Mystery Program (1940s)

Mystery House was a 1940s show created by Dan and Barbara Glenn, the owners of Mystery House publishing firm, located in New York City. They created the show to test novels they were about to publish. Each show was a short adaptation of a Mystery House novel cleverly acted out by the publishing company staff. Everyone pitched in for the effort, whether they made sound effects or acted as a main character. The show helped Dan and Barbara decide whether they would publish the dramatized novel based on the audience’s reaction. Interestingly, there is one episode, starring Bela Lugosi, that is more professionally done, even with hired announcers and actors. It has been rumored that this episode was an unaired audition show. So stop straining your eyes reading mystery novels, just perk up your ears for the old time radio show put on by "that strange publishing firm, Mystery House! This series is not to be confused with Mystery Playhouse, hosted by Pete Lorre.

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(Please note that some of these shows are rare recordings and may be of inferior sound quality.)