(129) Magic Island - G-47 Is A Professor

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode 129: Magic Island - G-47 Is A Professor

Date: June 15, 2026
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode features an installment from the classic radio drama Magic Island. The story picks up with the Gregory party having returned from the mysterious Magic Island, along with a group of Euclideans—formidable scientists from an advanced underwater city. Now in Los Angeles, the key characters discuss the future of these scientists, including who will lead them in their new institution. The drama culminates with the unexpected revelation of Professor Hubbard’s true identity: he is none other than G-47, the legendary head of the Euclideans.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Gregory Party's Return and New Responsibilities

[00:30 – 01:51]

• The group has safely returned, along with the Euclideans.
• Mrs. Gregory is endowing a secure institution—a blend of laboratory, college, and prison—to house and supervise the Euclidean scientists under guard.
• Pat Gregory and Captain Bradford (Tex) discuss the difficulties in replacing G-47 as the head of the scientists.
  • Pat Gregory: “I’ve asked a number of scientists and educators to take over the job, but none of them seem very keen about it.”
• Pat suggests Professor Hubbard as the ideal candidate, discovering from the news that he has just arrived in town.
  • Pat Gregory: “The only chance is Professor Hubbard.” [01:52]

2. Checking in with MacLeod at the Underwater City

[02:22 – 04:08]

• Captain Bradford makes a radio call to Angus McLeod, who remained behind with two sailors to oversee Euclidea’s animals and facilities until a boat arrives.
• The check-in reassures everyone: all is safe and secure.
  • Angus McLeod: “We found a half dozen steel safety gates in the tunnel leading down from the island. We closed and there’s no danger now.” [03:45]
  • Pat Gregory (on Mac’s stoicism): “He’d say that if the city was flooded.” [03:37]

3. Joan and Jerry’s Lighthearted Escapade

[04:23 – 05:33]

• Joan Gregory and Jerry Hall return from a day out, having spent hours riding escalators in a downtown store—Joan’s first experience with such things.
  • Jerry Hall: “Oh, Joan got started riding those blame escalators and I couldn’t get her off.” [04:57]
  • Joan Gregory: “Is that so funny?” [05:03]
• Their playful banter injects a touch of humor after heavier discussions.

4. Meeting Professor Hubbard—A Twist Unfolds

[06:01 – 10:12]

• The party receives their distinguished visitor, Professor Hubbard, to discuss leading the scientific institution.

• Professor Hubbard is revealed to have intimate knowledge of their experience on Magic Island.

  • Professor Hubbard/G-47: “You may be surprised when you learn just how well informed I am.” [09:00]

• Jerry and Joan begin to notice similarities in manner and voice to someone from their past.

• The crucial reveal:

  • Pat Gregory: “You… You are G47?” [10:08]
  • Professor Hubbard/G-47: “Yes, I am G47, head of Euclidea and greatest scientist in the world.” [10:12]

5. G-47’s Terms and the Party’s Response

[10:12 – 11:39]

• G-47 agrees to lead the scientists in their new institution but insists on humane conditions:
  • No one was or will be harmed, and any Euclideans who wish to return to regular society must be allowed to do so.
  • Professor Hubbard/G-47: “As for myself, I had rather be a Euclidean than a free citizen of any country.” [11:20]
• The Gregorys and Captain Bradford recognize that only G-47 can truly lead and inspire the Euclideans.
  • Captain Bradford (Tex): “Regardless of the identity of this gentleman, he is the only man in the world who can get from that group of scientists the treasures they are capable of making.” [10:47]

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Memorable Quotes and Moments

• On G-47’s Disappearance:
  Captain Bradford (Tex): “G47 disappeared and that’s the last we’ll ever hear of him.” [01:09]
  Pat Gregory: “Oh, you’re wrong, Tex. I’m sure you’re just as wrong as you can be. G47 has given his life to the study of science and he’ll never quit.” [01:22]

• On Joan’s Fascination:
  Pat Gregory (to Joan): “Oh, Joan, I’m so happy to have you back home and riding escalators in a store rather than elevators on Euclidea.” [05:32]

• On G-47’s Values:
  Professor Hubbard/G-47: “There’s something big about any man who will go into a prison of his own free will to be near the thing he loves. And G47 loves science.” [11:52] (spoken by Pat Gregory about G-47)

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:30 – Recap: Gregory party’s return; new institution for Euclideans
• 01:52 – Discussion about Professor Hubbard as head of the institution
• 02:22 – Attempt to contact Angus McLeod at Euclidea
• 03:25 – Angus McLeod’s report from underwater city
• 04:23 – Joan and Jerry’s day out, escalator adventure
• 06:01 – Preparation to meet Professor Hubbard
• 08:00 – Mrs. Gregory explains their Magic Island adventure to Professor Hubbard
• 09:00 – Professor Hubbard reveals insider knowledge
• 10:08 – The dramatic reveal: Professor Hubbard is G-47
• 11:20 – G-47 states his terms for leading the institution
• 11:39 – G-47 departs, leaving the party to contemplate his power and devotion

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Tone and Style

The episode balances post-adventure reflection, light domestic humor, and a dramatic twist. The language is formal and earnest, with moments of wit and warmth, particularly in exchanges involving Joan and Jerry.

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Conclusion

This episode skillfully blends closure from the high-stakes adventure of Magic Island with fresh intrigue, as “Professor Hubbard” is revealed to be the enigmatic G-47. The episode ends with the characters both relieved and awed by G-47’s willingness to lead his people anew—on his own terms and under watchful guard. The twist sets up further potential for reconciliation between genius and society, and the drama of what the Euclideans’ next chapter will bring.

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Transcript

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[Narrator]

Once more, the Gregory party has returned safely from the Magic island, bringing with them the entire colony of Euclideans from the strange underwater city. Mrs. Gregory has arranged the funds with which to endow a sort of combined laboratory, college and prison to house these scientists and allow them to continue their work under guard. Naturally, it's been a busy time for our friends. We find them now, one week after their arrival at Los Angeles. Jerry and Joan are out seeing the town. Joan for her first real view of our world, and Jerry showing her around. In the radio room in Mrs. Gregory's home, Captain Bradford is explaining to Pat why he believes certain things.

[Pat Gregory]

But it doesn't make sense, Tex.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

Why, sure it does, Pat. Now listen to this. G47 disappeared and that's the last we'll ever hear of him.

[Pat Gregory]

Why should that explain it?

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

We've broken up his colony, imprisoned all his co workers, and soon the Magic island will be only a memory. G47 couldn't stand that.

[Pat Gregory]

Oh, you're wrong, Texas. I'm sure you're just as wrong as you can be. G47 has given his life to the study of science and he'll never quit.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

That part of it may be all right, but we'll never hear of him again. And that brings up another problem.

[Pat Gregory]

It brings up a good many, I think.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

Oh, forget it, Pat. I didn't mean it that way. I was thinking that now these scientists without a head, they've looked at G47 to lead them in all their work. Just how much are they going to accomplish without him?

[Pat Gregory]

I've thought of that, Tex. And I've asked a number of scientists and educators to take over the job, but none of them seem very keen about it.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

We'll have to get someone.

[Pat Gregory]

The only chance is Professor Hubbard.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

Sure, he'd be the ideal man, but he's in Europe.

[Pat Gregory]

No, he arrived in town today. I saw it in the distinguished arrivals column.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

Is he here to stay?

[Pat Gregory]

No vacationing, the article said.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

And you expect a man of his reputation who's probably taken the first vacation he's had in years to step into a job such as the running of that institution.

[Pat Gregory]

I'm not lacking in nerve. Anyhow, I sent a note to his hotel asking him to call tonight.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

Well, you know him and I don't. You'll have to handle him.

[Pat Gregory]

And that reminds me, if you're going to try to call McLeod, you'd better do it now. The professor may be here anytime.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

Good idea, Pat. Poor old Mac. Must think it's a funny kind of life down there in that underwater city.

[Pat Gregory]

It's awfully lonesome for him with just those two sailors out of the crew. Waiting for weeks for another boat to come and take them off.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

But don't forget the pigs and the chickens and cows. Mac's got plenty of company.

[Pat Gregory]

Well, even so, it's not a pleasant job.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

Of course it isn't, Pat. I was only joking. Mac's a grand guy or he wouldn't have volunteered to stay there. But I couldn't stand the thought of all those splendid animals being destroyed when we flood Euclidea.

[Pat Gregory]

And you did perfectly right, Dex. The Euclideans have developed domestic livestock to a fine point, and we'll be able to do a good deal with that collection.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

In the meantime, I'd better try to get Mac. Bradford to McLeod. Bradford to McLeod. Gregory Holmes Station to Euclidia. Hello, Mac? Hello? Why should it take Mac so long to answer? I told him to be ready at this time every night.

[Pat Gregory]

Well, remember that he doesn't claim to be a radio engineer. And after all, we're 4,000 miles away from Euclidean. Don't expect him to operate that radio as well as Thales did.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

No, that's the trouble. No one does anything as well as those blame Euclideans. Did it?

[Angus McLeod]

Hello, Captain Bradford? This is Angus McLeod calling Captain Bradford. Can you hear me, Captain?

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

You bet I can, Mac. Go right ahead with your report.

[Angus McLeod]

I have little to report. All is well.

[Pat Gregory]

He'd say that if the city was flooded.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

Hasn't anything happened, Mack?

[Angus McLeod]

Not a single solitary thing.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

No water leaking into the city from the island?

[Angus McLeod]

None. We found a half dozen steel safety gates in the tunnel leading down from the island. We closed and there's no danger now.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

Well, it's only about another eight or nine days, Mac, and that cattle boat will arrive there to pick you up.

[Angus McLeod]

Aye, Captain. I'll be ready for it. Is that all?

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

That's all.

[Angus McLeod]

Then if you'll excuse me, I'll get along to my pigs. Good night.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

Night, Mac.

[Pat Gregory]

I wonder if Mac doesn't realize that

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

conversation is free he sure treats it like an antique. But he gets his work done.

[Pat Gregory]

And instead of being lonesome, he's worrying about his pigs. Euclidea does funny things to people.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

Yes?

[Jerry Hall]

It's Joan, Mr. Dugley.

[Pat Gregory]

Well, come in, Jerry.

[Joan Gregory]

Hall, how many times have I told you to say it is Joan and I, not Jo. Joan and me.

[Jerry Hall]

Okay, then, it's us.

[Pat Gregory]

That'll do nicely, Jerry.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

What have you two been doing?

[Joan Gregory]

We have been enjoying ourselves.

[Jerry Hall]

You have?

[Pat Gregory]

Well, now what?

[Jerry Hall]

Well, we were supposed to go to a show after I took Joan through one of the big stores downtown, but we were still in the store at closing time. And what do you think we were doing?

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

Whatever it was, Joan looks like she enjoyed it.

[Joan Gregory]

It is very nice. I want Jerry to take me down there again tomorrow.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, I will.

[Pat Gregory]

For heaven's sake. What is it?

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, Joan got started riding those blame escalators and I couldn't get her off.

[Joan Gregory]

Is that so funny?

[Jerry Hall]

It wasn't funny to me after about the 200th time we rolled up and down.

[Pat Gregory]

You must have had quite a time, Joan.

[Jerry Hall]

Yeah, I did.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

I don't blame you a bit, Joan. I ride those things a lot more than I need to, just for fun.

[Joan Gregory]

There, you see? The captain likes to ride them.

[Jerry Hall]

Okay, then. Okay. The next day you feel one of those up and down tours coming on, but the captain takes.

[Pat Gregory]

Well, I wish I could have seen you. Oh, Joan, I'm so happy to have you back home and riding escalators in a store rather than elevators on Euclidea.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

Yes, you're a lot safer here.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, gee, Dolly Whisk.

[Joan Gregory]

What is it, Jerry?

[Jerry Hall]

We forgot.

[Joan Gregory]

Oh, Jerry. So we did.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

Something important?

[Jerry Hall]

Well, I don't know, but there's a funny looking old man down in the living room.

[Pat Gregory]

A man in the living room?

[Joan Gregory]

Yes, Mother. Jerry and I met him at the gate and he said that you had

[Pat Gregory]

asked him to call Professor Hubbard.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

Sounds like him.

[Pat Gregory]

We mustn't keep him waiting. Come, Tex.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

How about Jerry and Joan?

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, don't worry about us. We'll find something to do.

[Joan Gregory]

I wish we might ride those escalators again.

[Pat Gregory]

No, I think you two should come along. The professor is a very interesting man. Probably the outstanding scientist in the world today. And a man of whom I'm going to ask a very great favor.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, sure. We'll be glad to go if you want us.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

Well, then let's hurry and I'll go.

[Joan Gregory]

Should we not lock the door of this radio room?

[Pat Gregory]

Oh, Joan, dear, we're in Los Angeles now. Not on Euclidean we had to be

[Jerry Hall]

careful once, though, when hollywood was full of euclideans.

[Joan Gregory]

These are very beautiful stairs, mother. But would it not be nice if they were?

[Jerry Hall]

Joan, if you ask your mother to put a moving stairway in here. Well, I'll think of something to do to you.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

Now you two be quiet. You're going to meet an important man and Mrs. Gregory is going to ask him.

[Pat Gregory]

Quiet, Tex. Good Evening, Professor Hubbard.

[Professor Hubbard / G47]

Mrs. Gregory.

[Pat Gregory]

Oh, I'm sorry you've been kept waiting, but the young people forgot to tell us you were here.

[Professor Hubbard / G47]

That is the usual penalty for age, is it? Not to be forgotten by the young.

[Pat Gregory]

So good of you to come, professor. This is Captain Bradford text, Dr. Hufford.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

Heard a lot about you, professor. This is a real pleasure.

[Professor Hubbard / G47]

That pleasure is mutual, captain. I have long wanted to meet so able a scientist who was level headed enough to think of other things occasionally.

[Pat Gregory]

May I present my daughter, Joan. We've just had Joan with us a short time.

[Professor Hubbard / G47]

You need not tell me of that, Mrs. Gregory. The story of your daughter's discovery on that U. S in the south seas is common property. You are an interesting young lady, lovely as your mother. And to be interesting and lovely is an accomplishment.

[Pat Gregory]

And this is Jerry hall.

[Professor Hubbard / G47]

You were one of the searching party, were you not, Jerry?

[Jerry Hall]

Yes, sir. Well, I'm not interesting or lovely, but I got as much fun out of it as the rest of them did.

[Professor Hubbard / G47]

Yes, you would. Well, Mrs. Gregory, it's a genuine pleasure to see you again. And I should like nothing better than to spend an evening talking about the days when my name was little known and you generously financed an expedition for me. But the urgency in your note leads me to believe that this is more than a social call.

[Pat Gregory]

It is. And if you'll all make yourselves comfortable, I'd like to outline a plan I have and then ask my favor of you.

[Professor Hubbard / G47]

Anything within my power.

[Pat Gregory]

You. You can't imagine the sort of favors I've learned to ask in the last few months. To begin at the beginning, we found this strange island with Joan safely living there. But these men, euclideans they called themselves, were not too friendly. And knowing the captain had a formula that would give much to have, they made us prisoners in the hope of securing the formula as ransom. Well, we managed to escape, however, and after several attempts used the same formula to capture their underwater city.

[Professor Hubbard / G47]

I am aware of all that. Now, you have brought these euclideans, as they choose to call themselves, back here under guard, Place them in an endowed institution where they may continue their almost fanatic pursuit of science. But you are Making sure their discoveries are to be used only for good in the world. Is that correct?

[Pat Gregory]

Perfectly.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

You seem well informed on this whole thing.

[Professor Hubbard / G47]

I am well informed. You may be surprised when you learn just how well informed I am. I know that your reason for inviting me to call here this evening was for the purpose of asking me to take charge of your scientific, shall we say, college.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

How did you guess that?

[Professor Hubbard / G47]

It was hardly a guess. Your colony is without a head. Now those men need a leader, and you neglected the little matter of bringing their leader with you.

[Pat Gregory]

Tex, do you realize what professor has just said?

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

Yes, but what's more important, I'm beginning to get an idea why he said it and how he knew all about this.

[Professor Hubbard / G47]

I am pleased with you, captain Bradford. You think very rapidly. And unless I am much mistaken, the young people are wondering if certain characteristics of voice and manner are not familiar to them.

[Joan Gregory]

Jerry, do you?

[Jerry Hall]

Yeah, I do.

[Pat Gregory]

But you've been active in Europe all these years.

[Professor Hubbard / G47]

In my spare time, I have managed to be seen in scientific circles in Europe, that is true, but I spent little time there.

[Pat Gregory]

You. You are G47?

[Professor Hubbard / G47]

Yes, I am G47, head of Euclidea and greatest scientist in the world.

[Joan Gregory]

Jerry, think of that.

[Jerry Hall]

My head won't work anymore. You think?

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

Well, professor, you place us in a strange position. You realize, of course, that your identity as a professor is established. That it would be utterly impossible for us to prove that you were ever G47.

[Professor Hubbard / G47]

That is true.

[Pat Gregory]

This is all a little too much for me.

[Jerry Hall]

Well, look, why not let the professor, or G47 or whatever he wants to call himself, take charge of your college?

[Joan Gregory]

I think that is an excellent idea. Mother.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

You hit it, Jerry. Regardless of the identity of this gentleman, he is the only man in the world who can get from that group of scientists the treasures they are capable of making.

[Professor Hubbard / G47]

I am glad you are so sensible. I will accept the position as head of this novel institution and will conduct its affairs to the best of my ability. One thing I must have understood, no one was ever harmed on Euclidean. And in the future, any of my people who desire to return to your society must be allowed to do so. As for myself, I had rather be a Euclidean than a free citizen of any country. Tomorrow morning, if you care to visit your scientific colony, you will find me

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

working with the rest.

[Professor Hubbard / G47]

And I will never leave without your permission. Good night.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

Good night. Good night.

[Pat Gregory]

He. He's gone. Vanished as silently down that hall as he used to do on you, Clydea.

[Captain Bradford (Tex)]

He'll take the job and run your place.

[Pat Gregory]

To perfection.

[Joan Gregory]

It gave me a strange sensation.

[Jerry Hall]

Me too. There's something mighty powerful about that man.

[Pat Gregory]

Indeed there is, Jerry. There's something big about any man who will go into a prison of his own free will to be near the thing he loves. And G47 loves science.

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