Podcast Summary: "A Man Named Jordan 45-02-28 (1) Señor Chavez" – Released May 8, 2025

Harold's Old Time Radio transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, capturing the essence of pre-television family evenings spent engrossed in captivating radio dramas. In the episode titled "A Man Named Jordan 45-02-28 (1) Señor Chavez," hosted by Harolds Old Time Radio, listeners are immersed in a suspenseful narrative set against the vibrant backdrop of Istanbul's Grand Bazaar during a tumultuous wartime period.

Introduction to the Setting

The episode opens in a narrow street adjacent to Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, near the Mosque Valid Sultan. The focal point is the Cafe Tambourine, a bustling establishment thick with the aroma of oriental tobaccos and alive with a cacophony of diverse languages. The scene is meticulously crafted to evoke the tension and intrigue of a locale where danger and mystery intertwine.

Narrator:
A man named Jordan. In a narrow street off Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, not far from the Mosque Valid Sultan stands the Cafe Tambourine, run by a man named Jordan. The Cafe Tambourine, clouded with the smoke of oriental tobaccos, crowded with humanity, alive with the battle of many languages.

[00:45]

Introducing the Protagonist and His Allies

Rocky Jordan, the central character, is introduced as a cunning and resourceful individual navigating the perilous intersections of espionage and organized crime.

Duke, Rocky's associate, and Tony are also mentioned, although their roles remain less defined at this point. The episode hints at a larger network of characters and underlying tensions shaped by wartime alliances and betrayals.

Narrator:
Rocky Jordan's faithful Man Friday has just told Rocky, Duke, and Tony of a discovery made by his nephew who is in the employ of a Spaniard named Chavez.

[01:43]

Unveiling the Central Conflict

Rocky learns from his Man Friday, Trifles, about mysterious activities at Señor Chavez's residence. Numerous shipments labeled as "merchandise" are arriving, containing valuables such as money, gold, precious stones, and art objects. These shipments are trafficked by individuals with diverse European backgrounds but Central European accents, suggesting clandestine operations.

Trifles:
Rocky, my friend. Sit down, sit down.

[02:53]

Rocky theorizes that Chavez is facilitating the escape of Nazi war criminals, using his establishment as a smuggling hub. Intrigued by the potential profits and the moral implications, Rocky decides to investigate further.

Rocky Jordan:
Sounds very possible. What's the deal?

[03:27]

Strategizing the Investigation

Rocky arranges to meet with Trifles the following day to discuss the operation. His enthusiasm is palpable as he contemplates partnering with Trifles, whom he considers a valuable asset despite the illicit nature of his activities.

Rocky Jordan:
He's my pigeon.

[04:25]

Duke:
Sounds like a job that could be enjoyed.

[06:53]

Rocky and Duke discuss the broader implications of the Nazi presence in Turkey, emphasizing the urgency to intercept these war criminals before they can escape justice. Rocky expresses disdain for the Nazis, portraying them as the true villains of the war.

Rocky Jordan:
These big shots are taking a powder. They know they're whipped. They know they're slated for a blank wall and a firing squad.

[07:00]

A Day in Rocky's World

The narrative shifts to the following morning, depicting Rocky waking up with a sense of foreboding. His broken arm requires assistance, highlighting a vulnerability in his otherwise formidable persona. Ollie, his loyal servant, aids him in preparing for the day's challenges.

Ollie:
Rocky, you are so impatient.

[08:30]

Rocky's interactions with Ollie reveal the depth of their relationship, showcasing loyalty and mutual respect. As they prepare for the meeting, the tension builds, foreshadowing significant developments.

Engagement with Authorities

Duke returns from a meeting at the British Embassy with Major Pettigrew, indicating that higher authorities are aware of the brewing conflict. Pettigrew expresses support for Rocky's suspicions about the crowds in Istanbul serving as a cover for Chavez's operations and offers collaboration.

Duke:
He wants to work with you.

[12:15]

Rocky asserts his authority within the operation, ensuring that strategic decisions remain under his control to maintain the secrecy and effectiveness of their mission.

Rocky Jordan:
I'll make the contacts and the decisions.

[13:13]

Climax: Preparing for Confrontation

As preparations continue, Ollie informs Rocky that Chavez's nephew is arriving with crucial information. The anticipation crescendos as Rocky gears up to confront the revelations that will either solidify their mission or thrust them into deeper peril.

Ollie:
Senior Chavez had sent him to town on an errand and he came by here. Can you see him now?

[08:54]

Narrator:
These are exciting days in Istanbul and at the Cafe Tambourine with Turkey. In the war against the Axis nations, many things are happening and Rocky Jordan is going to be interested in an exciting new venture.

[14:18]

Conclusion and Tease for the Next Episode

The episode concludes with a promise of escalating tensions and impending confrontations, setting the stage for the next installment. Rocky's determination to dismantle Chavez's network is clear, but the arrival of Chavez's nephew suggests complexities that await.

Narrator:
Don't miss tomorrow's dramatic episode of A Man Named Jordan.

[14:18]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Rocky Jordan:
  "Sounds very possible. What's the deal?"
  [03:27]

• Rocky Jordan:
  "These big shots are taking a powder. They know they're whipped. They know they're slated for a blank wall and a firing squad."
  [07:00]

• Duke:
  "He wants to work with you."
  [12:15]

• Ollie:
  "My nephew is very excited, Rocky. He says that he has news of the utmost importance for you."
  [13:47]

Insights and Themes

The episode delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral ambiguities of wartime alliances. Rocky Jordan embodies the archetypal anti-hero, navigating a world where legal and illegal lines are blurred in the pursuit of justice and survival. The narrative underscores the chaos and desperation that allow war criminals to exploit geopolitical turmoil for personal gain.

Conclusion

"A Man Named Jordan 45-02-28 (1) Señor Chavez" masterfully sets up a complex web of intrigue and suspense. Through compelling character dynamics and a richly detailed setting, Harold's Old Time Radio engages listeners in a timeless tale of espionage and moral conflict. As Rocky Jordan prepares to confront the hidden threats within Istanbul, listeners are left eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama in the subsequent episode.

Thank you for tuning into Harold's Old Time Radio. Stay tuned for more immersive stories from the golden era of radio entertainment.