The Episode
EPISODE SUMMARY:
"A Small Question of Terror" is the 27th episode of the CBS Radio Mystery Theater series, which aired on February 13, 1975. The story revolves around Dr. Robert Welles, a brilliant but reclusive psychiatrist who is determined to solve a seemingly inexplicable murder case in his small town. The victim, a local schoolteacher, has been found dead with no signs of forced entry or struggle, leaving the police baffled. As Dr. Welles digs deeper into the mystery, he becomes increasingly obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the teacher's death, which leads him down a dark and twisted path of suspicion and terror.
The drama is masterfully woven around Dr. Welles' character, whose intense focus on solving the case mirrors the audience's own fascination with the enigma. The supporting cast, including Welles' niece and rival psychiatrist, Dr. Lee, add depth and complexity to the narrative, as their own personal demons and motives become entangled in the web of terror. The tension builds slowly, like a snowball gathering momentum, until it becomes almost unbearable.
The episode's climax is both shocking and thought-provoking, forcing the listener to confront the darker aspects of human nature and the blurred lines between good and evil. "A Small Question of Terror" is a gripping tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat, guessing until the very end.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT:
In 1975, America was grappling with the aftermath of the Vietnam War and its ongoing social unrest. The economy was experiencing a period of stagnation, with high inflation and unemployment rates. Ordinary Americans were worried about the rising cost of living, rising crime rates, and the growing sense of disillusionment with government institutions. This era was marked by widespread distrust of authority figures and a renewed interest in spirituality and counterculture.
The civil rights movement had made significant progress since the 1960s, but issues such as racism, sexism, and homophobia continued to simmer beneath the surface. Watergate, the infamous scandal that would eventually bring down President Nixon, was still unfolding, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the nation's psyche. The Cold War was also at its peak, with tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union running high.
The rise of rock music and disco culture had begun to reshape the entertainment landscape, while classic television shows like "All in the Family" and "The Waltons" provided comfort and escapism for audiences seeking a sense of normalcy. The CBS Radio Mystery Theater series itself was a product of this era, offering a rarefied world of suspense and intrigue that captivated listeners during an otherwise turbulent time.
WHY IT MATTERS:
"A Small Question of Terror" remains an essential listen today because of its masterful storytelling and the exceptional performances that bring it to life. Richard Widmark shines as Dr. Welles, imbuing his character with a sense of intellectual curiosity and emotional vulnerability that makes him both fascinating and relatable. The episode's use of atmosphere and tension is exemplary, transporting listeners into a world of psychological suspense that feels eerily relevant even today.
What sets this episode apart from other radio dramas is its willingness to explore the complexities of human psychology and the blurred lines between good and evil. Dr. Welles' all-consuming passion for solving the case becomes an eerie mirror of our own obsessive tendencies, making "A Small Question of Terror" a thought-provoking listen that lingers long after the credits roll.
The World of 1975
Why Listen Today
"Come in. Welcome. I'm E.G. Marshall, your host for the CBS Radio Mystery Theater."