Like many John Cheever stories, the major themes of The Enormous Radio are appearances vs. reality and the myth of urban bliss. Other themes include eavesdropping, obsession, secrecy, smugness, self-delusion and hypocrisy. A seemingly contented couple’s life changes when a malfunctioning radio begins to pick up conversations from people in surrounding apartments. The woman becomes obsessed with listening in and, after learning her neighbors’ secrets about affairs, marital and financial problems, etc., begins to look down on them. This feeling of superiority is soon dashed when her husband points out some unsavory aspects of her own past.
Original Text / PDF / Audio (4,400 words)
Video Version
This is an episode from Season 3 of the Tales from the Darkside television series, broadcast in 1957. An interesting twist has been added at the end where there is a suggestion that someone in another apartment is eavesdropping on the couple’s argument through their radio. Watch and enjoy!
Radio Play Version
This play is from the short-lived CBS Radio Workshop series. It aired in 1956, three years after the story was published. Listen and enjoy!