Creeps By Night was an American old-time radio horror program that aired from February 15, 1944 to August 15, 1944. The series presented stories of suspense and mystery, described in a newspaper brief as “subtle, psychological chillers”. The show was broadcast on the Blue Network and featured the iconic horror star Boris Karloff as the host and narrator for the first twelve episodes. When production of the show moved from the West Coast to New York City, Karloff was replaced by a new host known only as “Dr. X”, an anonymous voice with an air of mystery.
The format of Creeps By Night was unique, using an anthology style to present a different story each week. The episodes dealt with themes of the supernatural, the macabre, and the darker recesses of the human psyche. While some stories featured classic horror tropes like werewolves, the show often put a psychological twist on the material, exploring the power of fear and the mysteries of the mind.
The Stars
Boris Karloff was the main draw of Creeps By Night, lending his deep, resonant voice and his reputation as a master of horror to the proceedings. Karloff’s role was not just as host, but as a narrator who would set the tone for each episode, hinting at the dark and unsettling events to come.
Other notable actors who appeared in the series included Peter Lorre, Bela Lugosi, Raymond Massey, and Basil Rathbone, adding to the show’s aura of gothic grandeur.
When Karloff departed the series, the anonymous “Dr. X” took over hosting duties. This mysterious figure, whose identity was kept secret from both the audience and the rest of the cast, provided a new layer of intrigue to the program.
The change in hosts was seen by some as an “obvious attempt to build up audience interest in a narrator who has little or no public appeal when appearing under his own name.”
Key Dates
- Creeps By Night debuted on February 15, 1944 and ran for 26 episodes.
- The final broadcast airing on August 15, 1944.
- The series was initially produced on the West Coast, with Karloff as the host, but production later shifted to New York City, leading to Karloff’s replacement by the enigmatic “Dr. X”.
Other Information
The series was sponsored by the Blue Network, one of the major radio networks of the era.
Despite its relatively short run, Creeps By Night has gained a cult following among old-time radio enthusiasts. The show’s unique blend of horror, mystery, and psychological suspense, combined with the star power of Karloff and other horror icons, has made it a beloved classic of the genre.
While only a handful of episodes are known to have survived, those that have been preserved continue to captivate listeners with their atmospheric and unsettling tales.
