The story of how in just 13 years, Hitler led a fringe sect with less than a hundred members and outlandish ideas to be the dominant force in German politics.

A young boy’s time-travelling fight against ancient evil. When the Dark comes rising, who will hold it back? This dramatisation of Susan Cooper’s cult novel is a magical journey into the supernatural.

• 30-minute standalone episodes (later expanded to 60 minutes in the 1950s).
• Each episode was a self-contained story, often featuring ordinary people in extraordinary, life-threatening situations.
• Known for its tight scripting, atmospheric sound effects, and dramatic musical scores (often by Bernard Herrmann, who later composed for Hitchcock films).
• Famous for its twist endings and unreliable narrators.

• Early episodes were introduced by "The Man in Black" (a mysterious narrator, played by Joseph Kearns and later Paul Frees).
• The show’s chilling opening theme (a heartbeat-like rhythm followed by the announcer’s voice) became legendary: "Suspense! As quiet as fog creeping in on little cat feet…"

• Considered the pinnacle of radio suspense drama, setting the standard for later shows like The Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
• Many episodes were adapted for TV and film (e.g., Sorry, Wrong Number became a 1948 movie).
• Preserved by collectors and still aired on radio nostalgia stations today.
• Why Suspense Still Holds Up
• Masterful storytelling – Relied on dialogue and sound to terrify listeners (no visuals needed!).
• A-list Hollywood talent – Rare chance to hear major stars in intimate, voice-only performances.
• Timeless themes – Paranoia, betrayal, and moral dilemmas still resonate today.

Jane Austen Stories is the new show from the Noiser podcast network, narrated by Dame Julie Andrews.

Season One begins with Julie reading an all-time classic of English literature, Pride and Prejudice, in its original masterful form.

Join us twice a week as we walk grand estates, take tea with well-dressed gentlewomen, and enter ballrooms to dance with the great and good of the county. But in this tranquil corner of England, not everything is quite as it appears... Can our heroine Elizabeth navigate a world of secrets and simmering passions? Can the Bennet family avoid scandal and destitution? And is the mysterious Mr Darcy as dastardly as he seems?

Hit follow to get new episodes of Jane Austen Stories every Tuesday and Friday.

For ad-free listening and early access to two new episodes each week, join Noiser+. Click the subscription banner at the top of the feed to get started, or head to noiser.com/subscriptions 

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Contemporary drama in a rural setting.