Studio X
aka The Player
1948
One cannot help but enjoy the way Paul Frees, "the man with a thousand voices" could put on an entire show by himself. What kid wouldn't want a grandpa like that to tell stories at bedtime? That's basically what he did on Studio X (which was later renamed The Player). Frees would tell a story in 15 minutes and play all the parts, with the only other participants being the writer, producer, sound effects man, and announcer (Sheppard Mankin or Gary Goodwin). The stories were a little more adult, however, often involving murder or a near death experience. They could also be humorous. There was sometimes a recurring comic character, the meekish professor Cosmo Jones, who "assisted" a gruff Irish police captain named Murphy. Much to the Captain's chagrin, Cosmo proved that "there is no need for violence for apprehending criminals" time and time again. This series won't win any awards from true horror fans, but it's fun just the same. It showcases the versatile Frees at his best, playing villains, clowns, and regular Joes-- altogether in a one man crowd.
See also, The Black Book.
A Typical Intro:
Frees: "John Mason was a little man. Everything about him fairly shrieked meekness and mildness. But at this particular morning as John starred at the ledgers spread out on the desk before him, he knew that he would have to acquire courage and power of will. For on this particular morning, John Mason was faced with an unavoidable situation. He knew he must kill a man!
(SFX: Music: Mexican style guitar strumming.)
Announcer: "And that's the dramatic opening to another story from Studio X! Starring America's most versatile actor, Mr. Paul Frees, who will return after a few profitable moments with your sponsor. "
The Standard Closing:
(SFX: Music: Mexican style guitar strumming.)
Announcer: "And so ends another story from Studio X, starring your one-man theater, Paul Frees who portrays all of the parts. Mr. Frees will return in a just a moment after a few words from your announcer.
Frees: (Reads credits, then-) Won't you join us again at Studio X when we present another thrilling story for your entertainment. This is Paul Frees saying goodbye until next we meet."
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(Courtesy of OTRR Library)
Hear over a dozen Studio X free (password required)
Sample Shows
"Frozen Justice" - A small man takes on the town bully for a duel to the death. Not to worry, he has "a plan."
"Curse of the Janka Diamond" - A cursed diamond provides the murder motive in this tale of a robbery and the attempted get-away.
"Prophecy" - An Indian worker seems to know what's in the future for the weather. But does he know what's in store for himself?
