From 1947 to 1954, CBS's Escape was radio's leading high-adventure anthology series. The show's famous opening, delivered by Paul Frees and William Conrad, asked: "Tired of the everyday grind? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all? We offer you … Escape!" This was followed by another announcer adding, "Escape! Designed to free you from the four walls of today for a half-hour of high adventure!"
Many of the episodes, which included both original stories and adaptations, centered on a protagonist facing a life-or-death situation. Numerous actors made appearances on the show, including Elvia Allman, Eleanor Audley, Parley Baer, Harry Bartell, William Conrad, Ted de Corsia, John Dehner, Sam Edwards, Virginia Gregg, Lou Merrill, Howard McNear, Jeanette Nolan, Alan Reed, Bill Johnstone, Marvin Miller, Frank Lovejoy, Berry Kroeger, Vic Perrin, Elliott Lewis, Jack Webb, Peggy Webber, and Will Wright.
Episodes include "The Fourth Man," starring William Johnstone; "The Most Dangerous Game," starring Hans Conreid; "The Fall of the House of Usher," starring Paul Frees; "Pollack and the Porrah Man," starring Barton Yarborough; "Evening Primrose," starring Elliott Lewis; "The Young Man with the Cream Tarts," starring Paul Frees; "The Country of the Blind," starring William Conrad; "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," starring Harry Bartell; "Wild Oranges," starring William Conrad; "Back for Christmas," starring Paul Frees; "Leinengen vs. the Ants," starring William Conrad; and "Three Skeleton Key," starring Vincent Price. |
