The Naples Players Radio Theatre

"The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer" is a romantic comedy involving a bachelor(Richard Nugent) , who finds himself in a peculiar situation when he attracts the romantic attentions of a teenage girl (Susan Turner). The term "bobby-soxer" refers to the fashion trend of young girls wearing bobby socks, which were ankle-length socks typically worn with saddle shoes. This term became popular in the United States during the 1940s to describe teenage girls, especially those who were fans of popular music and entertainment of the time. In this Radio Theatre production, Susan develops a crush on Richard Nugent, a sophisticated artist, after seeing him give a speech at her high school. Complications arise when Susan's older sister, Margaret, who is a judge, sentences Nugent to be Susan's probation officer after he is caught in a compromising situation. Nugent, who is uninterested in Susan romantically due to their age difference, tries to navigate the situation without hurting her feelings or violating the terms of his probation. The film explores themes of love, responsibility, and the generation gap, all set against a backdrop of witty dialogue and comedic situations. Despite its somewhat controversial premise by today's standards, "The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer" was well-received upon its release and remains a classic romantic comedy from the Golden Age of Hollywood. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talentsof Jim Heffernan, Kelsey Butler, Kelly Altemeir, David Whalley, Dan Miller, Michael Troop, Mitchel Frank, Jim Corsica, Robert Medeiros and Harry McCartney. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.

“It Happened One Night" was written by Robert Riskin, who also wrote the screenplay for the original 1934 film starring Clarke Gable and Claudette Colbert. This timeless comedic classic is the story of a spoiled heiress, Ellie Andrews (played by Colbert), who runs away from her controlling father and meets a roguish newspaper reporter, Peter Warne (played by Gable), on a bus. The story is structured around their journey, with each encounter and obstacle bringing them closer together. There's a delightful mix of screwball comedy, witty banter, and tender moments as Ellie and Peter navigate their way through various predicaments while also confronting their own personal issues and prejudices. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the husband and wife team of Jesse Hughes who plays Peter Warne and Amy Hughes giving voice to Ellie Andrews. Jim Corsica plays the part of Oscar Shapely and Vic Caroli is the voice of Andrews, the father of Ellie Andrews. Other sundry supporting characters are voiced by Michael Troop and Robert Medeiros. Michael Troop is the audio engineer for this production. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.

"My Favorite Husband" is a classic radio sitcom that originally aired from 1948 to 1951, starring Lucille Ball and Richard Denning. The show revolves around the humorous escapades of Liz and George Cooper, a married couple living in the fictional town of Sheridan Falls. Liz is portrayed as a witty and charming housewife, while George is a bank executive. The series explores the couple's everyday challenges, misunderstandings, and comedic situations, often driven by Liz's quirky personality and George's attempts to navigate the ups and downs of married life. The success of "My Favorite Husband" paved the way for Lucille Ball's iconic role in the television series "I Love Lucy," solidifying her status as one of the greatest comedic actresses in entertainment history. In this episode Liz and George find themselves entangled in a series of misunderstandings. Liz becomes convinced that George is going to be drafted into the military, leading to a whirlwind of comical reactions and chaotic preparations. Meanwhile, George is under the impression that Liz is pregnant, sparking his own set of amusing responses and plans for impending parenthood. The episode unfolds with a blend of mistaken assumptions, miscommunication, and hilarious scenarios as the couple navigates these two entirely different but equally absurd situations. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents Pam Austin as Liz, Jim Heffernan as George, Janie Ballurio as Liz's friend, Iris Adriana Philby as the maid and Michael Troop as the boss. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.

Written by Thornton Wilder, ”Shadow of a Doubt" is a classic thriller, that explores the darker facets of human nature within the seemingly idyllic setting of a small American town. At the heart of the story is the character of young Charlie Newton who becomes increasingly suspicious of her charming uncle. With the help of Sally Benson, and Alma Reville who adapted the radio play to screen, Alfred Hitchcock directed the film version which was released in 1943 starring Joseph Cotton and Teresa Wright. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of Michael Troop as Uncle Charlie, Pamela Austin as Charlotte , aka Little Charlie. Kip Jones as Joe and Mr Green, Betsy Greenblatt as Emmy, Adriann Philby as Mrs Potter and Ann, Lena Neal as Mrs Martin and Mrs Henderson and Luke Jaconis as Graham. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.

"Strangers on a Train,"takes listeners on a suspenseful journey through the twisted corridors of chance and moral ambiguity. Penned by the talented Craig Warner, this adaptation retains the core tension of Patricia Highsmith's original novel, weaving a tale of two strangers whose fateful meeting sets the stage for a diabolical plan. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents Esther Snyder as Anne, Judy Scribner as Bessie and Miriam, Janie Ballurio as Barbara, Mark Vanagas as Bruno, Kenneth Allen as Guy, Jim Corsica as the Senator and Captain Turley, Kip Jones as the vendor and Henderson, Janina Birtolo as the mother and Mrs Cunningham, Gregg Birr as the employee and the minister, Harry McCartney as Mac and the amusment park manager and the voices of the Judge, the old man and the father were played by Michael Troop. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.-

"Shop Around the Corner" started its journey as a Hungarian play titled "Parfumerie," written by Miklós László in 1937. The play revolves around the romantic entanglements of employees working in a Budapest perfume shop. In 1940, the play caught the attention of Hollywood, and filmmaker Ernst Lubitsch adapted it into a film called "The Shop Around the Corner," starring James Stewart and Margaret Sullivan. Since the 1940 version he play has undergone three other iterations you may be aware of: "In the Good Old Summertime" (1949): A musical adaptation of the story, starring Judy Garland and Van Johnson. This version transplants the tale to a music store in Chicago. "She Loves Me" (1963): A Broadway musical based on the same source material, with a book by Joe Masteroff and music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. "You've Got Mail" (1998): While not a direct adaptation, this romantic comedy film directed by Nora Ephron draws inspiration from "The Shop Around the Corner." It stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan and explores the theme of anonymous pen pals falling in love. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents Pamela Austin as Klara, James Little as Martin, David Whalley as Pirovitch, and Michael Troop as Matuschek. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.

Agatha Christie wrote "Witness for the Prosecution" as a short story in 1925 although it was initially entitled, 'Traitor's Hands'. In April 1949 it was converted into a radio play but it was not until 1953 that it was called Witness for the Prosecution when it was adapted into a courtroom drama for the stage. Christie's motivation for writing "Witness for the Prosecution" can be attributed to her passion for crafting mystery and detective stories. She was one of the most prolific and renowned mystery writers of the 20th century, known for her ability to create intricate plots, memorable characters, and surprising twists. In "Witness for the Prosecution," Christie was particularly interested in the concept of justice and the idea that even in a court of law, the truth can be elusive and subject to manipulation. The play delves into themes of deceit, loyalty, and the morality of legal defense, all of which were recurring themes in her works. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of Jim Corsica as the Prosecutor, Vic Caroli as Mr. Mayherne, Jackie Weiner as the voices of Emily French and Janet Mckenzie, Luke Jacobins as Leonard Vole, Pamela Austin as the voices of Romaine Heigler and Mrs Bendovski, and Harry McCartney as the voices of the Judge and the the guard. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.

Lucille Fletcher, a pioneering writer in the realm of radio drama, left an indelible mark with her captivating and suspenseful works. She excelled in building and sustaining suspense through the use of the audio medium allowing her to play with the audience's imagination. She created an atmosphere of tension through carefully crafted soundscapes and well-timed revelations. Whether it's the creaking of a door or the haunting notes of a melody, Fletcher understood that what is heard can be as powerful, if not more so, than what is seen. Many of Fletcher's works delve into the intricacies of the human mind. Characters are often confronted with psychological challenges, and the audience is taken on a journey through the complexities of their thoughts and emotions. This psychological depth adds layers to the narrative, making the audience not only witnesses to the story but also active participants in the characters' internal struggles. Her radio plays often featured unconventional storytelling techniques, keeping the audience on their toes. Flashbacks, unreliable narrators, and unexpected twists added to the intrigue, making each work a unique and unpredictable experience. She is most notable for using strong, complex female protagonists in a time when such characters were not as common. These women were not mere victims but active participants in their stories, facing challenges head-on and often defying traditional gender norms. Fletcher's portrayal of women in her works contributed to a more nuanced and progressive representation in the world of radio drama. This Naples Players Radio Theatre presentation features the vocal talents of Pamela Austin as Amanda, Michael Troop as Theodore Evans, Kelley Watson as Lizzie. A special tribute is extended to Amanda Troop who was able to capture the vocal timbre of the children David and Daphne

"Here Comes Mr. Jordan" is a classic American comedy-fantasy originally released as a film in 1941. The United States was engaged in WWII at this time and audiences sought entertainment and diversion from the harsh realities of the war. The radio version like the film tells the story of Joe Pendleton, a boxer whose life is cut short prematurely due to a plane crash, but is given a second chance at life by an intervening angel who places Joe’s essence into the body of a recently murdered millionaire. Although the story reflects the popular screwball comedy genre of the time, characterized by clever dialogue, mistaken identities, and humor, it is also poignant in its themes of second chances, redemption, love and identity, wealth and responsibility. This Naples Players Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of Jim Corsica as Joe Pendleton, Vic Caroli as Mr.Jordan, Dan Miller as the messenger, Brandon Jones as Tony, Lynne Young as Julia, Esther Snyder as Bette, Harry McCartney as Lefty and a newsie, and Michael Troop as Max and the fight announcer. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.

“Murder on Mike “ first aired on Suspense in December 1951 under the title, “A Murderous Revision” and featured the vocal talents of Richard Widmark as the dispirited radio script writer Chris Turner. The play was reprised in July of 1957 under its current title with the lead role being voiced by Raymond Burr. The story revolves around a frustrated radio drama writer who believes his carefully crafted manuscripts have been continuously ‘ruined' by a producer who fails to appreciate his genius. He decides to destroy the program in a partir auréolé de gloire by committing a murder during a live broadcast!

The "Burns and Allen Show" was a popular American comedy show that aired on radio and television from the 1930s through the 1950s. The show starred George Burns and Gracie Allen, a real-life married couple, and was known for its witty humor and comedic sketches. The show often featured George Burns as the straight man and Gracie Allen as the comically confused character. Gracie's unique style of illogical and absurd reasoning, often referred to as "Gracie-logic," was a central element of the humor. George would play along with her misunderstandings and provide humorous commentary, creating a dynamic and hilarious interplay between the two. The show was known for breaking the fourth wall, with George Burns frequently addressing the audience directly and providing commentary on the events happening within the skits. The comedic routines often revolved around misunderstandings, wordplay, and absurd situations, which were the basis for much of the humor.

My Favorite Husband began in 1948 as a radio sitcom on CBS Radio, with Lucille Ball and Richard Denning as Liz and George Cooper. In earlier episodes the sir name was Cugat but changed to Cooper with the 26th episode in 1949. The change presumably occurred because Xavier Cugat, a famous bandleader at that time objected to the use of this name.The series was adapted for television in 1953 and was the basis for the TV sitcom I Love Lucy. In this episode , Liz endeavors to knit her husband a sweater while navigating through humorous misunderstandings and mishaps and fending off the misgivings of her mother-in-law. This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop. All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.

"The Red Wind" - A Philip Marlowe Mystery aired on radio June 17 1947 about a year after the end of WWII. It was written by the American-British novelist and screenwriter, Raymond Chandler (1888-1959) who was widely regarded at the time as one of the most influential crime fiction writers of the 20th century. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Chandler began his career in the oil industry before turning to writing later in life. His experiences working as an executive in the oil business, as well as his troubled personal life, would influence his writing style and the themes explored in his works. He is best known for creating the iconic character of Philip Marlowe, a private detective who first appeared in Chandler's first novel, "The Big Sleep," published in 1939 . The character embodies the archetype of the hard-boiled detective, a staple of the American crime fiction genre. He is a tough, street-smart, and morally ambiguous character who operates in a corrupt and gritty world. He is neither a strictly lawful nor an entirely criminal figure. While he often bends the rules to achieve his goals, he adheres to a personal code of ethics. Marlowe's sense of honor and justice sets him apart from the corrupt and immoral characters he encounters, adding depth and conflict to the narrative. He is a solitary figure, both physically and emotionally. He navigates a world filled with deceit and betrayal, where trust is rare. His loneliness is a recurring theme in Chandler's works, emphasizing the isolation and alienation that come with his profession thus giving the Marlowe character a sense of melancholy and vulnerability.

"Cabin B-13" first aired on the CBS Radio program , Suspense, on March 13,1943. The show was so popular that "Cabin B-13" aired a second time on November 9, 1943. The story follows a newlywed couple, Ann and Richard (Ricky) Brewster, who board the ship S.S. Maurevania for a fun filled honeymoon. The couple has $10,000 for their travels and when groom Ricky takes the money to be stored at the purser, he disappears. When Ann searches for him, there is no record of the couple being on board and the cabin B-13 does not exist! Cabin B-13 was written by John Dickson Carr, who is known as the master of the "locked room" mystery, in which seemingly impossible crimes must be solved for the mystery's successful denouement.

"Let George Do It," is an iconic old-time radio show that kept audiences on the edge of their seats for over a decade. Originally airing from 1946 to 1954, this beloved series delivered a perfect blend of suspense, adventure, and witty dialogue, making it a favorite among radio enthusiasts of its time. Each week, listeners were treated to a new thrilling adventure as George found himself embroiled in a web of intrigue, deception, and danger. From solving murders to unraveling conspiracies, from uncovering hidden treasures to rescuing damsels in distress, George Valentine's cases spanned a wide range of genres, ensuring that there was something for every radio enthusiast to enjoy.

My Favorite Husband began in 1948 as a radio sitcom on CBS Radio, with Lucille Ball and Richard Denning as Liz and George Cugat. In later episodes the name was changed from Cugat to Cooper. The series was adapted for television in 1953 and was the basis for the TV sitcom I Love Lucy. In this episode , Liz endeavors to prove to her husband and her mother-in-law that she has the culinary prowess to cook a dinner for 12 people.

"The Burns and Allen Show" was a popular American radio and television comedy series that aired from 1932 to 1950. Created by George Burns and his wife, Gracie Allen, the show followed the fictional lives of George and Gracie, playing exaggerated versions of themselves. The show also featured regular supporting characters like Bill Goodwin, the show’s announcer, and Meredith Willson, the composer and conductor of the show’s orchestra. The show frequently drew humor from social situations and etiquette. Gracie's lack of understanding of social norms often led to hilarious encounters with neighbors, friends, and strangers. Her comedic talent lay in her ability to take things literally, resulting in misinterpretation and absurd situations. In this particular episode there is a reference to a character known as Stepin Fetchit. The character was the Played by the Black American actor and comedian, Lincoln Theodore Monroe Andrew Perry. Fetchit appeared in numerous films from the 1920s to the 1940s, often playing subservient and comedic roles. He worked primarily in the genre of comedy, starring alongside popular white actors of the time. While his performances were well-received by some audiences and he achieved commercial success, Fetchit faced criticism from within the African-American community for perpetuating negative stereotypes. He remains a notable figure in the history of African-American representation in film and serves as a reminder of the racial stereotypes prevalent during that era.

Patricia McGerr (December 26, 1917 – May 11, 1985) was an American crime writer, primarily known for her puzzle mystery novels and is principally known for having created a hitherto-unknown twist on the traditional whodunnit. Her “Catch Me If You Can” is such a story. It is a detective story in reverse. Instead of a detective seekng a murderer, we have a murderer seeking a detective. Margot Weatherby is tired of waiting for her husband to die and has already made an unsuccessful effort to put him out of the way. He knows what she has done and tells her that he has the evidence hidden where she will never find it and that he has sent for a detective named Rocky Rhodes to see that she doesn’t try again. Confident of her ability to outwit any detective, Margot goes ahead with her plan. Phillip Weatherby dies and within a few hours four strangers appear on the scene. One of them must be Rocky Rhodes, though none has given that name. Margot picks the most likely candidate and arranges a fatal accident for him. Then she is not sure that she has killed the right one. And so it goes until the real Rocky Rhodes has collected the evidence he needs and Margot learns that getting away with murder is not so easy as she thought.

Written by English writer Herbert Russell, “Ghost Hunt” was originally published in the legendary horror magazine, “Weird Tales,”but was later adapted to radio, airing in the 1949 anthology series, “Suspense”. The story follows a disc jockey who between spinning jazz records, does “stunts,” often in questionable taste. His latest is to make a “wire recording” (a precursor to reel-to-reel and cassette recordings) as he spends the night in a haunted house known as the “death trap”. Listeners to this podcast are invited to take the advice of Smiley Smith, the disc jokey  and “…douse all the lights you have on”, while you sit back and immerse yourself in this Naples Players Radio Theatre production of “Ghost Hunt”.

Lucille Fletcher wrote "The Diary of Sophronia Winters" as a radio play in 1941 as part of the CBS radio series "Suspense." The play was later adapted for television and performed as a stage play. Fletcher was known for her ability to create suspenseful stories with unexpected twists, and "The Diary of Sophronia Winters" is a prime example of her skill. The play has been performed many times over the years and is still considered a classic of the suspense genre.

The Columbia Worship (now CBS) aired "The Pussycat and the Expert Plumber who was A Man" in September of 1940. One of Arthur Miller's early plays, tells the tale of an enterprising cat who works his way up the political chain of command to become a candidate for governor of his state. Although somewhat whimsical on its surface, given the fact that Miller was a prominent figure in the American left-wing intellectual community, and his work often dealt with themes related to social justice, human rights, and the struggle for individual freedom in the face of oppressive systems, the play can be seen as a commentary on social justice, human rights, and the struggle for individual freedom in the face of oppressive systems. Whether you listen to this play with this interpretation in mind or not, we are sure that you will be delighted in our presentation. So sit back, relax and enjoy The Naples Players Radio Theatre production of “The Pussycat and the Expert Plumber who was A Man”.

Folk wisdom has it that everyone has a doppelganger; somewhere out there there’s a perfect duplicate of you, with your mother’s eyes, your father’s nose and that annoying mole you’ve always meant to have removed. The notion has gripped the popular imagination for millennia – it was the subject of one of the oldest known works of literature – inspiring the work of poets and scaring queens to death. The “Sinister Shadow” which aired February 12, 1979 on the CBS Radio Mystery Theater follows the story of Dorrie, a young woman who is struggling with her relationship with her overbearing mother. By happenstance she comes upon her double who represents all of the qualities that she has repressed, including independence, confidence, and self-assuredness. This intriguing story written by Elspeth Eric has surprising and unsettling denouement.

The Bickersons was a popular American radio show that aired from 1946 to 1951. The show starred Don Ameche and Frances Langford and followed the comedic misadventures of John and Blanche Bickerson, a married couple who bickered constantly. Each episode would typically begin with the couple settling into bed for the night, which would inevitably lead to a hilarious argument that would last throughout the entire episode. The show's writers cleverly crafted situations that would highlight the couple's contrasting personalities and quirks, making for a show that was both relatable and hilarious. Despite their constant bickering, there was always an underlying love and affection between John and Blanche that would shine through in moments of vulnerability or tenderness. The show's popularity led to a spinoff TV series, as well as numerous imitations and parodies in popular culture. In this episode, Blanche, yearning for the patter of little feet, adopts a puppy resulting in hilarious consequences.

My Favorite Husband began in 1948 as a radio sitcom on CBS Radio, with Lucille Ball and Richard Denning as Liz and George Cugat. In later episodes the name was changed from Cugat to Cooper. The series was adapted for television in 1953 and was the basis for the TV sitcom I Love Lucy. In this episode , Liz endeavors to prove to her husband that she has what it takes to be an actor. Pamela Austin and Jim Heffernan reprise their roles as Liz and George Cugat, Janie Ballurio lends her vocal talents to the role of Miss Worthingill, the smug drama director from a nearby college, Adriann Philby voices Katy the maid and Vic Caroli the psychiatrist.

"The Thin Man" was a popular radio series that aired in the 1940s. Based on a novel by Dashiell Hammett, the show starred William Powell and Myrna Loy as husband and wife team Nick and Nora Charles. Nick is a former private detective who married wealthy socialite Nora and retired from the detective business to enjoy the high life. However, the couple is frequently drawn into murder mysteries, often involving their own friends and acquaintances. Nick's sharp wit, charm, and detective skills, combined with Nora's social connections and quick thinking, help them solve the cases. The series was known for its clever dialogue, witty banter between Nick and Nora, and the couple's love of cocktails. The show was also famous for its recurring characters, including Nick's police lieutenant friend John Guild and their terrier dog Asta, who often assists Nick in his investigations. Overall, "The Thin Man" was a popular and influential radio series that set the standard for future detective shows and helped establish the "whodunit" as a popular genre in both radio and film.

My Favorite Husband began in 1948 as a radio sitcom on CBS Radio, with Lucille Ball and Richard Denning as Liz and George Cugat. In later episodes the name was changed from Cugat to Cooper. The series was adapted for television in 1953 and was the basis for the TV sitcom I Love Lucy. This TNP Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of Pamela Austin and Jim Heffernan as Liz and George Cugat, Pat Ashton as Corey Cartwright, Marilyn Hilbert as Katie the maid and Janie Ballurio as the Miss Johnson, the nurse, and Liz’s friend, Jane .

Arsenic and Old Lace is a play by American playwright Joseph Kesselring, written in 1939. It is thought he may have been inspired or at least influenced by actual events that occurred between 1907 and 1916 in Windsor, CT, in which 60 boarding house residents died suspiciously under the hands of Amy-Archer Gilligan the owner of the boarding house. The action of this farcical dark comedy takes place in the Brewster sisters’ living room.. Here the audience is introduced to Abby and Martha Brewster who have a penchant for murdering lonely old men by poisoning them with a glass of home-made elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine, and "just a pinch" of cyanide; a brother, Teddy, who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt and digs locks for the Panama Canal in the cellar of the Brewster home (which then serve as graves for the aunts' victims; he thinks that they died of yellow fever); and a murderous brother, Jonathan, who has received plastic surgery performed by an alcoholic accomplice, Dr. Einstein (a character based on real-life gangland surgeon Joseph Moran) to conceal his identity, and now looks like horror-film actor Boris Karloff (who originally played that part on Broadway). Of the 12 plays written by Kesselring, Arsenic and Old Lace was by far the most successful. According to the opening night review in The New York Times, the play was "so funny that none of us will ever forget it." This Naples Players Radio Theatre production of Arsenic and Old Lace features the vocal talents of Jessie Hughes as Mortimer Brewster; Pamela Austin as Elaine Harper; Pat Aston as Reverend Harper and Mr Witherspoon; Jim Heffernan as Dr Einstein; Vic Carolli as Jonathan Brewster; Norm Toback as Lieutenant Rooney; Danny Miller as Officer Brophy; the composite voices of Marilyn Hibertem and Iris Shur as Martha Brewster; the composite voices of Theresa Bill and Cindy Malley as Abby Brewster and Kip Jones as Teddy Roosevelt. Special acknowledgement is given to Lena Neal, Terry Whalley and Nancy Robordy who also lent their vocal talents to this production.

Lights Out is an American horror radio program, which ran on various networks from January 1934 to the summer of 1947. Conceived in the fall of 1933, by NBC writer Wyllis Cooper this midnight mystery series eventually caught the attention of thousands of listeners at the witching hour and spawned about 600 fan clubs across the United States. The idea was to offer listeners a dramatic program late at night, at a time when the competition was mostly airing music. Initially the programs opened with a deeply voiced , “Lights out, everyone” followed by thirteen chime notes and an ominous gong. By 1938, the show had won critical acclaim and featured such notable actors as Boris Karloff. In 1946, NBC Television brought Lights Out to TV in a series of four specials, which was broadcast live . Variety, a weekly newspaper reporting on theater and vaudeville, gave this first TV episode a rave review ("undoubtedly one of the best dramatic shows yet seen on a television screen"), but Lights Out did not become a regular NBC-TV series until 1949. By the time the series ended its television run it had featured such notable guest stars as Anne Bancroft, Grace Kelly, Eva Marie Saint, Lee J. Cobb, Anthony Quinn, Jessica Tandy, Veronica Lake, John Forsythe, Boris Karloff, Beatrice Straight, Eli Wallach, Vincent Price, Jane Wyatt, and Jack Palance. This Naples Players Radio Theatre productions features the vocal talents of Judy Scribner, Sharon Isern, Janina Birtolo and Harry McCartney.

This Inner Sanctum episode, featuring the vocal talents of James Green, Pat Ashton, Charlie Sloin, and Pamela Austin, tells the story of a woman who was burned as a witch in seventeenth-century Salem and has now returned to seek revenge.

The Burning Court is one of John Dickson Carr’s masterpieces, an intoxicating witch’s brew of mystery and magic. The plot centers around two crimes that may be related.   Featuring the vocal talents of Jim Heffernan, Jim Corsica, Pat Ashton, Jackie Weiner, Norman Tobak, Kathleen Barney and Charlie Sloin, this “who done it” is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing until the very end

The Fat Man, a popular radio show during the 1940s and early 1950s, was a detective drama created by (or at least credited to) Dashiell Hammett, author of The Thin Man. The series premiered on the ABC Radio Network on Monday, January 21, 1946, at 8:30 p.m. This recording features the vocal talents of Jim Heffernan as Brad Runyon, the Fat Man, Debra Millstein as Harriet Raynard, Danny Miller as Oscar Raynard, Casey Cobb as Salah, Kip Jones as Pouisan and Judy Scribner as Angela

The Bickersons was a radio comedy sketch series that began September 8, 1946, on NBC, moving the following year to CBS where it continued until August 28, 1951. The show's married protagonists, were initially portrayed by Don Ameche as John and Frances Langford, as Blanche . The two spent nearly all their time together in relentless verbal discord. This TNP presentation features the vocal talents of Sharon Isern and Michael Troop

This Inner Sanctum mystery was first broadcast on CBS radio in September of 1946. It involves an unmerciful judge who finds that revenge is bitter pill to take. The story is a triangle tale, concerning a man, a woman and a murderer and features the vocal talents of Janina Birtolo, Kimberly Albrecht, Paul Lopresti and Joel Banow. As our host will tell you, it never pays to get into a laughing contest with a ghost…

From 1941 to 1952, the Inner Sanctum weekly radio series invited listeners to pass through its famous creaking door into a world which provided a unique mixture of horror and dark humor. The original production of this radio program aired on December 18, 1945. This Readers Theatre rendition features the vocal talents of Amanda Troop, Judy Scribner, Jim Heffernan, Ken Eastlak, and Michael Troop

A mad killer is on the prowl, and there's a dead body in the trunk. This is a good shocker with surprise ending. The script was previously used on "Inner Sanctum" on September 18, 1945. The story finds our protagonist, Linda Dixon driving north in to the mountains in her six year old car that has motor troubles. She is already feeling a little nervous when she hears a siren in the distance. She knows that the State Prison is in the vicinity and turns on the radio to hear the message that motorists are warned to be on the lookout for Lee Hartley who has escaped from the death cell at state prison and would rather kill than eat… This TNP Radio Theater production features the vocal talents of Judy Scribner, James Corsica, and Jim Heffernan