Charlie Ruggles

This week’s podcast looks at John Dickson Carr’s The Burning Court adapted for radio by Harold Medford for the Suspense radio series. It was the premier episode of the series which began in 1942. Carr was one of the premier mystery writers of the “locked room mystery” in the forties, but with elements that went beyond Ellery Queen, Agatha Christie and others of the period. Carr added an element of the supernatural, but believed that all things could be resolved by logic. The Burning Court was one of his novels that did not feature a primary detective in the role of solver of a crime. This adaptation is very well done and though not written by Carr, who did write some adaptations of his stories for radio as well as original plays.  Charlie Ruggles, well known as a comedic actor is well out of type for this episode.

Music under is the theme from Body Heat by John Barry.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Dorothy Hughes

The last adaptation of my look at Dorothy B. Hughes, mystery writer from the forties. This radio adaptation is based on the film “The Fallen Sparrow” starring John Garfield. The adaptation is from the Lux Radio Theater. Not as good as the previous podcast, but it gives another look into the types of characters and situations, this writer created.

This version stars Robert Young as Kit.

Music under is by Jazz At the Movies.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Robert Montgomery

The start of a two podcast look at somewhat forgotten pioneer of the psychological thriller – Dorothy B. Hughes. Hughes was a mystery writer from the forties into the fifties and beyond, but her peak power was in the late forties. In a Lonely Place was one of her best novels – a psychological murder mystery inside the mind of the possible killer. She pre-dated better known writers such as Jim Thompson, whose The Killer Inside Me is well recognized. Hughes was a superb writer and this Suspense adaptation starring Robert Montgomery was written by Irving Ravetch, who is known for creating the screenplays The Long Hot Summer, Hud, Hombre, and Norma Rae. This episode is one hour long.

Music under is “I Only Have Eyes For You” performed by Andre Previn Trio.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

MBS

A slightly different crime story this week.  Encore Theater was a program the Mutual Broadcasting System sustained in the late forties to provide an opportunity for listeners to hear again dramatic episodes they heard on other programs and according to Mutual were the “best liked radio plays selected” by listeners. This episode is called “Balzac Murder” and was heard originally on the Carrington Playhouse in 1946. Elaine Carrington, called “Queen” Carrington for her “reign” as one of soap operas better known scripters created the series. However, these were not “soap” type programs. “Balzac Murder” is actually a very well written court room drama with flashbacks  by Joseph Cochran.  I think you’ll find the play fascinating (if you can get past the rather melodramatic organ bridge pieces). This play stars Raymond Edward Johnson as the Prosecutor.

Music under is the Nocturne in E Minor from the Grand Polonaise for Piano and Orchestra by Frederic Chopin.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Betty Lou Gerson

This time I look at a little known and rare radio program from 1942-1944 which focused on the newspaper reporter as detective. In this case, a female detective, Anne Rogers, who writes a column for a reputable newspaper. Anne finds herself involved in crime solving with the help of her foil Sgt. Flannigan. Scriptwriter was the noted Science Fiction writer, Nelson Bond. This episode of Hot Copy is called “Death Studies in Angles” from February 27th, 1944.  Though there were 3 actresses who played Anne Rogers, this episode features Betty Lou Gerson (right) in the role.

Music under is Andre Previn Trio: the tune is “One For Bunz.”

Podcast: Play in new window | Download