Episode 452 - Stars of "Citizen Kane"

Episode 452 - Stars of "Citizen Kane"

Author: Mean Streets Podcasts May 22, 2026 Duration: 3:00:25

Hailed by many as the greatest film ever made, Citizen Kane was the debut feature from Orson Welles and featured many of his colleagues from the Mercury Theatre productions of Broadway and radio. We'll hear Mr. Welles and his co-stars in radio thrillers: Ray Collins in "Marry for Murder" (originally aired on CBS on September 9, 1943); Welles in "Lazarus Walks" (AFRS rebroadcast from October 19, 1943); Joseph Cotten in "You'll Never See Me Again" (originally aired on CBS on September 14, 1944); George Coulouris in "The Long Shot" (AFRS rebroadcast from January 31, 1946); Agnes Moorehead in "The Evil of Adelaide Winters" (originally aired on CBS on September 10, 1951); and Everett Sloane in "Alibi" (AFRS rebroadcast from July 7, 1957).


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
Encore - Wild West Suspense [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:02:06
No new episode this week due to some unexpected conflicts, but since we're celebrating classic western movies, here's a collection of western tales from "radio's outstanding theater of thrills!" Alan Ladd hunts for his b…
Episode 435 - Stars of "Shane" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:02:59
We're spending the winter out west with classic western movies and their stars in January. First up is Shane, the story of a gunfighter who tries to turn over a new leaf but has to fall back on his trade when his newfoun…
Episode 434 - Stars of "'Til We Meet Again" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:36:58
We bid goodbye to the old year and ring in the new with 'Til We Meet Again, a tale of star-crossed lovers on an ocean liner with plans for a New Year's Eve rendezvous…if the fates don't conspire against them. We'll hear…
Episode 433 - Stars of "It's a Wonderful Life" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:08:56
We wrap up our series of classic holiday films with It's a Wonderful Life - the timeless tale from Frank Capra that proves no man is a failure who has friends. We'll hear three of its stars - Jimmy Stewart, Sheldon Leona…
Episode 432 - Stars of "The Bishop's Wife" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:08:34
Our December series of classic holiday films continues with the cast of The Bishop's Wife - the heavenly comedy about a beleaguered bishop, his supportive wife, and the angel who pays a visit to lend a hand. We'll hear i…
Episode 431 - Stars of "It Happened on Fifth Avenue" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:01:18
A tycoon's vacant mansion hosts holiday hijinks in the classic comedy It Happened on Fifth Avenue. It's the story of a vagrant who makes himself at home in the house when the owner heads south for the winter, and of how…
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…