Podcasts about Wyllis Cooper

A drifter set to die in the gas chamber for a murder he didn't commit offers one last gift to the man who framed him — never imagining what that gift might carry.Look for this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, Pandora, TuneIn Radio, and other podcast apps. Get a list of free listening apps here: https://weirddarkness.tiny.us/OTRCHAPTERS & TIME STAMPS (All Times Approximate)…00:00:00.000 = Show Open00:01:30.028 = CBS Radio Mystery Theater, “Second Sight” (February 27, 1978) ***WD00:46:14.838 = Origin of Superstition, “Three On A Match” (December 16, 1932) ***WD01:00:44.894 = Pat Novak For Hire, “Don't Tell Hilda” (February 27, 1949)01:29:14.739 = Peril, “Darkness Within” (1953) ***WD (LQ)01:58:15.099 = Mystery Playhouse, “Death is a Joker” (May 25, 1941) ***WD02:28:27.475 = Price of Fear, “Meeting In Athens” (July 07, 1973) ***WD02:55:48.036 = Ellery Queen, “Number Thirty-One” (September 07, 1947) ***WD03:24:14.186 = Quiet Please, “If I Should Die Before I Wake” (February 27, 1949)03:53:27.551 = Radio City Playhouse, “The Wind” (October 30, 1949) ***WD04:22:21.175 = Sam Spade, “Death of Dr. Denhoff Caper” (August 09, 1946) ***WD04:51:19.818 = Show Close(ADU) = Air Date Unknown(LQ) = Low Quality***WD = Remastered, edited, or cleaned up by Weird Darkness to make the episode more listenable. Audio may not be pristine, but it will be better than the original file which may have been unusable or more difficult to hear without editing.This episode of #RetroRadio — Old Time Radio in the Dark, hosted by Darren Marlar at WeirdDarkness.com, runs ten classic mystery, crime, and horror broadcasts back to back, from a condemned man who donates his eyes to the very person who framed him to Ray Bradbury's tale of a living, intelligent wind that hunts a man across the globe.CBS Radio Mystery Theater opens the night with "Second Sight," a February 27, 1978 drama hosted by E.G. Marshall in which drifter Larry Millard, condemned to die in the gas chamber for the shotgun murder of farmer Jason Hadley, volunteers his own eyes for an anonymous corneal transplant — handing his sight to Glen Plaxton, the businessman who actually pulled the trigger and framed him to protect a secret reservoir land-grab. After the surgery, Plaxton and his partner Tip Foster begin to suspect that the dead man's eyes may have carried more than vision.Next, Origin of Superstition traces the famous taboo against lighting three cigarettes from a single flame in "Three On A Match," a December 16, 1932 sketch that carries listeners back to 1899 and the Boer War in South Africa, where British officer Captain Frank Mattox laughs off the fire-reading warning of a Zulu medicine man named Grumbo, who reads ruin in the ashes and cautions of "danger in three."In "Don't Tell Hilda," the hard-boiled Pat Novak For Hire (February 27, 1949, starring Jack Webb) finds the San Francisco waterfront boat-for-hire man tangled in murder when a beautiful blonde claiming amnesia collapses dead in a coffee joint after a fatal dose of sleeping pills. Hounded by Inspector Hellman and helped by boozy ex-doctor Jocko Madigan, Novak traces her to a long-vanished heiress named Marcia Halpern and a fortune up on Pacific Heights.Peril offers the 1953 psychological case "Darkness Within," where Mrs. Diana Carson walks into the office of psychiatrist Dr. James Bancroft insisting that her mild-mannered stockbroker husband, Lionel Carson, seized the fireplace tongs and tried to murder her — then woke with no memory of the attack, much like the family cat she found poisoned in the basement. Bancroft must decide whether Lionel suffers a blackout-driven split personality or something far more deliberate.Mystery Playhouse, hosted by Peter Lorre, stages "Death is a Joker" (May 25, 1941), the courtroom confession of Charles Luther, a homely stage comedian on trial for his life who recounts strangling his friend Robert Langwell in a fit of jealousy over the beautiful Julie Wenthoff — and then, hour by terrible hour, is forced to think and act like the cunning criminal he never meant to become.The Price of Fear sends Vincent Price into the August heat of Athens for "Meeting In Athens," a July 7, 1973 chiller in which he befriends young English couple Mark Haxton and Gillian Gilroy on the Acropolis. When Mark vanishes after a late-night seaside villa party arranged by a heavyset stranger named Yannis, Price and Greek police officer Costas Polides uncover a black-market horror in which a man's rarest possession — his AB Rhesus-negative blood, recorded in the diary he kept on everything — can be worth killing for.Ellery Queen investigates "Number Thirty-One" (September 7, 1947), in which suspected international diamond smuggler George Arcaris always books Cabin 31 aboard the steamship Aegea, and a Park Avenue butler from Harlem named Arthur Prine — who liked to play the number 31 in the numbers game — turns up dead in the East River. Ellery and Inspector Queen connect the recurring number to a smuggling ring involving wealthy socialites Pip Istram and Susu Mounting, with guest armchair detective Kent Smith invited to solve it first.Quiet Please turns apocalyptic with "If I Should Wake Before I Die" (February 27, 1949), Wyllis Cooper's parable of Dr. Anderson, a coldly rational scientist who cares only for pure knowledge and never for its uses — even after his own brother Edward dies alone in an orbiting satellite rocket, and even as Project Phaeton, an atomic-fission projectile fired at the moon, sets loose consequences no equation predicted.Radio City Playhouse adapts Ray Bradbury's "The Wind" (October 30, 1949), in which Allen Henderson telephones his friend Herb Thompson again and again, convinced that a living, intelligent wind — one that has stalked him from a crash in the Himalayas across every typhoon and hurricane he survived — has finally surrounded his lonely stone house to claim him, while Herb's wife Jane dismisses the whole thing as madness.Sam Spade closes the night with the "Death of Dr. Denhoff Caper" (August 9, 1946), as Howard Duff's wisecracking detective is hired by psychoanalyst Dr. Gregory Denhoff to fend off a blackmailer named Nicolaitis — only for Denhoff to plunge from his penthouse window, the police to rule it suicide, and a stolen, microfilmed case history on actress Constance Brent to throw suspicion across the grieving widow, a Vienna-trained rival named Dr. Zoya, and Brent's hot-tempered husband.CUSTOM WEBPAGE: https://weirddarkness.com/WDRR0700

Today we've got a mystery for you, and we're asking help from all amateur and professional researchers in our audience: help us figure out this episode of Lights Out! We know it's an early one, and that's about it. It comes with no confirmed title or air date. Instead of the usual supernatural chills, this one leans hard into gritty crime drama. It follows a gang of bank robbers whose plan unravels into a chain of double-crosses, jealousy, and murder, as each one tries to come out on top. As you'd expect from Lights Out, it all builds to a dark ending, with the final moments centered on a condemned man facing his fate. UPDATE: A quick follow-up on this mystery show. Much of it remains unconfirmed, however we have been able to put together a series of educated guesses thanks to our friends Researcher Karl Schadow and Dr. Joe Webb. The first half-hour Lights Out show was broadcast on April 18, 1934. That places this one between that date and April 10, 1935. No titles are listed in any newspaper listings of that time, so we're no closer to a title. However, the introduction to the episode points strongly to it being an audition or the first episode of a new season. During the opening intro, the announcer states the program is broadcast Wednesday at Midnight. That day and time matches many newspaper log entries from 1934. That means the script would have been written by Wyllis Cooper. At the moment, that's what we are able to infer from the clues we have.  Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

See the schedule of the final stretch of our Murder Night in Blood Forest tour, and buy tickets here: https://www.welcometonightvale.com/live Some time ago, I went looking for recommendations on old radio plays to listen to. Despite what many people think, I don't actually have a strong familiarity with old radio plays outside of the famous War of the Worlds (which I once watched performed live in LA by the cast of Star Trek: Next Generation. Yes, it ruled.). One show that came up a lot was Quiet Please by Wyllis Cooper, who was considered one of the best innovators of radio drama in his time. One reddit comment called out "In The House Where I Was Born", a 1949 episode, as a highlight. So I gave it a listen. You can do so here. The episode does not sound anything like what we imagine old time radio to sound like. He's doing something that sound much closer to modern fiction podcasting. And I decided I wanted to write my own riff on the subject, replacing the more straight forward ghost story of the episode with something a little more specifically Night Vale. This is the result. Here's to you, Wyllis Cooper. From one writer of audio fiction to another: may your legacy live on. -Joseph Fink Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

See the schedule of the final stretch of our Murder Night in Blood Forest tour, and buy tickets here: https://www.welcometonightvale.com/live Some time ago, I went looking for recommendations on old radio plays to listen to. Despite what many people think, I don't actually have a strong familiarity with old radio plays outside of the famous War of the Worlds (which I once watched performed live in LA by the cast of Star Trek: Next Generation. Yes, it ruled.). One show that came up a lot was Quiet Please by Wyllis Cooper, who was considered one of the best innovators of radio drama in his time. One reddit comment called out "In The House Where I Was Born", a 1949 episode, as a highlight. So I gave it a listen. You can do so here. The episode does not sound anything like what we imagine old time radio to sound like. He's doing something that sound much closer to modern fiction podcasting. And I decided I wanted to write my own riff on the subject, replacing the more straight forward ghost story of the episode with something a little more specifically Night Vale. This is the result. Here's to you, Wyllis Cooper. From one writer of audio fiction to another: may your legacy live on. -Joseph Fink Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Support The Truth by subscribing to our ad-free feed. It's $5, or $50 a year. You'll get every story without interruption, but more than that, you'll be supporting the survival of our show. Go to: thetruthpodcast.supportingcast.fm On this episode, special guest Neil Verma tries to show Jonathan what there is to love about old-time radio drama by playing him the classic 1948 drama The Thing on the Fourble Board by Wyllis Cooper.  Here's a link to Neil Verma's essay about The Thing on the Fourble Board. He also has two books you might like: Theater of the Mind, a study of how American radio drama from the 1930s–50s developed its own narrative grammar through voice, space, sound, and psychology to create an intimate, interior “theater” uniquely suited to the medium. Narrative Podcasting in an Age of Obsession, an examination of how contemporary narrative podcasts, from true crime to fiction to documentary hybrids, use style, structure, intimacy, and serialized attention-engineering to shape our current culture of listening and fixation. Follow us on... INSTAGRAM  BLUESKY  THREADS  REDDIT  To learn more about our show, go to our website: thetruthpodcast.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we continue our countdown to Halloween with the third spooky installment in the series. Today's episode is Quiet, Please classic “Wear the Dead Man's Coat,” originally broadcast on February 23, 1948. Written and directed by Willis Cooper and starring Ernest Chappell, this story follows Floyd, a man who helps a shady character named Kidney Foot Cassidy get his hands on a warm overcoat… and ends up tangled in a murder, a mysterious coat that turns its wearer invisible, and the signature Wyllis Cooper twist. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

Today we have another quietly spooky one. This is the classic "Coffin In Studio B," a script written by the highly original Wyllis Cooper, back in the '30s when Cooper was heavily involved in the legendary (and mostly lost), Lights Out! run. We have it from a short revival series from July 13th, 1946. The story focuses on three men late at night in a lonely radio studio, frantically rehearsing for the radio drama, minutes before it goes live. Maybe the best realistic portrayal of what working on a live radio show was like. Oh, except for that coffin part. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 If you don't do Facebook, we're also on Gab: https://gab.com/OldRadio

On this episode, in addition to listening to a newly restored version of “Nothing Behind the Door” by Wyllis Cooper, John and Joel Tefteller dive into the fascinating (and often painstaking) world of audio restoration. They're joined by Corey Harker, president of SPERDVAC (the Society to Preserve and Encourage Radio Drama, Variety, and Comedy) to talk about the group's history and its renewed push to keep classic radio alive. Corey and Joel get into the nuts and bolts of working with old transcription discs: how to clean up the sound without making it artificial, and just how much time and care goes into the process. To really show the difference, they play “before and after” examples from Quiet Please and Flywheel, Shyster, and Flywheel, a great reminder of why professional restoration matters. It's all about making sure these historic recordings don't just survive, but can actually be enjoyed by listeners today and generations to come. Visit our website: https://goodolddaysofradio.com/ Subscribe to our Facebook Group for news, discussions, and the latest podcast: https://www.facebook.com/groups/881779245938297 Our theme music is "Why Am I So Romantic?" from Animal Crackers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01KHJKAKS/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_MK8MVCY4DVBAM8ZK39WD

"Until Dead (The Luck of Mark Street)" is an episode of the old-time radio horror program "Lights Out", which originally aired on February 2, 1943. About the Show:"Lights Out" was an anthology series that featured stories of horror and the supernatural.It was created by Wyllis Cooper and later taken over by Arch Oboler.The show was known for its chilling tales, suspenseful atmosphere, and use of sound effects to enhance the horror.It aired on different networks from 1934 to 1947. "Until Dead (The Luck of Mark Street)" Episode Details:Airdate: February 2, 1943.Title Variations: Sometimes referred to as just "Until Dead".Plot Summary: The episode centers around a prison escape, treachery among thieves, and a moral compass hidden in a graveyard.This story delves into a dark narrative filled with themes of murder, revenge, and the quest for freedom. The characters navigate a tense escape plan while grappling with their past actions and the consequences that follow. The emotional depth and suspenseful storytelling create a gripping experience for the audience.TakeawaysThe narrative explores the theme of darkness and escape.Characters are driven by their past actions and regrets.The quest for revenge is a central theme.The emotional weight of murder is heavily felt.Suspense is built through the characters' interactions.The dialogue reveals deep character motivations.The setting plays a crucial role in the story's tension.The concept of freedom is intricately tied to the characters' fates.The story raises questions about morality and justice.The conclusion hints at unresolved themes of revenge and mercy.dark journey, escape plan, revenge, murder, storytelling, suspense, drama, character development, emotional depth, narrative structure

This story explores the themes of speed, power, and the consequences of ambition through a narrative involving a heist and a mysterious chemical that enhances physical and mental abilities. The characters navigate the complexities of their desires and the unforeseen effects of their actions, leading to a profound realization about the nature of power and its impact on life.TakeawaysThe story revolves around the theme of being different and standing out.A significant heist is central to the narrative, involving a clever criminal.The introduction of a mysterious chemical that enhances speed and abilities.The protagonist's encounter with Dr. Bellini reveals deeper motivations.The allure of power and control is a recurring theme.The consequences of using the chemical lead to unexpected aging effects.The narrative explores the moral implications of ambition and desire.Characters grapple with the reality of their choices and their impacts.The story raises questions about the nature of greatness and crime.Ultimately, the pursuit of power comes with significant costs.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Supernatural01:19 The Intriguing Auction Bid02:49 The Clever Criminal09:39 The Secret of Speed12:40 The Power of Collaboration16:39 The Infinite Potential of Speed20:22 The Consequences of SpeedLights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio ShowThe radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre.Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing NarrativesThe show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation."Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural.Enduring LegacyEven today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history.

Lights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio ShowThe radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre.Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing NarrativesThe show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation."Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural.Enduring LegacyEven today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history.

Lights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio ShowThe radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre.Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing NarrativesThe show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation."Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural.Enduring LegacyEven today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history.

Lights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio ShowThe radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre.Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing NarrativesThe show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation."Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural.Enduring LegacyEven today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history.

Lights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio ShowThe radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre.Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing NarrativesThe show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation."Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural.Enduring LegacyEven today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history.

Lights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio ShowThe radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre.Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing NarrativesThe show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation."Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural.Enduring LegacyEven today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history.

This week we're thrilled to welcome back The Narada Radio Company as they return for their ninth year of Sonic Summerstock Old-Time Radio re-creations! This time, it's remake of another "Quiet Please" episode, entitled "How Are You, Pal?" It's not a lost episode, but the only existing copy of the original is so badly damaged that it is barely audible. Director Pete Lutz hopes this remake comes close to creator Wyllis Cooper's original vision – the story of a man who reaches out to an old friend to get the answers to some pretty pertinent questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio ShowThe radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre.Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing NarrativesThe show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation."Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural.Enduring LegacyEven today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history.

Lights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio ShowThe radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre.Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing NarrativesThe show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation."Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural.Enduring LegacyEven today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history.

Lights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio ShowThe radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre.Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing NarrativesThe show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation."Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural.Enduring LegacyEven today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history.

Lights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio ShowThe radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre.Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing NarrativesThe show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation."Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural.Enduring LegacyEven today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history.

Lights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio ShowThe radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre.Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing NarrativesThe show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation."Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural.Enduring LegacyEven today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history.

Lights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio ShowThe radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre.Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing NarrativesThe show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation."Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural.Enduring LegacyEven today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history.

Lights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio ShowThe radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre.Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing NarrativesThe show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation."Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural.Enduring LegacyEven today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history.

Lights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio Show The radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre. Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing Narratives The show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation. "Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural. Enduring Legacy Even today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history.

Lights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio Show The radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre. Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing Narratives The show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation. "Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural. Enduring Legacy Even today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history.

In honor of his January 26th birthday, we're saluting one of radio's most innovative writers and directors - Wyllis Cooper. Cooper's probably best known for his work in the world of horror as creator of Lights Out and Quiet Please but he also brought us Whitehall 1212 - a series that dramatized cases from the files of Scotland Yard. We'll hear "The Topaz Flower," an episode Cooper wrote for Crime Club (originally aired on Mutual on April 24, 1947), two episodes of Whitehall 1212 - "The Blitz Murder Case" (originally aired on NBC on November 18, 1951) and "The Heathrow Affair" (originally aired on NBC on December 23, 1951), and "It's Later Than You Think" from Quiet Please (originally aired on Mutual on August 2, 1948).

Lights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio Show The radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre. Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing Narratives The show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation. "Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural. Enduring Legacy Even today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history.

Lights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio Show The radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre. Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing Narratives The show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation. "Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural. Enduring Legacy Even today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history. The Adventures of Superman radio serial, which aired from 1940 to 1951, featured the DC Comics character Superman. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman first appeared in Action Comics #1 in 1938. The following year, the newspaper comic strip began and four audition radio programs were prepared to sell Superman as a radio series. Superman was first heard on the radio less than two years after the comic book appearance, with Bud Collyer in the title role. The juvenile adventure radio serial, sponsored by Kellogg's Pep, was a huge success during World War II and the post-war years, with many listeners following the quest for "truth and justice" in the daily radio broadcasts, the comic book stories and the newspaper comic strip. Airing in the late afternoon, the radio serial engaged its young after-school audience with its exciting and distinctive opening, which changed slightly as the series progressed. In the first few episodes, Superman's home planet of Krypton is located on the far side of the sun, as opposed to a distant star system as it is in most stories. During the journey to Earth, baby Kal-El grows into an adult and emerges fully grown from his ship after it lands on Earth. He is never adopted by Jonathan and Martha Kent and immediately begins his superhero career. This was eventually retconned in later episodes to match the narrative of the comic books. The syndicated series, titled simply Superman, first aired via pre-recorded transcription disks over 11 stations beginning on February 12, 1940, with an origin story, "The Baby from Krypton". The series aired in 15-minute episodes three times a week until May 9, 1941, with the conclusion of the "Nitrate Shipment" storyline. By that time, it had expanded to 63 stations.

Lights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio Show The radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre. Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing Narratives The show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation. "Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural. Enduring Legacy Even today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history. The Adventures of Superman radio serial, which aired from 1940 to 1951,  featured the DC Comics character Superman. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman first appeared in Action Comics #1 in 1938. The following year, the newspaper comic strip began and four audition radio programs were prepared to sell Superman as a radio series. Superman was first heard on the radio less than two years after the comic book appearance, with Bud Collyer in the title role. The juvenile adventure radio serial, sponsored by Kellogg's Pep, was a huge success during World War II and the post-war years, with many listeners following the quest for "truth and justice" in the daily radio broadcasts, the comic book stories and the newspaper comic strip. Airing in the late afternoon, the radio serial engaged its young after-school audience with its exciting and distinctive opening, which changed slightly as the series progressed. In the first few episodes, Superman's home planet of Krypton is located on the far side of the sun, as opposed to a distant star system as it is in most stories. During the journey to Earth, baby Kal-El grows into an adult and emerges fully grown from his ship after it lands on Earth. He is never adopted by Jonathan and Martha Kent and immediately begins his superhero career. This was eventually retconned in later episodes to match the narrative of the comic books. The syndicated series, titled simply Superman, first aired via pre-recorded transcription disks over 11 stations beginning on February 12, 1940, with an origin story, "The Baby from Krypton". The series aired in 15-minute episodes three times a week until May 9, 1941, with the conclusion of the "Nitrate Shipment" storyline. By that time, it had expanded to 63 stations.

Lights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio Show The radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre. Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing Narratives The show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation. "Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural. Enduring Legacy Even today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history.

Lights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio Show The radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre. Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing Narratives The show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation. "Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural. Enduring Legacy Even today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

Lights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio Show The radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre. Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing Narratives The show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation. "Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural. Enduring Legacy Even today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

Lights Out: A Pioneering Horror Radio Show The radio show "Lights Out" captivated audiences with its chilling horror and suspense stories from 1934 to 1947, albeit with some interruptions. The initial run from 1934 to 1936 was followed by a hiatus, but the show's revival in 1942 reignited its popularity, solidifying its status as a prominent program in the genre. Groundbreaking Sound Design and Disturbing Narratives The show's creator, Wyllis Cooper, was already renowned for his contributions to other successful horror and suspense radio shows like "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, the reins were passed to Arch Oboler, a prolific figure in radio production, who further elevated the show's reputation. "Lights Out" distinguished itself through its innovative use of sound effects and its exploration of unsettling themes. The show's mastery of sound design created an atmosphere of palpable suspense and terror, leaving a lasting impression on listeners. The narratives frequently delved into the darker facets of humanity, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural. Enduring Legacy Even today, "Lights Out" holds a special place in the hearts of old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados. Its groundbreaking use of sound and its ability to deliver thought-provoking and often disturbing storylines continue to resonate with audiences. Memorable episodes like "Chicken Heart," featuring a woman trapped with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," exploring a man's unsettling marriage to a feline entity, exemplify the show's enduring appeal. These episodes, among many others, showcase the chilling and suspenseful narratives that made "Lights Out" a landmark in radio history. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

Runtime: "Lights Out" aired from 1934 to 1947, with some breaks in between. The first run was from 1934 to 1936, after which it went on hiatus for a few years. The show was revived in 1942 and aired until 1947. During its run, "Lights Out" became one of the most popular horror and suspense radio programs. Genre: "Lights Out" was a horror and suspense series, known for its chilling stories and sound effects. The show often explored the darker side of human nature, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural. The show's sound effects were particularly noteworthy, and they helped to create an atmosphere of suspense and terror. Creator: The show was created by Wyllis Cooper, a radio writer and producer. Cooper was known for his work on other horror and suspense radio programs, such as "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, Arch Oboler took over as the show's creator and producer. Oboler was a prolific radio writer and producer, and he is best known for his work on "Lights Out" and "The Twilight Zone." Popularity: "Lights Out" remains popular among old-time radio enthusiasts and horror fans due to its innovative use of sound and often disturbing storylines. The show's sound effects were particularly groundbreaking, and they helped to create an atmosphere of suspense and terror that was unlike anything else on radio at the time. The show's stories were also often disturbing and thought-provoking, and they explored the darker side of human nature. Notable Episodes: some of the most famous "Lights Out" episodes include "Chicken Heart," which tells the story of a young woman who is trapped in a house with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," which tells the story of a man who is married to a woman who is actually a cat. These episodes are just a few examples of the many chilling and suspenseful stories that were told on "Lights Out." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

Runtime: "Lights Out" aired from 1934 to 1947, with some breaks in between. The first run was from 1934 to 1936, after which it went on hiatus for a few years. The show was revived in 1942 and aired until 1947. During its run, "Lights Out" became one of the most popular horror and suspense radio programs. Genre: "Lights Out" was a horror and suspense series, known for its chilling stories and sound effects. The show often explored the darker side of human nature, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural. The show's sound effects were particularly noteworthy, and they helped to create an atmosphere of suspense and terror. Creator: The show was created by Wyllis Cooper, a radio writer and producer. Cooper was known for his work on other horror and suspense radio programs, such as "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, Arch Oboler took over as the show's creator and producer. Oboler was a prolific radio writer and producer, and he is best known for his work on "Lights Out" and "The Twilight Zone." Popularity: "Lights Out" remains popular among old-time radio enthusiasts and horror fans due to its innovative use of sound and often disturbing storylines. The show's sound effects were particularly groundbreaking, and they helped to create an atmosphere of suspense and terror that was unlike anything else on radio at the time. The show's stories were also often disturbing and thought-provoking, and they explored the darker side of human nature. Notable Episodes: some of the most famous "Lights Out" episodes include "Chicken Heart," which tells the story of a young woman who is trapped in a house with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," which tells the story of a man who is married to a woman who is actually a cat. These episodes are just a few examples of the many chilling and suspenseful stories that were told on "Lights Out." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

The original production of this episode was lost in the mists of time. Instead, we offer a re-creation of Wyllis Cooper's script produced in December 2021. What could motivate a king to abandon his kingdom and set out on the road like a beggar for a destination unknown to him? What could cause three different kings from lands far apart to do so at once, and lead to them meeting each other on the road? They don't fully understand the meaning of their journey, but they know it's of paramount importance and worth the sacrifices. Written in 17th century English style, this Christmas story takes place far longer ago than that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Runtime: "Lights Out" aired from 1934 to 1947, with some breaks in between. The first run was from 1934 to 1936, after which it went on hiatus for a few years. The show was revived in 1942 and aired until 1947. During its run, "Lights Out" became one of the most popular horror and suspense radio programs. Genre: "Lights Out" was a horror and suspense series, known for its chilling stories and sound effects. The show often explored the darker side of human nature, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural. The show's sound effects were particularly noteworthy, and they helped to create an atmosphere of suspense and terror. Creator: The show was created by Wyllis Cooper, a radio writer and producer. Cooper was known for his work on other horror and suspense radio programs, such as "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, Arch Oboler took over as the show's creator and producer. Oboler was a prolific radio writer and producer, and he is best known for his work on "Lights Out" and "The Twilight Zone." Popularity: "Lights Out" remains popular among old-time radio enthusiasts and horror fans due to its innovative use of sound and often disturbing storylines. The show's sound effects were particularly groundbreaking, and they helped to create an atmosphere of suspense and terror that was unlike anything else on radio at the time. The show's stories were also often disturbing and thought-provoking, and they explored the darker side of human nature. Notable Episodes: some of the most famous "Lights Out" episodes include "Chicken Heart," which tells the story of a young woman who is trapped in a house with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," which tells the story of a man who is married to a woman who is actually a cat. These episodes are just a few examples of the many chilling and suspenseful stories that were told on "Lights Out." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

The original audio of this episode was lost to time, but you can listen to a re-creation which was produced for this site in 2019. Every tragedy has a history, often invisible. A myriad of stresses, large and small, accumulate into a release. Even the most common annoyances, like weather or noise, can build up to push someone over the edge. It's a hot night in New York City. Somewhere a baby is crying. Al sits in his uncomfortable apartment waiting for his estranged wife Marge to arrive so they can talk over their problems and try to put things right. This is another episode demonstrating Wyllis Cooper's love for simple stories where pretty much nothing happens, and yet the emotional swings are dramatic. In "Motive" a man sits in a room alone for the entire show, and yet it makes compelling radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Runtime: "Lights Out" aired from 1934 to 1947, with some breaks in between. The first run was from 1934 to 1936, after which it went on hiatus for a few years. The show was revived in 1942 and aired until 1947. During its run, "Lights Out" became one of the most popular horror and suspense radio programs. Genre: "Lights Out" was a horror and suspense series, known for its chilling stories and sound effects. The show often explored the darker side of human nature, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural. The show's sound effects were particularly noteworthy, and they helped to create an atmosphere of suspense and terror. Creator: The show was created by Wyllis Cooper, a radio writer and producer. Cooper was known for his work on other horror and suspense radio programs, such as "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, Arch Oboler took over as the show's creator and producer. Oboler was a prolific radio writer and producer, and he is best known for his work on "Lights Out" and "The Twilight Zone." Popularity: "Lights Out" remains popular among old-time radio enthusiasts and horror fans due to its innovative use of sound and often disturbing storylines. The show's sound effects were particularly groundbreaking, and they helped to create an atmosphere of suspense and terror that was unlike anything else on radio at the time. The show's stories were also often disturbing and thought-provoking, and they explored the darker side of human nature. Notable Episodes: some of the most famous "Lights Out" episodes include "Chicken Heart," which tells the story of a young woman who is trapped in a house with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," which tells the story of a man who is married to a woman who is actually a cat. These episodes are just a few examples of the many chilling and suspenseful stories that were told on "Lights Out." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

The Man Called X was a thrilling radio show that aired from 1944 to 1950. It featured the adventures of Ken Thurston, a secret agent known only by the code name "X." Ken Thurston was a master of disguise and deception. He could infiltrate enemy organizations and gather vital intelligence without being detected. He was also a skilled combatant and marksman, always ready to use force when necessary. Each episode of The Man Called X featured a new adventure for Ken Thurston. He would be tasked with stopping a mad scientist from unleashing a deadly weapon, rescuing a kidnapped scientist, or infiltrating a Nazi spy ring. Thurston's adventures took him all over the world. He traveled from the jungles of South America to the deserts of North Africa. He even went behind enemy lines in Europe during World War II. The Man Called X was a popular show with listeners of all ages. It was praised for its exciting stories, its well-written characters, and its patriotic message. The show was also a critical success, winning several awards. The Man Called X is still remembered today as one of the greatest radio shows of all time. It is a classic example of the adventure genre, and it continues to entertain listeners of all ages. Here are some additional details about The Man Called X: The show was created by Wyllis Cooper, who also wrote many of the episodes. The title character was played by several different actors over the years, including Herbert Marshall, Jack Webb, and Don Diamond. The show was originally broadcast on the Mutual Broadcasting System. It later moved to NBC and then to ABC. The Man Called X was one of the first radio shows to feature a superhero-like protagonist. The show was adapted into a comic book series and a novel. The Man Called X has been revived several times over the years, most recently in 2015. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

The Man Called X was a thrilling radio show that aired from 1944 to 1950. It featured the adventures of Ken Thurston, a secret agent known only by the code name "X." Ken Thurston was a master of disguise and deception. He could infiltrate enemy organizations and gather vital intelligence without being detected. He was also a skilled combatant and marksman, always ready to use force when necessary. Each episode of The Man Called X featured a new adventure for Ken Thurston. He would be tasked with stopping a mad scientist from unleashing a deadly weapon, rescuing a kidnapped scientist, or infiltrating a Nazi spy ring. Thurston's adventures took him all over the world. He traveled from the jungles of South America to the deserts of North Africa. He even went behind enemy lines in Europe during World War II. The Man Called X was a popular show with listeners of all ages. It was praised for its exciting stories, its well-written characters, and its patriotic message. The show was also a critical success, winning several awards. The Man Called X is still remembered today as one of the greatest radio shows of all time. It is a classic example of the adventure genre, and it continues to entertain listeners of all ages. Here are some additional details about The Man Called X: The show was created by Wyllis Cooper, who also wrote many of the episodes. The title character was played by several different actors over the years, including Herbert Marshall, Jack Webb, and Don Diamond. The show was originally broadcast on the Mutual Broadcasting System. It later moved to NBC and then to ABC. The Man Called X was one of the first radio shows to feature a superhero-like protagonist. The show was adapted into a comic book series and a novel. The Man Called X has been revived several times over the years, most recently in 2015. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

Runtime: "Lights Out" aired from 1934 to 1947, with some breaks in between. The first run was from 1934 to 1936, after which it went on hiatus for a few years. The show was revived in 1942 and aired until 1947. During its run, "Lights Out" became one of the most popular horror and suspense radio programs. Genre: "Lights Out" was a horror and suspense series, known for its chilling stories and sound effects. The show often explored the darker side of human nature, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural. The show's sound effects were particularly noteworthy, and they helped to create an atmosphere of suspense and terror. Creator: The show was created by Wyllis Cooper, a radio writer and producer. Cooper was known for his work on other horror and suspense radio programs, such as "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, Arch Oboler took over as the show's creator and producer. Oboler was a prolific radio writer and producer, and he is best known for his work on "Lights Out" and "The Twilight Zone." Popularity: "Lights Out" remains popular among old-time radio enthusiasts and horror fans due to its innovative use of sound and often disturbing storylines. The show's sound effects were particularly groundbreaking, and they helped to create an atmosphere of suspense and terror that was unlike anything else on radio at the time. The show's stories were also often disturbing and thought-provoking, and they explored the darker side of human nature. Notable Episodes: some of the most famous "Lights Out" episodes include "Chicken Heart," which tells the story of a young woman who is trapped in a house with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," which tells the story of a man who is married to a woman who is actually a cat. These episodes are just a few examples of the many chilling and suspenseful stories that were told on "Lights Out." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

Runtime: "Lights Out" aired from 1934 to 1947, with some breaks in between. The first run was from 1934 to 1936, after which it went on hiatus for a few years. The show was revived in 1942 and aired until 1947. During its run, "Lights Out" became one of the most popular horror and suspense radio programs. Genre: "Lights Out" was a horror and suspense series, known for its chilling stories and sound effects. The show often explored the darker side of human nature, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural. The show's sound effects were particularly noteworthy, and they helped to create an atmosphere of suspense and terror. Creator: The show was created by Wyllis Cooper, a radio writer and producer. Cooper was known for his work on other horror and suspense radio programs, such as "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, Arch Oboler took over as the show's creator and producer. Oboler was a prolific radio writer and producer, and he is best known for his work on "Lights Out" and "The Twilight Zone." Popularity: "Lights Out" remains popular among old-time radio enthusiasts and horror fans due to its innovative use of sound and often disturbing storylines. The show's sound effects were particularly groundbreaking, and they helped to create an atmosphere of suspense and terror that was unlike anything else on radio at the time. The show's stories were also often disturbing and thought-provoking, and they explored the darker side of human nature. Notable Episodes: some of the most famous "Lights Out" episodes include "Chicken Heart," which tells the story of a young woman who is trapped in a house with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," which tells the story of a man who is married to a woman who is actually a cat. These episodes are just a few examples of the many chilling and suspenseful stories that were told on "Lights Out." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

Runtime: "Lights Out" aired from 1934 to 1947, with some breaks in between. The first run was from 1934 to 1936, after which it went on hiatus for a few years. The show was revived in 1942 and aired until 1947. During its run, "Lights Out" became one of the most popular horror and suspense radio programs. Genre: "Lights Out" was a horror and suspense series, known for its chilling stories and sound effects. The show often explored the darker side of human nature, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural. The show's sound effects were particularly noteworthy, and they helped to create an atmosphere of suspense and terror. Creator: The show was created by Wyllis Cooper, a radio writer and producer. Cooper was known for his work on other horror and suspense radio programs, such as "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, Arch Oboler took over as the show's creator and producer. Oboler was a prolific radio writer and producer, and he is best known for his work on "Lights Out" and "The Twilight Zone." Popularity: "Lights Out" remains popular among old-time radio enthusiasts and horror fans due to its innovative use of sound and often disturbing storylines. The show's sound effects were particularly groundbreaking, and they helped to create an atmosphere of suspense and terror that was unlike anything else on radio at the time. The show's stories were also often disturbing and thought-provoking, and they explored the darker side of human nature. Notable Episodes: some of the most famous "Lights Out" episodes include "Chicken Heart," which tells the story of a young woman who is trapped in a house with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," which tells the story of a man who is married to a woman who is actually a cat. These episodes are just a few examples of the many chilling and suspenseful stories that were told on "Lights Out." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

Runtime: "Lights Out" aired from 1934 to 1947, with some breaks in between. The first run was from 1934 to 1936, after which it went on hiatus for a few years. The show was revived in 1942 and aired until 1947. During its run, "Lights Out" became one of the most popular horror and suspense radio programs. Genre: "Lights Out" was a horror and suspense series, known for its chilling stories and sound effects. The show often explored the darker side of human nature, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural. The show's sound effects were particularly noteworthy, and they helped to create an atmosphere of suspense and terror. Creator: The show was created by Wyllis Cooper, a radio writer and producer. Cooper was known for his work on other horror and suspense radio programs, such as "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, Arch Oboler took over as the show's creator and producer. Oboler was a prolific radio writer and producer, and he is best known for his work on "Lights Out" and "The Twilight Zone." Popularity: "Lights Out" remains popular among old-time radio enthusiasts and horror fans due to its innovative use of sound and often disturbing storylines. The show's sound effects were particularly groundbreaking, and they helped to create an atmosphere of suspense and terror that was unlike anything else on radio at the time. The show's stories were also often disturbing and thought-provoking, and they explored the darker side of human nature. Notable Episodes: some of the most famous "Lights Out" episodes include "Chicken Heart," which tells the story of a young woman who is trapped in a house with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," which tells the story of a man who is married to a woman who is actually a cat. These episodes are just a few examples of the many chilling and suspenseful stories that were told on "Lights Out." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

SONIC SUMMERSTOCK PLAYHOUSE 2024: QUIET, PLEASE: How Are You, Pal? Originally released in August 2024 on the Mutual Audio Network as part of the annual Summerstock podcast series, we proudly present this remake of an episode of Wyllis Cooper's classic old radio series. The only extant recording seemingly available is very difficult to listen to: full of scratches and badly damaged. I like to say that the record it came from might've been used in the owner's house to level out a table leg or something.  Anyway, this is the tale of a guy who hooks up with an old friend after a couple decades, and it turns out they have a lot to chat about. In Cooper's inimitable style, it's mostly told in first-person, with some bits of dialog coming in as flashbacks. Still, the actor we hired to imitate Ernest Chappell, the guy who tells the story, isn't too awful. But don't take our word for it. Listen and decide for yourself. CAST: ANNOUNCER/COOPER/MAN ON PHONE: Andy Hartson-Bowyer THE GIRL/HER MOTHER: Jesirae Kesler CHAPPELL/DANE: Pete Lutz Music by Ross Bernhardt

SONIC SUMMERSTOCK PLAYHOUSE 2024: QUIET, PLEASE: How Are You, Pal? Originally released in August 2024 on the Mutual Audio Network as part of the annual Summerstock podcast series, we proudly present this remake of an episode of Wyllis Cooper's classic old radio series. The only extant recording seemingly available is very difficult to listen to: full of scratches and badly damaged. I like to say that the record it came from might've been used in the owner's house to level out a table leg or something.  Anyway, this is the tale of a guy who hooks up with an old friend after a couple decades, and it turns out they have a lot to chat about. In Cooper's inimitable style, it's mostly told in first-person, with some bits of dialog coming in as flashbacks. Still, the actor we hired to imitate Ernest Chappell, the guy who tells the story, isn't too awful. But don't take our word for it. Listen and decide for yourself. CAST: ANNOUNCER/COOPER/MAN ON PHONE: Andy Hartson-Bowyer THE GIRL/HER MOTHER: Jesirae Kesler CHAPPELL/DANE: Pete Lutz Music by Ross Bernhardt

Runtime: "Lights Out" aired from 1934 to 1947, with some breaks in between. The first run was from 1934 to 1936, after which it went on hiatus for a few years. The show was revived in 1942 and aired until 1947. During its run, "Lights Out" became one of the most popular horror and suspense radio programs. Genre: "Lights Out" was a horror and suspense series, known for its chilling stories and sound effects. The show often explored the darker side of human nature, featuring tales of murder, madness, and the supernatural. The show's sound effects were particularly noteworthy, and they helped to create an atmosphere of suspense and terror. Creator: The show was created by Wyllis Cooper, a radio writer and producer. Cooper was known for his work on other horror and suspense radio programs, such as "Quiet, Please!" and "The Witch's Tale." In 1943, Arch Oboler took over as the show's creator and producer. Oboler was a prolific radio writer and producer, and he is best known for his work on "Lights Out" and "The Twilight Zone." Popularity: "Lights Out" remains popular among old-time radio enthusiasts and horror fans due to its innovative use of sound and often disturbing storylines. The show's sound effects were particularly groundbreaking, and they helped to create an atmosphere of suspense and terror that was unlike anything else on radio at the time. The show's stories were also often disturbing and thought-provoking, and they explored the darker side of human nature. Notable Episodes: some of the most famous "Lights Out" episodes include "Chicken Heart," which tells the story of a young woman who is trapped in a house with a mysterious killer, and "Cat Wife," which tells the story of a man who is married to a woman who is actually a cat. These episodes are just a few examples of the many chilling and suspenseful stories that were told on "Lights Out." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/dwight-allen0/support

It’s not just any episode of Lights Out this week, it’s a recreation of one of Wyllis Cooper’s scripts from the earliest days of the classic series! “The Coffin in Studio B” features the story of actors and a director struggling to get a production of Lights Out ready in time for its broadcast, but […]