Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: 30 Minutes to Curtain (1983-10-26) — The Witch’s Ring

Date Aired: October 22, 2025
Featured Play: "The Witch’s Ring" by Sidney Marshall

Episode Overview

In this Halloween-themed episode from 30 Minutes to Curtain, the show dives into a deliciously evil fantasy tale, "The Witch’s Ring," centering on two mischievous witches determined to sow chaos and misery in 19th century France. Their villainous efforts focus on corrupting the legendary Count of Monte Cristo, Edmond Dantes, using supernatural means and infamous historical villains. The play weaves intrigue, supernatural manipulation, and the eternal struggle between good and evil—all set against a backdrop of political unrest and the threat of revolution.

Key Story Points & Insights

1. Witches Plot: Longing for Lost Glory ([03:36])

• Two ancient, world-weary witches—Wrathful Dame and Noxious One—bemoan their reduced role in mankind’s affairs and reminisce about times when they inspired great evils.
  • "When I think back to the days of our vicious, destructive, malignant youth... brought grief and suffering to half the world with Alexander the Great..." – Noxious One ([04:02])
• They resolve to intervene once more, targeting the Count of Monte Cristo as their next victim.
  • "We shall go to Paris and begin at once. Ha ha ha! Evil, evil, lovely evil..." – Wrathful Dame ([04:47])

2. Setting the Trap: Parisian Masquerade and Supernatural Abduction ([05:32])

• Monte Cristo is pointed out by the witches at a masquerade. Soon after, he and his friend René experience a surreal storm—the world outside their carriage becomes a void and they are whisked away.
  • "It would almost seem as though the storm cloud had picked us up and was carrying us along with it." – Count of Monte Cristo ([09:57])
• They awaken in a mysterious castle in Saxony, owned by “Baron Attila”.

3. The Villainous Cast: Baron Attila and Lucretia ([11:54])

• Monte Cristo and René meet Baron Attila (haunted by the ghost of Attila the Hun) and Lucretia (hinted to be Lucrezia Borgia's spirit).
• Baron Attila tries to compel Dantes to lead a revolt in France and become king.
  • “For you see, Monte Cristo, I am about to have you assume the crown of the King of France.” – Baron Attila ([12:29])

4. Temptation by Power and Love ([14:32])

• Lucretia attempts to seduce Monte Cristo into ambition—offering herself as his queen if he seizes the throne.
  • "Like all women, Signor, I am interested in strong men... I could be very attracted by such a man." – Lucretia ([15:11])
• Monte Cristo seems swayed, apparently agreeing to Attila’s plot.

5. The Witches' Glee & Evil Plan in Motion ([17:24])

• The witches, observing from the shadows, celebrate the apparent corruption of Monte Cristo.
  • “Tis working, mastic one. Our plan is working. ... The count has fallen to temptation... Evil, evil, lovely evil.” – Wrathful Dame ([17:24] / [18:09])

6. Double Cross and the Final Plot ([21:13])

• Monte Cristo appears to plan for the upcoming revolution, assembling a list of rebellious nobles.
• Privately, Lucretia proposes killing Attila, so she and Dantes can become emperors of all Europe.
  • “Here, take this ring... Underneath, a few drops of liquid... pour those drops into his wine goblet and he shall be removed from our path forever.” – Lucretia ([23:52])

7. The Banquet and The True Twist ([25:23])

• At the banquet, Monte Cristo pretends to toast Attila, echoing the poison plot.
• He then dramatically reveals his true intentions: the entire mansion is surrounded by loyalist troops—all rebels are under arrest.
  • “For I wish you to know that my entire mansion... is entirely surrounded by loyal troops of his Majesty, King Louis Philippe. For that is the plan I was working on...” – Count of Monte Cristo ([26:07])

8. Aftermath and Unanswered Questions ([27:27])

• René apologizes for doubting Monte Cristo’s loyalty.
• The fate of Attila and Lucretia remains mysterious—in the confusion, they vanish, seemingly absorbed into mist.
  • “For when I glanced toward their seats... I seemed to see only two black clouds. And when my vision cleared, the baron and Lucretia were gone.” – Count of Monte Cristo ([28:17])

9. The Witches’ Defeat and Consolation ([28:39])

• Attila and Lucretia, humiliated, return to the netherworld, mocking the witches for their failed scheme.
  • “Defeated by a weakling mortal... Come along, Lucretia, let us return to the nether region.” – Attila ([29:05])
• The witches are left to wait for another chance—next All Hallow’s Eve.
  • “We now have less than a year to wait before the next Hallowed comes round again.” – Noxious One ([30:03])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• The Witches’ Nostalgia for Evil:

  • "Riding broomsticks, making faces at superstitious peasants... This is an insult to the capabilities of two such talented witches as we." — Wrathful Dame ([03:47])

• The Power of Temptation:

  • “Power to sway the destinies of millions of people by a wave of the hand, the scratch of a pen...” — Count of Monte Cristo ([20:22])

• The Unexpected Turn:

  • “I hereby declare all of you gathered here under arrest for treason to the crown.” — Count of Monte Cristo ([26:17])

• The Villains' Lament:

  • “We never dreamed... Conquest, disaster, death, you promised me. And here we are, defeated by a weakling mortal.” — Attila ([28:52])

• Bittersweet Consolation:

  • “We now have less than a year to wait before the next Hallowed comes round again.” — Noxious One ([30:03])

Important Timestamps

• [03:36] — Witches discuss the plan for mischief on All Hallows Eve
• [09:57] — Monte Cristo and René realize they've been transported by supernatural forces
• [12:29] — Baron Attila announces plan to crown Dantes as king
• [15:11] — Lucretia tries to seduce Dantes with power and ambition
• [18:09] — Witches celebrate their plan’s apparent success
• [23:52] — Lucretia gives Dantes the poison ring
• [26:07] — Monte Cristo reveals the true plan and arrests the conspirators
• [28:17] — The mysterious disappearance of Baron Attila and Lucretia
• [29:05] — The villains retreat, defeated
• [30:03] — The witches’ final, hopeful note for next year

Tone & Style

The episode is rich with melodramatic flair, gothic atmosphere, and tongue-in-cheek malice from its supernatural antagonists. It revels in the conventions of classic radio drama, with florid dialogue, exaggerated villainy, and an ultimately triumphant heroism through cleverness and loyalty.

Final Thoughts

"The Witch’s Ring" is a playful, suspenseful, and clever tale, making use of historical myth, legendary figures, and Halloween fantasy. The old-time radio format delivers an engaging experience, filled with twists, colorful characters, and memorable lines—a perfect listen for fans of classic radio and supernatural intrigue.