Review: “The Resident” – A Haunting Tale of Unwelcome Guests and Inner Demons
Originally aired on January 15, 1974, The Resident is episode #0010 of the CBS Radio Mystery Theater, hosted by the ever-thoughtful E.G. Marshall. Written by Elspeth Eric, this eerie drama explores themes of isolation, psychological vulnerability, and the supernatural through the unsettling experiences of a retired woman seeking peace in a new home.
Cast & Characters
Actor Character Description
Carmen Matthews Malvina Thripp A retired woman seeking tranquility
Joan Lorring Young Girl A mysterious and intrusive presence
Gilbert Mack Supporting Roles Various voices that deepen the mystery
Character Traits & Motivations
Character Good Traits Flaws Motivation
Malvina Independent, hopeful Naïve, emotionally fragile
Desires peace and companionship
Young Girl - Charismatic, persistent Manipulative, invasive Seeks control and dominance
Cat “Evil” Symbolic, enigmatic Menacing, unnatural Represents fear and psychological
torment
Plot Sequence
1. Exposition: Malvina Thripp moves from the countryside to a town, hoping for a fresh start.
2. Rising Action: She encounters a cat named “Evil” and a young girl who begins to take over her home.
3. Crisis: Malvina’s sense of reality begins to unravel as she loses control over her space and mind.
4. Climax: The girl asserts dominance, and the cat’s presence becomes increasingly sinister.
5. Resolution: Malvina is left psychologically defeated, her autonomy stripped by the “residents” she
never invited.
⚖️ Moral of the Story
The Resident warns that loneliness can make us vulnerable to manipulation, and that the boundaries we set—both physical and emotional—are essential to preserving our identity. It also suggests that evil doesn’t always arrive with fangs and fury; sometimes, it creeps in quietly, wearing a smile.
Final Thoughts
With its chilling atmosphere and E.G. Marshall’s philosophical musings, The Resident is a masterclass in psychological suspense. It’s a tale that lingers long after the final line, leaving listeners to wonder: who — or what — do we really let into our lives?
E.G. Marshall: The Voice of the Creaking Door
E.G. Marshall, born Everett Eugene Grunz on June 18, 1914, in Owatonna, Minnesota, became a household name as the host of the CBS Radio Mystery Theater from 1974 to 1982. With his rich, resonant voice and philosophical musings, Marshall welcomed listeners into a world of suspense, horror, and psychological intrigue—always beginning with the iconic line: “Come in!... Welcome. I’m E.G. Marshall.”
Radio Legacy Marshall’s role on CBS Radio Mystery Theater was more than narration—it was a performance. He introduced and closed each episode with eerie elegance, often reflecting on morality, justice, and the human condition. His presence gave the show its signature tone: cerebral, chilling, and timeless. Though he only acted in one episode (A Christmas Carol as Scrooge), his voice became the soul of the series, threading together over 1,500 episodes.
Beyond the Microphone Marshall was a founding member of the Actors Studio, sharing ranks with Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift. He starred in Broadway productions like The Crucible and Waiting for Godot, and earned acclaim for his film role as Juror #4 in 12 Angry Men (1957). On television, he won two Emmy Awards for his portrayal of defense attorney Lawrence Preston in The Defenders (1961–1965).
Advocacy and Influence Outside of entertainment
Marshall was a vocal advocate for national healthcare and served on the Committee for National Health Insurance. He also supported Democratic candidates and narrated political ads during the 1968 presidential campaign.
Final Curtain E.G. Marshall passed away from lung cancer on August 24, 1998, in Bedford, New York, at age 84. His legacy endures in the echoes of the creaking door and the “pleasant... dreams?” that closed each episode.
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