Inner Sanctum

Inner Sanctum Mysteries was a popular old-time radio program that ran from January 7, 1941 to October 5, 1952. Its creator was Himan Brown, who later created the long-running CBS Radio Mystery Theater. It featured stories of mystery, terror and suspense told, in sharp contrast to shows like Suspense and The Whistler, with a broad tongue-in-cheek approach. A total of 526 episodes are known to have been produced, a great many of which are lost today.

Plots and guest stars

Its campy comedy not withstanding, the stories were often effective little chillers, mixing horror and humor in equal doses. Memorable episodes included "Terror by Night" (9/18/45) and an adaptation of "The Tell-Tale Heart" (8/3/41). The latter starred Boris Karloff, who was heard regularly in the first season, starring in more than fifteen episodes, and returning sporadically thereafter. Other established stars in the early years included Peter Lorre, Mary Astor, Helen Hayes, Claude Rains, Paul Lukas, Frank Sinatra, and Orson Welles. Most of the lead and supporting players were stalwarts of New York radio, however, including Larry Haines, Stefan Schnabel, Berry Kroeger, and a few who would go on to greater fame in film or television, such as Richard Widmark, Everett Sloane, and Burgess Meredith.

Related Topics:
The Tell-Tale Heart - Boris Karloff - Peter Lorre - Mary Astor - Helen Hayes - Claude Rains - Paul Lukas - Frank Sinatra - Orson Welles - New York - Larry Haines - Stefan Schnabel - Berry Kroeger - Richard Widmark - Everett Sloane - Burgess Meredith

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