(111) Magic Island - All Four Are Rescued

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: (111) Magic Island – All Four Are Rescued
Date: June 14, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode dives into the Golden Age radio serial "Magic Island," specifically the dramatic rescue sequence where Captain Bradford, Jerry Hall, Cheops, and Thales await help after a rocket plane crash. They face peril in open water, with underwater wreckage and non-swimmers among them, while a Euclidean submarine—commanded by Joan Gregory and the enigmatic girl commander—races to their aid. The story highlights teamwork, quick thinking, and resourcefulness under stress, all rendered with the vintage tone of 1930s-40s radio storytelling.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Progression

1. The Crash and its Aftermath

[00:30-01:43]

• The episode opens with a recap: the rocket plane carrying Bradford, Jerry, Cheops, and Thales has crash-landed in the ocean. The bulkheads designed to keep it afloat are failing, and the survivors cling to wreckage as the craft slowly sinks.
• Joan Gregory and the Euclidean girl commander are inbound on a submarine, but even a few miles feels like a vast distance in these circumstances.

2. Survival in Open Water

[01:15-03:54]

• Bradford tries to remain optimistic about their makeshift raft ("I think this portion of the plane will float for a few minutes at least." - Captain Bradford, 01:15).
• Tension rises when Thales and Cheops reveal they cannot swim:
  • “I cannot swim.” – Thales, [01:59]
  • “I am in the same predicament. I cannot swim.” – Cheops, [02:03]
• Jerry and Bradford strategize how to keep the group afloat when the wreck inevitably sinks. Jerry insists on helping, stating, “We’ll take one of those fellows and we’ll keep them afloat if we have to put them to sleep.” – Jerry Hall, [02:34]

3. Contingency Planning and Group Dynamics

[03:54-06:15]

• As the reality of their predicament sets in, tempers and anxieties surface. More banter about the reliability of Euclidean technology:
  • “It’s a situation that wouldn’t happen to us if those Euclidean rocket ships were as plane perfect as you claimed they were.” – Jerry Hall, [03:14]
  • Cheops, ever formal: “Once we are back in Euphoria, stepping will be taken to curb your tongue.” – Cheops, [03:22]
• Bradford demonstrates leadership, instructing Cheops and Thales to practice floating on their backs, despite their protests about dignity and trust:
  • “It’s just a ridiculous position for a scientist.” – Cheops, [05:05]
  • “If Jerry let your head go into water, your position would be a lot more ridiculous.” – Captain Bradford, [05:08]

4. Waiting and Watching for Rescue

[06:15-07:53]

• They speculate about the submarine’s visibility and proximity, realizing the sub might not see them in time. Cheops calculates just how close the sub must be to spot them:
  • “If the submarine is proceeding at top speed, it will not be visible to us until within 180–240 seconds’ run of our position.” – Cheops, [06:37]
• As hope dwindles, they spot the sub in the distance:
  • “Look where I'm pointing. Can't you see something on top of the water plainly?” – Jerry Hall, [07:35]

5. The Sinking Wreck and Swift Rescue

[07:53-10:43]

• The wreck begins to sink in earnest. Quick instructions fly as they must swim free:
  • “Get away from this boat, everybody. Quick. She's sinking.” – Captain Bradford, [07:43]
• In the water at last, the characters alternate between light humor and practical guidance, keeping one another afloat.
• They attempt to signal the submarine:
  • “Now rise up in the water as far as you can and wave your arms.” – Captain Bradford, [08:54]
  • “It's no use, Tex. She doesn't see us.” – Jerry Hall, [09:01]

6. Boarding the Submarine and Reunion

[10:43-12:04]

• The sub “glides up” and executes a precise rescue maneuver. The nose opens for boarding, showing off the advanced technology and the commander’s skill.
  • “Can you see which side the nose is hinged on, Jerry?” – Captain Bradford, [10:36]
  • “You too, Thales. Get yourself a good tight hold there.” – Jerry Hall, [10:54]
• Inside, Joan Gregory manages orders with authority previously only seen by the Commander:
  • “You, Thales, will board this vessel first and report to the commander in the central control section.” – Joan Gregory, [11:10]
  • Thales protests: “Do you presume to issue orders to me?” to which Joan coolly responds, “Those are the orders of the commander.” – Joan and Thales, [11:14-11:16]
• Reunion, exhaustion, and relief are palpable as the group is brought aboard and offered “hot liquid,” with Joan securing the submarine for the return to Euclidea.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Here we are floating around in the Pacific Ocean with a sinking ship and two fellows who can't swim."
  – Jerry Hall, [02:09]
• "It's just a ridiculous position for a scientist."
  – Cheops, [05:05]
  (Wry humor amid crisis.)
• “Maybe. But if Jerry let your head go into water, your position would be a lot more ridiculous.”
  – Captain Bradford, [05:08]
• “You nearly let my head sink when you threshed around in that manner.”
  – Cheops, [08:43]
  (The uptight scientist in distress.)
• “Look at that thing come.”
  – Jerry Hall, [09:26]
  (Awe at the submarine’s approach.)
• “You, Thales, will board this vessel first and report to the commander in the central control section.”
  – Joan Gregory, [11:10]
  (Joan steps into a leadership role.)

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Important Timestamps

• [00:30-01:43] – Setup: The crash, the sinking plane, and approach of the submarine.
• [01:59-02:07] – Cheops and Thales admit they cannot swim.
• [03:14-03:22] – Banter about rocket ship quality and Euclidean discipline.
• [05:05-05:08] – Practical swimming lesson clashes with scientific dignity.
• [06:37] – Calculations about submarine approach distance.
• [07:35-07:43] – Submarine spotted; panic as the wreck sinks.
• [08:54-09:03] – Attempts to signal the submarine.
• [10:43-12:04] – Rescue sequence: boarding the submarine and Joan giving orders.

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Tone and Style

The episode maintains the lively, sometimes sardonic tone of the original radio drama: quick-witted, occasionally sarcastic exchanges between the grounded American characters and the more formal, logic-driven Euclideans. Classic radio urgency and camaraderie ring through, with peril offset by humor and mutual reliance.

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Final Notes

This tense but ultimately triumphant installment of Magic Island is a classic example of Golden Age radio drama: suspense, teamwork, character clash, and the satisfaction of rescue — all delivered with period-specific flair and dramatic structure, inviting listeners to the edge of their seats.

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Transcript

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[Narrator]

Just 75 miles from Euclidea, one of the rocket planes of the Euclidean scientists is down in the water. This should not prove very serious under ordinary conditions, but something went wrong with the plane. The instruments have failed and now even the gas filled bulkheads which were designed to keep the strange craft afloat have proven worthless. Captain Bradford, Jerry, Hall, Cheops and Thales are helpless in the water as their craft is slowly sinking on board a Euclidean submarine. Racing to their aid on the surface of the water are Joan Gregory and the Euclidean girl commander. They are within a few miles of Jerry, the captain and the two Euclideans who were with them. But it seems as if even this short distance may be too great. The captain and Jerry have a mighty serious problem on their hands.

[Captain Bradford]

I think this portion of the plane will float for a few minutes at least.

[Jerry Hall]

It better float for a long swim from anywhere.

[Captain Bradford]

The chances are that this section will stay where it is for some time and there's no use pulling it underwater until we have to. Now look, let's all let loose and float in the water where we can reach out and grab that thing if we need it.

[Jerry Hall]

Okay, Tex, I'm floating now.

[Captain Bradford]

Hello. Over there on the other side, kiosks. Thailey's.

[Thales]

Yes, Captain Bradford, we are here.

[Captain Bradford]

Are you hanging on to the ship?

[Thales]

We are.

[Captain Bradford]

Better let go and give the wreck a chance to stay afloat as long as it will. We might need to climb up on it.

[Jerry Hall]

Yeah, but we. We might find a couple of hungry sharks around here.

[Thales]

I am sorry, Captain. It will be impossible for me to release my hold on the wreckage.

[Captain Bradford]

Why is that impossible?

[Thales]

I cannot swim.

[Jerry Hall]

What? You can't swim?

[Thales]

I cannot swim.

[Cheops]

I am in the same predicament. I cannot swim.

[Captain Bradford]

Oh, gee, this is swell, Jerry.

[Jerry Hall]

Yeah, just Andy here we are floating around in the Pacific Ocean with a sinking ship and two fellows who can't swim.

[Captain Bradford]

We're all right as long as this wreck stays above water. But those air tanks were all cracked up when we hit them. Seams will be opening up any minute

[Jerry Hall]

and when that happens, you and I'll have to try to swim and keep those two above water at the same time.

[Captain Bradford]

That's about the size of it. Jerry, you just take care of yourself. I can handle them. They don't lose their heads.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, no, you don't. I can swim as long as you can. We'll take one of those fellows and we'll keep them afloat if we have to put them to sleep.

[Captain Bradford]

Right. You men work your way around to our side of this thing.

[Thales]

Very well, Captain.

[Jerry Hall]

How soon do you think that submarine can get to us, Tex?

[Captain Bradford]

No way a telling, Jerry. I don't know what speed it's making or exactly how far we are from the position of Euclid.

[Jerry Hall]

Just to make it real nice, the submarine skipper isn't exactly sure where to look for us.

[Thales]

This is rather an unusual situation, is it not, Captain Bradford?

[Captain Bradford]

Well, you might call it that.

[Jerry Hall]

It's a situation that wouldn't happen to us if those Euclidean rocket ships were as flame perfect as you claimed they were.

[Thales]

That is true.

[Cheops]

You are in a position of advantage. Now, hall, you may think your remarks well advised, but let me warn you that once we are back in euphoria, stepping will be taken to curb your tongue.

[Captain Bradford]

Now, before you worry about taking any steps to do anything else, you'd better give a little thought to saving yourselves. This boat won't float for more than a few minutes more. When it goes down, we'll swim. Swim and float and tread water and then swim and float some more. Possibly for hours until that rescue submarine locates us and picks us up.

[Thales]

I have told you, I've told you twice that I do not swim.

[Jerry Hall]

Then you don't give any orders. Tex and I can swim and hold you two above water for a little while. If you do as you're told, we

[Cheops]

will know how to obey orders.

[Captain Bradford]

I suppose you practice it right now. Might save a lot of trouble when the time comes.

[Cheops]

What is to be done?

[Captain Bradford]

Drop your grip on the side of this boat and turn over on your backs.

[Thales]

Turn on our backs in the water?

[Jerry Hall]

Sure, turn over on your backs. Here, Thales, give me your hand. Now don't. Don't try to push me through the bottom of the ocean. Just put your hand on my arm. In.

[Cheops]

In this relic?

[Jerry Hall]

Yeah, that'll do.

[Captain Bradford]

Now you do the same, Cheops.

[Thales]

Very well.

[Captain Bradford]

Now turn over on your back and try lying as flat as possible in the water. Oh, don't worry about your nose. I'll keep it above water.

[Jerry Hall]

Very well, you do the same thing. Finns.

[Cheops]

I do not feel any particular confidence in you, Hall.

[Jerry Hall]

And you know how I fell about you all the time. You'd better either get some confidence in me or learn to swim.

[Cheops]

I. I will attempt to turn over on my back.

[Joan Gregory]

Come on.

[Jerry Hall]

There you are. That wasn't so hard, was it?

[Cheops]

It's just a ridiculous position for a scientist.

[Captain Bradford]

Maybe. But if Jerry let your head go into water, your position would be a lot more ridiculous.

[Thales]

I would suggest, Thales, that you remain silent and be thankful These men are human fish.

[Captain Bradford]

It's a good idea, Cheops. Now you're doing all right with your floating. Now both of you know how it's done. Here. Flop over right side up again and rest on this boat as long as you can.

[Jerry Hall]

How about it, skipper? Will they do?

[Captain Bradford]

I think we can handle them, son. They behave that well after the boat's gone down.

[Thales]

You have no fear of our behavior, have you?

[Jerry Hall]

We haven't any fear, but you'd better have if Tex and I get tired swimming around with you.

[Cheops]

Will do exactly as ordered.

[Captain Bradford]

That may save you a lot of trouble. Well, it looks like we've done all we can until the Commander arrives with her submarine.

[Thales]

How do you estimate the distance separating us from our rescuer?

[Captain Bradford]

I don't. I couldn't even guess.

[Jerry Hall]

Well, at least we can't see anything of her submarine. And she said she'd be on the surface.

[Cheops]

The submarine which the Commander is using will project only 10ft above the water under ordinary conditions.

[Captain Bradford]

10ft plus a little if she's riding high and fast.

[Thales]

Yes. If the craft is making its best possible speed, it will stand less than 15ft above water.

[Jerry Hall]

How. How far over the water? Can you see something only 15ft high.

[Captain Bradford]

Most likely less than five miles, isn't it, Chebs?

[Thales]

Yes, precisely. Precisely.

[Cheops]

If the submarine is proceeding at top speed, it will not be visible to us until within 180-240-seconds run of our position.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh boy, that's too blamed close. If we can't see her any better at that, she can't see this thing half that far. She might run on past us and never know it.

[Captain Bradford]

Yes.

[Thales]

Yes, that is indeed impossible.

[Captain Bradford]

Let's break a piece out of the top of this ship and get it up into the air.

[Cheops]

Now that is impossible, Captain. While the construction of this rocket plane has proven inadequate as a protection against a forced landing, you will find it much too strong to be torn apart with the hands.

[Captain Bradford]

I suppose so.

[Jerry Hall]

And of course the blame thing turned upside down so we can't get at

[Thales]

the door that is another weakness we will remember and remedy when construction of more of these ships is done.

[Jerry Hall]

Better fix plenty of these things before you build any more of these. Hey, Tanks, look over there.

[Captain Bradford]

Where, Jerry?

[Jerry Hall]

Where? Look where I'm pointing. Can't you see something on top of the water plainly?

[Cheops]

Yes, I should say that was a submarine running on the surface.

[Captain Bradford]

Get away from this boat, everybody.

[Jerry Hall]

Quick.

[Captain Bradford]

She's sinking.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, boy, sure is.

[Thales]

Do we turn over now?

[Captain Bradford]

You're doing fast. Grab, Clem. Out of two strokes. This thing's going to pull plenty when she goes down.

[Jerry Hall]

Right. Turn over, Thailes. Now keep your mouth shut. Here we go.

[Captain Bradford]

You all right, Jerry?

[Jerry Hall]

Yep, I'm okay.

[Captain Bradford]

Able to get your breath? K?

[Thales]

I'm suffering no discomfort.

[Jerry Hall]

How are you doing, Thaily?

[Cheops]

I do not care for this position being pulled about by my head as a fish on a line. However, it will suffice.

[Jerry Hall]

It better. You'd feel like a fish without any water if I let go of you.

[Captain Bradford]

Jerry, that is a submarine. She isn't over half a mile away.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, but it looks like she's running away from us.

[Captain Bradford]

And I'm afraid she hadn't seen us yet.

[Jerry Hall]

Hey, commander. Hey, the S.O.B. hey, please exercise greater care, Hall.

[Cheops]

You nearly let my head sink when you threshed around in that manner.

[Captain Bradford]

Yeah, I've got it. Let me take both of them, Jerry. Here, you men put your hands on my shoulder. Easy now. Okay, son. Now rise up in the water as far as you can and wave your arms.

[Thales]

Okay.

[Jerry Hall]

It's no use, Tex. She doesn't see us.

[Captain Bradford]

Yes, she does, Jerry. She's putting a boat.

[Jerry Hall]

I can't see where that sub's getting any closer.

[Captain Bradford]

You won't for a few minutes. Probably. She was going at a terrific clip. It'll take her some time to swim around, get over here to us.

[Thales]

Are you sure that that's the Euclidean submarine?

[Captain Bradford]

No doubt of that. Nothing else on the water to take it?

[Cheops]

If it is the commander, she will reach us quickly.

[Thales]

Yes, that boat will describe a very small ark and lose headway rapidly.

[Jerry Hall]

It's doing that, all right. Golly, Whiskers, Text. Look at that thing come.

[Captain Bradford]

What a sight, Jerry. That girl has straightened it out and heading right for us.

[Cheops]

It could be well to signal that she is not to run near us at too great a speed. I imagine that our position would not be too comfortable if the water was rough.

[Jerry Hall]

You might get part of the ocean in your nose. But we could roll that out of you later.

[Thales]

That will not be necessary. The commander is far too Clever to endanger a life she is attempting to save.

[Captain Bradford]

You're right again. Caps sub is going to come gliding up to us here without even muscling the water.

[Jerry Hall]

How are we going to board that plain thing? Will not be difficult, I think.

[Captain Bradford]

No, Jerry, remember how the nose of those subs opened?

[Jerry Hall]

Yeah, I remember.

[Captain Bradford]

Look, Matjer, look. That boat's only 100 yards from us. The stern is slowly settling under. She drifts up.

[Thales]

I believe the commander will submerge the stern, bring the prow of the submarine to our immediate position and upward manner and admit us through the bow airlock.

[Jerry Hall]

That's it. It's getting closer. Don't wiggle, Alpha. I'll try to keep the water out of your face. It will not move now.

[Captain Bradford]

Now only the nose of the sub is sticking up out of the water. It's drifting quietly towards us. How that girl can handle that submarine.

[Jerry Hall]

She sure is good at it. Hey, in the sub there. You're close enough. Don't push us around with that thing.

[Captain Bradford]

Can you see which side the nose is hinged on, Jerry?

[Jerry Hall]

Yeah, right. The way it's drifting.

[Captain Bradford]

And be sure and stay out from under. You might get hurt when it opens.

[Jerry Hall]

I'll watch it.

[Captain Bradford]

All right, chefs, turn over. Now, take hold of the edge of this hatchway.

[Thales]

Oh, I will do so.

[Jerry Hall]

You too, Thales. Get yourself a good tight hold there.

[Captain Bradford]

Can you find a handhold, Jerry?

[Jerry Hall]

Sure, I'm fine.

[Cheops]

We are indeed safe.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, Jerry, Are you with Joan? What are you doing here? Hello, Joan.

[Captain Bradford]

We're all right.

[Joan Gregory]

Come aboard quickly. You must be in need of it.

[Jerry Hall]

We could sure use it.

[Joan Gregory]

You, Thales, will board this vessel first and report to the commander in the central control section.

[Cheops]

Do you presume to issue orders to me?

[Joan Gregory]

Those are the orders of the commander.

[Jerry Hall]

Very well.

[Cheops]

I shall be pleased enough to be aboard.

[Captain Bradford]

I'll give you a hand.

[Jerry Hall]

Up you go. It'll be sort of pleased to catch you off my hands, too.

[Captain Bradford]

Can you make it?

[Cheops]

I'm nearly within the submarine.

[Captain Bradford]

All right. Your next Kiops. Right, Joan?

[Joan Gregory]

That is correct, Captain.

[Jerry Hall]

Hurry up, Kiops. I'm getting tired of this water.

[Thales]

I am making all possible speech.

[Captain Bradford]

Is Mrs. Gregory on board the sub with you, Tone?

[Joan Gregory]

No, Captain Bradford. Mother was resting when we left Euclidea. She does not know of the danger you and Jerry have been in.

[Captain Bradford]

That's good. All right, Jerry, in you go.

[Jerry Hall]

You first, Tex.

[Captain Bradford]

Orders, Jerry.

[Jerry Hall]

All right, skipper. In I go then. Nothing but my feelings. I've been holding up the guy dailies for a long time now.

[Joan Gregory]

Captain, the way is clear for you.

[Captain Bradford]

I'll be right away. Joan.

[Jerry Hall]

Right in.

[Joan Gregory]

Will you please follow the others to the central section? The commander has some hot liquid ready for you. I will remain here to close the port.

[Captain Bradford]

I'll help you, Jonah.

[Joan Gregory]

No. Off you go, Captain. It's orders, sir.

[Captain Bradford]

Aye aye, Skipper.

[Joan Gregory]

Now I will close the port and we will return to Euclidea at once.

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