Confession

Confession was an American old-time radio crime drama anthology series that aired on NBC from July 5, 1953, to September 13, 1953. The show was created from the transcribed confessions of actual crimes, with the names of the criminals changed, but the cases taken from documented records and case histories.

The format of the show was unique for the time, as it allowed the criminals themselves to tell their stories in their own words. Each episode began with the announcer asking the criminal to confess, and the criminal would then recount the details of their crime. The show also featured dramatic recreations of the events, as well as commentary from a panel that included a psychologist, a member of the clergy, and either a lawyer or a criminologist.

The Stars

The only regular character on Confession was Richard A. McGee, the director of the California State Department of Corrections, who was portrayed by actor Paul Frees.

Other actors who appeared frequently in supporting roles included Parley Baer, Herb Butterfield, Stacy Harris, Barney Phillips, and Joyce McCluskey.

Key Dates

• Confession debuted on NBC on July 5, 1953.
• It ran for a single season, ending on September 13, 1953.
• The show was a summer replacement for another NBC program, and it faced stiff competition from both CBS and ABC during its run.

Other Information

Confession was compared to the popular crime drama series Dragnet, as both shows featured stories taken from real-life cases. However, Confession was unique in that it allowed the criminals themselves to tell their stories, rather than having the stories told from the perspective of the law enforcement officers.

The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of crime and its willingness to explore the complex psychological and social factors that can lead to criminal behavior. However, it also faced some criticism for its sensationalistic approach and its potential to glamorize criminal activity.

Despite its relatively short run, Confession was a significant and influential program in the history of old-time radio crime dramas.

Its innovative format and its focus on the perspectives of the criminals themselves helped to pave the way for later shows that explored the complexities of the criminal justice system and the human stories behind the crimes.