(62) Magic Island - Safe For Three Days

Summary

Episode Summary: Magic Island – "Safe For Three Days"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: 62
Air Date: June 11, 2026

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Overview

This episode delves into "Magic Island," a classic adventure serial from radio's Golden Age. The storyline resumes with the Gregory party trapped in underwater cells on the strange, science-driven island of Euclidea. Danger looms as the group narrowly escapes flooding and faces new threats from the island's scientists. The key focus: the group is given three days of relative safety to devise an escape, as the machinations of the island's chief, G47, escalate. The dialogue-rich episode blends suspense, wry humor, character banter, and the ever-present tension of life or death stakes.

Note: All times below refer to the content portion of the episode and exclude advertisements.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Developments

1. Narrow Escape from Flooding (00:30–01:46)

• Situation Recap: The Gregory party remains prisoners deep under Euclidea. Danger strikes when water floods their chamber due to a triggered security mechanism.

• Teamwork & Tension: Joan, Jerry, and Mrs. Gregory cooperate under pressure to close the steel door and stop the water.

  Notable Quote:

  • Joan: "It's too late, Jerry. It's too late." (01:09)
  • Jerry: "Push hard." (01:13)
  • Mother: "Jerry, we did." (01:28)
  • Jerry: "That was plenty close. That water must have been coming down... five feet deep." (01:34)

  Joan corrects Jerry’s exaggeration, revealing it was in fact 18 inches, showing her scientific precision—and causing friendly friction.

2. Aftermath and Banter (01:46–03:35)

• As Captain Bradford remains unconscious due to a ray gun, the party attempts to move him to safety.

• Lighthearted grammar corrections from Joan amidst the chaos create comic relief.

  Notable Quote:

  • Jerry: "I'm wading around in water... carrying the heavy end of a 200-pound man, and she takes time out to give me a grammar lesson." (02:55)

3. Speculation and Exploration (03:35–05:25)

• As the water recedes, Jerry and Joan explore the corridor, debating the safety and marveling at the mysterious technology of Euclidea.

• Jerry pokes fun at Joan's vocabulary, while Joan critiques his simplistic speech.

  Notable Quotes:

  • Joan: "We will proceed with caution and deliberation."
  • Jerry: "Why must you pretend to misunderstand me every time I use a word of more than one syllable?" (04:56)

4. Revelations from Commander S1 (07:02–09:09)

• Commander S1 (the Euclidean girl submarine commander) confronts Joan and Jerry, ushering them into an even more secure chamber.

• She secretly shares critical intelligence:

  • Their lives are safe "for the moment."
  • The island was relocated, though not far—due to technical limitations.
  • The party is assured three "rotations" (interpreted as days, or 24-hour cycles) of privacy before G47 focuses on them again.
  • Allies (their shipmates) are safely guarded on their boat, and their homing pigeons are in G47's lab.

  Notable Quotes:

  • Commander S1: "My mission is to guide you to a chamber even more strong and isolated..." (07:42)
  • Joan: “We are to be placed in solitary confinement.” (07:48)
  • Commander S1: "You will act as I instruct you." (08:56)
  • Commander S1: "Your lives are in no danger for the moment. Euclideans will devote all possible time to relocating island... you should be comparatively certain of privacy for three rotations." (09:09, 09:47)

5. Strategy and Human Connection (09:47–11:44)

• Jerry and Joan discuss their next moves. Jerry jokes about “three days” being enough for Captain Bradford—“Tex”—to find a way to New York.

• A touch of awkward teenage affection surfaces between Jerry and Joan, contrasting their peril with innocent personal feelings.

  Notable Quotes:

  • Jerry: "Golly Whiskers, I'll bet Tex can figure out how to be halfway to New York in that time..." (11:38)
  • Joan: "Jerry, I like you very much." (11:21)
  • Jerry: "Oh, okay. I like you too. But this is no time to tell you about that kind of stuff." (11:24)

6. Ominous Uncertainty

• The episode closes with concern about Captain Bradford’s health and the urgency to plan their escape during the window Commander S1 has provided.

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Memorable Moments & Tone

• The chemistry of the cast shines through: Joan’s scientific literalism vs. Jerry’s American pragmatism and humor set against the backdrop of suspense and sci-fi peril.
• Commander S1’s intervention reveals a rare moment of compassion and cooperation from a Euclidean, adding complexity to the antagonists.
• The lighter moments—Joan’s grammar corrections and the teens’ awkward affection—provide relief and endear listeners to the characters.

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Key Content | |-------------|------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | 00:30–01:46 | Escape from flooding | Door shut, team effort, immediate danger | | 01:46–03:35 | Aftermath & banter | Dialogue, moving Tex, grammar jokes | | 03:35–05:25 | Exploring deeper into the island | Water gone, debating safety, banter | | 07:02–09:09 | Commander S1’s briefing | Insider info, three days’ safety | | 09:47–11:44 | Planning & emotional moments | Next moves, affection, return to Tex & Mrs. Gregory|

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Notable Quotes Recap

• "You will have to postpone your look around." – Mother (04:02)
• "My mission is to guide you to a chamber even more strong and isolated..." – Commander S1 (07:42)
• "You should be comparatively certain of privacy for three rotations." – Commander S1 (09:47)
• "Jerry, I like you very much." – Joan (11:21)
• "Oh, okay. I like you too. But this is no time to tell you about that kind of stuff." – Jerry (11:24)

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Conclusion

Episode 62 of "Magic Island" blends suspenseful adventure and sharp humor, standing as a showcase of classic radio storytelling. The Gregory party is granted a precarious three-day window to orchestrate their escape amid technological marvels, unpredictable threats, and evolving character relationships. The episode’s memorable exchanges and sense of impending danger keep the listener engaged and eager for the next installment.

For full immersion, listen to the entire episode for the complete drama and character interplay unique to the Golden Age of Radio.

Transcript

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[Narrator]

The magic island of Euclidea is an unusual, fascinating and weird place. But what is more important to Mrs. Gregory and her party right now is the fact that the magic island is also a very dangerous place. Safely locked in their cells 90ft below the surface of the island, the Gregory party is planning escape when a knock is heard at the steel door outside their chambers. Captain Bradford goes to open the door and a ray gun puts him to sleep for a good long time. When Patricia opens the same door a few minutes later, believing that the automatic ray gun would be good for only one shot, another steel partition at the end of the corridor gives way and a great wall of water is rushing at them as Jerry, Joan and Pat try to close the door.

[Joan]

It's too late, Jerry. It's too late.

[Jerry Hall]

No, it isn't. Shove on this door.

[Joan]

Push hard.

[Jerry Hall]

Mother.

[Joan]

Come on. I'm doing my best.

[Jerry Hall]

All together now. Push. It's nearly shut.

[Joan]

Come on, push harder.

[Jerry Hall]

Push.

[Mother]

And we are doing.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh. Oh, boy.

[Mother]

Oh, Jerry, we did.

[Joan]

Oh, you're very strong, Jerry.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, sure I am. But that was plenty close. That water must have been coming down that hole five feet deep.

[Mother]

Oh, yes, Jerry was. All of that looked as high as my head.

[Jerry Hall]

Well, we got it stopped anyway.

[Joan]

The wall of water had not reached this door in the full force of its intensity. However, what appeared at some distance as a wall of water 5ft high was in reality no more than 18 inches in depth at this door.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, all right, Joan, go ahead and make it look as if we haven't done anything.

[Mother]

Now, Jo. Jerry. Sure, Joan didn't mean it that way.

[Jerry Hall]

Okay, forget it. Hey, look at Tex.

[Joan]

He is in the water.

[Mother]

Oh, he'll drown. We must get him up at once.

[Jerry Hall]

Well, we can try. Come on, give me a hand. But that magnetism.

[Mother]

Oh, I can raise his hand if I.

[Joan]

Then the pull of magnetism is gone.

[Jerry Hall]

Yeah. Say, that means those Euclideans are on the island again. Come on, let's get Tex up on a bed. Then you and I can make a dash out and see what's going on.

[Joan]

Tex is breathing evenly.

[Mother]

He didn't get any of the water.

[Joan]

No, Mother. His face was just above the water line. I was watching that.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, no wonder you weren't pushing on that door.

[Mother]

Please, you two, help me get Texas.

[Jerry Hall]

Okay, here we go. Oh, he sure is heavy, Jerry.

[Joan]

How many times must I tell you that? You should say surely is heavy and not sure is.

[Jerry Hall]

There you are, Mrs. Gregory. I'm wading around in water over my ankles carrying the heavy end of a 200 pound man and she takes time out to give me a grammar lesson.

[Joan]

Sorry, but stand it.

[Jerry Hall]

Well, I can take it. All right. Now, let's ease him down over here.

[Mother]

Oh, this will do nicely. Oh, dear.

[Commander S1]

Texas.

[Mother]

Heavy, isn't he?

[Joan]

His normal weight would be greatly increased by the total relaxation induced to the logical effect of the ray.

[Jerry Hall]

Yeah, and he weighs more, too.

[Joan]

That is precisely what I said, Jerry.

[Jerry Hall]

It was not. You said Jerry.

[Mother]

Jerry, no more now, please.

[Jerry Hall]

I'm sorry.

[Joan]

You were always saying you are sorry, but you never make any attempt to improve your habitual method of procedure.

[Jerry Hall]

What's the matter with my habitual method of projer. Jerry, please, please. Sorry, I mean. Oh, what's the use? Come on, Joan. We're not doing any good here. And Tex'll be all right as long as he sleeps like that. Let's sneak out for a quick look around before any of those Euclideans get a chance to come down here and see how we're living under the water.

[Joan]

But the water, Jerry, we will not be able to open the door now.

[Mother]

You will have to postpone your look around.

[Jerry Hall]

I don't think so. That water was shut off just as quickly as it started to flood.

[Joan]

Why would you think that?

[Jerry Hall]

You didn't hear a sound of it after we got the door shut, did you?

[Mother]

Oh, I know that's true.

[Joan]

But these chambers are soundproof. You would not hear the water even if it still rushed at maximum velocity.

[Jerry Hall]

Maybe. And maybe not. I'm going to have a look.

[Joan]

If you must be silly, I will accompany you, Jerry.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, will you too, please be very careful.

[Joan]

Oh, Jerry, the water.

[Jerry Hall]

Yeah, it ain't.

[Mother]

No, it ain't, Jerry.

[Jerry Hall]

No water either. Look on this floor.

[Mother]

Why, the water is gone. What a marvelous place this island is.

[Jerry Hall]

Come on. Joan.

[Joan]

Yes?

[Mother]

How long will you be gone?

[Joan]

Oh, not long, mother.

[Commander S1]

Now, you be very careful, won't you, Jerry?

[Jerry Hall]

We'll keep our eyes open and take no chances.

[Joan]

We will proceed with caution and deliberation.

[Jerry Hall]

Yeah, and we'll be careful, too, Jerry.

[Joan]

Hall Why must you pretend to misunderstand me every time I use a word of more than one syllable?

[Jerry Hall]

Because you try to show off by sticking a lot of big words in one where one syllables would get us said better and quicker. Now we'll open this door.

[Joan]

One moment, Jerry. Before you open the door, listen to be sure the water is gone from the corridor.

[Jerry Hall]

I thought you said these doors were soundproof.

[Joan]

Oh, that was silly of me, was it not?

[Jerry Hall]

It was plenty. You're slipping, Joan.

[Joan]

Continued association with you has done much to underneath.

[Jerry Hall]

Hey, wait a minute. Association with me won't do you any harm. Now, remember that you're used to being one of these smart Euclideans for a minute and tell me what to do before I open this door.

[Joan]

It is never safe to guess on Euclidean.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, nothing is safe here. But this door can't do any more than spill a lot of water in on us. Here goes

[Joan]

nothing. No water. Nothing in the corridor.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, don't look so sorry about that. Come on, Joan. Hey. Well, listen to our steps and our voices. We're in one of those echo chambers again.

[Joan]

Yes, Jerry. And with all the electrical devices functioning as usual, we may consider it an established fact that the scientists have returned to the island.

[Jerry Hall]

Then this thing gets worse. We may have to worry about some outsider blowing up this island without knowing we're here. And all the time keep right on worrying about what sort of tricks G47 is going to pull.

[Joan]

G47 will spare no effort to secure Captain Bradford's formula. But, Jerry, will Mother think it right for us to leave her with the captain?

[Jerry Hall]

Your mother would have been about ready to kick us out of there if we hadn't gone when we did.

[Joan]

Why, Jerry.

[Jerry Hall]

Well, maybe you haven't seen enough of your mother in Tex to notice it. After all, you've only known your mother for the little while while we've been on this island. But if you could have seen them on the deck of the yacht when we were coming down here on those moonlit nights. Oh, boy.

[Joan]

I am not at all sure I understand what.

[Jerry Hall]

No, you wouldn't. These Euclideans may know a whole lot more than I do about chemistry and electricity and all that, but they can use a little common sense.

[Commander S1]

The possession of common sense would enrich you also, Jerry Hall.

[Jerry Hall]

Golly Whiskers, the girl's submarine commander again.

[Joan]

It is indeed S1.

[Commander S1]

Is your position so enviable that you have time to stand with a gaping mouth and blinking eyes?

[Jerry Hall]

Hall, no matter whether I've got time or not, I can't Help. Feeling nervous every time one of you Euclideans jump through a steel wall at me without making any noise.

[Joan]

The commander did not through a wall, Jerry. She merely stepped around the corner of this hallway.

[Commander S1]

You have not lost all sense of proportion, Cleostra, even though your wits are of necessity dulled by contact with young Paul.

[Jerry Hall]

Never mind about sharpening up my wits. Tell us how we're going to get out of the hole we're in now.

[Commander S1]

My mission is to guide you to a chamber even more strong and isolated than the one you have been occupying in comparative comfort.

[Joan]

We are to be placed in solitary confinement.

[Jerry Hall]

Hey, quit pushing me around, Commander. What's the idea?

[Commander S1]

You may learn a great deal more by keeping silent than will ever be revealed to you in response to your baying.

[Jerry Hall]

Baying, huh? Oh, all right, all right. I'll go where you want me to. Only stop pushing.

[Joan]

Is it permissible to inquire as to our ultimate disposition?

[Commander S1]

It is not. You will enter this door.

[Joan]

What a small room.

[Jerry Hall]

Golly whiskers, Commander, this thing isn't a big enough cell to keep anybody in.

[Commander S1]

You will observe that the speaking voice is normal in tone. There is no communication possible to this chamber.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, and you wanted to get us in here quick and talk to us before G47 discovered where we are.

[Commander S1]

Precisely. Report on your position, condition and what has transpired.

[Joan]

Captain Bradford and Mrs. Gregory, my mother, are in water control cells on this level, Captain, asleep with ray effects have been flooded, but now drained. Have no plans, Captain. Will offer formula as last resort for our safety.

[Commander S1]

Very good. You will act as I instruct you.

[Joan]

Precisely.

[Jerry Hall]

Yeah, that's it. And maybe that's a good word to use around here. We'll do what you tell us. Precisely.

[Commander S1]

Remarkable, if authentic, this attitude on your part, Hall.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, I'm all right now. Who's losing the time?

[Commander S1]

Correct. I will proceed. This much I know of G47's plans for you. Your lives are in no danger for the moment. Euclideans will devote all possible time to relocating island. Your numerous radio messages have attracted attention of coast and geodetic survey. They cannot harm us, but with instruments at their command might well determine many points concerning Euclidia.

[Joan]

The island was moved as I thought.

[Commander S1]

Then movement was slight. Surface disturbance too great. G47 now conferring with scientists.

[Joan]

Have you definite estimate as to probable time before we will be the object of G47's attentions?

[Commander S1]

You should be comparatively certain of privacy for three rotations.

[Jerry Hall]

Huh? Three.

[Joan]

Which rotations, Jerry? Of the earth. Oh.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, three days, huh?

[Commander S1]

No, Days are periods of daylight on euclidea. The complete cycle throughout any period from a given second one day to the comparable second the following or preceding day is a rotation.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, okay. 24 hours then, huh?

[Joan]

As time is roughly figured in your world. Yes.

[Jerry Hall]

Never mind the cracks about my world. What do we do, Commander?

[Commander S1]

That you must plan for yourselves. I have given you three rotations of assured privacy. Must I do your thinking for you as well?

[Joan]

We will evolve a plan.

[Jerry Hall]

Yeah, we might even get an idea. Say, where's the other two members of Mrs. Gregory's crew? McLeod, the Scotch engineer and the old Yeppen knob skipper?

[Commander S1]

They are safely under guard aboard your boat.

[Joan]

The boat is in the submerged lock.

[Commander S1]

Precisely.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, and where are those little homing pigeons?

[Commander S1]

G47 has them in his private laboratory for personal study.

[Jerry Hall]

Gee, sure looks like we'll have to do all this ourselves. Joan.

[Commander S1]

I will be on my way. Do not speak as I leave.

[Jerry Hall]

Golly, Whiskers, that girl sure comes and goes fast.

[Joan]

The Commander risked her life to bring that message to us.

[Jerry Hall]

I know it. Boy, she's a swell girl. And is she good looking if her

[Joan]

beauty is so attractive to you, Jerry.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, forget that stuff, Joan. You don't have to worry about her. Gosh, she's 22 years old. But even if she is pretty old, she's all right.

[Joan]

Do you prefer the Commander to me?

[Jerry Hall]

Huh?

[Joan]

Jerry, I like you very much.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, okay. I like you too. But this is no time to tell you about that kind of stuff. We've got to get back to your mother and Captain Bradford. Will they be tickled when they hear? We'll have about three days to figure our way out of this place. Three days? Golly Whiskers, I'll bet Tex can figure out how to be halfway to New York in that time if he wakes up. If he wakes up?

[Joan]

Yes, Jerry, the Captain may sleep longer than we had thought.

[Jerry Hall]

Yeah, he might. Hey, you're sure? I'll help.

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