The intention of this blog is to bring awareness to the almost forgotten media of American theatrical radio. To bring something old and new, in this technological age, to those who pass by and take the opportunity to listen to a media that has seen better days in the United States.

Of all of the programs, genre’s, styles and series, I have chosen one simple theme that truly showcases the talents, fun, and entertainment they provide: Halloween.

Beginning October 1, 2009 until Halloween, I will post one show per day in celebration of the season, as well as the entertainment these timeless performances provide.

Enjoy.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Day 15: Quiet, Please...

I am a big fan of the Quiet, Please series, especially the 'Thing on the Fourble Board' episode that is praised by many as being one of the most frightening episodes of old-time radio. The titles and introductory sequence of the series indicate the desired immersion: the listener is expected to shut off distracting outside stimuli, such as light and sound, in order to fully concentrate on the unfolding story. The music, words, and voice tone of the introductions set a slow, dark, and mysterious mood.

Quiet, Please also features one of my favorite OTR actors, Ernest Chappell,
who does an incredible job on this series. Although Chappell had previously been a newsman and announcer, with no significant acting credits, he was perfectly suited to his Quiet, Please roles.

One of the most extraordinary features of the series is the depth of characterization. Each week Chappell portrayed a different unique person with a complex background. Extraordinary research goes into describing every career in detail...from railroad men to mountain climbers and oil rig workers and archeologists and soldiers. The detailed specialized information helps to produce a more thoroughly convincing and immersing world.

In this episode, titled "Calling All Souls,' it is October 31st: All souls eve. It's the one night of the year when the distinction between the living and the dead becomes much narrower. The souls of the dead return and spend the night on the Earth, among the living. Then, at dawn, they leave again and don't return for another year.

Louis is in the Iowa state prison...in a cell on death row to be exact. His lawyer is currently speaking with the state's governor, attempting to get a delay on the execution so they may find some evidence proving Louis' innocence. Waiting for his fate, he plays solitaire. His lawyer tells him he can't get a stay of execution, and he'll be killed on schedule that night, all souls eve.

Louis protests to his lawyer that he didn't murder the people they've convicted him of murdering, but he can't think of any proof. The evidence is stacked against him. It seems as though the only people who could know that Louis isn't a murderer are the murdered people themselves.

Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately for Louis), things aren't always as they seem. At least for one day of the year, the living and the dead can mingle. Louis meets with the two victims in search of evidence that could prove his innocence, and finds it.

But who killed them? And is there time for Louis to prove his innocence?

I heard this one the other day for the first time, and was surprised and just how much I enjoyed it. It has a touch of the supernatural, and it works well. A great Halloween program with a cool ending.

Star: Ernest Chappell
Sponsor: Sustaining (none)
Networks: ABC, Mutual
Aired: 1947-1949
Type of Show: Drama
Show Trivia:Most episodes featured no more than two or three actors.

Download Link:
http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?ynujmjxtjbg
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