Originally broadcast on Suspense in 1950, After the Movies was written by Jack Finney, best known for The Body Snatchers and other tales that explore the uneasy line between the ordinary and the uncanny. This episode stands apart from his science-fiction work, offering a sharply drawn psychological drama about honesty, temptation, and the terrible price of moral compromise.
The story unfolds like a miniature noir film: an average man, a loving wife, and a moment of weakness that unravels everything they’ve built together. Typical of the Suspense series, the script blends crisp domestic realism with escalating dread — proof that the most haunting stories often begin in the most familiar places.
The original radio version starred Van Heflin as Al Benning, whose quiet desperation makes this one of Suspense’s most human tragedies. Instead of playing Al as a melodramatic noir anti-hero (which would’ve been typical for Suspense), Heflin played him like an ordinary man whose internal guilt and fear sit just beneath the surface. That choice transformed the episode from a whodunnit or thriller into something far more human.
This Repertoire Radio Theatre production features the vocal talents of Vic Caroli as Dan, the chief of police, Janie Ballurio as Ann, Jim Corsica as Mickey, Mitch Frank as Gino, Janina Birtolo as Mrs Gillespie, the neighbor, and Michael Troop as Al and the clerk . This audio file was recorded, mixed and mastered by Michael Troop.
All music and sound effects were obtained through a special license from pond5.com and may not be copied or reproduced for any reason.
This performance is presented as a historical recreation of a classic radio broadcast. All rights to the original script and characters remain with their respective copyright holders. This production is non-commercial and for educational and entertainment purposes only.
