The Mid to Late 1940s
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Drive In
| Program | Suspense |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 1.11.1945 |
| Length | 30.2 |
| Genre | Suspense |
| Award | Escape and Suspense Vintage Broadcasts |
| Plot synopsis | Woman accepts ride from the wrong stranger |
| Emotion | Good |
| Intellec | low |
| Transcend | moderate |
| Writing | Good |
| Acting | Judy Garland |
| Research | Little |
| Structure | Narrative sequence |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Original script by Muriel Roy Bolton |
| Acoustic | Effective |
| Music | Suspenseful |
| Narration | Protagonist's narration |
| Social Mean | Cautionary tale |
| Surprise | Surprise escape at end |
| Venue Vivid | Little |
| Authentic | Authentic |
| Link | Click |
Beautiful Dreamer
| Program | Matinee Theater |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 1.28.1945 |
| Length | 29.43 |
| Genre | Drama |
| Award | Praised as a serious attempt at quality drama by the Old Time Radio Researcher's Group |
| Plot synopsis | Biography of songwriter Stephen Foster. |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Strong |
| Transcend | History, racism |
| Writing | Good |
| Acting | Good |
| Research | Good |
| Structure | chronological sequence of acts |
| Perspective* | 3rd person, 1st person |
| Adapt/author | |
| Acoustic | Effective |
| Music | Original and rare performances of Foster's music |
| Narration | Host |
| Social Mean | Musical genius |
| Surprise | Tragedy |
| Venue Vivid | From New Orleans to the Bowery |
| Authentic | Accurate |
| Link | Click |
For Whom the Bell Tolls
| Program | Lux Radio Theater |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2.12.1945 |
| Length | 50.06 |
| Genre | War drama, history |
| Award | Old Time Radio Downloads |
| Plot synopsis | Heroism and love during Spanish civil war 1937-39 |
| Emotion | Good |
| Intellec | moderate |
| Transcend | Good |
| Writing | Excellent Hemingway |
| Acting | Gary Cooper, Ingred Bergman |
| Research | Moderate |
| Structure | Three Acts |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Adapted from Ernest Hemingway novel |
| Acoustic | Environmental acoustics |
| Music | Dramatic |
| Narration | DeMille |
| Social Mean | War, patriotism and fate |
| Surprise | |
| Venue Vivid | Mountains of Spain |
| Authentic | Authentic |
| Link | Click |
On a note of triumph
| Program | CBS Radio |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 5.13.1945 |
| Length | 57.06 |
| Genre | History |
| Award | OTRR, Cronkite |
| Plot synopsis | WWII triumph in Europe celebrated |
| Emotion | Good |
| Intellec | Strong |
| Transcend | Moderate |
| Writing | Excellent, Norman Corwin |
| Acting | Good |
| Research | Good |
| Structure | Histrorical spine |
| Perspective* | 1st persson |
| Adapt/author | Original script by Norman Corwin |
| Acoustic | Environmental acoustics |
| Music | Original orchestration |
| Narration | |
| Social Mean | Propaganda or patriotism? |
| Surprise | |
| Venue Vivid | Varied |
| Authentic | Accurate |
| Link | Click |
Donovan's brain
| Program | Suspense |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 5.18.1945 |
| Length | 61.47 |
| Genre | Fantasy, Science Fiction |
| Award | OTRR |
| Plot synopsis | Dr. Corey conducts experimental brain research |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Strong |
| Transcend | Strong |
| Writing | Brilliant |
| Acting | Orson Welles |
| Research | Excellent |
| Structure | Acts |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Adapted from Novel |
| Acoustic | Environmental acoustics |
| Music | Orchestra provide dramatic score |
| Narration | Medical laboratory |
| Social Mean | Ethics of medic al research on monkeys and humans |
| Surprise | |
| Venue Vivid | Medical laboratory |
| Authentic | Accurate |
| Link - Part 1 | Click |
| Link - Part 2 | Click |
August Heat
| Program | Suspense |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 5.31.1945 |
| Length | 24.5 |
| Genre | Suspense/Adventure |
| Award | Old Time Radio Downloads |
| Plot synopsis | Artist's mysterious sketch |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Strong |
| Transcend | moderate |
| Writing | Good |
| Acting | Good |
| Research | Moderate |
| Structure | Narrative sequence being recalled by protagonist as narrator |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Adapted from an original 1910 story by W.F. Harvey |
| Acoustic | Subtle, effective |
| Music | Suspenseful |
| Narration | Protagonist's narration |
| Social Mean | Metaphysics of crime, art |
| Surprise | Twist at end |
| Venue Vivid | Ordinary, but vivid |
| Authentic | Clear, authentic |
| Link | Click |
The Undecided Molecule
| Program | CBS Workshop Corwin Presents |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 7.17.1945 |
| Length | 29.13 |
| Genre | FantasyChildrens |
| Award | Cronkite, Tangent praises for creativity |
| Plot synopsis | An imaginary court room uses clever rhyme to consider the case of a molecule that won't be just one susbstance |
| Emotion | Moderate |
| Intellec | Strong for children |
| Transcend | Science, physics |
| Writing | Compelling, clever poetry |
| Acting | Vince Price, Groucho Marx, Sylvia Sidney |
| Research | Good science |
| Structure | Narrative sequence |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Original by Norman Corwin, the poet laureate of radio |
| Acoustic | Squeeking voice of molecule, cosmic alarm |
| Music | Delightful |
| Narration | Host opens |
| Social Mean | Freedom, indivdiuality and science |
| Surprise | Humor |
| Venue Vivid | Fantasy |
| Authentic | Accurate scienc e |
| Link | Click |
Shadow of death
| Program | Inner Sanctum Mysteries |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 10.2.1945 |
| Length | 28.48 |
| Genre | Mystery, horror |
| Award | |
| Plot synopsis | Insanity and murder |
| Emotion | Good |
| Intellec | low |
| Transcend | low |
| Writing | Good |
| Acting | Good, Ricahrd Widmark |
| Research | little |
| Structure | Narrative sequence |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Original script |
| Acoustic | Enviroemental acoustics |
| Music | Melodramatic music |
| Narration | Limited |
| Social Mean | Insanity, death, mystery intersect |
| Surprise | Is protagonist really insane? |
| Venue Vivid | Graveyard |
| Authentic | Accurate |
| Link | Click |
Dunwich Horror
| Program | Suspense/Fantasy |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 11.1.1945 |
| Length | 28.08 |
| Genre | Horror |
| Award | OTRR |
| Plot synopsis | Supernatural haunting |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | moderate |
| Transcend | Fear |
| Writing | Compelling |
| Acting | Robert Colman |
| Research | Good |
| Structure | Three acts… |
| Perspective* | 1st person? |
| Adapt/author | Adapted from HP Lovecraft 1928 short story |
| Acoustic | |
| Music | |
| Narration | Host |
| Social Mean | Spiritual terror |
| Surprise | Twist |
| Venue Vivid | Remote countryside |
| Authentic | Authentic |
| Link | Click |
The Disappearing Scientists
| Program | Sherlock Holmes |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 1.1.1946 |
| Length | 28.29 |
| Genre | Mystery |
| Award | OTRR |
| Plot synopsis | Holmes and Watson cleverly solve case of scientists who disappear while studying radium |
| Emotion | Good |
| Intellec | Strong |
| Transcend | Moderate |
| Writing | Good |
| Acting | Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce |
| Research | Good |
| Structure | Acts |
| Perspective* | 3rd person, 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Original script? |
| Acoustic | Environmental acoustics |
| Music | |
| Narration | Dr. Watson narrates |
| Social Mean | Medical science, murder, mystery |
| Surprise | Twist solves crime, clues embedded |
| Venue Vivid | Laboratory |
| Authentic | Accurate |
| Link | Click |
Make Ready my Grave
| Program | Inner Sanctum Mysteries |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 4.23.1946 |
| Length | 24.22 |
| Genre | Mystery, Horror |
| Award | Cronikite |
| Plot synopsis | Groom introduces bride to family estate and curse |
| Emotion | Good |
| Intellec | low |
| Transcend | moderate |
| Writing | Good |
| Acting | Good |
| Research | Little |
| Structure | Narrative sequence |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Original script |
| Acoustic | Graveyard sounds |
| Music | Suspenseful |
| Narration | Host introduces, protangonist narrates in past tense, then story present tense continues |
| Social Mean | hereditary insanity and wealth |
| Surprise | Surprise ending |
| Venue Vivid | Cemetary, mansion |
| Authentic | Authentic |
| Link | Click |
Go Away, Dixie Gilian
| Program | Pat Novak for Hire |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 11.24.1946 |
| Length | 29.43 |
| Genre | Detective |
| Award | OTRR, Greatdetectives.net |
| Plot synopsis | Novak solve murder case involving mysterious woman |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Moderate |
| Transcend | moderate |
| Writing | Excellent, witty |
| Acting | Jack Webb |
| Research | Moderate |
| Structure | Acts informal |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Origina |
| Acoustic | Acoustical environment |
| Music | |
| Narration | Pat Novak |
| Social Mean | Life's struggles and crime |
| Surprise | Clever, sarcasm |
| Venue Vivid | Metaphors |
| Authentic | San Francisco waterfront and more |
| Link | Click |
The House in Cypress Canyon
| Program | Suspense |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 12.5.1946 |
| Length | 30.2 |
| Genre | Suspense |
| Award | OTRR |
| Plot synopsis | Haunted house terrifies potential renters, told as a story within a story as mystery |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | moderate |
| Transcend | Fear of unknown |
| Writing | Compelling |
| Acting | Robert Taylor |
| Research | Moderate |
| Structure | Three acts puntuated by commercials |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Original script |
| Acoustic | Environmental acoustics, creaking door of house and sounds of haunting mashing dishes |
| Music | Music sets tone of mystery |
| Narration | Whistler narrates, intro along with protagonist narrating |
| Social Mean | Mysterious manuscript frames supernatural possession of an otherwise modest, nondescript home for seemingly average couple seeking to rent |
| Surprise | |
| Venue Vivid | |
| Authentic | |
| Link | Click |
Frenchman's Creek
| Program | Lux Radio Theater |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2.10.1947 |
| Length | 52.42 |
| Genre | Mystery, Romance |
| Award | OTRR |
| Plot synopsis | Lady and pirate fall into ill-fated love |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Strong |
| Transcend | Strong |
| Writing | Excellent Du Maurier |
| Acting | Joan Fontaine, David Niven |
| Research | Good |
| Structure | Acts |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Adaptation of du Maurier's novel |
| Acoustic | Environmental acoustics |
| Music | Period music |
| Narration | Host |
| Social Mean | Dangers of drunk driving |
| Surprise | |
| Venue Vivid | Cabin onboard pirate ship, country manor and estate |
| Authentic | Believable |
| Link | Click |
Mell-A-Lot
| Program | Let's Pretend |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 8.23.1947 |
| Length | 24.26 |
| Genre | Fantasy/Childrens |
| Award | Cronkite |
| Plot synopsis | MellALot uses love, compassion, generosity to free three enchanted brothers. |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Strong |
| Transcend | Freedom thru love and compassion |
| Writing | Compelling, poetic |
| Acting | Child actors |
| Research | Excellent |
| Structure | Acts |
| Perspective* | 2nd person |
| Adapt/author | Original |
| Acoustic | Environmental sounds such as a door opening or closing, raven, and sound of magic flute |
| Music | Children's melody |
| Narration | Host |
| Social Mean | Compassion, love |
| Surprise | Metaphors used to teach love when afraid |
| Venue Vivid | Forest journey, |
| Authentic | Believable sounds of imaginary land |
| Link | Click |
Crime and punishment
| Program | Mystery in the Air |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 9.25.1947 |
| Length | 25.39 |
| Genre | Suspense/Literature |
| Award | OTRR |
| Plot synopsis | Brilliant scholar seeks to outwit police |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | High |
| Transcend | Good |
| Writing | Excellent Dostoyevsky |
| Acting | Peter Lorre |
| Research | Excellent |
| Structure | Narrative sequence |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Adapted from movie based on Fyodor Dostoyevsky 1866 classic novel |
| Acoustic | Environmental acoustics |
| Music | Dramatic, trilling strings |
| Narration | Protagonist's narration |
| Social Mean | Is anyone above social rules, justice |
| Surprise | Twist |
| Venue Vivid | Ordinary, but vivid |
| Authentic | Authentic |
| Link | Click |
Fall of the house of usher
| Program | Escape |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 10.22.1947 |
| Length | 29.59 |
| Genre | Mystery, Horror |
| Award | OTRR |
| Plot synopsis | Visitor to the doomed House of Usher |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Strong |
| Transcend | Parable against evil…but what kind? |
| Writing | Brilliant |
| Acting | Paul Frees |
| Research | Good |
| Structure | Acts |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Adapted from EAP classic tale |
| Acoustic | Environmental acoustics, sounds of mansion creaking with age and worse |
| Music | Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain theme music |
| Narration | Letter read |
| Social Mean | Mental illness, incest or worse suggested but never revealed |
| Surprise | Unresolved |
| Venue Vivid | Fungus covered walls |
| Authentic | |
| Link | Click |
Pollock and the Porroh Man
| Program | Escape |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 10.29.1947 |
| Length | 30.12 |
| Genre | Adventure |
| Award | Best of Escape |
| Plot synopsis | Racist man haunted |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Strong |
| Transcend | Good |
| Writing | Excellent HG Wells |
| Acting | |
| Research | Moderate |
| Structure | Narrative sequence |
| Perspective* | 2nd person, 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Adapted from HG Wells |
| Acoustic | Effective |
| Music | Dramatic, suspenseful |
| Narration | Narrator, host |
| Social Mean | Superstition, racism |
| Surprise | Unexpected justice |
| Venue Vivid | Vivid from Africa to London |
| Authentic | Accurate historically |
| Link | Click |
The Country of the Blind
| Program | Escape |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 11.26.1947 |
| Length | 29.41 |
| Genre | Adventure |
| Award | OTRR |
| Plot synopsis | Sited man thinks he can use his ability to see to rule the blind whom he disovers in hidden valley |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Strong |
| Transcend | Strong |
| Writing | Brilliant |
| Acting | Edmund Obrien |
| Research | Good |
| Structure | Acts |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | adapted from HG Wells |
| Acoustic | Environmental acoustics |
| Music | |
| Narration | Robert Conrad |
| Social Mean | Desire for power |
| Surprise | The blind are far more powerful and capable than some sited persons might think |
| Venue Vivid | Remote valley in Andes |
| Authentic | Believable |
| Link | Click |
Kaleidoscope
| Program | Dimension X |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 1.1.1948 |
| Length | 30.34 |
| Genre | Science Fiction |
| Award | Best of Escape |
| Plot synopsis | Catastrophe in space journey |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Strong |
| Transcend | Strong |
| Writing | Excellent |
| Acting | Robert Conrad |
| Research | Good |
| Structure | Acts |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Adapted from Bradbury |
| Acoustic | Environmental |
| Music | Yes |
| Narration | No |
| Social Mean | introspection |
| Surprise | Powerful |
| Venue Vivid | Space |
| Authentic | Convincing |
| Link | Click |
Second-Class Passenger
| Program | Escape |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 1.7.1948 |
| Length | 30.03 |
| Genre | Suspense/Adventure |
| Award | OTR |
| Plot synopsis | Ship passenger caught in web of intrigue in Mozambique |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Strong |
| Transcend | Love and romance in exotic land |
| Writing | Excellent, Percival Gibbon |
| Acting | William N. Robson adapted, produced and directed the play for radio; Harry Bartell played Dawson. Jeannette Nolan the sultry woman in Mozambique. |
| Research | Moderate |
| Structure | Acts |
| Perspective* | 2nd person |
| Adapt/author | Adapted from short story by Perceval Gibbon |
| Acoustic | Sounds of rain and more in Mozambique |
| Music | |
| Narration | |
| Social Mean | Adventure, romance |
| Surprise | Does he make it back to ship? |
| Venue Vivid | Exotic Mozambique |
| Authentic | Rich description of alleys and rooftops |
| Link | Click |
Leiningen Versus the Ants
| Program | Escape! First for Mystery in the Air |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 1.14.1948 |
| Length | 29.13 |
| Genre | Adventure/Suspense |
| Award | Cronkite, widely acclaimed, produced on four shows multiple times over many years. |
| Plot synopsis | Plantation owner in jungle struggles against invading army of ants |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Strong |
| Transcend | Humans against nature |
| Writing | Compelling |
| Acting | William Conrad |
| Research | Good |
| Structure | Acts |
| Perspective* | 2nd person |
| Adapt/author | Adapted from original story by Carl Stephenson in 1938 issue of Esquire magazine. |
| Acoustic | Sounds of struggle against ants |
| Music | |
| Narration | Host |
| Social Mean | Cautionary tale, Powerful warning to care for earth and society |
| Surprise | Leiningen's heroic efforts |
| Venue Vivid | Exotic Amazon jungle |
| Authentic | Accurate descriptions of plantation |
| Link | Click |
Papa Benjamin
| Program | Escape |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 1.24.1948 |
| Length | 29.43 |
| Genre | Adventure/horror |
| Award | OTR |
| Plot synopsis | Man steals sacred voodoo chant to save jazz club |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Strong |
| Transcend | Strong…stealing from others culture to exploit |
| Writing | Compelling |
| Acting | Good |
| Research | Good |
| Structure | Acts |
| Perspective* | 1sr person |
| Adapt/author | Original |
| Acoustic | Good acoustical environments |
| Music | Jazz, chants, drumming |
| Narration | |
| Social Mean | Racial overtones, discrimination |
| Surprise | Surprise ending |
| Venue Vivid | New Orleans French Quarter |
| Authentic | |
| Link | Click |
Ancient sorceries
| Program | Escape |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2.21.1948 |
| Length | 30.54 |
| Genre | Mystery, horor |
| Award | OTRR |
| Plot synopsis | Supernatural forces draw a man to ancient village |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Good |
| Transcend | Struggle between deep desire and conscience |
| Writing | Compelling |
| Acting | Paul Frees |
| Research | Good |
| Structure | Acts |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Original |
| Acoustic | Environmental acoustics |
| Music | Effective music |
| Narration | Protagonist's narration |
| Social Mean | |
| Surprise | Man's internal conflict between passionate desire and conscience |
| Venue Vivid | Ancient Welsh village |
| Authentic | |
| Link | Click |
Murder in Jazz Time
| Program | The Mysterious Traveler |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 4.20.1948 |
| Length | 25.53 |
| Genre | Mystery/Suspense |
| Award | Acclaimed by OTR |
| Plot synopsis | Singer's husband battles insane jealousy |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Strong |
| Transcend | High |
| Writing | Compelling |
| Acting | Hazel Scott |
| Research | Good |
| Structure | Acts |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Original script |
| Acoustic | Train whistle that introduces show |
| Music | Gifted musical performance featuring jazz piano and voice of acclaimed jazz artist Hazel Scott |
| Narration | Host |
| Social Mean | Musical genius, passion, jealousy |
| Surprise | Twist at end |
| Venue Vivid | New Orleans |
| Authentic | Jazz club, actual New Orleans settings along Mississippi and French Quarter |
| Link | Click |
Murder on margin
| Program | Whistler |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 5.9.1948 |
| Length | 28.16 |
| Genre | Mystery |
| Award | OTRR |
| Plot synopsis | Murder mystery formula is inverted, starting with a confession |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | low |
| Transcend | Guilt |
| Writing | Fair |
| Acting | Good |
| Research | Little |
| Structure | Acts |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Adapted from original story |
| Acoustic | Environmental acoustics, sounds of phone and more at police station |
| Music | Narrator opens |
| Narration | Host, man in black |
| Social Mean | Greed |
| Surprise | Role of guilt as motivator in muder |
| Venue Vivid | 3am setting opens play |
| Authentic | Realism |
| Link | Click |
The Origin of the Lone Ranger
| Program | The Lone Ranger |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 6.30.1948 |
| Length | 30.11 |
| Genre | Adventure |
| Award | Cronkite |
| Plot synopsis | History of the masked hero of the old west |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Historical, cultural origin |
| Transcend | Justice |
| Writing | Compelling |
| Acting | Clayton Moore, Jay Silverheels |
| Research | Good |
| Structure | Acts |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Based on Zane Grey's 1915 book "The Lone Star Ranger" dedicated to real life Texas Ranger Captain John R. Hughes. |
| Acoustic | Hoofbeats of the Rangers horse Silver and Tonto's Scout. |
| Music | Theme song is the William Tell Overture written by classical composer Gioachino Rossini and has become synonymous with The Lone Ranger. |
| Narration | Host |
| Social Mean | Heroism, justtice in old west |
| Surprise | Little surprise |
| Venue Vivid | Old Texas frontier |
| Authentic | Believable |
| Link | Click |
1856 Destination Freedom_Railway to Freedom
| Program | Destination Freedom |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 7.4.1948 |
| Length | 29.09 |
| Genre | History |
| Award | OTR, 1949 award of the South Central Association of Chicago, "Scribes In Excellence Award" from the Colorado Association of Black Journalists |
| Plot synopsis | Tubman's heroic efforts that helped 300 slaves to freedom. |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Strong |
| Transcend | Freedom from slavery |
| Writing | Compelling, Richard Durham |
| Acting | Fred Pinkard, Oscar Brown, Jr. and Janice Kingslow |
| Research | Historical research |
| Structure | chronological sequence of acts |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | History told in collaboration with the Chicago Defender |
| Acoustic | |
| Music | Gospel music |
| Narration | Host |
| Social Mean | Social justice |
| Surprise | Heroism revealed |
| Venue Vivid | From south to north the railway to freedom |
| Authentic | |
| Link | Click |
The Thing on the Fourble Board
| Program | Quiet Please |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 8.9.1948 |
| Length | 29.42 |
| Genre | Horror |
| Award | OTRR, Cronkite |
| Plot synopsis | Roughneck on oil rig hauls up surprise |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Moderate |
| Transcend | Mysteries lying deep under earth's surface |
| Writing | Compelling |
| Acting | Robert Taylor |
| Research | Good |
| Structure | Three acts puntuated by commercials |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Original |
| Acoustic | Environmental acoustics, wail of creature |
| Music | |
| Narration | Host |
| Social Mean | Mysteries from the deep |
| Surprise | Surprise ending |
| Venue Vivid | Vivid, exotic locations described precisely with specialized terminology of oil rig |
| Authentic | Accurate |
| Link | Click |
A Little Piece of Rope
| Program | Suspense |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 10.14.1948 |
| Length | 29.46 |
| Genre | Mystery |
| Award | Cronkite, OTRR, escape=suspense |
| Plot synopsis | Woman gets ride from stranger |
| Emotion | Good |
| Intellec | low |
| Transcend | moderate |
| Writing | Good |
| Acting | Good |
| Research | Little |
| Structure | Narrative se |
| Perspective* | 1sr person |
| Adapt/author | Original script by Virginia Cross |
| Acoustic | |
| Music | Suspenseful |
| Narration | Host introduces, protangonist narrates in past tense, then story present tense continues |
| Social Mean | Insanity, murder |
| Surprise | Twist at end |
| Venue Vivid | Ordinary |
| Authentic | Basic |
| Link | Click |
Of Human Bondage
| Program | NBC's Command Theater in the Air, Everying for the Boys, NBC University Theater |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 11.14.1948 |
| Length | 59.59 |
| Genre | Drama |
| Award | Old TimE Radio Downloads |
| Plot synopsis | Mourning, overcoming disability, perseverance, art and beauty |
| Emotion | Good |
| Intellec | High |
| Transcend | Good |
| Writing | Excellent Maugham |
| Acting | Brian Ahearn, Angela Lansbury |
| Research | Moderate |
| Structure | Two Acts with intermission |
| Perspective* | 3rd person narration, followed by 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Adapted from W. Somerset Maugham's auto-biographical masterpiece of 1915 |
| Acoustic | Scuffling, dragging feet and other acoustics |
| Music | Dramatic orchestra |
| Narration | Narrator sets scene, with commentary from critic during intermission |
| Social Mean | Agony of love, value of sincerity |
| Surprise | little |
| Venue Vivid | Ordinary |
| Authentic | Authentic |
| Link | Click |
The Story of Silent Night
| Program | Hallmark Playhouse, CBS |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 12.23.1948 |
| Length | 30.05 |
| Genre | History |
| Award | OTRR |
| Plot synopsis | Origins of the classic hymn Silent Night |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | good |
| Transcend | high |
| Writing | Good |
| Acting | Good |
| Research | Well researched |
| Structure | Two Acts, chronological, intermission |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Original script based on retelling of story by grandson of man who wrote the melody of the hymn |
| Acoustic | Effective |
| Music | Exquisite orchestra, guitar, children's choir of Silent Night |
| Narration | James Hilton as host, narrator sets scenes, transitions between dialogue |
| Social Mean | Spiritual meaning of hymn |
| Surprise | Revelations from past |
| Venue Vivid | From Alps to Berlin |
| Authentic | Accurate, precise history |
| Link | Click |
Backseat driver
| Program | Suspense |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2.3.1949 |
| Length | 29.47 |
| Genre | Mystery |
| Award | Cronkite, Best of Old Time Radio 50 |
| Plot synopsis | Counple encounter killer on the road in night |
| Emotion | Good |
| Intellec | moderate |
| Transcend | moderate |
| Writing | Good |
| Acting | Fibber McGee and Molly, producer Anton M Leder |
| Research | Little |
| Structure | Three Acts, informally, with commercials in breaks |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Sally Thawson wrote original radio play |
| Acoustic | Creative use of radio in providing narration |
| Music | Suspenseful |
| Narration | Host introduces |
| Social Mean | Cautionary tale |
| Surprise | Twist at end saves main characters |
| Venue Vivid | Takes place entirely inside a car |
| Authentic | Authentic |
| Link | Click |
Orient Express
| Program | Escape |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2.19.1949 |
| Length | 29.23 |
| Genre | Adventure, Mystery |
| Award | OTRR |
| Plot synopsis | American poet and El Guitarrero face those who kinapped the poet's Mexican wife for ransom |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Good |
| Transcend | Good |
| Writing | Good |
| Acting | Good |
| Research | Good |
| Structure | Acts |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Original story |
| Acoustic | Acoustics in cantina, sounds of truck in kidnapping, sounds of fight inside truck |
| Music | Lovely guitar |
| Narration | Host |
| Social Mean | Poet learns about love, hate, gentleness and violence |
| Surprise | Surprise ending |
| Venue Vivid | vivid description |
| Authentic | Accurate, train |
| Link | Click |
Red River
| Program | Lux Radio Theater |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 3.7.1949 |
| Length | 58.53 |
| Genre | Western |
| Award | Classic OTR |
| Plot synopsis | Trouble on a cattle drive |
| Emotion | Good |
| Intellec | moderate |
| Transcend | moderate |
| Writing | Excellent |
| Acting | John Wayne, Walter Brennan, Joann Drew |
| Research | Moderate |
| Structure | Three Acts |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Adapted from film |
| Acoustic | Western sounds |
| Music | Dramatic |
| Narration | Richard Keely, producer and host |
| Social Mean | Will and bravery |
| Surprise | Moderate |
| Venue Vivid | Western |
| Authentic | Authentic |
| Link | Click |
A Shipment of Mute Fate
| Program | Escape |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 3.13.1949 |
| Length | 25.18 |
| Genre | Adventure/Suspense |
| Award | Acclaimed by OTR, produced many times on different shows |
| Plot synopsis | Bushmaster terrorizes passengers on ship |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Strong |
| Transcend | Humans against nature |
| Writing | Compelling |
| Acting | Various |
| Research | Good |
| Structure | Acts |
| Perspective* | 2nd person |
| Adapt/author | Adapted by Les Crutchfield for Escape from original Martin Storm story that appeared in Esquire in 1940 |
| Acoustic | |
| Music | Mussorgsky's Night on Bald Mountain theme music |
| Narration | Host |
| Social Mean | Contemplates almost existential, almost supernatural qualities of the Bushmaster. |
| Surprise | Unexpected hero |
| Venue Vivid | From South American jungle to ship at sea |
| Authentic | Accurate descriptions |
| Link | Click |
Incident at Arroyo Grande
| Program | Whistler |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 9.25.1949 |
| Length | 29.3 |
| Genre | Suspense |
| Award | OTRR |
| Plot synopsis | Men hijack truck |
| Emotion | Good |
| Intellec | Low |
| Transcend | Crime doesn't pay |
| Writing | Good |
| Acting | Frank Lovejoy |
| Research | little |
| Structure | Three acts puntuated by commercials |
| Perspective* | 3rd and 2nd person |
| Adapt/author | Original script |
| Acoustic | Environmental acoustics |
| Music | Whistling of mournful theme |
| Narration | Whistler narrates |
| Social Mean | Crime doesn't pay |
| Surprise | Twist at end |
| Venue Vivid | Ordinary |
| Authentic | Basic |
| Link | Click |
Pride of the Yankees
| Program | Screen Directors Playhouse |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 9.30.1949 |
| Length | 29.53 |
| Genre | Biography |
| Award | Old Time Radio Downloads |
| Plot synopsis | Lou Gherig's fabled career and life cut tragically short |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Strong |
| Transcend | Maintaining strengthen in face of insurable illness |
| Writing | Compelling |
| Acting | Gary Cooper |
| Research | Good |
| Structure | chronological sequence of acts |
| Perspective* | 3rd person, 2nd person (reporter) 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Adapted from film |
| Acoustic | Environmental acoustics of ballfield |
| Music | Strings playing take me out to the ball game; program's theme music. |
| Narration | |
| Social Mean | Heroism on ballfield |
| Surprise | Heroism in face of tragedy' |
| Venue Vivid | Tragedy and strength |
| Authentic | Authentic, truthful |
| Link | Click |
A .22 Rifle for Christmas
| Program | Dragnet |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 12.22.1949 |
| Length | 27.16 |
| Genre | Detective |
| Award | OTRR, Cronkite |
| Plot synopsis | Tragedy follows parents' Christmas gift |
| Emotion | Strong |
| Intellec | Moderate |
| Transcend | Gun for child leads to tragedy |
| Writing | Excellent |
| Acting | Jack Webb |
| Research | Throrough research using actual case files from LA Police Department |
| Structure | Acts informal |
| Perspective* | 1st person |
| Adapt/author | Original for radio |
| Acoustic | Acoustical environment |
| Music | Now familiar brass theme |
| Narration | Joe Friday narrates |
| Social Mean | Dangers of gun in hands of child |
| Surprise | |
| Venue Vivid | LA |
| Authentic | Accurate, specific venues |
| Link | Click - scroll to .22 Rifle for Christmas |
| Program Intro | Click |