The first series of ESCAPE, commissioned by West Coast CBS programming exec Ernest Martin, originated in the studios of KNX, CBS’s station and production centre in Los Angeles. The show ran for seven weeks from July 7, 1947 on Mondays (as a summer replacement for LUX RADIO THEATRE). It was Produced and Directed by William N. Robson, with Music composed and conducted by Cy Feuer. Sound effects were by David Light & Carl Schaele.
For the first two years the series drew on proven short stories and novels for its material. John Dunkel worked closely with Robson, selecting many works by famous authors. It wasn’t until the 92nd broadcast that an original story was accepted. This opened the show for freelance submissions as well as continuing the adaptations of literary properties.
An early announcer was Jack McCoy.
Author: Rudyard Kipling
Adaptation by Les Crutchfield
CAST: Raymond Lawrence (Peachy Carnehan), Eric Snowdon (Daniel Dravot), Herbert Rawlinson (Kipling, who narrates), Peggy Webber (Roxanne), Jack Kruschen (Billy Fish), Elliott Lewis (Signature voice)
Set in the north of India: Kipling’s famous story of two English scoundrels.
This script was also performed on 8-1-48, and on SUSPENSE, 5-31-59
Although the opening format was modified with variations over the seven years, the expression “the four walls of today” was still being used in the final show in 1954
Author: William N. Robson, adapting from an incident in the O.S.S. files as recorded (Sub Rosa) by Stuart Alsop & Thomas Bradon
CAST: Jack Webb (Duke), Elliott Lewis (Ed Hill + Signature voice), Peggy Webber (Aunt Marie + Renee), Harry Bartell (Major + Alsine), Jack Kruschen & other unbilled actors
World War Two: Occupied France under the Nazis.
Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
Adaptation by Les Crutchfield
CAST: Jack Edwards (John Unger), Danny Merrill (Percy Washington), Linda Mason (Kismine), Jack Kruschen (Gygsum), Bill Johnstone (Narrator + Mr. Washington)
A hidden fantasy world in Montana as imagined by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Author: Joseph Conrad
Adaptation by Les Crutchfield
CAST: Frank Lovejoy (Mr. Jukes), Raymond Lawrence (Captain McWhirr), Cy Kendall (Solomon Rout the engineer), Lou Krugman (Hackett + Boatswain), Stan Farrar (Mr. Sigg), Bill Johnstone (Second mate + Signature voice)
The China Seas, aboard the China coast steamship Nan Shan.
NOTE: Griff Barnett was originally cast as Sigg
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Adaptation by Les Crutchfield
CAST: Elliott Lewis (Denis De Beaulieu + Signature voice), Peggy Webber (Blanche), Ramsay Hill (Sire de Maletroit), Harry Bartell (Francois), Lou Krugman (Drunk), Jack Kruschen (Captain)
Author: Arthur Conan Doyle
Adaptation by Les Crutchfield
CAST: Jack Webb (Sosra + Signature voice), Joan Banks (Atma + Mother), Thomas Freebairn-Smith (Sir John Vansittart-Smith + Parma), Bill Johnstone (Doctor)
Conan Doyle’s tale of spiritualism set between present day and ancient Egypt.
Author: John Russell
Adaptation by Irving Ravetch
CAST: Paul Frees (Dr. Dubose), Joseph Kearns (Fenayrou), Nestor Paiva (The Parrot), Jack Kruschen (Marteau), Bill Johnstone (Narrator + Signature voice), Ira Grossel (Captain)
Four disparate men are in a life raft in the South Pacific off Noumea.
This script was performed twice more, on 4-25-48 & 7-7-49
This was the final show of the initial summer run