CBS Radio Mystery Theater

Speak Of The Devil


Listen Later

“Speak of the Devil” is Episode 20 of CBS Radio Mystery Theater, first broadcast on January 25, 1974. The story centers on a man who jokingly claims he could strike a bargain with the Devil to improve his life—only to find that his words may have summoned something very real and very dangerous. As strange events unfold and a mysterious stranger appears, the line between idle talk and supernatural consequence begins to blur.

Episode basics

  • Series: CBS Radio Mystery Theater
  • Episode number: 20
  • Original air date: January 25, 1974
  • Runtime: Approximately 45 minutes

Plot overview

What starts as a casual, almost humorous remark becomes the catalyst for a chilling chain of events. After boasting that he would gladly make a deal with the Devil, the protagonist experiences a sudden shift in fortune—along with unsettling signs that suggest his words have been taken seriously. Whispers, coincidences, and the arrival of a man who seems to know far too much about him all point toward a sinister bargain in motion. The tension builds as the protagonist realizes that temptation, once voiced, may demand a terrible price.

Themes and tone

  • Temptation and consequence: The episode explores how careless desires can invite forces beyond human control.
  • Fate versus free will: Listeners are left to wonder whether the events are supernatural punishment or self‑fulfilling prophecy.
  • Dark irony: True to the series’ style, the horror lies less in spectacle and more in the moral lesson beneath the mystery.

Production notes

Airing during the show’s first month, “Speak of the Devil” exemplifies CBS Radio Mystery Theater’s early reliance on psychological suspense and moral parable. Hosted by E. G. Marshall, the episode uses atmosphere and implication rather than overt horror to deliver its unsettling impact.

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CBS Radio Mystery TheaterBy Entertainment Radio