CBS Radio Mystery Theater – Orient Express (1977)

Описание: Orient Express (1977) is a notable installment of the CBS Radio Mystery Theater, presenting a suspenseful narrative focused on international intrigue and high-stakes travel. Written by G. Frederick Lewis and hosted by E.G. Marshall, this broadcast highlights the intricate sound design and psychological tension characteristic of late-era radio drama.

🎙️ Program: CBS Radio Mystery Theater
Episode: #0604 - Orient Express
Original Air Date: February 21, 1977
Genre: Espionage Mystery
Running Time: 45:00
Host: E.G. Marshall

On the legendary Orient Express, a journey from Paris to Istanbul turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse. The plot follows a protagonist who finds himself entangled in a web of espionage involving a mysterious woman and a high-ranking official with a hidden agenda. As the train hurtles across Europe, the confined spaces of the passenger cars become a pressure cooker of suspicion and danger. With secret identities revealed and a ticking clock, the characters must navigate a labyrinth of lies before reaching their final destination, where the stakes involve more than just a simple train ticket. The atmosphere is thick with the rhythmic sounds of the rails, serving as a backdrop to a complex story of betrayal and survival.

🎭 Starring Cast
• Kevin McCarthy: Veteran radio performer active during the 1970s series run
• Arnold Moss: Stage and screen actor known for Shakespearean roles and character parts
• Russell Horton: Voice artist with numerous credits in the CBS Radio Mystery Theater
• Catherine Byers: Performer frequently cast in dramatic radio and theatrical productions

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📻 Production Notes & Historical Context
• This episode was part of the fourth season of CBSRMT which saw a high volume of espionage-themed scripts.
• Writer G. Frederick Lewis was one of the most prolific contributors to the series, known for his adaptations and original mysteries.
• The Orient Express theme was a popular trope in mid-century fiction, utilized here to create a sense of isolation.
• Production utilized the extensive CBS sound library, incorporating sound effects developed during the 1940s.
• Himan Brown, the series creator, insisted on recording actors together in the studio to maintain authentic chemistry.

💬 Character Quote
"The tracks behind us are burning, and the ones ahead lead straight into a trap that neither of us can escape."

📡 Broadcasting History
In the golden age of radio, the sound of a crackling fire was often simulated by crinkling a piece of cellophane or breaking grape baskets near the microphone to provide a realistic texture for listeners.

📻 Vintage Radio Spotlight
Zenith Trans-Oceanic H500 (1951). This model features a rugged 'Black Stag' covering and a flip-up 'Dial-O-Map' chart. This multi-band shortwave receiver used five vacuum tubes and was marketed as the ultimate portable for travelers. Slogan: The world's most magnificent radio.

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#CBSRMT #OldTimeRadio #MysteryTheater #EGMarshall #RadioDrama #1970sRadio #OrientExpress #Espionage #VintageAudio #AudioDrama #Suspense #ClassicRadio