do Us Part Jun 27, 2019

It’s time for another visit to the Listener Library! “Til Death Do Us Part” is an episode of Inner Sanctum recommended to us by Marc. Thanks, Marc! In this tale, a couple’s honeymoon is cut short when they witness a murder! Soon the newlyweds are on the run and making desperate decisions. Just how bad […]

Episode 136: My Son John Jun 16, 2019

Happy Father’s Day! We’re celebrating with a paternally themed episode of Quiet Please, entitled, “My Son John.” A doting father aches for the return of his son who has been lost overseas. In his desperation, he turns to the occult, but soon discovers, “there’s always a catch.” Will what he finds truly be his son? […]

Episode 135: The Silver Cord Jun 14, 2019

This week, we listen to an episode of Obsession entitled “The Silver Cord,” in which a young woman longs to leave home. But an overbearing matriarch is determined to keep her near. Soon, a dark secret forever changes the bond that connects the two of them. Will the young woman ever escape to begin a […]

Episode 134: The Golem Jun 02, 2019

We’re paying another visit to our Listener Library! This time we’re checking out “The Golem,” an episode of CBS Radio Mystery Theater recommended to us by our mysterious listener, Clare! (Thanks, Clare!) This World War II-era tale features a married couple who must choose between protecting their own family and sheltering a young Jewish woman […]

Episode 133: The Cave of Night May 28, 2019

This week, we listen to an episode of X Minus One, “The Cave of Night,” which tells the story of messages sent from an astronaut trapped in orbit. Presented as an unfinished news report, this unique tale depicts the world’s desperate attempt to rescue the man before his oxygen runs out! Can they reach this […]

Episode 132: Frankenstein May 20, 2019

This week’s installment features another visit to our listener library with an episode of Favorite Story, recommended to us by our mysterious listener, Tim (author of numerous books including Radio by the Book: Adaptations of Literature and Fiction on the Airwaves)! In this case, the series is presenting Fred Allen’s “favorite story,” an adaptation of […]

Episode 131: The House on Lost Man’s Bluff May 12, 2019

The Society is finally paying another visit to The Hermit’s Cave! This episode, entitled “The House on Lost Man’s Bluff,” tells the story of a husband, wife, and her brother on a road trip. But when the weather turns stormy, the trio is forced to take shelter in an abandoned house. Once inside, a sinister […]

Episode 130: The Outsider May 06, 2019

This visit to the Listener Library features an episode recommended to us by two listeners! Both Moses and Ethan suggested we check out “The Outsider” from the 1960s-era series, The Black Mass! Erik Bauersfeld (who provided the voices for both Admiral Ackbar and Bib Fortuna) adapted, performed, and produced this version of H.P. Lovecraft’s classic […]

Episode 129: The Red Hand Apr 25, 2019

For this episode we return to The Weird Circle for a tale entitled “The Red Hand,” in which a young French woman discovers her husband hides a terrible secret that could lead to her death! Will she and her maid successfully disguise themselves and escape the peril they face? Doesn’t The Weird Circle usually do […]

Episode 128: Pigeon in the Cage Apr 22, 2019

This week features another episode of Suspense from our Listener Library! Mark recommended we check out “Pigeon in the Cage,” starring Lloyd Bridges as a wallpaper hanger who finds himself trapped in a house where a murder plot is underway. Will the killers find him before he can escape? Can he keep his wits about […]

Episode 127: The Haunted Trailer Apr 06, 2019

In honor of the recent April Fool’s Day, we’re indulging in a more comedic episode of The Mysterious Traveler! The story features a young man traveling to join his fiancée. En route, he discovers the ghost of a hobo lurking inside his trailer. As this spirit makes himself at home, happily revealing all the tricks […]

Episode 126: Out of this World Apr 03, 2019

Hot on the heels of last week’s episode of The Shadow, we’re listening to another episode of The Shadow! This time we’ve drawn an episode from our Listener Library, “Out of this World,” written by Alfred Bester and recommended to us by David. Thanks David! This particular production was recorded in Australia and the story […]

Episode 125: The Death House Rescue Mar 27, 2019

We’re listening to the very first episode of The Shadow to celebrate our 125th tale of crime, suspense, and horror! “The Death House Rescue” stars Orson Welles and features the first appearance of Margot Lane! An innocent man get swept up with a robbery that puts him on death row, but the Shadow intends to […]

Episode 124: Death Wears a White Robe Mar 19, 2019

We’re listening to another installment from our Listener Library, a story recommended to us by you, our Mysterious Listeners! Kate suggested this episode of The Whistler entitled “Death Wears a White Robe!”A nasty feud between two women comes to a head when they share a cabin for their winter vacation. Soon accusations of scandal become […]

Episode 123: The Lottery Mar 12, 2019

We’re listening to “The Lottery,” an adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s famous tale of a village’s distinctive annual tradition presented by NBC Presents: Short Story. In this classic parable, all the families in town gather together to draw lots as part of a time-honored celebration to guarantee a bountiful harvest. Which family will draw the paper […]

Episode 122: The Long Night Mar 03, 2019

This week’s episode was based on a suggestion by Matt, who inspired us to listen to “The Long Night” from Suspense. Frank Lovejoy stars in this tense tale of an air traffic controller trying to guide a lost and inexperienced pilot to a safe landing. Can he steel his own nerves enough to not panic […]

Episode 121: The Perfect Script Feb 23, 2019

It’s time to take another walk down the Hall of Fantasy! This time we’re listening to an episode entitled “The Perfect Script”! An eccentric radio producer has brought a young writer to his seaside home to create the perfect tale of horror. How does this producer motivate such vivid tales of terror? Why have none […]

Episode 120: Client Mike Pelley Feb 15, 2019

Happy Valentine’s Day! To celebrate, we are joined this year by Tim’s wife, Wendy! Wendy has brought us Mercedes McCambridge in an episode of Defense Attorney entitled “Client Mike Pelley!” In this story, an innocent man faces the death penalty based on the eyewitness testimony of a respected housewife. But his attorney, Martha Ellis Barrett, […]

Episode 119: The Hunt Feb 14, 2019

February is the perfect time to share some love, and we’re sharing our love of Boris Karloff! Join us for “The Hunt” from Creeps by Night! In this story, a pair of siblings live on a remote farm where an unknown beast has been killing sheep. But when this creature claims a human victim, a […]

Episode 118: Cat Wife Feb 02, 2019

January may be over, but we’re making one more trip to our Listener Library before getting back to choosing our own episodes. This week, we listen to “Cat Wife” from Lights Out! Our thanks to Darrell, who requested this story of a husband whose marriage is so catastrophic, he somehow transforms her into a yowling, […]

Episode 117: Flesh Peddler Jan 29, 2019

We continue to spend January in the Listener Library catching up on suggestions sent to us by you, our Mysterious Listeners! Our thanks to Gary for recommending “Flesh Peddler” from Suspense! The story features DeForest Kelley as a talent agent determined to take a mysterious ventriloquist on as a client. Why are the other carnival […]

Episode 116: Aunt Emmy Jan 18, 2019

It’s time again to visit The Clock! We’re spending January going through our Listener Library, catching up on suggestions sent to us by you, our Mysterious Listeners! “Aunt Emmy” was recommended to us by Cole (thanks, Cole!) and it features a young girl visiting her aunt in the country. But there are mysteries and madness […]

Episode 115: The Young Man with the Cream Tarts Jan 14, 2019

We’re back and this month we are returning to our Listener Library! A listener named Joshua (not our Joshua) suggested that we listen to “The Young Man with the Cream Tarts” from Escape! This episode is an adaptation of a short story, the first of three stories collectively known as The Suicide Club, by Robert […]

Holiday Bonus: A Christmas Carol Dec 25, 2018

It’s Christmas and we’re celebrating the things we love, and that includes classic holiday episodes from great radio series such as CBS Radio Mystery Theater! In honor of the day, we’re presenting CBSRMT’s adaptation of a Christmas Carol without any poll or post-show critique. It’s just a yuletide treat for everyone to enjoy. Happy Holidays […]

Episode 114: A Holiday Visit Dec 23, 2018

It’s almost Christmas and we’re celebrating the season with CBS Radio Mystery Theater! In this episode, entitled “A Holiday Visit,” a couple on their way to visit family find themselves stranded in a strange, nearly-abandoned town called Taylortown. If this strange old woman is the only inhabitant, where is that singing coming from? Can Skip […]

Episode 113: The Signal-Man (Year Two) Dec 16, 2018

As part of our run of Christmas episodes last year, we listened to one of the Suspense versions of “The Signal-Man,” based on Charles Dickens’ other famous ghost story. The Signal-Man has been adapted by so many different series, we’re revisiting the tale, this time listening to the Columbia Workshop version of the story of […]

Episode 112: A Study in Wax Dec 09, 2018

This December we’re checking out holiday-themed episodes starting with “A Study in Wax” from Escape! William Conrad and Stacy Harris star in this tale of two men working together in a remote Arctic outpost. As the isolation and bitter cold erode their spirits, they begin to turn on each other. How much worse is life without […]

Episode 111: The Long Wait Dec 04, 2018

We have one more episode dedicated to saying thanks to our listeners! This time we are joined by Brent, a Patreon supporter at the highest tier! He’s brought us “The Long Wait” from Suspense featuring Burt Lancaster! Lancaster plays Dan, a man fresh out of prison for a crime he didn’t commit. When he goes […]

Episode 110: The Thing from the Sea Nov 23, 2018

Happy Thanksgiving! We asked listeners to vote for an episode from a list of titles originally broadcast during the week of Thanksgiving. The results are in and we are listening to “The Thing from the Sea” from Dark Fantasy! Originally aired in 1941 (although according to The Digital Deli , it was broadcast December 5th […]

Episode 109: The Big Confession Nov 19, 2018

This week we continue our month of saying thank you to our listeners! For this episode, we are joined by Aimee! Not only is Aimee the creator of the fantastic Twelve Chimes It’s Midnight podcast, she’s also a Patreon supporter at the highest tier! She invited us to listen to “The Big Confession” from Dragnet! […]

Episode 108: The Face Nov 11, 2018

Throughout November we will be saying thank you to our listeners! This week we are joined by Chip, a Patreon supporter at the highest tier. Chip has invited us to listen to an episode of The Shadow entitled “The Face!” A famous actor suffers a disfiguring accident that drives him to kill. Will the Shadow […]

Episode 107: The Three Ghosts Nov 01, 2018

It’s Halloween and we’ve got one more ghost story to share before the end of the night! Our final haunted tale for the month is “The Three Ghosts” from The Shadow! Orson Welles stars in this tale of a wealthy wife tormented by a spectral presence. However, the Shadow suspects the alleged ghost hides a […]

Episode 106: Good Ghost Nov 01, 2018

Happy Halloween! We’re celebrating this spooky time of year by listening to ghost stories. Aimee Pavy from Twelve Chimes It’s Midnight recommended this one, “Good Ghost” by Wyllis Cooper from Quiet Please. Thanks, Aimee! It’s the story of an everyday sort of guy who suffers a wrongful death, but he’s in no rush to become […]

Episode 105: Lanceford House Oct 29, 2018

We’re celebrating October with a series of ghost stories, and this week we check out “Lanceford House” (also known as “The Green Vase”) from Beyond Midnight! Based on a short story by Dennis Roidt, it’s the tale of a novelist who moves into an old house with a dark history. What lies in the locked […]

Episode 104: Tapping Oct 19, 2018

We continue our ghost-filled celebration of Halloween with an episode of BBC’s Fear on Four entitled “Tapping.” It tells the story of a wife trying to convince her husband to open up about a childhood trauma that still haunts him. What threat can a memory really hold? Do Scottish dialects inherently make ghost stories better? […]

Episode 103: Knock at the Door Oct 10, 2018

It’s almost Halloween and to celebrate, we’re listening to ghost stories! The first haunting tale is Arch Oboler’s “Knock at the Door” from Lights Out. A woman’s resentment toward her new husband’s mother turns homicidal, but being murdered doesn’t improve the mother’s mood. Does the young wife have enough upper body strength to survive? Does […]

Episode 102: Treasure Hunt Oct 02, 2018

After our long run of listener recommendations and Patreon rewards, we’re back to picking out a few episodes for ourselves! In this case, we’re listening to “Treasure Hunt” from The Whistler! A scoundrel endears himself to one of two sisters once he discovers that their grandfather left behind a hidden fortune. Can he decipher the verse […]

Episode 101: Three Skeleton Key Sep 23, 2018

As a reward for our listeners whose support pushed our Patreon page above $150 per month, we’re finally presenting our most requested episode, “Three Skeleton Key” from Escape! Vincent Price stars in James Poe’s adaptation of a short story by George Toudouze about three men maintaining a lighthouse off the coast of French Guiana. When […]

Episode 100: The War of the Worlds Sep 16, 2018

We’ve reached our 100th episode and as a thank you to those listeners whose support pushed our Patreon page above $100 per month, we’ve prepared a special giant-sized recording for Mercury Theatre on the Air’s legendary version of The War of the Worlds, an adaptation of H.G Wells’ novel about the invasion of Earth by […]

Episode 99: The Ape Song Sep 10, 2018

We’ve got time for one more visit to our Listener Library before our 100th episode! After our first foray into Murder at Midnight, Bob suggested another installment from the same series, “The Ape Song!” In this tale, a big game hunter returns home from safari to his estranged wife, vowing to never hunt again. Nonetheless, […]

Episode 98: The Screaming Woman Sep 02, 2018

Our Listener Library series continues this week as we listen to “The Screaming Woman” from Suspense, recommended to us by our Robert. Thanks, Robert! Based on a short story by Ray Bradbury, the episode tells the tale of a young girl whose Thanksgiving is interrupted by the disembodied cries of a woman buried alive. It features […]

Episode 97: Let the Lilies Consider Aug 27, 2018

Our thanks to David and Colleen for recommending this week’s episode! This installment from our Listener Library is an episode of Quiet Please entitled “Let the Lilies Consider,” in which a man accused of murdering his wife insists that she has become a large lily. Wyllis Cooper wrote this surreal tale of love and strange […]

Episode 96: Hands of Death Aug 18, 2018

This week we feature another episode from our Listener Library, this time a story entitled “Hands of Death” from The Sealed Book, recommended to us by Jill. Many thanks, Jill! It’s the story of two brothers, one driven to murder by his monstrous hands and the other obsessed with collecting murder-related memorabilia. After a disputed […]

Episode 95: It Happened Aug 09, 2018

We’re running a little late this week—out humblest apologies! Our Listener Library is again featured in this week. This time, we’re listening to “It Happened” from Lights Out, recommended to us from a fan on Instagram! The recording tells the story of a young girl, eager to explore her own freedom, runs away from her […]

Episode 94: The Devil’s Saint Jul 29, 2018

We continue to delve into our Listener Library, this time featuring an episode of Suspense entitled “The Devil’s Saint” by John Dickson Carr! The story was recommended to us by Hubert after listening to our take on the Cabin B-13 version of the same story using the title, “The Sleep of Death!” Carr’s story tells […]

Episode 93: Mars is Heaven Jul 21, 2018

This week’s visit to our Listener Library features a classic Ray Bradbury story as adapted by X Minus One! Our thanks to Cheryl (author of The Viv and Charlie Mystery Series!) for recommending this episode, “Mars is Heaven,” based on part of Bradbury’s The Martian Chronicles (although it was originally published in Planet Stories). An […]

Episode 92: A World of Darkness Jul 16, 2018

Join us for “A World of Darkness” from Suspense! We’re continuing to pull episodes from our Listener Library and this story was recommended to us by Bart. Thanks, Bart! “A World of Darkness” features the investigation of a young woman’s murder. The police have an array of likely suspects and one witness—a man who cannot […]

Episode 91: Bloodbath Jul 08, 2018

We’re still exploring our Listener Library, and this week our thanks go to Christian for recommending “Bloodbath,” an episode of Escape, featuring Vincent Price. Five men in the middle of the jungle discover a vast uranium deposit and a fortune awaits any survivors who reach civilization. But the fewer survivors there are, the more money […]

Episode 90: Assassin Game Jul 01, 2018

This week we are listening to another episode of the Canadian series, Nightfall! Our thanks to Ashley for recommending “Assassin Game” to us! Saul Rubinek stars in this rare science fiction story from the series. In the future year of 1994, the finest students at prestigious universities prove their competitive edge by playing a game […]

Episode 89: On a Country Road Jun 23, 2018

We are back in the Listener Library, this time exploring “A Country Road,” an episode of Suspense recommended to us by Donal. Many thanks, Donal! Cary Grant stars in this thriller about a married couple who take an ill-timed shortcut that leaves them stuck with a deranged killer on the loose. Is there any escape […]

Episode 88: Colony Jun 17, 2018

We are back in the Listener Library! Because Darrell requested it, we’re listening to an adaptation of a Philip K. Dick story, specifically an episode of X Minus One entitled “Colony!” In a search for a suitable planet to colonize, a ship’s crew examine a world that seems too good to be true. Why have […]

Episode 87: Valse Triste Jun 09, 2018

We continue to explore our Listener Library! This time, we listen to “Valse Triste,” an episode of Lights Out recommended to us by Lionel. Thanks, Lionel! Two young women stumble upon a mysterious hermit who commits their fate to the outcome of a coin toss. Can anything be done to escape the deadly consequences? How […]

Episode 86: The Thing in the Cave Jun 01, 2018

It’s another week of catching up on our Listener Library! This time, thanks to a recommendation from Holly, we are listening to “The Thing in the Cave,” from CBS Radio Mystery Theater. A group of speleologists find themselves trapped in a cave reputed to be inhabited by a monstrous creature. Can they overcome their own shortcomings […]

Episode 85: The Ravine May 27, 2018

Our thanks to Jeff for suggesting we listen to “The Ravine” from Bradbury 13! Based on acclaimed writer Ray Bradbury’s short story “The Whole Town’s Sleeping,” this episode tells the story of a dark night in a small town. Despite a murderer being on the loose, three young women brave a trip to the movies. […]

Episode 84: The Kabbalah May 19, 2018

This week, esoteric scholarship leads to…Murder at Midnight! In this episode, “The Kabbalah,” a professor of the occult suddenly comes into possession of a strange, ancient book. Inside he discovers a forgotten version of the Kabbalah, and uses this system of transforming words into numbers to reveal hidden truths of the universe. It not only […]

Episode 83: The Castle of Lavoca May 12, 2018

UPDATE: Our guess for the episode’s initial broadcast is incorrect! That was a rebroadcast of an episode aired on August 22, 1952. Our thanks to Will for recommending this Hall of Fantasy episode, “The Castle of Lavoca!” Or maybe it’s “The Castle of Drago.” Or it may be “The Legend of Drago.” Regardless of the […]

Episode 82: Beezer’s Cellar May 05, 2018

Wyllis Cooper and Ernest Chappell have invited the Society down to “Beezer’s Cellar” for this story from the celebrated series Quiet, Please. Three thieves decide to hide their loot in the supposedly haunted cellar of a remote, unfinished house. What dark powers await them in that underground room? How much terror will they endure for […]

Episode 81: The Firing Squad Apr 27, 2018

(UPDATE! As one of our listeners astutely pointed out in the comments: “This episode is actually from the Australian run of the series, not the American and Miriam Wolfe is not in this episode.” Thank you, Jeff, for catching the mistake! Our apologies for the error.) This week, the Society revisits Alonzo Deen Cole’s landmark series […]

Episode 80: The Thirsty Death Apr 21, 2018

Bela Lugosi beckons us to enter The Mystery House! This recording, “The Thirsty Death,” is a considerable mystery unto itself. The story features Lugosi and John Carradine in a mad tale of love, suspicion, and rabies in the jungle. What terrible revenge has Lugosi’s character concocted for his revenge? How did this episode get made […]

Episode 79: Cold Equations Apr 14, 2018

The Society looks to the stars with “Cold Equations,” an episode of X Minus One! Based on a short story by Tom Godwin, this is the tale of a pilot on the frontiers of space who suddenly finds a young woman stowed away, forcing him into a moral quandary. What mechanical computational process will determine her […]

Episode 78: I Dreamt I Died Apr 06, 2018

This week Murder by Experts is back with an episode called “I Dreamt I Died!” A wife wakes up in the middle of the night having dreamt that her husband tried to kill her, starting what may or may not be a murder mystery featuring two characters and set in a bed. Is it a […]

Episode 77: The Laughing Corpse Mar 31, 2018

This week’s episode is gratefully dedicated to Trish and her father Lee. Our sincerest thanks to them for allowing us to share their story. Trish recommended we listen to an episode of The Shadow, “The Laughing Corpse!” In this story, the mysterious crime fighter encounters cadavers who continue to laugh even in death. What horror has […]

Episode 76: The Newspaper Reporter Mar 23, 2018

The Chase is on! This week, we listen to “The Newspaper Reporter,” from Lawrence Klee’s adventure series dedicated to stories of the hunter and the hunted! A reporter catches a shot at the story of a lifetime, but he soon finds a dead body and becomes the target of an elaborate conspiracy. Will he survive […]

Episode 75: The Wendigo Mar 16, 2018

Mystery Theatre CBC presented this adaptation of Algernon Blackwood’s “The Wendigo!” Theatre 10:30 also presented this adaptation of Algernon Blackwood’s “The Wendigo!” What’s the relationship between them? We don’t know! We do know it’s a story about two men on a hunting expedition who find themselves abruptly abandoned. What monstrous thing abducted their guide and […]

Episode 74: The Shadow of Death Mar 09, 2018

This episode of Inner Sanctum Mystery, “The Shadow of Death,” tells the story of a man who believes that his dreams foretell death in the real world! Is this young man suffering from a delusion or is something supernatural killing those around him? Just how many twists does this plot have? Are we getting a […]

Episode 73: Evening Primrose Mar 02, 2018

The sun is going down and the Society is again paying a visit to Escape, this time to peruse their adaptation of John Collier’s short story, “Evening Primrose.” A strange journal is scribbled on a notepad found on a shop shelf. This journal tells the tale of a young poet who abandons society only to […]

Episode 72: The Club of Dead Men Feb 21, 2018

The Society is taking off to the Great White North to pass the evening with “The Club of Dead Men,” an episode of the Canadian series, Nightfall! Based on a short story by James Wentworth Day, this episode tells the tale of a young Cambridge student who learns the story of a debauched 18th century […]

Episode 71: Dark Journey Feb 14, 2018

It’s Valentine’s Day and we celebrate by welcoming Eric’s wife, Shanan Custer, as our special guest! She’s brought us a Lucille Fletcher-penned episode of Suspense entitled “Dark Journey!” A young woman claims that she can manipulate people and events by the sheer power of her will. Does she truly possess such supernatural powers? Who is […]

Episode 70: The Horla Feb 08, 2018

Guy de Maupassant’s classic short story was adapted by Mystery in the Air for this week’s episode, “The Horla!” Peter Lorre stars in this story a man tormented by an invisible presence. Where did this shadowy nightmare come from? How far will this narrator go to rid himself of this creature? Is this secretly a […]

Episode 69: The Yellow Wallpaper Feb 02, 2018

This week we’re listening to the earlier of Agnes Moorehead’s two performances of “The Yellow Wallpaper” from Suspense! Our thanks to Mark for recommending this adaptation of Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s short story! A new mother is being kept by her husband in a room adorned with yellow wallpaper, allegedly for her health. Is her madness […]

Episode 68: Weekend Vacation Jan 26, 2018

Listener Jamie recommended this week’s episode, “Weekend Vacation” from The Darkness! Thanks, Jamie! A vacationing family winds up in a strange old motel operated by an elderly woman and her child-like brute of a grandson. What dark fate awaits the guests on their vacation? Is this story as simple as it seems? Has our hearing really […]

Episode 67: The Iron Coffin Jan 20, 2018

Our thanks to Ryan for suggesting “The Iron Coffin” from The Adventures of Philip Marlowe, part of our Listener Library series! Raymond Chandler’s famous hard-boiled detective investigates a 16th century castle moved stone by stone from Spain to California, including the coffins that store the castle’s ancient family. What are the strange sounds that have […]

Episode 66: If You Believe Jan 12, 2018

The holiday season is over and the Society is back with an episode from our Listener Library. Our thanks to Dee for suggesting “If You Believe,” a strange story told by The Mysterious Traveler! A disreputable reporter publishes the story of a disgraced scientist’s efforts to create life from protoplasm. Is it easier to believe […]

Episode 65: The Signal-Man Dec 23, 2017

The Society is settled in for Christmas with some hot cocoa and a classic Charles Dickens ghost story, adapted by Suspense! In this case, we’re listening to Dickens’ other classic ghost story, “The Signal-Man.” In this episode Sarah Churchill plays a reporter whose fascination with trains leads her to interview an old rail worker. She […]

Episode 64: Markheim Dec 16, 2017

The Weird Circle brought a little something to our holiday party, the supernatural tale of a Christmas descent into desperation with a man named “Markheim!” Based on the short story by Robert Louis Stevenson, this Christmas classic features a young man confronting the dark impulses of his own dark reflection. Will his misdeeds come back […]

Episode 63: A Gift of Murder Dec 08, 2017

He knows when you’ve been bad or good and he knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men! The Shadow has brought the Society “A Gift of Murder!” Lamont Cranston and Margo Lane show up to a holiday party with a murderer on the guest list! Will Christmas be ruined? Was anyone else invited to […]

Episode 62: A Helping Hand Nov 29, 2017

(UPDATE! One of our astute listeners (thank you, Mike!) noticed that we have misidentified the origin of this recording! This is in fact from the 1955 run of The Clock, recorded in Australia. Our humblest apologies for the error.) The Society finally has finally turned their attention to The Clock! Howard Williams has moved to […]

Episode 61: Yours Truly Jack the Ripper Nov 22, 2017

Our thanks to Scott for suggesting “Yours Truly, Jack the Ripper” from Mystery Playhouse! The series, hosted by Peter Lorre, re-purposed other radio series (in this case Molle Mystery Theater) for the Armed Forces Network. This particular episode was an adaptation of a short story by Robert Bloch about a hunt for London’s notorious killer […]

Episode 60: Revolt of the Worms Nov 17, 2017

Once again, it’s later than the we think and we are listening to Lights Out! This time, we indulge in “Revolt of the Worms,” an episode from the Arch Oboler era of the series. In the face of a war-torn world, brilliant scientist Charles Prentice retreats to develop the perfect rose. But even in his […]

Episode 59: Dracula in White Nov 08, 2017

We may not know much about the 1984 BBC series, Spine Chillers, but that won’t stop the Society from checking out “Dracula in White” by Peter Redgrove. A journalist investigates strange stories of prisoners disappearing from a prison, but soon finds herself caught by the man known as Dracula in White! Do the missing inmates […]

Episode 58: Dracula Oct 31, 2017

Monster Month concludes with Mercury Theatre on the Air’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula! Orson Welles was only 23 years old when his version of this classic tale was broadcast, featuring himself in the title role. A mysterious Transylvanian noble comes to England, and everywhere he goes, death follows. Can those victims transformed into undead […]

Episode 57: The Tell-Tale Heart Oct 27, 2017

He’s no werewolf or mummy, but Edgar Allen Poe certainly deserves his spot in our Monster Month! This week, we’re listening to Boris Karloff in Inner Sanctum Mysteries’ adaptation of “The Tell-Tale Heart!” Two peculiar strangers share a home until madness drives one of them to deadly extremes. How will Inner Sanctum’s outlandish style transform […]

Episode 56: W is for Werewolf Oct 19, 2017

This week we’re listening to “W is for Werewolf” from Dark Fantasy as part of our Monster Month! The story depicts a visit to a remote island where a troubled man’s only surviving son seems to be suffering from a strange condition. As a treat for theater fans in the Minneapolis/St. Paul region, the production […]

Episode 55: Frankenstein Oct 11, 2017

Monster Month continues this week and the Society is listening to an adaptation of “Frankenstein” from Suspense! This version of Mary Shelley’s classic novel features the obsessed doctor confiding in a priest about his obsessive quest to conquer death. Can spiritual guidance provide a measure of redemption for the scientist? Can this story be crammed […]

Episode 54: Whence Came You? Oct 05, 2017

The Society starts out a whole month of shows themed around classic movie monsters. We begin with the Mummy, represented by this Quiet, Please episode entitled “Whence Came You?” The story features an archaeologist who finds himself being observed by a mysterious beautiful woman with a strange connection to the ruins he is excavating. What […]

Episode 53: The Great Brain Sep 28, 2017

CBS Mystery Theater adapted Jacques Futrelle’s short story, “The Problem of Cell 13,” for this week’s episode entitled “The Great Brain”! A brilliant mind hopes to prove the limitless potential of human intellect by allowing himself to be locked in a prison with a week to escape. Can he free himself from his cell in […]

Episode 52: Carmilla Sep 20, 2017

Columbia Workshop presents Lucille Fletcher’s adaptation of Sheridan Le Fanu’s novella “Carmilla”! A father takes in a young abandoned girl who befriends his daughter, but soon discovers that Carmilla is much more than she seems. Will a parent’s desire to make his child happy prove to be his family’s undoing? Could he possibly have known […]

Episode 51: Behind the Locked Door Sep 12, 2017

This week, The Mysterious Traveler takes the Society “Behind the Locked Door!” Two archeologists set out on an expedition into the Vermilion Cliffs but only one returns. Why does he want his fiancé to leave him forever? What has he locked away in his bedroom? What’s the maximum speed of a burro? Listen for yourself […]

Episode 50: The Thing on the Fourble Board Sep 06, 2017

It’s our 50th episode and to celebrate, the Society is listening to this beloved episode of Quiet, Please! An oil-drilling roughneck encounters a terrifying mystery after his team digs up something unexpected from deep beneath the Earth’s surface. What greater horror lurks beneath the telling of this tale? How can Cecil Roy make such disturbing […]

Episode 49: The Porch Light Aug 29, 2017

More than one listener requested this particular episode of Nightfall and so the Society has been drawn to “The Porch Light!” Many thanks to both Rob and David for recommending this creepy tale from the popular Canadian series. On the night of a powerful snowstorm, a husband and wife wake up in their isolated home […]

Episode 48: The Werewolf Aug 23, 2017

The Society continues with its Listener Library series! This week, we feature a suggestion from Laurie, who recommended “The Werewolf” from The Weird Circle! The episode is based on “The White Wolf of the Hartz Mountains,” a short story by Captain Frederick Marryat. In the forest, a father and his children find their family invaded […]

Episode 47: The Dunwich Horror Aug 17, 2017

Our Listener Library series is being put on hold this week because the Society is celebrating the birthday of H.P. Lovecraft by listening to his story “The Dunwich Horror” as adapted by Suspense! (If you are a fan of the man, might we suggest checking out the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival?) Dark sorcery is underway […]

Episode 46: The Wardrobe Trunk Aug 08, 2017

We continue with our Listener Library series, catching up on recommendations from our listeners! This week, we check out “The Wardrobe Trunk” from NBC’s Radio City Playhouse, suggested to us by Jake! A small-time criminal finds himself in over his head and scrutinized by a threatening traveling companion. Can this desperate criminal elude the law? […]

Episode 45: How Love Came to Professor Guildea Aug 02, 2017

Our thanks to Keara who recommended this story from the series, Escape! This unusual tale is based on a short story by Robert Smythe Hichens and the production features the singular talents of the Man of a Thousand Voices, Paul Frees as the parrot. After a psychologist strikes up an unlikely friendship with a priest, […]

Episode 44: Bunny Baumler–His Close Brush with Fame Jul 25, 2017

This week the Society listens to a suggestion from Abby, who told us about an episode of Crime Classics! This series blends dark comedy and historical tales of true crime. In this episode, a German ne’er-do-well finds himself accused of four murders and he may not want to prove himself innocent. During the discussion afterwards, […]

Episode 43: The Thing That Cries in the Night, Parts 13–15 Jul 19, 2017

Our Summer Serial concludes with the shocking resolution to “The Thing That Cries in the Night” from I Love a Mystery! (Coming late to the series? Listen to Parts 1–3, Parts 4–6, Parts 7–9, and then Parts 10–12!) Jack claims to know who is responsible for terrorizing the Martin family, but he won’t reveal what […]

Episode 42: The Thing That Cries in the Night, Parts 10–12 Jul 11, 2017

Things are looking dire for the Martin Family as the Society races toward the climax of “The Thing That Cries in the Night” from I Love a Mystery! Join us for the penultimate episode of our Summer Serial! (Coming late to the series? Listen to Parts 1–3, Parts 4–6, and then Parts 7–9!) After a […]

Episode 41: The Thing That Cries in the Night, Parts 7–9 Jul 05, 2017

It’s time for the next installment of our Summer Serial! Join us as we follow Jack, Reggie, and Doc into the heart of “The Thing That Cries in the Night” from I Love a Mystery! (Coming late to the series? Listen to Parts 1–3 and then Parts 4–6!) ! The Martin family are under siege […]

Episode 40: The Thing That Cries in the Night, Parts 4–6 Jun 27, 2017

“The Thing That Cries in the Night” continues! The Society’s Summer Serial is underway with these episodes from I Love a Mystery! (Coming late to the series? Listen to Parts 1–3!) Jack, Reggie, and Doc meet the rest of the Martin family and soon they again hear the strange cry of an infant, even though […]

Episode 39: The Thing That Cries in the Night, Parts 1–3 Jun 20, 2017

The Society returns from our break to launch our Summer Serial, as we investigate all 15 episode of “The Thing That Cries in the Night” from Carleton E. Morse’s I Love a Mystery! Jack, Reggie, and Doc fly into Burbank only to be swept up into another mystery involving an aristocratic family plagued by a […]

Episode 38: Spawn of the Sub Human May 31, 2017

Put your seats in the upright and locked position because the Society is ready to take off with this week’s installment, an episode of Dark Fantasy entitle “Spawn of the Sub Human!” A famed singer finds her flight haunted by memories of the past. Her ultimate destination will prove to be completely unexpected. Is her […]

Episode 37: Ghost Hunt May 23, 2017

This week, the Society discovers the original found footage horror story, “Ghost Hunt,” recommended to us in an iTunes review! Our thanks to Filmbuf104! This episode of Suspense features Ralph Edwards, the creator of such classic shows as “Truth or Consequences” and “This is Your Life.” In the story, DJ Smiley Smith dares to record a night spent in a house known […]

Episode 36: The Sleep of Death May 16, 2017

The Society pays a visit to Cabin B13 to hear one of Dr. Fabian’s dark mysteries! John Dickson Carr created the series and provided its ingenious scripts. In this story, entitled “The Sleep of Death,” a young suitor dares to spend the night in the deadly Tapestry Room to win the hand of his beloved. […]

Episode 35: Broadway, Here I Come May 09, 2017

The stage is set for this week’s episode, “Broadway, Here I Come!” Our thanks to Ryan who suggested that we feature another story written by Robert A. Arthur (we’ve already heard his work with The Good Die Young and his adaptation of Return Trip). We’re happy to oblige with this creepy episode of The Sealed […]

Episode 34: Return Trip May 02, 2017

Have your ticket ready for a bus ride with madness! The Society has discovered Murder by Experts, in which an author recommends a story by a different different author which is then hosted by John Dickson Carr, yet another author! This episode, “Return Trip,” tells the story of four people on a bus, one of whom may be an […]

Episode 33: To Find Help Apr 25, 2017

Thank you to Keara who suggested that we listen to this episode of Suspense entitled “To Find Help,” featuring Ethel Barrymore and Gene Kelly. A woman hires a young man to clean her house, but soon discovers something strange and threatening about his behavior. Will she be able to survive his visit to her home? […]

Episode 32: The Screaming Skull Apr 17, 2017

This week, the Society is listening to the nightmarish sound of “The Screaming Skull” from the enigmatic series, Theatre 10:30. This adaptation of Francis Marion Crawford’s short story tells the tale of a husband and wife whose deaths leave behind a mysterious skull and a blood-chilling legend. Is that screaming sound just the wind? Can […]

Episode 31: Man Size in Marble Apr 11, 2017

Once again the Society strolls down the Hall of Fantasy for this adaptation of E. Nesbit’s “Man Size in Marble.” A young couple moves into a small village and encounters two ominous statues in the local church. Is there any truth to the grim legend surrounding these sculptures? Do two people really need a maid […]

Episode 30: The Man Who Sold His Soul Apr 06, 2017

Thank you to Lionel for recommending “The Man Who Sold His Soul” from the South African series Beyond Midnight! This story explains the strange stain eight feet off the ground on the wall of an abandoned ruin in an Irish countryside. It is the tale of Sir Dominic, a wastrel nobleman who strikes a diabolical […]

Episode 29: A Shroud for Sarah Mar 28, 2017

Lucille Ball is keeping the Society in Suspense! Before her career as the zany Queen of Comedy, she played a cold, ambitious manipulator in “A Shroud for Sarah.” Will her plotting backfire? How simple does a crime have to be before the police are willing to investigate it? How many times does a husband need […]

Episode 28: Murder Wears a Strange Mask Mar 21, 2017

The society attends a masquerade with this episode of The Haunting Hour entitled “Murder Wears a Strange Mask”! A costume party turns into a murder mystery and everyone is a suspect. At midnight the masks come off and the culprit will be discovered! Can you figure out who the killer is before the police arrive? […]

Episode 27: Hickory Dickory Doom Mar 14, 2017

According to the Society’s clock, it’s time for CBS Radio Mystery Theater! Host E. G. Marshall presents “Hickory Dickory Doom,” the disturbing tale of an antique timepiece that holds a monstrous secret! Why is the air inside the clock always cold? How many psychics and occult specialists can this family fit in their house? What […]

Episode 26: The Good Die Young Mar 07, 2017

This week, The Mysterious Traveler left the Society squirming with a disturbing tale entitled “The Good Die Young.” A malevolent child takes her jealous attempts to sabotage her new mother to dangerous extremes. Will the girl’s father see what’s happening before it’s too late? How old does a person have to be to use the […]

Episode 25: The Man in the Mirror Feb 28, 2017

Macabre wasn’t one of the best known series from the golden age of radio, but its odd origins contribute to some remarkable results. This week the Society has a chance to reflect on “The Man in the Mirror,” in which a man strikes a supernatural deal to escape death. Just how the heck are you […]

Episode 24: Song of the Slasher Feb 19, 2017

The Society returns to the Inner Sanctum for an episode requested by one of our listeners! Song of the Slasher features a hard-boiled detective hunting for a killer who whistles a unique tune. How many twist can they cram into this story? Do creepy threats of violence put you in the mood for some Lipton […]

Episode 23: Leiningen Versus the Ants Feb 13, 2017

Happy Valentine’s Day! If you’re feeling a little tingle running through your skin, it could be love. Or it could be ants. This week we are happy to welcome Joshua’s wife, Adrienne English Scrimshaw, as our special guest. She’s brought us an episode of Escape entitled “Leiningen Versus the Ants,” based on the short story […]

Episode 22: The Day Sinatra Got Fat Feb 06, 2017

The Arch Oboler Plays show serves up a doozy and the Society has a lot to say about “The Day Sinatra Got Fat”! Obloer’s macabre sense of humor indulges in a truly bizarre tale of aliens, pigs, and a strange green powder. Does the callous rich couple in the story deserve their terrible fate? Is […]

Episode 21: The Horn Feb 01, 2017

Join the Society for a dark, cold night spent with BBC’s Fear on Four story entitled “The Horn”! It’s not the Golden Age of Radio by a long shot, but it’s the perfect story for spending a winter’s night hiding under the covers. What can the English teach us about the etiquette for addressing the […]

Episode 20: The Strange Burial of Alexander Jordan Jan 24, 2017

Doctor X brings us The Strange Burial Of Alexander Jordan from the short-lived series Creeps by Night. A wealthy man’s fear of being buried alive leads to a security system to alert the living should he awake. What is the the true history of premature burial? If you’re going to murder someone, why wait until […]

Episode 19: Hostess Jan 17, 2017

This week the Society is entertained by The Hostess! The classic sci-fi series X Minus One presents Isaac Asimov’s chilling tale of alien etiquette and intrigue. How comfortable would you be to welcome something truly alien into your life? Would the story benefit from more lasers and car chases? Are aliens compelling us to create […]

Episode 18: Strange Judgment Jan 10, 2017

Join the Society for an exercise in Strange Judgment! This week we have stepped into the Weird Circle for this adaptation of Honoré de Balzac’s short story Un Drame au bord de la Mer. A mother and father are forced to decide the fate of their self-serving son. How well does this version capture the […]

Episode 17: The Man Who Murdered Time Jan 01, 2017

The Shadow has returned to ring in the new year with this insidious tale! A diabolical madman has a plot to stop the clock for good. Can the future be saved? Will Eric go on a vindictive killing spree if he gets diagnosed with a terminal illness? Are you from Missouri? We want to know! […]

Episode 16: Arctic Rescue Dec 19, 2016

The Society has returned to Suspense for a deadly journey with Joseph Cotten to the top of the world! Inspired by a true story of a rescue mission sent to track down ships lost in the Arctic Circle, this is the perfect tale to make you too terrified to venture into the ice and snow […]

Episode 15: Christmas Bonus Dec 13, 2016

The Whistler is coming and he knows if you’ve been bad or you’ve been good! In this episode, an ex-criminal faces losing his new life when the company that employs him finds $10,000 missing. Will this threat drive him back to his felonious ways? If it wasn’t him, who did steal the money? Can we […]

Episode 14: Northern Lights Dec 06, 2016

We’d love to tell you all about this story entitled “Northern Lights,” but we have been to told in no uncertain terms to remain Quiet, Please. Suffice to say that you’d never imagine a story about a cigarette lighter, caterpillars, and vowel sounds could be so creepy. Can a lush, elaborate description of aurora borealis […]

Episode 13: Murder Castle Nov 28, 2016

Inspired by the true story of serial killer H.H. Holmes, Lights Out presents the Society with a production entitled “Murder Castle!” A series of women are lured into a home filled with deadly traps to become the victims of a sadistic madman. Can you endure the grisly terror without flipping the tape over? How can […]

Episode 12: The Nameless Nov 21, 2016

This week, we’re down at the Hermit’s Cave listening to the story of The Nameless! An anonymous corpse appears to have been the victim of a perfect murder, but the dead man will have his vengeance! Would you be willing to kill for a Wilgen Unit? Can you listen to this weeeeeird story and not […]

Episode 11: Casting the Runes Nov 14, 2016

Witchcraft and intrigue combine for a one-of-a-kind tale from the classic series, Escape! A medieval scholar has been targeted by a deadly curse, leaving him with only three months to find a solution and save his own life. How scary can a story about passing notes and falling out of trees actually be? Is this […]

Episode 10: The Demon Tree Nov 07, 2016

The Society has wandered into the creepy forest known as Dark Fantasy and come face to face with…The Demon Tree! In this story, a group of decadent English(-ish) travelers abandon the dull monotony of high-stakes gambling for a pulse-pounding walk in a forest! Does being a tree undermine the horror of a giant murderous monster? […]

Episode 9: A Corpse for Halloween Oct 31, 2016

Celebrate Halloween with the Society and Inner Sanctum Mystery! This week we listen to A Corpse for Halloween, a twisted tale of bizarre psychological horror. It features the shameless puns and sardonic style of Paul McGrath (in the spirit of his predecessor, Raymond Edward Johnson). Is having a severed head delivered to you ever not […]

Episode 8: The Shadow People Oct 24, 2016

The Shadow People have emerged from the Hall of Fantasy and the Society has a lot to say about it! In this chilling tale, a woman and her family are terrorized by strange beings that live side by side with humanity, watching and waiting from the darkness. Does she have any hope of survival? Will […]

Episode 7: The Gibbering Things Oct 17, 2016

This week, the Society crosses paths with The Shadow and there’s a lot of excitement over the mysterious crimefighter! This episode features a script written by Alonzo Deen Cole, creator of The Witch’s Tale. Is the story worth all the Shadow nerd love or have our minds been clouded? Is gibbering inherently scary? Monkeys? In […]

Episode 6: The Gas Receipt Oct 10, 2016

Join the Society for a visit to The Black Museum! Orson Welles was the host of this unique anthology of crime stories inspired by real events. “The Gas Receipt” is based on the case of Frederick Browne and William Kennedy—a grisly murder archived in Scotland Yard’s legendary Crime Museum. Although the museum is normally only […]

Episode 5: The Devil Doctor Oct 04, 2016

Old Nancy from The Witch’s Tale provides the Society with this week’s episode, The Devil Doctor! The Witch’s Tale was the first horror series ever produced for radio, and writer/director Alonzo Deen Cole set the standard for everything that was to follow. Is this show an innovative work of frenzied genius or does the mad […]

Episode 4: The Veldt Sep 26, 2016

The Society travels to Dimension X for this week’s episode—an adaptation of Ray Bradbury’s The Veldt! Imagine a strange dystopia where children are more interested in the virtual world provided by their technology than they are in the real…oh. Do modern conveniences diminish the human experience? What understanding of death do children really have? Can […]

Episode 3: An Eye for an Eye Sep 19, 2016

Only three episodes in and all the rules have been thrown out the window. Join the Society as they listen to an episode of the BBC’s The Price of Fear from…1974? That’s long after the end of the Golden Age of Radio! What’s going on? Can theme stand in the place of plot? Has Vincent Price […]

Episode 2: Poltergeist Sep 13, 2016

The Society delves into a gem from the Arch Oboler era of Lights Out! In the story, Edna, Florence, and Kay take a sleigh ride through the country and cross paths with a very ill-tempered supernatural force. Will this story still send a chill down your spine? How long will it take to go from cabaret to […]

Episode 1: The House in Cypress Canyon Sep 01, 2016

Joshua, Tim, and Eric check out a chilling tale from Suspense for this inaugural episode. By reputation, this is one of the finest examples of horror from the golden age of radio, and the Society is ready to share their thoughts on this classic broadcast and try to answer several vital questions. Who makes a sneaky cameo in this story? […]

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