Acquiring its name from a favorite group of mystery novels, Inner Sanctum Mystery debuted over NBC’s Blue Network in January 1941. Internal Sanctum Mystery featured perhaps one of the most memorable and atmospheric opportunities in radio history: an organist hit a dissonant chord, a doorknob transformed and the well-known “creaking door” slowly began to open up. Every week, Internal Sanctum Mystery informed stories of spirits, murderers and lunatics. Produced in NY, the cast generally consisted of veteran radio actors, with about Internal Sanctum Mystery, Collection 1 occasional guest appearances by such Hollywood celebrities as Boris Karloff, Peter Lorre and Claude Rains. What made Internal Sanctum Mystery exclusive among radio horror shows was its sponsor, a somewhat sinister sounding fellow originally referred to as “Raymond.” The host had a droll love of life and an appetite for ghoulish puns, and his influence can be seen among horror hosts everywhere, from your Crypt-Keeper to Elvira. Raymond Edward Johnson was the display’s sponsor until 1945; Paul McGrath took over as sponsor until the present left the environment in 1952. Maker Himan Dark brown would make use of the creaking door again in the 1970s, when he produced and directed The CBS Radio Mystery Theater. 4/24/45 Tune of the Slasher

5/1/45 The Girl and the Gallows

5/22/45 Dead to Rights

5/29/45 Musical Score

6/12/45 Family portrait of Death

6/19/45 Dead Man’s Holiday

9/18/45 Terror by Night

10/16/45 Till Loss of life Do Us Part

2/12/46 The Man Who Couldn’t Die (aka Elixir NUMBER 4)

1/15/46 The Edge of Death

7/5/48 Loss of life Demon

4/4/49 Loss of life Wears a Lonely Smile