Step into the shadowy realm of CBS Radio Mystery Theater, where spine-tingling tales unfold in the crisp tones of legendary voice actors. Immerse yourself in a world where the ordinary gives way to the extraordinary, where shadows dance and secrets whisper in the dead of night. Prepare to be captivated by a collection of the finest episodes, each a masterpiece of suspense and intrigue.
Unravel the twisted threads of deceit in “The Adventure of the Speckled Band,” where a young woman’s mysterious illness holds a deadly secret. Journey through the chilling depths of “The Tell-Tale Heart,” as a tormented soul confesses his gruesome crime with each deafening beat of his traitorous heart. And brace yourself for the haunting echoes of “The Monkey’s Paw,” where a seemingly harmless wish grants unforeseen horrors upon its hapless recipient.
Let the velvety voice of E.G. Marshall guide you through a labyrinth of psychological torment and supernatural encounters. With each twist and turn, the boundaries between reality and imagination blur, leaving you on the edge of your seat, breathlessly anticipating the next revelation. As the final notes fade into the ether, the lingering chill of these timeless tales will continue to haunt your thoughts, long after the credits have rolled.
The Case of the Haunted Lighthouse
In the fog-shrouded depths of the Atlantic Ocean, a remote lighthouse stood as a beacon of hope amid treacherous waters. But behind its sturdy walls, a chilling mystery unfolded that would send shivers down the spines of even the most hardened souls.
The enigmatic caretaker, a grizzled old sea dog named Captain Ahab, had disappeared without a trace, leaving behind only a cryptic message etched into the dusty floorboards of his living quarters: “Beware the phantom of the lighthouse.”
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an eerie glow upon the isolated outpost, a team of investigators arrived from the mainland. Led by the intrepid Detective Mark Lawson, they embarked on a spine-tingling journey into the depths of the lighthouse, determined to unravel the secrets hidden within its shadowy walls.
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Detective Mark Lawson | The lead investigator, known for his sharp wit and unwavering determination. |
| Captain Ahab | The missing lighthouse caretaker, shrouded in mystery and superstition. |
| The Phantom of the Lighthouse | A spectral presence that haunts the lighthouse, its true nature unknown. |
The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb
In this thrilling episode, the renowned detective, Ellery Queen, finds himself entangled in a puzzling case involving an ancient Egyptian tomb. As he investigates, he uncovers a sinister plot that threatens to unleash a long-buried secret upon the world.
Unveiling the Tomb’s Secrets
Queen’s journey begins when he receives a cryptic message from a reclusive archaeologist, Dr. Howard Carter. Upon arriving at Carter’s secluded estate, Queen discovers that the archaeologist has been mysteriously murdered, his body bearing strange hieroglyphs. With the help of Carter’s enigmatic daughter, Nefertari, Queen delves into the depths of an ancient Egyptian tomb, its walls adorned with unsettling carvings that seem to hold the key to Carter’s demise.
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Ellery Queen | The brilliant detective tasked with unraveling the mystery |
| Dr. Howard Carter | The murdered archaeologist who discovered the tomb |
| Nefertari Carter | Dr. Carter’s enigmatic daughter who assists Queen in the investigation |
The Death of a Salesman
The Death of a Salesman was a radio play that aired on CBS Radio Mystery Theater on April 22, 1976. It was an adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Arthur Miller. The play tells the story of Willy Loman, a salesman who is struggling to come to terms with his failures in life.
The radio play starred Hal Holbrook as Willy Loman. Holbrook won a Grammy Award for his performance. The cast also included Cloris Leachman as Linda Loman, Willy’s wife; and John Rubinstein as Biff Loman, Willy’s older son.
The Death of a Salesman was a critical success. The New York Times called it “a powerful and moving production.” The play was also praised for its performances, particularly Holbrook’s. The Death of a Salesman is considered to be one of the best episodes of CBS Radio Mystery Theater.
Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Hal Holbrook | Willy Loman |
| Cloris Leachman | Linda Loman |
| John Rubinstein | Biff Loman |
Production
The Death of a Salesman was produced by William N. Robson and directed by John Houseman. The play was adapted for radio by Gordon Cotler.
Awards
The Death of a Salesman won a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Recording in 1977.
The Trial of Richard Nixon
In 1973, the CBS Radio Mystery Theater presented a gripping adaptation of the famous Watergate hearings. The episode, titled “The Trial of Richard Nixon,” chronicled the events leading up to and including the impeachment of the 37th President of the United States.
The trial was a landmark event in American history, and the CBS Radio Mystery Theater’s adaptation captured the drama and suspense of the real-life event. The episode featured a star-studded cast, including E.G. Marshall as Richard Nixon, Richard Kiley as John Dean, and Ed Begley, Jr. as Alexander Butterfield.
The episode was a critical and commercial success, earning praise for its faithful adaptation of the hearings and its suspenseful storytelling. It is considered one of the best episodes of the CBS Radio Mystery Theater ever produced.
Key Moments
The episode included several key moments from the actual Watergate hearings, including:
| Moment | Description |
|---|---|
| The testimony of Alexander Butterfield | Butterfield revealed the existence of Nixon’s secret White House taping system. |
| The “smoking gun” tape | This tape contained a recording of Nixon conspiring to cover up the Watergate break-in. |
| The resignation of Richard Nixon | Faced with certain impeachment and removal from office, Nixon resigned on August 9, 1974. |
The War of the Worlds
Orson Welles’s legendary 1938 radio broadcast of H.G. Wells’s novel about a Martian invasion sent shockwaves across the United States.
Broadcasting Panic
Welles’s realistic narration and sound effects convinced many listeners that aliens were actually attacking, resulting in widespread panic and chaos.
Influence on Popular Culture
The broadcast had a profound impact on American culture, inspiring numerous works of science fiction and horror.
Media Manipulation and Fake News
The incident exposed the vulnerability of the media to manipulation and the potential for mass hysteria generated by false information.
Historical Significance
The War of the Worlds broadcast remains a landmark event in radio history, demonstrating the power and potential of the medium to both inform and manipulate the public.
| Original Broadcast Date: | October 30, 1938 |
| Network: | CBS Radio |
| Narrator: | Orson Welles |
| Adapted from: | H.G. Wells’s novel |
| Notable Sound Effects: | Explosions, screaming crowds, military gunfire |
The Man Who Came to Dinner
The 1939 play by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman tells the story of Sheridan Whiteside, a pompous and demanding radio personality, who is forced to stay with a family in Mesalia, Ohio, after breaking his hip. The family’s life is thrown into chaos as Whiteside rules the household with an iron fist.
The CBS Radio Mystery Theater adapted the play into a two-part episode that aired in 1974. The adaptation starred John Carradine as Whiteside and featured a stellar supporting cast, including Agnes Moorehead, Vincent Price, and Eve Arden.
Notable Performers
The episode is notable for the performances of its cast. Carradine is perfectly cast as the over-the-top Whiteside, and he brings the character to life with his signature flair.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| John Carradine | Sheridan Whiteside |
| Agnes Moorehead | Beverly Carlton |
| Vincent Price | Dr. Bradley |
| Eve Arden | Maggie Cutler |
Moorehead is also excellent as the long-suffering Beverly Carlton, who is forced to deal with Whiteside’s endless demands.
The supporting cast is equally strong, with Price and Arden turning in memorable performances. Price is particularly good as the eccentric Dr. Bradley, who is drawn into Whiteside’s world.
The Maltese Falcon
The Maltese Falcon is a 1941 American film noir directed by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, and Peter Lorre. The film is based on the 1930 novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett. The story follows private detective Sam Spade (Bogart) as he is hired to find a missing statue, the Maltese Falcon.
The Maltese Falcon
The Maltese Falcon is a 1941 American film noir directed by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, and Peter Lorre. The film is based on the 1930 novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett. The story follows private detective Sam Spade (Bogart) as he is hired to find a missing statue, the Maltese Falcon.
Plot
The Maltese Falcon is a 1941 American film noir directed by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, and Peter Lorre. The film is based on the 1930 novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett. The story follows private detective Sam Spade (Bogart) as he is hired to find a missing statue, the Maltese Falcon.
Spade is hired by a woman named Brigid O’Shaughnessy (Astor) to find her sister, who has been kidnapped. Spade agrees to take the case, but he soon learns that there is more to the case than meets the eye. The Maltese Falcon is a valuable statue, and many people are willing to kill to get their hands on it.
Cast
The Maltese Falcon is a 1941 American film noir directed by John Huston and starring Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, and Peter Lorre. The film is based on the 1930 novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett. The story follows private detective Sam Spade (Bogart) as he is hired to find a missing statue, the Maltese Falcon.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Humphrey Bogart | Sam Spade |
| Mary Astor | Brigid O’Shaughnessy |
| Peter Lorre | Joel Cairo |
The 39 Steps
Adapted from the classic thriller by John Buchan, “The 39 Steps” is a gripping tale of espionage and suspense. Richard Hannay, a Canadian on vacation in London, finds himself drawn into a dangerous conspiracy after he encounters a mysterious woman claiming to be a spy. As he tries to unravel the secrets of the “39 Steps,” Hannay is pursued by relentless enemies and must use all his wits to stay alive.
Key Plot Points
- Richard Hannay meets Annabella Smith, a spy who claims to have stolen vital secrets from the Germans.
- Annabella is murdered, leaving Hannay with a cryptic message: “The 39 Steps.”
- Hannay investigates the 39 Steps, uncovering a network of spies and a plot to sabotage British intelligence.
- Hannay is pursued by agents of the German Secret Service, who believe he possesses the stolen secrets.
- Hannay seeks refuge in Scotland, where he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including a local farmer and a mysterious innkeeper.
- Hannay uncovers the mastermind behind the conspiracy and faces a deadly showdown in a remote Scottish village.
- In a thrilling climax, Hannay confronts the villain and foils the plot to sabotage British intelligence.
- Hannay learns the true meaning of the “39 Steps” and the importance of personal sacrifice.
Characters
| Character | Actor |
|---|---|
| Richard Hannay | Van Heflin |
| Annabella Smith | Ruth Hussey |
| Professor Jordan | Eric Alexander |
| Mr. Memory | Harry Bartell |
| The Professor | Norman Lloyd |
| Lizbeth | Santos Ortega |
Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Missing Will
In this gripping episode, Sherlock Holmes is called upon to investigate the disappearance of a valuable will. The case takes him to a remote country estate, where he must unravel a web of deception and intrigue to find the missing document.
The Mysterious Will
The will in question belongs to Sir Reginald Baskerville, a wealthy landowner who recently passed away. According to the terms of the will, Sir Reginald’s vast fortune is to be divided equally among his three children: John, Mary, and Henry.
The Missing Heir
However, there is a complication. Henry Baskerville, the youngest son, has mysteriously vanished. Without his signature on the will, it cannot be executed. As Holmes investigates, he uncovers a series of suspicious circumstances surrounding Henry’s disappearance.
The Suspects
The list of suspects includes Sir Reginald’s children, his管家, and a mysterious stranger who has been seen lurking around the estate. Each suspect has their own motive for wanting to prevent the will from being executed.
The Investigation
Holmes carefully examines the evidence, using his keen powers of observation and deduction. He interviews the suspects, searches the estate, and uncovers a series of hidden clues. As he pieces together the puzzle, he realizes that the key to the mystery lies in the disappearance of Henry Baskerville.
The Discovery
In a dramatic climax, Holmes confronts the true culprit and reveals the truth behind Henry’s disappearance. The missing will is found, and the rightful heirs are able to inherit their inheritance.
The Resolution
In the end, justice is served, and the mystery of the missing will is solved. Holmes’ brilliant intellect and unwavering determination have once again triumphed over evil.
The Shadow Knows
The Shadow Knows is a long-running radio mystery series that aired on CBS from 1937 to 1954. The series featured the adventures of Lamont Cranston, a wealthy young man who becomes the masked crime-fighter known as The Shadow.
10. “The Death House Rescue” (1938)
In this episode, The Shadow investigates the mysterious death of a man in a death house. The Shadow must race against time to find the killer before the man is executed.
This episode is notable for its suspenseful plot and its twist ending.
| Episode | Original Air Date |
|---|---|
| “The Death House Rescue” | October 29, 1938 |
The Shadow Knows is a classic radio mystery series that has entertained listeners for decades. The series’ exciting plots and memorable characters have made it a favorite among fans of the genre.
CBS Radio Mystery Theater: Best Episodes
CBS Radio Mystery Theater was a long-running radio drama anthology series that aired from 1974 to 1982. The series featured a wide range of mystery and suspense stories, from classic tales to original works. Some of the most popular and critically acclaimed episodes include:
- "Sorry, Wrong Number" (1975): A suspenseful thriller about a woman who overhears a murder plot on her phone.
- "The Monkey’s Paw" (1976): A classic horror story about a family who receives a cursed monkey’s paw.
- "The Case of the Moth-Eaten Mink" (1977): A comedic mystery about a woman who hires a private detective to find her missing fur coat.
- "The Lady or the Tiger?" (1978): A philosophical mystery that explores the nature of choice and justice.
- "The Phantom of the Opera" (1979): A musical adaptation of the classic novel by Gaston Leroux.
These episodes are just a few examples of the many great stories that were featured on CBS Radio Mystery Theater. The series is a treasure trove of classic and suspenseful radio drama, and it continues to be enjoyed by listeners today.
People Also Ask About CBS Radio Mystery Theater Best Episodes
What are the best CBS Radio Mystery Theater episodes?
The best CBS Radio Mystery Theater episodes are those that are suspenseful, thrilling, and well-written. Some of the most popular and critically acclaimed episodes include “Sorry, Wrong Number,” “The Monkey’s Paw,” “The Case of the Moth-Eaten Mink,” “The Lady or the Tiger?,” and “The Phantom of the Opera.”
Where can I listen to CBS Radio Mystery Theater episodes?
There are several ways to listen to CBS Radio Mystery Theater episodes. You can find them on streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Pandora. You can also find them on the CBS Radio Mystery Theater website, where you can listen to episodes online or download them to your computer.
How many episodes were there of CBS Radio Mystery Theater?
There were 1,399 episodes of CBS Radio Mystery Theater. The series aired from 1974 to 1982.
