Radio review – MT #14 - “Hell on Ice” (1938) ****

Arctic stories adapt really well to radio, because you don’t have to worry about the budget, howling wind sounds terrifying and journal diaries work well on air. This is a terrific Mercury Production, one of their best, based on the disastrous 19th century expedition which involved a US ship getting stuck in the ice up Siberia way. They wound up in three life boats – one was wiped out but two made it to land; but the two landed separately and the inhabitants of one were almost entirely wiped out. Had never heard of the incident – we have enough drama in the Southern Hemisphere I guess to worry about antics up north. Good acting – Orson doesn’t have a showy a part as before (he’s the lead but it’s more of an ensemble piece).