Episode Details

Inner Sanctum Mysteries was a popular old-time radio program that aired from January 7, 1941 to October 5, 1952. Created by Himan Brown, the anthology series featured stories of mystery, terror and suspense. The tongue-in-cheek introductions were in sharp contrast to shows like Suspense and The Whistler. A total of 526 episodes are known to have been produced. The early 1940s programs opened with Raymond Edward Johnson introducing himself as, "Your host, Raymond," in a mocking sardonic voice. A spooky melodramatic organ score punctuated Raymond's many morbid jokes and playful puns. Raymond's closing was an elongated "Pleasant dreaaaaammmmssss!" Beginning in 1945, Lipton Tea sponsored the series, pairing first Raymond and then McGrath with its cheery commercial spokeswoman, Mary Bennett, whose pitches for Lipton contrasted sharply with the subject matter of the stories, and who would primly chide the host for his dark humor and creepy manner.

TODAY'S SHOW:

January 24, 1949. CBS net origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "The Deadly Dummy". The ventriloquist's wife and her lover kill the man but not the mannequin. Edward Adamson (writer), Elspeth Eric, Mason Adams, Paul McGrath (host), Robert Sloane (writer), Ted Osborne, Santos Ortega. 25:14.

May 23, 1949. CBS net origination, AFRS rebroadcast. "Strange Passenger". Not auditioned. The story name and date are subject to correction (the story seems to have no connection to the story title. A man inherits a decaying old house, supposed to have a fortune hidden somewhere. Following the clues, not even murder will keep him from his goal. Paul McGrath (host), Mason Adams. 23:09.