Monday, February 19 (Time) -- WXXX, CBS RADIO MYSTERY THEATER, “The Shock of His Life,” starring Larry Haines, with E.G. Marshall, host. After suffering a violent electric shock, a man realizes he can read the future like it was the first page of tomorrow’s newspaper. Bar and grill owner Herbie Boggs, furious because his television set goes clack just as a Sunday football game is about to begin, tries to fix the set himself. Result: an electric shock that sends him to the hospital. When he recovers, he discovers he has developed the capability of predicting what will happen the next day. Sadie, his wife, without being electrified, but with a woman’s intuition, foresees nothing but trouble ahead -- for both of them. It doesn’t take long for her prediction to come true. CAST: Herbie Boggs...........LARRY HAINES Dr. Bains.............Ian Martin Sadie Boggs...........Joan Shea WRITER: Ian Martin

Very predictable, but the acting, especially for the character of Sadie, is quite good. The character of Sadie is the gem of this one.

I rate this episode ★★★★☆ for GOOD. The music, the sound effects, the Host, and the talented acting were all splendid. Ian Martin’s script, however, there were 3 things I noted. ONE: The story was predictable, it was obvious that in the final scene the main character didn’t have futuristic powers (SPOILER ALERT) because if he did, he would’ve had a futuristic plan to escape his problems. TWO: The plot says that he’s a gambler, but there wasn’t a lot of dialogue or a lot of scenes to reveal how much of a gambler he really is. And THREE: at the 12:08 mark, he says he’s been married for 32 years, but at the 02:29 mark, E.G. Marshall the Host says that the main character has been married for 36 years. Did anyone at CBSRMT informed Ian Martin that there was a typo in his radio script? But let’s move on to the other specifics such as sound effects: the comic issues, sports on the TV, the electric shock, traffic noise, beeps at the Hospital, footsteps, rotary phone, patrons murmuring at the bar, wine glass, coffee cups, door buzzer, the stun gun, and the TV static were fitting for this mystery story. The music had dramatic tunes, but also unique tunes to change the mood, especially the tracks at the 13:55 mark, 21:07 mark, 24:52 mark, 33:13 mark, and the 40:50 mark. In our Host’s Prologue, E.G. Marshall begins with the discussion of known inventors, scientists, and innovators that changed the world. In ACT-1, his explains who our main character is and what he does in Queens, New York. In ACT-2, the discussion of irreparable damage. In ACT-3, he quoted Sir Francis Bacon on his views on Justice & Death: “Men must pursue things which are just in present, and leave the future to the Divine Providence.” The valuable lesson the main character received was the climax. In his Epilogue, E.G. Marshall informs CBSRMT listeners that the characters retired to Florida. Satisfying narrations and a suitable Resolution. But the best part in this episode, was the cast: Larry Haines (as Herbert Boggs), Joan Shay (as Sadie Boggs & Cherie), and Ian Martin (as Dr. Bains & Gino Marx). Kudos to Ian Martin and Joan Shay for playing protagonists & antagonists. But bravo to Larry Haines for playing characters that are paranoid and agitated. The best line he spoke was at the 16:39 mark when he hollered, “Yeehoo!” Tune in to this mystery tale if you love these cast members’ works. SPECIAL BONUS: this episode has a commercial from the American Heart Association. Until next time…pleasant dreams. =0)

While not a comedy, the bickering couple is funny to listen to.

The character, Sadie, was annoying as written and her voice made this show unbearable.