Podcast Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Black Flame of the Amazon 38-xx-xx (01)
Date: November 17, 2025

Overview

This episode features the classic radio serial “Black Flame of the Amazon,” a thrilling jungle adventure from the golden age of radio. The story follows Mr. Noyce, renowned explorer, as he attempts to rescue two children and a scientist from the clutches of a villainous treasure-seeker named Butch Grogan deep in the wilds of the Amazon. The episode highlights themes of courage, ingenuity under pressure, and the moral complexity of survival, all set amid a perilous escape attempt using an amphibian airplane.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. Setting the Scene (00:50–02:32)

• Narrator introduces Mr. Noyce and sets up the adventure: he is traveling in Brazil’s Amazon, helping two children, Jean and Jimmy, search for their kidnapped scientist father.
• The villain, Butch Grogan, has stolen a treasure map and kidnaps Jean to force her father to cooperate in finding the Incan treasure. A rescue attempt is underway.

2. Perilous Take-off Attempt (03:44–05:36)

• Tense Escape: Mr. Noyce urges Donovan (the pilot) to take off quickly as hostile Indian warriors approach.
• Obstacle on the River: As the plane attempts to accelerate down the river, a canoe with children is deliberately set adrift in their path—a ruthless ploy by Grogan to delay them.
  • Notable Quote:
    “See, Mr. Grogan again pulled a fast one. Notice that pinner was. No paddles at all. Someone put the Indian children into that dugout and pushed it out into the stream. Grogan did that. He knew he wouldn't run them down. See?”
    — Mr. Noyce (05:12)

3. Moral Dilemma (05:36–06:02)

• The group refuses to endanger the children, even if it means losing their chance to escape.
  • Memorable Moment:
    “We'd just as soon do anything than use little children like that to save our lives.”
    — Jimmy (05:36)

4. Desperate Brainstorming (06:02–08:14)

• The team considers ways to maneuver the loaded plane in the tight river space.
• Jimmy suggests using a rope and the airplane’s eye-bolt to swing the plane downstream.
• Pedro offers to risk swimming to the bank with the rope, demonstrating loyalty and courage, but it appears time has run out as more canoes (now filled with warriors) arrive.

5. Rising Tension: Enemy Forces Gather (08:18–09:01)

• The party notices the arrival of many warrior-filled canoes, making escape impossible.
• A messenger approaches under a white flag—a sign Grogan is about to present terms rather than attack directly.

6. Grogan's Terms and Contingency Plans (09:01–10:49)

• Mr. Noyce receives an ultimatum from Grogan via a written message:
  • Notable Quote (Message Read Aloud):
    “Here, Noyce, your lick and you know it. Better give up quietly and get everybody ashore from that ship right away. And you come last and no monkey business. Now, we've got you covered. Leave your guns in the cabin and get a move on. That's all of it, Mr. Noyce. And he signs it Grogan.”
    — Jimmy (11:24)
• Donovan and Mr. Noyce quietly sabotage the airplane, disabling it in a way only they can reverse, preventing Grogan from using it.

7. Decision to Surrender (12:26–13:03)

• Noyce decides to comply, recognizing the futility of fighting and the need to protect the lives of his companions.
• Pedro provides reassurance:
  • Notable Quote:
    “And the senor will get the weak alarm and fool the Grogan men. So don't worry. We will get out of these messes all right. Okay? You betcha. My life.”
    — Pedro (12:48)

8. Brave Fronts and Cliffhanger Ending (13:03–13:40)

• The children bravely exit the plane first, while Noyce and others follow, armed with a fragile hope that their sabotage will give them a future chance.
• Memorable Farewell:
  • “So long, Mr. Noyce. We'll be seeing you.”
    — Jean Brady (13:23)

9. Narrator’s Tease for Next Episode (13:40–15:50)

• The narrator leaves listeners with suspense:
  • Will Grogan triumph?
  • Can Noyce’s cunning plan save the group?
  • What role will the children play in the unfolding adventure?

Notable Quotes

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |------------|--------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 05:12 | Mr. Noyce | “See, Mr. Grogan again pulled a fast one... He knew he wouldn't run them down. See?” | | 05:36 | Jimmy | “We'd just as soon do anything than use little children like that to save our lives.” | | 11:24 | Jimmy | “[Grogan’s message] ...give up quietly and get everybody ashore... we've got you covered...” | | 12:48 | Pedro | “And the senor will get the weak alarm and fool the Grogan men. So don't worry...You betcha. My life.” | | 13:23 | Jean Brady | “So long, Mr. Noyce. We'll be seeing you.” |

Key Timestamps

• 00:50: Adventure begins, context introduced
• 03:44: Tense takeoff attempt
• 05:12–05:36: Canoe ploy and group’s moral stand
• 09:07: Arrival of Grogan’s messenger
• 11:24: Grogan’s ultimatum read aloud
• 12:26: Decision to leave the plane
• 13:23: The children's brave exit and setup for next episode
• 13:40–15:50: Cliffhanger narration

Final Thoughts

This episode masterfully blends action, suspense, and character-driven decisions, capturing the spirit of old time radio adventure. The crew faces peril at every turn—not just from the natural dangers of the Amazon, but from Grogan’s ruthless cunning. The episode ends on a tense cliffhanger, promising more dramatic developments and daring heroics in the next installment.

Listeners are left eager to find out if sabotage, wit, and courage can thwart the villain and ensure our heroes’ survival.