Dime a Dance: Murder on the Dance Floor

In this thrilling episode of Suspense, Lucille Ball stars as Ginger Allen, a red-headed taxi dancer at the Joyland Palace dance hall just off Broadway. When her close friend and fellow dancer Julie is found murdered, Ginger learns she's potentially next on the killer's list - the third victim in a string of murders targeting red-headed dance hall girls.

Enter Nick, a mysterious man who claims to be an undercover police officer assigned to protect her. As more details emerge about the killer's signature - including his obsession with the song "Poor Butterfly" and his habit of dancing with his victims post-mortem - Ginger must determine who she can trust before she becomes the next target in this chilling tale of obsession and revenge.

Originally Aired: January 13, 1944

Keywords: "Suspense Lucille Ball episode," "Dime a Dance radio drama," "1944 Suspense radio," "Broadway dance hall mystery," "taxi dancer murder mystery," "classic Roma Wines Suspense," "1940s thriller radio"

Cast: Lucille Ball (as Ginger Allen), with supporting cast

Sponsor: Roma Wines

Producer/Director: William Speer

Writer: Cornell Woolrich

Notable Elements: Features Lucille Ball in a dramatic role during her MGM years, with the episode airing during the theatrical run of "Madame Curie." The story effectively blends elements of Broadway life with noir thriller elements, creating a uniquely atmospheric tale of suspense.