I rate this episode ★★★★☆ for GOOD. What’s great about this episode is the cast: Arnold Moss (as Jethro Procter), Roberta Maxwell (as Amanita Drysdale), and Russell Horton (as Ethan Procter & Pete McCluskey). Each of them played their parts so thoroughly and spoke like they were in the old West during the Gold Rush. Big props to Roberta Maxwell for playing a character that acted sensible in ACT-1, seductive in ACT-2, and wicked in ACT-3. The sound effects of the water stream, wash pans, the mountain lion, firing of the rifle, horse carriage, dog barking, crowds murmuring, moving of the furniture, birds chirping, the bridge collapsing, door knocking, and breaking the lamp to make fire were highly useful. And the music tracks they used were necessary, especially at the 19-minute mark where Amanita uses her mystic powers to seduce Ethan. In our Host’s Prologue, E.G. Marshall begins to discuss the history of men that have dealt with women where unexpected events took place. Not just that, he stated that this story takes place 130 years ago; which means when this CBSRMT episode was broadcasted in 1981, our story takes place in 1851. But in ACT-1, after giving a history lesson of California’s Gold Rush in the late 1840’s, he informs the fans that the story begins in 1852 (right there, E.G. Marshall made a mistake for being 1 year off). But the rest of his narrations were great to hear. He mentions protective amulets to prevent danger like rabbit’s foot, piece of twisted red corral, bird claw, etc. In ACT-2, he mentions that men during the Gold Rush were lonely and tried advertisement to get wives. Later on, he quoted the words of William Congreve: “Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor Hell a fury like a woman scorned.” In ACT-3, E.G. Marshall explains that the mountain lion is a solitary hunter that preys on livestock, but this animal in this story named “One Eye” is unique. In the end, our main character walks away from the tragic events without looking back and becomes more dead than alive. In his Epilogue, E.G. Marshall informs us that this story is based off of Euripides’ Greek Tragedy play called “Hippolytus” from 428 B.C. and it was later adapted into Eugene O’Neil’s 1924 play “Desire Under The Elms” which became a feature film in 1958. Arnold Moss wrote a nice adaption of it for radio, but I think it would’ve been great if he added other actors to play the other roles. In the Euripides’ play of “Hippolytus,” it had many characters that were mortal & immortal. Many CBSRMT actors could’ve jumped on board for this tale, including Himan Brown. CBSRMT had many actors to play in #0636-A HOUSE DIVIDED and that was also based off of one of Euripides’ plays--called “Electra” written in 420 B.C. But still, it’s worth checking out if you’re a fan of Arnold Moss’ acting/writing. Also, check out the 1962 movie “Phaedra” which is also based off from the Greek play. Until next time…pleasant dreams. =0)

I'm usually not a fan of CBSRMT westerns nor a fan of "bad witch" stories (I'm Wiccan), but this held me captivated til the end. Roberta Maxwell's best performance on CBSRMT (imho)...and Norman Rose and Russell Hortorn's voices were top notch. (I actually forgot it was Norman Rose's voice.)