Ann Of The Airlanes 1935-xx-xx (04) Vic & Joe Frame Jack

Summary

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Episode Overview

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Ann of the Airlanes 1935-xx-xx (04) Vic & Joe Frame Jack
Theme:
This episode is part of a serialized radio drama set in the adventurous world of early aviation. Nurse Ann Burton and pilot Jack Baker become embroiled in a criminal plot involving the theft of a state-of-the-art airplane and a mysterious black bag, as they are forced to outwit a gang of crooks while navigating both moral dilemmas and high-stakes danger in the skies.

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Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. Recap and Setup (02:31)

• Narrator recaps past events: Ann Burton, a nurse about to leave the Tyler Sanitarium, uncovers a plot to coerce pilot Jack Baker into flying a stolen "Air Cat" plane.
• Ann suspects Dr. John Tyler is the mastermind ("Doc") behind the scheme after he warns her not to interfere.
• After rescuing Jack from being chloroformed, Ann, Jack, and co-pilot Pete head to the Green estate, where they find the plane and narrowly escape as Dr. Tyler arrives.
• As they take off, Ann hears suspicious noises, setting the scene for tension aboard the plane.

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2. The Trap is Sprung (04:07)

• Ann and Jack try to locate switches inside the unfamiliar plane, only to be confronted by crooks Vic Morgan and Joe Tolliver, who reveal themselves with a taunting entrance:

  Vic Morgan: "Didn't expect to find us here, did you, Baker? And that scream of yours couldn't have expressed your amazement any clearer. Beautiful." (04:17)

• Jack sarcastically remarks about expecting a tommy gun and instructions to fly to Miami; Joe and Vic trade criminal banter, revealing they lack heavy weapons but nonetheless have a plan.

  Joe Tolliver: "I still think we ought to have one. They make me feel more at home." (04:38)

• Vic warns that using a gun would escalate things, attracting unwanted government attention.

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3. Crooks’ Scheme Revealed (05:05)

• Vic boasts about their connections and how Dr. Tyler ("Doc") has covered their tracks by altering records and alerting airport authorities, turning suspicion onto Jack.

• Jack realizes Vic and Joe have arranged to frame him, and a stolen new Interstate Airlines ship is missing from the hangar.

  Vic Morgan: "We have a modern invention. They call it a telephone. Maybe you've heard of it, huh?" (05:05)

• Ann protests but Vic assures her that the evidence will be stacked against Jack.

  Vic Morgan: "All they know is that Baker walked out of the Tyler Sanitarium. Okayed by the doctor. We've taken care of the records so they'll show that." (05:48)

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4. Mid-Air Danger and Dilemmas (06:48)

• The crooks force Jack to follow a radio beam leading to Miami, orchestrating a plan to pin the theft on him and facilitate their own escape.

  Vic Morgan: "Think it over, Baker. You work for the line. You disappear from the hospital, a new ship is missing. Two of them, in fact. Now, how about flying to Miami?" (06:55)

• Ann pleads for Jack to resist, but Vic and Joe threaten violence.

• A radio dispatch goes out—Jack is officially wanted for the theft, confirming the crooks’ manipulation of information.

  Radio Dispatcher: "Ship believed was stolen by Jack Baker, formerly pilot of Interstate Airlines. All flights be on lookout." (08:00)

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5. Jack Plans to Outsmart the Crooks (09:40)

• Jack quietly confides in Ann and Pete, explaining he may be able to find the missing Interstate plane by playing along with the gang’s plan.

• Ann expresses her trust and willingness to stay involved despite the risk.

  Ann Burton: "Looks like there's nothing else for me to do. There doesn't seem to be a parachute handy." (11:18)

• They speculate about whether Doc Tyler is truly the criminal mastermind.

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6. Tense Pursuit in the Skies (11:40)

• As they reach northern Florida at dawn, another plane approaches, heightening suspense.

  Ann Burton: "Do you hear something, Jack? It sounds like another..." (11:50) Jack Baker: "It is another ship. It seems to be behind us and a little above." (11:57)

• Vic, Joe, and Ann desperately try to identify the aircraft. The pursuer suddenly dives at them, nearly causing a mid-air collision.

• The crooks speculate it might be rival gangster "Bull Strother’s outfit" seeking the mysterious black bag.

  Joe Tolliver: "Say, Vic, you don't suppose that it could be the Bull Strothers outfit? They got an airplane now." (12:47)

• Jack is forced into evasive maneuvers, risking everyone’s safety.

  Jack Baker: "All of you. We're diving and diving fast. Just pray that we pull out with the wings on that." (13:04)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Vic Morgan’s taunt:
  "Didn't expect to find us here, did you, Baker? And that scream of yours couldn't have expressed your amazement any clearer. Beautiful." (04:17)
• Jack’s dry wit under pressure:
  "I suppose that I'll find a tommy gun on my back now, together with a complete set of instructions on how to fly to Miami." (04:24)
• Ann’s bravery:
  "Looks like there's nothing else for me to do. There doesn't seem to be a parachute handy." (11:18)
• Escalation of mid-air tension:
  "All of you. We're diving and diving fast. Just pray that we pull out with the wings on that." (13:04)

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Important Segments & Timestamps

• [02:31] – Recap and setup by narrator
• [04:07] – Jack and Ann are confronted by Vic and Joe
• [05:05] – Plot to frame Jack is revealed; Dr. Tyler’s involvement suggested
• [06:48] – Crooks coerce Jack to fly to Miami; threat escalates
• [08:00] – Radio declares Jack wanted for theft
• [11:18] – Ann chooses to stay, showing her courage
• [11:50] – Approaching plane creates a new threat
• [13:04] – Daring dive to avoid collision

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Conclusion / Cliffhanger

• The episode ends at a moment of high tension: Jack, Ann, and their adversaries are forced into a dangerous dive to avoid a collision with an unidentified plane, suspected to be part of another gang also seeking the coveted black bag.
• The narrator promises more excitement and mystery in the next installment.

Narrator: "Will Jack be able to level off in time to prevent a tragedy? And who is this mysterious stranger that is so intent on forcing the air cat to the ground, apparently for possession of that precious little black bag...?" (13:24)

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Summary Takeaway

This suspenseful episode masterfully blends crime, aviation thrills, and serialized intrigue rooted in the golden age of radio storytelling, leaving listeners eager for the next installment as the fates of Ann, Jack, and the stolen Aircat hang in the balance overhead.

Transcript

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[Vic Morgan]

Always tell you to customize your car.

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[Liberty Mutual Announcer]

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[Jack Baker]

Over valley and mountain, river and plain through wind and storm Ride Zan.

[Narrator]

Of the Air lanes.

[Ann Burton]

It's.

[Narrator]

Ann Burton, having completed her training as a nurse, is about to resign her position in the Tyler Sanitarium in Springfield when she stumbles upon a plot to force Jack Baker, pilot for Interstate Airlines, to fly a stolen Air Cat plane. Ann has recognized the two crooks, Vic Morgan and Joe Tolliver, as being the same two men that were carrying a small yet yet exceedingly valuable black bag on board the same flight that brought her back to the hospital. After they have managed to enter the hospital, apparently with inside help, they chloroformed Jack Baker and left with the intention of returning for the unconscious pilot. Ann has been warned by the head of the sanitarium, Dr. John Tyler, not to interfere with the men. From this she suspects that Dr. Tyler is the mysterious doc that seems to be the head of the plot. But disregarding the warning of Tyler and foils the plot for the time being at least by utilizing oxygen to wash out the effects of the chloroform. Then she and Jack Baker learn the identity of Joe Tolliver and from this are led to believe that the stolen Air Cat plane is being kept at a private airport on the old Green estate. Picking up Jack's co pilot Pete, they go to the Green place where they find the Air Cat already warmed up and ready for flight. Jack and Dan manage to gain access to the cabin of the ship just as a car recognized as that of Dr. Tyler comes into the driveway. Jack makes a quick takeoff in the dark and intends to head for the Springfield airport when Anne hears something in the darkness of the cabin. Will it prove to be the faithful co pilot Pete? Or have the gangster set a trap for Anne and Jack? Listen.

[Ann Burton]

That wasn't the light switch, Jack. Where is it?

[Jack Baker]

I don't know much more about this ship than you do and Tony wasn't much to lend it out. I try over on that side, I think I.

[Ann Burton]

Yes, that was sure.

[Jack Baker]

I thought so.

[Vic Morgan]

It's didn't expect to find us here, did you? Baker and that scream of yours couldn't have expressed your amazement any clearer. Beautiful.

[Jack Baker]

All right. I suppose that I'll find a tommy gun on my back now. Together with a complete set of instructions on how to fly to Miami. Is that it?

[Joe Tolliver]

Gee, Vic, he ought to be a mind reader, oughtn't he?

[Vic Morgan]

Not bad at it at all. All except the tommy gun. We don't happen to have one.

[Joe Tolliver]

I still think we ought to have one. They make me feel more at home.

[Vic Morgan]

Joey, I've always said that all you need is a new set of brains. No children. The use of a tommy gun would place our little adventure tonight under the head of something we just won't mention. But would have the government down on our necks.

[Ann Burton]

Then what do you call this?

[Jack Baker]

Never mind, Anne. I think we'll just call it a very lucky recovery of Tony Johnson's air cat. And the arrest of two very naughty little criminals. Just as soon as I can get this ship down at Roberts Field.

[Vic Morgan]

Nice law abiding thought Baker. But you forget that we have a modern invention. They call it a telephone. Maybe you've heard of it, huh?

[Jack Baker]

All right, go on.

[Vic Morgan]

But we're getting nearer the airport. That's fine. We seem to have plenty of connections at the airport. Steve managed to get the ship away without much trouble, didn't he? Well, it seems that Doc has.

[Ann Burton]

Doc? You mean Dr. Tyler.

[Vic Morgan]

One doc is as good as another so far as names are concerned. Gorgeous. Well, Doc phoned the airport and there's a couple of our own boys that will be just tickled it up to meet you when we land. Outside of that. Maybe the police would like to find out that pilot Jack Baker stole the air cat and Joe and I brought it back. Do you like that story?

[Ann Burton]

But everyone knows that Jack didn't. Why you held him captive.

[Vic Morgan]

Ah, they don't know it. Beautiful. All they know is that Baker walked out of the Tyler Sanitarium. Okayed by the doctor. We've taken care of the records so they'll show that.

[Jack Baker]

You boys think of everything, don't you? But we're headed for the Springfield Airport and I think I'll be able to take care of things when we land.

[Joe Tolliver]

Listen mister, by the time we get there things are going to be so hot on account of that new ship of interstates being gone from the hangar that nobody will notice what's happening to you.

[Vic Morgan]

You fool. Can't you keep your trap shut?

[Jack Baker]

The new ship of interstates.

[Vic Morgan]

But they can't.

[Jack Baker]

They couldn't have had the nerve to take that ship right out of the hangar, now.

[Vic Morgan]

Well, seeing the cat's out of the bag anyhow, I might as well tell you that it's gone. What did you think Steve had to leave this aircat for anyway? So you might just as well make a. Hey, what are you trying to do?

[Jack Baker]

I didn't do anything. But that just means that if you want to land anywhere in one piece, you're gonna sit down and sit still. This aircat is a speed ship that doesn't take much to throw it off balance. So stay put.

[Ann Burton]

But, Jack, what did he mean about Interstate's new ship? Does he mean a new ship that your line bought?

[Jack Baker]

They didn't buy this one, Anne. They've been building that ship for the last three months. It's just about the latest thing in air transportation that was just finished yesterday.

[Vic Morgan]

And it hasn't even been tested yet. Which shows you just how good our information is on what goes on at the airport. Well, think it over, Baker. You work for the line. You disappear from the hospital, a new ship is missing. Two of them, in fact. Now, how about flying to Miami?

[Ann Burton]

Jack, you can't do it. You have to take this ship back to the airport and turn these hoodlums over to the police. I don't know how, but you must.

[Joe Tolliver]

I still wish I had a gun. Wouldn't be so hard to talk Tyche to this guy.

[Jack Baker]

I'll have to think this over. But in the meantime, remember what I said about sitting still. Better keep that safety belt passing, too.

[Vic Morgan]

Just don't take too long with your thinking. And while you're doing it, you might turn on the radio. You might run into something interesting.

[Jack Baker]

Might pick up a detective story, huh? That's the Interstate frequency there.

[Radio Dispatcher]

Robert Spiel of all flights. Be on lookout for new Low Wing 4 motor chips stolen from hangar at Springfield, license number N. Hey, turn off that place.

[Vic Morgan]

I marked your place on the dial.

[Ann Burton]

Did you get that number?

[Jack Baker]

Don't need it. I know that ship. Listen.

[Radio Dispatcher]

Ship believed was stolen by Jack Baker, formerly pilot of Interstate Airlines. All flights be on lookout.

[Ann Burton]

Jack, they said that.

[Vic Morgan]

You satisfied now, Baker, I told you the doc knew how to use a telephone. Now turn that dial to that mark. Okay.

[Jack Baker]

I still say that you fellows just think of everything. Even.

[Vic Morgan]

Well, for the love of Mike.

[Ann Burton]

What's the matter, Jerry?

[Jack Baker]

We're just a little southeast of Springfield and there's a radio beam.

[Ann Burton]

Why aren't there radio beams just about everywhere?

[Jack Baker]

There's no beam between Springfield and the Southeast. Not at that frequency.

[Vic Morgan]

You'll learn, Baker. As you say, we Think of just about everything. That beam you're on there will take you right into Miami if you just keep on it. So make up your mind. Okay, fellow, you win.

[Jack Baker]

But maybe I'll think of something you boys have overlooked.

[Vic Morgan]

Not a chance. We think of everything. Now, cut out the see sawing and get on that beam and let's get going. And no funny stuff either. Remember, it's two to one.

[Jack Baker]

Yeah, and don't you forget that it's easy to overbalance a ship. And I might get an idea.

[Vic Morgan]

While you're getting that idea, get this one. If we crash, Gorgeous there crashes with us. Think that over, wise guy.

[Joe Tolliver]

I wish you'd hurry up and make up your mind.

[Jack Baker]

I'm sleepy.

[Vic Morgan]

Just start counting, sheep Joe, as far as you can count. I think Baker's made up his mind. I'm a little sleepy myself. Now, remember what I said, Baker, about no funny stuff and step on it.

[Ann Burton]

Jack, do you think they can hear us back there?

[Jack Baker]

Not with that motor turning over like that. Why?

[Ann Burton]

Well, just what are you going to do? Can't you get back to the Springfield airport?

[Jack Baker]

I think I could, Ann, but I've got a sort of an idea that I might be able to get that.

[Pete (Co-pilot)]

Interstate plane back by just playing along.

[Jack Baker]

With these two fellows.

[Pete (Co-pilot)]

Anyhow, that Doc they talk about.

[Jack Baker]

You don't suppose that could be Doc Tyler, do you?

[Ann Burton]

Oh, I don't honestly know, Jack. Everything seems to point to him, and yet, well, somehow it just doesn't seem possible.

[Jack Baker]

Well, that doesn't make any difference anyway. Right now, what I mean is that this dock has fixed it up so that I'd have a tough time getting straightened out if I did go back to Roberts Field. Now, by the time we got it all straightened out, that interstate ship would be thousands of miles away.

[Ann Burton]

Then what are you going to do?

[Jack Baker]

Just follow this beam right into Miami or wherever it leads. The big ship, as I figure it, will be along pretty shortly afterwards.

[Ann Burton]

Oh, but they wouldn't have nerve enough to take take a stolen ship right into the regular airport, would they?

[Jack Baker]

Hardly. But I figure that if this outfit is big enough to have their own radio system, they'll have their own airport. And that's the spot they'll take the Interstate experimental ship. And I want to be there when it lands.

[Ann Burton]

But can't you radio the Springfield airport and tell them?

[Pete (Co-pilot)]

I wish I could.

[Jack Baker]

But this Aircat doesn't happen to have.

[Pete (Co-pilot)]

A transmitter, just a receiver. If Pete only happened to get away. Say, there's a chance. If Pete happened to stay in hiding.

[Jack Baker]

Until that transport ship was brought over.

[Pete (Co-pilot)]

To the Green Estate.

[Ann Burton]

But why would they take it over there?

[Pete (Co-pilot)]

They'd have to take it somewhere to gas it up. The tanks were practically empty.

[Jack Baker]

That means it'll be nearly morning before.

[Pete (Co-pilot)]

They can get her filled up with hand pumps.

[Jack Baker]

And that'll mean we'll be in Miami way ahead of them.

[Pete (Co-pilot)]

If I can just kick this Aircat hard enough.

[Jack Baker]

This may be dangerous. Are you with me, Ann?

[Ann Burton]

Looks like there's nothing else for me to do. There doesn't seem to be a parachute handy.

[Jack Baker]

You're a swell person, Ann.

[Ann Burton]

Where are we now, Jack?

[Jack Baker]

I've got my bearings right. We're over the northern edge of Florida right now. It'll be dawn in a little while. We should be seeing water.

[Ann Burton]

Do you hear something, Jack? It sounds like another.

[Vic Morgan]

Hey, what's wrong with the motor? You're not trying to say that sounds like another plane?

[Jack Baker]

It is another ship. It seems to be behind us and a little above.

[Vic Morgan]

Probably an airliner. Where are we anyhow?

[Jack Baker]

Just over Florida. That's no airliner. It's a single motor.

[Ann Burton]

But where is it? I can't see his lights anywhere.

[Jack Baker]

They ought to be showing up all right. Boy, that fellow's really moving.

[Joe Tolliver]

Hey, what's the matter? We landing?

[Vic Morgan]

Ah, just another plane. Go on back to sleep.

[Ann Burton]

There he is, Jack. Right over there. And there's not a light on it.

[Jack Baker]

I see him now. Looks like he's trailing us the way he's hanging on.

[Joe Tolliver]

Gee, Vic, you don't suppose it could be the police, do you?

[Vic Morgan]

Police don't run without lights. Go on back to sleep, Jack.

[Ann Burton]

He's right over us and he's heading down.

[Jack Baker]

Say, looks like he's trying to dive right into us. Can't help but see us. Watch it. I'm gonna dive. He crashed right into us. If I hadn't dived inside. Slipped. I wonder what he's.

[Joe Tolliver]

Say, Vic, you don't suppose that it could be the Bull Strothers outfit? They got an airplane now.

[Vic Morgan]

You know Bull Struther's got a plane.

[Joe Tolliver]

Yeah. Doc said he heard he was on the trail of this little bag. Let's watch out that Bull didn't follow us.

[Jack Baker]

That guy's trying to force us down. He's going to dive at us again.

[Vic Morgan]

Baker, you've got to do something.

[Joe Tolliver]

If I only had a Tommy gun, what I'd do to hang on.

[Jack Baker]

All of you. We're diving and diving fast. Just pray that we pull out with the wings on that.

[Narrator]

Two planes screaming through the darkness toward the ground. Will Jack be able to level off in time to prevent a tragedy? And who is this mysterious stranger that is so intent on forcing the air cap to the ground, apparently for possession of that precious little black bag that has had such a sinister effect on the lives of Ann Burton and Jack Baker? The answers will mean more excitement, more thrills when you tune in the next episode of Anne of the Airlines.

[Ann Burton]

Sam.