CBS Radio Mystery Theater – An Occurrence at Owl Creek Brid (1974)

Описание: An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge (1974) is a classic episode of CBS Radio Mystery Theater, featuring a psychological narrative rooted in the perception of time. Adapted by Sam Dann and hosted by E.G. Marshall, this broadcast exemplifies the artistry of mid-20th-century radio storytelling through its atmospheric tension.

🎙️ Program: CBS Radio Mystery Theater
Episode: #101 - An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge
Original Air Date: June 4, 1974
Genre: Psychological Suspense
Running Time: 45 Minutes
Host: E.G. Marshall

Set during the American Civil War, the story focuses on Peyton Farquhar, a Southern plantation owner and Confederate sympathizer facing execution for attempting to sabotage the Owl Creek Bridge. As the Union soldiers prepare to carry out the sentence, the narrative transitions into a vivid and desperate escape fantasy. Farquhar seemingly survives the hanging, plunges into the river, and undergoes an arduous journey through the wilderness to return to his family. The episode masterfully explores the subjective nature of time and the human mind's capacity for complex illusion under extreme duress, leading to a stark and haunting conclusion that remains one of the most famous twists in literature.

🎭 Starring Cast
• William Prince: Known for frequent appearances in CBS Radio Mystery Theater and various Broadway productions.
• Dan Ocko: Veteran radio performer active during the Golden Age and the 1970s radio revival.
• Court Benson: Character actor who appeared in numerous anthology series across multiple decades.
• Guy Sorel: Prolific radio and television actor who worked extensively with producer Himan Brown.

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📻 Production Notes & Historical Context
• This episode is an adaptation of the 1890 short story by Ambrose Bierce.
• Producer Himan Brown used the same creaking door sound effect that he made famous on Inner Sanctum Mysteries.
• The 1974 airing was part of the first season of CBS Radio Mystery Theater, which helped briefly revive radio drama in America.
• The story has been adapted for multiple formats, including a famous episode of The Twilight Zone and a French short film.

💬 Character Quote
"The water was cold, but the fire in my heart was hotter. I could see the light through the ripples, a promise of a home I refused to leave behind."

📡 Broadcasting History
Radio stations like WLW in Cincinnati once broadcast at 500,000 watts, ten times the current legal limit, making them audible across half the globe during the night.

📻 Vintage Radio Spotlight
Zenith Trans-Oceanic H500 (1951). This multi-band portable tube radio features a black stag-covered case and the iconic 'Dial-O-Map' on the interior cover. It utilized five tubes to receive standard AM and multiple shortwave bands, designed for world travelers. Its marketing slogan was 'The world's most famous radio.'

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