goldie

Free old time radio — transcripts, sponsor breaks intact, open catalog for listeners and builders.

Listen

  • Shows
  • Calendar
  • Search
  • Halloween
  • Genres
  • Moods
  • Themes
  • People
  • Sponsors
  • Upcoming series

Builders

  • Developers
  • Goldie for AI (MCP)
  • api.goldie.fm
  • mcp.goldie.fm
  • llms.txt

Company

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Goldie Pro

Audio from Internet Archive · Logs from the Old Time Radio Researchers. Goldie does not own the recordings.

Privacy · Terms · Contact · Developers · Catalog API api.goldie.fm · MCP mcp.goldie.fm · AI / MCP docs

goldie
ShowsCalendarAIPro
  1. Home
  2. /Shows
  3. /The Black Museum
  4. /The Shopping Bag
← All The Black Museum episodes

This is Orson Welles speaking from London. The Black Museum, a museum of death. Yes, here in the grim stone structure on the Thames which houses Scotland Yard is a warehouse of homicide, where everyday objects, a cotton reel, a tobacco pouch, a boot lace, all are touched by murder. Here's a shopping bag, faded green canvas square in shape large enough to envelop a human head. There you are sir, would madame like to take it? No? Nothing inside now. These wisps of blonde hair…

Transcript

Loading transcript…

Synopsis

In The Shopping Bag, Orson Welles introduces listeners to the sinister world of the Black Museum, a repository of objects tied to murder and crime. The focus of this episode is a faded green canvas shopping bag, which becomes a chilling artifact linked to the crimes of Stanley Haynes. The bag is not just an ordinary item; it is a harbinger of death, having been used to suffocate its owner, Vera Dawson, victim number five. Welles sets the tone with a haunting description of the museum, where the echoes of past crimes linger in the air.

Featured in playlists›

Goldie Originals that include this night

Detective Desk

Private eyes, hardboiled and soft.

24 episodes

You might also like

Shared stars, moods, and themes across the catalog

Suspense

Sorry, Wrong Number

An invalid woman overhears a chilling conversation about a planned murder while struggling with a malfunctioning telephone. As she fights to alert the authorities, the stakes rise with each passing moment.

Ep 43 · Tuesday, May 25, 1943 · 29:38

Secrets of Scotland Yard

Story of Walter Miller

Walter Miller, a brunner and plasterer, becomes embroiled in a deadly scheme driven by his disdain for honest work and a desire for wealth. His audacious crimes lead to a chilling confrontation with the law.

Ep 53 · Friday, February 22, 1957 · 26:59

The Lone Ranger

Cold Spring Showdown (Last Original 'Live' Broadcast)

The Lone Ranger and Tonto prepare to defend Cold Spring against a band of outlaws led by Red Eagle, who are intent on stealing a chest of gold. Tensions rise as the outlaws launch their attack on the stagecoach station.

Ep 3377 · Friday, September 3, 1954 · 23:25

Dragnet

The Big Check

Friday and Romero investigate Harry Johanson, a check forger who has been deceiving small business owners with bad checks. As they delve deeper, they uncover the tragic outcome of Johanson's life of crime.

Ep 64 · Thursday, August 31, 1950 · 29:19

Broadway Is My Beat

The Ted Lawrence Murder Case

Detective Danny Clover investigates the murder of wealthy Theodore Lawrence, who has been shot in his home. As he delves deeper, he uncovers connections to Lawrence's girlfriend, Grace Austin, who is also found dead.

Ep 174 · Saturday, July 18, 1953 · 29:48

21st Precinct

The Neighbor

A woman reports a burglar in her apartment, prompting the 21st Precinct officers to respond quickly. They discover a complex situation involving a polite but deceptive suspect.

Ep 139 · Thursday, May 31, 1956 · 26:37

Ominous›

Same mood, other nights on the dial

Suspense

The House in Cypress Canyon

A real estate agent uncovers a chilling manuscript in an unfinished house that hints at a supernatural presence. As he shares his findings with a detective friend, the stakes rise with the eerie implications of the story.

Ep 222 · Thursday, December 5, 1946 · 30:36

Escape

Ring of Thoth

In Ring of Thoth, an Egyptologist becomes trapped in the Louvre overnight and witnesses a man obsessed with a mummy and a mysterious ring. As the night unfolds, the stakes rise with the revelation of the ring's dark powers.

Ep 6 · Monday, August 11, 1947 · 29:31

Ports of Call

Haiti

The episode explores the rich history and culture of Haiti, highlighting its beauty and the struggles of its people. It delves into the legacy of Toussaint Louverture and the complex social dynamics of the island.

Ep 8656 · Tuesday, November 16, 2100 · 29:33

Chet Chetter's Tales from the Morgue

1-800-Big Bang Pt 1

Chet Chetter introduces a tale set in Biloxi, where a local hero, Elmer Corn, gains fame for saving the town from escaped alligators. As excitement builds, a mysterious object crashes nearby, leading to unexpected dangers.

Ep 3477 · Wednesday, July 12, 1995 · 30:05

The Devil and Mr O

Hollywood Visitor

In Hollywood Visitor, Mr. Old presents a tale of supernatural retribution involving a wealthy lord and two fishermen who attempt to warn him of impending danger. The stakes rise as they confront a monstrous creature lurking beneath the surface.

Ep 23 · Friday, February 18, 1972 · 28:41

Gunsmoke

Pokey Pete

A young boy believes that Pokey Pete has buried treasure, but the old man never speaks. As the townsfolk tease him, dark secrets about Pete's past begin to surface.

Ep 384 · Sunday, August 16, 1959 · 27:49

Murder›

More stories in this vein

Suspense

Sorry, Wrong Number

An invalid woman overhears a chilling conversation about a planned murder while struggling with a malfunctioning telephone. As she fights to alert the authorities, the stakes rise with each passing moment.

Ep 43 · Tuesday, May 25, 1943 · 29:38

The Lone Ranger

Cold Spring Showdown (Last Original 'Live' Broadcast)

The Lone Ranger and Tonto prepare to defend Cold Spring against a band of outlaws led by Red Eagle, who are intent on stealing a chest of gold. Tensions rise as the outlaws launch their attack on the stagecoach station.

Ep 3377 · Friday, September 3, 1954 · 23:25

Dangerously Yours

The Highwayman

In The Highwayman, a daring outlaw confronts a wealthy coachman while seeking romance with the landlord's daughter, Bess. The stakes rise as love and danger intertwine under the moonlit sky.

Ep 1 · Sunday, July 2, 1944 · 29:39

X Minus One

At the Post

A race track tout struggles to save his wife, who has fallen into a catatonic state, believing she is being controlled by aliens. He uses his knowledge of horse racing to uncover the truth behind her condition and the impending doom of mankind.

Ep 94 · Wednesday, March 27, 1957 · 22:03

The Adventures of Superman

Superman Vs. Kryptonite - Pt 09

Batman and Robin race against time to find Superman, who is in danger after being captured by the corrupt George Latimer, who possesses kryptonite. The stakes are high as they attempt to outsmart Latimer and rescue their friend.

Ep 1557 · Monday, May 26, 1947 · 14:23

← PreviousThe Sheath KnifeNext →A Shilling

Credits

  • Audio from Internet Archive (OTRR_Black_Museum_Singles). Curated by OTRR. Goldie does not claim ownership of this broadcast.
  • Historical context from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).

BlackMuseum-39-TheShoppingBag.mp3

The Black Museum, Episode 39

The Shopping Bag

Tuesday, September 23, 1952 · 27:13

The Black Museum, Episode 39

The Shopping Bag

Tuesday, September 23, 1952 · 27:13

Summary

In The Shopping Bag, Orson Welles explores a chilling murder case involving Stanley Haynes, who uses a seemingly innocuous shopping bag to suffocate his victims. The episode delves into the dark history of the bag and the events leading to Haynes's capture.

  • Ominous
  • Murder
  • Psychological
  • Crime
  • Noir
  • Mystery
  • Thriller

Chapters

Twist Ending Club

Don’t peek. The last minute is the point.

24 episodes

Psychological Thrillers

The danger is inside the room.

24 episodes

Essential Thrillers

Pulse-up nights across the golden age.

24 episodes

Must-Hear Mysteries

Whodunits that still hold the room.

24 episodes

Friday Night Thrills

Weekend starts with a twist.

24 episodes

Police Call

Badges, blotters, and by-the-book drama.

24 episodes

Crime Wave

Cops, crooks, and the gray between.

24 episodes

The Black Museum

The Faded Tartan Scarf

In The Faded Tartan Scarf, Orson Welles narrates the story of Walter Hoffman Piewski, a criminal known as the Pike, whose life of crime leads to murder and ultimately his execution. A seemingly innocuous tartan scarf becomes a key piece of evidence in his downfall.

Ep 13 · Tuesday, March 25, 1952 · 30:10

The Black Museum

The Telegram

In The Telegram, a woman receives a mysterious telegram that leads her to a deadly encounter. As detectives unravel the case, they discover the chilling connection between the telegram and a brutal murder.

Ep 46 · Tuesday, November 25, 1952 · 25:35

X Minus One

Volpla

A scientist creates a new species called voulplas, intending to play a grand practical joke on humanity. As the voulplas develop and learn, the joke takes an unexpected turn with unforeseen consequences.

Ep 109 · Thursday, August 29, 1957 · 20:38

Secrets of Scotland Yard

Story of Walter Miller

Walter Miller, a brunner and plasterer, becomes embroiled in a deadly scheme driven by his disdain for honest work and a desire for wealth. His audacious crimes lead to a chilling confrontation with the law.

Ep 53 · Friday, February 22, 1957 · 26:59

Dragnet

Red Light Bandit

A ruthless robber impersonates a police officer, preying on unsuspecting citizens at red traffic lights. Detectives Friday and Romero must track him down before he strikes again.

Ep 6 · Thursday, July 14, 1949 · 29:37

The Devil and Mr O

Rocket from Manhattan

In Rocket from Manhattan, a group of astronauts returns from the moon, but their journey takes a dark turn as they face a dire situation in space. Tensions rise as they confront the consequences of their mission and the implications of their discoveries.

Ep 22 · Friday, February 11, 1972 · 28:36

Gunsmoke

Old Faces

Tom Cook confronts Ed Ivers after Ivers insults his wife, Tilda, leading to escalating tensions in Dodge City. The stakes rise as Tom's honor and safety are put on the line in a potential gunfight.

Ep 457 · Sunday, January 8, 1961 · 24:34

That night in history

Headlines

  • 1952 — After being accused of financial improprieties, Senator Richard Nixon delivers his "Checkers speech" nationwide on television and radio, defending his actions and successfully salvaging his nomination as the Republican candidate for Vice President.

On the air that night›

  1. Cavalcade of AmericaA Woman's WayEpisode 755
  2. The Black MuseumThe Shopping BagCurrently listeningEpisode 39