Beyond Midnight - The Honeymooners aka Honeymoon

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Beyond Midnight – The Honeymooners (aka Honeymoon)
Date: March 12, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Source: [Golden Age of Radio Dramas: Supernatural Mystery]

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Overview

This episode of "Harold's Old Time Radio" features an atmospheric broadcast from the South African radio drama series Beyond Midnight, specifically the episode "The Honeymooners" (sometimes titled "Honeymoon"). Set against the backdrop of wartime Britain, this story weaves psychological suspense and supernatural intrigue, following the unsettling events surrounding a soldier, his sister, and a mysterious fellow officer, culminating in an ambiguous and haunting mystery after a sudden disappearance on a honeymoon.

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Key Discussion & Story Points

1. Wartime Train Ride and Introduction of Characters

• Setting the Scene (00:32 – 03:00)

  • Opens aboard a late-night, blackout train during WWII, establishing a tense, isolated atmosphere.
  • Narrator (Alec) and Major Peter Buckle, fellow officers, share a compartment in virtual silence.
  • Notable setting details suggest the psychological strain of war:

    "Above each of our seats was a notice which stated 'idle chatter helps Hitler'. But that wasn't why our conversation was so sporadic." (00:32)

• Arrival and Family Reunion (08:44 – 09:54)

  • Alec’s sister Angela greets the men at Edinburgh.
  • Angela’s presence is described with complexity and foreshadowing:

    "Everything about Angela was a compromise. Her looks were striking. She wished to be the center of attraction. And yet she dressed so demurely..." (08:44)

2. Developing Relationships

• Angela’s Joy and Hospitality (10:10 – 12:29)

  • Angela thrives in her new role as hostess, showing delight in caring for the visiting Major Buckle.
  • The three establish a routine of idle, comforting domesticity amidst the war:

    "Her cheeks shone, her hair took on a luster I'd never seen before... She planned picnics, fresh fruit salads. War, you never thought there was a war. To Angela, there was no war." (11:08 – 11:34)

  • Subtle hints of a growing connection or tension between Angela and Buckle become apparent, culminating in Angela beginning to kiss Buckle goodnight.
  • "By the end of a fortnight, there seemed to be some sort of understanding between them. It wasn't love. It looked dangerously like the imminence of marriage though." (12:29)

• Proposal and Marriage (13:49 – 14:46)

  • The war's surreal pace leads to impulsive actions:

    Major Buckle: “Angela, will you marry me?” (14:06)
    Angela: “It's all right. You want me to?” (14:11)

  • They marry two days later, with the narrator as witness and Angela behaving seriously amid others’ levity.

3. Honeymoon and the Mysterious Disappearance

• Honeymoon Trio (16:56 – 17:56)

  • In a twist, Alec is invited to join the newlyweds on their honeymoon in Brighton.
  • The next morning, Angela cannot find her new husband.

• Angela’s Dream (18:13)

  • Angela recounts a bizarre, disturbing dream involving frantic hunting on a giraffe with burning trees—a foreshadowing of coming unease.

• Search for Buckle (19:04 – 20:04)

  • Buckle cannot be found anywhere; hotel staff know nothing.
  • Alec suggests perhaps he was called away by military business, but Angela is unconvinced.
  • The breakfast/dining room scene highlights growing anxiety and hints at social awkwardness:

    “That fool of a porter thinks we're having an affair. You'll find your husband will come and catch us red handed... What the devil can he be?” (19:40)

4. Descent into Mystery and Revelation

• Visit to the War Office (21:04 – 21:54)

  • Alec and Angela go to the War Office to inquire officially about Buckle’s whereabouts.
  • Colonel delivers a dark, philosophical monologue about the psychology of war and personal loss:

    "Wars are not caused by economics, not at all... War alone releases our personal relationships. It's not a necessary evil, but a necessary pleasure... It is personal sorrow... which is so unbearable. It's a burden we would put down, and though a million men fall with it." (21:54 – 23:49)

• Shocking News (24:16 – 25:16)

  • Colonel reveals Major Buckle died six months earlier in a mine explosion, witnessed and confirmed.
  • Tension rises as the possibility of an imposter or something stranger is raised.
  • Key exchange:

    “The man whom you married yesterday must have been an imposter masquerading as Major Buckle.” (24:35)
    “No, I'm sure he was genuine. I'd have spotted it if he wasn't.” (24:40)

• Photographic Evidence (25:35 – 26:24)

  • Angela and Alec hand over undeveloped film from their time with Buckle.
  • When developed, the photos show:

    “There were six photographs of me, but there was no trace of any figure, however dim, standing beside me.” (26:24 – 27:09)

  • The implication is inescapably supernatural—a 'ghost' marriage or vanished reality.

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Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On wartime psychology:

  "War's a ruddy bore. Made up with steps. If you know where to stay in Edinburgh, my sister and I would be awfully pleased to put you out." (03:50)

• On the nature of war and personal relationships:

  "Personal sorrow, not grief for another, but a lack in our own life which is so unbearable. It's a burden we would put down, and though a million men fall with it..." (23:20)

• On the supernatural climax:

  "There were six photographs of me, but there was no trace of any figure, however dim, standing beside me." (26:24)

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Key Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------| | 00:32 | Dark, atmospheric introduction on the late train | | 08:44 | Angela greets Alec and Buckle in Edinburgh | | 11:08 | Domestic bliss: Angela flourishes as hostess | | 12:29 | Subtle romance emerges | | 14:06 | Proposal by Major Buckle | | 16:56 | Trio departs for Brighton honeymoon | | 18:13 | Angela's haunting dream | | 19:04 | Search for the missing Buckle | | 21:04 | Visit to the War Office and philosophical reflection | | 24:16 | Revelation: Major Buckle is listed as dead | | 26:24 | Developed photos reveal shocking supernatural truth |

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Tone & Style

• The episode maintains a tone of wistful nostalgia, edged with mounting psychological tension and surreal unease.
• Dialogue is clipped, understated, in keeping with British wartime restraint, yet laden with subtext and eventual horror.

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Conclusion

This "Beyond Midnight" broadcast explores the porous boundaries between reality and the supernatural, using the context of war to amplify themes of loss, memory, and the unseen. In its haunting final twist—framed by both personal and global turmoil—it leaves listeners with enduring questions about what truly unfolded, rendering the ordinary extraordinary and unsettling.

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Transcript

[A]

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[B]

It's half past 19. The Flying Scotsman was two hours late. That used to happen frequently during the war, especially when the Heinkel's been over during the night. The train was blacked out. The nights were dim. I was sharing a compartment with another officer, major of about 35. He was reading the Idiot. He smoked continuously. We spoke hardly at all, just a word or two now and again. Above each of our seats was a notice which stated idle chatter helps Hitler. But that wasn't why our conversation was so sporadic. He just had no curiosity about one another, that's all. I was going to Edinburgh where my sister kept hers for me. Perfect bore carrying these blasty gas masks around, isn't it? I had just endured nine hours in a crowded troop ship till I knew then he might have undergone a similar experience. He said not another word for more than an hour. My watch showed me it was beyond midnight. Biotech the New Soak and Pre Wash Powder Presents Beyond Midnight by Michael McKay I received a letter from Mrs. Brookvites of Spoon Street Lakeside, Cape Town during the week and she wrote to me about biotechs. She said my daughter's gym tunic was very badly stained with the result she would not wear it. I decided to try Biotex, which you advertise, and I soaked the garment for a few hours and much to my amazement, the stains disappeared. I've spoken about this product to my friends who are now using Biotex and I'd like to say a big thank you for making this product available to us. Well, as I've been saying for a little while, Mrs. Brookvites and you other ladies, Biotex is absolutely marvelous when it comes to helping get rid of those very stubborn stains. I've kept on emphasizing that you let soaking do your washing and you will notice that these stains just vanish by using Biotex, maybe by soaking overnight or for a couple of hours in warm water or pre washing in your washing machine. It is spelled B I O T E X. We're starting signals. I suppose this will make us later than ever. Where are we? Heaven knows the end of the world. Yes, I think it is the end of the world. I recognize it. Doncaster, I think. Should be 80 miles. Rough, isn't it? Catching a train that's half a day late when you've only got two weeks leave. Been overseas? Singapore. Tough. My regiment had retreated for four months through the Malayan jungle, only to be practically annihilated at the docks of Singapore. I was the only officer left alive, but one didn't talk shop in those days, so he said no more about the war. Seen any good shows in London? Vatican's play wasn't bad, but that came off months ago. Did it? Try buzzard. Does it? Oh. Oh, I see what you mean. Yes. Time drags on the train. I think we both went to sleep then. I remember I dreamt of cups of tea. Seems so long since I'd had a cup of hot tea. We just passed through Peebles, which had been in about half an hour. Do you live in Edinburgh, too? No, but I used to. That's why I'm going there. You mean you live just outside the city? No, no, I don't live anywhere, man. War's a ruddy bore. Made up with steps. If you know where to stay in Edinburgh, my sister and I would be awfully pleased to put you out. Oh, thanks very much. I should be glad of your hospitality for a night or two. Of course. Your wife. No, no, I'm alone. I'm not Marri. Angela was waiting for me at Edinburgh. She's wearing a rather chic hat and the severity of her tweeds contradicted it somehow. Everything about Angela was a compromise. Her looks were striking. She wished to be the center of attraction. And yet she dressed so demurely that you would pass her without a second glance. She always had good legs, and yet the heavy brogue she always wore ruined the effects of the sheerest silk stockings. Her eyes were pretty. There was her mouth, but her chin was too heavy. Nature seemed to have thought of it over her. I always thought she always had a good chest. It seemed to embarrass her because she was always determined to flatten it, like they used to in the twenties. She never quite succeeded. Here, nature fought back. Major Buckle noticed her at once. Couldn't take his eyes over.

[A]

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[B]

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[C]

Ellie.

[B]

Oh.

[C]

Oh, darling, how good to see you.

[B]

This is Major Buckle. Major Peter Buckle. I've invited him to stay this while with us.

[C]

Hello. Nice to meet you.

[B]

Hello. By the time we reached the ticket barrier, I knew that Buckle wanted to get a lot closer to an my sister and the two and a half feet apart of your handshake. I remember thinking lately that it would be nice if they could get together. Perhaps Angela had only had me to look after for such a long time. But I didn't dwell on this. It was wartime. And you don't think very seriously about anything in the future. Not in wartime. But it is very strange to think back to the events of those days. The events and their fantastic conclusion. If only I'd had the slightest idea of what was to happen, I could have spoken to Buckle. Perhaps. But I'm jumping the gut. The next few days after the arrival at Edinburgh were, I think, the happiest in Angela's life.

[C]

Breakfast? Alex darlington?

[B]

No.

[C]

Morning, Peter. Sleep well?

[B]

Like a top breakfast.

[C]

Eggs? Three and a half, just like you said. And then I got the mixed up with Alex since he's a four minute man. I'll just hop into the bath while you eat.

[B]

Want me to scrub your back. Today?

[C]

We have a picnic. Oh, it's not having two men to f over. It's John. Well right that they should have breakfast in bed, poor darling. Leave is so short. I haven't felt so useful since father died.

[B]

Her cheeks shone, her hair took on a luster I'd never seen before. She was up at dawn each day, riding shirts, making sandwiches. The presence of a guest. Her escape for an excuse for any luxury. She planned picnics, fresh fruit salads. War. You never thought there was a war? To Angela, there was no war.

[C]

I'll sling this sponge at you, Alex, if you wince. Your razor in my bar. It's a filthy trick, Love. Hot water. Alex, no.

[B]

Always Winston. Razor in the bath. Habits mustn't break habits. It's more time.

[C]

Alex. Do you like him?

[B]

Him insane.

[C]

They seem to get on so well together. I can hardly believe that you only met him on a train three Days ago. I hardly know a thing about him.

[B]

You need to.

[C]

No, not as you like it.

[B]

We passed the next few days very idling without plan or purpose. Picnics during the day. How cold the evening. Evening I explained the plot of the play I was going to write. Angela after two whiskers said it was brilliant. He was very happy. Peter Buckle didn't talk much. He seemed to have attached himself to me. Listened attentively, sometimes embarrassingly to all I had to say because of Angela's fondness for me. She naturally became very warm towards Peter. I don't think he attracted her physically. He was too vague, nebulous and undefined. A person that have any feeling was as precise as that. But I noticed on the fourth night when Angela kissed me good night, she kissed Buckle as well. Since he happened to be sitting beside me by the end of a fortnight there seemed to be some sort of understanding between them. It wasn't love. It looked dangerously like the imminence of marriage though. Listen, John, you know, met a chap the other day who believes this boy will go on till 1950 and then it's going to end him a stalemate

[C]

and Lord would be an awful waste of time then, won't you? Oh, look, poor Alec. Asleep already.

[B]

Well, that's a good idea.

[C]

Oh yes.

[B]

Angela, will you marry me?

[C]

It's all right. You want me to?

[B]

Thanks.

[C]

It's not a funny place to be closed. Isn't it? Lying down in a tube station?

[B]

Yes, I suppose it is really

[C]

most pretending to do with lying down. The English are awful. Truth. They're both a horizontal. They're very daring. I mean look at them in parks and then. Oh yes. It would be nice to be married. When shall we do it?

[B]

When? Oh, Mary. In a couple of days. They were joined in holy wedlock two days later by special license at Caxton Hall. I gave her away and buckled received her. We were both slightly hilarious and a little drunk. Only Angela was serious whatsoever. And now the whole thing moved swiftly towards its odd and I must admit rather frightening climax. For the man who knows how to handle his car. Johnson's Rally the new car wax with the detergent poop formula won't wash off. Its detergent resistant rally gives sure wax protection that's deep and long lasting. And the finish is fast. Very fast. Johnson's Rally car wax in liquid or paste form. That's all you have to do just for an arrow to use.

[C]

Fine.

[B]

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[C]

Oh, Peter. Couldn't Alex come too?

[B]

Yes, why not?

[C]

Come on, Alex. Look.

[B]

But I've only got a man full of sick. Well, never mind. We'll pick that up later. And that was that. I went with them to Brighton on their honeymoon. And we took one double room and one single room at. I forget. The hotel. That first morning I didn't bother to get up. I lay in bed reading until must have been 8:30. Angela knocked on my dog. Hello. Yes,

[C]

Hello.

[B]

Hello Angie. Have a good. You're upright and early.

[C]

I thought Peter would be here.

[B]

Here?

[C]

Oh, shouting to you or something.

[B]

No.

[C]

What? I forgot. Up ever so early. I've already had breakfast. I took him up down to the beach. I thought he might have gone for a swim or something. He's not down there. Well, I had an awfully funny dream in the night. You want to hear about it?

[B]

Yes, love to.

[C]

Got a sag? You?

[B]

No, I haven't cleaned my teeth yet.

[C]

I know. I can smell your breath. It's all pale and pony. No, my husband's gone. Anyway, in this dream I've been out hunting but instead of riding a horse was sitting as Friday giraffe. We've been galloping quite out of control through this forest and every tree was on fire. Isn't that funny?

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Hard. There he is. Where could he have gone?

[B]

Probably for a walk.

[C]

See you in the dining room.

[B]

But you had breakfast, haven't you?

[C]

Yes. Think I have some more of it. Wonder how hungry it makes me drink.

[B]

The hotel porter hadn't seen Major Buckle. The dining room staff didn't know where he'd gone to either. We went down onto the beach and had a look for him among the early bathers sporting themselves in and out of the waves. He wasn't there. Wasn't anywhere, it seemed. We went back to the hotel. It was getting very late by now. The porter again said he hadn't seen Peter. That is, in a very reassuring way. As if he took it for granted that Angela didn't want to see her husband. That fool of a porter thinks we're having an affair. You'll find your husband will come and catch us red handed. I'm sorry. I thought that might have amused you. What the devil can he be?

[C]

No note, Anything? No message.

[B]

Maybe he's been called up to London by the War Office or something. Urgent business. The sort of thing happens every day. Chap in our regiment got called off on some secret mission first day of his leave. Maybe he did when we were out.

[C]

Then there'd have been a message.

[B]

Well, we'll wait till lunchtime, then. I'll phone the club. If he got up very early and got the first train, he'll be in London easily by now. He's sure to lunch at the club. Hang on a bit. Let's go have some coffee.

[C]

All right, Alex.

[B]

I phoned the club and when I came out of the kiosk, I shook my head and Angela went to pack. She was now very worried. So was I. But with more reason. I didn't tell her that when I inquired after her husband, the secretary of the club had blandly replied that Buckle was dead. Of course, I made up my mind the time that there just had to be two members with the same name, but all same. It was a shock, I can tell you. Ah, Captain Mlan. Thank you, Corporal. They rang from downstairs, told me you were coming up to see me. It's good of you to meet us. Ken Hutchinson. This is my sister, Angela.

[C]

Very good.

[B]

How do you do?

[C]

Very well, thanks. Thank you.

[B]

Yes, we felt we had to come to the War Office. Do sit down, please.

[C]

Thank you.

[B]

You see, sir, if Major Buckle's been recalled to his Eunice or dispatched on some mission, I really think it's only fair that his wife should be told, especially in these circumstances. What circumstances?

[C]

Well, we were on our honeymoon. We were only married yet the afternoon.

[B]

You did say Major Peter Buckle of the Black Watch? Yes, sir. Singly listed the Black Watch. Well, we'll clear this up, I hope. Cigarette? Would you?

[C]

Thank you, Colonel.

[B]

Don't mind if I do. Of course not. Drags on, doesn't it? They're on leave, I take it, Captain? Yes, sir. Drags on. Oh, the war. Yes. Well, economics, you know. That's what historians tell us. They're wrong, the historians. Wars are not caused by economics, not at all. Economics is their excuse. Excuse? For war? The reason for war is that it destroys what we want, destroyed the status quo with which we identify our own inhibitions. War alone releases our personal relationships. It's not a necessary evil, but a necessary pleasure. Well, yes. Yes, if we were honest, we would admit that all the horror, all the slaughter, the cruelty, suffering which war entails remain for us merely regrettable statistics. What means something to us is that war provides us with that sense of insecurity which is life. When peace is seen as respectable and as dull as death. Surely there are other ways. I mean so. Yes. Yes, there are other ways. It's true that a Duncan orgy might provide a similar release. It is rather difficult to remain drunk for several years more, though we can indulge ourselves without guilt. Indeed, our excuses become duties and any behavior is condoned under the blanket of a great sacrifice which we curse publicly but enjoy privately. Oh, thank you. Yes, national disasters can be born with comfortable fortitude. It's personal sorrow, not grief for another, but a lack in our own life which is so unbearable. It's a burden we would put down, and though a million men fall with it. Oh, yes.

[C]

I don't know what to do. I mean, once your leave's over. Alex, it's going to be so ridiculous. I mean, I don't feel as if I've got a husband.

[B]

Wherever he's. He'll write or go. Please don't.

[C]

How about now?

[B]

Yes. Yes, I thought it was unlikely. There was just a chance that there were two officers of the same name and rank in the same regiment. As I said, there must be some mistake. Major Buttle was blown to pieces before my eyes six months ago. A mine exploded under his car. Very little was left to Buckle, but quite enough to identify him. The man whom you married yesterday must have been an imposter masquerading as Major Buckle. No, I'm sure he was genuine. I'd have spotted it if he wasn't. I'm sorry, Captain, but I doubt it. There are plenty of these people who pass themselves off as officers these days. You must trace this Major Buckle of yours. Intelligence will want to question him. I suppose you've got a photograph of him. Did he look remotely like this?

[C]

Yes, That's Peter.

[B]

That's impossible, I'm afraid, madam. If you have photographer of your husband, you can compare it with this one. I'm sure you'll see that the likeness is only enough to justify the imposter in his attempt. Have you such a photograph?

[C]

No, I'm sure. Yes.

[B]

Yes, of course. We took several snaps on a picnic.

[C]

Quite a few relics. My brother and Peter on a picnic just outside Edinburgh a couple of weeks ago.

[B]

But the film isn't developed yet. I've got it with me, as a matter of fact. Carried around all this time. I didn't know. He's getting. I think we'd better have it developed here. I gave the film to the colonel and then Angela and I went to a canteen for a cup of tea while they developed the photos. When we returned, the colonel looked strangely embarrassed. Yes, very nice, the snaps. Your brother looks quite a film star.

[C]

Let me see.

[B]

And Angela stared at the prince and then looked at me. I looked, too, at the photos. There were six photographs of me, but there was no trace of any figure, however dim, standing beside me.

[A]

When you manage procurement for multiple facilities, every order matters. But when it's for a hospital system, they matter even more. Granger gets it and knows there's no time for managing multiple suppliers and no room for shipping delays. That's why Grainger offers millions of products in fast, dependable delivery, so you can keep your facility stocked, safe, and running smoothly. Call 1-800-GRAINGER Click grainger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.