CBS Radio Mystery Theater

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Fiction #139Drama #53

CBS Radio Mystery Theater (a.k.a. Radio Mystery Theater and Mystery Theater, sometimes abbreviated as CBSRMT) was a radio drama series created by Himan Brown that was broadcast on CBS Radio Network affiliates from 1974 to 1982, and later in the early 2000s was carried by the NPR satellite feed.

The format was similar to that of classic old time radio shows like The Mysterious Traveler and The Whistler, in that the episodes were introduced by a host (E. G. Marshall) who provided pithy wisdom and commentary throughout. Unlike the hosts of those earlier programs, Marshall is fully mortal, merely someone whose heightened insight and erudition plunge the listener into the world of the macabre (in a manner similar to that of "The Man in Black" on yet another old time radio program, Suspense).

As with Himan Brown's prior Inner Sanctum Mysteries, each episode of CBS Radio Mystery Theater opened and closed with the ominous sound of a creaking crypt door, accompanied by Marshall's disturbing utterance, "Come in!… Welcome. I'm E. G. Marshall." This was followed by one of Marshall's other catchphrases, usually either "The sound of suspense" or "The fear you can hear." At the conclusion, the door would swing shut, preceded by Marshall's classic sign off, "Until next time, pleasant… dreams?" Marshall hosted the program from January 1974 until February 1982, when actress Tammy Grimes took over for the series' last season, maintaining the format.

CBSRMT was broadcast each weeknight, at first with a new program each night. Later in the run three or four episodes were new originals each week, and the remainder repeats. There were 1,399 original episodes. The total number of broadcasts, including reruns, was 2,969. Each episode was allotted a full hour of airtime, but after commercials and news, episodes typically ran for about 45 minutes.

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Recent Reviews
  • itslisa
    Radio Stories!
    Love these !!! I remember listening to them as a child ! My parents would tune the car radio to them when we traveled! Is made nite time car rides thrilling and exciting!!! Always wanting one more!!! Thank You!
  • Geokaysco
    Highly Recommended
    Some of these episodes get you thinking that there is no better format in which to experience drama.
  • RedSkyBurns
    As good as it gets*
    If you like old school narratives and The Twilight Zone, do not hesitate! Outstanding.
  • Kahlojane
    Love this
    I remember listening as a kid!
  • Ernee Rainhart
    Thank you for bringing back a cherished show!
    I discovered Mystery Theater in 1978 as a 14 year old. It was on at 11:00pm every night. It was a guilty pleasure, listening to it on my transistor radio with a single ear bud, when I should have been asleep. It took my imagination to another level and still does. I’m hoping to run across the Edgar Allen Poe episode. E.G. Marshall was the best!
  • Blumetalvelvet
    Awesome!!!
    So awesome! Driving at night road trippin listening to the these tales! So friggin in the riggin awesome!!!
  • zzzpppmmm
    When I was younger
    When I was younger I used to listen to this show every Sunday night with my mom and other siblings. I always loved the show still love it today was Soo glad I found it. Thank you cbs radio mystery theater
  • PerfectKelly7
    Great shows!
    I’ve always loved radio dramas and was glad to find this. I especially enjoy the commercials and news clips. For the people leaving bad reviews bc they aren’t that bright, the political news coverage is about Nixon… while it sounds like current affairs, it’s not.
  • Billy1790
    Brings back memories!
    Great to hear these classics. Actually remember some of the shows. Love to hear shows with commercials and the news.
  • Althayia
    Get rid of political propaganda as advertising!!
    Loved this show UNTIL… Now they are airing political propaganda before each program. FAIL!
  • JiminyCrunket
    Wonderful
    I’m so happy I found this wonderful podcast!! Brings back so many memories of growing up in the 70’s. What a wonderful gift.
  • Toni A
    Unlistenable.
    I was so excited when I saw these were a podcast. Unfortunately, most episodes sound as if they are being broadcast through 25 Shetland sweaters and I have to strain to understand. I have no such issues with any other podcasts.
  • Lilsunshine4Utoo
    love it
    I just love listening..,great to escape!
  • SDbroadcaster
    Time Capsule
    From the pacing of the plot to the original commercials and CBS news at the end of the show… it like stepping back 50 years. Great fun!
  • bigmp2
    When radio was king
    Appreciate the effort to capture all episodes. Like those that include the commercials from prior years.
  • MustBeJam
    Nostalgic and fun!
    I used to listen to these shows every Wednesday in the 70s and loved the storytelling. So fun to rediscover this show now. Thanks!
  • voiceoftruth2020
    Thanks
    Thank you for providing these radio plays.
  • MobileBill
    Excellent!
    Enjoyed the broadcast as a child, great to hear again. The imagination creates a cast no visuals can top.
  • amAliceHannie7
    Creepy
    These are good creepy old classic mysteries to hear! Thanks
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