Episode 414 - Favorites from 1943

Episode 414 - Favorites from 1943

Author: Mean Streets Podcasts May 29, 2025 Duration: 3:07:29

Join me on a trip back to 1943 and my favorite episodes of Suspense from that year. It was the year production of the show moved from New York to Hollywood, which meant it was easier for film stars to make appearances, and it picked up a sponsor in the form of Roma Wines. We'll hear Maureen O'Hara as a debutante turned detective in "The White Rose Murders" (originally aired on CBS on July 6, 1943), and Warren William reprise his big screen role as The Lone Wolf - a reformed jewel thief turned sleuth - in "Murder Goes for a Swim" (originally aired on CBS on July 20, 1943). Agnes Moorehead cements her status as the "first lady of Suspense" in the legendary "Sorry, Wrong Number" (originally aired on CBS on August 21, 1943), and Orson Welles plays a hunter who tracks human prey in "The Most Dangerous Game" (originally aired on CBS on September 23, 1943). Finally, Charles Laughton is a patriarch whose family reputation may be sullied by murder in "Wet Saturday" (originally aired on CBS on December 16, 1943), and Peter Lorre finds his foolproof murder scheme had an unexpected complication in "Back for Christmas" (originally aired on CBS on December 23, 1943).


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.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Stars on Suspense (Old Time Radio)
Podcast Episodes
Episode 430 - Stars of "Miracle on 34th Street" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:38:53
A month-long series of classic holiday films and their casts kicks off with Miracle on 34th Street - the story of a department store Santa who says he's the real deal. We'll hear three of its stars in radio thrillers fro…
BONUS - Substitute Stars of "Double Indemnity" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:18
After you hear Fred MacMurray and Barbara Stanwyck recreate their famous roles on The Lux Radio Theatre, enjoy this bit of "what if" alternate Hollywood casting of the film. Burt Lancaster, Joan Bennett, and Myron McCorm…
Episode 429 - Stars of "Double Indemnity" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:35:11
"Noirvember" draws to a close with the cast of Double Indemnity - Billy Wilder's genre-defining adaptation of James M. Cain's novel. It's a twisted tale of greed, lust, and revenge with Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck,…
BONUS - Jack Benny Presents "The Killers" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:16
It's an addendum to our spotlight show on The Killers as Jack Benny, his radio gang, and special guest star Edward G. Robinson present their own version of the movie. This comedic caper originally aired on NBC on Novembe…
Episode 428 - Stars of "The Killers" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:36:48
Ernest Hemingway's short story The Killers was memorably adapted and expanded for the big screen by director Robert Siodmak and an incredible cast. We'll hear the stars of that film - plus a radio recreation - as our "No…
Episode 427 - Stars of "The Maltese Falcon" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:53:10
Our celebration of "Noirvember" continues with the cast of The Maltese Falcon - the classic adaptation of Dashiell Hammett's celebrated novel. Peter Lorre plays a husband with a plot to dispose of his wife and her lover…
Episode 426 - Stars of "Laura" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:07:38
Beginning with this episode, Stars on Suspense goes to the movies and shines a spotlight on the cast of a Hollywood classic. Up first is Laura, the 1944 Oscar-nominated mystery that the American Film Institute hailed as…
Episode 425 - Horror's Heavy Hitters [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:45:26
Happy Halloween! We're celebrating with a spooky collection of some of the big screen's most famous monsters in old time radio thrillers. Orson Welles is the count who never drinks...wine in "Dracula," presented by the M…
Episode 424 - Final Favorites - 1955 to 1962 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 4:03:39
Our journey through the years of "radio's outstanding theatre of thrills" ends with my favorite installments from the final years of Suspense. Ray Bradbury presents a terrifying tale of a popular new kids' game in "Zero…
Episode 423 - Favorites from 1952 to 1954 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:30:33
Suspense enters its final decade on the air and loses its longtime sponsor as our journey through the years of the show continues. Between 1952 and 1954, Elliott Lewis remained at the helm of the series and continued to…