John Lund plays a reporter in the second production of this script. He arranges to go inside a prison as an inmate to learn first hand what is really happening behind its walls. His insertion into the prison population is at an opportune time for a story when rioting inmates, displeased by their treatment and conditions, take four guards as hostages. It’s not a good opportunity, however, when the prisoners realize he’s not really an inmate, and may be there to spy on them, and they take him hostage, too!
The script was originally used in December 1956 with Howard Duff. Background on the episode is at
https://suspenseproject.blogspot.com/2025/03/1956-12-16-eye-witness.html
https://archive.org/details/TSP561216 is where recordings can be downloaded and streamed.
The title for the second broadcast was the single word “Eyewitness” and the script for the first broadcast was two words, “Eye Witness.”
Ad spots for the national broadcast were purchased by Mutual of Omaha insurance, AT&T long distance, Reynolds Tobacco, Hastings Manufacturing (auto parts), and General Motors.
The program was recorded on Wednesday, June 17, 1959. Rehearsal began at 2:00pm, and recording began at 5:30pm. Production edits began at 6:00pm and concluded at 8:00pm. Music was added in the days before broadcast.
Originally planned to be broadcast on July 5, it was replaced by Blood is Thicker. The change in broadcast date may have been to have that show correspond with the dates of the Transpacific Yacht Race.
The surviving recording is likely an Armed Forces Radio station aircheck that has been heavily edited. It has narrow range and background noise, but is still listenable. It is hoped than an Armed Forces Radio Service transcription disc might be found in the future and provide a clean, full-range recording.
LISTEN
TO THE PROGRAM or download in FLAC or
mp3
https://archive.org/details/TSP590712
THE CAST
JOHN LUND (Bob Kelly), Joe de Santis (J. Conrad Alan), Barney Phillips (Captain Wolfe / Pop), Norm Alden (Big Joe / Brooks), Sam Pierce (Limpy), Lou Krugman (Tony), Larry Dobkin (Warden), George Walsh (Narrator)
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