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

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← All Suspense episodes

And now, another tale well calculated to keep you in... Suspense. Zero Hour, written for suspense by Ray Bradbury. Only with love, discipline, and luck can the helpless parents hope to lead the bewildered child toward the grown-up world, where things are not always what they seem. But what if the parents were to be denied that opportunity? What if the innocent little children were to take over the world at five o'clock some quiet summer afternoon? Well, here's the answer as…

Transcript

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Synopsis

'Zero Hour' presents a gripping narrative that delves into the world of childhood imagination and the unsettling realities that can lurk beneath it. The story begins with Mink, a lively little girl, who is excitedly playing a new game called 'Invasion' with her friends. Her mother, initially dismissive of the game, soon becomes alarmed as Mink reveals that Drill, her mysterious friend, is not just another child but a Martian who has grand plans for the world.

Sponsors & network›

F

Fitch Shampoo

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Four-Way Cold Tablets

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Kellogg's cereal

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Nights on the air

This story returned to the dial 3 more times · Zero Hour

  • Apr51955

    Suspense

    Zero Hour

    Apr 5 · Ep 592

  • May181958

    Suspense

    Zero Hour

    May 18 · Ep 751

  • Jan31960

    Suspense

    Zero Hour

    Jan 3 · Ep 834

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Zero Hour

In Zero Hour, a seemingly innocent children's game called Invasion takes a dark turn as Mrs. Morris becomes increasingly concerned about her daughter Mink's obsession with it. As the game escalates, the stakes rise for the family, leading to a terrifying confrontation.

Ep 203 · Sunday, October 4, 1953 · 22:47

The Lone Ranger

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

Molle' Mystery Theater

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Nick Arnold, a small and ugly man, believes he can eliminate his enemies through the power of his words. Set in a circus, he plots to take control of the show and win the affection of the beautiful trapeze artist, Annette.

Ep 178 · Friday, June 27, 1947 · 29:38

Danger, Dr. Danfield

Sam Hardy Makes a Bet With Death

Dr. Danfield investigates the murder of Sam Hardy, who dies under suspicious circumstances after a drunken bet with his friend. As the truth unfolds, dark secrets about the relationships between the characters come to light.

Ep 18 · Sunday, December 15, 1946 · 26:04

Casey, Crime Photographer

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Ep 137 · Monday, June 3, 1946 · 24:49

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Ep 59 · Thursday, September 23, 1943 · 29:57

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Ep 403 · Thursday, November 16, 1950 · 29:57

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An actor becomes obsessed with a figure he believes is a dead body in an apartment window across the street. As he investigates, the stakes rise as he grapples with his own sanity and the truth behind what he sees.

Ep 224 · Thursday, December 19, 1946 · 30:06

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

Suspense

The Pit and the Pendulum

In 'The Pit and the Pendulum,' a French officer faces the terrifying tortures of the Spanish Inquisition. As he grapples with his fate, the stakes rise as the walls of his prison close in around him.

Ep 24 · Tuesday, January 12, 1943 · 29:01

Suspense

The Beast Must Die

A grieving father meticulously plans to kill the hit-and-run driver who killed his son, documenting his thoughts in a diary. As he prepares for vengeance, the stakes rise with the law closing in on him.

Ep 100 · Thursday, July 13, 1944 · 30:08

Ominous›

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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

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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

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

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

Psychological›

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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

Dangerously Yours

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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

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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 New Adventures of Nero Wolfe

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Ep 1 · Friday, October 20, 1950 · 29:48

The Adventures of Superman

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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

← PreviousMoonlight SailNext →The Long Night

Credits

  • Audio from Internet Archive (OTRR_Suspense_Singles). Curated by OTRR. Goldie does not claim ownership of this broadcast.
  • Cast and sponsor data from RadioGold Index (J. David Goldin / UMKC Libraries).
  • Historical context from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).

Suspense 600103 834 Zero Hour (64-44) 11943 24m47s.mp3

Suspense, Episode 834

Zero Hour

Sunday, January 3, 1960 · 24:47

Suspense, Episode 834

Zero Hour

Sunday, January 3, 1960 · 24:47

Summary

In 'Zero Hour', children engage in a seemingly innocent game called 'Invasion', but the stakes rise as their playful imagination hints at a darker reality.

  • Ominous
  • Psychological
  • Supernatural
  • Crime
  • Mystery
  • Thriller
  • Drama

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In Paris Macabre, two American undergraduates in Paris seek adventure at a mysterious party, only to find themselves in a nightmarish situation. As the evening unfolds, they confront the eerie and supernatural elements lurking in the shadows.

Ep 21 · Friday, February 4, 1972 · 28:49

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A family visits a peculiar doll shop where the dolls seem lifelike and intelligent, leading to an unexpected encounter with their mysterious proprietor, Santo Parigi.

Ep 7 · Sunday, June 5, 1955 · 28:17

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That night in history

Headlines

  • 1960 — Cameroon achieves independence from France and the United Kingdom.
  • 1960 — National Airlines Flight 2511 is destroyed in mid-air by a bomb, while en route from New York City to Miami.
  • 1960 — The Associations Law comes into force in Iraq, allowing registration of political parties.

On the air that night›

  1. GunsmokeTrojan WarEpisode 404
  2. Have Gun — Will TravelReturn EngagementEpisode 59
  3. SuspenseZero HourCurrently listeningEpisode 834
  4. Yours Truly, Johnny DollarThe Hapless Ham MatterEpisode 670