Ann of the Airlanes 35-xx-xx (07) Ann Wants To Be An Air Hostess

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Ann of the Airlanes 35-xx-xx (07) Ann Wants To Be An Air Hostess
Release Date: February 16, 2025

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Introduction

In this thrilling seventh installment of the Ann of the Airlanes series, listeners are plunged deeper into the adventurous escapades of Ann Burton and Jack Baker. Titled "Ann Wants To Be An Air Hostess," the episode masterfully weaves suspense, intrigue, and heroic endeavors set against the backdrop of the mysterious Florida Everglades and the skies above. Hosted by Harolds Old Time Radio, this episode captures the essence of the Golden Age of Radio, delivering an engaging narrative filled with memorable characters and riveting plot twists.

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Plot Overview

Opening Scene ([00:10] - [01:37])

The episode commences with a poetic narration by Zebulun Abercrombie:

“Over valley and mountain, river and plain, through wind and storm, rides Anne of the air vein.” ([00:10])

This sets the adventurous tone as we follow Ann Burton, who, after parachuting into the uncharted Florida Everglades to deliver a secret wavelength to Jack Baker, struggles to return to the emergency landing field near Miami. Simultaneously, Jack grapples with a diamond smuggling ring from Africa while collaborating with government secret services.

Emergency Landing Field Tensions ([02:27] - [05:04])

At the Miami emergency field, characters Zebulun Abercrombie, Ms. Jackson, and Mr. Morrison discuss Ann's whereabouts amidst rising tensions:

Ms. Jackson expresses her anxiety:
“I suppose I should be very calm and collected, but frankly, I'm nervous as a cat.” ([02:48])

Zebulun reveals his distrust of the group, suspecting their involvement with smugglers:

Zebulun: “I'm sorry about that, Ms. Jackson, but I thought you folks was hooked up with them smugglers...” ([02:57])

A pivotal revelation occurs when Zebulun shares his past adventures with George Ross, uncovering a diamond mine in Africa:

Zebulun recounts:
“...me and George Ross got hold of a map from an old sailor... it showed the place wherever there's supposed to be a lot of diamonds.” ([03:32])

This backstory introduces the central conflict involving stolen diamonds and sets the stage for the impending confrontation.

Threat from the Diamond Syndicate ([05:04] - [07:04])

Zebulun details how their diamond discovery led to conflict with native tribes and the cunning theft of their fortune by a rival named "the Doctor." This betrayal forces Zebulun back to the States, seeking justice and recovery of the diamonds:

Zebulun explains the betrayal:
“...they beat me to it. Cleaned out everything, slick as a whistle.” ([05:41])

As tensions mount, Zebulun offers to join forces with Morrison and the group to combat the smuggling syndicate, emphasizing his expertise in tracking:

Mr. Morrison proposes cooperation:
“Why don't we join forces in this thing?” ([06:49])

Zebulun agrees, outlining a daring plan to infiltrate the smugglers' operations using a parachute:

Zebulun:
“I am. By cracky, if that snip of a girl had nerve enough to jump out of an airship...” ([09:07])

Radio Communications and Strategic Planning ([07:04] - [12:10])

The group receives critical intelligence through radio communications. Mr. Morrison engages in a tense exchange with the D12 operator, uncovering that Ann Burton may be forced to hide aboard a smuggler's ship:

D12 Operator:
“They called TS and said they were taking off in half an hour.” ([07:37])

This revelation heightens the urgency to locate and rescue Ann before the smugglers can escape. The team strategizes to use an airship and parachute to intercept Ann and thwart the syndicate's plans.

Preparation for the Rescue Mission ([09:26] - [12:16])

Zebulun takes charge of the parachute operation, showcasing his determination and resourcefulness:

Zebulun humorously remarks about the parachute assembly:
“I must have got this thing on upside down... hangs down like a kind of an in gate on a wagon.” ([09:26])

As the team prepares for takeoff, the tension builds with the imminent departure of the smugglers’ transport:

Mr. Morrison announces:
“We're taking off now to see if we can locate Ms. Burton.” ([11:51])

The episode culminates with Zebulun securing the parachute and the team launching their daring rescue mission, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the outcome.

Notable Quotes

• Zebulun Abercrombie ([02:32]):
  “Oh, I'm sure that Anne would be able to find a phone or some way of letting us know.”

• Ms. Jackson ([03:18]):
  “I'll admit I was pretty sleepy, but my feminine curiosity is burning to know all about it.”

• Zebulun Abercrombie ([03:32]):
  “Of course, Zeb. Aunt Hattie has certainly been a great help to us so far.”

• Mr. Morrison ([05:23]):
  “You know, those signal drums are almost as good as white man's radio.”

• Ms. Jackson ([06:31]):
  “My, my, it all sounds like something out of a book. Oh, please go on, Mr. Depp.”

• Zebulun Abercrombie ([09:07]):
  “...I guess Zebulun Abercrombie Esq. Can do it too.”

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Character Dynamics and Development

Ann Burton:
Ann remains a central figure, embodying courage and resilience. Her determination to return safely from her perilous mission highlights her as a quintessential heroine of the era.

Zebulun Abercrombie:
Introduced as a resourceful and slightly rough-around-the-edges adventurer, Zebulun adds depth to the narrative. His backstory with George Ross and knowledge of the diamond syndicate positions him as a crucial ally in the rescue mission.

Mr. Morrison and Ms. Jackson:
As supporting characters, they exhibit a blend of anxiety and strategic thinking. Their interactions with Zebulun reveal underlying tensions and the complexities of working with dubious allies.

Jack Baker:
Although not directly featured in this episode, Jack's involvement with the diamond smuggling scheme and collaboration with government secret services hints at his internal conflict and potential redemption arc.

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Themes and Insights

Trust and Betrayal:
The episode delves into themes of trust, especially with the revelation of the betrayal by "the Doctor" and Zebulun's initial distrust of Morrison and Ms. Jackson. This tension underscores the challenges of alliances in high-stakes adventures.

Adventure and Resourcefulness:
Ann's parachuting into the Everglades and Zebulun's daring rescue plan highlight the adventurous spirit and the ingenuity required to navigate perilous situations.

Good vs. Evil:
The clash between the protagonists and the diamond syndicate encapsulates the classic battle between good and evil, a staple of Golden Age radio dramas.

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Cliffhanger and Conclusion

The episode concludes on a suspenseful note as the team embarks on their high-risk rescue mission. The narrator poses critical questions, leaving listeners eager for the next chapter:

“Will Zeb make his way to the secret landing field in time to lead Anne to safety from her hiding place in the ship? Or will Ann be discovered by the two gangsters before the start is made?” ([12:27])

This cliffhanger effectively sets the stage for future episodes, maintaining engagement and anticipation.

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Final Thoughts

"Ann of the Airlanes 35-xx-xx (07) Ann Wants To Be An Air Hostess" is a captivating episode that skillfully blends adventure, suspense, and character-driven storytelling. Through dynamic dialogue, rich backstories, and strategic plot developments, Harolds Old Time Radio delivers an immersive experience reminiscent of the Golden Age of Radio. Whether you're a long-time fan or a new listener, this episode promises to keep you hooked, eager to follow Ann Burton's daring journey through treacherous skies and shadowy conspiracies.

Transcript

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Over valley and mountain, river and plain, through wind and storm, rides Anne of the air vein.

[Narrator]

Ann Burton, after delivering a secret wavelength to Jack Baker by parachuting down to the uncharted airport in the heart of the Florida Everglades, has attempted to find her way back to the emergency landing field near Miami. Meanwhile, Jack, apparently falling in with a scheme to smuggle diamonds from Africa, is assisting the government secret service in gathering information on the illicit diamond syndicate. Arrangements have been made for gasoline with which to fly the Atlantic Ocean. And as Jack waits for this gas, Joe mentions the name of a man, evidently a native that he met who called himself Zeb. At the mention of the name, Vic grows excited and speeds the preparations for the takeoff. Meanwhile, a native armed with a rifle has taken Aunt Hattie and Aunt Morrison into custody. Could it be the same man that Joe met? And if so, what connection has he with the smuggling ring? And what of Ann Burton? Will she appear at the emergency field? Suppose we look in at the emergency field near Miami.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Listen. No, sir, I didn't see hiding her hair of her anywhere.

[Ms. Jackson]

Oh, I'm sure that Anne would be able to find a phone or some way of letting us know.

[Mr. Morrison]

Well, I think Ann either hid herself to wait for darkness or she's making pretty slow progress. Unless.

[Ms. Jackson]

Unless? Unless what, Mr. Morrison?

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

I reckon he means unless she got tangled up in them Everglades. And it ain't no trick at all to do that, especially when you don't know them.

[Ms. Jackson]

I suppose I should be very calm and collected, but frankly, I'm nervous as a cat. And you with that rifle last night, well, it wasn't exactly a sedative to my nerves.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

I'm sorry about that, Ms. Jackson, but I thought you folks was hooked up with them smugglers, and I wasn't taking no chances.

[Ms. Jackson]

Oh, one could see that perfectly. But I still can't see why you're interested in these smuggling people, Mr. Zeb. Surely you're not connected with the government, too.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Well, no, except that I'm a citizen of it. I guess you must have been sort of dozing when I told Morrison about it last night.

[Ms. Jackson]

Well, I'll admit I was pretty sleepy, but my feminine curiosity is burning to know all about it.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

You're sure it's all right to tell her the whole thing, Mr. Morrison?

[Mr. Morrison]

Oh, of course, Zeb. Aunt Hattie has certainly been a great help to us so far. And I'm sure your story might clear up a lot of things.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Well, there ain't a whole lot to tell, Mom. As Morrison knows, I Used to live here in Florida a few years back. And then me and another fella named George Ross got hold of a map from an old sailor while we was down at Key west one time. It showed the place wherever there's supposed to be a lot of diamonds.

[Ms. Jackson]

You mean here in Florida?

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

No, Mom. George would probably have been here today if it had been. No, these diamonds were in a place in Africa just a little ways from where the Kimberley mines are. But where nobody ever thought of looking for diamonds before.

[Mr. Morrison]

You never told me, Zeb, where the sailor got the map in the first place.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

I know it because I don't know. You just don't ask sailors where they get things like that. I did him a good turn and he give me the map because he said he was too old to have a try at it himself.

[Ms. Jackson]

But surely he could have sold an interest in the map.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Yes'm. And I was gonna give him part of whatever me and George found. Except that he died before we even left Key West. So us two, me and George, we get jobs on cattle boats to Cape Town. And from there we sort of fought our way through the jungle. Part of the time fighting the wild animals and part of the time with the savages.

[Ms. Jackson]

But you found the place?

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Yes'm. Just like the map showed. The natives had been using the stones for sort of decorations for years. Only they like the 10 cent store jewelry. We took them lots better.

[Ms. Jackson]

Yes, think of that. Not knowing the value of real diamonds.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Well, to tell you the truth, mom, from the standpoint of decoration, the glass looked lots better. But that's the only thing the natives was looking for. So by trading them the stuff they wanted, we got along with them pretty.

[Ms. Jackson]

Good with whatever possessed you to leave there with a fortune in your hand.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Well, now, I was coming to that. One day after George and me got together what we thought was enough to last any man a lifetime, one of the natives come running up and told us that they was white men in the neighborhood. And the signal drums had sent out the word that the strangers were kind of low down and no good and that they'd been asking for two Americans and a diamond mine.

[Mr. Morrison]

You know, those signal drums are almost as good as white man's radio.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Better nobody understand them except those that they're supposed to. Well, I decided to leave George on guard at the mine and go to the native village and have a talk with the chief and see who these fellows were. But I get to the village and it's deserted.

[Ms. Jackson]

You mean the natives had run away?

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Well, them as didn't run, Never would run again. Place looked like a cyclone had struck it. So I went back to our camp just as fast as I could. And, well, they beat me to it. Cleaned out everything, slick as a whistle. Diamonds, supplies, everything. But your friend George, never saw hide nor hair of him, not a trace. But tacked on a tree was a note saying that this was just a warning that they would take care of the mine from now on. And it was signed, the Doctor. Well, I couldn't stay there with no supplies, so I made my way back to the coast. Then I decided to come to the States and see if I couldn't run down the dock and maybe get back some of the diamonds he'd robbed me of and see if I couldn't get some wind of George.

[Ms. Jackson]

My, my, it all sounds like something out of a book. Oh, please go on, Mr. Depp.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Well, I got a sort of a hint that they was operating out of the Everglades with airplanes. And I've been here for the last few weeks trying to find one of them. I thought sure I had them dead to rights when I come upon you two last night.

[Ms. Jackson]

Well, Mr. Zeb, now that you know it really was Doc's gang that you missed and you know where they are, just what do you think you can do about it?

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Well, now, Ms. Jackson, you. You sort of got me there, Zeb.

[Mr. Morrison]

I've been sort of thinking things over. Why don't we join forces in this thing?

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Well, sir, I. I was just sort of hoping that you'd mention something like that. Only I don't think I'd be much use in one of them airships.

[Mr. Morrison]

Now, you just leave the airship business up to us and you take care of the tracking job, which is far more important. Now, the first thing that I suggest would be listen.

[Ms. Jackson]

What is it? Did you hear something coming?

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Oh, talking kind of fur away like.

[Mr. Morrison]

I don't seem to. Yes. Oh, I get it. It's the radio. I turn the receiver on every now and then, much as I hate to use the battery. But just in case we get a call and it looks like we have a bite, I'll see if it is. Well, I hate to use the battery this way, but here it goes. Need a little volume, I guess.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

D12 calling Morrison.

[D12 Operator]

D12 calling Morrison.

[Mr. Morrison]

Morrison answering. D12. Come in, D12.

[D12 Operator]

Where are you? Morrison. Can you give us your exact position?

[Mr. Morrison]

Can't give you exact latitude and longitude, but let's see. I'm about 14 miles northwest of Miami. As I make it close enough, we've.

[D12 Operator]

Been picking up carrier wave from interstate transport for last two hours. But no voice until short time ago. Then heard sound like stumbling over something in woman's voice saying I must hide quick. But where? What do you make of it?

[Mr. Morrison]

Sounds like Ann Burton's been forced to hide in the ship. But you didn't hear Baker?

[D12 Operator]

Not a sound except the carrier wave.

[Mr. Morrison]

Have you cross checked the position of the transport?

[D12 Operator]

Our check shows it must be about 40 miles north northwest of you. What are your plans?

[Mr. Morrison]

We're still waiting for Ann Burton to show up here. We may have to chance a flight to pick her up. I'll call you back in a few minutes.

[D12 Operator]

Okay, Morrison. Good luck.

[Mr. Morrison]

Thanks. D12.

[Ms. Jackson]

You don't suppose those two gangsters have discovered Ann, do you, Mr. Art?

[Mr. Morrison]

Well, from what D12 heard, it doesn't sound like it. But it's sure that she hasn't found any way to get away from that secret airport.

[Ms. Jackson]

We have to do something.

[Mr. Morrison]

Well, of course we don't know just how long it'll be before they can get that ship gassed up for the ocean flight, but they probably have a supply of gas not far away.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Yes, there's a sort of a renegade ship's outfitter runs in gas for these fellows. And from the place that radio man gives, he ain't so far away. But what? They could have a lot of gasoline in that airship by this time.

[Ms. Jackson]

Then that means they might be starting out right now.

[Mr. Morrison]

Well, once they start out, that'll give Jack a chance to contact our headquarters because Vic and Joe won't be able to hear what he says or what he hears through the earphones.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

What about Ann?

[Mr. Morrison]

Well, that one has me stumped.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Well, it ain't got me stumped. That is, if we got one of them fancy bumba chutes that them flyers used to come down in.

[Mr. Morrison]

You mean a parachute? Say, there's a couple of them packed in the back. But just who's going to do that?

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

I am. By cracky, if that snip of a girl had nerve enough to jump over out of an airship and trust a couple of yards of goods to keep her from breaking her neck. I guess Zebulun Abercrombie Esq. Can do it too. All you have to do is show me how to make the thing bust open at the right time.

[Ms. Jackson]

But I don't understand just what you intend to do when you get there. If Ann couldn't get back, how do you think it.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Now, here's what I figure. I'll jump out of this thing Somewhere near this landing field. But you gotta fly over it so's I'll know because I sure missed it while I was prowling around down there. But you fly pretty close. But not close enough to give them a hint. If they ain't left with that big ship yet, then I'll find my way to where they keep the airship.

[Mr. Morrison]

But I still don't see how you intend to locate Ann.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Well, after hearing what that radio man said, I get it like this. That girl ain't been able to find the road, or else she's afraid to get out on it for fear of being seen as long as them two crooks are still there. So she comes back to the only place she knows that she can hide, which is the shed where the airship is. Somebody must have been coming pretty close to the shed when she talked into that radio. So she just slipped into the airship until they left. Well, she's bound to be close to that shed. I'll find her. We'll bring her back to that little settlement. Then I guess I can hire that Jasper fellow with a speedboat to bring us down the canal.

[Mr. Morrison]

Well, then, as I get it, Zeb, after we drop you, we come back here and wait for you to bring Ann back, is that it?

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

That's right, Art. And once we get all of us together, maybe we can find some way to get to Africa.

[Mr. Morrison]

Hmm? Well, first, let's see about that chute. Oh, yeah, here it is. Now, Zeb, we better get you into it before we start the motors.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Get into it? Yes.

[Mr. Morrison]

I'm afraid you'll really have to get into one of those things, Zeb.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Okay. I reckon I ain't as young as I used to be. That strap ought to go over there right there. And this one there. That's it. Yeah. Say, I must have got this thing on upside down. I thought it ought to fit right over my shoulder blades. Instead of that, it hangs down like a kind of an in gate on a wagon.

[Mr. Morrison]

It's all right, Zeb. Now, when you get ready to jump.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

You mean I've got to stand up all the way to wherever it is we're heading for?

[Mr. Morrison]

Have to stand? Oh, I see what you mean. No, no, you just sit right down on the chute just like it was a cushion. That's the way they're built. Well, when you get ready to jump, all you have to do is to fall out, face forward, and then count 10 and pull this ring. And I mean really pull it.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

And don't worry about me pulling that. When I Kind of want to put on the brakes. Only thing is, I might want to sort of slow up a little while I count.

[D12 Operator]

D12 calling Morrison. D12 calling Morrison.

[Ms. Jackson]

The radio again? Maybe Jack said something about Ann Morrison answering.

[Mr. Morrison]

D12. Come in D12.

[D12 Operator]

Interstate transmitter switched from our wavelength to lower band. They called TS and said they were taking off in half an hour.

[Ms. Jackson]

A half hour? If Anne can stay in hiding that long.

[Mr. Morrison]

Did you check reply D12?

[D12 Operator]

No reply as yet. But we are waiting with four receivers tuned to frequency to get location through crosscheck.

[Mr. Morrison]

Fine. We're taking off now to see if we can locate Ms. Burton. She's probably around hangar. If transporters left, we might take a chance on using their Runway. Signing off.

[D12 Operator]

We'll wait for your call. Good luck. Morrison signing off.

[Ms. Jackson]

But suppose that Ann is still somewhere on the transport. What can we do then?

[Mr. Morrison]

Well, that's just one of the chances we'll have to take. But I hardly think that you'd be able to hide until they take off without some of them seeing us.

[Ms. Jackson]

Well, I think we'd better start. Every minute might count.

[Mr. Morrison]

Okay, here goes the motor.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Getting kind of anxious to get there myself. I just want to see if this here drawstring is really going to work.

[Narrator]

Will Zeb make his way to the secret landing field in time to lead Anne to safety from her hiding place in the ship? Or will Ann be discovered by the two gangsters before the start is made? Time alone will tell, so don't miss the next nerve tingling chapter of Anne of the Airlines.