The Black Castle (radio program)

The Black Castle is an old-time radio mystery-terror program in the United States. The 15-minute program was broadcast on Mutual in 1943 and 1944.[1]

The Black Castle
Running time15 minutes
Country of originUnited States
Language(s)English
Home stationWOR
SyndicatesMutual
StarringDon Douglas
Directed byW. Keys Perrin
Produced byW. Keys Perrin
Original release1943 – 1944

Schedule

Initially, the program was broadcast on Tuesday and Thursday nights. On January 31, 1944, a Monday-Friday afternoon schedule was added, with plans to drop the evening broadcasts if the afternoon episodes were successful.[2]

Format

This anthology program featured "chilling dramatizations of people trapped in unexpected and dangerous situations."[1] An article in the trade publication Broadcasting described The Black Castle as "a ghost story series," noting that it was one of five shows announced by the Mutual Broadcasting System "immediately following the new 'aggressive' policy calling for new and better programs."[3] The program originated at WOR in New York City and was featured as part of a "WOR Matinee," along with Consumer Quiz and Songs by Sunny Skylar.[4]

One-man cast

The program's continuing characters were the host, the Wizard of the Black Castle, and his raven, Diablo. Don Douglas played all roles in each episode and was the announcer.[5] A review of The Black Castle in the trade publication Billboard complimented Douglas's handling of multiple roles in the drama. Bob Francis wrote: "Except for the fact that he is inclined to ham the wizard, making the role often seem more silly than awesome, Douglas puts on a good 15 minutes. His vocal changes are sharp and clear, and his characterizations come over effectively."[6]

W. Keys Perrin was the producer and director.[6]

References
  1. Terrace, Vincent (1999). Radio Programs, 1924-1984: A Catalog of More Than 1800 Shows. McFarland & Company, Inc. ISBN 978-0-7864-4513-4. P. 43.
  2. "Don Douglas 7 Times a Week" (PDF). January 22, 1944. p. 9. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
  3. "Purely Programs" (PDF). Broadcasting. August 9, 1943. p. 38. Retrieved 19 November 2016.
  4. "WOR Quiz" (PDF). Broadcasting. March 27, 1944. p. 50. Retrieved 19 November 2016.
  5. Dunning, John (1998). On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio (Revised ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press. p. 95. ISBN 978-0-19-507678-3. Retrieved 2019-10-02.
  6. Francis, Bob (October 9, 1943). ""The Black Castle"" (PDF). Billboard. p. 11. Retrieved 20 November 2016.
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