Hypnotism and Mind Control in Old Time Radio

Hypnotism is in old time radio shows is often used by the villains. Like ventriloquism, hypnosis is a skill that can be learned and developed. However, there would be some very short episodes if a good guy was able to reform all the No-goodniks by swinging a pocket watch in front of them.

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The popular perception is that hypnosis is a form of unconsciousness, and therefore, similar to sleep. Supposedly, while under hypnosis, the subject is particularly vulnerable to suggestion, and this is the power that gives the villain an advantage. In fact, the subject is  very awake, in a highly focused state. The focus can be so intense as to cause physical relaxation. This can be particularly useful in psychotherapy.

There are a few rules to hypnotism in literature (or on the radio). There is usually a "Stronger mind" imposing its will on a weaker subject. Supposedly, the subject cannot be hypnotized if they do not want to be. For this reason, the bad guy often tricks his subjects into allowing hypnosis.

The Man of Steel, of course, is too strong willed to be placed under hypnosis himself, but those Superman cares about the most are not so fortunate. This is the case with Lois Lane in "Black Narcissus".

Hypnosis is used on pretty, naive girls who eventually find themselves under Boston Blackie's protection, but they only receive that protection after murder has occurred.

Stage hypnosis can be used part of an illusionist's act. While the act might be fake, it is just the sort of device to be used by magician crime-fighters like Mandrake the Magician, Blackstone, and Chandu the Magician.

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Hypnotism will even be something the No-goods will use in the future, as Dantro The Planet Man discovers when planetary officials from Mars begin to run amok.

Hypnotism is a skill that can be learned.

This notion has a chilling effect on Quiet Please when a device playing music hypnotizes people with music.

The effect is somewhat lighter on Fibber McGee and Molly and Duffy's Tavern. Both Fibber and Archie learn hypnotism out of a book. Or do they?

See also: Quack Doctors Collection.