Harold's Old Time Radio: ABC Mystery Time - Suicide Club
Release Date: June 11, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: ABC Mystery Time - Suicide Club
Introduction
In this captivating episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with the enthralling adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale, "The Suicide Club". Hosted by Lawrence Olivier, the episode masterfully blends suspense, psychological drama, and the eerie allure of secret societies, embodying the timeless charm of vintage radio storytelling.
Plot Summary
The narrative unfolds in a dimly lit oyster bar near Leicester Square, where two commissionaires—Colonel and his friend—encounter mysterious vendors offering green tarts. Their curiosity piqued by the peculiar offer, they accept the tarts, setting the stage for an evening of unexpected events.
As they dine in a secluded French restaurant in Soho, a young man shares his tragic tale of lost fortune and unrequited love, culminating in his decision to join a mysterious Suicide Club. The club, shrouded in secrecy, requires members to pay an entrance fee and participate in a chilling card game where fate determines who will die.
"I came to the sad conclusion that there was really nothing very much left to live for."
— Young Man, [02:30]
Driven by desperation, both commissionaires agree to join, embarking on a nightmarish journey where the boundaries between suicide and murder blur. The club's president orchestrates the proceedings with cold precision, ensuring that each session results in the death of a member under mysterious circumstances.
The plot thickens as the commissionaires navigate the sinister rituals of the club, leading to unsettling coincidences and unexplained fatalities. The episode culminates in a haunting revelation of the club's true nature and the ambiguous fate of its members.
"What the devil are you doing? You'll be another fool."
— Colonel, [15:45]
Key Characters
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Colonel: A protagonist grappling with despair and the allure of the Suicide Club as a means to end his suffering.
"I've been coming here regularly for two years now."
— Colonel, [24:21] -
Young Man: A pivotal character whose tragic backstory and introduction to the Suicide Club set the narrative in motion.
"I may have earned the best part of a hundred. £40 would have been enough, but without that, no admission."
— Young Man, [04:15] -
President of the Suicide Club: The enigmatic leader who maintains strict secrecy and orchestrates the deadly games.
"The oath, I need hardly say, is an oath of secrecy."
— President, [18:30] -
Ghost (Honorable Member): An honorary member who has survived longer than typical members, providing insight into the club's operations.
"If you are prepared to take the oath in the manner prescribed, you will be accepted as members."
— President, [17:10]
Themes and Discussions
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Desperation and Fate: The story delves deep into the human psyche, exploring how desperation can lead individuals to seek out dangerous and fatal solutions.
"I had nothing left to offer the young lady. I came to the sad conclusion that there was really nothing very much left to live for."
— Young Man, [02:45] -
Secret Societies and Control: The Suicide Club epitomizes the allure and terror of secret societies, highlighting themes of control, secrecy, and the manipulation of vulnerable individuals.
"Nothing could be conceived more passive than the obedience promise or more stringent than the terms to which we had agreed."
— President, [19:00] -
Moral Ambiguity: The blurred lines between suicide and murder raise questions about morality, autonomy, and the ethical implications of taking one's life versus being coerced into death.
"We should merely be doing him a service he requires. Would you refuse to oblige a friend?"
— President, [21:15] -
Isolation and Camaraderie: Despite their shared grim fate, members of the Suicide Club experience a complex mix of isolation and camaraderie, binding them through their collective despair.
"Some people get their grossest excitement out of love or gambling or crime. To me, there's nothing so exciting as fear."
— Honorary Member, [22:50]
Notable Quotes with Attribution
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Richard Karn's Advertisement Segments:
"I'll tell you what an exciting radio exclusive offer just for you for a limited time."
— Richard Karn (A), [00:00] -
Narration and Storytelling:
"This is the story of a frightening adventure. I do not propose to tell you my name and after you've heard the story will perhaps understand why not."
— Narrator, [01:08]"What happens next? Oh, I'm not complaining. And at least I'm not a card."
— Young Man, [05:30]"The card of the killer had been dealt to the young man of the cream cast."
— Narrator, [10:45] -
Climactic Moments:
"As we left the room, the president beckoned to the young man of the dream."
— Narrator, [16:50]"I never read of a fatal accident in the papers."
— Colonel, [23:10]
Conclusion
"ABC Mystery Time - Suicide Club" stands as a testament to the enduring power of radio drama. Through meticulous storytelling, compelling performances, and intricate plotting, Harold's Old Time Radio successfully resurrects the spine-chilling essence of Stevenson’s work. The episode not only entertains but also invites listeners to ponder profound questions about life, death, and the human condition. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to old-time radio, this episode promises an unforgettable auditory experience that captivates the imagination and heart alike.
Additional Content Skipped
In keeping with the podcast’s authentic vintage format, several commercial breaks and public service announcements interspersed between the narrative sections. Notably, advertisements for Pocket Hose Copperhead, advocacy for flavored tobacco restriction in Oregon, and style tips from Wayfair were presented but omitted from this summary to maintain focus on the core story.
Enjoy reliving the golden era of radio with Harold's Old Time Radio—where every broadcast is a journey back in time.