Escape | Old Time Radio

Escape presents “Snake Doctor,” originally broadcast on August 18, 1949. This local archival recording is episode 4908. Adapted by Fred Howard from Irvin S. Cobb’s short story, the CBS drama stars Jeff Chandler—billed here as Ira Grossel—along with William Conrad and Paul Frees.

In the worn-out farm country around Cashier Creek, a mysterious recluse known as the Snake Doctor makes his living collecting deadly cottonmouths for their oil. His unnerving command of the snakes feeds local superstition, while a suspicious neighbor begins to wonder what else the isolated man may be hiding.

Escape presents the original broadcast...

Escape presents “The Rim of Terror,” originally broadcast on CBS on May 12, 1950, as episode 110. Adapted by William N. Robson from Hildegarde Tolman Teilhet’s novel, the drama stars Nancy Kelly and Hans Conried.

On a lonely Nevada desert highway, a young woman in a Bentley convertible gives a lift to a soaked and unsettling hitchhiker named Alex. With pursuers seemingly close behind, the ride becomes a tense Cold War-era thriller of uncertain identities, shifting appearances, and danger on the road toward Winnemucca.

Escape presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announ...

Escape presents “Mars Is Heaven,” originally broadcast on CBS on June 2, 1950. Commonly listed as episode 125, though some logs number it 113, this Ray Bradbury adaptation was written for radio by Morton Fine and David Friedkin and directed by William N. Robson.

Captain John Black leads an Earth rocket expedition to Mars, where the crew discovers a peaceful small American town that seems uncannily familiar—and far removed from the alien world they expected. Jeff Corey, Florence Bates, Paul Frees, and Ian Wolfe star in this haunting science-fiction drama adapted from Bradbury’s short story “Mars Is Heaven!”

Escape prese...

Escape presents “Poison,” originally broadcast on CBS on July 28, 1950. Often listed as episode 121, this tense adaptation of Roald Dahl’s short story was written for radio by James Poe and directed by William N. Robson.

In Bombay, American construction workers Woody and Harry Pope face a terrifying crisis in their shared quarters when Harry becomes convinced that a deadly krait is trapped beneath his mosquito net. Jack Webb stars as Woody, with William Conrad as Harry and Jay Novello as Dr. Ganderbai. The drama also confronts Harry’s deep prejudice toward the Indian people around him; listeners should note tha...

Escape presents “Dead of Night Audition,” originally broadcast on CBS on March 21, 1947. This unnumbered second audition program preceded the regular Escape series, which began later that year.

In this supernatural-tinged drama adapted by Charles Gusman from John Baines’s “The Ventriloquist’s Dummy,” British ventriloquist Eric Hickson faces professional pressure from an American rival as his wooden partner, Toby, becomes an increasingly disturbing presence. Berry Kroeger and Art Carney star.

Escape presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

C...

Escape presents “The Man Who Stole the Bible,” originally broadcast on CBS on May 5, 1950. This archival recording is identified as episode 5005. Written by John and Gwen Bagni and directed by William N. Robson, the drama stars Rick Vallin as traveling salesman Cummings.

During Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Cummings takes the Gideon Bible from his crowded hotel room in search of something to read. Before long, suspicious visitors, searches, and costumed strangers make the small book the center of a mounting mystery. Ben Wright, Will Geer, and Lou Merrill co-star in this fast-moving thriller.

Escape presents the...

Escape presents “The Lost Special,” originally broadcast February 12, 1949. Cataloged here as episode 4902, this CBS sustaining production adapts Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s railway mystery, with Ben Wright as Inspector Collins.

When a special train vanishes on an English railway route, Collins must sort through trackside evidence, witness accounts, and public speculation in search of an explanation. Les Crutchfield adapted the story for radio; Norman MacDonnell produced and directed.

Escape presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapte...

Escape presents “The Log of the Evening Star,” originally broadcast March 14, 1948. This archival recording is episode 4803 of Escape.

First mate Harper records a troubling voyage aboard the South Seas schooner Evening Star as fear and uncertainty spread among Captain Burgess, his wife, the cook Kato, and the crew. Adapted by Les Crutchfield from Alfred Noyes’s sea tale, this CBS drama stars Jack Webb and was produced and directed by William N. Robson.

Escape presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consis...

Escape presents “28 the Man Who Won the War ALT1,” originally broadcast February 28, 1950. This archival recording is identified as episode 5002; established Escape catalogs also list the broadcast as episode 100.

In October 1914, a British destroyer patrolling the North Sea spots a desperate signal from the Flanders coast. Commander Edward Bradman must weigh duty, danger, and the uncertain consequences of answering the call in this World War I naval drama, adapted by William N. Robson from Robert Buckner’s short story. The cast includes John Dehner, Ben Wright, and Paul Frees.

Escape presents the original broadcast with a newly produc...

Escape presents “21 the Red Mark,” originally broadcast February 21, 1950. This archival recording is episode 5002 of the series.

At a French penal colony on New Caledonia, convict-barber Domai lives among prisoners known as the “living dead.” When fellow inmate Bijou faces the colony’s executioner, Domai becomes involved in a dangerous struggle amid guarded walls, tropical terrain, and the possibility of escape. William Conrad stars as Domai in this CBS sustaining drama, adapted from John Russell’s story “The Red Mark” and produced and directed by William N. Robson.

Escape presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual intro...

Escape presents “Typhoon,” originally broadcast July 28, 1947. This archival recording is cataloged locally as episode 4707; the matching CBS broadcast was the fourth regular episode of the series.

Adapted from Joseph Conrad’s maritime tale, the drama follows Chief Mate Mr. Jukes aboard the China-coast steamer Nan-Shan as Captain MacWhirr guides a shipload of Chinese laborers from Singapore toward Foochow—and into worsening weather in the China Seas. Frank Lovejoy stars in this William N. Robson production.

Escape presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more c...

Escape presents “28 the Man Who Won the War ALT2,” originally broadcast February 28, 1950. This local archival recording is identified as episode 5002.

On a North Sea patrol in October 1914, an English destroyer commander receives a desperate signal from the Flanders coast and is drawn into a perilous wartime mystery involving an extraordinary claim about the course of World War I. Adapted by producer-director William N. Robson from Robert Buckner’s short story, the CBS drama features John Dehner, Ben Wright, and Paul Frees.

Escape presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and ge...

Escape presents “The Rim of Terror,” originally broadcast May 12, 1950. This archival recording is identified as episode 5005; established episode logs list the broadcast as Escape episode 110. Nancy Kelly and Hans Conried star in this CBS/Richfield Oil thriller, adapted by William N. Robson from Hildegarde Tolman Teilhet’s novel.

On a lonely Nevada highway near Winnemucca, Elizabeth Whitehill offers a ride to a soaked, bedraggled hitchhiker named Alex. Before long, her desert drive becomes a tense Cold War-era flight from danger, with her Bentley convertible and faithful Chinook dog along for the ride.

Escape presents the original broadc...

Escape presents “The Killer Mine,” originally broadcast February 11, 1951, as episode 5102. This CBS suspense adventure stars John Dehner and was adapted by Antony Ellis from Hammond Innes’s 1947 novel.

In Cornwall, British Army deserter and hard-rock miner Jim Pryce accepts no-questions-asked work in an abandoned tin mine beneath the sea. The job soon places his mining skills—and his nerve—against the dangers of deep stone workings and the Atlantic beyond them.

Escape presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience...

Escape presents “21 Ancient Sorceries,” episode 4802, originally broadcast February 21, 1948. This CBS adaptation of Algernon Blackwood’s supernatural story was written for radio by Les Crutchfield and features Paul Frees as traveler Arthur Llewellyn, with William Conrad in the cast.

During a train journey, Llewellyn pauses in a remote Welsh village where the residents seem oddly watchful and the atmosphere grows increasingly ancient and unsettling. Drawn toward the mysterious Ilse and the village’s unfamiliar customs, he finds an ordinary stopover taking a strange turn.

Escape presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing...

Escape presents “15 Three Skeleton Key ALT1,” originally broadcast November 15, 1949. This local archival recording is episode number 4911.

On a remote lighthouse station off French Guiana, three keepers watch a derelict ship drift toward their rocky refuge. Soon, Jean, Louis, and Auguste face a mounting threat in this tense adaptation of George G. Toudouze’s “Three Skeleton Key,” adapted for radio by James Poe and featuring Elliott Reid, William Conrad, and Harry Bartell.

Escape presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience...

Escape presents “28 Poison,” originally broadcast July 28, 1950. This archival recording is identified as episode 5007.

Adapted by James Poe from Roald Dahl’s short story “Poison,” this CBS suspense drama finds American contractor Harry Pope frozen with fear in his bedroom in India, convinced a deadly krait is hidden beneath his bedclothes. William Conrad, Jack Webb, and Jay Novello star in this tightly wound drama directed and produced by William N. Robson; it includes period racial slurs.

Escape presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more con...

Escape presents “21 Dead of Night Audition,” episode 4703, originally broadcast March 21, 1947. This CBS audition/pilot adapts “The Ventriloquist’s Dummy,” the John Baines story from Ealing Studios’ 1945 anthology film Dead of Night.

British ventriloquist Eric Hickson finds his career and personal balance disturbed by an American rival—and by Toby, his wooden stage partner, whose presence becomes increasingly unsettling. Berry Kroeger stars as Hickson, with Art Carney as Toby; the drama was written by Charles Gusman and directed by John Moseman.

Escape presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned...

Escape presents “02 Mars Is Heaven,” originally broadcast June 2, 1950. This archival recording is episode 5006.

In Ray Bradbury’s eerie science-fiction tale, framed as a live broadcast from a New Mexico rocket launch, Captain John Black and the crew of the Venture make humanity’s first voyage to Mars. Their arrival brings an impossible vision of familiar small-town America, turning discovery into a haunting encounter with memory and the unknown. Adapted for radio by Morton Fine and David Friedkin and directed by William N. Robson, the CBS production features Stuart Novins, Jeff Corey, and Paul Frees.

Escape presents the orig...

Escape presents “Leiningen Versus the Ants,” originally broadcast on May 23, 1948. Episode 42 of CBS’s adventure anthology stars William Conrad as the fiercely determined plantation owner Leiningen, with Jay Novello as the district commissioner. Adapted by Robert Ryf from Carl Stephenson’s short story and directed by Norman Macdonnell.

On an isolated plantation in the Amazon jungle, Leiningen refuses to abandon his land as an immense army of ants advances. With the commissioner, his assistant, and the plantation workers facing an overwhelming natural threat, this is a tense tale of preparation, resolve, and man against nature.

Escape presents...

Escape presents “Three Skeleton Key -William Conrad- -2,” episode 85 of the CBS radio series Escape, originally broadcast November 15, 1949.

On an isolated lighthouse rock off the coast of French Guiana, three keepers face a terrifying threat when a drifting derelict approaches their station. Adapted by James Poe from Georges-Gustave Toudouze’s short story, this tense 1949 production features Elliott Reid, William Conrad, and Harry Bartell.

Escape presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction
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Escape presents “Three Skeleton Key -William Conrad- -1,” episode 85 of the CBS series Escape, originally broadcast November 15, 1949.

At an isolated lighthouse off the coast of French Guiana, keepers Jean, Louis, and Auguste face a terrifying threat when a derelict vessel arrives near their rocky outpost. Adapted by James Poe from George Toudouze’s short story, this early version features Elliott Reid, William Conrad, and Harry Bartell.

Escape presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned and mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.

Chapters:
0...

Escape presents “Three Skeleton Key,” episode 102, originally broadcast on March 17, 1950. This listener-requested repeat adaptation stars Vincent Price as lighthouse keeper Jean, alongside Jeff Corey and Harry Bartell.

On the isolated lighthouse rock of Three Skeleton Key, off French Guiana, three keepers spot a derelict ship drifting toward their station. Soon, a routine maritime danger becomes a harrowing struggle for survival. Adapted by James Poe from George G. Toudouze’s short story and directed by William N. Robson.

Escape presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio...

https://www.oldtimeretroradio.comThis episode features Escape - Clear For Action [episode 187] Broadcast 6/14/1953, a restored classic from the golden age of radio. A classic old time radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, featuring original radio drama, authentic performances, and timeless storytelling. These historic programs reflect an era when radio was the heart of home entertainment, delivering mystery, suspense, westerns, comedy, and unforgettable performances through sound alone.Source: OTRR dot org – Certified Public Domain Collection.Curated by Old Time Retro Radio.🎧 Listen to Old Time Retro Radio on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nxo08TkYg6...

https://www.oldtimeretroradio.comThis episode features Escape - Danger At Matecumbe [episode 103] Broadcast 3/24/1950, a restored classic from the golden age of radio. A classic old time radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, featuring original radio drama, authentic performances, and timeless storytelling. These historic programs reflect an era when radio was the heart of home entertainment, delivering mystery, suspense, westerns, comedy, and unforgettable performances through sound alone.Source: OTRR dot org – Certified Public Domain Collection.Curated by Old Time Retro Radio.🎧 Listen to Old Time Retro Radio on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nxo08TkYg6...

https://www.oldtimeretroradio.comThis episode features Escape - When The Man Comes Follow Him [episode 66] Broadcast 4/9/1949, a restored classic from the golden age of radio. A classic old time radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, featuring original radio drama, authentic performances, and timeless storytelling. These historic programs reflect an era when radio was the heart of home entertainment, delivering mystery, suspense, westerns, comedy, and unforgettable performances through sound alone.Source: OTRR dot org – Certified Public Domain Collection.Curated by Old Time Retro Radio.🎧 Listen to Old Time Retro Radio on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/s...

https://www.oldtimeretroradio.comThis episode features Escape - Present Tense [episode 96] Broadcast 1/31/1950, a restored classic from the golden age of radio. A classic old time radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, featuring original radio drama, authentic performances, and timeless storytelling. These historic programs reflect an era when radio was the heart of home entertainment, delivering mystery, suspense, westerns, comedy, and unforgettable performances through sound alone.Source: OTRR dot org – Certified Public Domain Collection.Curated by Old Time Retro Radio.🎧 Listen to Old Time Retro Radio on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nxo08TkYg6bBLyE...

https://www.oldtimeretroradio.comThis episode features Escape - Border Town [episode 89] Broadcast 12/13/1949, a restored classic from the golden age of radio. A classic old time radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, featuring original radio drama, authentic performances, and timeless storytelling. These historic programs reflect an era when radio was the heart of home entertainment, delivering mystery, suspense, westerns, comedy, and unforgettable performances through sound alone.Source: OTRR dot org – Certified Public Domain Collection.Curated by Old Time Retro Radio.🎧 Listen to Old Time Retro Radio on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nxo08TkYg6bBLyE...

https://www.oldtimeretroradio.comThis episode features Escape - Pressure [episode 175] Broadcast 3/22/1953, a restored classic from the golden age of radio. A classic old time radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, featuring original radio drama, authentic performances, and timeless storytelling. These historic programs reflect an era when radio was the heart of home entertainment, delivering mystery, suspense, westerns, comedy, and unforgettable performances through sound alone.Source: OTRR dot org – Certified Public Domain Collection.Curated by Old Time Retro Radio.🎧 Listen to Old Time Retro Radio on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3nxo08TkYg6bBLyEWcRcSrApple Podca...

https://www.oldtimeretroradio.com This episode features Escape - A Shipment Of Mute Fate -Harry Bartell [episode 34] Broadcast 3/28/1948, a restored classic from the golden age of radio. A classic old time radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, featuring original radio drama, authentic performances, and timeless storytelling. These historic programs reflect an era when radio was the heart of home entertainment, delivering mystery, suspense, westerns, comedy, and unforgettable performances through sound alone. Source: OTRR dot org – Certified Public Domain Collection. Curated by Old Time Retro Radio. 🎧 Listen to Old Time Retro Radio on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Spotify: https://open...

https://www.oldtimeretroradio.com This episode features Escape - Misfortunes Isle -National Broadcast [episode 33] Broadcast 3/21/1948, a restored classic from the golden age of radio. A classic old time radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, featuring original radio drama, authentic performances, and timeless storytelling. These historic programs reflect an era when radio was the heart of home entertainment, delivering mystery, suspense, westerns, comedy, and unforgettable performances through sound alone. Source: OTRR dot org – Certified Public Domain Collection. Curated by Old Time Retro Radio. 🎧 Listen to Old Time Retro Radio on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show...

https://www.oldtimeretroradio.com This episode features Escape - Misfortunes Isle -National Broadcast [episode 33] Broadcast 3/21/1948, a restored classic from the golden age of radio. A classic old time radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, featuring original radio drama, authentic performances, and timeless storytelling. These historic programs reflect an era when radio was the heart of home entertainment, delivering mystery, suspense, westerns, comedy, and unforgettable performances through sound alone. Source: OTRR dot org – Certified Public Domain Collection. Curated by Old Time Retro Radio. 🎧 Listen to Old Time Retro Radio on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show...

https://www.oldtimeretroradio.com This episode features Escape - The Log Of The Evening Star -National Broadcast [episode 32] Broadcast 3/14/1948, a restored classic from the golden age of radio. A classic old time radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, featuring original radio drama, authentic performances, and timeless storytelling. These historic programs reflect an era when radio was the heart of home entertainment, delivering mystery, suspense, westerns, comedy, and unforgettable performances through sound alone. Source: OTRR dot org – Certified Public Domain Collection. Curated by Old Time Retro Radio. 🎧 Listen to Old Time Retro Radio on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Spotify: https...

https://www.oldtimeretroradio.com This episode features Escape - Jimmy Goggles The God -National Broadcast [episode 31] Broadcast 3/7/1948, a restored classic from the golden age of radio. A classic old time radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, featuring original radio drama, authentic performances, and timeless storytelling. These historic programs reflect an era when radio was the heart of home entertainment, delivering mystery, suspense, westerns, comedy, and unforgettable performances through sound alone. Source: OTRR dot org – Certified Public Domain Collection. Curated by Old Time Retro Radio. 🎧 Listen to Old Time Retro Radio on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Spotify: https://open.spoti...

https://www.oldtimeretroradio.com This episode features Escape - The Grove Of Ashtaroth -National Broadcast Different Production [episode 30] Broadcast 3/6/1948, a restored classic from the golden age of radio. A classic old time radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, featuring original radio drama, authentic performances, and timeless storytelling. These historic programs reflect an era when radio was the heart of home entertainment, delivering mystery, suspense, westerns, comedy, and unforgettable performances through sound alone. Source: OTRR dot org – Certified Public Domain Collection. Curated by Old Time Retro Radio. 🎧 Listen to Old Time Retro Radio on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Spotify: https...

https://www.oldtimeretroradio.com This episode features Escape - How Love Came To Professor Guildea -National Broadcast Different Productio [episode 29] Broadcast 2/28/1948, a restored classic from the golden age of radio. A classic old time radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, featuring original radio drama, authentic performances, and timeless storytelling. These historic programs reflect an era when radio was the heart of home entertainment, delivering mystery, suspense, westerns, comedy, and unforgettable performances through sound alone. Source: OTRR dot org – Certified Public Domain Collection. Curated by Old Time Retro Radio. 🎧 Listen to Old Time Retro Radio on Spotify and Apple Podca...

https://www.oldtimeretroradio.com This episode features Escape - How Love Came To Professor Guildea -National Broadcast [episode 29] Broadcast 2/22/1948, a restored classic from the golden age of radio. A classic old time radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, featuring original radio drama, authentic performances, and timeless storytelling. These historic programs reflect an era when radio was the heart of home entertainment, delivering mystery, suspense, westerns, comedy, and unforgettable performances through sound alone. Source: OTRR dot org – Certified Public Domain Collection. Curated by Old Time Retro Radio. 🎧 Listen to Old Time Retro Radio on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Spotify: https...

https://www.oldtimeretroradio.com This episode features Escape - Ancient Sorceries -National Broadcast Different Production [episode 28] Broadcast 2/21/1948, a restored classic from the golden age of radio. A classic old time radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, featuring original radio drama, authentic performances, and timeless storytelling. These historic programs reflect an era when radio was the heart of home entertainment, delivering mystery, suspense, westerns, comedy, and unforgettable performances through sound alone. Source: OTRR dot org – Certified Public Domain Collection. Curated by Old Time Retro Radio. 🎧 Listen to Old Time Retro Radio on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Spotify: https://open.spoti...

https://www.oldtimeretroradio.com This episode features Escape - Ancient Sorceries -National Broadcast [episode 28] Broadcast 2/15/1948, a restored classic from the golden age of radio. A classic old time radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, featuring original radio drama, authentic performances, and timeless storytelling. These historic programs reflect an era when radio was the heart of home entertainment, delivering mystery, suspense, westerns, comedy, and unforgettable performances through sound alone. Source: OTRR dot org – Certified Public Domain Collection. Curated by Old Time Retro Radio. 🎧 Listen to Old Time Retro Radio on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show...

https://www.oldtimeretroradio.com This episode features Escape - Snake Doctor -National Broadcast Different Production [episode 27] Broadcast 2/14/1948, a restored classic from the golden age of radio. A classic old time radio broadcast from the golden age of radio, featuring original radio drama, authentic performances, and timeless storytelling. These historic programs reflect an era when radio was the heart of home entertainment, delivering mystery, suspense, westerns, comedy, and unforgettable performances through sound alone. Source: OTRR dot org – Certified Public Domain Collection. Curated by Old Time Retro Radio. 🎧 Listen to Old Time Retro Radio on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Spotify: https://open.spoti...