Suspense was a radio series from 1942 to 1962, claiming to be "radio's outstanding theater of thrills." I have a fondness for "Old Time Radio" as we call it now, and Suspense is my favorite show. It sets up weird, dark, scary, or intriguing stories with a plot twist in the end, and all in half an hour. I love the old-fashion story-telling and I thought it would be fun to give a short review of an episode every Sunday.
"The Burning Court"
Air date: June 24, 1942
Starring Charles Ruggles and Julie Haydon
Based on John Dickinson Carr’s novel, this story is a never-ending tale of red herrings and false accusations. Mr. Stevens, editor, while perusing a book finds a picture of a woman who is a dead ringer for his wife. This woman in the picture lived in the 1600s and was beheaded and burned for poisoning someone. Before Mr. Stevens can confront his wife, he finds the picture missing from the book. Meanwhile, Mr. Stevens’ boss suspects the recent death of his uncle to be because of poisoning instead of gastroenteritis. Mrs. Stevens was last seen with the uncle.
I love how this story keeps pointing the finger at all the characters. Everyone is suspicious and seems to be hiding or lying about something. In the end, the solution is quite normal and reasonable, but there is an additional twist ending that is very much a surprise. I think the mystery story this book is based on would be a delight to read, because this short radio adaptation has so much promise.
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