Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Adventures of Detective Black And Blue: "Put off The Train"
Date: December 3, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

Episode Overview

This episode transports listeners to the golden era of radio drama, following Detectives Black and Blue as they find themselves stranded at a remote Canadian train station in the dead of night, only to become embroiled in a harrowing train robbery. The comedic exchanges of Black and Blue mix with mounting tension as a gang of bandits targets a mail train, culminating in a classic old-time radio cliffhanger.

Key Discussion Points and Story Beats

1. Stranded in the Canadian Wilderness

• The story opens with Detectives Black and Blue, accompanied by Chief Black Feather (off-stage), mistakenly disembarking the Winnipeg Flyer at the isolated Clear Lake station at 3 a.m.
  • "There she goes. Just two red lights disappearing down the track." — Detective Black (02:14)
• Blue laments their misfortune, and the pair exchange banter about the cold and desolate night.
  • "Gee, what a lonesome place. I bet you could hear frogs singing out there if it was summertime. But I don't suppose it ever gets summertime here." — Detective Black (03:12)

2. Seeking Help from the Station Agent

• They enter the station's warmth and consult the only local authority, the station agent.
  • "Excuse me, mister." — Detective Blue (03:47)
  • The Agent confirms they boarded the wrong train and are far from their intended destination, Eagle River.
  • The next train doesn’t arrive for hours:
    • "Well, you'll have five hours here. You can sleep on the benches there if you want to." — Station Agent (04:36)
  • No hotels or amenities are available:
    • "Hotel? There ain't nothing or nobody but me." — Station Agent (04:49)

3. Hope for Rescue: The Vancouver Mail

• The Agent devises a plan to help them save time by arranging for the delayed Vancouver Mail train (Number Seven) to pick them up.
  • "If I can catch him on the wire before they pull out of Cloverdale Junction, they might stop here and pick you up. I'll see if I can make it." — Station Agent (04:58)
• The Agent successfully secures the stop:
  • "Well, boys, you're in luck. Number seven will stop here just long enough for you to get on board." — Station Agent (07:12)

4. Insight Into the Golden Age of Train Travel

• The Station Agent explains the importance of the Vancouver Mail, a train that races across the continent carrying mail bound for Asia.
  • "She carries mail for the Orient. You know, China and Japan... they gotta make connections with the steamers at Vancouver." — Station Agent (07:56)

5. Sudden Danger: Bandit Hold-Up

• Just as Black and Blue prepare to board, a gang led by the Bandit Leader bursts in, initiating a dramatic stickup.
  • "Get back in there." — Bandit Leader (08:34)
• The robbers take control, holding the detectives and station agent at gunpoint:
  • "Yeah it is a hold up. Not a moving picture either. And don't make no mistake because I might make a mistake with this gun and you'll be drinking your coffee in the morning, sitting on a cloud." — Bandit Leader (08:44)
• Station Agent displays stoic nonchalance:
  • "I've been held up before." — Station Agent (09:27)
• The bandits plan to use Black and Blue as human shields:
  • "Take these two sappy looking guys outside with you. Make them stand alongside of the mail car. And if there's any shooting starts you can use them for screams." — Bandit Leader (10:41)
• Blue and Black protest, but are forced to comply.
  • "Oh say Mr. Bandit, that ain't fair. We ain't robbers. We might get shot." — Detective Blue (10:53)

6. A Classic Cliffhanger

• The episode builds to a climax as the Vancouver Mail approaches the station, with bandits, detectives, and the unwitting station agent all in peril outside on the platform.
• "On your toes boys. Here she comes. Outside everybody. Hey you, station agent. Come on out of there. If there's any shooting from the mail cars, we'll let them plug you too. Come on boys. This is going to be sweet pickles." — Bandit Leader (11:11)

Standout Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Gee, what a lonesome place. I bet you could hear frogs singing out there if it was summertime." — Detective Black (03:12)
• "Hotel? There ain't nothing or nobody but me." — Station Agent (04:49)
• "She carries mail for the Orient. You know, China and Japan and all them places..." — Station Agent (07:56)
• "Yeah, it is a hold up. Not a moving picture either. And don't make no mistake because I might make a mistake with this gun and you'll be drinking your coffee in the morning, sitting on a cloud." — Bandit Leader (08:44)
• "I've been held up before." — Station Agent (09:27)
• "Take these two sappy looking guys outside with you. Make them stand alongside of the mail car. And if there's any shooting starts you can use them for screams." — Bandit Leader (10:41)
• "Oh say Mr. Bandit, that ain't fair. We ain't robbers. We might get shot." — Detective Blue (10:53)

Notable Segments with Timestamps

• Stranded in the Night – 02:14–03:30
• Discovering Their Mistake, Seeking Help – 03:44–04:49
• Arranging Rescue with the Vancouver Mail – 04:58–07:18
• Bandits' Hold-Up – 08:34–11:24
• Cliffhanger as the Train Arrives – 11:24–14:01

Conclusion

This episode masterfully combines comedic banter with suspenseful action, skillfully recreating the ambiance of golden age radio drama. The isolated Canadian setting, the confusion of travel mishaps, the resourceful station agent, and the sudden eruption of a dangerous hold-up keep listeners engaged. The episode ends at a white-knuckle moment—Black, Blue, and the agent face the oncoming train and a gang of armed bandits, leaving the resolution for the next installment.