Strange Tales (Old Time Radio)
Aug 30, 2026 · 32 min · 15 segments
This episode of Strange Tales features *Twelve Portraits Of Marcia*, the January 21, 1948, broadcast of The Whistler…
[tense music] The late afternoon sun slanted through the skylight behind Marcia, making a halo of her hair as she sat legs crossed on the model's platform.
Ralph paused a moment, looked past the canvas he was painting, his 12th portrait of Marcia, studied her fresh, eager face, then back to the picture again, touching up the mouth, the delicate nose, the luminous eyes.
Ralph, darling, I meant to tell you-
Hold your pose, Marcia.
Told you, I'm almost finished.
Sorry, darling.
At least when it's over, you won't snap at me.
You're always pleasant after a portrait's done.
Why not? To begin a painting is to sell yourself into slavery.
The only way out is to finish.
Just a few moments, I'll be free again.
[dramatic music]
Yes, Ralph, you'll be free.
The picture is nearly complete.
One stroke more and loyal, loving Marcia, who would never take a penny for her hours of tireless posing, will never pose again.
Ralph?
Yes?
Supposing someone offered you $1,000 for a picture.
Don't talk such rut.
It's a failure and you know it.
It's not such a wild dream.
Uh, through with me?
Yeah, that does it.
All through.
You can relax now.
[tense music] The late afternoon sun slanted through the skylight behind Marcia, making a halo of her hair as she sat legs crossed on the model's platform.
Ralph paused a moment, looked past the canvas he was painting, his 12th portrait of Marcia, studied her fresh, eager face, then back to the picture again, touching up the mouth, the delicate nose, the luminous eyes.
Ralph, darling, I meant to tell you-
Hold your pose, Marcia.
Told you, I'm almost finished.
Sorry, darling.
At least when it's over, you won't snap at me.
You're always pleasant after a portrait's done.
Why not? To begin a painting is to sell yourself into slavery.
The only way out is to finish.
Just a few moments, I'll be free again.
[dramatic music]
Yes, Ralph, you'll be free.
The picture is nearly complete.
One stroke more and loyal, loving Marcia, who would never take a penny for her hours of tireless posing, will never pose again.
Ralph?
Yes?
Supposing someone offered you $1,000 for a picture.
Don't talk such rut.
It's a failure and you know it.
It's not such a wild dream.
Uh, through with me?
Yeah, that does it.
All through.
You can relax now.
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