The Sealed Book – The Accusing Corpse (1945)

Friends, for this particular Retro Radio Memories offering we are going to be listening to an Old Time Radio episode from The Sealed Book series – one entitled The Accusing Corpse. This series was focused on stories from the macabre crime genre and apparently from reading online resources like at the Digital Deli Too site – the 26 episodes that make up The Sealed Book were reused scripts from The Mysterious Traveler radio program. Which makes quite a bit of sense as Robert Arthur Jr. and David Kogan, the Writers for the series were in fact responsible for The Mysterious Traveler. While the lion’s share of credit for spooky and crime related Old Time Radio shows rightfully go to the likes of Suspense, Lights Out, and the Inner Sanctum – there are many shows that might be considered ‘lesser’ that are still quite entertaining. I personally feel that The Sealed Book has a lot to offer – in the case of The Accusing Corpse that is solid performances from the cast. The premise for the show itself is equally solid, a silent and mysterious character known as the Keeper of the book who has access to a secret room where the book is kept.

The sealed book in the series is said to have:

“… all the secrets and mysteries of mankind through the ages, Here are tales of every kind, tales of murder, of madness, of dark deeds strange and terrible beyond all belief.”

It is Phillip Clarke – possibly Philip Clarke, that is the host for the show and informing the listeners which tale the Keeper has chosen for that week.

As for the synopsis for The Accusing Corpse, it involves a wealthy man by the name of Philip Drake who finds that his Wife of three months, Vivian, is leaving him for another man. As is often the case with crime related Old Time Radio programs, Philip loses his mind and shoots Vivian before she can leave – just before Roger, her Brother arrives at their mansion. It might not surprise you that Philip is shocked and guilt-ridden over his actions… but what IS bizarre is that Roger not only agrees to help dispose of Vivian’s corpse but sides with her murderer. I do no think it is much of a spoiler to say that with The Accusing Corpse things aren’t exactly as clear cut as they might first seem… so turn down the lights if you are able and join us as we pay a visit to the Keeper of the Sealed Book!