Air Stories Of The World War 1932-02-02 The Deacon From Hell

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio Episode Summary: "Air Stories Of The World War 1932-02-02 The Deacon From Hell"

Episode Overview

In this captivating episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Air Stories Of The World War 1932-02-02 The Deacon From Hell," host Harold Old Time Radio presents a dramatized World War I air combat narrative penned by the esteemed author George Bruce. Released on January 11, 2025, the episode transports listeners back to the tumultuous days of early aviation warfare, exploring themes of duty, honor, and personal conflict against the backdrop of global conflict.

Main Characters

• Arch Hall (The Deacon): A pacifist preacher drafted into the air service, grappling with his moral convictions and familial loyalty.
• Reverend Dr. Hall: Arch's father, a staunch pacifist who forbids his sons from participating in war.
• Shirley: Arch's devout wife, caught between her love for her husband and the pressures of wartime expectations.
• Lieutenant Dick Landis: Arch's brother-in-law and a zealous pilot, initially hostile towards Arch.
• Captain Cassidy: The squadron leader who recognizes Arch's potential as a pilot despite his pacifist background.
• Von Gunther: The German ace pilot and Arch's primary adversary.

Plot Summary

The episode opens on a late summer morning in the year 1917, in the Midwestern town of Empire. Reverend Dr. Hall delivers a heartfelt sermon against war, emphasizing the moral imperative to avoid violence. His son, Arch Hall, known as "Deacon," has promised not to engage in warfare, honoring his father's wishes.

However, societal pressure mounts as Arch draws criticism from the town, accused of enlisting in the military to escape his pacifist stance. The tension peaks when Arch is unexpectedly drafted into the air service, much to the dismay of his family and community. Despite his reluctance, Arch joins the squadron, earning the ironic title "The Deacon from Hell" from his peers due to his non-militaristic background.

During his first mission, Arch confronts his fears and instincts, ultimately proving his prowess as a pilot by downing enemy aircraft, including the formidable German ace, Von Gunther. This act earns him the respect of his fellow pilots and validates his reluctant transition from pacifist preacher to wartime hero.

The narrative explores Arch's internal struggle and the external conflicts with his brother-in-law, Lieutenant Dick Landis, who initially condemns Arch's enlistment. The climax reveals Arch's true motivation—his wife's impending illness and his desire to protect his loved ones—which drives him to overcome his fears and embrace his role as a pilot.

Key Scenes and Notable Quotes

1. Reverend Dr. Hall's Sermon (01:52):

   • "But there is no dispensation made in the commandment, thou shalt not kill. But even for soldiers who fight for their country, all war is murder."

2. Arch Confronts His Father (03:04):

   • "I don't quite know how to tell you. I see, I've always tried to do the right thing, Father."

3. Lieutenant Dick Landis's Hostility (04:37):

   • "You think I'm going to grab the palm of a guy who insults my own sister by hiding behind her skirts, marrying her so he won't get."

4. Captain Cassidy's Recognition of Arch (07:15):

   • "You can tell that to a grease ball. Well, you're a queer ticket at that."

5. Arch's Confession (15:07):

   • "You see that letter I got tonight? She never told me when I went away. She's in the hospital and she must have known it all the time."

Themes and Insights

• Moral Conflict: Arch Hall embodies the struggle between personal pacifism and the demands of national duty, highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals during wartime.

• Family and Honor: The tension between Arch and his brother-in-law underscores the strain war places on familial relationships, loyalty, and personal honor.

• Courage and Transformation: Arch's journey from a reluctant enlistee to a competent pilot illustrates the transformative impact of war, revealing innate courage and adaptability.

• Societal Pressure and Judgment: The town's scrutiny of Arch reflects the broader societal tendencies to judge and ostracize those who deviate from communal expectations during crises.

Conclusion

"Air Stories Of The World War 1932-02-02 The Deacon From Hell" masterfully weaves a tale of personal transformation amidst the chaos of war. Through Arch Hall's character, the episode delves deep into themes of duty, honor, and the human spirit's resilience. With compelling dialogue and emotional depth, this story not only entertains but also prompts listeners to reflect on the moral complexities faced by individuals during times of conflict. George Bruce's narrative, brought to life by Harold's Old Time Radio, stands as a poignant homage to the heroes of the Golden Age of Aviation.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Reverend Dr. Hall (01:52): "All war is murder. The day America declared war, I said to my son, promise me you will not be stampeded by this ghastly hysteria which plunges our nation into murder."

• Arch Hall (06:02): "I haven't broken any promises to you, sir. I promised you I wouldn't enlist. Well, I didn't. I was drafted."

• Captain Cassidy (12:37): "Look, man, what was you before you joined this outfit? What did you do? What's your job?"

• Lieutenant Dick Landis (14:50): "I'm okay, Deacon. Plane came out of a spin just as I thought. And I taxied to the tree before she took fire. You sure saved my life for me."

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Note: This summary excludes the advertisement segment from the episode, focusing solely on the dramatized content of "The Deacon From Hell." All timestamps correspond to the transcript provided.

Transcript

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[George Bruce]

Ladies and gentlemen, we present another in the series of war air stories by that ace of all air story writers, George Bruce. George Bruce was a pioneer in flying. His stories are reflections of his own crowded life and of the lives of other American war pilots. They are published exclusively in Aces magazine, which, incidentally, has the largest newsstand sale of any magazine devoted to flying stories. It is a late summer morning of the year 1917. The Midwestern town of Empire. In the austere pulpit of the first disciple church, the Reverend Dr. Hall is concluding the morning service.

[Reverend Dr. Hall]

But there is no dispensation made in the commandment, thou shalt not kill. But even for soldiers who fight for their country, all war is murder. The day America declared war, I said to my son, promise me you will not be stampeded by this ghastly hysteria which plunges our nation into murder. Promise me you will never touch a rifle. He gave me that promise, and so I am proud of my son. Rather would I see him lifeless at my feet than to have him mock the Christian ideals with which he has been reared. And now, let us join in song. Ah, dear daughter Shirley.

[Shirley]

Good morning, Father.

[Reverend Dr. Hall]

Well, Arch, you think my sermon today a strong one?

[Arch Hall]

Father, I've got something to say to you. I think I better tell you right away.

[Reverend Dr. Hall]

Of course, of course.

[Arch Hall]

I. I don't quite know how to tell you. You see, I've always tried to do the right thing, Father. Tried to obey your wishes. And when I gave you my word, I wouldn't.

[Reverend Dr. Hall]

Don't don't say anymore. I know what you're going to tell me. The town's been talking again. Well, they called you slacker and yellow and all the rest of it. And so the sinners have always plagued the righteous. But you've made your promise and I know you'll hold to it.

[Arch Hall]

Listen, Father, the town has been talking. Now, I don't care for myself, but I can't forget Shirley. You know what? Her brother did call me when he enlisted that morning and I didn't. Oh, well, the town's taken it up. They say that I married Shirley three days before the war was declared to escape enlistment. They say I'm hiding behind Shirley's skirts and my minister's coat. They say Shirley and I. Shirley, you.

[Reverend Dr. Hall]

Can'T care what this sinful, blood mad town is saying.

[Shirley]

Yes, Father, I do care. Oh, can't you see what it means to him? His friends are gone, the people in the parish is nearing. No, no, please don't be angry, Father. I'm Archer's wife. I love him more than I can say. And my heart will break if he has to go to war and leave me but good even so.

[Arch Hall]

Hello, sis.

[Shirley]

What, Dick, you're here.

[Lieutenant Dick Landis]

Just dropped in on the train on Texas. Bunch from Cali Field. Cheryl, I'm a lieutenant. You get it? Lieutenant Dick Landis. Got my pilot's license and on my way to France.

[Captain Cassidy]

Oh, Dick.

[Shirley]

Off the France.

[Lieutenant Dick Landis]

Great, isn't it? They sure give you the works in the air force. We'll wallop hell out of the Germans now. Well, Darkoff, I suppose you're still preaching those milksop sermons of yours. The deacon don't seem to be wearing a uniform yet either. What's the matter, Deacon? Scared?

[Reverend Dr. Hall]

You're drunk, young man. Drunk with liquor and the lust to kill.

[Arch Hall]

No, no, wait a minute, Father. Dick, this isn't a very pleasant way to say goodbye, but I do want to wish you luck.

[Lieutenant Dick Landis]

And no, I won't shake hands. Not with no traitor and slacker, I won't. You think I'm going to grab the palm of a guy who insults my own sister by hiding behind her skirts, marrying her so he won't get.

[Captain Cassidy]

What do you mean, you dog. You can't talk to me like this, Linus. Even if you are my brother. Take that. Hit me with your hose.

[Reverend Dr. Hall]

How do you like that fighting immediately. What blasphemy. Fighting in the church by arch. I'm ashamed of you. Dick Landis, leave at once.

[Lieutenant Dick Landis]

Yeah, I'm glad to go.

[Captain Cassidy]

Cheryl.

[Lieutenant Dick Landis]

I told you never to marry this minister punk.

[Captain Cassidy]

Goodbye, slacker.

[Shirley]

Well, they won't be able to say those cruel things about you now that you're a soldier.

[Reverend Dr. Hall]

Now that he's a soldier. What does this mean?

[Arch Hall]

I wanted to tell you before, Father. I'm going.

[Reverend Dr. Hall]

Shirley, this is your work. You got him to do this. You wanted him to go.

[Shirley]

No, no. I love Arch. I can't bear to have him go, but I can't have him called a coward. And I won't stand in this way.

[Arch Hall]

Why? Why?

[Shirley]

He could have gained exemption because of me. But I told him to go make.

[Reverend Dr. Hall]

A murderer of my son. No, he won't go. He will not. He dare not break his promise to his father.

[Arch Hall]

I haven't broken any promises to you, sir. I promised you I wouldn't enlist. Well, I didn't. I was drafted. I promised you I wouldn't touch a rifle. And I'm not going to. I'm going into the air service.

[Captain Cassidy]

Great stuff, boy. Great stuff.

[Arch Hall]

Thank you.

[Captain Cassidy]

Your first hop of the squadron. And, man, how you handle that Spad. Wow. Say, you brought down them four fuckers like you'd been an ace all your days. We've needed you in this outfit for months, boy. And Gunther's been driving us haywire. You go up there scouting like a veteran and chase the Dutchman all to the devil. Where'd you learn to fly?

[Arch Hall]

Oh, don't ask me. I was scared stiff, Cassidy. I didn't see those fokkers till they were right on top of me.

[Captain Cassidy]

Go on. You got eyes in the back of your scalp. Listen, man, I've been out here since the show began. And you're the greatest natural airmen I ever seen. Four Germans, first crack out of the box. Say you're the best man in the outfit, hands down.

[Arch Hall]

Oh, thanks, Cassidy, but it was just luck. Just plain luck.

[Captain Cassidy]

You can tell that to a grease ball. Well, you're a queer ticket at that. You don't drink or go out with the boys or anything, but you sure can fly.

[Arch Hall]

Well, if I can, it's just luck, I guess. I was scared stiff. Honest.

[Captain Cassidy]

I bet one got this fit to be tied. Say, listen, man, what was you before you joined this outfit? What did you do? What's your job?

[Arch Hall]

Well, you're going to be surprised, Cassidy. I'm a minister. The boys in my town used to call me Deacon.

[Captain Cassidy]

Well, lay me out in lavender. A sky pilot, huh?

[Arch Hall]

I guess so.

[Captain Cassidy]

Well, wait till the gang hears of this. Say, I got your name, buddy boy. Put her there and shake her.

[Arch Hall]

Oh, sure.

[Captain Cassidy]

So you're the deacon. Well, can you tie that? The lad's a deacon. Hey. Hey, gang. Hey, come over here and meet this here Ace of Oz. Come on over and meet the Deacon. The deacon from hell. The German hates the Father Israel Folly. Boo. The German ages are. All right, boys, meeting comes to order. Lay down, you groundhogs. Now listen, boys. Intelligence orders have come through that Von Gunther is going to raid our railway base at Bois Chaperone at dawn tomorrow. And the first crack out of the box, our new outfit pulls the assignment to stop that rain and get Von Gunther at dawn. Well, it's a devil of a job. There are some new replacements coming in tonight, but we'll be up against big odds. It'll take a good man to lead a flight against Monguntha. It'll take the best man we've got, a man with guts and a guy who knows how to fight. And I'm gonna hand the honor to the boy who deserves every inch of it. He's only been with us two days, but what he's done in those two days is plenty. I'm gonna pick this boy to lead you. Gentlemen, the honor goes to the Deacon from hell. Stand up, Deacon. Thanks, fellas.

[Arch Hall]

Thanks, Captain Cassidy.

[Captain Cassidy]

All right.

[Arch Hall]

But I. Well, I. I don't know what to say. Quite. Believe me, I'd like nothing better than to go up there and get this German ace man.

[Captain Cassidy]

You're going to get them. You're going to lead these boys like a whirlwind and stop that raid.

[Lieutenant Dick Landis]

Going to do special letter for Lieutenant Arch Hall.

[Captain Cassidy]

Oh, that's fine.

[Arch Hall]

Thanks. Say, excuse me a minute, will you, boy?

[Captain Cassidy]

Yeah.

[Lieutenant Dick Landis]

12 deserts. Replacement, sir.

[Captain Cassidy]

Well, come on in, boys. Join the gang. And you're just in time to get in on the big scrap. They're going up and stop on Gunther at dawn tomorrow. Just lining up the flight. That guy over there with his nose in that letter will be your leader.

[Lieutenant Dick Landis]

That guy over there. You made him flight leader?

[Captain Cassidy]

Say, you seem to know him, Joe.

[Lieutenant Dick Landis]

I know him. Why, that bird is in my hometown. This old man's a pacifist preacher. He didn't even enlist. Got drafted, see? Do I know him? Say, he married my own sister so he wouldn't have to go to war.

[Captain Cassidy]

Hey, Deacon, you hear what this replacement's telling us about you?

[Lieutenant Dick Landis]

Yeah, Deacon. I'm telling your outfit how yellow you are.

[Captain Cassidy]

By God, Deacon, take your face out of that letter and punch this grease ball a crank in the nose. Well, I must throw down that letter. Deacon, show this boy what you can do. Hey, what's he doing?

[Arch Hall]

I'm sorry, fellas. This man's my brother in law.

[Lieutenant Dick Landis]

And tell him how yellow you are, Deacon.

[Captain Cassidy]

Hey, are you gonna take this guff from this Kiwi, Deacon? Knock him for a loop. You're his flight leader.

[Arch Hall]

I'm sorry, Captain Cassidy.

[Captain Cassidy]

Sorry? What the devil do you mean sorry?

[Arch Hall]

I'm not gonna lead the flight tomorrow.

[Captain Cassidy]

What?

[Arch Hall]

I'm not going to fly tomorrow.

[Captain Cassidy]

I can't. What's the matter with him? Rain. Look, Rain. Look at that searchlight. It's a fire sl. Get out of that field. Do grease balls. Get up there and bring down that baron.

[Lieutenant Dick Landis]

Got a crate for me, skipper? I'll show you a bunch.

[Captain Cassidy]

Some real war.

[Lieutenant Dick Landis]

I'll get this German hoodoo of yours.

[Reverend Dr. Hall]

Where's a sp.

[Captain Cassidy]

Go on.

[Arch Hall]

I got that.

[Captain Cassidy]

Put one over on us. There he is there. Deacon. What a surprise you pulled on me. Stand there and let the boys know you're a coward. Get the hell out there in the Ukraine. You rotten punk. Get out there and fight.

[Arch Hall]

Oh God, I can't. I can't fight. Not now.

[Captain Cassidy]

Well, I've seen some lousy ones go stale in my day, but never one like you. Look at a flamer come down. Where's your guts? Your punk stop shivering. Get up there.

[Arch Hall]

Oh, God, please.

[Captain Cassidy]

Take your hands off me.

[Arch Hall]

I can't fly, I tell you. I won't fly. God, if I was killed now.

[Captain Cassidy]

Oh, goody God, you. No, no, I can't die, I tell you.

[Arch Hall]

I mustn't. Not now.

[Captain Cassidy]

Oh, God. God, there's another one down in front of you. Yeah, your own gang dying and you stand there blubbering like a punk baby. Look at me. Is up there an envy and cognac Pete and your own brother in law. I know, I know. Look at you, brother in law. They're gonna get him.

[Arch Hall]

What?

[Captain Cassidy]

Look. 3 Jerry's right in this. Don't let him get you direct. Hey, get the resident. The smoke's falling for his ship. Get out of the way, Cassidy. Give me that helmet. By heaven, they can't bring down Deacon. Stop them. I'll kill them all for this. I'll kill them all. Look at him too. Go. Poor Deacon. Oh, what a climb. There he goes. We'll save that. Bled yet. Go a deacon. Get him. Get that guy with a lion on his crate. Boy, the cherries against him. Now he got one of them. Go on, Deacon, go on. Oh, what a wolf. He's on Von Gunther's tail. He's right in the middle of me. Six cherries against him. Go on, Deacon. You got the two of them. Get the baron. God, they must be tearing a ship apart with lead. He's got him. He's got Von Gunther. The ship burner. They'll make it. Hang on, kid. You'll be all right, Deacon. Easy now. Easy. Take another swig, kid. That's the boy. They come out of that class fine. They couldn't kill the Deacon from hell.

[Arch Hall]

Tell me. Von Gunther. He was killing Dick. Killing my wife's brother.

[Captain Cassidy]

You got him, old man. You got Von Gunther and three of his men. Knock that surprise right into a cocked hat.

[Arch Hall]

Well, Dick. How about Dick?

[Lieutenant Dick Landis]

I'm okay, Deacon. Plane came out of a spin just as I thought.

[Arch Hall]

I was done.

[Lieutenant Dick Landis]

And I taxied to the tree before she took fire. You. You sure saved my life for me.

[Reverend Dr. Hall]

Deacon.

[Arch Hall]

Oh, Deacon.

[Lieutenant Dick Landis]

I'm sorry about everything I said.

[Arch Hall]

Oh, thank God. You know. You know, if one of us had died, it would have killed her.

[Reverend Dr. Hall]

Her?

[Captain Cassidy]

What do you mean?

[Arch Hall]

My wife, Cassidy. You see that letter I got tonight? She never told me when I went away. She's in the hospital and she must have known it all the time. Don't you see? If I had died, it would have killed her.

[Lieutenant Dick Landis]

Listen, Deacon. Listen, I got word from home yesterday.

[Arch Hall]

Shirley's all right, Deacon.

[Lieutenant Dick Landis]

She's doing fine.

[Arch Hall]

It's a boy.

[George Bruce]

The dramatized story by George Bruce you have just heard was taken from Aces, the Pioneer Air Story magazine. Your news dealer has George Bruce's latest story featured in the current issue of Aces.