Our thanks to our mysterious listener Joe, whose extraordinary effort convinced us to visit a corner of the Listener Library we’ve been known to avoid, the CBS Radio Mystery Theater section! Based on Joe’s recommendation, we’re listening to an episode entitled, “The Chess Master,” featuring a performance by Fred Gwynn! The story features a man who has recently lost his job sitting down for a game of chess with a stranger. Although the stakes seem innocuous at first, it soon becomes apparent that a much deeper game is being played! Can this man out-maneuver his opponent? Where’s E.G. Marshall and who is this Tammy Grimes person? How much does the Muzio Gambit have to do with the drunk horsies? Listen for yourself and find out! Then vote and let us know what you think!
I really enjoyed this episode, although I agree it fell a little short in the end. The story was suspenseful and fun. Fred Gwynne’s performance elevated this story in my opinion and I wonder if I would have liked it as much without him. The story about Fischer vs Spassky in Iceland was interesting so I looked it up and found this little story.
https://www.nytimes.com/1972/08/28/archives/fischer-nears-title-with-draw-against-spassky-in-game-no-19-fischer.html
This was an excellent story that keeps you in suspense the entire time you listen to it, and Fred Gwynne’s impressive performance anchors the whole thing—-really enjoyed this one.