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Key, The

1956 · 31 episodes · 14 listens

The Key was an old-time radio mystery series that aired from 1956. Created by acclaimed mystery writer James Workman, the show featured a wide range of spooky stories and murder mysteries. It was an Australian syndication with commercials added locally.

Each episode revolved around a new set of characters and a new mystery, with the common thread being the idea that “every door has a key” and that behind every unopened door lies a new mystery waiting to be uncovered.

The show featured excellent acting and a unique cast of characters in each episode, delivering thrilling tales of murder, robbery, and the macabre. The Key ran for multiple seasons, captivating audiences with its suspenseful narratives and chilling twists.

The Stars

While The Key did not have any regular starring cast members, the show featured a talented ensemble of actors who brought the various mysteries to life. Each episode showcased a new set of characters, allowing the writers and directors to explore a wide range of stories and perspectives. The show’s ability to consistently deliver compelling performances and well-crafted plots was a key factor in its popularity with old-time radio listeners.

Key Dates

  • The Key debuted in 1956 and ran for multiple seasons, though the exact number is unclear from the available information. The series was syndicated, meaning it was distributed to various radio stations across the country, rather than being tied to a specific network. This allowed The Key to reach a wide audience and maintain its popularity over an extended period.
  • While the show’s exact run dates are not definitively known, it is clear that The Key was a long-running and successful old-time radio mystery series that captivated listeners throughout the 1950s and beyond.

Other Information

The Key was the creation of James Workman, a renowned mystery writer who had a passion for the macabre and the suspenseful. Workman’s expertise in crafting intricate plots and compelling characters was a major factor in the show’s success, as each episode offered a unique and engaging mystery for listeners to unravel.

The series was also notable for its use of sound effects and atmospheric music to heighten the sense of tension and mystery, further immersing the audience in the spooky tales being told.

While The Key may not have had the same level of fame as some of the more well-known old-time radio dramas, it nonetheless carved out a dedicated following among fans of the mystery and horror genres.

The show’s ability to consistently deliver thrilling stories and memorable characters made it a standout in the crowded world of old-time radio, and its enduring popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted mystery storytelling.

Cast & Crew

JJames WorkmanWriter

Ratings & reviews

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Episodes

26:39
With political feelings running high, Herzog and Elena fled their home country, and left behind a cipher which cannot…
25:32
Two amateur archaeologists have been searching for the untouched chamber of a pharaoh, filled with gold and precious…
24:29
There's a hold-up at the bank, and the police have reason to believe that there were two people who saw the face of the…
24:51
Jed is fed up of his Ma who wants to be involved with every part of his life. He is determined that he and Sally are…
29:31
Ham has been a forest ranger for so long, that he can't help himself when he sees a situation which just doesn't add…
24:23
Luke wanted to join the gang, but a part of the gang initiation is to play chicken. "If you want to play chicken Luke,…
25:40
When Janey's father is run down with the flu the girl's mother can't go to see her grandma with her so she sends her…
Jan 1, 1956 · 25:28
When sergeant receives a "Dear John" letter from his girlfriend he seems to be on a suicide mission having no regard…
Jan 1, 1956 · 26:06
She wants a divorce from her husband whom she feels spends too much time on his work than on his relationship with her,…
Jan 1, 1956 · 24:20
When Hayden borrowed some money from his friend, Christy, he assured him that he didn't mind waiting a while for him to…
Jan 1, 1956 · 24:33
Escapologist Danny Cash is not a favorite person of McGill's Lock Company and they decide they are going to uncover the…
Jan 1, 1956 · 25:18
When Hayden borrowed some money from his friend, Christy, he assured him that he didn't mind waiting a while for him to…
Jan 1, 1956 · 24:50
Two old ladies, Freida and Elizabeth live together in a big old house. Ever since the cat died a few days ago Jeremy…
Jan 1, 1956 · 26:14
Window cleaning isn't glamorous, but you do see the whole world, looking in from out. In fact, you see all sorts! With…
Jan 1, 1956 · 24:45
Paul Vernon is a writer, suffering with writer's block, and it all started when he began to wonder what happens when…
Jan 1, 1956 · 24:30
It's time for the expected launch of a space shuttle, 'Rocket Project 101 Base to Moon', a return trip for Commander…
Jan 1, 1956 · 25:13
The tale today opens with Randy wanting to hear another story from his Grandpop about a salmon that he once caught.…
Jan 1, 1956 · 25:40
A part of the McKinley expedition, Jean and her husband John, a professor, have arrived at a cabin in the Amazon…
Jan 1, 1956 · 24:33
Mary has lived in the same house for twenty years. It's a house she helped to build and although it's for sale and…
Jan 1, 1956 · 24:43
Lance Spuraway is due to appear before the Senate committee on union rackets, and there's a bunch of crooks who want to…
Jan 1, 1956 · 24:53
When ninety-three year-old Teddy Davenport's daughter comes to visit at 3pm, she's not really interested in seeing him,…
Jan 1, 1956 · 24:49
During the financial year, one hundred and fifty thousand dollars has gone missing from the company accounts. It is…
Jan 1, 1956 · 25:22
Nordell is double crossed by his gang mate Keeling who frames him by getting him to take the rap him for a lesser job…
Jan 1, 1956 · 24:23
Martha Wills is a showgirl who's loving life, and a new opportunity that's come her way. Everything is going just…
Jan 1, 1956 · 24:37
"Those who live by the sword, die by the sword..." A sword swallower is disgruntled that people don't take his act…
Jan 1, 1956 · 26:08
Seppi is a little boy who has spent his life being abused by his mother and stepfather, but then a little dog befriends…
Jan 1, 1956 · 24:15
Ella is worried about her husband, Roy, who has been acting strangely for the past week or so. She is convinced that he…
Jan 1, 1956 · 25:34
Professor Marsh had an idea some years ago, when he first started treating nervous disorders, about severing a…
Jan 1, 1956 · 24:43
Three guys have been working together for six months, but they don't really know much about one another. They've been…
Jan 1, 1956 · 25:19
Dr Elvis Winterton, a consultant broker, hasn't changed so much in twenty years. But Con Stanhope has. He's spent the…
Jan 1, 1956 · 25:48
Linda's face is a mess, because she has been beaten by her brother, Stan, yet again. Linda confides in her neighbor,…
Ned, your old-time-radio guide
Ned · your guide to the archive

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