English

UNICEF Halloween Story and The October Country: 1980s radio horror

On Halloween night in 1981, a group of actors got together at the Magic Castle in Hollywood to perform an original radio thriller that was broadcast live to NBC affiliates throughout the country. Proceeds went to the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and it was such a success that it became a Halloween tradition for at least the next four years. I’ve only managed to track down recordings of the 1981 and 1984 performances. Here are the details: A Halloween Story: October 31st, 1981 Broadcast live from The Magic Castle, this hour-long show was said to be the first live commercial radio network drama to be broadcast in 25 years. It includes adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Black Cat" and George Toudouze's "Three Skeleton Key,” originally made famous on the Suspense and Escape old time radio programs. Directed by Dick Orkin ( Chickenman ) and written by Richard Proctor, it has an impressive cast, including John Carradine, John Clark, John Houseman, June Lockhart, Lynn Redgrave, Casey Kasem, Jean Kasem and Gary Owens. Hosted by Yaphat Koto, with Marvin Miller serving as announcer, it was heard over the NBC Network and sponsored by Jensen Sound Systems. The Octob

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