(128) Magic Island - G-47 Has Disappeared

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode 128: Magic Island – "G-47 Has Disappeared"

Air Date: June 15, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode continues the science fiction adventure serial "Magic Island," focusing on the aftermath of the capture and evacuation of the mysterious underwater city of Euclidea. The main characters—Mrs. Gregory, her daughter Joan, Jerry, Elaine, and Captain Bradford—navigate the uncertainties of their voyage with hundreds of former Euclideans aboard. The core tension is the unsettling disappearance of G-47, the enigmatic scientific mastermind who led Euclidea. As the group prepares for a lengthy journey to Los Angeles, they are plagued by the possibility that G-47 may not have left with the others—and may even be hiding among them or plotting his next move.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Events

1. Evacuation of Euclidea and Plans for the Future

• [00:30–04:13]

• The steamer Gregory is loaded with 250 Euclideans, bound for the United States.
• Mrs. Gregory anticipates integrating the Euclideans into a scientific colony:

  “They’re an amazing crowd of people... willing to be taken prisoners... just so they're allowed to work on their inventions and discoveries.” (Mrs. Gregory, 03:15)

• Joan expresses her excitement and uncertainty about living a normal life and going to school:

  “I believe I should go to school if only to learn to behave exactly as others in your world do.” (Joan, 01:36)

2. Reflections on Education and New Beginnings

• [03:09–04:13]

• The group discusses why small colleges close, joking about football being a greater attraction than learning.

  “Lots of them do.” (Jerry, 03:55, responding to Joan's question if Americans attend college to study football)

• This provides a touch of humor and contrast between Euclidean values and American culture.

3. Final Preparations & The Fate of Euclidea

• [04:47–06:44]

• Elaine confirms all Euclideans are aboard except for three crew left behind (including Mr. McLeod) to care for the remaining animals until their removal.
• The city will be intentionally destroyed to avoid international conflict:

  “Its existence would cause trouble. Trouble between nations as to who would claim it and trouble among men for its scientific treasures.” (Mrs. Gregory, 06:31)

4. The Disappearance of G-47

• [06:44–12:00]

• Captain Bradford reveals a concern: "G-47 has disappeared." (Captain Bradford, 07:24)
• He suspects G-47 may have disguised himself and boarded the ship, though no one has seen or recognized him.
• Efforts to question the Euclideans about G-47’s whereabouts prove fruitless; even their chief scientists, Thales, Cheops, and Octavo, claim ignorance:

  “They merely said they didn’t know where he was.” (Captain Bradford, 08:03)

• The group explores possible explanations—hidden in the city, secret escape plans—but all come up empty.
• Captain Bradford sends Jerry and Elaine to search and question further, with Elaine being the only one skilled enough to potentially recognize a disguised G-47.
• Joan is kept away from the Euclidean quarters out of concern for potential resentment or danger.

5. Mr. McLeod’s Check-in from Euclidea

• [09:08–09:53]

• Mr. McLeod reports by radio from the underwater city, affirming all is well and he’s ready for a patient wait:

  “Nothing is going to happen. We’ll take care of things. And now I must get along and feed the pigs. Good luck to you all.” (Mr. McLeod, 09:44)

6. No Trace of G-47—Ominous Foreshadowing

• [10:19–12:00]

• Jerry and Elaine return—no sign of G-47 among the Euclideans, and no one will admit to knowing where he is.
• Thales claims G-47 disappeared after the last rocket plane departure, and no clear method of escape is identified.
• The group voices their concern that with G-47 loose, he may eventually form another secret colony—“it won’t be long until another of these crazy colonies will be springing up someplace.” (Jerry, 10:44)
• Mrs. Gregory laments:

  “I had hoped to promise you a world without any more fear of G-47. But I can’t promise that now.” (Mrs. Gregory, 11:45)

• Joan ends on a chilling note:

  “No mother. I am sure we will hear from G-47 again.” (Joan, 11:49)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Joan’s Wonder at American School Life:

  “But I thought football was a form of recreation, a game.” (Joan, 03:56)

• Mrs. Gregory’s Anxiety about G-47:

  “Nevertheless, Texas, I’d feel a great deal more comfortable if he were safely locked in the hold with the rest of them.” (Mrs. Gregory, 11:32)

• Captain Bradford’s Suspicion:

  “G47 doesn’t tell all he knows to anyone. He might have a trick or two up his sleeve.” (Captain Bradford, 07:41)

• Ominous Final Thought:

  “No mother. I am sure we will hear from G47 again.” (Joan, 11:49)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:30–03:09: Setting the stage—the Euclideans evacuated and Mrs. Gregory’s plan.
• 03:09–04:13: Conversation about American and Euclidean culture, specifically education.
• 04:47–06:44: Preparations to depart; discussion of the fate of Euclidea.
• 07:24–09:04: G-47’s mysterious disappearance is revealed.
• 09:08–09:53: Mr. McLeod’s radio update from Euclidea.
• 10:19–12:00: Failed search for G-47; fear and uncertainty about the future.

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Tone and Atmosphere

The episode is marked by a blend of relief and residual tension. With the major danger seemingly averted, the central characters try to focus on moving forward, yet G-47's mysterious disappearance leaves a lingering sense of unease. The dialogue captures moments of humor (the education and football discussion), pragmatism (Mrs. Gregory’s precautions), and deep anxiety about what G-47 might do next. The tone alternates between hopeful ("We'll live quietly at my home in Los Angeles," Mrs. Gregory, 01:29) and ominous ("I am sure we will hear from G-47 again," Joan, 11:49).

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This summary covers all major story developments and character moments, presenting a vivid snapshot of a classic science fiction melodrama while offering both context and suspense for listeners new to "Magic Island."

Transcript

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[Narrator]

The underwater city of Euclidea is being deserted. One at a time. Just as fast as they can come up through the surface airlock, the Euclideans are coming aboard the Gregory boat and going to their quarters below the decks. Mrs. Gregory has chartered this small steamer which is large enough to safely accommodate the Euclideans and plans to take them back to the United States where they will be placed in a scientific colony established for them there and allowed to continue their work under guard in the radio cabin of the boat. Mrs. Gregory and Joan have been getting weather reports in preparation for their 4,000 mile trip back to Las Anglin.

[Joan]

It is well along into the afternoon.

[Elaine]

Mother.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Yes, Joan dear. Nearly four o'.

[Jerry]

Clock.

[Mrs. Gregory]

That steady parade of Euclideans has been coming up over the side and going below since daylight this morning.

[Joan]

They look very strange, do they not? I can realize that since I have seen your world, I should not like to go back to those drab uniforms of Euclidean cloth and that cold, hard, scientific manner of living.

[Mrs. Gregory]

That's all over now, Joan, and our adventures will soon be over. We'll live quietly at my home in Los Angeles and you'll go to school with Jerry.

[Joan]

Jerry says I know too much to go to school, but I do not agree with him. I believe I should go to school if only to learn to behave exactly as others in your world do.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Yes, that will have value to you. And the association with other young people, boys and girls near your own age will provide a lot of fun for you.

[Joan]

It will seem strange, but very nice to live your life.

[Jerry]

Hello there.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Come in, Jerry.

[Joan]

And will you please close the door?

[Jerry]

Oh, sure, but I wanted to keep an eye on those Euclideans.

[Mrs. Gregory]

I'm sorry, Jerry, but I'm a little nervous. For seven or eight hours now I've heard those feet shuffling past this door. Watch those shapeless uniforms and the dull, leaden faces of the Euclideans.

[Jerry]

Well, I guess it would get kind of sort of tiresome.

[Joan]

Just listen a moment, Jerry

[Jerry]

darling. They do get on your nerves. Sounds they're shuffling feet. I'll close the door.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Thanks, Jerry. That's better.

[Jerry]

Oh, gee, Mrs. Gregory, you're all upset about this thing.

[Joan]

Mother is not accustomed to being in charge of a boat with 250 prisoners on board.

[Jerry]

Oh, sure, but the danger's all over now.

[Mrs. Gregory]

I hope you're right, Jerry. But a 4,000 mile trip with a boatload of Euclideans seems to offer plenty of opportunity for trouble.

[Jerry]

They're not going to do anything. There's no fight left in that bunch.

[Joan]

I feel that that is correct, Jerry. Never have I seen anyone look so hopeless.

[Jerry]

You know, I think most of them are glad it's happened. I guess they weren't any too happy on Euclidia.

[Mrs. Gregory]

That was the idea Tex and I had when we agreed to this wild plan of trying to capture 250 people and take them home on an ordinary boat.

[Joan]

I heard some of the leading scientists say that they would welcome the opportunity of working under better conditions.

[Mrs. Gregory]

They're an amazing crowd of people thinking nothing but scientific advancement. Willing to be taken prisoners to live anywhere and to work anywhere just so they're allowed to work on their inventions and discoveries.

[Jerry]

Yeah, and I'll bet you that we'll never have a bit of trouble with them after we put them in that place you bought.

[Mrs. Gregory]

They'll have plenty of room, at least. And the buildings and equipment are good. It was a very complete little college a few years ago.

[Joan]

But Mother, why should a college be forced to close? Is there no one who wants to learn?

[Jerry]

Plenty of them. But they want to learn in the big colleges with the best football teams.

[Joan]

Football? Do they attend the higher institutions of learning to study football?

[Jerry]

Lots of them do.

[Joan]

But I thought football was a form of recreation, a game.

[Mrs. Gregory]

It is, Joan dear. But football is also the magnet which draws thousands of students to the larger schools annually.

[Joan]

How strange.

[Jerry]

Maybe. But I like it. All right,

[Narrator]

Jerry.

[Jerry]

What?

[Mrs. Gregory]

Me?

[Captain Bradford]

Captain?

[Mrs. Gregory]

Better run along, Jerry. Tex wants you.

[Jerry]

Okay. Hey, looks like that's about the enemy.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Including Brain. Oh, that was the last of them, Skipper.

[Mr. McLeod]

I.

[Joan]

Then we might go out on deck, Mother.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Not yet, Joan. Dexter asked us to stay here and we'll stay until he tells us to come out.

[Jerry]

Okay, See you later.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Thank goodness that's all over.

[Joan]

And now all that we have to do is sail home.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Yes, that's all. Just a little 4,000 mile trip.

[Joan]

It will not prove difficult, I think.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Well, we've done our part, Joan. We've got all the weather reports the land stations can give us. And it looks like fair weather all the way home.

[Elaine]

May I Come in, Mrs. Gregory?

[Mrs. Gregory]

Of course you may, Elaine. Sit down here.

[Elaine]

Thank you.

[Joan]

You must be Very tired.

[Elaine]

I am tired. But tired with the satisfaction of a task well performed.

[Mrs. Gregory]

And the Euclideans are all aboard? Why, yes.

[Elaine]

Yes, they're all aboard.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Elaine, has anything happened?

[Elaine]

Nothing. The transfer has been without incident.

[Joan]

But you. You hesitated before you answered.

[Elaine]

Mother, I. I am sorry. I did not mean to hesitate.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Something is wrong, Elaine. Tex, Jerry.

[Elaine]

They are quite all right. I believe the captain suffered a disappointment, but he will tell you about it.

[Joan]

What sort of disappointment could it be?

[Mrs. Gregory]

If Tex wants us to wait for his explanation, we'll have to wait for it. It can't be anything very serious.

[Joan]

Mother, is that not the signal to start so soon?

[Mrs. Gregory]

Yes. The engines are gathering speed and the boat is beginning to move. Oh, we're underway.

[Elaine]

I thought it would not be long. The captain gave orders to the three men who are to remain in the underwater city with the animals until another boat arrives to take them off.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Who stayed, Elaine?

[Elaine]

Two members of your crew and the engineer, Mr. McLeod.

[Joan]

Mr. McLeod will be with his pigs once more.

[Mrs. Gregory]

I'll bet Mac didn't like that job any too well.

[Elaine]

He volunteered for it, and the captain thought an engineer should be in charge.

[Joan]

And after the cattle, birds and chickens are taken out of the city, then

[Mrs. Gregory]

it is to be flooded and destroyed.

[Elaine]

It seems a waste of splendid effort to ruin that beautiful city. The Euclideans have spent more than 10 years building parts of it.

[Mrs. Gregory]

I know that, Elaine. But its existence would cause trouble. Trouble between nations as to who would claim it and trouble among men for its scientific treasures.

[Joan]

I believe you are right, Mother. It will be better soon.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Oh, Degs, it's really over.

[Captain Bradford]

Yes, Pat. It's all over. I hope.

[Mrs. Gregory]

You hope.

[Captain Bradford]

Elaine.

[Joan]

Yes, Captain?

[Captain Bradford]

I hate to ask you to do anything more until you get some rest, but you're the only one who can do this with any degree of certainty.

[Elaine]

That is quite all right, Captain.

[Captain Bradford]

Will you go and join Jerry at the stern hatch? He'll explain what it is you have to do and report to me as soon as you finish.

[Elaine]

Surely, Captain. Whatever it is, we will let you know the result at once.

[Captain Bradford]

Thanks, Elaine. And I promise you can sleep after that.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Tex, what's all this mystery?

[Captain Bradford]

Oh, probably nothing, Pat. I'm not sure yet.

[Joan]

You. You are worried, Captain Bradford?

[Captain Bradford]

Well, not exactly worried, but I'm a little disturbed about something.

[Mrs. Gregory]

What is it, Tex?

[Captain Bradford]

G47 has disappeared.

[Joan]

What? G47?

[Captain Bradford]

Right.

[Mrs. Gregory]

You mean he didn't come aboard?

[Captain Bradford]

At least I didn't see him come aboard.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Then he's hiding down in Euclidea, and we've put off without Him?

[Joan]

But that would be dangerous.

[Captain Bradford]

It would, but I don't think that's what's happened.

[Mrs. Gregory]

What else could it be, Tex?

[Captain Bradford]

G47 doesn't tell all he knows to anyone. He might have a trick or two up his sleeve.

[Joan]

Where do you think he is, Captain?

[Captain Bradford]

On board this boat.

[Mrs. Gregory]

But you just said Texas.

[Captain Bradford]

I said I didn't see him come aboard, and I didn't. Or at least I didn't recognize him.

[Joan]

But what would be his object in disguising himself?

[Captain Bradford]

No telling. But I've got an idea he's on board.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Wouldn't one of the other chief scientists know?

[Captain Bradford]

Probably, but they wouldn't talk to me. I tried to get some news out of three of them. Thales, Cheops and Octavo. They merely said they didn't know where he was.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Do you think it's possible he might have hidden somewhere in Euclidea?

[Joan]

Yes, Mother, that is quite possible.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Oh, Tex, those three men you left down there. They'd be helpless in G47's hands.

[Captain Bradford]

I thought of that, but for. For some reason, I'm not afraid of it. There's more to G47's disappearance than a simple hiding trick. But what could it be that I don't know.

[Joan]

Was that the errand on which you sent Jerry and Elaine?

[Captain Bradford]

Yes. Elaine would be able to recognize G47 if she was looking for a disguise. And Jerry will probably say the wrong thing and make some Euclideans so angry that they'll tell him what he wants to know.

[Joan]

I could have helped them, Captain.

[Captain Bradford]

I know it, Joan. But I thought it best to keep you out of there. Some of the Euclideans may feel that you and your mother started all this trouble for them when we went searching for you long ago. I think it's just as well if you don't go down into their quarters.

[Mrs. Gregory]

I agree with you, Tex. And I think that should mean for the entire voyage.

[Captain Bradford]

By all means.

[Joan]

Very well, if you wish it.

[Mr. McLeod]

Ahoy, the boat. McLeod to Captain Bradford. Ahoy, the boat.

[Mrs. Gregory]

There, Tex, it's Mack.

[Captain Bradford]

Didn't take him long to get down to that Euclidean radio and figure out how to work it.

[Mr. McLeod]

This is McLeod.

[Captain Bradford]

Can you hear me? Hello, Mac. This is Tex. How did you find everything?

[Mr. McLeod]

Those men left everything in perfect condition. We'll do very nicely until you get another boat down here.

[Captain Bradford]

Good for you, Mack. Remember that if anything happens, you can use that small submarine in the lower lock. I took all my solvent away from that lock. And in an emergency, get out of there with your crew and start along the course to Los Angeles.

[Mr. McLeod]

Nothing is going to happen. We'll take care of things. And now I must get along and feed the pigs. Good luck to you all.

[Captain Bradford]

Good luck, Mac. And don't take any chances. Well, that's the last we'll hear from Mack in some time.

[Joan]

Mr. McLeod is a fine man.

[Mrs. Gregory]

He certainly is. And Mack is the only man who could go into that underground city with two companions and calmly set about feeding the pigs while he begins a 30 day wait.

[Joan]

Will it takes so long to get another boat to him.

[Captain Bradford]

The kind of boat we'll need to take out several hundred animals and birds. Won't be any speedboat.

[Jerry]

Well, here we are.

[Elaine]

And nothing.

[Captain Bradford]

No sign of G47.

[Elaine]

He is not among the Euclideans.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Then where is he?

[Jerry]

We don't know. And I don't think the Euclideans know either.

[Joan]

But they must know.

[Elaine]

I believe not.

[Captain Bradford]

What's it all about, Elaine?

[Elaine]

Thales seemed willing enough to talk. And I think that he was speaking the truth. He has absolutely no idea of G47's whereabouts.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Well, this certainly puts us in a fine position.

[Jerry]

Yeah, with that guy running loose in the world. Well, it won't be long until another of these crazy colonies will be springing up someplace.

[Joan]

That is right, Jerry.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Tex, can't we do anything about it?

[Captain Bradford]

Currently not. What else did Thales say?

[Jerry]

Well, he claims that G47 disappeared right after we left in that rocket plane.

[Mrs. Gregory]

But what could he use for transportation?

[Captain Bradford]

I can't figure it. Those submarine locks were still magnetized when we got back.

[Joan]

And he could not take a boat out through that small surface lock.

[Jerry]

Not any boat we saw there. But G47 didn't tell the rest of the scientists all his tricks. Well, I could tell from the way they acted. G47 was just about as mysterious to them as he was to us.

[Captain Bradford]

Well, he's gone and there's nothing we can do about it. At least we have the rest of his colony. And G47 is only one man. It will take him a long time to build another magic island. Or another Euclidean.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Nevertheless, Texas, I'd feel a great deal more comfortable if he were safely locked in the hole with the rest of them.

[Jerry]

So would I. But we can't help it.

[Elaine]

I believe I will go to my cabin and rest if I may go tour d'.

[Captain Bradford]

Alene. You've helped a lot. And when we get home, we'll try to repay you.

[Mrs. Gregory]

I had hoped to promise you a world without any more fear of G47. But I can't promise that now.

[Joan]

No mother. I am sure we will hear from G47 again.

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