(123) Magic Island - Motor Almost Dead

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode 123: Magic Island - Motor Almost Dead
Release Date: June 15, 2026
Podcast Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Series Context: Classic radio drama; the ongoing adventure of the Gregory family and companions as they contend with the mysterious Euclideans and their underwater city.

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Overview

In this episode of "Magic Island," the Gregory party faces escalating tension as their vessel speeds towards Euclidea to rescue Captain Bradford (Tex) and Elaine, who are stranded and low on resources. Meanwhile, technical issues threaten the crew’s mission, and critical decisions must be made about speed and safety. As concerns deepen, loyalties and quick thinking come to the fore, showing the group’s ingenuity and resilience.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Anxious Waiting and Radio Communication

• The Gregory party (Mrs. Gregory, Joan, Jerry) anxiously awaits news from Tex and Elaine, who are floating near Euclidea, awaiting rescue and eyeing the captured Euclideans.
• Joan and Jerry debate whether Tex’s previous radio message—claiming the Euclideans were securely captured—was an honest report or a bluff intended for enemy ears.
  • Quote:
    "You think you're right, and I know I'm right." — Jerry (01:16)
    "The captain was, as you say, bluffy." — Joan (01:56)

2. Concerns About Resources and Safety

• Elaine and Tex’s fuel reserves are precariously low, which could leave them stranded if anything goes wrong.
  • Quote:
    "They must be nearly out of fuel, Jerry. Elaine said when they took off that they had barely enough of the fuel gas to take them to Euclideans." — Joan (01:29)
• The group on the Gregory boat is worried that the Euclideans could escape if their chemical solvent fails or if Tex's message was just a deterrent.

3. Connecting with Tex via Radio

• The group receives a brief, reassuring radio message from Tex, indicating that all is well and encouraging the Gregory party to keep their radio manned at all times.
  • Quote:
    "We're riding easily on the water just above the airlock." — Tex/Captain Bradford (05:07)
    "Don't worry about anything. Just keep coming our way and we'll be waiting for you." — Tex/Captain Bradford (05:34)
• Tex assures them they have enough provisions and fuel, and all escape routes remain sealed.

4. Mechanical Troubles on the Gregory Boat

• Engineer McLeod expresses his concerns about the ship’s engines, which are straining to go faster than designed.
  • Quote:
    "The motors? Ay, the motors of this boat are defective." — Mrs. Gregory (06:54)
  • McLeod clarifies the engines aren’t defective but are being overworked:
    "I would nae say that they were defect, but they are being badly overworked, and I'm none too sure how much of it they'll stand." (06:58)
• Mrs. Gregory insists on keeping the motors “wide open” for speed, despite the risks, highlighting the urgency of the rescue mission:
  • Quote:
    "Speed means everything, Mac. We're doing far too slowly as it is." — Mrs. Gregory (07:05)
  • "We haven't any such margin as that. Keep the motors wide open and take a chance." — Mrs. Gregory (07:32)
• Jerry and McLeod agree to push the engines' limits, possibly beyond safety, but prioritize reaching Tex and Elaine in time.

5. Behind-the-Scenes Decision and Deception

• Jerry reveals to Joan his plan to secretly slow the boat to preserve the engines—contrary to Mrs. Gregory’s wishes. McLeod is enlisted to reduce speed covertly and avoid breakdown.
  • Quote:
    "Those engines are liable to quit anytime at this speed." — Jerry (10:41) "There's only one thing we can do ... Radio the captain to get away from that place and fly back to the boat. It'd be safer if we were all together." — Jerry (10:49) "McLeod is going to cut the engines to 18 knots an hour. And we mustn't let your mother find it out." — Jerry (11:13)
• The secretive plan underscores the high stakes and the group’s willingness to bend the rules for the greater good.

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Memorable Moments and Quotes

• Tex’s Calm Under Pressure:
  "Think nothing of it. Well, I'd better save our batteries. Good luck, all. See you later." — Tex/Captain Bradford (05:44)

• McLeod's Engineer's Pride and Caution:
  "You are in charge of those engines, Mac. And your job is to get us just as far as you can, as fast as you can. I'll be responsible beyond that." — Mrs. Gregory (07:48)

• Joan’s Dry Wit:
  "Jerry won't mind standing by the radio alone."
  "But, Mother, I do like to be near Jerry. He talks so much and says so little that it is very restful." — Joan (09:09)

• Strategic Subterfuge:
  "Jerry, you are going to trick mother." — Joan (11:10) "We've got to, Joan, or we haven't got a chance to save the captain or do anything else." — Jerry (11:12)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:30] — Setup and narration of Tex and Elaine’s situation; radio worries begin.
• [01:09–02:24] — Jerry, Joan debate Tex's “bluff” and worry about fuel and safety.
• [03:05–05:15] — Mrs. Gregory joins; radio contact established with Tex. Reassuring update.
• [06:06–07:48] — McLeod voices engine concerns, discusses with Mrs. Gregory.
• [09:21–11:13] — Jerry and Joan conspire to slow the boat secretly to avoid engine failure.

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Closing Notes

This episode is a classic illustration of early radio drama’s focus on suspense, technical dilemmas, and human interplay. The Gregory family and crew show both vulnerability and resourcefulness as they try to outwit looming dangers from both mechanical failure and their cunning adversaries.

Listeners are left with a sense of rising tension—will the Gregory party reach Tex and Elaine before something goes wrong, or will mechanical woes and secret plans backfire? Stay tuned for the next episode!

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Transcript

[Lady Luck]

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[Narrator / Jerry]

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[Narrator]

The magic island of Euclidea is no longer visible at the location of the island. The waters of the South Pacific Ocean are rolling gently and on the surface floats the rocket plane which Captain Bradford and Elaine have landed near the upper escape lock of the underwater city of Euclidia. The time is going to pass very slowly for the captain and the Euclidean girl commander who is now helping him. They will have to wait for days until the Gregory boat arrives and the Euclideans are captured. Back on the Gregory boat, Mrs. Gregory, Jerry and Joan are wondering and worrying about the two who have gone ahead. In the radio cabin of the boat, Jerry and Joan are doing their worrying out loud.

[Narrator / Jerry]

All right, Joan, all right. You're sure and I'm sure, so let's forget it.

[Joan]

But Jerry, we are sure of two different things.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Yes, but we don't get any place by arguing. You think you're right and I know I'm right.

[Joan]

So why, Regardless of who is right, I am very worried about the captain and Elaine.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Oh, so am I. But Tex never got into anything he couldn't get out of.

[Joan]

They must be nearly out of fuel, Jerry. Elaine said when they took off that they had barely enough of the fuel gas to take them to Euclideans.

[Narrator / Jerry]

But what of it? They're not trying to go anyplace else. What do they need fuel for?

[Joan]

If the Euclideans are able to escape from the underwater city and attack the captain, he will need fuel badly.

[Narrator / Jerry]

I know it. That radio message from Tech sounded like a bluff to me.

[Joan]

A bluff?

[Narrator / Jerry]

Yeah, you know, trying to make somebody believe you can do something you're not very sure of.

[Joan]

I think you are right. The captain was, as you say, bluffy.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Yeah, you bet he was. That gag about capturing G47 and his men on that raft wasn't very good.

[Joan]

What do you think he was actually trying to do?

[Narrator / Jerry]

Oh, probably scare them back into their hole so they would stay put until we get there.

[Joan]

The captain was very sure that his universal solvent would effectively prevent the escape of the Euclidean.

[Narrator / Jerry]

I guess it Would, if he had a chance to get it planted before any of them escaped.

[Joan]

And if he did not?

[Narrator / Jerry]

Well, then we're going to find Tex Nalane prisoners when we get there. And the rest of us will probably end up the same way.

[Joan]

But that would be terrible, Jerry.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Oh, don't tell me we would not

[Joan]

be treated so kindly this time. G47 would have the captain solvent and he could easily work out the formula. Then there would be no further need for them to show us any consideration.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Well, all right, all right. Golly, I know all that as well as you do. But when you're sure of bad news, why rub it in?

[Joan]

I am not rubbing anything.

[Narrator / Jerry]

I didn't say you were.

[Mrs. Gregory]

I see you two are just as friendly as ever. Mother.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Oh, Mrs. Gregory, we're not fighting, just arguing.

[Mrs. Gregory]

No more news from Tex?

[Joan]

No, Mother, the radio has been silent.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Well, I hope no news is good news.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Sure it is. The captain and Elaine know how to take care of themselves.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Yes, they would if they had a chance. But what are the odds against them down there?

[Joan]

I think their position is not pleasant.

[Narrator / Jerry]

There you go again.

[Joan]

Why don't you try to be cheerful

[Narrator / Jerry]

once in a while?

[Joan]

Jerry, you were the one who suggested that the captain's radio message was a. A bluff.

[Mrs. Gregory]

What?

[Narrator / Jerry]

Well, you see, Mrs. Gregory, I've got an idea that Tech sent us that message just to scare the Euclideans. If they were listening in, I don't think he had a chance to really capture them.

[Mrs. Gregory]

I thought that, Jerry. The message didn't ring true.

[Joan]

We can do very little to help them. And this boat is so slow.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Everything seems too slow when you're trying to cope with those Euclideans. But this was the fastest boat I could get, which was large enough to hold the two or three hundred people we may have to bring back with us.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Yeah, they don't keep us there with them.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Oh, yes, skipper.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Jerry want me? Aye, A four.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Something wrong, skipper?

[Tex / Captain Bradford]

No.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Okay, skipper. I'll be back pretty soon, Mrs. Gregory.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Very well, Jerry.

[Narrator / Jerry]

What's up, skipper? Okay.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Well, I wonder if anything has happened.

[Joan]

I think not, Mother. Just some little task the skipper has for Jerry.

[Mrs. Gregory]

What were you and Jerry discussing?

[Joan]

We were speaking of the probable conditions at Euclidea.

[Mrs. Gregory]

And neither of you looked very happy when I came in. You think they're in danger?

[Joan]

I did not say that, Mother.

[Mrs. Gregory]

No, none of us dare to say it, but everyone is thinking it.

[Joan]

There is nothing we can do about it.

[Mrs. Gregory]

That's what worries me. If there were only a few moves we could make, anything to occupy Our minds to give us something to do.

[Joan]

No, Mother, you cannot help by worrying.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Oh, I know that, but it doesn't keep me from worrying.

[Tex / Captain Bradford]

Bradford to Gregory.

[Joan]

Do not see that if. Wait, John.

[Mrs. Gregory]

I think I hear the radio.

[Tex / Captain Bradford]

Can you hear me?

[Joan]

It's Tex.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Hello, Tex.

[Joan]

Pat calling.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Hello, Tex.

[Tex / Captain Bradford]

Hello, Pat. How's everybody?

[Joan]

Oh, we're all right.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Just plowing along.

[Tex / Captain Bradford]

Everything Running on schedule?

[Mrs. Gregory]

McLeod says we're doing a little better than schedule.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Fine.

[Tex / Captain Bradford]

Keep it up and don't worry about us.

[Mrs. Gregory]

What have you been able to do?

[Tex / Captain Bradford]

We're riding easily on the water just above the airlock.

[Mrs. Gregory]

No trouble?

[Tex / Captain Bradford]

Not a bit.

[Mrs. Gregory]

How are your provisions and fuel?

[Tex / Captain Bradford]

More than enough to last until you arrive.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Have you any special instructions for us?

[Tex / Captain Bradford]

That is tomorrow Moment. But keep the radio open on this wavelength and have someone with it at all times.

[Mrs. Gregory]

We would have done that. Are you sure that no one escaped

[Joan]

before you got there?

[Tex / Captain Bradford]

No chance. The submarine locks are still magnetized shut, and we're watching the airlock in the surface chamber.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Is Elaine sure that there is no other means of escape from the island?

[Tex / Captain Bradford]

Positive. Don't worry about anything. Just keep coming our way and we'll be waiting for you.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Thanks, Tex. You've been so wonderful through all this. And it's my fault we ever started it.

[Tex / Captain Bradford]

Think nothing of it. Well, I'd better save our batteries. Good luck, all. See you later.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Goodbye, Tex. And good luck to you both.

[Joan]

It would seem they are doing well, Mother.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Yes, and I suppose it's true. But I'm afraid I won't rest much until we reach there.

[Joan]

This is only our first night on the water. You must not worry at this early date.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Mrs. Gregory.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Yes, Mac, what is it?

[Narrator / Jerry]

May I have a word with you?

[Mrs. Gregory]

Why, of course you may. Come in.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Thank you.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Come right over here and sit down. I'd like to stay near the radio as much as possible.

[Narrator / Jerry]

How do you do, Ms. Jones?

[Joan]

You are wearing a very sad expression, Mr. McLeod.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Sorry. I am for that. But the truth of the matter is that I have something which is not resting easy on my mind.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Trouble, MacLeod?

[Narrator / Jerry]

It may be, and then again, it may not be.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Well, what is it?

[Narrator / Jerry]

How important is it that we keep keep up this speed we're now making?

[Mrs. Gregory]

Well, it may mean everything, Mac. The Captain and Elaine are drifting practically helpless on the water down there, and they'll never be really safe until we arrive.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Then it would seem that we must keep it up.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Yes, why not?

[Narrator / Jerry]

To tell you the truth, Mrs. Gregory, the motors are acting none too good.

[Mrs. Gregory]

The motors? Ay, the motors of this boat are defective.

[Narrator / Jerry]

I would nae say that they were defect, but they are being badly overworked, and I'm none too sure how much of it they'll stand.

[Mrs. Gregory]

But speed means everything, Mac. We're doing far too slowly as it is.

[Narrator / Jerry]

I won't argue about that. But the boat was designed to make 16 knots, and she's now making 21.

[Mrs. Gregory]

16 knots? 5 knots less.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Aye.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Well, it's out of the question, Mac. Texan Elaine figured that with good luck they'd be able to hold out for six days, possibly a few hours more than that. But to reduce our speed, 5 knots would be mean, adding at least two full days to our run.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Aye, it would that.

[Mrs. Gregory]

We haven't any such margin as that. Keep the motors wide open and take a chance.

[Narrator / Jerry]

It will be no good to the captain if we break down short of our gold.

[Mrs. Gregory]

We'll be no more good to him if we're too late getting there.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Right you are. And I'm glad to hear you. Won't it wait? I would have said as much myself had I been in charge.

[Mrs. Gregory]

You are in charge of those engines, Mac. And your job is to get us just as far as you can, as fast as you can. I'll be responsible beyond that.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Good for you. Well, I'll get on back to the engine room and keep me eye on those motors.

[Joan]

Is Jerry in the engine room?

[Narrator / Jerry]

We sent for the lad to tell him what was happening so he would help you make up your mind.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Well, I don't need any help. But I would like to know what Jerry's opinion was.

[Narrator / Jerry]

He said to run this thing until the motors fell out of it and then would roll it the rest of the way.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Oh, good for Jerry. Oh, Mac.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Aye?

[Mrs. Gregory]

We just talked to the captain on the radio.

[Narrator / Jerry]

And what's the news?

[Mrs. Gregory]

None. They arrived safely. And? And now all they can do is just lie there and wait for us.

[Narrator / Jerry]

But they did arrive there. I'll get on back and I'll send Jerry in here if you want me.

[Mrs. Gregory]

I wish you would.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Then I will. And then I'll get all me time to keeping this coffee grinder turning over.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Well, Joan, that isn't so good, is it?

[Joan]

I would not think too much of that, Mother. Mr. McLeod is an engineer. He is a lover of fine machinery. And he would be inclined to exaggerate the condition of the motors.

[Mrs. Gregory]

I hope so. But whether that's the case or not, we'll keep up every bit of speed we can make from now on.

[Joan]

And now I think you should have some Rest.

[Mrs. Gregory]

I know I should. And I'm going to be sensible and try to get some as soon as Jerry comes back.

[Joan]

And Jerry and I will remain with the radio.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Oh, dear. You'll come and rest with me. Jerry won't mind standing by the radio alone.

[Joan]

But, Mother, I do like to be near Jerry. He talks so much and says so little that it is very restful.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Possibly, but even so, I want you to come into our cabin and lie down.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Hey, was McLeod just in here?

[Joan]

Yes, Jerry. He came to see Mother about the engines.

[Narrator / Jerry]

What did he tell you, Mrs. Gregory?

[Mrs. Gregory]

He seemed to be worried as to how well the motors would stand our present speed.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Yeah, well, that's what he told me, too, but he's worrying too much about nothing.

[Joan]

Are you sure?

[Narrator / Jerry]

Well, sure I'm sure. The old skipper was an engineer for a long time, and he said those motors would stand running at full speed as long as we wanted to run them.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Oh, I'm glad to hear that. Now, Jerry, if you'll take over the radio, Joan and I'll try to get a little sleep.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Oh, sure, Mrs. Gregory.

[Mrs. Gregory]

I'll take over Joan, and I'll relieve you on the morning watch.

[Narrator / Jerry]

But, gee, you don't need to get up then. Well, I can put one of the crew in here when I get sleepy.

[Mrs. Gregory]

No, Jerry. I prefer that we three handle all messages from Text. Johnson would do, of course, but I've asked him to spend all his time in the pilothouse.

[Joan]

That is advisable when we are trying to maintain top speed through all conditions. A great deal depends on our navigator.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Johnson's plenty good.

[Mrs. Gregory]

He certainly is. Now, Jerry, if you.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Mrs. Gregory, can I have Joan stay here with me for just a few minutes, huh?

[Mrs. Gregory]

I don't see why not, but I don't see why either.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Oh, I just wanted to talk to her about.

[Joan]

Oh, please, Mother.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Well, very well. Don't stay more than a few minutes, though, Joan. I want you to get as much rest as possible.

[Joan]

I will not be long, Mother.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Good night, Jerry. And call me if you hear from Text.

[Narrator / Jerry]

I bet I will, Mrs. Gregory. Good night.

[Joan]

What did you want, Jerry?

[Narrator / Jerry]

I want to talk to you.

[Joan]

So you said.

[Narrator / Jerry]

I think it's important.

[Joan]

What is it?

[Narrator / Jerry]

Well, McLeod is really worried about those engines, and he's right. But, Jerry, I know I said everything was going to be all right just to make your mother feel good. Those engines are liable to quit anytime at this speed.

[Joan]

Then we could not help the captain, and our position would be hopeless.

[Narrator / Jerry]

That's the idea. And there's only one thing we can do if we get close enough to do it. Radio the captain to get away from that place and fly back to the boat. It'd be safer if we were all together.

[Joan]

But the Euclideans would escape.

[Narrator / Jerry]

Sure. And when they escape, they'll come after us.

[Joan]

Oh, but Jerry, we must not allow that to happen.

[Narrator / Jerry]

I know that as well as you do. And I took a chance and told McLeod about my plan. He's going to do it, and your mother will never know the difference.

[Joan]

Jerry, you are going to trick mother.

[Narrator / Jerry]

We've got to, Joan, or we haven't got a chance to save the captain or do anything else. McLeod is going to cut the engines to 18 knots an hour. And we mustn't let your mother find it out. Hey, everybody.

[Lady Luck]

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