Ann of the Airlanes - Ann Wants To Be An Air Hostess

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Ann of the Airlanes – Ann Wants To Be An Air Hostess

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Date: March 28, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode immerses listeners in an adventurous narrative set in the golden age of radio drama, following Ann Burton and her companions as they maneuver through intrigue involving diamond smuggling, perilous escapes, and daring rescue plans near the mysterious Everglades. The story balances suspense, camaraderie, and quick-witted resilience as Ann's fate hangs in the air—quite literally—while her friends hatch a plan to retrieve her safely.

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Main Discussion Points & Story Developments

1. Recap and Current Dilemma (02:07–02:57)

• The narrator sets the scene: Ann Burton has parachuted into the Everglades after delivering a secret wavelength to Jack Baker, who is entangled in a diamond smuggling investigation.
• Jack is awaiting gasoline to continue his mission across the Atlantic, while mysterious connections between smugglers and locals unravel.
• Meanwhile, Ann’s whereabouts are unknown, generating anxiety among her friends.

Notable Quote:
"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?" (Narrator, 02:50)

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2. Worried Friends and the Legend of 'Zeb' (02:57–04:54)

• Zebulun Abercrombie, Ms. Jackson, and Mr. Morrison discuss Ann's disappearance. Ms. Jackson expresses nervousness, and Zeb defends his earlier suspicions, explaining his own interest in the smuggling case.
• Zeb reveals his backstory: how he stumbled into a diamond map adventure with a companion named George Ross, survived dangerous escapades in Africa, and narrowly escaped bandits who stole their diamonds.

Notable Quote:
"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 where there's supposed to be a lot of diamonds."
(Zebulun Abercrombie, 04:02)

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3. Tales from Africa and the Diamond Syndicate (04:54–06:56)

• Zeb recounts how the diamonds were in Africa, near the Kimberley mines. The locals, unfamiliar with their value, traded them for trinkets.
• The adventure turns grim as Zeb and George are targeted and robbed by a shadowy figure known as “the Doctor.” George disappears; Zeb vows to solve the mystery and recover both his friend and the stolen fortune.
• Zeb's hints tie the Everglades smuggling operation to the same criminal network from Africa.

Memorable Moment:
"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."
(Zebulun Abercrombie, 07:01)

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4. Forming a Rescue Plan (07:01–08:39)

• The group discusses uniting their efforts. Mr. Morrison suggests Zeb focus on tracking while they provide air transport.
• Suddenly, a radio communication is picked up—a message possibly from Ann, indicating she’s hiding, adding urgency to the rescue efforts.

Key Quote:
"We've been picking up carrier wave from interstate transport for the 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?"
(Radio Operator, 08:23)

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5. Action Plan and Parachute Nerves (08:39–12:00)

• The group deduces Ann is likely hiding near the airship hangar; a plan is formed for Zeb to parachute in (despite his reservations and comic misunderstanding about how parachutes work).
• As tension builds, the team confirms details with their radio operator and scramble to prep Zeb for a parachute drop near the landing field.

Comic Relief:
"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."
(Zebulun Abercrombie, 11:14)

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6. Race Against Time (12:00–12:57)

• The radio brings new intelligence: the smugglers’ plane will depart in thirty minutes. Ms. Jackson, Mr. Morrison, and Zeb must act fast.
• Zeb finalizes his plan: he’ll parachute near the shed, search for Ann, and rendezvous with the others.

Pivotal Quote:
"Will Zeb make his way to the secret landing field in time to lead Ann 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."
(Narrator, 12:57)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ms. Jackson’s Anxiety:
  "I suppose I should be very calm and collected, but frankly I'm nervous as a cat." (Ms. Jackson, 03:18)
• Zeb’s Grit:
  "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." (Zebulun Abercrombie, 09:42)
• On The Signal Drums:
  "You know, those signal drums are almost as good as white man's radio." (Mr. Morrison, 05:53)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:07] – Episode introduction and recap
• [04:02] – Zeb’s diamond map origin story
• [05:35] – Encounter with “the Doctor” in Africa
• [07:27] – Friends agree to join forces
• [08:13] – Radio message about Ann’s possible situation
• [09:37] – Zeb volunteers for parachute jump
• [11:14] – Zeb’s comic parachute confusion
• [12:00] – More radio intelligence and urgency
• [12:57] – Cliffhanger narration wrapping the episode

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Tone & Atmosphere

The drama is characterized by classic radio suspense—urgent, earnest, and punctuated with light-hearted exchanges. Zeb’s rural wit and unpretentious calm add humor to the tension, while the respect and care among the characters reinforce the episode’s sense of camaraderie and daring adventure.

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Conclusion

This chapter of “Ann of the Airlanes” expertly blends suspenseful plotting, adventurous backstory, and dynamic teamwork. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with the audience awaiting the next update on Ann’s fate and Zeb’s parachuting heroics.

Listeners are left eager for the next nerve-tingling installment and the promise of golden-age storytelling at its finest.

Transcript

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[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 Ann would be able to find a 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 em.

[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 that 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. Zev. 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]

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 where 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. No, these diamonds were in a place in Africa just a little ways from where the Kimberly 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 fort 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 liked the 10 cent store jewelry. We took them lots better.

[Ms. Jackson]

Just 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 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 are 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. And the first thing that I'd suggest would be.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Listen.

[Ms. Jackson]

What is it? Did you hear something coming?

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Oh, somebody talking, kind of fur away

[Mr. Morrison]

like 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. Morrison answering D12. Come in, D12.

[Radio 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.

[Radio Operator]

We've been picking up carrier wave from interstate transport for the 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?

[Radio Operator]

Not a sound except the carrier wave.

[Mr. Morrison]

Have you cross checked the position of the transport?

[Radio 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

[Radio Operator]

to pick her up.

[Mr. Morrison]

I'll call you back in a few minutes.

[Radio Operator]

Okay, Morrison. Good luck.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Thanks.

[Mr. Morrison]

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]

But 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. And from the place that radio man gives, he ain't safer 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 about Ann. Well, that one had me stumped.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Well, it ain't got me stumped. That is, if we got one of them fancy bumber 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. Just who's gonna do?

[Ms. Jackson]

I am.

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

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?

[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, Radios, 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]

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?

[Mr. Morrison]

Yes, 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. 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 Stay. 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.

[Radio Operator]

Account D12 calling Morrison. D12 calling Morrison.

[Ms. Jackson]

The radio again. Maybe Jack sensed something about AD Morrison answering.

[Mr. Morrison]

D12. Come in D12.

[Radio 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 Ann can stay in hiding that long.

[Mr. Morrison]

Did you check reply D12?

[Radio Operator]

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

[Zebulun Abercrombie]

Fine.

[Mr. Morrison]

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.

[Radio 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]

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 Ann to safety from her hiding place in the ship? Or will Anne 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.

[Ms. Jackson]

It.

[Bleacher Report Announcer]

The Bleacher Report app is your destination for sports right now. The NBA is heating up, March Madness is here and MLB is almost back. Every day there's a new headline, a new highlight, a new moment you've got to see for yourself. That's why I stay locked in with the Bleacher Report app. For me, it's about staying connected to my sports. I can follow the teams I care about. Get real time scores, breaking news and highlights all in one place. Download the Bleacher Airport app today so you never miss a moment.

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