What is the chilling legacy of “Chicken Heart,” a seven-minute radio drama that first aired in 1937 on the iconic show Lights Out? Join us as we explore the eerie world crafted by Arch Oboler and discuss how this seemingly simple tale continues to haunt pop culture today. What makes “Chicken Heart” resonate so strongly in the contemporary era? We’ll delve into the historical context, the media landscape, and the anxieties of the pre-WWII era that shaped this story.
Using Blake Snyder's (2005) framework from Save the Cat, along with media theories from Slavoj Žižek and Stuart Hall, we will uncover the compelling story structure and the unstoppable horror tropes it embodies. We will also examine its cultural impact through insights from Stephen King's analysis of radio horror and Bill Cosby's comedic retelling.
Join us for an exploration of why "Chicken Heart" endures, revealing how sound continues to evoke terror in this timeless classic!
Sources:
Halloween Heartthrob: The “Chicken Heart” that Gobbled Up the Globe | Timeless
"Chicken Heart" [remastered] • Classic Radio Horror from LIGHTS OUT - YouTube
Bill Cosby - Chicken Heart (1966)
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