Joker Wild: Suspense (December 8, 1952)

“Joker Wild” is an episode of Suspense, the old-time radio show, first broadcast December 8, 1952. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

Comedian Harry Maloy picks up a young woman named Rosalie in his car and drives her to a cliff above the Pacific, where he pushes her off. Days later he confides in his friend Liz, who thinks he is joking. He then visits the grieving family's home, where the neighbors seem strangely unmoved. The episode is an installment of the series Suspense, first broadcast on December 8, 1952, and features Cathy and Elliot Lewis in the leading roles. Harry's need to be taken seriously keeps driving him toward more dangerous confessions.

Los Angeles and the Pacific coast near Malibu, California, in the early 1950s

Characters: Harry Maloy, Rosalie Barton, Liz, Freddie, Johnsy, Reba

Listen for: Harry's repeated attempts to make others believe he has committed murder, and the reactions of Liz and Freddie to his claims

Written from the episode itself; it never gives away the ending. Every recording is remastered for the stream: cleaned of rumble, hiss and mains hum (and the old TV whine where we found it), then levelled in two passes to steady broadcast loudness, so one show is never quieter than the next.