(86) Magic Island - Joan Is Afraid

Summary

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Podcast Episode Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode 86: Magic Island – “Joan Is Afraid”
Air Date: June 12, 2026
Main Theme:
The Gregory party prepares for a return journey to the mysterious and dangerous island of Euclidea. With new threats and uneasy alliances, the family weighs risk, safety, and the evolving concept of fear – especially as Joan, once fearless on Euclidea, now grapples with a sense of dread in the supposedly safer world of Los Angeles.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Renewed Plans to Return to Euclidea

• Setting: The Gregory family, along with Captain Bradford and Jerry, gather in Mrs. Gregory’s Los Angeles home to discuss preparations for a return voyage to Euclidea.
• Dangerous Mission: Captain Bradford reminds everyone, “There's just as much danger in this trip as there was in the last one. Possibly more.” (01:06, Captain Bradford)
• Reason for Taking Joan and Jerry: It's argued that it's safer for the younger members to accompany the group than remain behind, as the Euclideans are watching them closely.

2. Concerns Over Safety and Security

• The party debates whether staying in Los Angeles truly offers greater safety. Joan points out, “there are at least five of the Euclideans here in Los Angeles.” (01:37, Joan)
• Mrs. Gregory expresses lingering fears, “Somehow I can't quite admit that a trip to that strange island is as safe as anything else.” (01:30, Mrs. Gregory)

3. Espionage and Surveillance

• The group’s private phone line has been tapped by Euclideans, and the inviolability of Mrs. Gregory’s home is called into question.
  • “It's hidden underground in a maze of cables that all look alike.” (04:28, Captain Bradford)
• The Captain reveals he has intercepted a recording of Euclidean agents communicating using their private line.

4. Intercepted Euclidean Communication

• Eavesdrop: The group listens to a phonograph recording of Thales (Euclidea’s chief electrical expert) giving orders to a female submarine commander.
  • “You will prepare to follow the Gregory boat. They will sail at midnight or shortly thereafter...you will not allow them to see you. You will not communicate with them.” (07:32-08:03, Thales)
• The intercepted message exposes that the Euclideans know the group’s exact departure plans.

5. Joan’s Newfound Fear

• Alone with Jerry, Joan confides her confusion and discomfort over experiencing fear for the first time.
  • “I think I am afraid.” (09:19, Joan)
  • Joan describes the sensation: “I feel as if there were something creeping up my back. Something small and very cold. The back of my neck has strange chills running through it.” (09:44, Joan)
  • Jerry tries to relate and admit his own fears, lightening the heavy mood.

6. Cultural Differences in Emotional Experience

• Joan reflects on her time on Euclidea: “We do not know fear on Euclidia. The sensation is strange to me.” (09:30, Joan)
• She explains that, despite constant danger there, she was ‘part of it’. Now, after experiencing comfort, beauty, and camaraderie in her mother's world, she feels vulnerable and emotionally exposed.

7. Preparation and Uncertainty

• The party hastily gathers their things, preparing to leave after receiving a harbor update from Johnson.
• Joan’s anxiety about the future intensifies:
  • “No, Jerry, you do not know when we will return? Mother does not know. Captain Bradford does not know. Oh, Jerry, I am afraid.” (11:53, Joan)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the danger of their mission:
  “There's just as much danger in this trip as there was in the last one. Possibly more.” (01:06, Captain Bradford)

• Joan acknowledging surveillance:
  “If you have made any move visible to eyes other than your own, some one of the Euclidean agents has observed it.” (02:15, Joan)

• On the limitations of their privacy:
  “I thought Mother's home was so well guarded that it was impossible for anyone to observe anything they were not supposed to see here.” (03:48, Joan)
  “I thought that once. Now I know better.” (03:56, Captain Bradford)

• Euclidean communication (recording):
  “You will prepare to follow the Gregory boat...You will not communicate with them. Allow no other craft to contact them...” (07:32-08:03, Thales)

• Joan’s encounter with fear:
  “I am not at all sure that I know what fear is. We do not know fear on Euclidia. The sensation is strange to me.” (09:30, Joan)
  “I have learned something of comfort, of beauty, of the sort of happy, foolish fun young people in your world have. And with it, fear has come you.” (10:41, Joan)

• The group’s uncertain future:
  “No, Jerry, you do not know when we will return? Mother does not know. Captain Bradford does not know. Oh, Jerry, I am afraid.” (11:53, Joan)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:30 – Gregory party’s return to Euclidea discussed
• 01:06 – Captain Bradford warns of increased danger
• 02:15 – Joan explains the extent of Euclidean surveillance
• 03:48 – Debate over the security of Mrs. Gregory’s home
• 04:20 – Discovery that the private phone line is tapped
• 05:12 – Group listens to intercepted Euclidean recording
• 07:32-08:03 – Orders from Thales (Euclidean chief) to submarine commander
• 09:19-11:53 – Joan articulates her unfamiliar fear and reflects on feeling versus safety

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Summary Flow

Through a lively, suspenseful, yet reflective conversation, the episode deftly explores both the tangible dangers posed by Euclidean science and the intangible dangers within the human heart. Joan’s emotional arc—from fearless on a dangerous island to vulnerable in supposed safety—highlights how comfort and new attachments can create fresh vulnerabilities. The group’s preparations feel both urgent and uncertain, with the ever-present threat of Euclidean science and espionage overshadowing their resolve.

“I have learned something of comfort, of beauty, of the sort of happy, foolish fun young people in your world have. And with it, fear has come you.” (10:41, Joan)

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Back to the island of Euclidea, the magic island of the South Pacific Ocean. That's the plan of the Gregory party, which had so many weird adventures there before. At one time and not so long ago, our friends had but one thought to escape from Euclidea. Now they're planning to return to the strange island. But this time they'll be much better prepared to guard themselves against the weapons of G47 and his scientists. In the library of Mrs. Gregory's beautiful home in Los Angeles, Captain Bradford is explaining his preparations for the trip. The clock is striking 12 midnight and Mrs. Gregory, Jerry and Joan seem greatly excited as the captain outlines his ideas.

[C]

The thing I want you all to understand is this. There's just as much danger in this trip as there was in the last one. Possibly more.

[D]

That's the part that I can't understand, Tex. You admit we'll be going into certain danger, and yet you're willing to take Joan and Jerry into that danger with us.

[E]

The captain has explained all that, Mother.

[F]

Oh, sure he has, Mrs. Gregory. It'd be a lot more dangerous for Joan and I to stay here than it will be with you.

[C]

That's it exactly.

[D]

You three seem to understand it perfectly. But somehow I can't quite admit that a trip to that strange island is as safe as anything else.

[E]

Do you not understand that there are at least five of the Euclideans here in Los Angeles?

[D]

I realize that.

[F]

And you know they're going to watch Joan and me pretty close.

[D]

Yes, I suppose you're right. Well, we'll do it together.

[C]

Now you're talking like your old self, Pat. This is the first time I've ever known you to hesitate where an adventure was concerned.

[E]

I am glad you're willing to have Jerry and me with you, Mother.

[F]

Boy, so am I. When do we start, Captain Bradford?

[C]

Within the next few minutes. Johnson is completing preparations at the harbor and we will leave there when he telephones.

[F]

Boy, I'd like to be down there helping him right now.

[C]

There's a good reason why you're not doing that, Jerry, we've got to preserve as much secrecy about this thing as possible. So I doubt if we're making a move that the Euclideans don't know all about.

[E]

You may be very sure on that point, Captain. If you have made any move visible to eyes other than your own, some one of the Euclidean agents has observed it.

[D]

That's why I'm so worried about the outcome of this whole thing. Those scientists know everything we intend to do almost before we know it ourselves.

[F]

That's what I say. Why not come right out and tell them what we're going to do? We're losing a lot of time trying to hide things from them and find them out anyway. Well, not save that much time and get going.

[C]

These Euclideans are clever, but they haven't learned all the tricks. When we sail out of the harbor this time we'll have a trick or two on board. The G47 won't know a thing about.

[E]

Are you quite confident that that is possible, Captain?

[C]

You bet I am, Joan.

[D]

But, Tex, you've had so little time to prepare anything, and they've spent their lives working miracles on that island.

[C]

It's not as bad as all that, Pat. They haven't worked any miracles on Euclidia either. G47 and his scientists are merely a clever group of men who are devoting their lives and unlimited money to the study of science. There are hundreds of men in the world who could do the same things if they had the time and the money.

[E]

That is possible, Captain Bradford. And I have seen enough of your work to assure me that you could equal, if not surpass the Euclideans in scientific work if you had given the same concentrated effort to it. But you have not. And it would seem to me that the advantage was with them now, just as it was before.

[F]

Well, now, look here, Joan. You haven't even given the captain a chance to tell us what surprises he's got ready for those men on the island.

[C]

And I'm afraid I can't tell you all about them just now. But when we're safely on the boat and out on the high seas, I'll explain the whole thing to all of you.

[D]

Why, Tex, you don't think we're being spied on here, do you?

[C]

Probably not.

[E]

Probably. I thought Mother's home was so well guarded that it was impossible for anyone to observe anything they were not supposed to see here.

[C]

I thought that once. Now I know better.

[F]

Gee, what makes you say that? Captain?

[D]

Yes, Tex? You seem very sure that this home is no longer entirely safe.

[C]

Have you forgotten what happened to you three here this afternoon?

[F]

You mean that Euclidean sneaking in here and making us believe the house was on fire so he could have time to steal your valuable papers out of the study? Well, not only that, I felt that

[E]

we were exaggerating our safety here.

[D]

But how, Tex? How?

[C]

You discovered our private phone line to the harbor was tapped, didn't you?

[D]

Yes, but it was surely tapped outside the house. Probably outside the ground.

[C]

Right, but it was tapped, though. It's hidden underground in a maze of cables that all look alike.

[F]

Well, what if they did tap the wire? They can't use that wire to listen in on us, now, can they? In this library?

[C]

No, they can't do that. But they have been using our line for their communications. What I've learned about their plans proves that they know all about ours.

[E]

You have proof of this, Captain?

[C]

Yes, and I'll show you in a minute. Jerry.

[F]

Yes, sir?

[C]

Will you turn the radio on?

[F]

Sure.

[C]

Throw that knob on this side over to the right, Jerry.

[F]

Oh, like this?

[C]

Yeah, that's right. Now open the top and start that turntable. The record I want you to hear is on there now. Now, if you'll all be quiet, you'll hear something interesting.

[G]

Are you ready for your instructions? S1.

[E]

I am ready.

[F]

You will observe your submarine.

[E]

Commander Bailey's also.

[D]

Tex, where did you get that record?

[C]

I can see that we're not going to get anywhere this way. Better stop that record. I'll explain it, Jer.

[F]

Okay, stop.

[D]

It is.

[E]

I am sorry that I spoke, Captain Bradford.

[D]

And I'm sorry also, Tex, but those voices upset me so that I didn't stop to think.

[F]

Who would stop to think when you play a phonograph in your own home and those crazy Euclideans start popping out at you?

[C]

Well, I'll explain that. But first, did you recognize those voices? Hold on a minute. One at a time. You started, Joan.

[E]

There was no doubt as to the identity of the voices. The man was Thales, chief electrical expert on Euclidea, and the girl was the submarine commander who helped us to escape from the island.

[C]

What do you say, Pat?

[D]

Well, I'm not as familiar with those voices as Joan is, but I'd certainly agree with her, Jerry.

[F]

Yeah, me, too. That's who it was, all right. But how did they get there?

[C]

Well, I'll tell you. Now, when you were in the radio room this afternoon, Mrs. Gregory showed you the automatic recording device attached to our phone lines, didn't she?

[F]

Sure. We recorded what you said when we were locked in there and thought the house was on fire.

[C]

Then you'll understand where this record came from. I took it off the recording machine in the radio room about an hour ago.

[D]

Tex Thales is using our private wire to send messages to that girl submarine commander at the harbor.

[C]

No doubt of it. They made sure the wire was clear. But when they didn't think that we might have a recorder on the line, they certainly slipped up.

[F]

Sure seems funny for those smart guys to miss an easy one like that.

[E]

I think it was not so easy, Jerry.

[F]

Huh? How come?

[E]

Had they suspected a recorder at all, it would have been logical to find it on the ordinary telephone line into your home. But why should they think you would want to record your own private conversations?

[D]

I think that's right, Joan. But at any rate, they did fall into the trap. And we know something of their plans. Or did you get that much on the record?

[C]

Not as much as I would have liked. But plenty to show us that some of Euclidia knows every time we take a breath.

[F]

Well, let's play the record again. And everybody still. Keep still. All over.

[C]

Go to it, son.

[D]

I won't make a sound.

[E]

Nor will I.

[G]

Are you ready for your instructions?

[E]

S one I am ready.

[G]

You will observe this to the letter.

[E]

I am waiting.

[G]

You will prepare to follow the Gregory boat. They will sail at midnight or shortly thereafter. Report on condition of your command.

[E]

My Command is patrol 1A, fueled for 10,000 miles.

[G]

You have received your instructions from G47.

[E]

My course to Euclidia is to depend entirely on actions of Gregory Boldt.

[G]

Correct.

[E]

Do you have additional instructions for my command?

[G]

I do, as follows. You are to make no move to hinder progress of Gregory boat. You will not allow them to see you. You will not communicate with them. Allow no other craft to contact them by means other than radio. You will take any steps necessary to enforce this. That is all.

[E]

Your orders will be executed. That is all.

[C]

Well, as she said, that's all.

[F]

Is that all there is on the record?

[D]

That's enough, isn't it?

[E]

Far too much.

[C]

Shut it off, Jerry.

[F]

Yes, sir.

[C]

And what do you think of that?

[D]

It's almost unbelievable, Tex. They even knew the hour we expected to sail.

[E]

And if we had not been delayed waiting for Johnson's call, we would have sailed at 12.

[C]

We'll be underway by one, anyhow.

[F]

Then we'd better be on the way.

[C]

We're leaving at once.

[B]

You're stuffo here, Jerry?

[F]

Oh, yes, sir. Right here with me.

[C]

Then. Come on. Pat, you and I'll check things over in the radio room for A minute. Better take that record along, Terry.

[F]

Why, yes, sir.

[E]

Do you wish me to come with you, Mother?

[D]

No, Joan, dear. You remain here with Jerry.

[E]

And please, both of you, stay right in this room. Yes, Mother.

[F]

I better get this record like the captain said.

[E]

Jerry, I. I think I am afraid.

[F]

You're what?

[E]

I think I am afraid.

[F]

Don't you know if you're afraid or not?

[E]

I am not at all sure that I know what fear is. We do not know fear on Euclidia. The sensation is strange to me.

[F]

Well, I've been scared often enough. I can tell you if that's what's the matter with you. How does it feel?

[E]

I feel as if there were something creeping up my back. Something small and very cold. The back of my neck has strange chills running through it. Oh.

[F]

Oh, boy, you're scared stiff. But I wish you hadn't told me about it. Quite so. Well, now I've got those creepy things running up and down my back.

[E]

I have never felt like this before. I do not like it.

[F]

Golly, nobody likes to be scared half to death. But what got into you all at once? You've taken me through plenty of places on that funny island where I got goose pimples all over me and didn't bother you a bit.

[E]

That is why this feeling is so strange to me, Jerry. I did not know fear on Euclidia. But now, though I have been in this beautiful home of my mother's only a few hours, a change has come over me. I have learned something of comfort, of beauty, of the sort of happy, foolish fun young people in your world have. And with it, fear has come you.

[F]

You felt safer on Euclidea than you do in Hollywood.

[E]

Not that, Jerry. There was always danger on Euclidia, but I was part of it. Now I am not. Now your world is my world. And I realize how helpless your world is against such a man as G47 and his scientists.

[F]

Yeah, I know how you feel. But don't forget that we've got Captain Bradford and that girl submarine commander's on our side, too.

[E]

I have told you before that you put too much faith in that girl, Jerry.

[F]

Well, she hasn't heard us any yet. Gee, there's the telephone. That'll be Johnson calling from the harbor.

[E]

Should you not answer the telephone?

[F]

No, your mother or the captain will get it upstairs. Where's your things?

[E]

My. My things?

[F]

Yeah, your suitcase, you know, your clothes.

[E]

I have nothing, Jerry. Mother and I were to have visited your stores tomorrow.

[F]

Well, never mind, Joan. We'll see all the things I promise to show you when we come back next time.

[E]

Jerry, when will next time be?

[F]

Golly, Joan, I don't know.

[E]

No, Jerry, you do not know when we will return? Mother does not know. Captain Bradford does not know. Oh, Jerry, I am afraid.