CBSRMT Episode Information Next Episode

Title

Death Is So Trivial

Plot

A man dies in a road accident and vows to devote his afterlife to stopping hit and runs.

Episode

0220

Air Dates

  • First Run - February 7, 1975
  • Repeat - April 26, 1975

Actors

Writer

Listen

Rating

144
119     25


9 Responses to Episode 0220

A man receives a fatal blow when he is struck by a car. His soul lingers in Limbo and before giving up the ghost, he seeks to make a contribution to the living.

Lucky

A young man is struck by a car and killed. His soul is about to spring off to join the celestial choir when a feeling of anger, power, and strength comes over him. He is furious that he is dead, particularly about the senseless way he died. He decides to commit his afterlife to preventing all trivial deaths. At first it seems an easy job, but proves larger than he imagined. At the same time, his corpse lay on a table in the medical examiner’s office and appears to reflect the actions he performs beyond the grave.

Jamie

Another paranormal story with a romantic twist, courtesy of Elspeth Eric

Gina Schackel

This episode was worth the listen, even if only for the quote at the end. I rewound this more than 10 times to hear it. If you don't listen to the episode, at least read the narrator's take on death, as he closed the tale: "Why couldn't it be that the soul lingers for a while? As long as no one really knows for sure what the soul does when stripped of its body, why not pretend? Why not imagine that it leaves the body gracefully and a little regretfully, pausing to consider what it is losing, before dashing off to see what it is gaining."

Mike

A paranormal story, but not overly comedic nor dramatic (or even horrific). I agree with Mike that the quote on the end is very nice. A reflection of your life at your death is interesting, but would it not be better to live your life to its fullest while living? Most of us (myself included) aren't able (or don't have the time) to do this.

Alec

I loved this one. Not too many of these have a good vibe to them. I like all the dramas but get really tired of demons and the like. Nice to have a good one every now and then.

Crystal Allen

I rate this episode ★★★★☆ for GOOD. A strange, yet interesting mystery that Elspeth Eric wrote. Many of her mystery stories for CBSRMT are dramatic (#0167-THE BLACK ROOM) and superstitious (#0736-THE THERAPEUTIC CAT). This one wasn’t bad, but it was predictable on how it would end. Even though the main character was humble and compassionate like the other characters were, he had to give up his task for the Living sooner or later. Another way to title this would be “Dedicate My Afterlife” or “Soul Vs. Body.” In our Host’s Prologue, E.G. Marshall starts the show off by describing his image of dying on how it would play out (eccentric, yet interesting to talk about on the Radio). In ACT-1, he quoted a line from William Shakespeare’s JULIUS CAESAR (Act 2, Scene 2). In ACT-2, as the main character deals with his soul & body, he asks how many cry for their own deaths and cry for others. In ACT-3, after the main character decides to move on, E.G. Marshall quoted the English poet John Milton about death. In his Epilogue, our Host asks to imagine what the soul does; what it is losing and what it is gaining. Thought-provoking, our Host was! The sound effects of the traffic noise, tires screech, sirens, rotary phone, doors, gushing wind, footsteps, Jet Airliner soaring, gunshots, and people on the streets murmuring were very supportive in this. The music tunes they used kept on repeating in each Act. But the Gospel tunes and Harp music were a wonderful touch. And speaking of wonderful, this cast: Tony Roberts (as James Blake), Kristoffer Tabori (as Dr. Fred Crowley), Suzanne Grossman (as Cynthia), Bryna Raeburn (as Daisy, the Old Lady, and Female Shopper), and Dan Ocko (as Dr. Hatch and Herbert). All 5 were terrific in their parts, especially the leading man: Tony Roberts. This is one of his best roles on CBSRMT. If you’re a fan of Tony Roberts’ acting, tune in to this mystery tale. Until next time…pleasant dreams. =0)

Russell

Really enjoyed this one. Great cast starting with the wonderful Tony Roberts. It is interesting - I never used to like Elspeth Eric’s episodes when I was a kid because they all felt so sentimental to me. As I mature - I appreciate her story telling more and more. I also think she has a great talent for realistic dialog in character. Himan Brown really had a talent for finding and choosing the right writers. Not an easy task and I truly appreciate the work of all the actors, writers, and everyone involved - many of whom are no longer with us. Their work is wonderful and still so very important in my life every single night. Thank you to all who helped preserve these as well!

Paul Liberti

Story kinda sounds like an alternate version of The Twilight Zone episode " A Passage for Trumpet" w/the late Jack Klugman. Just a comment.

Bob Hudgins


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