Friday Night Noir - Suspense (32nd of December) & Mysterious Traveler (New Year's Nightmare)

Welcome to this week’s festive and thrilling episode of “Friday Night Noir” on Vintage Classic Radio, perfectly nestled between the joys of Christmas and the anticipation of the New Year. As we continue our holiday celebrations, we bring you a special double feature that encapsulates the spirit of this unique time of year with New Year themes in classic radio dramas. Our lineup includes "32nd of December" from "Suspense" and "New Year's Nightmare" from "Mysterious Traveler". We begin with "32nd of December", a captivating episode from "Suspense", originally aired on December 28th, 1958. This story, written by renowned science fiction author Philip K. Dick, explores the mysteries of time during the year-end. It centers around John Malley, who stumbles upon a calendar with a peculiar date – the 32nd of December. His journey into this enigmatic day, filled with intrigue and unexpected twists, is portrayed by Howard Duff, supported by Virginia Gregg, Hans Conried, and William Conrad. Directed by Elliot Lewis, this episode is a blend of suspense and the surreal, resonating with the liminal space between the old year and the new. Following this, we present "New Year's Nightmare" from "Mysterious Traveler", which first graced the airwaves on January 5th, 1947. Written by the creative duo Robert Arthur and David Kogan, this story delves into the fears and uncertainties that often accompany the onset of a new year. It follows Charles, trapped in a recurring, chilling New Year's Eve nightmare, each more terrifying than the last. The episode features Maurice Tarplin as the enigmatic narrator, with Lyle Sudrow, Agnes Moorehead, and Santos Ortega in pivotal roles. Directed by David Kogan, it’s a haunting exploration of the psyche and a fitting tribute to the theme of new beginnings and unresolved pasts. These episodes from "Suspense" and "Mysterious Traveler" are not just radio plays; they are timeless pieces that capture the essence of their era. They remind us of the fine art of storytelling and performance, particularly poignant during this reflective time of year. As we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new, join us for a journey through time, mystery, and the human mind. Tune in to this week’s “Friday Night Noir” for an unforgettable experience of suspense and intrigue, right here on Vintage Classic Radio.