Escape
Escape was a long-running CBS Radio series hosted by and starring William Conrad. It ran on CBS from 1947 to 1954, broadcasting a wide range of adventure stories, including science fiction and horror. Over 200 half-hour episodes were broadcast, most of which still survive. The episodes below are the genre episodes. Please note that the episode numbers given below are merely the order in which the episodes are thought to have been broadcast — they are not the actual episode numbers.
Episode 22: The Adaptive Ultimate
A life-enhancing serum gives a dying woman incredible powers, and an insatiable lust for power. First broadcast: 26 March 1949. Original Story by Stanley G. Weinbaum (as John Jessel). Cast: Stacy Harris, Frank Gerstle, Elsie Holmes, Anne Morrison, Tom Charlesworth, Lawrence Dobkin, Edgar Barrier, William Conrad. |
Episode 24: The Outer Limit
A test pilot in an experimental high altitude aircraft disappears from radar, only to return safely ten hours after he should have run out of fuel, and he has a grim warning for all mankind! First broadcast: 7 February 1950. Original Story by Graham Doar. Cast: Stan Waxman, Ian Wolfe, Peter Leeds, Frank Lovejoy, Paul Frees, Charles McGraw, Harry Bartell, Jeff Corey. |
Episode 25: Green Splotches
A scientific expedition in South America is captured by super-intelligent plant-based aliens. Note: this episode has poor audio quality. First broadcast: 31 March 1950. Original Story by T. S. Stribling. Cast: Barton Yarborough, Paul Frees, Jay Novello, Ted de Corsia, William Conrad, Harry Bartell. |
Episode 27: Mars Is Heaven
The first astronauts to land on Mars discover... Earth — a planet where their long-dead loved ones are waiting for them in a small Midwest town just like home. Part of Ray Bradbury’s Martian Chronicles series. First broadcast: 2 June 1950. Original Story by Ray Bradbury. Cast: Ian Wolfe, Ben Wright, William Johnstone, Paul Frees, Elizabeth Root, Ruth Perrott, Stuart Novins, Walter Catlett, Florence Bates, Jeff Corey. |
Episode 31: The Earthmen
The first expedition to Mars doesn't get the warm welcome they were expecting. Part of Ray Bradbury’s Martian Chronicles series. First broadcast: 25 July 1951. Original Story by Ray Bradbury. Cast: Byron Kane, Lou Krugman, Jack Kruschen, Sidney Miller, John Dehner, Parley Baer, Lawrence Dobkin, Hans Conried, Harry Bartell, Georgia Ellis. |
Episode 34: Conqueror's Isle
A WW2 bomber crew crash land on a remote island and discover a race of supermen intent on taking over the world. First broadcast: 11 January 1953. Original Story by Nelson S. Bond. Cast: Theodore Von Eltz, David Light, William Johnstone, Gene Twombley, Richard Benedict, Sam Edwards, William Conrad, David Ellis. |
Episode 38: The Voyages of Sinbad
A tale from the Arabian Nights. Sinbad the sailor attempts to escape from the 'Cave of the Dead'. First broadcast: 7 June 1953. Original Story by Unknown (traditional Islamic fantasy). Cast: Ben Wright, Joseph Kearns, Kurt Martell, Larry Thor, Herb Butterfield, Amanda Blake, Ted de Corsia, Parley Baer, Whitfield Connor, William Conrad, Georgia Ellis. |
Episode 41: Zero Hour
Suddenly, children from all over the country are playing a new game called Invasion, with Zero Hour set for 5:00 PM, today. But is it really just a game? First broadcast: 4 October 1953. Original Story by Ray Bradbury. Cast: Paula Winslowe, William Johnstone, Mary McGovern, Eve McVeagh, Isa Ashdown, John Dehner, William Conrad. |