Suspense Sundays (98) See How He Runs

Suspense was a radio series from 1942 to 1962.  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.  For Suspense Sundays I'll give a short review of an episode.

"See How He Runs"

Air date: April 19, 1959
Starring Jim Backus

>>Episodes here<<

Papi, a blind, genial keeper of a newspaper stand is talking to mob boss Mr. Barker who he "fingers" for another mob which results in a drive by shooting targeting Mr. Barker.  There were witnesses though so now there is a "mark" on Papi, who is desperate to stay alive.  Being blind though is a severe disadvantage when he tries to hide.

Although Papi starts off sounding like a pretty nice guy, he is quickly revealed to be selfish and opportunistic so it isn't terribly heartbreaking when we hear how his story ends.  His attempt to elude the mobsters that are after him is pretty clever though, and probably would have worked for him if *spoiler spoiler spoiler*.  His elusive tactics reminded me a bit of the ending in the (fantastic) film Wait Until Dark.  I did like how the actor playing Papi characterized him - he was very believable and he made Papi deceptively likable - capturing that earnestness yet two-faced voice well.