Friday Night Noir - Screen Director’s Playhouse (The Uninvited) & Inner Sanctum (Study for Murder)

This Friday's "Friday Night Noir" on Vintage Classic Radio opens with a captivating installment from "The Screen Director's Playhouse," featuring the episode "The Uninvited" starring the illustrious Ray Milland. Originally broadcast on November 18th, 1949, this episode is an adaptation of the classic supernatural mystery film directed by Lewis Allen. In the story, Ray Milland plays Roderick Fitzgerald, who, alongside his sister Pamela, discovers that their newly purchased cliff-top house in Cornwall is haunted by mysterious spirits. This chilling tale delves into themes of love and the supernatural, creating an atmospheric thriller. Alongside Milland, the episode also stars Ruth Hussey as Pamela Fitzgerald and Donald Crisp in a supporting role, with direction provided by the original film's director, Lewis Allen, lending authenticity and a cinematic flair to the radio adaptation. Following "The Uninvited," the night darkens further with "Inner Sanctum's" thrilling episode, "Study for Murder," which first aired on May 3rd, 1942. This episode weaves a macabre tale of psychology and crime, where a brilliant psychology professor uses his insights into the human mind to commit the perfect murder. As typical of "Inner Sanctum" episodes, the narrative is steeped in mystery and features a twist ending that leaves listeners questioning the nature of guilt and innocence. The cast for this episode includes Richard Widmark in a standout performance as the cunning professor, supported by a cadre of character actors from the era, which helps bring this dark story to life. Both episodes exemplify the golden age of radio with their stellar casts and engaging stories, making for a perfect evening of noir entertainment.