Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to another thrilling edition of "Friday Night Noir" on Vintage Classic Radio as we near Halloween, where we take you back in time to experience the spine-tingling gothic tales that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Tonight, we have two masterpieces of suspense and horror, starting with Edgar Allan Poe's "The Pit and the Pendulum," followed by Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper." So, sit back, dim the lights, and prepare for a journey into the dark and mysterious world of vintage radio drama.

The Pit and the Pendulum - Edgar Allan Poe

Our first tale tonight, "The Pit and the Pendulum," originally penned by the master of macabre, Edgar Allan Poe, has been adapted for radio by the talented John Dickson Carr. This episode, directed by John Dietz, originally aired on January 12th, 1943, as part of the legendary radio show "Suspense."

In the oppressive atmosphere of the Spanish Inquisition, our protagonist, a French Officer, finds himself imprisoned and condemned to a gruesome fate. Alone in his cell, he faces not only the torment of his own mind but also the anticipation of unspeakable torture. As the inquisitorial voices close in, he struggles to maintain his sanity amidst the chilling horrors that surround him.

The Yellow Wallpaper - Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Up next, we have "The Yellow Wallpaper," a haunting tale of madness and isolation, originally written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman in 1899. This version, produced by "Suspense" and sponsored by Auto-Lite, first aired on July 29th, 1948.

In this psychological thriller, a woman becomes increasingly convinced that something sinister lurks within the yellow wallpaper of her room. Is she descending into madness, or is there a terrifying reality hidden behind the pattern? Join us as we enter the mind of a woman on the brink of insanity, portrayed by the incomparable Agnes Moorehead, with William Johnstone lending his talents to the cast. "The Yellow Wallpaper" has long been celebrated as a masterpiece of American literature, and when you combine Charlotte Perkins Gilman's gripping narrative with the exceptional talents of Agnes Moorehead and William Johnstone, you're in for an unforgettable half-hour of suspense and unease.

As we wrap up this introduction to our "Friday Night Noir" double feature, we invite you to join us for these spine-tingling journeys into the darkest corners of the human psyche. Stay tuned for "The Pit and the Pendulum" and "The Yellow Wallpaper" as we continue to bring you the best of vintage radio suspense.

First on tonight’s lineup, we take you back to September 3rd, 1945, for an episode of “The New Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” titled "The Limping Ghost". Our beloved detective duo is back at it with Nigel Rathbone brilliantly capturing the essence of the sharp-witted Sherlock Holmes, and the incomparable Nigel Bruce portraying the ever-faithful Dr. Watson. When the streets of London are haunted by a mysterious limping ghost, Holmes and Watson are called upon to unravel the eerie occurrences. The duo finds themselves delving into a mystery that intertwines the supernatural with a very human motive. Alongside Rathbone and Bruce, the cast includes Patricia Morison as Mrs. Hudson and Dennis Hoey as Inspector Lestrade, with a special appearance by Reginald Denny as Lord Blackwater, the man with a secret.

Then, shifting gears to May 1st, 1948, we bring you the captivating detective drama “Let George Do It” in the episode titled “The Spirit World”. The charismatic Bob Bailey stars as George Valentine, a private investigator who's more than willing to take on the cases others deem too dangerous. When a worried client seeks his expertise on a case involving séances and alleged communications with the afterlife, Valentine gets more than he bargained for. The episode casts Virginia Gregg as the beautiful and mysterious Claire Brooks, Wally Maher as the skeptical Lieutenant Riley, and Lurene Tuttle as the enigmatic medium, Madame Zara.

Join us for a thrilling evening of mystery and suspense, as we revisit the golden age of detective radio shows on this week’s “Tuesday Night Detectives”!

On this week's "Sunday Night Playhouse" by Vintage Classic Radio, we're delighted to present the much-celebrated radio play, "The Talk of the Town," broadcasted by Lux Radio Theatre on May 17th, 1943 and originally brought to life on the silver screen. Dive into a captivating narrative that showcases the unparalleled acting prowess of the legendary Cary Grant, Jean Arthur, Ronald Colman, and a star-studded ensemble.

Full Cast:

Cary Grant as Michael Lightcap

Jean Arthur as Nora Shelley

Ronald Colman as Leopold Dilg

Join us for this mesmerizing journey back in time, and immerse yourself in the artistry of vintage radio theatre. Search for "Vintage Classic Radio" on your favorite podcast platform to catch the latest episodes, and remember to tune in every Sunday for more timeless tales.

Get ready for a spooktacular Saturday Matinee on Vintage Classic Radio as Halloween draws near! We're bringing you three timeless shows that'll send shivers down your spine and tickle your funny bone.

First up is a bone-chilling classic, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," originally broadcasted by NBC's "Favorite Story" radio show on May 29th, 1948. In this eerie tale, you'll follow the hapless schoolteacher Ichabod Crane as he ventures into the haunted town of Sleepy Hollow, encountering the menacing Headless Horseman. The cast includes renowned radio actors like Ronald Colman, Hans Conried, and Gerald Mohr, who bring Washington Irving's legendary story to life.

Next, join the hilariously haunted antics in "The Canterville Ghost," originally aired on December 26th, 1953, on "Theatre Royal," hosted by none other than the legendary Sir Laurence Olivier. This humorous short story by Oscar Wilde, first published in 1887, tells the tale of an American family's uproarious encounters with the ghostly Sir Simon of Canterville. The star-studded cast features Sir Laurence Olivier himself, along with Peggy Ashcroft, Esmond Knight, and Alan Wheatley, guaranteeing a spirited performance.

Finally, we'll have you in stitches with "The Jack Benny Program" from October 31st, 1948. Join the iconic comedian Jack Benny as he embarks on a side-splitting Halloween adventure, "Trick or Treating with The Beavers." Jack's comedic genius is on full display as he navigates the quirks of the holiday with his ensemble cast, including Mary Livingstone, Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, and Don Wilson.

Tune in this Saturday for a spellbinding lineup of vintage radio that's perfect for getting into the Halloween spirit!

Welcome, dear listeners, to "Friday Night Noir" on Vintage Classic Radio, your gateway to the eerie world of gothic horror. Tonight, we present two spine-tingling tales that explore the depths of madness and mystery.

The Diary of Sophronia Winters - Lucille Fletcher

First, we delve into "The Diary of Sophronia Winters," an original suspense story by Lucille Fletcher, set in 1932. This chilling gothic horror tale takes us on a journey with the giddy and inexperienced Sophronia Winters, portrayed by the remarkable Agnes Moorehead, who yearns for adventure and experience in her forties.

As Sophronia embarks on a whirlwind romance with the enigmatic H. Johnson in St. Petersburg, Florida, she soon discovers that her seemingly perfect husband holds a sinister secret. Their hasty marriage leads them to Hiram's family home—a deserted 125-room gothic-style hotel with a dark history. The tension escalates as Hiram's obsession with the name "Sophronia" and his connection to his sister-in-law, who committed a gruesome murder, unfold in this gothic horror masterpiece.

Notable Cast:

Agnes Moorehead as Sophronia Moorhead

Ray Collins as H. Johnson

The Turn of the Screw - Henry James

After the horrors of Sophronia's diary, we switch gears to another classic gothic horror story, "The Turn of the Screw," written by Henry James and originally broadcast on September 17th, 1949. This adaptation stars the legendary Ronald Colman and the talented Edna Best. Join us as we venture into the depths of a house filled with secrets, eerily narrated by Ronald Colman.

"The Turn of the Screw" tells the tale of a housekeeper, played by Edna Best, hired by a mysterious landowner. As the story unfolds on a dreary November evening, we discover a haunting manuscript and a house filled with locked rooms and hidden horrors. This gothic horror story has been hailed as one of the most eerie and harrowing ever written, leaving listeners in suspense until the very end.

Notable Cast:

Ronald Colman as the Narrator

Edna Best as the Housekeeper

These stories not only explore the depths of madness but also challenge the conventions of marriage and patriarchy, offering a thought-provoking perspective on the role of women in society. As you listen, pay attention to the gothic tropes that weave through these tales—hasty marriages, tormenting husbands, creepy houses, locked rooms, and the concept of the Double.

So, dear listeners, prepare yourselves for an evening of spine-tingling suspense, madness, and otherworldly mysteries as we present "The Diary of Sophronia Winters" and "The Turn of the Screw." Dim the lights, turn up the volume, and get ready to be transported to a world of gothic horror that challenges the status quo.

This week, journey back to the foggy streets of Los Angeles in 1949, where we tune into "Philip Marlowe" in the episode titled "Lady in Mink." This thrilling narrative dives deep into the complexities of a girl’s muddled life and her enigmatic sister. Los Angeles's dense fog complicates private eye Philip Marlowe's mission as he is hired to locate a woman's sister before she enacts a deadly deed. But as the fog thickens, so does the plot – murder strikes twice before Marlowe encounters the elusive lady in mink. This episode, originally broadcasted on April 30th, 1949, features the incomparable Gerald Mohr in the titular role, accompanied by a stellar cast, immersing listeners in a suspense-filled tale of intrigue and mystery.

Then, we jump to 1957, as we join "Yours Truly Johnny Dollar" in "The Funny Money Matter." When George Reed from Floyd's of England beckons Johnny to delve into an unusual case, our detective finds himself unraveling a perplexing puzzle. A client's payment of $4500, equivalent to a staggering $43,109.52 today, consists entirely of counterfeit hundred-dollar bills. A conundrum perfectly suited for the man with the action-packed expense account! This episode, originally aired on June 30th, 1957, showcases the charismatic Bob Bailey in the lead role, supported by a talented ensemble of voice actors, painting a vibrant auditory tapestry of deceit and detection.

Join us on this auditory roller coaster as we unravel mysteries that transcended time, only on "Tuesday Night Detectives."

Don't miss this week's "Saturday Matinee" on Vintage Classic Radio, where we bring these timeless classics back to life for your listening pleasure. Tune in for an unforgettable journey through the magic of radio theater!

The Man Who Came for Dinner

In this timeless romance originally broadcasted on March 6th, 1945, listeners will be swept away by the story of two souls brought together by fate. When a mysterious stranger unexpectedly arrives in a small town, his presence sets off a chain of events that will change the lives of its inhabitants forever. Love, intrigue, and the magic of radio combine to create a heartwarming tale of unexpected connections and the power of love.

Full Cast:

Twentieth Century

Step back in time to March 24th, 1939, and join us for a classic comedy with a stellar cast. Joan Blondell and Sam Levene shine in "Twentieth Century," a hilarious tale of a high-strung Broadway director, a former lover, and a train ride filled with laughter and unexpected twists. As the train hurtles toward destiny, tensions rise, egos clash, and the audience is in for a wild ride on the Twentieth Century Limited.

Full Cast:

The Jack Benny Program

Join us as we revisit the golden age of radio on January 29th, 1950, with "The Jack Benny Program." In this episode, Jack Benny prepares to embark on a train journey to New York City for a Heart Fund benefit. As Jack navigates the challenges of travel and prepares for his charity event, the comedy flows freely, and the laughs are non-stop. Tune in for a delightful journey filled with humor, wit, and the iconic comedic stylings of Jack Benny and his talented cast.

Full Cast:

Vintage Classic Radio presents "Saturday Matinee". Tune in every Saturday for a mix of comedy, music or romance from the golden age of radio that will keep you entertained.

This Friday, we dive deep into the mysterious and chilling world of 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd', a captivating episode from 'The Campbell Playhouse', originally broadcasted on November 12th, 1939. This radio play, starring the legendary Orson Welles and the marvelous Edna May Oliver, transports us back in time to unravel a perplexing murder mystery.

Sit back and relish in Agatha Christie's masterful storytelling as Orson Welles brings to life the brilliant but eccentric Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot, in a race against time to solve the mysterious death of Roger Ackroyd. Intriguingly, Welles also voices the prime suspect, Dr. Sheppard, ensuring a tumultuous ride full of suspense and unexpected turns. This play, a representation of modern mystery murder novels of its time, showcases the genius of Orson Welles in adapting and broadcasting one of Agatha Christie's renowned works.

Joining Orson Welles, we have Edna May Oliver unfolding the story as Caroline Sheppard, Alan Napier in the role of the doomed Roger Ackroyd, Brenda Forbes as Mrs. Ackroyd, Mary Taylor as the charming Flora, George Coulouris as Inspector Hamstead, Ray Collins portraying Mr. Raymond, and Everett Sloane as Parker. This thrilling episode was adapted by Howard Koch and Wyllis Cooper, with Orson Welles and John Houseman as producers, and directed by the maestro, Orson Welles himself.

Join us this Friday to experience a journey back in time, and witness the unraveling of 'The Murder of Roger Ackroyd' on Vintage Classic Radio's 'Friday Night Noir'.

Vintage Classic Radio presents Friday Night Noir where we bring to life timeless classic detective noir, mystery and suspense from the golden age of radio between the 1930s and the 1960s.

Dive into the depths of mystery with this week’s double-feature, bringing classic radio detective tales back into the limelight.

First up is an episode from “Murder by Experts” titled “Conspiracy.” Originally broadcasted on April 24th, 1950, this intriguing tale unfolds amidst a flood. A man hatches a sinister plan to murder an old flame, intending to use the deluge to erase any trace of his malevolence. But as with all great mysteries, expect the unexpected, and await a twist that's sure to catch you off guard. The story is crowned by an accolade, as Lawrence G. Blochman, Vice President of "The Mystery Writer Of America," presents the Edgar Allan Poe Award for the best radio mystery program of 1949 to the show’s creators, Robert A. Arthur and David Kogan.

Following this, we journey back to June 24th, 1946, with “The Casebook of Gregory Hood” and delve into “The Adventure of the Beeswax Candle.” Gregory Hood, San Francisco's sophisticated art importer-turned-detective, uses his vast knowledge of the world's artifacts to solve intriguing present-day crimes. With the ever-reliable Sanderson 'Sandy' Taylor by his side, this tale of crime and antiquities promises to be a captivating listen. The series, originally meant as a summer replacement for Sherlock Holmes on Mutual, found its place due to the impeccable storytelling of Denis Green and Anthony Boucher. For this particular episode, listeners will be treated to the stellar performance of Gale Gordon as Gregory Hood, a talented actor whose versatility spanned both dramatic and comedic roles in the golden age of radio.

Join us for this roller-coaster ride of detective brilliance and immerse yourself in the art of classical radio mystery.