(73) Magic Island - Stern Section Dumped Off

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: (73) Magic Island – Stern Section Dumped Off
Date: June 11, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode features a classic installment from the "Magic Island" radio serial, in which the Gregory party, aboard a stolen Euclidean submarine, faces a dire threat from their technologically advanced pursuers. The Euclideans, utilizing radio waves and musical notes as weapons, are determined to destroy the Gregory party’s submersible. The crew must rely on Joan's unique expertise to outsmart their foes and attempt a risky maneuver: jettisoning the stern section of their submarine to alter its physical structure and escape destruction.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Developments

1. Recap of the Precarious Situation

• (00:30) The party is anchored 9,000 feet underwater, communicating with Los Angeles. The Euclideans locate them using powerful radio beams, nearly crippling their vessel.
• The Euclideans send a targeted musical note over the radio, which gives Jerry a severe headache, but the real danger is a forthcoming note that could destroy the submarine.

2. The Threat of the Destructive Musical Note

• (01:19) Jerry: "We have to run to Los Angeles to get away from a musical note that makes my head ache sent over the radio."
• Joan explains the note they must truly fear is the one that can set up destructive vibrations in the submarine’s structure.

3. Joan’s Plan and Leadership

• (01:52) Joan: "Because, Mother, I am the only one who understands all these devices the Euclideans use."
• Joan takes command, instructing Captain Bradford and Mrs. Gregory to help prepare the submarine for her calculated risk.
• Jerry is humorously relegated to "stay out of trouble."

4. The Stern Section is Key

• (02:35 – 03:02) Joan explains that Captain Bradford and Mrs. Gregory must clear out the stern compartment, prepping it for jettison.
• Joan reveals to Jerry that the purpose is to detach this section precisely at the moment the destructive note begins to vibrate the ship.

5. Scientific Concepts Explained

• (04:43 – 07:10)
  • Joan compares the submarine’s “keystone” and “center of gravity” (Newtonian base) to that of any structure’s susceptibility to vibrational destruction.
  • Jerry: "When you drop off the tail section, you change the center of gravity of this boat, and that changes the musical note which will wreck the boat."
  • Joan confirms this, clarifying their safety depends on her responding fast enough to the vibrations.

6. The Execution of the Plan

• (07:31 – 10:00)
  • The crew straps into safety as Joan waits for the tell-tale vibrations indicating the Euclideans have found the destructive note.
  • Joan: "I will quickly cut off that stern section, thus changing the center of attraction in this boat and saving us from destruction."
  • The importance of timing is discussed; Joan waits until the note is activated, so the Euclideans can’t immediately recalibrate to destroy the now-altered vessel.

7. Crisis and Escape

• (11:24 – 11:39)
  • The destructive vibrations begin.
  • Jerry: "Golly whiskers. Joan, you did it. Good work, Joan."
  • Captain Bradford: "You saved the submarine."
  • Joan: "We were very near destruction for a few seconds. Now we are free. And as it should take Octavo several hours to find a new note for this smaller shell, we will utilize those hours by shooting to the surface and racing for Los Angeles."

8. Aftermath and Daring Ascent

• (11:56 – 12:00)
  • Joan readies the submarine for a rapid vertical ascent to the surface, telling the crew to brace themselves.
  • Jerry: "Boy, oh, boy. Everybody hold on tight. We're going straight up."

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Joan’s leadership and calm under pressure:
  "You can assist greatly... your orders will be the law here." (Joan, 02:06, to Captain Bradford and Mrs. Gregory)
• Jerry’s comic relief:
  "If you can figure how to keep us dry after our boat leaves us on the bottom of the ocean, hurry up and tell me." (Jerry, 05:32)
• Joan’s scientific explanation:
  "Somewhere in everything built by the hand of man there is one important point, one vital point which will respond to a certain musical note." (Joan, 04:46)
• Teamwork in the face of danger:
  "Once he has sent out his constant note tuned to the same and you have thrown him out of range by dropping that section, he will be forced to start his experiments all over again. Giving us at least a few hours in which to run for home." (Captain Bradford, 10:31)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:30 – 01:11: Recap of previous events and new peril
• 02:06 – 02:20: Joan assumes command; crew commits to her instructions
• 03:35 – 05:02: Joan explains destructive resonance and the concept of a structural keystone
• 07:10 – 08:24: Plan to jettison stern section and its physics rationale
• 10:00 – 11:00: Preparing for the destructive note sequence
• 11:24 – 11:46: The maneuver is executed; the crew escapes destruction
• 11:56 – 12:00: Joan commences the daring vertical ascent to the surface

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Episode Tone and Character Dynamics

The episode balances scientific intrigue, suspense, and moments of light humor—primarily from Jerry’s wry remarks—against the ever-present tension of imminent technological threat. Joan emerges as the calm, brainy leader, explaining complex ideas in a way that (somewhat) reassures the others, while the team reacts with a mix of trust, anxiety, and comic skepticism.

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Conclusion

This "Magic Island" episode typifies the inventive plotting and science-tinged adventure of 1930s and 1940s radio serials. The Gregory party’s successful escape from the Euclidean trap showcases teamwork, ingenuity, and the classic tension-and-release structure of the Golden Age of Radio thrillers.

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Transcript

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[Narrator]

When we last saw the Gregory party aboard the stolen Euclidean submarine, their position was anything but a happy one. Compelled to anchor the submarine on the floor of the ocean in 9,000ft of water, Jones soon discovers that the Euclideans have located them even there. As Captain Bradford engages in two way radio communication with Johnson in Los Angeles, the scientists on the magic island send out a radio beam of such power as to nearly cripple the submarine. Then the Euclideans send out a musical note keyed to a certain pitch, and Jerry hall gets a severe headache. Mrs. Gregory watches helplessly as they plan to run the risk of capture in a desperate dash to Los Angeles.

[Jerry Hall]

Well, of all the crazy things I ever heard of, this is the worst. We have to run to Los Angeles to get away from a musical note that makes my head ache sent over the radio.

[Joan]

It is not that particular note we must fear. Jerry. I can protect you in the soundproof sleeping section in the stern of the submarine. What we must guard against is the note which will cause this submarine to break up.

[Mrs. Gregory]

But how can we guard against such a thing?

[Joan]

If we are quick enough, we may quite possibly save the boat, though its operation may be far from perfect thereafter.

[Jerry Hall]

Well, never mind the boat. How about our operation?

[Joan]

We will not be harmed if I act quickly enough.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Oh, Joan dear, what must you think of us? You must do this and you must do that while we sit helplessly by and watch you save us time and time again.

[Joan]

Because, Mother, I am the only one who understands all these devices the Euclideans use. And because I understand how to operate this submarine to the best advantage to prevent the Euclideans successfully attacking us.

[Captain Bradford]

But isn't there something we could be doing, Joan?

[Joan]

Yes. If you will do as I tell you, Captain Bradford, and you also, Mother, you can assist greatly.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Of course, Joan dear. We'll be only too glad to do as you direct. Won't we, Ted?

[Captain Bradford]

Absolutely. We're in your hands, Joan, and your orders will be the law here.

[Jerry Hall]

Me too.

[Joan]

You will remain with me, Jerry.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, then I'm going to help you with something up here, huh?

[Joan]

No, I want you near me so that I may keep you out of trouble.

[Captain Bradford]

I guess that takes care of you, Jerry.

[Jerry Hall]

Sure looks like it.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Never mind, Jerry. If Joan is taking care of you, you're in good hands.

[Captain Bradford]

What do we do, Joan?

[Joan]

You will go to the soundproof section in the extreme back where the sleeping quarters are, dear. Further back, just behind the sleeping quarters, you will find another of the transparent steel doors. Open it. Enter the small chamber there. And remove everything that is not permanently fastened to the floor and walls of the compartment.

[Captain Bradford]

What do we do with these things?

[Joan]

Bring them forward into the sleeping compartment at once. And fasten them down to the best of your ability.

[Captain Bradford]

Is that all, Joan?

[Joan]

Yes, that is all. I will find something with which to occupy Jerry while you are gone. Are you sure you understand exactly what's expected of us there?

[Captain Bradford]

All we have to do is to clean everything movable out of the stern section. No. And it didn't seem like the time to ask questions.

[Jerry Hall]

Well.

[Joan]

Yes.

[Jerry Hall]

Huh. What do I do?

[Joan]

Listen.

[Jerry Hall]

Listen?

[Joan]

Yes. Listen attentively.

[Jerry Hall]

Okay. I don't hear anything.

[Joan]

I did not mean for you to listen to sounds in general.

[Jerry Hall]

I'm not. I'm listening to the absence of sound in general.

[Joan]

My meaning was quite clear. Jerry, you are to listen to what I have to say.

[Jerry Hall]

Guess I can't help myself. Go ahead.

[Joan]

We are going to undertake a very dangerous experiment.

[Jerry Hall]

That won't be anything new for this trip.

[Joan]

This will be the first time we have deliberately created the dangerous situation for ourselves.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, yeah. I suppose when we stole the submarine, we created a picnic for ourselves.

[Joan]

Jerry, if you persist in misunderstanding me, it will be useless to attempt to explain my plan to you.

[Jerry Hall]

Sorry, Joan. Go to it.

[Joan]

I am confident that our only immediate danger lies in the possibility of octavo discovering the musical note. Which will set up vibrations within the structure of this boat. Vibrations sufficiently strong to shatter it.

[Jerry Hall]

Yeah, I guess he can do that, all right. But I don't see how we're going to know when he's found it until it's too late.

[Joan]

We will have to move quite rapidly. You must know that to respond to a note in the musical scale, either the common scale or the wider ranges of sound, the entire construction of an object must be focused at one central point.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, I know that. Like the keystone in the arch of a bridge.

[Joan]

Exactly. And this submarine will also be found to have a keystone. Not placed as one, nor appearing as one. But somewhere in everything built by the hand of man, there is one important point, one vital point which will respond to a Certain musical note.

[Jerry Hall]

I understand that. And I understand when old Octavo finds a note that fits this sub G47 will broadcast that note in our beam and this boat will fall to pieces.

[Joan]

That is the possibility.

[Jerry Hall]

Uh huh. Swell idea. And when the sub cracks up, we're left to swim under a mile and a half of ocean water.

[Joan]

You cannot swim under a mile and a half of water.

[Jerry Hall]

I know it. That's what's worrying me.

[Joan]

If my plan is successful, we will remain within the boat.

[Jerry Hall]

That won't be much fun after the boat smashes around us.

[Joan]

The boat will not, as you say, smash around us.

[Jerry Hall]

Well, if you can figure how to keep us dry after our boat leaves us on the bottom of the ocean, hurry up and tell me.

[Joan]

I asked Mother and Captain Bradford to remove everything from that stern ballast for a definite reason.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, I thought maybe you just wanted to get give them something to do.

[Joan]

It will also serve that purpose. However, I want that section cleared so that we may drop it off without losing any of our supplies.

[Jerry Hall]

Drop it off?

[Joan]

Precisely.

[Jerry Hall]

Drop off the tail of the submarine.

[Joan]

It is so constructed as to permit that.

[Jerry Hall]

But can we still run it and steer it? Just as well.

[Joan]

We may continue to operate the boat and our speed will be appreciably increased. Though the loss of this stabilizing pins will render accurate navigation difficult.

[Jerry Hall]

Well, that's nice. We'll go faster, but we can't steer the blame thing. Huh. Won't we have a lot of fun zigzagging around cutting the tops off submerged islands?

[Joan]

I will guarantee to keep the boat free of any such obstruction.

[Jerry Hall]

But what good will it do us to lose the tail of this thing? Oloktavo isn't shooting his musical note at the stern. He's aiming for the keynote of this boat. And that's probably near the center of it.

[Joan]

Precisely. And my plan is this. Octavo will find that note without doubt. And possibly find it very soon, as he must have been experimenting all through the hours since we left the island. When he finds it, it will be sent out on our course and we'll

[Jerry Hall]

start to shake ourselves out of this floating target.

[Joan]

Yes. We will feel the vibrations before they cause any appreciable damage. And the instant we are conscious of the action of the musical beam, I will pull this lever that will drop the stern section off and we will be safe.

[Jerry Hall]

Maybe you can see it.

[Joan]

You should see it also. It is very simple.

[Jerry Hall]

Okay, I'm simple then. But I still don't see it.

[Joan]

By dropping that section, we change the entire Construction of this boat, we change the Newtonian base.

[Jerry Hall]

The what?

[Joan]

The Newtonian base. Have you never heard of that?

[Jerry Hall]

I'm afraid not.

[Joan]

Jerry, is it possible that in your world a young man may reach the age of 16 without learning of Sir Isaac Newton?

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, sure, I know all about Newton. He used to sleep under apple trees. One day an apple fell on his head and he figured out the law of gravity.

[Joan]

The story of the apple is probably fallacious. However, it is Newton's law to which I refer. The Newtonian base is the center of gravity.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, all right, we'll argue about that some other time. I know what you mean. Anyhow, when you drop off the tail section, you change the center of gravity of this boat, and that changes the musical note which will wreck the boat.

[Joan]

That is a crude explanation, but if you understand it, that will suffice.

[Jerry Hall]

Well, go on. When you change the center of gravity, you mix old octavo all up, and then he's got to spend some more hours making noises with glasses of water until he finds a new musical note which they can broadcast a record.

[Joan]

That is it. Our safety depends on my ability to recognize the vibrations of the destructive beam the instant they strike us and to distort them by losing the stern section.

[Jerry Hall]

Well, do we have to open the receiving side of this radio set to hear the beam coming?

[Joan]

It would be very simple if we could do that. Unfortunately, the note which will strike the vital center of this boat will be of such high frequency that the ear will not detect it.

[Jerry Hall]

Well, if we can't hear this thing coming, what can we do about it?

[Joan]

I've explained that over and over, Jerry. We will feel the vibrations. The submarine will actually start to break up, and then I will drop the stern section.

[Jerry Hall]

That's going to make a mighty close fearing. But if that's the best we can do. Well, it's the best we can do.

[Joan]

Mother and the captain are coming.

[Jerry Hall]

Then they must have finished cleaning house back there.

[Captain Bradford]

Yeah, I know we did. We've got everything that wasn't part of the boat.

[Joan]

That is. Well, now, if you will take your station and lock the safety devices on the steel chairs.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Well, what's going to happen?

[Captain Bradford]

Joan, get yourself anchored in that seat pad and Joan can tell us what she has in mind.

[Mrs. Gregory]

I've secured my life belt.

[Jerry Hall]

I'm tied in.

[Captain Bradford]

Me too.

[Joan]

Excellent. Now, as I have explained to Jerry, we may expect an attempt to destroy this submarine any moment, any second. And when this attempt is made, the first indication of it will be a series of sharp and violent Vibrations. We must be prepared to remain in our places and make no false moves. I will quickly cut off that stern section, thus changing the center of attraction in this boat and saving us from destruction.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, we hope.

[Mrs. Gregory]

But, Joan, if you are afraid the Euclideans are going to send a destructive radio beam and our safety can be assured by dropping that stern section, why wait until they start sending out this beam?

[Joan]

This will be a constant musical note, Mother. And I am basing my plan of escape on the belief that Octavo is working to find the note which will destroy this boat. As it now stands, if we were to change our structure before he strikes, he would know it instantly and would set about making ready to attack us as a smaller unit.

[Captain Bradford]

Well, that's sensible enough, Joan. Once he has sent out his constant note tuned to the same and you have thrown him out of range by dropping that section, he will be forced to start his experiments all over again. Giving us at least a few hours in which to run for home.

[Joan]

Precisely, Captain.

[Jerry Hall]

You sure understand it easy enough, Tex.

[Captain Bradford]

Well, I have studied the destructive power of a musical note.

[Mrs. Gregory]

You and I seem to be the only ones completely in the dark on this jury.

[Jerry Hall]

Sure looks like it, Mrs. Gregory. But if Joan and the captain know everything, we don't have to know worry about knowing anything.

[Joan]

Silence.

[Jerry Hall]

Golly whiskers. Joan, you did it. Good work, Joan.

[Captain Bradford]

You saved the submarine.

[Jerry Hall]

Oh, Joan, that was wonderful.

[Mrs. Gregory]

The boat was being shaken to pieces.

[Joan]

We were very near destruction for a few seconds. Now we are free. And as it should take Octavo several hours to find a new note for this smaller shell, we will utilize those hours by shooting to the surface and racing for Los Angeles.

[Mrs. Gregory]

Well, can you handle the boat now?

[Joan]

It will be difficult. Remain strapped in your seats. I will refuel with a double charge. We will travel vertically.

[Captain Bradford]

You mean you'll shoot this substrate up through a mile and a half of water?

[Joan]

Precisely.

[Jerry Hall]

Boy, oh, boy. Everybody hold on tight. We're going straight up.

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