Suspense: Concerto for Killer and Eyewitnesses (

Suspense: 06/09/52, episode 476
Brought to you by the Old Time Radio Researchers, courtesy of The Suspense Project
Elliott Lewis stars in a fast-moving play by E. Jack Neuman and Arthur Ross. This production has a CBS Blacklist backstory. The script was held about 18 months before airing. That history is discussed after the broadcast summary at the link below.
Why is “concerto” in the title? The word comes from Italian and seems to originate from the conjunction of two Latin words: conserere (meaning to tie, to join, to weave) and certamen (competition, fight). The idea is that the two parts in a concerto-the soloist and the orchestra or concert band-alternate between episodes of opposition, cooperation, and independence to create a sense of flow. In this case, Lewis’ character, a convicted murderer named Edward Sitko, awaits execution. He can be considered the soloist. He travels through places and interacts with different people each time as he takes incremental steps toward his goal. The production is cleverly crafted in this regard and how the “soloist” interacts in a unique manner with each one he meets. The flow of the story is to his stated goal: to get revenge on the gangster boss (Dallas Kenyon) who turned “state’s evidence” against him and was responsible for his conviction.
This is a very different Suspense episode, and well executed (gee, that’s an accidental spoiler hint). It has a demanding starring role. It's not a surprise, then, that Lewis would hold this script as a special opportunity for the right actor. In this case, because of circumstances not of his control, that actor turned out to be himself.
This is a superb script and production, and if there is one flaw it is that Lewis gets a little close to the overacting line. Remember, his character is crazed and is working against time, so it is somewhat appropriate.
There are seven different parts to the story, or concerto, and most parts have a unique first-person narrative spoken by someone involved in the upcoming scene where they confront Sitko. The details about each part can be found at the link below.
Lewis acted his role wearing earphones and was still directing the program. He tossed cues to actors, musicians, and sound effects men in addition to playing his part. CBS publicity made a big deal about this.
The program was pre-recorded, which was a safeguard in case something went awry with all of the tasks Lewis was juggling in the performance. The rehearsal and recording was on Friday, June 6. Rehearsal was from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, with a break for lunch, and then from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Recording commenced at 4:00 pm and concluded at 4:30 pm. The recording included the musical and announcing portions, unlike prior sessions.
There are two surviving recordings. The network recording is in very good sound but the Armed Forces Radio Service recording (AFRS#415) has a richer sound. The network recording is likely preferred because it has performer credits and closing comments by Elliott Lewis thanking the listeners and saying that the series will be back in September. The AFRS recording is very clean and in rich sound. If you are not interested in hearing Lewis speak or hearing the performer credits, the AFRS recording is a good choice and has the benefit of not being interrupted by commercials. The closing comments in the network broadcast note that Suspense will be on television through the summer.
The original plan for this date was to broadcast Sorry, Wrong Number once more. It was decided to make it the opening drama of the next season, in September. The backstory about the decision and the rescheduling of SWN is below. Unfortunately, that SWN broadcast of September 1952 remains missing.
The cast: Elliott Lewis (Edward Sitko), William Conrad (Jessie Crandall / Usher), Byron Kane (Cop), Jay Novello (Delaney / Milton), Martha Wentworth (Momma), Junius Matthews (George), Sidney Miller (Kenny), Charlotte Lawrence (Kitty), Gil Stratton, Jr. (Bellhop), Jack Kruschen (Porter / Reader), Larry Thor (Narrator)
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