(37) Magic Island - Gregory's Yacht Pulled Out Into The Light

Summary

Podcast Summary: (37) Magic Island – Gregory's Yacht Pulled Out Into The Light

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: June 8, 2026
Episode Theme:
This episode continues the ongoing adventure on the mysterious, technologically advanced Magic Island. Key characters are trying to orchestrate a reunion as the Gregory yacht is being moved from a submerged lock to the surface. The episode centers on captivity, ingenuity, coded signals, and the tension of a rescue mission—balancing suspense and hope as the characters maneuver to outwit G47 and secure their freedom.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Advancements

1. Signals and Rising Island

• Tense Observations in the Lock: Mrs. Gregory and Captain Tex Bradford anxiously monitor alarm gongs, discussing coded signals related to the island’s movements.
  • Quote:
    • Mrs. Gregory: "There it is again, Texas. The same signal we heard before." (01:17)
    • Tex: "But the last time we heard it, it meant to standby stations. Then they submerged this island. Well, the island's all the way down now..." (01:20)
• They deduce, based on the signals, that the island is rising layer by layer, about to surface.

2. Worry for Loved Ones and Hope for Escape

• Mrs. Gregory expresses worry for Jerry, Joan, and Johnson, especially as their fates are tied up in the elaborate Euclidean technology.
  • Quote:
    • Mrs. Gregory: "I'm getting so worried down here in this dark lock. It was better in G47's control room. At least we could see and hear what was going on." (01:38)
• Tex remains confident and tries to reassure her with humor and determination.
  • Tex: "We'll get off this island if it takes a year. Now, just try to take it easy and leave the rest to me." (03:00)

3. Technical Troubles and G47’s Supervision

• Subtle intrigue as G47 himself checks the Gregory yacht, particularly focused on the anchor and radio aerial, suspecting the group is trying to use the radio illicitly.
  • Quote:
    • Skipper: "He's figured out that the broken aerial wires mixed up in the anchor chain have given us a good aerial." (04:53)
• Characters recognize they are constantly being watched, and any technical advantage could be swiftly neutralized.

4. Authorization and Cold Calculations

• G47 appears, granting permission for the yacht to move outside but chillingly notes both boats will eventually be destroyed "when the time comes."
  • Quote:
    • G47: "Then when the time comes for the destruction of these boats, it will be simpler if they are in contiguous slips—destroy them." (06:04)

5. Radio Contact: Rescue Attempts and Warnings

• Dramatic attempts to contact Johnson as his boat approaches, now being towed via submarine magnet, risking destruction if not handled carefully:
  • Jerry Hall tries to raise Johnson:
    • Jerry: "Hello, Johnson…We have not been able to raise your boat since we started towing. You have important orders for landing your boat at Euclidea…" (07:10)
  • G47 urges swift action:
    • G47: "Try to speak, Johnson. Hurry. The time is precious." (07:51)
• Johnson finally responds after shielding his radio from the interfering magnetism.
  • Johnson: "Sorry, captain. My set has been dead…Was not advised we would be towed by magnets and they paralyzed us." (09:15)

6. Engineering a Safe Landing

• With communications restored, Johnson receives explicit instructions on how to safely navigate the last stretch to the island, using auxiliary power on his boat.
  • Submarine Commander: "We are 15 knots from island. Stand by. When within one knot...I will cut magnets off. You will be released directly opposite opening in the slip…" (10:17)
• Positions, timeframes, and risks are laid out with precision as the two vessels coordinate.

7. Moments of Relief and Hope

• As the yacht emerges from the submerged lock, Mrs. Gregory and Tex delight in the sunlight.
  • Mrs. Gregory: "Oh, this is glorious. I've never appreciated the light as I do this minute." (12:00)
• They celebrate minor victories, including the presence of a homing pigeon delivering a message—potentially vital information for their predicament.
  • Tex: "Yes, and that's one of the pigeons from Johnson's boat. We've still got a chance, Pat." (12:28)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Tex's Determination:
  "We'll get off this island if it takes a year…" – Tex Bradford (03:00)
• Chilling Pragmatism:
  "Then when the time comes for the destruction of these boats, it will be simpler if they are in contiguous slips—destroy them." – G47 (06:04)
• Inventiveness Under Duress:
  "Was not advised we would be towed by magnets and they paralyzed us. When I heard the word magnet very faintly, I set about making a crude shield for the set..." – Johnson (09:15)
• Sunlight as Salvation:
  "Oh, this is glorious. I've never appreciated the light as I do this minute." – Mrs. Gregory (12:00)
• The Message of Hope:
  "That's one of the pigeons from Johnson's boat. We've still got a chance, Pat." – Tex (12:28)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |------------|--------------------------------------------------| | 00:30 | Recap of precarious situation and submarine tow | | 01:17–02:28| Worried discussions about signals and loved ones | | 03:00 | Tex’s reassurances and resolve | | 03:41–05:15| G47's surveillance and the technical dilemma | | 05:28–06:19| G47's orders and threat of boat destruction | | 07:04–08:58| Jerry and Tex attempt radio contact with Johnson | | 09:15 | Johnson explains radio troubles | | 10:17–11:07| Final instructions for safe approach | | 12:00 | Joy at returning sunshine and the hope of the pigeon |

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Summary

This episode is a rich slice of serialized adventure—a showcase of vintage radio drama’s suspense and imaginative world-building. Listeners are brought into the tension and hope of the Gregory party as they try to reunite and escape, navigating both the high-tech perils and the ruthlessness of G47. The interplay of coded signals, radio troubles, and subtle sabotage drives the plot, while moments like the sunlight breaking through and the arrival of a homing pigeon maintain the undercurrent of optimism.

For fans of suspenseful, inventive storytelling from radio’s golden age, this episode demonstrates why Magic Island has enduring appeal—mixing peril, wit, and the lingering hope that ingenuity and loyalty might just save the day.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

At last, Johnson on the Gregory boat is nearing the magic island. But Johnson will arrive at the island as a prisoner and not a rescuer. Jerry and Joan were ordered to go in the Euclidean submarine and aid in the capture of Johnson's boat. While the captain and Mrs. Gregory have seen and heard all that took place in the submarine through the wonderful prism reflectors in G47's control chambers, the submarine is towing the Johnson boat, which has run out of fuel. They are only a few miles from Euclidea, the Magic Island. Mrs. Gregory and Captain Bradford are now back on their captive yacht inside a lock in the submerged island. The alarm going on the island has been ringing, and Mrs. Gregory and Tex are trying to learn the meaning of the signals.

[C]

There it is again, Texas. The same signal we heard before.

[D]

Yes, Pat, but the last time we heard it, it meant to standby stations. Then they submerged this island. Well, the island's all the way down now. Surface of it is 40ft below the water level. They can't submerge it anymore.

[C]

Just the same, there's the signal. Oh, Tex, I'm getting so worried down here in this dark lock. It was better in G47's control room. least we could see and hear what was going on. And we knew that Joan and Jerry were all right in that submarine.

[D]

Jerry and Joan are all right whether we watch them or not.

[C]

Is this radio all right now?

[D]

It works fairly well, but it wouldn't be a good idea for us to try sending with it.

[C]

I didn't mean that, Tex. Just so it works well enough that we can hear Johnson if he talks to Jerry in the submarine.

[D]

Poor Johnson. How? But his face was a study when that sub picked up his bow anchor with a magnet and started to tow him to this island.

[C]

Doesn't it seem strange to you that Johnson hasn't sent any message since that?

[D]

I don't think so. There's nothing for him to send one about. It's just the end of a good try on his part. And he's failed. I imagine he doesn't feel a whole lot like talking to anyone.

[C]

Tex. Four strokes of the alarm gong. That should mean the fourth level. The island's going up again.

[D]

I think you're right, Pat. That must mean that the battleships are all safely out of the way. Johnson's boat is near enough that they're getting the island out of the water so the submarine can land the captive boat at one of the piers.

[C]

Then Joan and Jerry will be back with us again. I won't care much what happens if I can only keep them near me all the time.

[D]

Yes, and once I get Johnson on this island with the materials he has on that boat, it shouldn't take us long to figure a way out of this.

[C]

But G47 will take the materials away from you the minute the boat lands.

[D]

Oh, will you quit worrying so much, Pat? We'll get off this island if it takes a year. Now, just try to take it easy and leave the rest to me.

[C]

The third level, Tex. We're really going to get up out of this awful dark at last.

[D]

Looks like it. I hope they let us take the yacht back out into the open water between the piers again. I don't like this living in a hole underwater myself.

[C]

That's right. G47 may not want the yacht outside again.

[D]

I don't think he'll object to that. Doesn't look much like we'd run away with a broken mast and these smashed cabin roofs.

[C]

And will we be allowed to remain on the yacht?

[D]

G47 said we could. There's room for us to live on the island and no time to build quarters for us.

[C]

Remember that the aerial is broken. And when the anchor leaves the floor of this steel lock, the radio won't work anymore.

[D]

Well, just as soon as we get outside in the open air again, I'll fix up an aerial fast enough. Second level, huh? Things sure move on this island.

[C]

Only another minute or two and the top of the island will be out of the water.

[D]

Yes, and if we don't hear from G47 pretty soon about getting this yacht out of this lock, I'll go and ask him.

[C]

That's probably G47 now.

[D]

I suppose it is. Come in.

[C]

Oh. Well, Skipper.

[E]

Come in and close the door.

[B]

Island. What about the island rising?

[C]

Yes, skipper, we know the island will soon be out of the water.

[D]

Have you heard whether we're to be allowed to take the yacht out of this lot?

[E]

Yep.

[C]

We are to be allowed to take it out.

[D]

I How did you find out this?

[C]

The first level Then the steel control chambers on the surface are coming out of the water now. We'll soon be out.

[D]

I did G47 tell you we could take the yacht back out? Yep. Has he been down here on this boat talking to you?

[C]

I Funny, he didn't call on us, isn't it, Tex?

[D]

Well, he's on the boat now. I what's he doing here? Lurking.

[C]

Looking. At what, skipper?

[B]

Anchor.

[D]

What's he looking at our anchor for? Radio.

[C]

Oh, of course, Tex. He's figured out that the broken aerial wires mixed up in the anchor chain have given us a good aerial.

[D]

Yeah, he's probably doing something to it right now, so it won't be any good. Send him in here, skipper, will you? Aye.

[C]

And don't tell him you've told us he's on board.

[F]

Aye.

[D]

So the old boy's been sneaking around out there on the deck, looking things over.

[C]

I wouldn't worry too much about that, Tex. He told the skipper we could take the yacht out and anchor it in open water again.

[D]

I hope it's right away, then. I've got a notion something's going to happen before very long.

[C]

This will be G47.

[D]

Yeah, come in.

[C]

Oh, G47. Come in, won't you?

[G]

Oh, thank you.

[D]

We've been wondering if you wouldn't pay us to visit. Before long, the island seems to be rising again and we'd like to take the yacht back outdoors, if you don't mind.

[G]

You will be allowed to take the yacht out again. It will make Mr. Johnson feel more at home to be welcomed by his friends.

[D]

Yes. Some welcome one prisoner welcoming another to jail.

[C]

Never mind that, Nartex. Will Johnson's boat be brought in at Pier 5? Will it lie near us?

[G]

I think that will be advisable. Then when the time comes for the destruction of these boats, it will be simpler. If they are in contiguous slips, destroy them.

[D]

Steady, Pat. I expected that remark.

[G]

The locked gates are opening now. If you care to listen,

[C]

Tex, listen. The gates are open. The water levels in the locks are evening up.

[D]

Sounds good to me. I've had enough of this dark lock.

[C]

Tex, look. The portholes. You can see the daylight even back here in this lock.

[G]

Now the magnets are beginning to actuate this craft. We will soon be in the outer slip, J12C.

[F]

Jerry hall on Euclidean submarines at J12C. Hello, J12C. Hello, Johnson.

[D]

There's Jerry in the cell.

[C]

Oh, it's good to hear him again.

[G]

Silence. We must hear this.

[F]

Hello, Johnson. Hello. Calling J12C. What's the matter, Johnson? We have not been able to raise your boat since we started towing. You have important orders for landing your boat at Euclidea when we cut loose our magnets at the island.

[H]

Advise Johnson there is every possibility his boat will be wrecked on the island if he does not acknowledge and carry out these special orders.

[F]

J12C. Hello, J12C. This is Emergent. Answer at once.

[G]

Will this transmitter work, captain?

[D]

It will.

[E]

If your magnetic ring doesn't stop the beam, it will not break.

[G]

Hall, at once. Try to speak, Johnson. Hurry. The time is precious.

[E]

Right. Break it, Hall. Break it, Jerry. Bradford on J24Y. Calling Johnson on J12C. Let me have it, Jerry. I will now send from the yacht to Johnson Spatial orders. G47 on board yacht. Let me have it, Jerry.

[F]

Okay, Tex. Hello to yacht. All okay here. Go ahead, Tex. I can't raise Johnson. Go ahead.

[E]

Thanks, Jerry. Hello, Johnson. Bradford to J12C. Hello, J12C.

[C]

Something must have happened to Johnson's radio.

[G]

You will Continue, Captain.

[D]

Right.

[E]

J24Y to Johnson on J12C. Hello, Johnson. This is important. Can you hear me? Your boat is in danger of being wrecked against a steel artificial island unless you talk to the commander of the submarine who is towing you. Get her instructions before she cast your anchor off her magnetic towing fin. J12C calling J12C.

[C]

What can be the matter, Dicks?

[I]

Hello, Bradford. Hello, can you get me.

[C]

Oh, Dicks, it's all right.

[F]

Hey, Tex, I got Johnson here. Can you hear him?

[E]

Yes, I got him, kid. Let me have the channel now. Hello, Johnson. Getting you fined? What happened? No message from you for so long.

[I]

Sorry, captain. My set has been dead. Was not advised we would be towed by magnets and they paralyzed us. When I heard the word magnet very faintly, I set about making a crude shield for the set. Okay, now what's the order?

[G]

Tell him to take his orders from the commander of the submarine.

[E]

Hello, Jerry. J24Y to Jerry hall on submarine. Hello, sub.

[F]

Okay, tex, go ahead.

[E]

G47. Authorizes me to tell you commander of sub is to give orders directly to Johnson. That old G47.

[G]

Have the commander advise me speed and distance from island.

[E]

Commander Bradford to S1.

[H]

Yes, proceed.

[E]

Captain Bradford, will you give orders to Johnson, Then report to G47 on your position and speed.

[H]

Very good. S1 to Johnson. S1 calling J12C.

[I]

Go ahead, S1. Johnson on J12C. Ready, S1. Go ahead.

[H]

We are 15 knots from island. Stand by. When within one knot of island, I will cut Magnus off. You will be released directly opposite. Opening in the slip you are to use. Have you auxiliary power on board to take yourself in? Last few hundred yards, replied Johnson.

[I]

New submarine commander has small electric motor. Should be good for two miles or more. Uncharged now in batteries. What about this island slip? Have received some wild messages. Supposedly from there is island surrounded by fog rings. Will I need pilot?

[H]

No, Your power will be clear. That is all, Johnson. G47, Commander. S1 to G47.

[G]

Proceed, Commander.

[H]

Making 10 knots. Position due north of Ireland, 28 degrees, 45 minutes south. Should be at Pier 5 in 90 minutes. Orders?

[G]

No orders. Proceed as you are. Your instructions to Johnson. Excellent. That is all.

[H]

Very good.

[D]

Just an hour and a half and Johnson will be here. I'm glad to see him, even if he can't help us. I'll be more than glad to get Jerry and Joan out of that submarine.

[C]

That'll help a lot.

[G]

You may expect me again when the boat is near. You may now use your radio as much as you care to.

[C]

Tex, look. That's sunshine. Let's go out on deck.

[D]

Right, dear. Come on. A little daylight won't do me any harm.

[C]

Oh, this is glorious. I've never appreciated the light as I do this minute.

[D]

Shows up that broken mast and the shattered cavern pretty badly, though. Say, that little pigeon was in his coat when the mast fell.

[C]

Oh, I wonder if he's hurt.

[D]

We'll know in a minute. Pat, come here. Pluck in the coat, quick.

[C]

Oh, Tex. The little bird isn't hurt, is it?

[D]

No, but, Pat.

[C]

Look, Tex, another pigeon in there with a message tied to him. He must have arrived the instant the yacht came out.

[D]

Yes, and that's one of the pigeons from Johnson's boat. We've still got a chance, Pat. There'll be something in that message we can use before Johnson's boat is brought in here.