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Title

Revenge Is Sweet

Plot

A life of crime, even in the past, can get you into trouble. A former swindler winds up in custody for a crime he did not commit. He tries to walk on the straight and the narrow once he is free by working in an athletic club. But a club member takes a dislike to him and frames him for stealing a purse. Finally driven over the edge, he is prepared to risk prison again to avenge himself.

Episode

0782

Air Dates

  • First Run - February 14, 1978
  • Repeat - July 12, 1978

Actors

Writer

Listen

Rating

145
123     22


10 Responses to Episode 0782

My favorite all time episode. Well written. Straight out of the '40s radio era style. Sharp.

DAMM NICE

This episode is also one of my favorites. Nice getcha twist.

Pedo 44

This is a good story. Interesting character development. Interesting plot line. Satisfying ending.

Phil

My favorite episode so far!

Tina Garten

This is a great episode!!

Joe

‘Revenge is Sweet’ is a fantastic episode. Writer G. Lewis takes deliberate time to develop Guy de Maupassant’s short story ‘A Piece of String’ superbly through tight dialogue and a cleverly designed flashback. In the tale – set in modern day America – perennial Mystery Theatre great Mandel Kramer plays Peter, a middle-aged ex-con trying to play it straight, taking menial jobs like sweeping floors at the local men’s health club owned by the compassionate Leo Mantel. Beaten down by life, Peter can’t seem to catch a break, especially when confronted by people like antagonistic club member Mr. Claiborne who seems to catch all the breaks in life despite his immorality and vengeful meanness. G. Lewis builds great suspense through unexpected turns and plot twists. In Hitchcockian fashion the listener finds himself rooting for Peter even when the protagonist’s decisions turn dark. For those who delight in Himan Brown cameos, listen for Uncle Milton, the helpful pawn broker. Whatever technician was responsible for the clanging fog buoy must have gotten paid by the clang, which are abundant but work in the story. ‘Revenge is Sweet’ earns 4 out of 5 stars, especially after E.G. Marshall wraps up the epilogue so tidily. – JUROR # 4.

JUROR # 4

Loved this episode. First time hearing it, and it's going right into my Favorites list.

PZ

Revenge is Sweet is an absolutely excellent episode! It has a very surprising and unforeseeable TWIST at the episodes end! Oh by the way, the great Himan Brown is the voice actor of the bit part of Milton the Pawnbroker. This is definitely rated a Five Star episode! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Eric Templeton

I rate this episode ★★★★☆ for GOOD. G. Frederick Lewis’ adaptation of Guy de Maupassant’s 1883 short story of “A Piece Of String” was simple to follow. A Drama-Mystery where the main character was accused of a crime that he did not commit and died in the end with a damaged heart. However, this episode took place in the 20th Century. And Guy de Maupassant’s original story took place in the 19th Century of Goderville, France. But the ironic twist was in the story, though. Episode’s title is good, but another way to title it would be “Too Honest To Be A Criminal” or “The Art Of Retaliation.” In our Host’s Prologue, E.G. Marshall starts right off with mentioning Guy De Maupassant’s name. In ACT-1, story begins with 2 characters: Peter and Harry at San Francisco’s Embarcadero Pier 24. After listening to his back story of a missing possession, it’s a battle between guiltiness and innocence. Inner Voice VS. Outer Truth. In ACT-2, our Host quotes a line from Iago in William Shakespeare’s OTHELLO about robbing someone of their good name. Later, evidence against our main character was overwhelming and disobedience in court could send him behind bars. In ACT-3, pointing out that Anger & Bitterness make an ugly brew. More than that, a quote from Shylock from THE MERCHANT OF VENICE about villainy. In the end, the irony is that our main character died before he got to live. In his Epilogue, E.G. Marshall concludes on how revenge was indeed sweet just for Harry the fisherman. These narrations he gave us were informative and compelling to the story. Sound effects of buoys, boat horns, water waves, howling wind, background noise at the Health Club, footsteps, passkeys, lockers, doors, bell tolls, dialing of rotary phone, murmurs in the court room, gavel bang, store bell ring, and newspaper pages were significant and critical to this story. A variety of dramatic music tracks were played as they helped during the storyline. And finally, our cast: Mandel Kramer (as Peter), Lloyd Battista (as Bill Roberts and Oscar), Robert Dryden (as Harry and Leo Mantell), and William Griffis (as Charlie Clairborne and Milton’s Nephew). SPECIAL NOTE: Himan Brown played the role of Milton: The Pawn Broker. The actors were tremendous on their parts, particularly William Griffis for playing a villain that everyone would love to hate and Mandel Kramer who is terrific for playing characters that act clever and anxious throughout the episodes. I do recommend this episode for everyone to check out. And check out the original story by Guy de Maupassant. SPECIAL BONUS: The episode features a commercial of Golden State Warrior Rick Barry talking about Cancer Chemotherapy. Until next time…pleasant dreams.

Russell

Definitely one of the best! Easy to follow, very satisfying to the end. Bravo!

Susan


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