Reviewer:
PoetikDom
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
October 28, 2021
Subject:
Excellence
28 October 2021
Today's television has been taken over by alien subterranean nocturnal fish people that force us to watch stupid "reality" tv, lame sitcoms or falsified Information from news stations. A small number of radicals listen to your old radio shows and they give us hope. Hope that we, one day, will reverse this trend bring back true entertainment to the people. Until then, we huddle in small rooms around the world, streaming your amicable airwaves, auditory opium and sanity medicine.
Reviewer:
Takodan
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
October 15, 2021
Subject:
Superb!
I love it when people take their time and collect and upload complete old time radio dramas in one download. Very helpful, and very much appreciated.
Reviewer:
sammyk1964
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
November 29, 2020
Subject:
A HUGE FAVORITE OF MINE!
I have enjoyed this series for as long as I can remember. We had a local radio station that would broadcast 2 episodes every night at 9:00
p.m. I would lay in bed & listen every evening.
It is wonderful to see that an effort was made to put them in chronological order. Putting this collection together was truly a labor of love for preserving this show, and so many other amazing shows of radio days past.
I have been a OTR collector since 1989/1990, and I do so prefer listening to these old shows than watching the crap being broadcast on television today.
Another of my favorite series is "Lights Out". I will sit in the pitch black living room & listen to episode after episode, and love it.
So much hard work went into this collection. So, please know that the work is greatly appreciated. And a truly sincere "THANK YOU" for sharing.
Reviewer:
OTRRArchive
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January 12, 2020
Subject:
Files Updated!
FYI:
Replaced files on this page from the Version 2 Release.
For the full OTRR Release, see the OTRR Certified page:
OTRR Suspense
- Old Time Radio Researchers Group
Reviewer:
TheTennisShoe
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
June 17, 2019
Subject:
Oh, Smoyley
Smiley
Like, Man, Somebody Dig Me
ftw
Reviewer:
newdickmorris
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April 29, 2019
Subject:
.
It took a while, but I finally made it through this fantastic collection. I admit that there were quite a few episodes that I didn't love, but the number of absolute classic OTR episodes found in this series more than make up for the ones I didn't care for.
My top 15 episodes (not in order):
The Hitchhiker (09.02.42)
The Sin Eater (07.08.62)
Momentum (10.27.49)
Donovan's Brain (05.18.44)
The Man Who Knew How to Hate (07.16.61)
Three Skeleton Key (11.11.56)
The House in Cypress Canyon (12.05.46)
The Strange Death of Charles Umberstein (11.23.43)
The Yellow Wallpaper (07.29.48)
Kaleidoscope (07.12.55)
Dark Journey (04.25.46)
Sorry, Wrong Number (11.18.48)
Never Steal a Butcher's Wife (12.29.57)
Carnival (01.28.52)
Deep, Deep is My Love (04.26.59)
Some more good episodes:
The Lost Special (09.30.43)
Lunch Kit (04.12.55)
Consequence (05.19.49)
Cricket (03.15.45)
Crime Without Passion (05.02.46)
The Waxwork (03.01.59)
Three Blind Mice (01.30.47)
Blood Sacrifice (03.30.50)
Love, Honor, or Murder (06.29.50)
The Long Wait (11.24.49)
The Day I Died (06.30.49)
The Perfectionist (01.21.52)
A Vision of Death (03.08.51))
Remember Me (05.03.55)
Variations on a Theme (02.07.56)
Quiet Night (03.06.56)
A Case of Identity (09.25.56)
The Digger (10.09.56)
The Black Door (11.19.61)
Some episodes that I liked but that I think were a bit flawed:
Eve (10.19.44)
John Barbey and Son (2.22.45)
The Pasteboard Box (01.17.46)
The Too Perfect Alibi (01.13.49)
On a Country Road (11.16.50)
Final Payment (01.13.55)
Classified Secret (11.22.55)
Present Tense (03.03.57)
Fly By Night (09.28.50)
Murder Strikes Three Times (02.16.50)
A few random thoughts:
Orson Welles is a genius.
William Conrad is the king of OTR voice actors.
"The Yellow Wallpaper" is probably the best audio horror story I've ever heard. Agnes Moorehead is rightfully famed for her fantastic performance in "Sorry, Wrong Number" but I think she tops herself with "The Yellow Wallpaper."
"Kaleidoscope" is a phenomenal ensemble piece by the veteran character actors who worked for CBS at the time. I really like this one.
For some reason, I am constantly surprised by just how good Joseph Cotten was as an actor. His work on Suspence (and on Alfred Hitchcock Presents) was really something special.
Cathy Lewis deserves some accolades for her contributions too. She added a lot to the show, imo.
Reviewer:
zensixties
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 4, 2019
Subject:
Man who like dickesn
Airdate
Oct.9th, 1947. Too bad they didn't have audible back then!
Reviewer:
Carly Corday
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
August 13, 2018
Subject:
Ironic how?
I don't understand what is ironic about the final show's title either. How is da Debil synonymous with death or endings or finality, unless you're just wanting it to be so, and why would anyone desire that, or suffer that much infatuation with Ole Scratch that he seems to seal with majestic Irony whatever he breathes on, fitting or not, and assume the infatuation is shared by everyone? It's all so clear and engaging, the show description offered here, except for that disruptive, DISENGAGING, false start.
Reviewer:
doreyme32
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
December 15, 2017
Subject:
The Kettler Method
Remarkable that tv has turned to some of these old radio programs and made a movie out of some. This one in particular has been made into a movie. But for me I so appreciate this original better.
Reviewer:
Amanda2017
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
December 22, 2016
Subject:
I've got a question
And you guys are all whizzes! I'm trying to find an OTR episode about a lady mystery writer who witnesses a murder on a beach. She helps the murderer hide the body and ends up marrying him. It all comes unraveled when she discovers him with another woman that turned out to be his sister. It was one of the best and most audacious stories I've heard yet but I can't remember what series it went with! Suspense? The Whistler? Escape? Somebody's bound to know and I'm hoping one of you fellow Suspense lovers can help me out.
Reviewer:
SaraBellePalsy
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
October 7, 2016
Subject:
East/West Broadcasts
Back in the day, all radio shows were broadcast live. (in fact, for many years, there actually was a law that REQUIRED this, eventually the law was killed) Because the majority of the audience was in the east, most shows, Suspense included, did one performance at 5 pm California time (8 pm eastern) and a 2nd performance at 8 for the west coast. There's many reasons the 2 performances sounded a little different. One would be the actor or director wasn't happy the way a line was delivered the 1st time, another (and this ocurred more often than you might think) is that some people involved with the show had 3 hours to kill, so many would go out to dinner, and a few would have a little "liquid courage," which would most defenitely change the way they delivered a line! The one thing that still amazes me, is how VERY FEW times do you hear an actor make a mistake! The handful that I've noticed are minor. Ther is ONE Suspense episode that I'm reminded of, however, and I think it would fall under "the most unenthusiastic performance on Suspense" category. (I can't think of the title) but look for the one with SONNY TUFTS - He can't get through his opening lines, and shows very little emotion throughout the broadcast. Finally, now that I've listened to every episode multiple times, I must say that the ELLIOTT LEWIS productions stand out as the very best, also, I think HEREBERT MARSHALL was the best male actor (we all know the best female) with JOSEPH COTTEN a very close 2nd. Lately, I've been trying to count the number of times JOSEPH KEARNS made an appearance (in addition to his introduction duties) so far, I've heard him play roles (big and small) in more than 100 episodes. Kearns also played poor Mr. Wilson, on "Dennis the Menace" until he stroked out in 1960. For high quality productions and good entertainment to listen to in addition to Supense, I suggest (most of you already know) "Escape" plus another production by "Mr. Radio" himself, Elliott Lewis, is "CRIME CLASSICS." The majority of the Crime Classics episodes have very good audio quality, too. REMEMBER, pass along this great form of entertainment to everyone you know, as interest in Classic Radio is on a down swing. Don't let it be forgotten, and if you have kids, turn them on to the great Sci Fi shows and horror (the stuff kids love) it's all safe and good entertainment for young people, playlists are posted all over on you tube, and the best part is every one is FREE! Go right ahead and post any questions here, I enjoy providing any help I can! (It gives me something to do 'cause I'm disabled, and can no longer do much else) Keep listening!
Reviewer:
NoSpillBlood
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
September 8, 2016
Subject:
Suspense performed and broadcast twice?
The sound of these is good, very good. Kudos to the uploader.
It is a somewhat odd sensation to recognize differences in the way lines are read between these recordings and the particular versions I have heard for years now. This was so for all the episodes in this group I sampled.
Is it a matter of West Coast vs. East Coast versions? It seems to me I read this explanation somewhere on this site a few years back, but I can't find it.
Thanks.
Reviewer:
MPOEye
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
August 13, 2016
Subject:
Up to a point.
Suspense! was a wonderful radio series, but there are portions of its run that I prefer to skip--the hour-long episodes, the episodes "based on fact," episodes of oft-told tales (like "Frankenstein"), and most of the egotistical William F. Robson's run at producing (which mostly consisted of reruns and/or borrowed scripts),
There are plenty of episodes left to enjoy, and when they were good--they were VERY good.
Reviewer:
351Charlie
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 24, 2016
Subject:
About "Suspense"
After reading the prior reviews, I would think by now, a change of use of "ironic" as a descriptive word for the final episode . . . That being said, after 10 years of my 1st discovering classic radio, I finally feel qualified to comment. Yes, BY FAR, Suspense is the benchmark for radio drama. I wish I could get younger folks to SLOW DOWN and take the time to discover how good this stuff really is! I think if we "OTR" lovers would try to target specific audiences, we could get more admirers. The blind, for example, and those who listen to audiobooks would LOVE these shows. Also, it would make a great "baby sitter" for the kids in the back seat of the SUV with their headphones on. A few final thoughts . . I now think that Joseph Kearns is to Suspense, is what John Dehner is to Gunsmoke! (if I have to explain, listen to every episode of each series) Finally, I hearby volunteer myself to help out with the Internet radio archives in any way I can . . . 14 yrs. ago, I began having pains in my spine, and several years ago I could no longer work, so I have a lot of time, and a lot of passion for "old time radio" (exactly what one needs for this type of work) so, would someone please contact me? I cannot keep this from sounding self-serving, but I'm fairly smart, have wit and charm, I am well read, and I've listened to thousands of episodes of OTR programs. I'm also experienced in doing voice overs, and have a distinctive voice, ideal for continuity and recognition for on going audio projects in intros. I'm working on a you tube channel (to be unique) to feature classic radio. - Charlie Stuckey
Reviewer:
alamedared
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
July 6, 2015
Subject:
BEST OTR EVER
These dramas are amazing! Wow. I can listen for hours.
Reviewer:
Monte54
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
March 6, 2015
Subject:
heartfelt thanks
Because of dysautonomia I have to spend many hours per day in bed, but listening to this series has lightened the burden. A heartfelt thanks to the uploaders for hundreds of hours of fine entertainment. This is a wonderful series with thrilling stories and excellent acting.
Reviewer:
lreader
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
December 2, 2014
Subject:
"Ironic" explanation
I presume it's because the uploader described Suspense as a "milestone", and the final episode was called "Devil's Stone". Not very ironic, I'll grant you, and I would say they've misused the word "milestone" anyway, which really means a particular point during the development of something, rather than a stage that lasted twenty years.
Reviewer:
gl1200phil
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
May 18, 2014
Subject:
great series but...
Why the hell is the first half of an episode uploaded? yes, I could have paid more attention, but on my device I only get a narrow strip of view of the content and download several at a time... grumble grumble
Reviewer:
I_h8_screen_names
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
February 22, 2014
Subject:
Suspense Radio
I would also like to know why the person who up-loaded these thinks it is ironic that the last episode was called "Devil's Stone".
I'll be darned if I know why that might make anyone pause for thought.
Anyway... these shows are very good. I love old time radio and I have a large collection, these shows are some of my favorites.
The shows vary in theme... horror, murder mystery, spy stories, supernatural, and of course just plain good ol' suspense.
Reviewer:
Harry Mudd
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favorite -
December 25, 2013
Subject:
I wasted 17 gigs of data and 24 hours of time
This is my first experience with this site. I downloaded this whole collection. It was 17 gigs of data and it took almost 24 hours to download. When I extracted it, all I got was hundreds and hundreds of copies of the same episode. Thanks for nothing internet archive! It was a lousy joke..... I am not amused.
Reviewer:
smeiz99
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
October 24, 2013
Subject:
The Longest Running Favorite
If your program runs long enough you're bound to get a classic or two but Suspense has more than it's fair share. Some of my Favorites are not the most popular but they are worth a listen. They include:
* Pigeon In A Cage
* The Man Who Wanted to be Edward G Robinson (a comedy of sorts starring the man of course)
*Ghost Story (a great Halloween episode)
*The Thing in the Window
*Hitch Hike Poker
*On A Country Road
*Backseat Driver (starring Fibber McGee & Molly- they even introduce them as this instead of their real names Marion & Jim Jordan)
*Christmas for Carole (great Christmas story starring Dennis Day from Jack Benny)
*The Screaming Woman (great Thanksgiving story)
*Too Hot To Live
Try these out and you will stick around for about 500 more.
Reviewer:
itsthatbriguy
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
September 22, 2013
Subject:
In Response To Vic Demise
Paul Frees was one "Voice of Suspense" (sometimes known as "The Man in Black"). Joseph Kearns (TV's first "Mr. Wilson" on "Dennis the Menace" and a longtime Jack Benny cast member) was another. Others included veteran announcer/actor types like Harlow Wilcox, Larry Thor, Berry Kroeger and George Walsh.
Reviewer:
magnoliasouth
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
February 9, 2013
Subject:
Excellent (and a tip)!
I use "down them all", which is an addon for Firefox. It takes a little fiddling to get used to it, but for pages that have a bunch of individual downloads it works very well. I prefer to do that rather than a zip because you can pause it and come back to it and still listen to those that are finished.
Love Suspense!
Reviewer:
jwjb
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
January 23, 2013
Subject:
Suspense waiting for SUSPENSE
Had a problem trying to download the VBR ZIP, so am downloading the individual CD Zip files which seem to be working and am really looking forward to hearing SUSPENSE, thanks.
Reviewer:
Max Reiner
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
August 5, 2012
Subject:
Subway Stop 580511
I especially like Subway Stop for its great attention to detail.
Short stories of danger translate well into Suspense. I recall hearing the very last broadcast of Suspense on Sept 30th, Sunday, 1962. It was a sunny early evening on that sad day. I was in a hospital unit and assigned CQ duty that night.
Reviewer:
Lum Edwards
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May 8, 2012
Subject:
for offramp
Reviewer:
Offramp
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
May 8, 2012
Subject:
Downloading...
So we have a choice of downloading episodes one-by-one or in one colossal lump. Any intermediate way?
Reviewer:
whaleoilbeefhooked
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
April 17, 2012
Subject:
WOW
This is superb. Excellent quality considering the age. What a collection.
Reviewer:
Vic Demise
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
January 18, 2012
Subject:
Who is the announcer???
It sounds to me like Paul Frees- The voice of the Monsanto Journey Through Inner-Space ride at Disneyland (back in the day).
Can anyone confirm this?
Reviewer:
FlickFanshaw
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
January 7, 2012
Subject:
why is it ironic?
this show is brilliant, i mainly want to find out why it's ironic that the last episode was called "Devil Stone"?? i was embarrassed to ask before but i've been doing some research, asking all my most clever friends--can't come up with a satisfying answer at all! somebody, do please let me know about that, it's vexing.
Reviewer:
holmessuspense22
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
December 23, 2011
Subject:
Practically the best radio mystery show ever
I enjoy this series very much and I much prefer Suspense over some of the other radio mysteries like Inner Sanctum, The Whistler, and Lights Out. I have been listening to Suspense since I was in middle school and high school. I would listen to this show while riding the city bus, or walk around, or while I was out at the malls. These tales are chilling, exciting, and of course suspenseful. The film stars who appeared in them gave it an extra boost of excellent entertainment. Where else could you hear Lucille Ball playing a scheming villianess who will do anything to acheive her ambitions, or Peter Lorre playing a hen-pecked husband who finally murders his shrewish wife and buries her in the cellar, or Danny Kaye playing a ex-con who is suspected in a murder, or Charles Laughton playing a infamous Victorian poisoner who has baffled the police for many years. Suspense is great to listen to for all those who enjoy mysteries or hearing the fabulous stars of the 30's and 40's who has made this series a radio hit.
Reviewer:
dashford
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October 31, 2011
Subject:
VBR ZIP corrupt
Do not download.
Reviewer:
wytchcroft
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
September 4, 2011
Subject:
suspense
What a treasure trove! A fantastic show with many, many justly acclaimed episodes.
This collection is in excellent sound - and, speaking personally, I was absolutely delighted to find the Robert Montgomery version of In A Lonely Place (which, starring Humphrey Bogart, has long been my favourite film) that I've been after for ages now.
A tight show, Suspense features uniformly first rate performances, music and direction. Dig in!
Reviewer:
jeffzkrazie
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favoritefavoritefavoritefavoritefavorite -
June 14, 2011
Subject:
Holy cow!
Just a quick Example on HOW GREAT Quality wise these versions of Suspense are from the ones that are already here - the episode "Stand in for Murder" which was one of the final episodes ever aired for Suspense is very very listenable on these versions of the show. But you can BARELY understand the words on the old version that are already here. REALLY a TOP notch job by the good people at OTRR! Thank you so much for these!