Dark Fantasy - Episode 16: The Man with the Scarlet Satchel March 6, 1942

"The Man with the Scarlet Satchel," aired on March 6, 1942, is the 16th episode of the horror anthology radio series Dark Fantasy, written by Scott Bishop (pen name of George Marion Hamaker) and broadcast from WKY in Oklahoma City on NBC. The story begins with a familiar setup: an elderly, wealthy scientist, Peter Craig, an expert in electrical engineering, lies dying, attended by his nurse, Rose Esther, and his attorney, Sam Willard. Unbeknownst to Craig, the two conspire to kill him for his fortune. Sam drafts a fraudulent will, leaving everything to himself, and Rose drugs Craig to secure his signature before poisoning him that same night. After Craig’s death, strange events unfold: an embalmed body, an empty coffin, and the titular scarlet satchel—a bag Craig favored for its blood-red hue—reappear, hinting at supernatural vengeance. The plot takes unexpected turns, revealing Craig’s return from the grave, wielding dark powers to exact revenge on his murderers. The satchel contains a gruesome secret, amplifying the tale’s horror. This episode blends murder mystery, betrayal, and supernatural retribution, keeping listeners guessing with its eerie twists.

Cast and Roles
Ben Morris as Sam Willard: The scheming attorney who orchestrates the fraudulent will and murder plot.

Eleanor Naylor Caughron as Rose Esther: The duplicitous nurse who drugs and poisons Peter Craig.

Muir Hite as Peter Craig: The elderly scientist whose vengeful spirit drives the supernatural horror.

Scott Bishop as Announcer/Various Characters: Series creator, likely provided narration or minor roles, such as a doctor or bystander.

Fred Wayne as Supporting Characters: Voiced additional roles, possibly a coroner or witness to the strange events.

Note: Dark Fantasy used a small ensemble cast, with actors playing multiple roles. Specific assignments are inferred from the episode’s plot and typical casting patterns, as detailed credits are unavailable.

News in the USA - Week of March 6, 1942
World War II Mobilization: The U.S. ramped up war production, with factories shifting to tanks and aircraft. The War Production Board imposed strict rationing, including gasoline and rubber, affecting civilian life.

Japanese-American Internment: Following Executive Order 9066 (February 19), relocation of Japanese-Americans accelerated. Families on the West Coast received evacuation notices, sparking fear and debate over civil liberties.

Pacific Theater Setbacks: Japan’s advance continued, with U.S. forces retreating from the Philippines. The fall of Java loomed, raising concerns about Allied defenses in the Pacific.

Home Front Morale: Radio programs like Dark Fantasy provided escapism amid war anxieties. War bond campaigns intensified, with celebrities urging public support.

News in the World - Week of March 6, 1942
Japan’s Pacific Dominance: Japan captured Rangoon, Burma, on March 8, cutting Allied supply lines to China. The loss further weakened British and Allied positions in Southeast Asia.

Nazi Germany’s Eastern Front: German forces, stalled by winter, faced Soviet counterattacks near Moscow. Hitler’s plans for a spring offensive signaled continued bloodshed.

U-Boat Menace: German U-boats sank Allied merchant ships at an alarming rate in the Atlantic, disrupting supplies to Britain and the USSR. The U.S. Navy struggled to counter the threat.

Spanish Civil War Echoes: Franco’s regime in Spain tightened control, suppressing dissent. The war’s legacy lingered, with refugees and political prisoners facing harsh conditions.