Stars on Suspense (Old Time Radio)

Stars on Suspense (Old Time Radio)

Author: Mean Streets Podcasts Language: English Episodes: 545
Step back into an era where the crackle of a radio dial promised an evening of expertly crafted tension, brought to life by the most iconic voices ever captured on tape. Stars on Suspense (Old Time Radio) from Mean Streets Podcasts is a weekly double feature dedicated to preserving and celebrating this specific golden age artifact. The focus here is on the thrilling convergence of A-list Hollywood talent with the masterful sound production of the classic "Suspense" radio series. You'll hear legends like Orson Welles, Agnes Moorehead, or Cary Grant not in their familiar cinematic roles, but using only their voices to paint pictures of desperation, mystery, and impending doom. Each episode presents two complete, original broadcasts, allowing the listener to fully immerse in the narrative craftsmanship and atmospheric sound design that held a nation captive. This podcast isn't just about nostalgia; it's an archival showcase of performance art, highlighting how these stars built entire worlds and complex characters through vocal nuance alone. The collection spans the show's long run, offering everything from psychological noir to supernatural tales, all united by that signature spine-tingling "Suspense" mood. For anyone interested in the roots of modern audio drama, the history of performance, or simply a brilliantly told story, this curated journey provides a direct line to a time when imagination was the ultimate special effect. Tune in for a masterclass in tension, starring the very best.
Episodes
Episode 335 - John Dickson Carr [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:40:28
Master mystery writer John Dickson Carr was a key figure in the first year of Suspense. The creator of Dr. Gideon Fell and godfather of locked room puzzles penned nearly two dozen episodes of "radio's outstanding theater…
Episode 334 - John Lund (Part 4) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:19
John Lund returns to the podcast in a pair of radio thrillers. First, he's an ordinary man drawn into a dangerous adventure during Mardi Gras in "The Man Who Stole the Bible" (originally aired on CBS on November 25, 1956…
Episode 333 - Gene Lockhart [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:55
Gene Lockhart wore many hats in his career: Oscar-nominee, stage star, acting teacher at Julliard, and songwriter. He played everyone from Bob Cratchit to villains to the judge trying to decide Kris Kringle's fate in Mir…
Episode 332 - Cornel Wilde (Part 3) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:00
For his final appearance on the podcast, Cornel Wilde stars as C. Auguste Dupin - the master detective created by Edgar Allan Poe - in "The Mystery of Marie Roget" (originally aired on CBS on December 14, 1953). Inspired…
Episode 331 - Sterling Holloway [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:59
The Cheshire Cat, Kaa the snake, and Winnie the Pooh. Sterling Holloway voiced them all and became a Disney legend for his years of work bringing beloved characters to life with his instantly recognizable voice. He lent…
BONUS - Best of Claire Trevor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:36:20
For this month's bonus episode, I'm sharing my favorite episodes of Suspense starring Oscar-winner Claire Trevor. First, she's trapped in her home with a madman in "The Plan" (originally aired on CBS on May 16, 1946). Th…
Episode 330 - Joseph Cotten (Part 7) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:19
Hitchockian heavy and Third Man hero Joseph Cotten returns for more "tales well calculated to keep you in Suspense!" We'll hear him first as a corrupt prosecutor who plans a murder to keep his dirty dealings a secret in…
Episode 329 - Ann Richards [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:36:20
After achieving stardom in her native Australia, Ann Richards traveled to Hollywood. Unfortunately, studios never quite figured out what to do with her, and she retired after making just 12 movies in the States. But duri…
Episode 328 - Lee Bowman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:24
Lee Bowman enjoyed a brief run of success on the big screen during World War II, but when film roles dried up he turned to television and eventually to a second career as a corporate and political media consultant. We'll…
Episode 327 - Joan Lorring (Part 3) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:21
Academy Award-nominated actress Joan Lorring returns in two more Suspense thrillers from the early 1960s. First, it's "The Luck of the Tiger Eye," a tale of greed and graverobbing set in a mansion on a dark and stormy ni…