OTR Halloween Day 26: Suspense

Suspense is simply one of the greatest old-time radio programs ever made. I don't think that opinion will shock anyone who follows my posts - I talk up Suspense all the time. The series enjoyed a tremendous 20-year run (1942-1962) from the high point of radio drama to its expiration. But to me it was never better than when William Spier was producer (1942-1950).

Suspense told all kinds of tales but it was usually a combination of mystery, crime and thriller. Only occasionally did the supernatural or science fiction intrude upon affairs - in fact, I think there are more comedic episodes than there are supernatural/sci-fi genre stories.

So let's look at a great mystery-thriller from early in the run (October 26, 1943): "The After-Dinner Story" written by Cornell Woolrich (he was apparently one of Spier's favourite authors as his stories popped up on other shows Spier produced). In this tale, a group of men are summoned to dinner with a wealthy man. Their only connection to the host - and each other - is a tragic elevator accident in which the host's son was killed. The host now believes he has the murderer in his power.

You can hear "The After-Dinner Story" at the Internet Archive!