Stan Freberg, well-known for poking fun at “political correctness” before the term was ever invented, departs from his usual comedic demeanor when he plays a killer on this week’s “Suspense” episode, “Alibi Me.”
Freberg began his career on radio in 1943 when he impersonated voices on Cliffie Stone’s local radio shows in southern California. Before long, he was providing voices for Warner Brothers’ cartoons. He first made his mark in satire when he went to work for Capitol Records in 1951. His parody of “Dragnet,” “St. George and the Dragonet” became a top hit in 1953. Capitol refused, however, to release Freberg’s parody of popular radio host Arthur Godfrey. The skit, portraying CBS’ Godfrey as an egomaniac requiring his staff to cater to him, ultimately aired over the “CBS Radio Workshop” in 1956.
A year later, CBS radio gave him his own show, but it ran only 15 episodes because, in part, Freberg refused cigarette advertising. During one installment, Freberg faces off against a censor from the Citizens Radio Committee when he is forced to change the lyrics to “Old Man River” to “Elderly Man River” so as to not offend anyone.
“Suspense” is heard Monday night at 10 over 97.9 WHAV FM, with an encore performance at 1 a.m.
Tonight, Saturday, June 1
Gunsmoke: “Kick Me,” 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.
Sunday
Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: “Unworthy Kin Matter,” 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.
Monday
Suspense: “Alibi Me,” 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.
Tuesday
Dimension X: “Untitled Story,” 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.
Wednesday
Great Gildersleeve: Leroy and Pals Go to Grass Lake, 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.
Thursday
Our Miss Brooks: Cat Burglers, 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.
Friday
Couple Next Door: Proof of Aunt Effie’s Birth, 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.
Saturday, June 8
Gunsmoke: “The Lamb,” 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.
Sunday
Yours Truly Johnny Dollar: “What Goes Matter,” 10 p.m. and 1 a.m.