Suspense - Old Time Radio Thriller

Suspense was one of the most popular and successful old time radio dramas during it's run of over 900 episodes, spanning 1942-1962. Guest stars included Orson Welles, Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Agnes Moorehead, Marlene Dietrich and Humphrey Bogart. Suspense is renowned for its gripping tales of mystery, horror, and psychological tension. Find all our OTR radio stations and podcasts at theaterofthemind-otr.com - Audio Credit: The Old Time Radio Researchers Group. - All Podcasts @ Spreaker | Apple | YouTube | Spotify | Amazon | iHeart Format 30-minute standalone episodes (later expanded to 60 minutes in the 1950s). Each episode was a self-contained story, often featuring ordinary people in extraordinary, life-threatening situations. Known for its tight scripting, atmospheric sound effects, and dramatic musical scores (often by Bernard Herrmann, who later composed for Hitchcock films). Famous for its twist endings and unreliable narrators. Iconic Hosts & Opening Early episodes were introduced by "The Man in Black" (a mysterious narrator, played by Joseph Kearns and later Paul Frees). The show’s chilling opening theme (a heartbeat-like rhythm followed by the announcer’s voice) became legendary: "Suspense! As quiet as fog creeping in on little cat feet…" Influence & Legacy Considered the pinnacle of radio suspense drama, setting the standard for later shows like The Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Many episodes were adapted for TV and film (e.g., Sorry, Wrong Number became a 1948 movie). Preserved by collectors and still aired on radio nostalgia stations today. Why Suspense Still Holds Up Masterful storytelling – Relied on dialogue and sound to terrify listeners (no visuals needed!). A-list Hollywood talent – Rare chance to hear major stars in intimate, voice-only performances. Timeless themes – Paranoia, betrayal, and moral dilemmas still resonate today.

Episodes

Melody in Dreams - Suspense | 12/29/1952 (Ep493)

September 8, 2025 • 29 mins

Suspense was one of the most popular and successful old time radio series during it's run of over 900 episodes, spanning 1940-1962. Guest stars included Orson Welles, Frank Sinatra, Lucille Ball, Agnes Moorehead, Marlene Dietrich, Humphrey Bogart. and many more. The plots were mostly engaging crime dramas, science fiction and some horror - usually with a twist at the conclusion.

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Suspense - Old Time Radio Thriller

Episodes

.css-14f5ked{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:2;overflow:hidden;}Melody in Dreams - Suspense | 12/29/1952 (Ep493)

.css-r6mb8g{margin:0;word-break:break-word;display:-webkit-box;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;box-orient:vertical;-webkit-line-clamp:1;overflow:hidden;}Artic Rescue - Suspense | 12/22/1952 (Ep492)

The Man with Two Faces - Suspense | 12/15/1952 (Ep491)

Joker Wild - Suspense | 12/08/1952 (Ep490)

The Big Heist - Suspense | 12/01/1952 (Ep489)

Man Alive - Suspense | 11/24/1952 (Ep488)

Death and Miss Turner - Suspense | 11/17/1952 (Ep487)

The Frightened City - Suspense | 11/10/1952 (Ep486)

Frankenstein - Suspense | 11/03/1952 (Ep485)

Allen in Wonderland - Suspense | 10/27/1952 (Ep484)

The Death of Barbara Allen - Suspense | 10/20/1952 (Ep483)

How Long Is the Night - Suspense | 10/13/1952 (Ep482)

The Diary of Dr. Pritchard - Suspense | 10/06/1952 (Ep481)

Vidocq's Final Case - Suspense | 09/29/1952 (Ep480)

Jack Ketch - Suspense | 09/22/1952 (Ep479)

Concerto for Killer and Eye Witnesses - Suspense | 06/09/1952 (Ep477)

A Good and Faithful Servant - Suspsense | 06/02/1952 (Ep476)

The Death of Me - Suspense | 05/26/1952 (Ep475)

The Flight of the Bumblebee - Suspense | 05/19/1952 (Ep474)

The Missing Person - Suspense | 05/12/1952 (Ep473)

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Melody in Dreams - Suspense | 12/29/1952 (Ep493)

Artic Rescue - Suspense | 12/22/1952 (Ep492)