WHO DUNNIT?

This anthology of radio mystery dramas mostly from the 1940s includes episodes from such famous programs as “Suspense” and “Lux Radio Theater,” as well as the more obscure “Candy Matson" and "Molle Mystery Theater.” All have been carefully restored. Stars include Lucille Ball, Henry Fonda, Peter Lorre, Pat O'Brien, and Basil Rathbone. Despite material by the likes of John Dickson Carr and Aldous Huxley, the selections are by and large mediocre. They illustrate both the strengths and weaknesses of mainstream American radio drama in its heyday—professional performers with good voices and simple and dynamic production butting against florid melodrama and banality. The exceptions are "Young Mr. Lincoln," which, like the film upon which it is based, is great fun, and the atmospheric “Suspense” rendition of Carr's ironic "Moment of Darkness." Y.R. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2008]