Episode 453 - Stars of "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World"

Episode 453 - Stars of "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World"

Author: Mean Streets Podcasts May 28, 2026 Duration: 2:54:42

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World is the rare epic-length comedy - over three hours long with a cast that includes Spencer Tracy, the Three Stooges, and nearly everyone in between. The movie follows a crazy cast on the hunt for hidden loot, and we'll hear six of the film's stars in radio thrillers: Phil Silvers in "The Swift Rise of Eddie Albright" (originally aired on CBS on April 3, 1947); Mickey Rooney in "The Lie" (originally aired on CBS on April 28, 1949); Milton Berle in "Rave Notice" (originally aired on CBS on October 12, 1950); Jack Benny in "Plan X" (originally aired on CBS on February 2, 1953);  Ethel Merman in "Never Follow a Banjo Act" (originally aired on CBS on February 1, 1954); and Jim Backus in "See How He Runs" (AFRS rebroadcast from April 19, 1959).


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 444 - Stars of "The Lost Weekend" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:36:42
Our parade of Best Picture winners continues with Billy Wilder's The Lost Weekend - a harrowing portrayal of alcoholism that also netted a Best Actor Oscar for its star, Ray Milland. We'll hear Mr. Milland, along with hi…
Episode 443 - Stars of "All About Eve" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:09:53
Our month of Best Picture Oscar winners continues with All About Eve - where Anne Baxter's ambitious Eve inserts herself into the life of Bette Davis' legendary Broadway star with a plan to steal the actress's crown. We'…
Episode 442- Stars of "Gentleman's Agreement" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:36:52
With the Academy Awards ceremony only a few weeks away, we're kicking off a new month-long series of Best Picture Oscar winners with Gentleman's Agreement - Elia Kazan's searing indictment of antisemitism. We'll hear thr…
Episode 441 - Stars of "From Here to Eternity" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:25
Our month of classic Hollywood romance wraps up with the picture that gave us one of the most iconic scenes in film history - From Here to Eternity, the wartime romantic drama featuring the love scene on the beach betwee…
BONUS - More from Nick and Nora [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:50
In this Friday bonus episode, we'll hear the Lux Radio Theatre adaptation of the sequel to The Thin Man - the appropriately titled After the Thin Man. William Powell and Myrna Loy are back as Nick and Nora Charles in thi…
Episode 440 - Stars of "The Thin Man" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:35:24
Our month of classic Hollywood romances continues with frequent co-stars William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles - husband and wife detectives who trade quips and down drinks as they investigate a murder in…
Episode 439 - Stars of "Casablanca" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:08:43
Here's looking at you, kid. In honor of Valentine's Day, here's one of Hollywood's all-time great romantic dramas - one of the all-time great movies, period - Casablanca. The tale of a love triangle set against an exotic…
Episode 438 - Stars of "His Girl Friday" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:37:09
A month of classic Hollywood romances kicks off with Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell trading quips at a mile a minute in His Girl Friday. Howard Hawks' adaptation of the newspaper comedy The Front Page changes the two ba…
Episode 437 - Stars of "Winchester '73" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:35:48
We ride off into the sunset for our winter out west series with Winchester '73, Anthony Mann's engrossing western drama starring James Stewart. It's the story of a man who loses his rifle and who travels the west to get…
Episode 436 - Stars of "My Darling Clementine" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:31:00
Guns are drawn at the OK Corral and a legend of the west is born in My Darling Clementine, John Ford's classic dramatization of the life and times of Wyatt Earp. We'll hear three of the film's stars - Henry Fonda, who pl…