May 16, 2012
Added (6) new reviews and (6) new plotlines for various Black Mass episodes, courtesy of zM.
May 12, 2012
Added (6) new reviews and (6) new plotlines for various Black Mass episodes, courtesy of zM.
May 10, 2012
Added (3) new shows to the Listening Booth:
"The Coffin in Studio B" - Lights Out! (1946)
A difficult rehearsal for a murder scene in Lights Out is interrupted by an eccentric old man peddling coffins. Despite the director's misgivings, the broadcast goes well, until... 'Smart, funny exercise in self-parody by Wyllis Cooper that probably inspired similar Oboler plays like "Murder in the Script Department" and "The Author and the Thing." Cooper later reworked the basic idea for his Quiet, Please episode "A Night to Forget." The surviving recording of "Coffin" is a 1946 remake which includes some updated lines, including a brief, snarky reference to Orson Welles. --- Anonymous'
"Witch Week" - BBC (2012)
Created especially for BBC Radio 4 Extra, a dramatization of the novel Witch Week, by Diana Wynne Jones, who wrote about a young wizard at a magical academy 20 years before J.K. Rowling picked the same topic. At Larwood House, a school for witch orphans, witchcraft is utterly forbidden, but there is a rumour going around that there is a witch in class 2Y. Part of the Chrestomanci children's fantasy series. Stars Bill Milner. 'A quickly moving tale written for the Juvenile Fantasy market, but well-produced with solid acting. Excellent sound quality. Starts off with an immediate sense of conflict and suspense, bogs down a little in the middle with some plot developments that seem, well... juvenile, but then finishes with a strong ending. [7/10] --- zM'
"The Flies" - The Black Mass (1964) - By Request
An starving old tramp breaks into an abandoned house to escape a gathering storm. He discovers the house has been lived in fairly recently... in a style 300 years out of date. Worried that he might disturb the inhabitants, he cautiously explores the ground floor... and becomes rather disturbed, himself, at what he finds. 'A gruesome tale that will make your skin crawl—heh, heh, heh. Wonderfully nauseating. The quiet, intermittent buzzing of the flies hit just the right tone—menacing, but not in-your-face... a yet-to-be-realized threat that may, or may not, materialize. Bauersfeld is best when he portrays old men, as he does in this story. Quiet, yet unassumingly insistent... earnestly telling his tale before a skeptical audience. There is a 16 kbps version in circulation that has extremely poor quality, but a much better version can be found (in .mov format) at Erik Bauersfeld's site. [9/10] --- zM'
May 09, 2012
Added (5) new reviews and (5) new plotlines for various Black Mass episodes, courtesy of zM.
May 07, 2012
Added (6) new reviews and (6) new plotlines for various Black Mass episodes, courtesy of zM.
May 06, 2012
Added (5) new reviews and (5) new plotlines for various Black Mass episodes, courtesy of zM.
May 05, 2012
Changed the font and added more Plot Archive buttons so 2000X, Alien Voices, Alien Worlds, Arch Oboler's Plays, The Black Mass, Overview, and The Witch's Tale are now accessible from the Plot Archives menu page. The Other Shows page is now the Series Index page.
May 04, 2012
Added (5) new reviews and (5) new plotlines for various Black Mass episodes, courtesy of zM.
May 03, 2012
Added (19) new reviews and (18) new plotlines for various Suspense episodes (1944, second half), courtesy of David Schwenker.
Apr 27, 2012
Added (5) new reviews and (5) new plotlines for various Black Mass episodes, courtesy of zM.
Apr 26, 2012
Added (2) new shows and (1) song to the Listening Booth:
"Danse Macabre" - Columbia Workshop (1937)
Death Himself, sad and lonely, stalks a kingdom with his violin, looking for someone to dance to his music. "The premise is interesting, the music is great (by Saint-Saëns, of course, via Bernard Herrmann), the drama is slow but okay, and the acting is variable. --- Anonymous"
"The Green Thing" - 2000 Plus (1950)
Patients at a sanitarium complain of sharing the same nightmare of a 'green thing' threatening them in their sleep. But how can they all be having the exact same dream? "One of the best episodes of the series...excellent acting and production...good air of mystery, very suspenseful. Classic 50's sci-fi from start to finish. ~4 stars --- Douglas Hoyer"
"Danse Macabre" - Saint-Saëns, Leopold Stokowski, The Philadelphia Orchestra (1925)
"I've heard many versions of the piece since then, but none I've heard match the essential spookiness of the 1925 Stokowski recording. This is largely due to the unusual recording technique. It was one of the first classical recordings to use electric microphones, but the intrumentation was still set up as orchestras were for acoustic recordings: there was a bass saxophone in place of a double-bass, and—most importantly—a Stroh violin. --- Dinosaur Gardens"
Apr 25, 2012
I've made a couple of changes based on comments and feedback from Jose Cruz and David Schwenker.
1. The Other Series page is now an Index which alphabetically lists every series mentioned on this site, along with a brief Series summary. If I have plotlines or reviews, then the Series Title is a link to the appropriate page.
2. I have added an Overview page which also lists every series mentioned on the site, except instead of listing the series alphabetically, it organizes them into a table grouped by year and genre. Each item in the table is a link which will take you either to the Index page (so you can read a series summary) or to the Plot Archive page (where you can read a summary mixed with plots and reviews).
Apr 24, 2012
Added new pages... work in progress... for 2000X, Alien Voices, Alien Worlds, Black Mass, and The Witch's Tale. If you would like to submit reviews please contact me.
Apr 23, 2012
Added a new page for the combined plotlines and reviews of Arch Oboler's Plays and Everyman's Theater. Modified the Lights Out! page so it contains only the plotlines and reviews for Lights Out!, The Devil and Mr. O, and the LP record Drop Dead! An Exercise in Horror. Cross-referenced both pages to identify stories which appeared in multiple series.
Apr 22, 2012
Added (5) new reviews and (5) new plotlines for various Lights Out! episodes, courtesy of Jose Cruz.
Apr 21, 2012
Updated the Mindwebs page to include some comments from Michael Hanson.
Apr 20, 2012
Mrs. Pattinson's 10th Grade Technology Wizards—a group of students who are busy researching inventors of items we readily use and may take for granted—stumbled upon this website. In a burst of International Cooperation (and in thanks for the insight they've gained from this website and the links contained herein), they would like to share some links that they found extremely interesting!
Invention of Radio - a one-page site about the invention of radio, with links to many other sites.
History of Radio, Television and More - a brief history, with links to many other sites.
Thanks! I've added these to the Links page, too.
Apr 12, 2012
Added (2) new shows to the Listening Booth:
"The Cave of Night" - X Minus One (1956)
An astronaut trapped in orbit inspires a worldwide rescue effort—but does he need it? "Hm. I liked this. The story is told as a series of news clips a producer is compiling for a special broadcast. Some of the clips are interviews. Some are background material. And some are of the astronaut, trapped in his spacecraft with a broken receiver, calling for help and not knowing if anyone on Earth can hear him. It reminded me of those cell phone calls a few years ago of mountaineers trapped in a blizzard on Mt. Everest... calling loved ones as they slowly froze to death. Moving. [7/10] --- zM"
"The Man Who Came Back" - Dark Fantasy (1941)
An angry husband confronts his wife's lover and demands that he never return. The lover is amused. "A mediocre, predictable story... told slightly better than most mediocre, predictable stories. Not sure if this is par for this series or not. Glad there was an organ so I'd know when to be scared. [6/10] --- zM" The series Dark Fantasy was written by Scott Bishop at WKY, Oklahoma City and aired from late 1941 through mid-1942.
Apr 08, 2012
Added (22) new reviews and (20) new plotlines for various Suspense episodes (1944, first half), courtesy of David Schwenker.
Mar 29, 2012
Added (4) new shows to the Listening Booth:
"Nigtfall" - Dimension X (1951)
Classic tale of an alien civilization whose world circles a multiple star system of six suns, and faces worldwide insanity and social collapse when night descends once every several thousand years. "A well-told tale. Both the Dimension X and X Minus One versions are well played, but I like Norman Rose as the narrator in the Dimension X version slightly better. [8/10] --- zM"
"The Haunted Executioner" - The Creaking Door (1964)
A murderer, found guilty by a jury of his peers, is sentenced to death. He, on the other hand, insists he is innocent. The other prisoners believe him. What's odd is that the warder and the executioner also believe him... and perhaps some strange supernatural force.
"Poor audio quality detracts slightly from a moderately good story. The acting is sound; the premise is interesting; the ending is a little rushed. [6/10] --- zM"
"The Edge of Death" - Inner Sanctum (1946)
A young collector of blades receives an antique rapier as a wedding gift—a sword alleged to have once belonged to Rasputin, the mad monk of Russia—and is jokingly warned about a prophecy that whoever holds the sword on the coming of the full moon will die a death of violence. "More suspense and better acting than I expected. With a few nice twists. [7/10] --- zM"
Ray Bradbury tale of a man haunted and hunted by a wind that wants to steal his soul. "A pretty silly premise which is told so well that you'll be afraid to go outside in the wind. The Bradbury 13 version of this story has much better music and sound effects, but poorer characterization. The character of Allen (the man persecuted by the wind) is well played in both versions and he is the root of the story, so both versions are worth listening to. But Allen's best friend (Herb) and Herb's wife (Jane) are characterized very differently in the two versions. Jane seems thoroughly unpleasant in the Bradbury 13 version... understanding, but pushed to the edge, in the Radio City version. Herb seems rather condescending in the Bradbury 13 version... but like a good friend in the Radio City version. If characterization is your thing, listen to the Radio City version. If music, sound effects and overall tone are what you look for, you'll be better off with the Bradbury 13 version. Both are well made. [8/10] --- zM"
Feb 19, 2012
Added (6) new shows to the Listening Booth:
"Roller Ball Murder" - Mindwebs (1977)
The murderous sport of Rollerball has become the world's most popular sport—with Johnathan E. it's most popular champion—and although he can survive the blood-soaked brutality of the game, can he survive its corporate exploitation? "A fast-moving story depicting the sport of the future—brutal, callous, and barbaric—designed to satisfy the bloodlust of the spectator class while maximizing the profits of the corporate class. It's a nice premise, but it's hard to imagine a global corporation acting to maximize its short-term profits while destroying the roots that make that profit possible. Yeah, right. [8/10] --- zM"
"The House That Time Forget" - Murder at Midnight (1946)
A couple purchase a beautiful country home only to find that the former owners, who died in a boating mishap decades earlier, are not quite done with it yet.
"Wet Saturday" - Suspense (1943)
Mr. Princey's daughter has just murdered the schoolmaster. A murderess in the family? That won't do. It's up to Mr. Princey to frame someone else for her crime. "A tongue-in-cheek suspense tale that garners its humor from the father's droll, matter-of-fact approach to such extremities as murder and blackmail, treating them as if they were nothing more than mundane nuisances in his day-to-day life. Along with the humorous characterizations, there are plenty of ironic twists and turns to keep you engaged and guessing who's finally going to get the blame. A classic episode, broadcast four times for good reason. I enjoyed the 1943 broadcast with Laughton the most. [9/10]" --- David Schwenker
A politician's past suddenly catches up with her when her husband is assigned to investigate a five-year old murder. "No supernatural or Sci-Fi elements here, just a straightforward murder mystery. Although the theme—politicians struggling with their conscience—seems a little far fetched, the role is nicely played by Tammy Grimes [8/10] --- zM"
"The Marvelous Barastro" - Mystery in the Air (1947)
A small-time carnival magician who reads fortunes, speaks with the dead, and reads the secrets of life, falls in love with and marries a beautiful blind woman. Shortly thereafter, they meet another traveling magician named Rico Sansone who desires Anna as his assistant and is willing to go to extraordinary lengths to get her. With Peter Lorre. "A love story which shows how flattery can disarm suspicion and lead to betrayal. The opening scene involves Barastro hiring a lawyer to defend himself for a murder he is about to commit. The reasons why are detailed in an extended flashback told by Barastro. Solid acting by Lorre, combined with one or two twists, builds suspense in an otherwise straightforward plot. [8/10] --- zM"
"Good Ghost" - Quiet, Please (1948)
Shuster wants Gus' girl, Ada, for his own, so he knocks Gus off. Gus, now a ghost, just wants his Ada to be happy. He doesn't want no revenge, see; he just wants her to be happy. Lots of money. A mink coat, a car, a nice house: anything for his Ada. Even if it means helping his rival rustle up the dough. "An amusing, artfully performed Runyonesque fable with some sprightly jazz piano from Albert Buhrman. Sort of a companion piece for one of Cooper's Lights Out plays (known as "The Haunted Cell"), also about ghosts and Chicago gangsters. --- Anonymous"
Jan 22, 2012
Added (8) new reviews and (14) new plotlines for various Mystery in the Air episodes, courtesy of zM.
Jan 20, 2012
Added (3) new shows to the Listening Booth:
"The Family Nagachi" - Arch Oboler's Plays (1945)
A horror story of a different kind. Ben Nagachi returns from fighting in the European Theater during WWII—Purple Heart, Silver Star, a Division Citation, and a Distinguished Service Cross—to find that his family has spent the last few years in a "relocation camp". "A moving tale of courage, bitterness, acceptance, and forgiveness. [9/10] --- zM"
"Under the Hau Tree" - Beyond Midnight (1969)
A mysterious traveling couple are difficult to trace, as their names are forgotten by everyone they encounter and even disappear from the hotel registry! "While I guessed the ending to this tale about two-thirds through the program, this is still one of the most interesting entries of Beyond Midnight. While most episodes in this South African series are set in England or non-descript locations, this episode goes deeply into the history of a South African family, features local accents, and even makes brief use of the Afrikaans language in one scene. Oddly enough, the immediate setting for all this is a resort in Hawaii! --- Anonymous"
"The Tell-Tale Heart" - Closed on Account of Rabies (1997) - By Request
A reading of the Edgar Allan Poe classic, The Tell-Tale Heart, by Iggy Pop, backed by music and sound effects. This is a track from a two-CD set called "Closed on Account of Rabies". A servant claiming to be absolutely sane, explains that his apparent madness is due simply to the extreme sharpness of his senses which causes him to be nervous... yes, very nervous, but not insane. His senses are so acute that he can hear many things... things in Heaven... and in Hell, but that doesn't mean he's insane, does it? And how could he be telling his story so calmly, so very calmly if he were mad? "Remarkably well played by Iggy Pop. If you enjoy this, bet sure to pick up the complete two-CD set. [9/10] --- zM"
Jan 17, 2012
Added (21) new reviews and (15) new plotlines for various Suspense episodes (1943, second half), courtesy of David Schwenker.
Jan 15, 2012
Added (10) new reviews for various Quiet, Please episodes, courtesy of zM.
Jan 13, 2012
Added (5) new reviews and (4) new plotlines for various Lights Out! episodes, courtesy of Jose Cruz.
Jan 10, 2012
Added (21) new reviews and (15) new plotlines for various Suspense episodes (1943, first half), courtesy of David Schwenker.
Jan 08, 2012
Added (6) new reviews and (8) new plotlines for various Creeps by Night episodes, courtesy of zM.
Jan 06, 2012
Added (2) new shows to the Listening Booth:
"The Final Reckoning" - Creeps by Night (1944)
George Miller was framed for a murder he didn't commit and has waited 20 years for an opportunity to seek vengeance. When he is finally released from the state penitentiary, he seeks out the man who framed him—a gangster named Ace. George has a few things he'd like to ask Gus. With Boris Karloff as George Miller. "A fairly predictable plot with slightly better than average acting. Nevertheless, one of the better productions from among the surviving episodes. Worth listening to. (6/10) --- zM"
"Containment" - BBC Radio 4 Extra (2011)
Mark Gatiss, as The Man in Black, introduces David Lemon's tale of a lost soul offered hope, but with a sinister price attached. Stars Clare Corbett as Helen, Rikki Lawton as Andy, Carl Prekopp as Tom, Katie Angelou as Lucy, and Gabriel Brody as Peter. "Another heartbreaking tale from The Man in Black which sort of sneaks up on you. A stunning performance by Clare Corbett with solid supporting roles by the rest of the cast. (9/10) --- zM"
Jan 03, 2012
Expanded (52) more plotlines for various Quiet, Please episodes to include actors and a snippet from each.
Jan 01, 2012
Added (16) new reviews and (13) new plotlines for various Suspense episodes (1942), courtesy of David Schwenker.
Copyright © 2001-2012 - This work by www.otrplotspot.com is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
