The Spider's Web (serial)

The Spider's Web was a popular American radio adventure serial that aired from 1938 to 1943. It featured Richard Wentworth, a wealthy criminologist who secretly fought crime as The Spider, a masked vigilante.

The Spider's origin stemmed from pulp magazines of the same name, initially published by Popular Publications. The radio adaptation significantly toned down the violent and graphic content of the pulp stories to suit the sensibilities of a radio audience.

The radio serial followed a typical adventure format. Wentworth would identify a criminal threat, adopt his Spider persona, and confront the villains, often employing disguises and detective work in addition to his combat skills. His dual identity was closely guarded, known only to a few trusted allies, including his girlfriend, Nita Van Sloan, and his loyal manservant, Jackson.

The Spider was known for his distinctive calling card: a small, silver spider left at the scene of his operations. The plots typically involved intricate schemes, dangerous criminals, and breathless escapes. The serial was known for its cliffhanger endings, designed to keep listeners engaged from week to week.

Multiple actors portrayed Richard Wentworth/The Spider during its run, including Walter Brough, James Monks, and Robert Emerson. The series was a success, spawning a film serial and further solidifying The Spider's place in pulp and radio adventure history.