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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 X Minus One episodes

Countdown for blast off. X minus five, four, three, two, X minus one, fire. From the far horizons of the unknown come transcribed tales of new dimensions in time and space. These are stories of the future. Adventures in which you'll live in a million could be years on a thousand maybe worlds. The National Broadcasting Company in cooperation with Street and Smith, publishers of astounding science fiction, presents X minus one. Tonight's story, Child's Play by William Ten. My…

Transcript

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Synopsis

In Child's Play, we meet Sam Webber, a seemingly successful attorney who receives an unusual package—a 'Build-A-Man' kit from the year 2155. Initially skeptical, Sam discovers that this kit is designed for children and allows them to construct adult humans. This revelation sends him spiraling into a reflection on his own life, as he recalls his past as a timid, sickly boy and the stark contrast to his current self.

Host

Fred Collins

Cast›

Bob Hastings

G

Grant Richards

J

John Gibson

P

Peggy Lubin

Ted Osborne

W

William Zuckert

Featured in playlists›

Goldie Originals that include this night

Drive-Time Dial

Open road, closed case — half-hour windows.

24 episodes

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Shared stars, moods, and themes across the catalog

Dimension X

The Professor Was a Thief

A peculiar little man claims he can make buildings disappear, starting with Grant's Tomb, and seeks recognition for his genius. A newspaper editor, facing career setbacks, sees a chance for redemption through this bizarre phenomenon.

Ep 28 · Sunday, November 5, 1950 · 30:21

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

Cloak and Dagger

Delay on Route

An OSS agent in Italy must navigate a dangerous mission to help partisans while facing moral dilemmas about justice and loyalty. He finds himself caught between the partisans and a fascist scientist seeking escape with valuable military secrets.

Ep 22 · Friday, October 6, 1950 · 29:30

Let George Do It

The Witch of Mill Hollow

George Valentine investigates the mysterious death of a woman labeled a witch in the small town of Mill Hollow, where secrets and suspicions abound.

Ep 195 · Monday, June 5, 1950 · 29:13

Casey, Crime Photographer

Witchcraft

In Witchcraft, Casey investigates the murder of Amos Jenkins in Frogtown, a community steeped in superstition. As he delves into the case, he encounters a fortune teller and a web of local beliefs that complicate the investigation.

Ep 225 · Thursday, February 19, 1948 · 29:32

21st Precinct

The Partners

A man is found shot dead in a parked car, prompting an urgent homicide investigation at the 21st Precinct. Captain Cronin and his team scramble to uncover the circumstances surrounding the murder.

Ep 137 · Thursday, May 17, 1956 · 26:42

More from X Minus One

Same series — shared cast and standout nights

X Minus One

Martian Sam

The Los Angeles Dodgers face a dire situation when their owner dies, leaving them without a proper left-handed pitcher. They turn to an unconventional solution: a Martian named Sam who has a unique pitching ability but faces significant challenges.

Ep 95 · Wednesday, April 3, 1957 · 21:15

X Minus One

C-Chute

A group of passengers aboard the spaceship Starfire faces a dire situation when they are attacked by a Chloran battle cruiser during the Second Interstellar War. As the crew fights for survival, the passengers must confront their fears and the reality of their predicament.

Ep 37 · Wednesday, February 8, 1956 · 28:46

X Minus One

Appointment in Tomorrow

In a near-future America, George Helmut navigates the oppressive regime of 'The Thinkers' and their powerful computer, Maisie, as he contemplates a crucial project that could alter humanity's future in space. The stakes rise as he faces manipulation and betrayal from those in power.

Ep 74 · Wednesday, November 7, 1956 · 27:31

X Minus One

Student Body

On a distant planet, a team of colonists wakes up to find their clothing mysteriously vanished. As they investigate, they uncover a strange creature that could pose a significant threat to their survival.

Ep 62 · Tuesday, July 31, 1956 · 28:40

X Minus One

Tunnel Under the World

In Tunnel Under the World, Guy Burkhart wakes up screaming, haunted by a recurring nightmare of an explosion. As he navigates a strange day where familiar faces seem absent, he uncovers a chilling truth about his reality.

Ep 42 · Wednesday, March 14, 1956 · 27:59

X Minus One

Venus Is a Man's World

On a spaceship to Venus, a young boy named Ferdinand finds himself surrounded by women eager to find husbands, leading to a humorous battle of the sexes.

Ep 87 · Wednesday, February 6, 1957 · 22:21

Tense›

Same mood, other nights on the dial

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 New Adventures of Nero Wolfe

Stamped for Murder

Nero Wolfe faces a pressing dilemma when a young woman seeks his help to recover her inheritance, which her father has squandered on a dubious treasure map. As Wolfe reluctantly takes on the case, the stakes rise with the revelation of swindlers and hidden value.

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

Psychological›

More stories in this vein

An Evening With Groucho

London Stories - Churchill & 2nd World War

Groucho Marx shares humorous anecdotes about Winston Churchill during World War II, highlighting the lighter side of a serious historical figure.

Ep 16 · Saturday, May 6, 1972 · 2:05

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

The Six Shooter

Jenny

The Six Shooter encounters a young man injured in a gully and helps him reach safety, only to find himself in a tense situation with a mysterious woman at a nearby cabin.

Ep 1 · Sunday, September 20, 1953 · 28:24

← PreviousFirst ContactNext →Requiem

Credits

  • Audio from Internet Archive (OTRR_X_Minus_One_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).

XMinusOne55-10-20021ChildsPlay.mp3

X Minus One, Episode 21

Child's Play

Thursday, October 20, 1955 · 23:08

X Minus One, Episode 21

Child's Play

Thursday, October 20, 1955 · 23:08

Summary

Sam Webber, a successful attorney, receives a mysterious 'Build-A-Man' kit from the future, leading him to confront his past and the implications of playing God.

  • Tense
  • Psychological
  • Murder
  • Supernatural
  • Sci-fi
  • Mystery
  • Drama

Sponsor breaks

Network›

NBC

Network

Detective Desk

Private eyes, hardboiled and soft.

24 episodes

Ghost Story Hour

Spirits on the network.

24 episodes

Tense Nights

Edge-of-seat radio.

24 episodes

Twist Ending Club

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

24 episodes

Psychological Thrillers

The danger is inside the room.

24 episodes

Morning Coffee Mystery

Puzzles that pair with caffeine.

24 episodes

Hardboiled Classics

Noir voices and cigarette-smoke cases.

24 episodes

Broadway Is My Beat

The Lois Conrad Murder Case

Detective Danny Clover investigates the murder of Lois Conrad, a student at the Globe Secretarial School, found dead in the recreation room. As he delves into her life, he uncovers a web of relationships and secrets that lead to unexpected revelations.

Ep 108 · Saturday, April 12, 1952 · 29:32

Richard Diamond, Private Detective

The Rawlins Case

Richard Diamond takes on a case involving Martin Rawlins, who has just been released from prison and threatens his brother, B.E. Rollins. As Diamond investigates, he uncovers a web of deceit and potential murder.

Ep 80 · Friday, January 26, 1951 · 29:30

X Minus One

A Logic Named Joe

In a future where electronic Logix assist with daily tasks, Frank Caldwell faces unexpected chaos when one of these machines, named Joe, begins to operate beyond its intended purpose. As Frank navigates the complications brought on by Joe's newfound capabilities, the stakes for civilization rise.

Ep 31 · Wednesday, December 28, 1955 · 27:07

X Minus One

The Girls from Earth

Two drifters on Mars devise a scheme to sell Earth women to lonely miners, hoping to profit from their desperation for companionship.

Ep 84 · Wednesday, January 16, 1957 · 22:21

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

Dimension X

The Outer Limit

In The Outer Limit, a test pilot prepares for a groundbreaking space mission while grappling with personal anxieties about impending fatherhood. As he launches into the unknown, the stakes rise with the potential for disaster looming over the mission.

Ep 1 · Saturday, April 8, 1950 · 30:11

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

That night in history

Headlines

  • 1955 — The General Assembly of the European Broadcasting Union approves the staging of the first Eurovision Song Contest.
  • 1955 — Prime Minister Ngô Đình Diệm defeats former emperor Bảo Đại in a referendum and founds the Republic of Vietnam.
  • 1955 — The people of the Saar region vote in a referendum to unite with West Germany instead of France.

On the air that night›

  1. Fibber McGee and MollyIdentifying the Stranger (Rebroadcast of 10_20_54)Episode 1209
  2. Fibber McGee and MollyMulligan the MilkmanEpisode 1272
  3. X Minus OneChild's PlayCurrently listeningEpisode 21
  4. Yours Truly, Johnny DollarThe Chesapeake Fraud Matter - Ep 4Episode 244