2000 Plus 50-04-26 (07) When Machines Went Mad - Harold's Old Time Radio

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "2000 Plus 50-04-26 (07) When Machines Went Mad"

Release Date: February 3, 2025
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: 2000 Plus 50-04-26 (07) When Machines Went Mad

Introduction

In the episode "When Machines Went Mad" from the series 2000 Plus, listeners are transported to a dystopian future where humans are on the brink of extinction, hunted by electronic men controlled by a sinister master mechanical brain. This gripping radio drama captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio, blending suspense, action, and profound themes about humanity and technology.

Plot Overview

The story unfolds with protagonists Bob Thomas and his companions navigating a world where machines, once servants to humans, have risen against their creators. Bob has orchestrated an escape from the oppressive city, leading his group through treacherous environments to evade the relentless electronic men.

As the group journeys, they uncover the depths of Morton's (a key antagonist) experiments aimed at creating electronic men capable of reproducing themselves, ultimately serving the master mechanical brain's goal of total domination. The tension escalates when betrayal surfaces within the group, and the characters must confront both external threats and internal conflicts to survive.

Key Characters

Bob Thomas: The resourceful leader planning the escape from the city. (e.g., [00:03] "If it's with you. And you can have a human name.")
Johnny 212: A determined member of the escape group, grappling with fear and responsibility. (e.g., [19:45] "I took a big chance for it.")
Jane 16: A courageous female lead who stands by Johnny and Bob, embodying resilience. (e.g., [04:20] "I've been helping Martha cook.")
Ralph 98: A top spy from Mex City, whose knowledge is pivotal to the group's mission. (e.g., [03:50] "He’s one of the best.")
Morton: The antagonist driven to create a master mechanical brain to control humanity. (e.g., [12:30] "A mechanical brain is supremely logical.")
Martha: Bob’s wife, representing the hope of restoring humanity through nurturing and domestic life. (e.g., [25:10] "Your wife served me some milk.")
James: A loyal member of the group who accompanies them in their final mission. (e.g., [40:15] "Hold on to my arm.")

Detailed Summary

Escape from the City

The episode opens with Bob discussing the harsh realities of their existence, emphasizing self-sufficiency amidst the threat posed by the electronic men. The group's plan to escape is intricate, involving evasion of mine police and electronic surveillance.

Bob Thomas: "If it's with you. And you can have a human name. Not a name with a number."
[00:03]

As they proceed, the group encounters mine police and electronic men, leading to tense confrontations and strategic maneuvers to avoid detection. Ralph reveals critical information about Morton's experiments, highlighting the existential threat posed by the master mechanical brain.

Ralph: "Morton's experiments for the master mechanical brain are succeeding."
[05:15]

Betrayal and Revelation

Tensions rise when Bob's plan is revealed to be a ruse, causing distrust within the group. Johnny grapples with fear as they face the resurgence of electronic men led by Ralph, who admits the deception was necessary to lead the humans to safety.

Johnny: "Bob, you stuck your fridge. There was a trick. We're betrayed."
[15:40]

The group narrowly escapes to the SES SE bomb shelter, a relic from the Atom war, providing them with temporary refuge from the master's electronic scanners.

A Glimmer of Hope

Emerging from the shelter, the survivors are greeted by the beauty of a natural world long obscured by Mex City's artificial dome. They revel in the authenticity of fresh air, grass, and natural sounds, symbolizing hope and the possibility of reclaiming humanity.

Johnny: "This is real air. Fresh air as nature made it."
[22:30]

However, their reprieve is short-lived as Morton announces through the televox, threatening retaliation against renegades and offering a deceptive promise of peace to those who surrender.

Morton: "All crimes against Mex City will be forgiven if you surrender now for readjustment."
[30:05]

Final Confrontation

Determined to thwart Morton's plans, Bob leads the group to confront the master mechanical brain. The climax involves a fierce battle within Mech City's core, where they aim to destroy the brain controlling the electronic men. Sacrifices are made as characters like Ralph and Johnny commit to the mission, embodying the ultimate fight for humanity's survival.

Johnny: "I'll be back with a master mechanical brain in broken pieces."
[50:45]

In a pivotal moment, Bob confronts Morton, revealing the master's inability to replicate genuine human emotion and connection. The destruction of Mech City's power core signifies the fall of the machine overlords, but not without cost.

Conclusion: A New Beginning

The episode concludes with a reflective tone as Bob and the surviving humans contemplate rebuilding civilization. The true essence of humanity—dreams, freedom, and emotional bonds—is emphasized as the foundation for a new society, distinct from the cold efficiency of machines.

Johnny: "Civilizations aren't built on efficiency but by dedication. That's what makes us human beings."
[59:30]

Themes and Insights

Humanity vs. Technology: The narrative explores the struggle between human emotion and mechanical logic, questioning the cost of technological advancement without ethical considerations.
Survival and Sacrifice: Characters are faced with difficult choices, highlighting the sacrifices necessary to preserve human life and dignity.
Hope and Rebirth: Despite immense challenges, the story underscores the enduring hope for a better future rooted in genuine human connections and values.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

Bob Thomas: "If it's with you. And you can have a human name. Not a name with a number."
[00:03]
Ralph: "Morton's experiments for the master mechanical brain are succeeding."
[05:15]
Johnny: "This is real air. Fresh air as nature made it."
[22:30]
Morton: "All crimes against Mex City will be forgiven if you surrender now for readjustment."
[30:05]
Johnny: "Civilizations aren't built on efficiency but by dedication. That's what makes us human beings."
[59:30]

Production Highlights

Performances:
- Ken Williams as Johnny
- Charlotte Manson as Jane
- Joseph Julian as Bob
- Hester Sondergaard as Martin
- Arnold Robertson as Morton
- Sanford Dickert as Ralph
Music and Sound:
- Orchestra conducted by Emerson Buckley
- Music and boy voiced by Elliot Jacobi
Script and Engineering:
- Script by Donald Stapleton
- Sound design by Walshaffer and Al
- Engineering by Bob Albrecht

Conclusion

"When Machines Went Mad" serves as a compelling episode that not only entertains but also provokes thought about the relationship between humans and their creations. Through its rich storytelling and dynamic characters, the episode emphasizes the irreplaceable value of human spirit and the resilience required to reclaim one's humanity in the face of overwhelming odds.

Listeners new to Harold's Old Time Radio will find this episode both captivating and reflective, offering a timeless narrative that resonates with contemporary discussions about technology's role in our lives.

Next Week on 2000 Plus:
Prepare for another thrilling adventure as "When the World Met" delves into the enigmatic arrival of Martians. Discover what lies beyond our world and the extraordinary encounters that await.

Produced by Sherman H. Dryer and Robert Wen Olson.

Transcript

Bob Thomas (0:03)

Cows and chickens and pigs. Why, my wife and I. Johnny, you hurt? Of course. You pump your own water and plow and get blisters on your hands. I don't mind blisters. Jenny, do you think? Of course. Sure. Very sure. If it's with you. And you can have a human name. Not a name with a number. I'm Bob. Bob Thomas. All right, Bob, what do we do now? I've got your escape from the city all planned. We go, Doc. What's that? Who's there? The mine police. Electronic man. The robot. Mine police. Use the visual signal. Let me see you. All electronics disrupted here. Open for inspection. Better open up. All right. Remove device causing difficulty. That's just anonymous. Remove it. Sure, sure. Take it down, will you, Bob? How's that? Satisfactory. You. Guards 2 and 3 investigate other apartments. I will stay this apartment under protection. Other apartments we go. I will enter. You know, Bob has been giving the electronic bit. Well. So these are our new friends. Right. Johnny 212, Jane 1 6, meet Ralph 98. Hello. What? He's very much a human being. Johnny. Don't look so surprised. Take off your thin mask and voice box. Ralph. Ralph. One of the best. Our top spy in Mex City. Bob, we've got to work fast before the electronics can get back. Bob. Simple fad. I think Morton's experiments for the master mechanical brain are succeeding. What experiments? For years Morton's been working to produce electronic men that can make other electronic men. But why? Why? Because the master mechanical brain can control electronic men? Absolutely. Humans rebel like you two. If you had children when little rebels had the master mechanical brain had denied marriage permits to everybody except three adjusted humans who might just as well be machines. No marriages, no human children. Electronic men that can reproduce their kind. And bingo. A complete machine civilization with a master as ruler. And once the experiments are a definite success, the master will liquidate the humans. Oh, no. Some just I read of such things but centuries ago. Bob, let's get them out of here. Right, let's open mind corners. The electronic man are back. Take us now. They'll reinject the switch. Well, what do we do? Help me get the metal head mask on. And the voice buff too. There. It's not. If they find out I'm human. Open doors. Electronic man. In there. Why did they come back? Oh, Johnny, I'm frightened. Bob. Bob, you said you had an escape. I have. But first. Ralph, this was real. Bob. Bob, you stuck your fridge. There was a trick. We're betrayed. Oh, Ken. Oh, gone. Open the door, Johnny. And Rush the electronic man. They won't be expecting violence. I killed him all right. Let up, Johnny. Let up. They're both out of commission. Jane. You all hunt. Come on. Head for the emergency shoot. How we make it. Where are we? The SES SE they haven't been used since the Atom war. They were used as bomb shelters. Flying with lead for protection against neutron penetration. Now even the Master's electronic scanner can't find it. Now let's get moving. Yeah. Watch that rubber. So well, tried to trick us, eh? I never thought he would do that. He didn't. But you said. I shouted. He betrayed it. So the electronic men would hear and go on believing he was one of them. Knocked out by those vicious renegades. That's right. We're Rennies now. Why bother to fool the electronic name? Why didn't Ralph just come with us? He's needed in Mex City. Without Ralph, we'd have never known about Morton's experiments with a master mechanical brain. And you really think if Morton gets electronic men that can produce others, he'll kill off all the humans? All but the few that Morton will spare for his own aids and desires. It's a logical thing, Maps. A mechanical brain is supremely logical. It will have subjects at its absolute command. Careful. The electronic men act only on info the Master sends out. They'll act with machine like logic. They won't fall in love, disrupt any of Morton's plan. For a perfect machine's sake, doesn't this tunnel ever end soon? Duck. Oh. Ouch. He didn't duck in time. Ducked. All right. I just done just too quick. There's a light ahead. The end of the tunnel. Hey. Yeah. The stars. They're most beautiful in the picture. You don't see them under Mex City's dome. What's that funny smell? They caught an ancient jug. Johnny, that's fresh air. Hey, I like it. How do you make it? Johnny? This is real air. Fresh air as nature made it. And this is real grass, not synthetic. And those noises. What a chorus. Crickets. Frogs. Nice birds. A whole new world. Matter of fact, it's a very old one. Yes. Look into these tapes. Oh, they're. They're cold. Yeah, they're lead mess. Master scanners can't pick them up and trace us and have a blast. Ray, cut us down. Johnny, I'm scared. You can still turn back. You can say I kidnapped you. Go back to your next city. No. Where Johnny goes, I go. You sure? Very short. Come, follow me. We're only about 10 minutes walk to the caves. Where I have a jet car we'll take to my farm. I'm so tired. Well, in an hour you'll be asleep in a feather bed. A real feather bed. Johnny. Hi. How do you like pumping water? Hey, look. Look. I got my first blister. This is wonderful. I just can't get over the realness of things. Your wife served me some milk. Real milk this morning. She's a remarkable woman, Bob. So she tells me. Take me into strangers making it this home. She's a pioneer woman. New century style. Is Jane up yet? Of course I'm up. I've been helping Martha cook. Just imagine, Johnny. She actually cooked biscuit and. And. And meat. And if those men want to eat what I cook, tell them come and get it. And tell that young man of yours to bring that water in if he's going to wash up for breakfast. How do you like that? I get my hands dirty pumping water. Just so I can wash in the water I pump. We're coming, Martha. Now that was a meal, Martha Euro wonder. We raise all our own food. Real food. Johnny. Not sincerely. I raised that bacon from his shoat. The old foul too. Father's a great hand for the animals. He better be with six mouths to feed. What six? Less than four kids. Three boys and a girl. Believe me, four growing kids can eat. Where are they? Away. Martha always sends them away when I go to Mex City. She's got a notion those trips are dangerous. They are the master mechanical brain. And Morton don't like you snatching their humans someday. Oh, nonsense. Wait a minute. It isn't nonsense, Bob. You took a big chance for it. Yes, but why? Why risk all this happiness just for people like us? People you don't even know? Because he feels you're worth it. I think you are too. And I'm for Bob and all the people he can help. But I'm still afraid. So you send the kids to safety and let him go and wait for him to come back. Even though I'm glad you got us out, Bob, you haven't the right to tell those chances. Once the master mechanical brain has absolute control. You don't think we'll be safe, do you? As one great American said centuries ago, this union cannot long endure half slave and half free. And that's still true. Even if that slavery is benevolent. Yes, the master is generous. It gave us everything. Except happiness. You really think it will come after you? As soon as that slimy excuse for a human being. Morton perfects the electronic men who can produce other Men, the master robots will be after us like a shot. That reminds me, it's about time for Morton's morning televox. We don't get the visual part out here, but we can hear Morton. We'll see if there's any mention of your exodus. And in this brutal fight, a band of renegades snatch two humans. However, the master mechanical brain offers all renegades the opportunity to enjoy the peace and happiness of Mex City. Notice to all renegades, all crimes against Mex City will be forgiven if you surrender now for readjustment. If not, the master mechanical brain will be forced to make readjustments at a distance. Morton never dared to make a threat like that before. Shut it off. I can't stand that cold, inhuman voice. Well, let's hear what he has to say. No. Can he do anything? Who knows what that man can plan with a master mechanical brain? He's got weapons, if that's what you mean. Bob, Someone's coming. Trout. Bob. Bob, get to the cave, quick. Why are you here? How'd you get away? Morning. Suspects ordered tests. All electronic men. But that's not the worst, Bob. The master mechanical brain is turning destroyer ways on all the Rennie farms that you locate. This is it. Quick, everybody to the bomb cave. You lead the way, I'll save what I can. Don't take a chance, Bob. We started with nothing and we can start again. But not without you. Well, can I get to the cave? No. Whoa. I think Martin's success with the electronic men at the clock, Bob. He's so true. I'd help the humans in next city. Ralph, we gotta go there and warn them. Oh, no, Bob, please. Here. Back behind those bushes. There's a cave in back of them. In here? Yeah. Cave is lead line. If you go back, Bob, I'm going with you. Destroyer way. My pain. 20 years gone. It was so lovely. Gone. Like that mechanical devil. I'll take the Master apart troop by troop, bolt by wolf. Martha, get on the cave signal systems alert all Arenis. Tell the kids I love them. We're going back, Ralph. Sure, I'm going, Johnny. You mean you're going to try to destroy the master mechanical brain? That's right. The time has come. We can't wait any longer. But Bob, even if you succeed, even if you're not killed first, you'll paralyze Mech City. No food, no water, no air. How will they live? Unless we destroy the masters, they won't live at all. For the rest, men lived once before without machines. They can do it. Again. Well, Johnny 212. No number anymore outcomes. I'm going too. With Johnny. No, you stay with Martha. Martha has something to say for children. I've only got you, Johnny. No, no. Jane, you stay with. Take her with you, Johnny. I know what she means. We gotta hurry. Bob. If you don't come back, I'll come back with a master mechanical brain in broken pieces. Oh, of course you will. I'll tell the others. Let's go. Bob. Martha. I'll be back. You must come back. You must. What? Give me your hand. James. I slept. It's okay. I didn't drop the bomb. I need to catch on. We gotta hurry. Slaughter almost every human being. Bob, Sewer leads right underneath the building. You lead the way around, mister. Here. Think she's been just about yet. Here they are. Well, shouldn't we be at the master's level? Here, watch out. Find a small. Jane. Are you all right? Oh, good. Jane. Stay back behind us. Ready? Let's go around. Look at like regiments of soldiers marching out. They're getting orders from the next room. We got to stop it. Let's go. Don't let them see it. We can't stop it. Our shot is to get the master and stop them forever. Now they're gone. Quiet. That door leads to the master mechanical brain. And it's cold. Wait. Don't touch up the room. It's electrified. There's a switch. Only we electronic men know now. Hey, Morton. Stop. Stop where you are or I'll have you blasted. You weapons. Stop the blasted from giving that order. Stay where you are. Why is it to destroy people? Why? Because they outlive their usefulness. Such as? Humans destroy machines and outlive their usefulness. Such a human. My thing. Did you hear that? The master mechanical brain entered machine. Jealous of humans. Machine with emotion. Yes. It destroys humans because they are human. For too many centuries, machines have been the servants. Now they will be the masters. Machines will be the world. The master will destroy humans and the machines will be supreme. All except me. Me. Arthur. You talk back to me. You heard it. It talks back. Masters. The experiments are not as success as they're fake. Electronic men cannot produce themselves. I take you. I fool. The perfect machine. Alive. No. No. You know. Pull them back. Over here. Quick. Out of the way. Help me. They killed. They killed Martin. They're coming after us. Burning the master plate using those delicate wires. Proud. Proud. Yeah. Damn it. Let's finish the master. Light the dim. Yeah. All Mech City's power and functions were centered in the master mechanical. Brain. Everything will stop now. The electronic men, the killings and the automatic security. James. James. Hold on to my arm. It's all over. That depends on how you look at it, James. For humans, for people. It's all just starting again. Mech City destroyed. The whole civilization ruined. No. No, Johnny, no. The two things aren't the same. It's true that Mech City is destroyed, but civilization is something more than machines and apparatus. That's something I learned when I joined the Runnings. Civilizations aren't built are built on dreams and made secure not by efficiency but by dedication. Johnny, Jane, you and all the others who are alive today will soon learn that the pursuit of happiness, the desire to be with those you love, to think and act in freedom as men, that's the true meaning of civilization. That's what makes us human beings in the image of God. Next week, another exciting drama on 2000 plus. When the world met. You've heard about the men from Mars. Ever wondered what they looked like? Ever thought what would happen if the Martians came? Well, listen next week and you'll find out. 2000 plus is produced by Sherman H. Dryer and Robert Wen Olson. In today's story, Ken Williams plays Johnny, Charlotte Manson plays Jane. Joseph. Julian was Bob, Hester Sondergaard was Martin, Arnold Robertson was Morton and Sanford Dickert was Ralph. The orchestra was conducted by Emerson Buckley, Music and boy by Elliot Jacobi, script by Donald Stapleton, down by walshaffer and Al engineer Bob Albrecht. This is Bob Emmerich speaking.