What's Here, What's Not, & Why
This site is devoted to radio programs of horror, science fiction and dark fantasy. In particular, it celebrates the main recurring character in these imaginative anthology series: The host (and/or narrator). He (and rarely, she) was the one person we came to associate most with every episode in a series that (in most cases) had no recurring characters.
What's not included here are super hero shows like The Green Lama, Superman, or even Chandu-- The Magician. Although these characters technically have supernatural powers, the programs themselves are not really horror, science fiction or dark fantasy. They are not really dark or frightening. The one obvious exception is The Shadow, because of the prevailing horror theme throughout the series. (In fact, The Shadow became the literal poster child for those who wanted to censor horror on the radio.)
We also avoid the science fiction serials for kids, like Buck Rogers or Tom Corbett, Space Cadet. There is no dark or horror element included in such serials, they are basically super heroes who's super power comes from advanced science and technology.
And finally, we also avoid detective series, whether mystery anthology series like the Molle Mystery Theater, or episodic mystery shows like Cabin B13, or ongoing serials like The Shadow of Fu Manchu. These shows lack any real supernatural or science fiction elements, so they belong elsewhere. They have the mystery factor, but not the imagination aspect that radio is best at conjuring up. The one exception is I Love A Mystery, which not only included lots of gore (throats ripped out, bloody slashings, and even amputations), but also plenty of supernatural elements (including vampires, werewolves, and dinosaurs). Unfortunately, it had no host or narrator, so it only gets an honorary mention.
So sit back, relax, and tune in to a time where the real action took place between your ears!
Below is a list of titles that were considered for including, but were either excluded for the reasons stated above, or are still under construction because I need more information on them
Arch Obler's Plays (anti-fascists plays, 1940-ish) REMOVED
The Black Book* (Readings by Paul Frees)
Black Door (This may not be a series, but an episode of something else. Listen. It's good! Any info is appreciated.)
Cabin B-13 (REMOVED) Detective series of based on the adventures of a ship's doctor.
The Chase * (Dramatic adventure anthology, 1952-1953) SUGGEST we REMOVE this one (listen first)
Cloak & Dagger (Spy adventure thriller)
Dark Destiny* (Supernatural tales.)
Devil's Scrapbook (1936 Thriller)
Detour* (1950 Psychological dramas)
The Devil and Mr. O (Horror anthology w/ Arch Obler. 1970--73)
Dr. Satan (1936 series)
The Eleventh Hour * (South African Horror Adventure)
Horror, Inc., with Eva Le Galliene *(1943)
Hour of Mystery (1946)
Illusion* (1945)
Lew Loyal *(1941)
Mind Webs* (1976-1984 Sci-fi anthology)
Molle Mystery Theater ???? (Murder crime series, 1943-54) REMOVED (detective series)
Murder by the Experts (1949)
Nightmare Theater (1953)
Obsession * (horror series)
Out of the Deep (REMOVED: Sea adventure)
Stand By For Adventure (Macabre anthology. 1950)
Strange Dr. Karnac * (1943 Mutual series by Scott Bishop) May remove, depending on research of content.
Stroke of Fate (REMOVED: historical drama of "what if?" variety)
The Teller of Tales (Thriller type anthology, 1950)
Terror By Night (Ghost dramas, 1936)
Theater Five* (ABC's Sci-fi radio drama revival from 1964)
The Witch of Ender (1932 horror series)
The Witching Hour (Wyllis Cooper horror anthology, 1925)
*Under Construction
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