Escape

Escape was radio’s leading anthology series of high-adventure radio dramas, airing on CBS from July 7, 1947 to September 25, 1954. The series did not have a regular sponsor like its sister program Suspense, and was subjected to frequent schedule shifts and lower production budgets. Despite these challenges, Escape enthralled many listeners during its seven-year run.

The series’ well-remembered opening combined Modest Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain with a dramatic introduction, as intoned by William Conrad and later Paul Frees: “Tired of the everyday grind? Ever dream of a life of romantic adventure? Want to get away from it all? We offer you… Escape!" Following the opening theme, a second announcer (usually Roy Rowan) would add: "Escape! Designed to free you from the four walls of today for a half-hour of high adventure!”

The Stars

While Escape did not have a regular cast of stars, it featured many talented actors over the course of its run. These included William Conrad, Paul Frees, Harry Bartell, Elliott Reid, Elvia Allman, Eleanor Audley, Parley Baer, Michael Ann Barrett, Tony Barrett, and Will Wright, among others. The introductory signature voice was often provided by either Paul Frees or William Conrad.

Key Dates

• Escape debuted on July 7, 1947 and ran until its final episode on September 25, 1954, spanning a total of 228 episodes over its seven-year run.
• The series experienced some schedule shifts and changes in sponsorship during this period, with Richfield Oil signing on as a sponsor for five months in 1950.

Other Information

In addition to its radio run, Escape also had a brief television counterpart that aired on CBS TV for a few months during 1950. The program’s opening announcement - “Tired of the everyday grind?” - was later employed as a slogan for the counterculture magazine New Escapologist.

Escape featured a wide range of story premises, both original and adapted from works by authors such as Daphne du Maurier, Carl Stephenson, Algernon Blackwood, Ray Bradbury, George R. Stewart, Richard Connell, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Some of the most memorable adaptations included “The Birds,” “Leiningen Versus the Ants,” “Confession,” “Mars Is Heaven,” and “The Most Dangerous Game.” The program also featured the chilling tale “Three Skeleton Key,” which was adapted from a short story by the French writer George Toudouze and broadcast multiple times with different casts.

Overall, Escape stands as a landmark in the golden age of American radio drama, captivating audiences with its thrilling tales of adventure, science fiction, and the supernatural. Despite the challenges it faced, the series left a lasting legacy as one of the most beloved and influential anthology programs of its era.