Lights Out

11

"Lights Out" was a groundbreaking American old-time radio program known for its horror and supernatural stories. It's considered one of the earliest and most influential radio horror shows.

Here's a breakdown of key aspects:



  • Creation and Writers: The show was initially created by Wyllis Cooper, debuting in 1934 on a local NBC station in Chicago (WENR). In 1936, Arch Oboler took over as writer and director, bringing a new level of dramatic intensity and experimental sound effects to the program.


  • Content and Style: "Lights Out" was renowned for pushing the boundaries of radio drama with its often graphic and unsettling content. Episodes typically ran for a half-hour and featured a variety of horror tropes, including ghosts, monsters, and unexpected twists. The show was designed to be listened to in the dark, and its chilling atmosphere was enhanced by innovative sound effects (e.g., raw cabbage for skull-crushing, tearing wet sponges for ripping flesh). Oboler's scripts often included psychological horror and touched on themes of morality.


  • Catchphrases and Introduction: The show famously began with an ominous voice warning listeners to "turn off your lights" and prepare for a chilling experience. Oboler's phrase, "It... is later... than... you think," became a memorable catchphrase, emphasizing the suspenseful nature of the stories.


  • Broadcast History: "Lights Out" aired on different networks at various times from January 3, 1934, to the summer of 1947. It also made a transition to television later. The show had several runs and revivals due to popular demand.


  • Legacy: "Lights Out" left a significant mark on radio history and influenced the horror genre in other media. Its innovative use of sound and narrative to create tension and fear continues to be recognized. Some notable episodes include "Revolt of the Worms" and "Chicken Heart."


Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio

Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/

Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon


Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio

Recent Episodes
  • Lights Out - 1947-07-16 Death Robbery - 01
    Aug 31, 2020 – 29:02
  • Lights Out - 1946-08-24 The Signal Man - 06
    Aug 31, 2020 – 28:44
  • Lights Out - 1946-08-10 Ghost on the Newsreel Negative - 05
    Aug 31, 2020 – 29:23
  • Lights Out - 1946-08-03 The Revenge of India - 04
    Aug 31, 2020 – 28:40
  • Lights Out - 1946-07-27 Battle of the Magicians - 03
    Aug 31, 2020 – 29:36
  • Lights Out - 1946-07-20 Haunted Cell - 02
    Aug 31, 2020 – 28:44
  • Lights Out - 1946-07-13 The Coffin In Studio B - 01
    Aug 31, 2020 – 27:50
  • Lights Out - 1945-09-01 The Day The Sun Exploded - 04
    Aug 31, 2020 – 13:30
  • Lights Out - 1945-07-28 Rocket Ship - 02
    Aug 31, 2020 – 28:20
  • Lights Out - 1945-08-25 Man in the Middle - 03
    Aug 31, 2020 – 32:04
  • Lights Out - 1945-07-21 Reunion After Death - 01
    Aug 31, 2020 – 27:00
  • Lights Out - 1943-08-10 Sakhalin - 40
    Aug 31, 2020 – 30:18
  • Lights Out - 1943-08-03 Murder Castle - 39
    Aug 31, 2020 – 26:09
  • Lights Out - 1943-07-27 The Little People - 38
    Aug 31, 2020 – 30:56
  • Lights Out - 1943-07-20 Profits Unlimited - 37
    Aug 31, 2020 – 22:24
  • Lights Out - 1943-07-13 Visitor From Hades - 36
    Aug 31, 2020 – 21:01
  • Lights Out - 1943-06-29 Bathysphere - 35
    Aug 31, 2020 – 29:24
  • Lights Out - 1943-06-22 Nature Study - 34
    Aug 31, 2020 – 23:50
  • Lights Out - 1943-06-15 Prelude To Murder - 33
    Aug 31, 2020 – 29:21
  • Lights Out - 1943-06-08 The Organ - 32
    Aug 31, 2020 – 28:49
  • Lights Out - 1943-06-01 Ugliest Man In the World - 31
    Aug 31, 2020 – 23:19
  • Lights Out - 1943-05-25 Little Old Lady - 30
    Aug 31, 2020 – 29:28
  • Lights Out - 1943-05-18 Spider - 29
    Aug 31, 2020 – 25:47
  • Lights Out - 1943-05-04 Heavenly Jeep - 27
    Aug 31, 2020 – 29:00
  • Lights Out - 1943-05-11 Murder In The Script Department - 28
    Aug 31, 2020 – 22:17
  • Lights Out - 1943-04-27 Execution - 26
    Aug 31, 2020 – 29:28
  • Lights Out - 1943-04-20 Kill - 25
    Aug 31, 2020 – 22:55
  • Lights Out - 1943-04-13 Archer - 24
    Aug 31, 2020 – 28:10
  • Lights Out - 1943-04-06 Super Feature - 23
    Aug 31, 2020 – 29:55
  • Lights Out - 1943-03-30 Money Money Money - 22
    Aug 31, 2020 – 29:45
  • Lights Out - 1943-03-23 Flame - 21
    Aug 31, 2020 – 23:19
  • Lights Out - 1943-03-16 The Dream - 20
    Aug 31, 2020 – 28:34
  • Lights Out - 1943-03-09 Ball Paris Macabre - 19
    Aug 31, 2020 – 27:06
  • Lights Out - 1943-02-23 They Met at Dorset - 18
    Aug 31, 2020 – 21:02
  • Lights Out - 1943-02-16 Oxychloride X - 17
    Aug 31, 2020 – 29:39
  • Lights Out - 1943-02-09 We Dug It Up - 16
    Aug 31, 2020 – 23:04
  • Lights Out - 1943-02-02 Until Dead - 15
    Aug 31, 2020 – 28:13
  • Lights Out - 1943-01-26 Protective Mr. Drogen - 14
    Aug 31, 2020 – 28:41
  • Lights Out - 1943-01-05 Fast One - 12
    Aug 31, 2020 – 22:18
  • Lights Out - 1942-12-29 Valse Triste - 11
    Aug 31, 2020 – 29:02
  • Lights Out - 1942-10-13 Revolt of the Worms - 01
    Aug 31, 2020 – 22:00
  • Lights Out - 1938-02-23 Chicken Heart - 22
    Aug 31, 2020 – 07:37
  • Lights Out - 1943-09-28 Author and the Thing - 46
    Aug 31, 2020 – 23:11
  • Lights Out - 1943-09-21 Mirage - 45
    Aug 31, 2020 – 27:39
  • Lights Out - 1943-09-14 The Word - 44
    Aug 31, 2020 – 25:52
  • Lights Out - 1943-09-07 Lord Marley's Ghost - 43
    Aug 31, 2020 – 30:14
  • Lights Out - 1943-08-31 Immortal Gentleman - 42
    Aug 31, 2020 – 23:37
  • Lights Out - 1943-08-24 Subbasement - 41
    Aug 31, 2020 – 21:29
  • Lights Out - 1943-01-19 Devil Mr. Alleycat - 13
    Aug 31, 2020 – 25:34
  • Lights Out - 1942-12-22 The Meteor Man - 10
    Aug 31, 2020 – 23:23
Recent Reviews
  • SquirrelMaster79
    Love stepping back in time!
    I am a Xennial who has many fond memories of listening to these shows as a young kid, especially around Halloween! I love these radio plays. I hope they stay available forever. They are great stories and so fun to listen to.
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