Suspense: The Burning Court (June 17, 1942)

Setting: A contemporary (1942) American suburban setting, likely near New York, with scenes on a commuter train, a mansion, and a crypt. The episode uses sound effects like train whistles, creaking doors, footsteps, and eerie whispers to create a tense, mysterious atmosphere, blending detective noir with supernatural hints.
Plot:
Introduction: The episode opens with the Suspense theme, Bernard Herrmann’s ominous score, followed by announcer John Tillman introducing the series as a new “theater of thrills.” The narrator, possibly Berry Kroeger, sets the stage for “The Burning Court,” a tale of murder and uncanny resemblance, adapted from Carr’s novel but omitting its overt supernatural elements due to audience objections to the book’s occult themes.

The Premise: The story follows Gaudan Cross (played by Charles Ruggles, credited as Gaudan St. Croix or Tom Simpson), a true-crime writer riding a commuter train. He reads a colleague’s manuscript about 17th-century poisoner Marie D’Aubray, noticing her portrait bears a striking resemblance to his young wife, Marie Stephens (Julie Hayden). Meanwhile, his friend Ted Stephens (Ted Osborne) reveals that his uncle, Mark Despard (Berry Kroeger), has been poisoned in a locked room at his mansion, with no clear suspect. Gaudan suspects Marie, fearing she’s somehow connected to the historical poisoner, sparking a locked-room mystery.

Escalating Suspense: Gaudan investigates, visiting the Despard mansion, where he encounters Myra Corbett (Irene Winston), a nurse, and Captain Brennan (possibly Ted de Corsia), a police officer. Clues pile up: a missing bell cord, a woman seen leaving the murder scene, and Marie’s odd behavior. The crypt where Mark’s body rests holds secrets, with sound effects like grinding stone amplifying tension. Gaudan’s probing, aided by Dr. Weldon (Bob Emery), a professor, uncovers links to poisoning cases, but the mystery deepens as Marie’s alibi wavers. The narrative toys with supernatural hints—Marie as a reincarnated poisoner—while grounding the solution in detective logic, per Carr’s style.

Climax and Resolution: The climax unfolds in the mansion or crypt, where Gaudan confronts Marie and solves the locked-room puzzle. The murder is revealed to be a human act, not supernatural, with the killer’s motive tied to greed or revenge (possibly Myra or another household member, per Carr’s novel). Gaudan clears Marie, proving her resemblance to D’Aubray is coincidental. The episode concludes with Tillman praising Ruggles and Hayden, noting Ruggles’ shift from comedy to drama, and teasing next week’s show, leaving listeners hooked. The 30-minute runtime ensures a tight, twist-filled narrative.

Themes: The clash of rational detection and supernatural fear, the fragility of trust, and the unraveling of hidden motives. The episode establishes Suspense’s formula: a normal person thrust into a bizarre, threatening situation, with a satisfying resolution.

Cast and Roles:
Gaudan Cross (Tom Simpson): Played by Charles Ruggles, a comedic actor (Bringing Up Baby), voicing the amateur detective with a mix of curiosity and unease, showcasing his dramatic range in a rare serious role.

Marie D’Aubray (Marie Stephens): Played by Julie Hayden, a Broadway actress, portraying the enigmatic wife with subtle charm and ambiguity, balancing innocence and suspicion.

Mark Despard/Narrator: Played by Berry Kroeger, voicing the murdered uncle (in flashbacks) and the narrator with a commanding, ominous tone, framing the mystery.

Ted Stephens: Played by Ted Osborne, portraying the worried nephew with earnest concern, driving the initial investigation.

Myra Corbett: Played by Irene Winston, voicing the nurse with a mix of professionalism and secrecy, possibly hinting at ulterior motives.

Dr. Weldon: Played by Bob Emery, voicing the academic with scholarly gravitas, aiding Gaudan’s deductions.

Captain Brennan: Possibly played by Ted de Corsia, voicing the gruff police captain with skepticism and authority.

Minor Roles: Unnamed actors as a train conductor, Lieutenant Gray, Lucy (Despard’s wife), and a radio voice, adding atmosphere.

Announcer: John Tillman, delivering opening and closing remarks with a professional, suspenseful tone, introducing the series’ mission.

Note on Cast: Suspense leveraged a talented radio ensemble, with Ruggles’ casting against type (from comedy to drama) and Hayden’s Broadway pedigree setting a high bar for the premiere. Performances were polished, per Charles Vanda’s direction.