CBS Radio Mystery Theater | Episode 167

CBSRMT Episode Information

Title:

The Black Room

Plot:

A man is placed in solitary confinement for a crime he did not commit. He somehow makes an unlikely friend while in seclusion.

Episode:

0167

Air Dates:

First Run - October 29, 1974
Repeat - December 21, 1974
Repeat - January 10, 1978

Actors:

Collins, Peter

Haines, Larry

Petrie, George

Writer:

Eric, Elspeth

Listen:

Rating:

Amazon.com Widgets

17 Responses to Episode 0167

Written by Elspeth Eric, I had a feeling that I was going to like "The Black Room." It tapped into some basic fears that are rather terrifying. Being locked up in complete seclusion is one form of fear; but being locked in a black room void of light is terrifying. A complete and utter loss of hope. Peter Collins played the man locked in the black room and his performance was the best that I have heard on Mystery Theater. Mr. Collins brought the hopelessness to life. Fantastic episode--5 stars.

Davy Joe, 2012-08-02 10:45:11

This started as interesting story that asked a lot of questions. It suddenly ended with so many questions unanswered.It had the promise of being so much better.
	Old Tom, 2012-09-11 09:02:11

This was an interesting episode, but it would have been better if the ending had provided more of an explanation.
	Ron, 2012-09-19 16:25:37

This is easily in my top 5 favorite episodes. The writing, performances and atmosphere are all top drawer. I thought the ending was disappointing on first listen but it works well second time around. Tension builds until it nearly snaps then relaxes only to build up again. Perfect setting for a radio play, Marconi worthy!
	Mike in Grand Rapids, 2012-09-25 14:05:56

I used this for many years as part of a trilogy of stories including The Bet by Anton Checkov, The Side Bet by Will Jenkins. My grade 8 students would listen to The Black Room and we'd read the other two stories then discuss isolation, resilience, personal values, etc.
	Miles, 2012-12-02 11:48:46

I rate this episode ★★★★★ for EXCELLENT. Listen to this in complete darkness and you'll feel like you're in the black room with the Protagonist. At first, we think our main character is a prisoner, turns out he's an experiment. And his experience teaches us that the trick get through that kind of agony is to not think about it so much. I highly recommend this episode to everyone. =0)
	Russell, 2012-12-02 11:48:54

Brilliant Show! I loved this one thanks for suggesting it. I would rate is 4 and 1/2 out of 5. Great life lesson caring about others is the key to sanity. Very true even outside the dark room! Also like the news at the end of the episode that Muhammad Ali regains his championship belt from George Foreman with a knock out. :)
	Chris, 2012-12-08 13:16:41

A nameless man is confined in a completely dark and soundproof room for an extended period of time with only minimal sustenance. His tormentors are amazed that he survives the ordeal. A very dark tale, indeed.
	Meljohn, 2012-12-12 23:49:57

A man is locked in a absolutely dark prison cell for a crime he does not understand. He makes an unlikely friend.
	Richard Tite, 2013-01-17 09:20:18

This episode is a character study and an exploration of the meaning of life. It helps to suspend disbelief more than usual in this episode that raises more questions than answers. Virtually a one person performance by Larry Haines who does a remarkable job of portraying the changing emotions of a man held in sensory deprivation for several weeks as an unwilling participant in a social experiment. While most perish in the so-called Black Room, he survives with the help of a small mouse and a pin-prick of light.

Hector Grant, 2013-01-17 09:36:54

This really puts you in the characters shoes. You can imagine what he goes through, and it makes one think. I enjoyed it up to the last 5 minutes. I think the ending was amiss. It had the opportunity to be an awesome story, but the writer settled for okay.
	Dax, 2013-01-19 20:38:06

The ending was a bit disappointment, otherwise a really good episode.
	Bobby, 2013-01-19 20:38:09

Heard it for the first time last night. The very poor ending keeps this one from greatness, IMO.
	Lance G., 2013-01-19 20:38:12

Do the material goods of our lives provide us with our desire to live? At times it would seem so, but in the times when the material goods are taken away we may find a much more important meaning to life. What is it that gives mankind a desire to live? What is it that can take away man\'s desire to live? This episode may provide some insight.
	Karen, 2013-01-21 13:58:11

thank you very much. I love this stuff.
	Alvin, 2013-01-21 13:58:11

Yeah, haven't heard this one in a while. I think I have the Hi Brown Narrated version. Not one of my favorites, but an interesting delve into the psychi.
	Fred, 2013-01-21 13:58:12

Really outstanding episode. I know the ending isn't popular, but it's so in line with the uneasy and chaotic feeling present throughout the episode. For me, to be totally and seemingly randomly pulled from my home, made to talk, tossed in a dark chamber for weeks, and then suddenly freed and let go with no true explanation...that IS horrific!
	thedevilbunny, 2013-02-26 15:49:03

17 Responses to Episode 0167

Leave a comment