The Black Museum

The Jack Handle

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The Black Museum is a crime anthology presented by Orson Welles, who introduces each story from the perspective of Scotland Yard’s collection of objects connected to real crimes. The featured artifact provides a starting point for a dramatized tale of violence, deception, or investigation.

In “The Jack Handle,” the title object gives the story its focus. Welles’s narration frames the drama, while the cast brings the crime and its consequences to life through dialogue and sound. The series combines a presenter-led introduction with a self-contained dramatic story, giving each episode the feel of a case file opened for the listener.

The atmosphere is dark and suspenseful, with the museum’s grim collection lending the stories a distinctive sense of menace. Welles’s measured delivery and the period radio sound design make this a compelling choice for listeners drawn to classic crime drama and tales inspired by criminal evidence.


This recording is part of the Old Time Radio collection.