Witch's Tale, The

The Witch’s Tale was a groundbreaking horror-fantasy radio series that captivated listeners from May 21, 1931, to June 13, 1938. Airing on WOR and the Mutual Radio Network, as well as in syndication, this chilling anthology show pioneered the horror genre on radio, paving the way for future spine-tingling broadcasts.

Created, written, and directed by Alonzo Deen Cole, The Witch’s Tale invited audiences to gather around their radios each week for a dose of supernatural suspense. The show’s premise centered around Old Nancy, the Witch of Salem, who served as the enigmatic host, introducing a different terrifying tale in each episode. With her cackling voice and eerie presence, Old Nancy set the stage for the macabre stories that would unfold, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats.

The series featured a mix of original stories penned by Cole and adaptations of classic horror literature. From ghostly apparitions to cursed objects, from vengeful spirits to otherworldly creatures, The Witch’s Tale explored a wide range of supernatural themes that tapped into primal fears and fascinations. The show’s atmospheric sound effects, dramatic performances, and clever writing combined to create a truly immersive audio experience that allowed listeners’ imaginations to run wild with fear and excitement.

The Stars

At the heart of The Witch’s Tale was the character of Old Nancy, the Witch of Salem, whose distinctive voice and personality became synonymous with the show. The role was originally brought to life by stage actress Adelaide Fitz-Allen, who portrayed Old Nancy from the series’ inception until her death in 1935 at the age of 79. Fitz-Allen’s portrayal established the character as a beloved and integral part of the show’s identity.

Following Fitz-Allen’s passing, the mantle of Old Nancy was taken up by 13-year-old Miriam Wolfe. This surprising casting choice brought a fresh energy to the character while maintaining the eerie atmosphere that listeners had come to expect.

On occasion, actress Martha Wentworth also lent her talents to the role of Old Nancy, ensuring that the witch’s presence remained a constant throughout the show’s run.

Alonzo Deen Cole, the creative force behind the series, contributed more than just his writing and directing skills. He also provided the sounds of Old Nancy’s feline companion, Satan, adding another layer of spooky ambiance to the show.

The cast of The Witch’s Tale was rounded out by Cole’s wife, Marie O’Flynn, who portrayed the lead female characters in many episodes. Supporting players Mark Smith and Alan Devitte brought additional depth and variety to the weekly tales of terror.

Key Dates

• May 21, 1931: The Witch’s Tale makes its radio debut, introducing listeners to the world of Old Nancy and her chilling stories.
• 1935: Adelaide Fitz-Allen, the original voice of Old Nancy, passes away at age 79. Miriam Wolfe takes over the role, bringing a youthful energy to the ancient witch.
• June 13, 1938: The final episode of The Witch’s Tale airs, marking the end of its original run on radio.
• November 1936: Alonzo Deen Cole expands the Witch’s Tale brand by editing a magazine of the same name, featuring his own lead story. However, the publication was short-lived, running for only two issues.

Other Information

Literary Adaptations: While the majority of The Witch’s Tale episodes featured original stories, the show also presented adaptations of classic horror literature. Some notable examples include:

• 1931: “The Bronze Venus,” adapted from “La Vénus d’Ille” by Prosper Mérimée.
• 1932: “In the Devil’s Name,” based on the confessions of alleged real-life witch Isobel Gowdie.
• 1934: “The Wonderful Bottle,” adapted from “The Bottle Imp” by Robert Louis Stevenson.
• 1934: “The Flying Dutchman,” inspired by the legendary ghost ship.
• 1935: An adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.”

These adaptations showcased the show’s ability to bring classic tales of terror to life for a new audience while maintaining its own unique style and atmosphere.

Syndication and Recordings: The Witch’s Tale was not only broadcast live but also recorded during transmission for syndication to other stations. This practice allowed the show to reach a wider audience and ensured that its chilling tales could be enjoyed beyond their initial airing.

Preservation Challenges: Unfortunately, in 1961, Alonzo Deen Cole made the decision to destroy many of the recordings of The Witch’s Tale. As a result, only a limited number of episodes have survived to the present day, making the series a rare and valuable piece of radio history.

Television Aspirations: In 1958, two decades after the show’s radio run had ended, there was an attempt to bring The Witch’s Tale to television. Television Programs of America made plans to film a pilot episode, with Cole serving as a consultant and story supervisor. However, despite these efforts, the television adaptation never materialized, leaving The Witch’s Tale primarily in the realm of radio and imagination.

Influence on Popular Culture: The impact of The Witch’s Tale extended beyond its original medium. EC Comics publisher Bill Gaines drew inspiration from Old Nancy when creating the character of the Old Witch, who served as the host of EC’s horror comic book series The Haunt of Fear. This connection demonstrates how the eerie atmosphere and storytelling style of The Witch’s Tale influenced other forms of horror entertainment in the years following its broadcast run.

Alonzo Deen Cole’s Other Work: While The Witch’s Tale was undoubtedly his most famous creation, Alonzo Deen Cole’s talents extended to other radio productions as well. He was also the writer, producer, and director of the popular radio mystery-crime drama Casey, Crime Photographer, showcasing his versatility in crafting engaging audio narratives across different genres.

The Witch’s Tale remains a significant milestone in the history of radio horror, setting the stage for future programs in the genre and leaving an indelible mark on the golden age of radio.

Its blend of original stories, literary adaptations, and atmospheric presentation continues to intrigue old-time radio enthusiasts and horror aficionados alike, serving as a testament to the enduring power of audio storytelling to spark the imagination and send shivers down the spine.