Escape never received the lavish attention afforded to Suspense but, from July 7, 1947 to September 25, 1954, it managed to transcend its mostly network-sustained origins and provide top-quality entertainment. With a limited budget, few glamorous stars, and so much schizophrenic scheduling that, during its seven-year run, it was shifted around into no less than eighteen different time slots, Escape still managed to be one of the most diverse and solid radio programs of its time.
Radio enthusiasts often think of it as the sister show to Suspense — but, given the secondary status it was granted in its own time, it would be more apt to describe it as its "step-sister." Even with that, though, Escape most assuredly left its own distinct mark on radio and fans. Week in and week out, Escape demonstrated that it was truly an outstanding and memorable show, even if it was lacking that "Hollywood gloss" that attracted big-money sponsorship.
Contrary to popular belief, Escape did have sponsors – just not regular, long term ones. Among the companies that sponsored Escape in a fairly limited fashion were the Richfield Oil Corporation of New York, the Ford Motor Company, and the Chrysler-Plymouth Company. One of the reasons why Escape never obtained long term corporate sponsorship was that CBS kept moving the radio program all over a wide range of broadcast times and days.
West Coast character actors from Radio’s Golden Age were predominantly featured in the cast of Escape. Vincent Price, Van Heflin, Edmond O’Brien, and Victor Mature were just a few of the noteworthy talents that lent their voices to Escape’s programs. Others of Escape’s cast alumni included William Conrad, Hans Conried, John Dehner, Georgia Ellis, Elliot Lewis, Frank Lovejoy, and Jack Webb.
Enjoy the thrills and chills in this 5 CD collection. Escape, Volume 15, fully restored by Radio Archives.
Eye of Evil
Saturday, July 17, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
Flood on the Goodwin
Saturday, July 24, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
Night of the Guns
Saturday, July 31, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
The Price of the Head
Saturday, August 7, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
The Coward
Saturday, August 14, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
Two and Two Make Four
Saturday, August 21, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
The King of Owanatu
Saturday, August 28, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
The Boiling Sea
Saturday, September 4, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
The Target
Saturday, September 18, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
The Heart of Kali
Saturday, September 25, 1954 - 30:00 - CBS, sustaining
Last Show
