Taking its name from a popular series of mystery novels, Inner Sanctum Mysteries debuted over NBC's Blue Network in January 1941. It featured one of the most memorable and atmospheric openings in radio history: an organist hit a dissonant chord, a doorknob turned, and the famous "creaking door" slowly began to open. Every week, Inner Sanctum Mysteries told stories of ghosts, murderers, and lunatics. Produced in New York, the cast usually consisted of veteran radio actors, with occasional guest appearances by such Hollywood stars Boris Karloff, Peter Lorre, and Claude Rains. What made Inner Sanctum Mysteries unique among radio horror shows was its host, a slightly sinister sounding fellow originally known as "Raymond." The host had a droll sense of humor and an appetite for ghoulish puns, and his influence can be seen among horror hosts everywhere, from the Crypt-Keeper to Elvira. Raymond Edward Johnson was the show's host until 1945; Paul McGrath took over as host until the show left the air in 1952. Episodes include:"The Voice on the Wire" starring Lesley Woods, originally aired November 29, 1944"Desert Death" starring Horace Braham, originally aired January 9, 1945"Death Is an Artist" starring Lee Bowman, originally aired January 23, 1945"Death in the Depths" starring Santos Ortega, originally aired February 6, 1945"No Coffin for the Dead" starring Les Tremayne, originally aired February 20, 1945"The Bog Oak Necklace" starring Miriam Hopkins, originally aired April 10, 1945"The Black Art" starring Simone Simone, originally aired May 15, 1945"Dead to Rights" starring Elspeth Eric, originally aired May 22, 1945"Death across the Board" starring Raymond Massey, originally aired June 5, 1945"Portrait of Death" starring Lesley Woods, originally aired June 12, 1945"Dead Man's Deal" starring Larry Haines, originally aired August 28, 1945"The Murder Prophet" starring Wendy Barrie, originally aired September 4, 1945
