This is the third broadcast of the script that was the very popular Suspense story that brought Jim and Marion Jordan to the series. This time, it is presented with Parley Baer and Vivi Janiss. The author was Sally Thorson who was a radio veteran, mainly involved in production and production equipment. The Jordans performed the script twice. It’s a good story. The listener affection for the Jordans overcame some of their minor stumbles performing the dramatic roles. At the heart of this script is that it is very good on its own and does not need prominent stars to carry it. Baer and Janiss do very well with it, but it will always be considered as a special showcase for Fibber McGee and Molly.
The initial 1949 broadcast and background about Thorson can be found at:
https://suspenseproject.blogspot.com/2024/01/1949-02-03-back-seat-driver.html
https://archive.org/details/TSP490203 has the recordings that can be streamed or downloaded.
The 1951 performance was scheduled for its date because of the recent capture of a serial killer! Details are at:
https://suspenseproject.blogspot.com/2024/05/1951-02-22-back-seat-driver.html
https://archive.org/details/TSP510222 has the recordings that can be streamed or downloaded.
There are two recordings of this episode. The network recording is good, but the Armed Forces Radio Service recording (AFRS#542) is slightly better.
LISTEN
TO THE PROGRAM or download in FLAC or
mp3
https://archive.org/details/TSP550719
THE CAST
Vivi Janiss (Ellie), Parley Baer (Joe Charles), Larry Thor (Newscaster / Narrator), Tony Barrett (Matrick), Jack Edwards (Mike), Joe Cranston (Bill / Cop), Helen Kleeb (Miranda)
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