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The Witch's Tale

The Witch's Tale premiered over WOR in 1931, making it one of the original “Hide-Under-the-Sheets” late night terror programs. Watch out for old Nancy and her cat, Satan.

Witchs Tale

57 old time radio show recordings
(total playtime 24 hours, 44 min)
available in the following formats:

2 MP3 CDs
or
28 Audio CDs


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Play a sample episode from March 06, 1933:

"Graveyard Mansion"



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Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2024 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

Witchs Tale advertisement

WOR of New York: After the original English-born

Horror melodrama (1931 - 38)

Begun regionally on WOR radio in New York, this is one of the earliest of the horror genre shows. It also helped begin a trend in creepy hosts that "lives" on to this day in popular entertainment. "Old Nancy, the witch of Salem," was the cackling host of the show, and she was a caution! She quickly became a favorite of New York kids in the 1930s, who imitated her quips and cackles to scare their younger brothers and sisters at night 

Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2024 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

Since Nancy was a witch from Salem, she knew of the old days, and relished a historical, and often hysterical, setting with her charming cat, Satan! Some say the cat was played by producer Alonzo Deen Cole MEOW!

John Dunning in his On the Air, The Encyclopedia of Old Time Radio," relates the odd tale of getting the replacement for the original Nancy, Adelaide Fitz-Allen, who died at 79 in 1935. A radio veteran, only a mere 13 years old, Miriam Wolfe by name, was then on the fine children's program, Let's Pretend. Of course, she wasn't considered for the part. 

She stayed in the studio during a late-night broadcast by Witch's Tale writer/director, Alonzo Deen Cole, and began her "Nancy" without warning. Cole was so chilled by her mimicry of an ancient crone that she got the part on the spot. Later in the show's run, the role was taken by Martha Wentworth.

Witch's Tale promotional photoThe Witch's Tale was sometimes forced and obvious, but the good New York radio actors, ably directed by Roger Bower, transcended the occasional clunky scripting to be generally quite bold and horrifically enjoyable. The classical music used as interludes for commercials adds some class and charm to the preternatural proceedings. The scripts would sometimes use famous horror tales, such as Frankenstein or the Flying Dutchman. The show enjoyed popularity both the New York regional and Mutual national runs. As a sidelight, a version of the show is included in this compilation. But real fans would scream that they don't hold a candle to Old Nancy! When she started her spiel to Satan's bawling (one wonders who did the cat role) - the mood was right for another fright! Old Nancy was certainly the horror hostess with the mostess in those days. Why, today, she'd be crowing about being "183, I be today, 183." Be that as it may, you can now revisit her in her younger years, when she was just pushing the century mark.

For other horror hosts, listen to favorites such as Raymond, of the Inner Sanctum, the Man in Black of Suspense, The Whistler, Mysterious Traveler, and The Strange Dr. Weird. See also Quiet Please, Dark Fantasy, Escape, Lights Out, Mystery in the Air, Weird Circle, and The Unexpected.

Witchs Tale Advertisement

Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2024 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

These classic recordings are available in the following formats:

  • Show Rating

    25
    23     2


    COMMENTS

    "Gaze into th'embers! Heh Heh Heh Heh Heh!"

    Brian Verified Purchase

    Old Nancy must be two hunnerd year old now, mebbe two hunnerd n' five, only her wise black cat knows fer sure

    Robert Verified Purchase

    Some of these are rough...but I don't know, that is sort of the charm isn't it? Especially considering how old these recordings are and that they are some of the first radio horror, the fact that we can listen to them at all is a blessing. As a horror fan I love this show and it's host Nancy and her cat Satan (although why they gave the witch a mammy voice I don't know!) but just be warned that not all of the recordings are going to be of the highest quality. These are the best quality available online, so if you are interested in this set, this is the best version you can get.

    Stephen Verified Purchase

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  • MP3 CDs are delivered by mail. These archival quality MP3 CDs are playable in your computer and many MP3 player devices.



    57 recordings on 2 MP3 CDs for just $10.00. Total playtime 24 hours, 44 min
    57 recordings on 2 MP3 CDs for just $10.00
    total playtime 24 hours, 44 min
    Add MP3 CD Collection to Cart

    1. Volume 1 - 31 shows - total playtime 14 hours 8 minutes
      MP3 CD
      Volume 1: $5.00
      Add To Cart
    2. Witchs Tale 311005 019 Boa Goddess.mp3
    3. Witchs Tale 321031 072 In Devils Name Pt 1.mp3
    4. Witchs Tale 330102 081 Spirits Of Lake.mp3
    5. Witchs Tale 330227 088 Priest Of Sekhet.mp3
    6. Witchs Tale 330306 089 Graveyard Mansion.mp3
    7. Witchs Tale 330522 100 Statue Of Thor.mp3
    8. Witchs Tale 330529 101 Troth Of Death01.mp3
    9. Witchs Tale 330821 113 Firing Squad.mp3
    10. Witchs Tale 340000 00x Bronze Venus.mp3
    11. Witchs Tale 340000 00x Confession.mp3
    12. Witchs Tale 340000 00x Frankenstein Part 1and2.mp3
    13. Witchs Tale 340000 00x Graveyard Mansion Part 1and2.mp3
    14. Witchs Tale 340000 00x Hairy Monster Part 1.mp3
    15. Witchs Tale 340000 00x House Of Bridegroom Part 1.mp3
    16. Witchs Tale 340000 00x Share And Share Alike.mp3
    17. Witchs Tale 340000 00x Werewolf Part 1.mp3
    18. Witchs Tale 340108 130 Devil Doctor.mp3
    19. Witchs Tale 340426 145 Flying Dutchman.mp3
    20. Witchs Tale 340802 158 Rockabye Baby.mp3
    21. Witchs Tale 340907 163 Puzzle.mp3
    22. Witchs Tale 340928 166 Happy Ending.mp3
    23. Witchs Tale 341108 169 Physician To Dead.mp3
    24. Witchs Tale 350107 178 Entomologist.mp3
    25. Witchs Tale 350128 181 Rat In Trap.mp3
    26. Witchs Tale 350218 184 Wonderful Bottle Pt 1 And 2.mp3
    27. Witchs Tale 350613 198 Devil Mask.mp3
    28. Witchs Tale 350827 209 Knife Of Sacrifice.mp3
    29. Witchs Tale 351205 223 To Share And Share Alike.mp3
    30. Witchs Tale 360107 228 Spirits Of Lake, The.mp3
    31. Witchs Tale 370122 267 Suicide.mp3
    32. Witchs Tale 371012 301 Haunted Crossroads.mp3

    1. Volume 2 - 26 shows - total playtime 10 hours 35 minutes
      MP3 CD
      Volume 2: $5.00
      Add To Cart
    2. Witchs Tale 371207 307 Power Of Lucifer.mp3
    3. Witchs Tale 380329 321 Wedding Gift.mp3
    4. Witchs Tale 380523 329 Gypsys Hand.mp3
    5. Witchs Tale 410000 02 Four Fingers And Thumb.mp3
    6. Witchs Tale 410000 19 Knife Of Sacrifice.mp3
    7. Witchs Tale 410000 23 Physician To Dead.mp3
    8. Witchs Tale 410000 24 Devil Mask.mp3
    9. Witchs Tale 410000 Altar Of Hate.mp3
    10. Witchs Tale 410000 Boa Goddess.mp3
    11. Witchs Tale 410000 Devil Doctor.mp3
    12. Witchs Tale 410000 Devils Number.mp3
    13. Witchs Tale 410000 Firing Squad.mp3
    14. Witchs Tale 410000 Haunted Crossroads.mp3
    15. Witchs Tale 410000 Puzzle.mp3
    16. Witchs Tale 410000 Rats In Trap.mp3
    17. Witchs Tale 410000 Statue Of Thor.mp3
    18. Witchs Tale 410000 Suicide.mp3
    19. Witchs Tale 410000 Violin.mp3
    20. Witchs Tale 410000 Wedding Gift.mp3
    21. Witchs Tale 430000 27 Tourists Accommodated.mp3
    22. Witchs Tale 430000 28 Power Of Lucifer.mp3
    23. Witchs Tale 430000 32 Priest Of Sekhet.mp3
    24. Witchs Tale 430000 33 Mannequin.mp3
    25. Witchs Tale 430000 40 King Shark God.mp3
    26. Witchs Tale xxxxxx 00x 01 Witchs Tale Promo Broadcast.mp3
    27. Witchs Tale xxxxxx 00x 02 Witchs Tale Siegelgassman Intervw.mp3
  • MP3 downloads are available instantly after purchase!



    57 recordings on 2 MP3 Collection Downloads for just $10.00. Total playtime 24 hours, 44 min
    57 recordings on 2 MP3 Collection Downloads for just $10.00
    total playtime 24 hours, 44 min
    Add Instant Download Collection to Cart

    1. Volume 1 - 31 shows - total playtime 14 hours 8 minutes
      Instant Download
      Volume 1: $5.00
      Add To Cart
    2. Witchs Tale 311005 019 Boa Goddess.mp3
    3. Witchs Tale 321031 072 In Devils Name Pt 1.mp3
    4. Witchs Tale 330102 081 Spirits Of Lake.mp3
    5. Witchs Tale 330227 088 Priest Of Sekhet.mp3
    6. Witchs Tale 330306 089 Graveyard Mansion.mp3
    7. Witchs Tale 330522 100 Statue Of Thor.mp3
    8. Witchs Tale 330529 101 Troth Of Death01.mp3
    9. Witchs Tale 330821 113 Firing Squad.mp3
    10. Witchs Tale 340000 00x Bronze Venus.mp3
    11. Witchs Tale 340000 00x Confession.mp3
    12. Witchs Tale 340000 00x Frankenstein Part 1and2.mp3
    13. Witchs Tale 340000 00x Graveyard Mansion Part 1and2.mp3
    14. Witchs Tale 340000 00x Hairy Monster Part 1.mp3
    15. Witchs Tale 340000 00x House Of Bridegroom Part 1.mp3
    16. Witchs Tale 340000 00x Share And Share Alike.mp3
    17. Witchs Tale 340000 00x Werewolf Part 1.mp3
    18. Witchs Tale 340108 130 Devil Doctor.mp3
    19. Witchs Tale 340426 145 Flying Dutchman.mp3
    20. Witchs Tale 340802 158 Rockabye Baby.mp3
    21. Witchs Tale 340907 163 Puzzle.mp3
    22. Witchs Tale 340928 166 Happy Ending.mp3
    23. Witchs Tale 341108 169 Physician To Dead.mp3
    24. Witchs Tale 350107 178 Entomologist.mp3
    25. Witchs Tale 350128 181 Rat In Trap.mp3
    26. Witchs Tale 350218 184 Wonderful Bottle Pt 1 And 2.mp3
    27. Witchs Tale 350613 198 Devil Mask.mp3
    28. Witchs Tale 350827 209 Knife Of Sacrifice.mp3
    29. Witchs Tale 351205 223 To Share And Share Alike.mp3
    30. Witchs Tale 360107 228 Spirits Of Lake, The.mp3
    31. Witchs Tale 370122 267 Suicide.mp3
    32. Witchs Tale 371012 301 Haunted Crossroads.mp3

    1. Volume 2 - 26 shows - total playtime 10 hours 35 minutes
      Instant Download
      Volume 2: $5.00
      Add To Cart
    2. Witchs Tale 371207 307 Power Of Lucifer.mp3
    3. Witchs Tale 380329 321 Wedding Gift.mp3
    4. Witchs Tale 380523 329 Gypsys Hand.mp3
    5. Witchs Tale 410000 02 Four Fingers And Thumb.mp3
    6. Witchs Tale 410000 19 Knife Of Sacrifice.mp3
    7. Witchs Tale 410000 23 Physician To Dead.mp3
    8. Witchs Tale 410000 24 Devil Mask.mp3
    9. Witchs Tale 410000 Altar Of Hate.mp3
    10. Witchs Tale 410000 Boa Goddess.mp3
    11. Witchs Tale 410000 Devil Doctor.mp3
    12. Witchs Tale 410000 Devils Number.mp3
    13. Witchs Tale 410000 Firing Squad.mp3
    14. Witchs Tale 410000 Haunted Crossroads.mp3
    15. Witchs Tale 410000 Puzzle.mp3
    16. Witchs Tale 410000 Rats In Trap.mp3
    17. Witchs Tale 410000 Statue Of Thor.mp3
    18. Witchs Tale 410000 Suicide.mp3
    19. Witchs Tale 410000 Violin.mp3
    20. Witchs Tale 410000 Wedding Gift.mp3
    21. Witchs Tale 430000 27 Tourists Accommodated.mp3
    22. Witchs Tale 430000 28 Power Of Lucifer.mp3
    23. Witchs Tale 430000 32 Priest Of Sekhet.mp3
    24. Witchs Tale 430000 33 Mannequin.mp3
    25. Witchs Tale 430000 40 King Shark God.mp3
    26. Witchs Tale xxxxxx 00x 01 Witchs Tale Promo Broadcast.mp3
    27. Witchs Tale xxxxxx 00x 02 Witchs Tale Siegelgassman Intervw.mp3
  • Standard Audio CDs are delivered by mail on archival quality media with up to 60 minutes on each CD and play in all CD players



    57 recordings on 28 Audio CDs. Total playtime 24 hours, 44 min
    57 recordings on 28 Audio CDs
    total playtime 24 hours, 44 min

    Witchs Tale Disc A001

    1. Witchs Tale xxxxxx 00x 01 Witchs Tale Promo Broadcast
    2. Witchs Tale xxxxxx 00x 02 Witchs Tale Siegelgassman Intervw
    3. Witchs Tale 311005 019 Boa Goddess

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A002

    1. Witchs Tale 321031 072 In Devils Name Pt 1
    2. Witchs Tale 330102 081 Spirits Of Lake

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A003

    1. Witchs Tale 330227 088 Priest Of Sekhet
    2. Witchs Tale 330306 089 Graveyard Mansion

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A004

    1. Witchs Tale 330522 100 Statue Of Thor
    2. Witchs Tale 330529 101 Troth Of Death01

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A005

    1. Witchs Tale 330821 113 Firing Squad
    2. Witchs Tale 340000 00x Bronze Venus

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A006

    1. Witchs Tale 340000 00x Confession
    2. Witchs Tale 340000 00x Frankenstein Part 1and2

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A007

    1. Witchs Tale 340000 00x Graveyard Mansion Part 1and2
    2. Witchs Tale 340000 00x Hairy Monster Part 1

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A008

    1. Witchs Tale 340000 00x House Of Bridegroom Part 1
    2. Witchs Tale 340000 00x Share And Share Alike

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A009

    1. Witchs Tale 340000 00x Werewolf Part 1
    2. Witchs Tale 340108 130 Devil Doctor

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A010

    1. Witchs Tale 340426 145 Flying Dutchman
    2. Witchs Tale 340802 158 Rockabye Baby

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A011

    1. Witchs Tale 340907 163 Puzzle
    2. Witchs Tale 340928 166 Happy Ending

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A012

    1. Witchs Tale 341108 169 Physician To Dead
    2. Witchs Tale 350107 178 Entomologist

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A013

    1. Witchs Tale 350128 181 Rat In Trap
    2. Witchs Tale 350218 184 Wonderful Bottle Pt 1 And 2

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A014

    1. Witchs Tale 350613 198 Devil Mask
    2. Witchs Tale 350827 209 Knife Of Sacrifice

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A015

    1. Witchs Tale 351205 223 To Share And Share Alike
    2. Witchs Tale 360107 228 Spirits Of Lake, The

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A016

    1. Witchs Tale 370122 267 Suicide
    2. Witchs Tale 371012 301 Haunted Crossroads

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A017

    1. Witchs Tale 371207 307 Power Of Lucifer
    2. Witchs Tale 380329 321 Wedding Gift

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A018

    1. Witchs Tale 380523 329 Gypsys Hand
    2. Witchs Tale 410000 02 Four Fingers And Thumb

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A019

    1. Witchs Tale 410000 19 Knife Of Sacrifice
    2. Witchs Tale 410000 23 Physician To Dead

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A020

    1. Witchs Tale 410000 24 Devil Mask
    2. Witchs Tale 410000 Altar Of Hate

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A021

    1. Witchs Tale 410000 Boa Goddess
    2. Witchs Tale 410000 Devil Doctor

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A022

    1. Witchs Tale 410000 Devils Number
    2. Witchs Tale 410000 Firing Squad

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A023

    1. Witchs Tale 410000 Haunted Crossroads
    2. Witchs Tale 410000 Puzzle

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A024

    1. Witchs Tale 410000 Rats In Trap
    2. Witchs Tale 410000 Statue Of Thor
    3. Witchs Tale 410000 Suicide

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A025

    1. Witchs Tale 410000 Violin
    2. Witchs Tale 410000 Wedding Gift

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A026

    1. Witchs Tale 430000 27 Tourists Accommodated
    2. Witchs Tale 430000 28 Power Of Lucifer

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A027

    1. Witchs Tale 430000 32 Priest Of Sekhet
    2. Witchs Tale 430000 33 Mannequin

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Witchs Tale Disc A028

    1. Witchs Tale 430000 40 King Shark God

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00

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