Hall of Fantasy - 70 Episodes


(4.4 stars; 5 reviews)

Hall of Fantasy started as a local series out of Utah. It found its way onto the airwaves sporadically from 1947 to 1952. This anthology was picked up for national syndication by the Mutual network and broadcast from mid-52 through mid-53. Written and directed by Richard Thorne, a prolific and talented writer and producer, this series is often overlooked, even by fans of OTR. It is unfortunate, since it provides some very unique and dramatic material; the acting in particular was superb. Early on, the series concentrated on murder mysteries, but later shows were devoted to horror and some Sci-Fi. Sadly, not all episodes have survived—only about 40 of perhaps over two hundred shows still exist. All episodes were standard half-hour format. Synopsis from Plot Spot web site. http://www.otrplotspot.com/hallOfFantasy.html

This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.

License

Chapters

The Perfect Script 26:31
Death in the Bayou 28:36
Judges House 26:53
Man Sized In Marbles 27:07
Markheim 26:40
Mark of Shame 27:04
He Who Follows Me 24:28
Castle of Lavoca 25:52
Shadow People 24:20
Steps That Follow Me 24:56
The Steps that Follow Me 24:50
Handmans Rope 25:49
The Cask Of Amontillado 24:08
Black Figurine of Death 22:33
The Silver Flask 23:20
The Dance of the Devil Dolls 23:35
The Masks of Ashor 23:26
The Night The Fog Came 23:20
Beast With Red Eyes 23:22
The Beast with Red Eyes 22:09
Return From Death 23:18
Demon of the Night 22:26
Out of the Sky 22:30
The Wild Huntsman 24:27
Idol of Cromm Cruac 24:57
Spectre of Denston Castle 23:29
The Crawling Thing 23:39
The Twisting Weeds of Death 25:02
The Tell-Tale Heart 23:56
The Hand of Botar 24:04
The Jewels Of Kali 23:07
Marquis Of Death 23:37
The Marquis of Death 23:57
The Temple Of Huitzilipochle 23:20
The Man In Black 24:02
Treasure of Kublai Khan 27:22
The Automaton 24:38
The Golden Bracelet of Amoniris 23:24
The Man From The Second Earth 22:42
Stones Revenge 22:24
The Sea Phantom 23:09
Diamonds Of Death 23:00
The Shadow People 24:27
Dance of the Devil Dolls 23:20
Sea Phantom 23:02
The Return From Death 24:19
He Who Follows Me 25:18
Temple of Huizilpochle 23:13
Telltale Heart 23:54
The Crawling Thing 24:29
The Masks of Ashor 24:42
Diamonds of Death 22:53
The Shadow People 25:17
Silver Flask 23:20
The Silver Flask 23:20
The Night The Fog Came 24:33
The Black Figurine Of Death 24:53
Cask of Amontillado 24:00
Marquis of Death 23:37
Man In Black 23:55
Wild Huntsman 24:27
Twisting Weeds Of Death 23:59
Automaton 26:42
Treasure Of Kubla Kahn 27:22
Hangmsn's Rope 25:49
Golden Bracelet Of Amoniris 23:17
Hand Of Botar 23:57
Stone's Revenge 22:24
Jewels Of Kali 24:11
Castle Of Lavoca 25:52

Reviews

uie


(5 stars)

"Tales of the unusual, the terrifying, the unknown..." Though listed in the John Dunning's The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio, this "dark fantasy" series is certainly less well-known than many others, perhaps due to its being from the early 50's and on Mutual Monday nights. The great news IMHO is that it's quite well done, in terms of writing and acting, and certainly the creator/writer/actor Richard Thorne deserves real recognition for his Hall of Fantasy. 70 episodes is a goodly group of half-hour thrills and chills. Some are classic tales Thorne adapts. So much the better. Quiet Please might be a good comparison, or Mysterious Traveler (though Hall of Fantasy is without a 'host' - just an echoing announcer playing the tympani and gong). Adventure and terrrors lurk in each half-hour episode. Sound effects are capable, and judicious organ stings often extends the fear. Recordings are generally clear and very listenable. Commericials are usually cut. For those who have enjoyed OTR's classics, this is a welcome lesser-known show to extend your imaginative skills and appreciation of weird tales on 50's radio before TV small-screened it to the doll-size, especially for kids who couldn't easily get to the Drive-In. Try the Sea Phantom for a sample spooky adventure. It's one of many I have enjoyed.

My Favorites


(5 stars)

If I had to choose favorites from this series it would be the following in this order: The Night the Fog Came Shadow People Hangman's Rope

This is My Personal Favorite Spooky Radio Drama


(5 stars)

Love this series. When I'm in the mood for spooky, this is my go to show.

Under-rated


(4 stars)

A great, underrated "dark fantasy" spooky show. So glad these exist for our enjoyment.

Thanks!


(3 stars)

I have great memories from this.