CBS Radio Mystery Theater | Episode 29

CBSRMT Episode Information

Title:

The Sign of the Beast

Plot:

An arrogant archaeologist disregards tribal customs and extends praise. But her motives are less than honourable and involves robbing old tribal artifacts. But what she forgets to count in is divine retribution.

Episode:

0029

Air Dates:

First Run - February 3, 1974
Repeat - April 13, 1974
Repeat - January 14, 1979

Actors:

Keena, Tom

McGrath, Paul

Ocko, Dan

Smith, Lois

Writer:

Dann, Sam

Listen:

Rating:

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12 Responses to Episode 0029

Meat! I need meat! Excellent episode; well-written and well-acted. Curses; ancient tribal gods.
	Andy, 2011-08-18 22:10:26

Sign of the Beast was a bit more fun. The sassy, non-believing wife of an archaeologist goes with him on a dig in a remote jungle, and despite getting about 100 warnings about native customs and curses, breaks every rule she can. She accepts an artifact from one of the malevolent natives, and finds herself the victim of a curse in which she begins to turn into a meat-craving animal. It leads to some non-intentional humorous moments, especially when she wipes out their meat supply with her insatiable hunger.

Tony, 2012-02-08 12:06:21

With an exotic jungle setting, a vindictive tribal goddess and lots of atmospheric, beating drums and tropical birds in the background, this was one of the more enjoyable episodes that I've listened to recently. The stereotypical male attitudes towards "meddling women," as manifested in Marshall's lead-in to the episode, aren't really borne out in the story itself, except for in the somewhat chauvinistic opinion that she "should have stayed behind," since "the jungle is no place for women." She doesn't really deserve what happens to her, but all turns out well in the end.

Thomas, 2012-06-27 10:01:21

A woman learns the hard way that she should respect the customs of a foreign culture. She hungers for an artifact that she has no business possessing. Soon, she hungers for much more.
	Laura, 2012-12-12 10:57:43

All of the right stuff, greed and thoughtlessness, revenge and horror. To bad it wasn’t carried all of the way. Or maybe not.
	Leon Lynns Reynolds, 2012-12-13 10:20:10

Take a walk on the wild side! The lowdown: A lady who's part of a crew on an expedition in a jungle partakes of something that is a local taboo. When in Rome, do as the Romans (or something like that). She takes a piece of jewelry that's clearly off limits and not to be tampered with. You don't want to upset the Gods, lest you come under a curse that will turn into something less than human. The jungle is no place to just flippantly blow off the local customs and beliefs as silly superstitious non-sense from tribal peasants.

Raymart K., 2012-12-15 11:40:17

An impetuous female archeologist violates the customs of a local tribe by offering them praise and she steals their artifacts. She finds their price high.
	Mr. Floro, 2013-01-17 09:21:11

The premise is foolishly contrived, but the story is well paced and well acted.
	Gene Michael J., 2013-01-17 09:23:52

An archaeologist's wife accompanying him on an expedition to a remote South American dig site violates a native taboo and falls victim to an ancient curse that threatens to possess her, body and soul.
	Randy Malones, 2013-01-17 09:42:22

I think Sam Dann has an issue with women! His female characters are always causing trouble! Not my favorite episode, but the plot is unique
	jlm, 2013-02-24 10:16:58

A woman joins her husband and uncle in the deep dark jungles of the ancient Aztec empire where they are digging up artifacts. A local servant who cannot be complimented under any circumstances due to his religious beliefs provides some comic relief in the beginning. When the wife inadvertently compliments the servant's son, bad things start to happen. I NEED MEAT!!!!! hahaha... listen, you'll laugh too!

Alicia, 2013-03-24 19:26:04

I agree, one of the more enjoyable episodes. Antagonist gets what's coming to her, and although the plot development is pretty well telegraphed, it's immensely satisfying watching it happen. The meat craving was a great touch--very disturbing. Love all the "don't bite my head off" quips that I was sure were foreshadowings. I would have liked a different ending, but still a very strong story.
	Mike, 2013-03-25 11:25:20

12 Responses to Episode 0029

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