Podcast Summary: Bradbury Thirteen 84-04-02 (01) The Ravine
Podcast Information:
- Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
- Episode: Bradbury Thirteen 84-04-02 (01) The Ravine
- Release Date: March 27, 2025
- Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
- Description: Relive the Golden Age of Radio with classic-style shows featuring beloved characters and thrilling stories before the advent of television.
Introduction
In the episode titled "Bradbury Thirteen 84-04-02 (01) The Ravine," listeners are transported into a suspenseful narrative inspired by the timeless storytelling of Ray Bradbury. This episode masterfully blends drama, mystery, and the eerie ambiance of a small town grappling with fear and uncertainty.
Setting the Scene
The story unfolds in a quaint town overshadowed by the ominous ravine, a locale recently tainted by a series of mysterious murders. The atmosphere is thick with tension as townsfolk grapple with the fear of the "lonely one," a shadowy figure believed to be responsible for the disappearances and deaths.
Notable Quote:
Ray Bradbury [00:32]: "Join me for the next 30 minutes on a tour through time and space."
This invitation sets the stage for a journey into the unknown, hinting at the paranormal and psychological elements that will soon surface.
Character Introductions
-
Lavinia Nibs: A strong-willed maiden determined to confront the fear gripping her town. She embodies courage but also wrestles with personal demons.
Lavinia Nibs [03:16]: "You don't believe all that about the lonely one, do you?"
-
Francine and Helen: Friends of Lavinia, each bringing their own perspectives and fears to the unfolding drama.
Helen [03:33]: "But the others, all of them strangled, their tongues sticking out of their mouths, they say."
-
Officer Kennedy: The local police officer striving to reassure and protect the community amidst rising anxiety.
Officer Kennedy [05:29]: "Now, before we terminate our investigation, I wonder, is there anything else you saw that you could tell us?"
-
Frank Dillon (The Lonely One): A mysterious figure whose actions catalyze the central conflict of the story.
Frank Dillon [08:00]: "I'm the lonely one."
Rising Action
As the town reels from recent tragedies, Lavinia decides to take her friends to a movie show to distract themselves. Despite the looming threat of the "lonely one," her determination to maintain normalcy drives the narrative forward.
Key Developments:
-
The Plan to Attend the Movie:
Lavinia Nibs [06:16]: "It's what we need. We've got to forget this. It's not good to remember."
-
Encounter with Frank Dillon:
During their visit to the drugstore, Frank Dillon engages with Lavinia and her friends, unknowingly sowing seeds of fear and suspicion.
Frank Dillon [09:13]: "You sure look pretty tonight, ladies."
-
Suspicion and Tension:
Francine grows wary of Frank after learning he inquired about Lavinia's whereabouts, heightening the sense of danger.
Francine [10:06]: "I'll not be part of a hunting party for you. Lavinia, that man was up to no good asking about you."
Climax
The film screening becomes the epicenter of heightened suspense. As the police urge the audience to leave early for safety, Lavinia, Helen, and Francine sense malevolent presence in the theater. Their confrontation with Frank Dillon escalates tension, culminating in Lavinia's desperate escape through the ravine.
Pivotal Moments:
-
The Movie Theater Incident:
Officer Kennedy [11:41]: "The police have asked us to close early tonight so everyone can be out at a decent hour."
-
Frank Dillon's Revelation:
Frank's declaration as the "lonely one" shocks the group, forcing them to confront their deepest fears.
Frank Dillon [08:07]: "What a horrible night to be out."
-
Lavinia's Flight:
In a heart-pounding sequence, Lavinia races through the ravine, plagued by shadows and sounds, questioning her own perceptions of reality.
Lavinia Nibs [19:43]: "Alone again. Down the hill and then across the bridge for 70 yards."
Resolution
After an intense and terrifying pursuit, Lavinia reaches her home, believing herself safe. However, the revelation that a body is found in the ravine adds a chilling twist, implying that the threat is far from over.
Concluding Highlights:
-
Lavinia's Safe Arrival:
Lavinia Nibs [24:44]: "Never go out at night again. I'll stay home."
-
The Final Twist:
An ambulance arrives to retrieve a man's body, suggesting that Lavinia's ordeal may not have been merely psychological.
Ray Bradbury [25:59]: "Later that night, an ambulance arrived and brought out a body on a stretcher. The body of a man."
Themes and Insights
Fear and Isolation: The ravine symbolizes the unknown and the fears that isolate individuals within a community.
Perception vs. Reality: Lavinia's internal struggle blurs the lines between what is real and what is imagined, a common Bradbury theme.
Courage and Vulnerability: Characters exhibit bravery in the face of terror, yet their vulnerabilities make them relatable and human.
The Supernatural and the Psychological: The story intertwines elements of the supernatural with psychological horror, creating a layered narrative that keeps listeners engaged.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Lavinia Nibs [03:16]: "You don't believe all that about the lonely one, do you?"
-
Helen [05:02]: "She's dead."
-
Frank Dillon [08:02]: "If you ever do a childish thing like that again, may someone riddle you with bullets."
-
Lavinia Nibs [10:56]: "Now that Elizabeth is."
-
Francine [17:38]: "Sometimes I think people want to die."
-
Lavinia Nibs [24:44]: "Safe inside. The door. Locked. Wait. Look out the window. There's no one there at all."
These quotes encapsulate the emotional and narrative peaks of the episode, highlighting characters' fears, confrontations, and revelations.
Conclusion and Production Credits
"Bradbury Thirteen 84-04-02 (01) The Ravine" is a testament to the enduring legacy of Ray Bradbury's storytelling prowess, skillfully adapted for the radio format. The episode features a talented cast, including Barta Heiner, Beverly Roland, Helen Beaman, Oscar Rowland, Dwayne Hyatt, and Bob Nelson, whose performances bring depth and authenticity to the characters.
Production Highlights:
- Original Music: Roger Hoffman and Greg Hansen
- Production Assistant: Patrick Mead
- Associate Producer and Director: Jeff Rader
- Created, Produced, and Directed by: Mike McDonough
- Executive Producer: Dean Van Eyt
- Narration: Paul Freeze
The episode concludes with a haunting reflection on the events, leaving listeners pondering the thin veil between safety and peril.
Final Thoughts
"Bradbury Thirteen 84-04-02 (01) The Ravine" masterfully blends suspense, character development, and thematic depth, providing an immersive listening experience reminiscent of the Golden Age of Radio. With its gripping narrative and evocative performances, this episode stands out as a compelling adaptation of Ray Bradbury's visionary work.