This episode is a repeat of the script from 1943-12-23 which starred Peter Lorre. This time, it stars Herbert Marshall. The original story was written by John Collier and adapted by Bob Tallman. Details about the 1943 broadcast are at:
https://suspenseproject.blogspot.com/2023/03/1943-12-23-back-for-christmas.html
https://archive.org/details/TSP431223 at which the audio files may be downloaded.
Why isn’t this story called by its title “Back for Christmas” in the opening announcement? It is referred to as a “holiday story.” It turns out that the re-use of this script was a rushed filler because a much different script was not ready for broadcast for an unknown reason. The original plans were much different.
The announced program was a new script, Rich Man, Poor Man by Myles Connelly. He was one of the behind-the-scenes scriptwriters for It’s a Wonderful Life and was very highly regarded screenwriter. It would have been a pretty big deal to get him involved. CBS publicity had this background:
“What we set out to do,” explains producer-director Tony Leader, “was to combine a heart-warming expression of the Christmas spirit with an exciting, suspenseful drama. With a script like Rich Man, Poor Man, and a star like Herbert Marshall, I believe we have the necessary ingredients.” Marshall plays the role of a “modern Scrooge” who believes that the key to anyone is cash on the line. The story of his disillusionment, and of his discovery of a new life forms a pattern into which a suspenseful plot is woven.
Other publicity emphasized how Rich Man, Poor Man would not have murders or other aspects that were common elements of Suspense. It is unclear why there was a change in plans, but presenting a program that was clearly not the promised non-violent storyline may have led to the use of “Holiday Story” rather than the very recognizable title “Back for Christmas.” The script was used the prior Christmas on 1947-12-24 as an Escape broadcast and starred Paul Frees. Since Back for Christmas was so well-known, perhaps there was concern that listeners would not tune in to Suspense if they knew it was an obvious repeat. Since this was the first Auto-Lite Christmas broadcast, they may have decided that changing to the different name would be better and not discourage listeners.
Ronald Colman was the first announced star for Rich Man, Poor Man. A little while later, CBS announced that Herbert Marshall would replace him. And then the script was replaced, too. There must have been a problem getting the Rich Man, Poor Man ready for production and the decision to switch was made late. The replacement with Back for Christmas never got into the newspapers.
The script for Rich Man, Poor Man is in the KNX Collection at University of California – Santa Barbara. It was never produced.
LISTEN
TO THE PROGRAM or download in FLAC or
mp3
https://archive.org/details/TSP481223
THE CAST
HERBERT MARSHALL (Wilfred Carpenter), Jeanette Nolan? (Hermione), Betty Lou Gerson (Miriam), unknown (Freddy Sinclair / Bellboy), unknown (Professor Goodenough), unknown (Mrs. Goodenough), Daws Butler (Steward / Clerk), Paul Frees (Signature Voice)
COMMERCIAL: Bill Johnstone (Hap), Sylvia Simms (Operator), Harlow Wilcox (Announcer)
###
