Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: A Salute to the Law 1934-02-20 (xxx) The Avenging Angel Strikes Again
Release Date: April 10, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled A Salute to the Law 1934-02-20 (xxx) The Avenging Angel Strikes Again, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with a thrilling crime drama narrated by Detective Nicholas B. Harris. The story weaves a tale of mystery, deception, and redemption set against the backdrop of 1930s Los Angeles.

Setting the Scene

The episode opens with Detective Harris introducing the narrative framework:

[00:38] Detective Nicholas B. Harris: "Ladies and gentlemen, we again bring you Detective Nicholas B. Harris... Proving to the youth of today the folly of committing crime."

The story centers around Mr. Collins, a wealthy benefactor committed to bringing justice to those unable to afford it. His dedication sets the stage for the unfolding drama.

The Mysterious Disappearance

The plot thickens when Mr. Collins, alongside Detective Harris, receives a distressing call from a 10-year-old boy, Jimmy Newton, seeking help to locate his missing father. Mrs. Newton, Jimmy’s mother, is reluctant to divulge information, fearing repercussions from the men holding her.

[01:26] Narrator: "A wealthy man under the assumed name of Mr. Collins called my office... to bring the wrongdoers to justice."

Upon visiting the Newton residence, they witness a car fleeing the scene at high speed, leading to the discovery of a seemingly deceased woman inside the house. However, confusion arises when Jimmy insists the woman is not his mother.

Unveiling Deception

Tensions escalate as Mrs. Newton regains consciousness, revealing the presence of another woman, Cora Lee. The investigation uncovers that Mrs. Newton had assaulted Cora Lee, leading to her confinement.

[04:22] Mr. Collins: "What about this other woman, Cora Lee? Who beat her up?"

[04:25] Mrs. Newton: "I did. I meant to kill her."

Mrs. Newton admits to the assault but remains tight-lipped about the circumstances, prompting Detective Harris to suggest separating Jimmy from the adults to facilitate a more open dialogue.

The Twist of Truth

As the story unfolds, it is revealed that Jim Newton, Jimmy's father, may have been coerced by men with German and Mexican accents to abandon his mining claim. Mrs. Newton explains the financial and emotional strains leading to her desperate actions against Cora Lee.

[06:55] Mrs. Newton: "I don’t know why Jim would go away and stay away without letting us hear from him."

Cora Lee emerges from her hospital visit, sharing her side of the story and the manipulation orchestrated by individuals named Reicher and Ortiz, who sought to undermine Jim Newton's mining interests.

[10:04] Cora Lee: "I knew he had an over to sell out his interest in the mine. And so Mr. Collins helped me send a wire to Jim advising him to take the offer and get back here as soon as he could."

Resolution and Reconciliation

The climax reaches its peak when Jim Newton returns, revealing the full extent of the conspiracy against him. Mrs. Newton's moment of madness is explained as a reaction to the immense pressure and deceit orchestrated by their adversaries. The episode concludes with forgiveness and the restoration of family bonds.

[10:58] Cora Lee: "Now, listen, Mrs. Milton, I'm the one that needs forgiven... Let's just forget the whole thing and pretend it never happened."

[11:18] Mrs. Newton: "Yes, I'll go with you, Mr. Collins."

Conclusion

Detective Nicholas B. Harris wraps up the episode, highlighting the moral lessons learned and teases future crime prevention stories aimed at educating the youth.

[12:37] Narrator: "And so, ladies and gentlemen, ends the story that I have entitled, 'The Avenging Angel Strikes Again.'"

[12:45] Detective Nicholas B. Harris: "Remember, next Tuesday night at 8:15, another salute to the law presented by Detective Nicholas B. Harris."

Notable Quotes

• Detective Harris on Crime Prevention:

  [00:38] "Proving to the youth of today the folly of committing crime."

• Mrs. Newton on Her Actions:

  [04:25] "I meant to kill her."

• Cora Lee on the Plot Against Jim Newton:

  [10:04] "I knew he had an over to sell out his interest in the mine."

• Mrs. Newton Seeking Forgiveness:

  [08:36] "Oh, how can I do a thing like that by it. It's murder, I tell you. That's how it was."

Final Thoughts

A Salute to the Law 1934-02-20 (xxx) The Avenging Angel Strikes Again masterfully blends suspense with emotional depth, showcasing the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of greed and deception. Detective Nicholas B. Harris' narration guides listeners through a labyrinth of intrigue, ultimately delivering a satisfying resolution that underscores the importance of justice and forgiveness.

For fans of classic radio dramas, this episode exemplifies the storytelling prowess of the Golden Age of Radio, while also providing timeless lessons on morality and resilience.