Podcast Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Black Flame of the Amazon (1938) - "Jimmy's Plan to Turn the Plane"
Release Date: January 12, 2026

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode plunges into the perilous heart of the Amazon jungle, following the intrepid explorer Harold Noyce as he attempts to rescue Jean Brady and escape with his companions. Their amphibian plane, loaded with would-be rescuers and pursued by the villainous Butch Grogan and his band of native warriors, faces both physical and moral threats. The action combines tense escape attempts, moral dilemmas, and clever improvisation as the party faces seemingly insurmountable odds.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Scene & Stakes ([00:19])

• Harold Noyce and his party are deep in the Amazon, having rescued Jean Brady from Grogan's clutches.
• Their amphibian plane is ready for a hasty escape, but the narrow, overhung river and pursuing Indians make takeoff extremely difficult.
• Grogan holds Jean’s father, scientist James Brady, prisoner and now seeks to use Jean as ransom for treasure secrets.

“It’s a tense moment.” (Narrator, 00:19)

The Takeoff Attempt Thwarted ([03:14]–[05:14])

• Pat Donovan (the pilot) worries about a difficult, possibly impossible takeoff due to a narrow river and the plane's heavy load.
• As they prepare, a canoe glides out into their path, containing Indian children.
• Realization: Grogan used the children to block their escape, banking on Noyce's party refusing to endanger innocents.

“He uses little children to stop us.” (Jean Brady, 05:00)
“I'm glad to hear you say that, Jimmy. We seem to agree on a lot of things. Hurting, maiming or drowning even little savage Indian kiddies.” (Mr. Noyce, 05:14)

• The party affirms their refusal to put children in harm’s way, even at personal risk.

Jimmy’s Turning Plan & the Rope Scheme ([05:55]–[07:38])

• Jimmy devises a plan: Use a rope tied to a tree and the plane’s eye bolt to swing the plane around for a better takeoff.
• Pedro volunteers to swim the river and secure the rope, claiming skill and experience.

“I am the better climbing person, just like the capuchin monkey...I have the much more experience with the varuplan.” (Pedro, 06:58)

• Mr. Noyce stops Pedro: It's now too late as more canoes full of warriors approach—the window of opportunity has closed.

Surrounded & Strategic Sabotage ([07:47]–[11:17])

• The party realizes escape is blocked by Grogan’s warriors and incoming canoes.
• Grogan sends a message via Indian messenger under a flag of truce, demanding surrender and warning them not to attempt resistance.
• Noyce instructs Donovan to subtly disable the plane—damage it in a way that isn't visible, so Grogan can’t use it, but they can repair it when needed.

“Oh, sure, Mr. Noyce. A lot of ways to do that...I'll fix her so that the only person who ever gets her purse again will be Pat Donovan in person.” (Donovan, 10:03–10:19)

• The "flag of truce" is respected despite Jimmy's impulsive suggestion to double-cross the messenger.

“A true white man never does. A white flag always gets protection. Understand?” (Mr. Noyce, 09:11)

• Donovan quietly removes essential wires and hides them, making the plane un-flyable for others.

Surrender, But Not Defeat ([11:34]–[13:09])

• Grogan’s message: “Here Noyce, you’re licked, and you know it. Better give up quietly...We’ve got you covered.”
• Recognizing he’s vastly outnumbered, Mr. Noyce opts against attempting a fight, prioritizing survival over pride.

“A man who was wise to the jungle quickly recognizes when the cards are stacked against him. A scrap...would be the most dangerous thing we could do. We're outnumbered at least 100 to 1.” (Mr. Noyce, 12:02)

• The team—Jimmy, Jean, and the others—exit the plane to meet Grogan, hopeful that their clever sabotage and unity will provide a path to eventual escape.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Pedro's bravado:
  “I do not dive. But I slip into the water, yes, Very, very quietly. And I swim like everything to the river bank, under the water, you see?”
  (Pedro, 07:25)

• On Grogan's villainy:
  "He certainly is. Anybody that would pull a stunt like that—shove a canoe load of helpless little Indian children out in front of whirling propellers. He's a yellow coward, all right."
  (Jean, 05:46)

• Donovan's confidence in sabotage:
  "I'll fix her so that the only person who ever gets her purse again will be Pat Donovan in person."
  (Donovan, 10:19)

• Morality in crisis:
  “We seem to agree on a lot of things. Hurting, maiming or drowning even little savage Indian kiddies.”
  (Mr. Noyce, 05:14)

• On the white flag:
  “A true white man never does. A white flag always gets protection. Understand?”
  (Mr. Noyce, 09:11)

Important Timestamps

• 00:19 – Recap and Introduction: The perilous predicament and moral backdrop
• 03:14–05:14 – Takeoff thwarted by Grogan’s use of children; debate morality vs. survival
• 05:55–07:38 – Rope scheme to turn the plane; Pedro's volunteering
• 07:47–08:47 – Indian canoes approach; escape cutoff; arrival of Grogan’s messenger
• 09:01–10:19 – Flag of truce explained; Donovan sabotages the plane
• 11:17–12:25 – Grogan’s ultimatum; reflection on dire odds; plan to comply while holding onto hope
• 13:09 – Outro: Teaser for next episode, raising questions about escape and future plans

Overall Tone & Style

The episode maintains a classic drama-adventure radio tone: noble heroes, treacherous villains, thick jungle danger, and resourceful, fast-paced problem-solving. The language, rich in period expressions and ethics, is urgent yet upright, marked by camaraderie, quick wit, and a strong moral compass—even amidst danger.

For listeners:
This episode delivers suspenseful jungle peril, ethical tests, and the promise of clever resistance. Next time will reveal whether Noyce’s gambit pays off—don’t miss it!