(57) Magic Island - Two Guards Knocked Out

Summary

Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: (57) Magic Island - Two Guards Knocked Out

Date: June 10, 2026

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Overview

This episode of "Magic Island" throws listeners directly into the suspense and intrigue of classic old-time radio drama. Our protagonists—Tex Bradford, Jerry Hall, Mrs. Gregory, Joan, the skipper, and Mac—find themselves once again in jeopardy, recaptured by the enigmatic inhabitants of Magic Island. The group must deal with a sabotaged boat, the mysterious use of ray guns, and the ever-present threat of being outwitted by their captors. The episode brims with tension, quick thinking, and the resourcefulness typical of the Golden Age adventure serials.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dire Circumstances & Sabotage (00:00–01:13)

• The group’s current predicament is set: their escape from Magic Island is thwarted, and their boat, crippled by a hole, is being towed back by a Euclidean submarine.
• The source of trouble is revealed: a Euclidean prisoner they had captured sabotaged the boat before escaping.

Notable Quote:
Tex Bradford: “We've got to do something about slapping a patch on that hole, or the submarine won't have to bother to tow us much farther.” (00:41)

2. Uncertain Fate & Steeling Nerves (01:14–02:24)

• Tex and Jerry discuss the likelihood of their survival. Jerry is honest about his fear, while Tex remains optimistic yet realistic about the danger they’re in and the potential consequences.
• Discussion centers on why the Euclideans might want to keep them alive, hinting at Tex’s secret formula as a possible motive.

Notable Quote:
Jerry Hall: “I’m not scared about it. Well, yes, I am, plenty scared. But we've been on the island before and we got away from it. Why can't we do it again?” (01:23)

Tex Bradford: “They may decide to bring a little more pressure to bear on us this time.” (01:52)

3. Mysterious Noises & The Ray Gun (03:05–04:12)

• A sudden, strange noise alarms Tex and Jerry. Jerry is certain it’s the eerie whine of a Euclidean ray gun, not the radio.
• They theorize the escaped guard is still on board and using his ray gun to incapacitate the crew.

Notable Quote: Jerry Hall: “There's something about the high whine of those ray guns. It sounds there—there it goes again.” (03:25–03:36)

4. Action & Confrontation (04:13–05:53)

• Tex and Jerry plan to ambush the escaped guard, recognizing the danger of using their own ray guns for fear of exposing their weapons.
• After a tense moment, Jerry subdues the guard by knocking his head against the boat, while both the skipper and Tex are recovering from the effects of the ray gun.

Notable Quotes:
Tex Bradford: “He used that ray gun to put the boys to sleep. We'll meet him at the hatch and fix him up with a little nap.” (04:29)
Jerry Hall: “I didn't have anything to hit him with, but I got a chance to jerk his head against the cone. He'll be quiet for a while.” (05:47)

5. Encounter with the Euclidean Submarine Commander (06:05–09:10)

• The Euclidean submarine surfaces dramatically. The stern, clipped tone of the Commander underscores the power dynamics at play.
• She interrogates Jerry about the missing guard and expresses frustration at the group's attempts at resistance.
• Jerry tries to bluff and sasses her, but she shuts down his attempts at banter.

Notable Quotes:
Euclidean Submarine Commander: “I should think, Hall, that you would realize the hopelessness of your situation by this time and attempt no foolish moves.” (07:02)
Euclidean Submarine Commander (after Jerry tries to chit-chat): “Your attempts to converse with me as an equal are rather futile, are they not?” (08:38)

6. A Moment to Breathe—and Warns of More Danger (09:10–10:35)

• As the action pauses, Jerry contemplates their predicament, anxious for what lies ahead with G47 on the island.
• Tex, groggy from the ray gun, regains some strength. Both realize they have only half an hour before reaching the island—precious little time to plan an escape or counter-move.

7. Skipper's Heroic Moment (10:35–end)

• The escaped Euclidean guard regains consciousness and threatens the group again, but is promptly taken down by the resourceful skipper wielding a monkey wrench.
• The scene ends on a note of humor and relief, as Jerry marvels at the skipper's effectiveness compared to fancy Euclidean gadgets.

Notable Quote:
Jerry Hall: “No, but he's got a monkey wrench, and he's going to use it. Oh boy, what a sock.” (10:49)
Tex Bradford: “Did the skipper get him, Jerry?”
Jerry Hall: “I'll say he got him. And he'll be asleep longer than any of those ray guns would be good for that. Old skipper can sure use a monkey wrench.” (10:54–10:55)

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Memorable Moments & Quotes with Timestamps

• “He was tied down with everything in the hole. Wasn't enough, though. Jerry, he's gone. Kicked the sight out of our boat doing it.” — Tex Bradford (00:41)
• “There's something about the high whine of those ray guns. It sounds there—there it goes again.” — Jerry Hall (03:25–03:36)
• “We’ll sneak up on each side of that companionway. He can't see us till he hits the deck with one foot. We'll let him have it…” — Tex Bradford (04:50)
• “You will do well to guide him closely until I deliver you safely to G47. That man will not hesitate to harm you.” — Euclidean Submarine Commander (08:10)
• “I'll say he got him. And he'll be asleep longer than any of those ray guns would be good for that. Old skipper can sure use a monkey wrench.” — Jerry Hall (10:55)

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Episode Flow & Tone

• The tone is adventurous and suspenseful, with moments of dry humor and camaraderie.
• There’s a sense of escalating stakes tied with rapid dialogue and old-time radio sound cues.
• The interplay between Tex, Jerry, and the Euclidean Commander maintains tension and showcases period-appropriate wit and clever banter.

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Conclusion

In this action-packed installment, the crew demonstrates quick thinking and resourcefulness in the face of betrayals and setbacks. As they are rapidly towed back to Magic Island, every moment is laced with suspense—will they escape again, or fall victim to their high-tech adversaries? The episode ends on a classic cliffhanger note, promising more adventure to come.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

The Magic island is once more a dread name to Mrs. Gregory and her little band of friends. When they made their escape from the island through messages carried to another boat by homing pigeons, things look favorable for a few short hours. But now the future is as black as it could be painted. Recaptured by a Euclidean submarine and being towed back to the island by their submerged captor. Tex Bradford and Jerry hall are on the deck, wondering what their fate will be. Mrs. Gregory and her daughter Joan are aboard the submarine as Jerry and Tex notice a sudden list to starboard. The old skipper comes running with the news that they're shipping water through a bad hole in the hull chopped by the Euclidean who was their prisoner.

[Tex Bradford]

You're sure of that, skipper?

[Jerry Hall]

Aye. But how could that guy get loose? He was tied down with everything in the hole.

[Tex Bradford]

Wasn't enough, though. Jerry, he's gone. Kicked the sight out of our boat doing it. We've got to do something about slapping a patch on that hole, or the submarine won't have to bother to tow us much farther.

[Jerry Hall]

Well, let's go and see what we can do about them ticks.

[Tex Bradford]

Hold it a minute, Jerry. Think you and McLeod can get a patch over that hole, skipper? Aye, but without motors. We haven't got any pumps.

[Narrator]

No?

[Tex Bradford]

Well, shove off, skipper, and get Mac working on that thing. If you can't stop it, we'll signal the sub to take us aboard. Aye, and sound out for us if you can't handle it.

[Jerry Hall]

Aye. Gosh, the skipper looks like he'd just as soon drown as get on board that submarine.

[Tex Bradford]

Can't blame you much for that, son.

[Jerry Hall]

Things look pretty bad, don't they, Tex?

[Tex Bradford]

They have looked brighter, but we won't give up.

[Jerry Hall]

I hope Mrs. Gregory and Joan are all right in that crazy Euclidean submarine.

[Tex Bradford]

Jerry, my optimism has led me into trouble more than once, but I can't believe that we won't find our way out of this somehow.

[Jerry Hall]

I'm not scared about it. Well, yes, I am, plenty scared. But we've been on the island before and we got away from it. Why can't we do it again?

[Tex Bradford]

They won't be disposed to treat us quite so kindly this time.

[Jerry Hall]

I don't know about that. Now, look, Captain Bradford, I think there must be some mighty good reason for wanting us to stay alive. Maybe it's your formula for the universal sovereign. Maybe it's for what they think we know about our world that they don't know. But whatever it is, if they were going to do anything to us, well, why don't they just Sink this boat and let it go at that?

[Tex Bradford]

Well, that's one way to look at it, Jerry. And it's pleasant to look at it that way. They may decide to bring a little more pressure to bear on us this time.

[Jerry Hall]

You mean torture you into giving them the formula?

[Tex Bradford]

I wouldn't put it past them.

[Jerry Hall]

But, gee, Tex, you'd give up the formula before you let them. Well, wouldn't you?

[Tex Bradford]

Yes, Jerry, I'm afraid I would. There's very little satisfaction in being put out of the way entirely. If worse comes to worst, I'll give them the real formula. Then take a chance on beating them to the use of it.

[Jerry Hall]

Well, we'd have to try and make another escape then.

[Tex Bradford]

We'll have to do that anyway, if they give us a chance. But it won't be so easy now.

[Jerry Hall]

They probably won't let us live on this boat.

[Tex Bradford]

Not much chance of that. Unless they don't trust us on the island. After what you and Joan did to them, they're not sure how dangerous we may be.

[Jerry Hall]

Not really dangerous to them. Well, they could get rid of us in a minute if they wanted to.

[Tex Bradford]

Sure, but now they don't want to. They wouldn't be taking us back to the island so carefully.

[Jerry Hall]

Hey, the boat's riding better now.

[Tex Bradford]

Seems to be on more even keel. Mac and the skipper must have been able to stick something in that hole. Riding low in the water, though, we ship plenty of moisture.

[Jerry Hall]

Well, it can sink if it wants to. Just so we land on something.

[Tex Bradford]

I managed to smuggle most of my instruments on this boat with us. They'll take those away the minute we get back to the island.

[Jerry Hall]

Well, I guess there's no use guessing. But, golly, whiskers, I'm nervous about what they're going to do to us.

[Tex Bradford]

We won't be in doubt long. The speed will reach the island. An hour, possibly less.

[Jerry Hall]

Hey, Texas. Tex, did you hear that?

[Tex Bradford]

I did hear something. Sounded like our radio. Jerry. Maybe we've got juice enough left in those batteries to pick up a carrier wave.

[Jerry Hall]

No, it wasn't that. It was a ray gun.

[Tex Bradford]

A ray gun?

[Jerry Hall]

Yeah, One of those Euclidean ray guns like the two Joan and I took away from that guard we took prisoner.

[Tex Bradford]

But where could it come from?

[Jerry Hall]

I don't know.

[Tex Bradford]

Oh, you must be imagining things, kid. That was a radio squeal.

[Jerry Hall]

No, it wasn't, Tex. I've heard all sorts of noises come out of radio sets, but none of them made my hair stand on end like this one did. There's something about the High whine of those ray guns. It sounds there.

[Tex Bradford]

There.

[Jerry Hall]

There it goes again.

[Tex Bradford]

Yeah, I heard it plenty enough that time. Those things certainly have an unearthly wail. Where did it come from?

[Jerry Hall]

Sounded right under our feet.

[Tex Bradford]

How could it come from there? Will they work underwater?

[Jerry Hall]

Not very well and not that loud.

[Tex Bradford]

I wonder what that Euclidean guard we had tied up in the hold.

[Jerry Hall]

But he's gone.

[Tex Bradford]

Escaped.

[Jerry Hall]

When he cut that hole in the boat, just about daylight.

[Tex Bradford]

He's gone. Where'd he go?

[Jerry Hall]

On board the sub, I suppose.

[Tex Bradford]

He couldn't have boarded that sub. Jerry, we saw the hatch in the nose open. No one went in there but that woman submarine Commander and Mrs. Gregory and Jones.

[Jerry Hall]

No, not in the hatch.

[Tex Bradford]

Where else?

[Jerry Hall]

Well, those subs have an airlock. He could have been taken aboard while he was swimming underwater. And we couldn't possibly have seen him then.

[Tex Bradford]

He's been in the water all the time. Remember that. We had no power. He could have ridden that rudder post for hours of comparative ease.

[Jerry Hall]

But who would he be shooting those ray guns at?

[Tex Bradford]

Maybe the skipper or Mac stuck their heads up over the stern.

[Jerry Hall]

No, no, they're still below.

[Tex Bradford]

Below. That's it, kid. Scatter for that stern hatch quick. And walk on your toes. Now, don't make a sound.

[Jerry Hall]

What's up?

[Tex Bradford]

That you, Clydia? Never left this boat.

[Jerry Hall]

He what?

[Tex Bradford]

I'm sure of it. He knocked that hole in the side to make it look like an escape. Then he hid in the hole until the skipper and Mac fixed the leak. Now that he's in no danger of drowning, he used that ray gun to put the boys to sleep. We'll meet him at the hatch and fix him up with a little nap.

[Jerry Hall]

We mustn't use a ray gun on him.

[Tex Bradford]

Why not?

[Jerry Hall]

Well, the girl sub commander is supposed to have our ray guns. And if we use one now, this guy will know we still have them.

[Tex Bradford]

Good boy, Jerry. You think fast sometimes. All right. Now, look. We'll sneak up on each side of that companionway. He can't see us till he hits the deck with one foot. We'll let him have it, but his ray gun can't put more than one of us to sleep with one shot. And the other one can have him tapped on the air by that time.

[Jerry Hall]

Okay, Tex.

[Tex Bradford]

Now, not a sound till we land him.

[Jerry Hall]

Yeah. Gee. Whew. But that guy was hard to handle. Ah, Tex. Hey, Tex.

[Tex Bradford]

Feel a little sleepy, Jerry?

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, come on. Walk around with me. I'll help you.

[Tex Bradford]

That ray gun, he just about hit

[Jerry Hall]

the end of your Fingers. But if you try hard, maybe you can walk it off and stay awake.

[Tex Bradford]

Not kid, but I'll. I'll try.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, come on then, try.

[Tex Bradford]

Sure, sure, I'll try.

[Jerry Hall]

Lean on me as heavy as you want to.

[Tex Bradford]

How did you fix our friend?

[Jerry Hall]

Well, I didn't have anything to hit him with, but I got a chance to jerk his head against the cone. He'll be quiet for a while.

[Tex Bradford]

Good boy, Jerry. Is the boat rolling a lot or are my legs just unsteady?

[Jerry Hall]

Well, the water's beginning to boil around this rail. I'll bet that blamed sub is coming up again.

[Tex Bradford]

No, it feels like we've lost seaway.

[Jerry Hall]

I should have noticed that a long time ago. We're not making any way at all. Or they dropped their bow anchor and. And there goes the nose of the blame thing.

[Tex Bradford]

You know, someday that girl's gonna tip a boat over, coming up under like a whale.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, not that girl. She's too smart. And what she can't do with that submarine isn't worth doing.

[Tex Bradford]

You know, Jerry, that's the weirdest sight. End of a sub sticking straight up out of the water and just as steady as a lighthouse.

[Jerry Hall]

Hey, here comes the commander. I can see her hand coming up on the bow platform.

[Tex Bradford]

Yeah, and you still insist that girl is a friend of ours?

[Jerry Hall]

I know she is. Now sit up straight as you can.

[Tex Bradford]

All right, but I can't see very well, kid.

[Jerry Hall]

Keep your face pointed toward the noise of her voice. I'll do the talking.

[Euclidean Submarine Commander]

What is the meaning of this?

[Jerry Hall]

Uh huh. Meaning of what?

[Euclidean Submarine Commander]

That boat is becoming harder to move. I should think, hall, that you would realize the hopelessness of your situation by this time and attempt no foolish moves.

[Jerry Hall]

Well, we can't help it if your Euclidean prisoner escaped and cut a hole in our boat, can we?

[Euclidean Submarine Commander]

Where is the Euclidean guard now?

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, he's back there at the stern somewhere.

[Euclidean Submarine Commander]

And what is he doing?

[Jerry Hall]

Taking a little nap last time I saw him.

[Euclidean Submarine Commander]

Have you nothing to say, Captain Bradford?

[Jerry Hall]

Well, no, the captain, he's.

[Euclidean Submarine Commander]

I understand perfectly. The captain is asleep.

[Jerry Hall]

He's mighty tired.

[Euclidean Submarine Commander]

You haven't forgotten my teachings so quickly, have you, Hall? A ray gun will register on my instruments.

[Jerry Hall]

Yeah, that's right. Well, you know what's the matter with Tex then? That Euclidean we thought was safely tied up in the hole was hiding somewhere in the boat. And he used his ray gun on the engineer and our skipper. And when we tried to catch him, Tex got a little of it too.

[Euclidean Submarine Commander]

What was the size of the gun?

[Jerry Hall]

One of those little 300 seconds like we've, you know, like we had once, that is.

[Euclidean Submarine Commander]

Well. And the guard is where now?

[Jerry Hall]

Well, he got rough with us back there near the anteroom hatch and I had to bump his head on a combing to keep him quiet.

[Euclidean Submarine Commander]

You will do well to guide him closely until I deliver you safely to G47. That man will not hesitate to harm you.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, I suppose you think old G47 is going to give us a picnic.

[Euclidean Submarine Commander]

Will give you what he thinks your case warrants. Is the leak in your boat sufficiently repaired to indicate possibility of successfully towing you to Euclidea?

[Jerry Hall]

Well, it stopped leaking, if that's a big enough answer for you.

[Euclidean Submarine Commander]

Your attempts to converse with me as an equal are rather futile, are they not?

[Jerry Hall]

Maybe so, but I get em said.

[Euclidean Submarine Commander]

You have said far too much. I will resume my position under your bow and the bow anchor will be picked up by the stern magnetic fin. We will reach the island in 1800 seconds.

[Jerry Hall]

Half an hour, huh? Okay, skipper, we'll hang on. How are Mrs. Gregory and Joan?

[Euclidean Submarine Commander]

They are in my care.

[Jerry Hall]

That might mean anything.

[Euclidean Submarine Commander]

Indeed it might.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, golly whiskers. Now this is a fine pickle cloud. And the old skipper asleep in the hole and Tech sleeping on the rail. Well, if that guard starts up this way, I hope I can handle him.

[Tex Bradford]

I'll. I'll help you.

[Jerry Hall]

Kid or cheat. X. Are you all right?

[Tex Bradford]

Well, I have felt better, but I waking up a little and I can tell what goes on around me.

[Jerry Hall]

Well, the sub has gone under again and she'll be picking up our bow anchor any minute.

[Tex Bradford]

How much time did she say we had before we get to the island?

[Jerry Hall]

Half hour. Why?

[Tex Bradford]

Well, we might have a chance to plan a little something, but the hope isn't very strong.

[Jerry Hall]

And that Euclidean back there at the stern won't stay asleep much longer. If that's only a 302nd ray gun, he ought to be coming out of it now.

[Tex Bradford]

That sub just picked up our anchor.

[Jerry Hall]

Yeah, we're starting to move now. And the commander said only 1800 seconds to Euclidean.

[Tex Bradford]

Oh, forget the 1800 second stuff, Jerry. Let's talk like white people for the few minutes we have left.

[Jerry Hall]

That stuff gets me though. I'm getting so I talk just like those Euclideans.

[Tex Bradford]

Yeah, not exactly, but hey, here comes

[Jerry Hall]

that Euclidean guard sneaking around the corner of the aft cabin.

[Tex Bradford]

I can't see very well. Has he got his ray gun?

[Jerry Hall]

Sure he has.

[Tex Bradford]

Then you'll have to use yours if he crowds us.

[Jerry Hall]

But that way he'll find out we

[Tex Bradford]

have them he'll find it out anyway if he puts us to sleep and searches us.

[Jerry Hall]

Tex, wait a minute. I think we're going to be all right.

[Tex Bradford]

What's going on?

[Jerry Hall]

The old skipper, he's in his bare feet, sneaking up behind that Euclidean.

[Tex Bradford]

Has he got a gun?

[Jerry Hall]

No, but he's got a monkey wrench, and he's going to use it. Oh, boy, what a sock.

[Tex Bradford]

Did the skipper get him, Jerry?

[Jerry Hall]

I'll say he got him. And he'll be asleep longer than any of those ray guns would be good for that. Old skipper can sure use a monkey wrench.