The Dead Line (radio drama)

The Dead Line is a 1946 suspense radio drama written by Lucille Fletcher, best known for Sorry, Wrong Number. It premiered on the CBS radio program Suspense on May 23, 1946.

The story centers on a man, George Harvey, who receives a phone call from his deceased wife, Joan. She claims to be trapped in a mysterious place, desperately trying to reach him. As George attempts to unravel the mystery and help Joan, he faces disbelief from the police and increasing dread as he pieces together clues about the nature of Joan's predicament and the circumstances surrounding her death. The radio drama explores themes of guilt, loss, the afterlife, and the power of love and memory.

The Dead Line is noted for its atmospheric sound design, which contributes significantly to the overall sense of unease and suspense. The use of sound effects, such as telephone rings, distant echoes, and eerie music, creates a palpable sense of mystery and dread. The drama also features strong performances from its cast, effectively conveying the emotional turmoil and desperation of the characters.

The program was directed by Anton M. Leader and starred Richard Widmark as George Harvey and Joan Banks as Joan. The Dead Line is considered one of the classic episodes of Suspense and has been rebroadcast and adapted multiple times since its original airing. It remains a popular example of classic radio drama and is frequently included in collections of the best of the Suspense series.