When the Bough Breaks: Suspense (December 6, 1955)

“When the Bough Breaks” is an episode of Suspense, the old-time radio show, first broadcast December 6, 1955. Listen free on Stupid Potato.

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What happens

Marcy Striker, newly acquitted of murdering her grandfather, has married Harry Striker and moved into a new house. Reporter Corcoran arrives to press them for a story, hinting that Harry may be implicated in the old man's death. The strain grows between the couple as Marcy begins to fear Harry's intentions and his hold over her. This episode of Suspense, first broadcast on December 6, 1955, stars Virginia Gregg and Stacey Harris, and the story is told through a psychological drama of suspicion and control between husband and wife.

A newly purchased house after the end of a murder trial, with a nearby beach and the wider press world.

Characters: Marcy Striker, Harry Striker, Corcoran, Eddie

Listen for: The shifting tension between Marcy and Harry as Corcoran's suspicions surface, and Marcy's memories of her grandfather.

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.