Suspense - The Search for Henri LeFevre (#98)
Channel: Old Time Radio Researchers
Date: 2023-04-14

Suspense - 07/06/44, episode 98
Brought to you by the Old Time Radio Researchers, courtesy of The Suspense Project

This is a Lucille Fletcher story that’s a little different than others. It deals with recovering from a mental illness rather than a spooky or threatening situation. It also involves music, one of her favorite subjects. Paul Muni plays Adolphus Flynn, a composer who completes his biggest work, turns on the radio, and hears it playing. He is so upset about the stealing of his composition that he is compelled to find the announced author of the work, Henri LeFevre.

He has lost some of his memory and the synchronization of memories with their time and the present. The story is not spoiled by knowing this: listening to how Fletcher reveals the facts behind his predicament is the real entertainment here.

The east and west network recordings have survived. The Armed Forces Radio Service recording is drawn from the east recording. The network recordings are better for listening.

East Joe Kearns is the “Man in Black”; the closing music bridge under dialogue at about 27:24 “If I could only get it out of mind I might be able to be able to work again... [the music rises] I might be happy as I once was happy. I might look out of my window…” This matches AFRS at about 23:30

West John McIntire is the “Man in Black” as Kearns is likely on vacation; the closing dialogue is at about 27:08 “If I could only get it out of mind I might be able to be able to work again. I might be happy as I once was happy. I might look out of my window,” and then the music rises.

Paul Muni started in the Yiddish Theater in Chicago. He was beloved by those audiences in his fledgling career. He was a master of makeup at a very young age and was playing elderly roles in a convincing manner. He made his Broadway debut in 1926 and later moved to Hollywood. The film role that brought him the greatest recognition was his starring role in The Story of Louis Pasteur in 1935, for which he won a 1936 Oscar. He was nominated for four others in his career. Muni was noted for immersing himself in research about the characters and the context of their times. He wanted to know everything he could about a part before he went on screen or even the microphone. 

The cast: PAUL MUNI (Adolphus), Lurene Tuttle (Lucille Le Fevre), Hans Conried (Dr. Pickard / Radio voice), Lucille Meredith? (Suzette), Joe Kearns (Man in Black [East]), John McIntire (Man in Black [West])

For more information, visit https://suspenseproject.blogspot.com/2023/04/1944-07-06-search-for-henri-lefevre.html