Buck Rogers 39-04-19 (007) Black Barney Is Under Control of Killer Kane

Summary

Episode Summary: Buck Rogers 39-04-19 (007) Black Barney Is Under Control of Killer Kane

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Buck Rogers 39-04-19 (007) Black Barney Is Under Control of Killer Kane
• Release Date: August 11, 2025

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1. Recap of Previous Episode

The episode begins with a brief recap by Frank, the announcer, highlighting the events of the preceding episode. Listeners are reminded that Buck Rogers and Wilma have tracked Black Barney's rocket ship to the ruins of ancient Philadelphia. It is revealed that Killer Kane and Ardella have captured Barney and established a new headquarters in the desolate cityscape.

Notable Quote:

Frank [01:51]: "Buck and Wilma finally got on the trail of Black Barney's rocket ship... they've landed at the ruins of ancient Philadelphia, where they're going to set up a new headquarters."

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2. Establishing the Villains' New Headquarters

The scene shifts to the 25th century, where Killer Kane and his associate Ardella—together with the subdued Black Barney—are strategizing their next moves. Their plan involves repurposing the remnants of Professor Smith’s old subway headquarters in Philadelphia, taking advantage of the city's post-Mongol invasion desolation.

Notable Quotes:

George [02:22]: "We make a little trip underground to establish a base of operations... in what was formerly the headquarters of Professor Smith the mad Scientist."

George [03:27]: "When Smith came here, he found an ancient subway station... Barney, you worked with Smith at one time."

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3. Navigating the Ancient Subway System

As Killer Kane guides his team through the subterranean landscape, he explains the historical significance of the subway lines, emphasizing their strategic value. Diana (Adela) expresses skepticism about their intelligence, hinting at Buck Rogers' unexpected presence in their timeline.

Notable Quote:

Charlie [03:20]: "Maybe the people who lived in those times weren't so dumb after all."

Diana [03:27]: "Captain Rogers didn't come to the 25th century on purpose. He got caught in a mine accident and was held in suspender animation."

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4. Discovering Smith's Laboratory

The team encounters Smith’s old laboratory, hidden behind a waterfall—a remnant of past sabotage by a former associate, Louie. Diana recounts how Louie's attempt to blow up the laboratory inadvertently led to the creation of the waterfall, which now conceals their entrance.

Notable Quotes:

Diana [05:19]: "One time me and Louie was down here giving Smitty a hand... Louie got mad and cut loose with an atomic bomb and blew the place up."

George [06:17]: "The door to Smith's old laboratory ought to be right behind that waterfall."

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5. Securing the Headquarters

Killer Kane and his team work to secure the laboratory, intending to utilize Professor Smith’s scientific instruments to further their plans. Their primary objective is to subdue Black Barney using the Psychic Restriction Ray, ensuring his complete obedience.

Notable Quotes:

George [07:22]: "The first thing we've got to do is to put Barney under the psychic restriction ray."

Diana [09:09]: "But listen me... This thing won't have no effect on me anyhow."

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6. The Conflict Over Barney's Control

A significant portion of the episode centers around the tense interactions between Diana and Killer Kane as they attempt to activate the Psychic Restriction Ray on Barney. Diana resists, leading to a confrontation where Kane threatens her compliance under the device's influence. Eventually, Diana capitulates, allowing the ray to be activated, effectively bringing Barney fully under Kane’s control.

Notable Quotes:

George [10:28]: "If you try to get out of range of the psychic restriction ray, I'll drive so much energy at you that you'll never get up again."

Diana [11:16]: "I kind of think I. I like it."

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7. Buck Rogers Receives New Intelligence

Concurrent to the villains' maneuvers, Buck Rogers receives an urgent communication from Central Radio Bureau. His contact, Isaac, informs him about the latest developments concerning Black Barney and Killer Kane's activities in the ruins of ancient Philadelphia. Dr. Hewer's message urges Buck and Lieutenant Wilmer to return to Niagara immediately, indicating a pressing matter that could impact their mission against Kane.

Notable Quotes:

Isaac [12:09]: "We're still on Black Barney's rocket trail and following it with a gas analyzer... heading southeast of Niagara towards the ruins of ancient Philadelphia."

Henry [12:43]: "Dr. Hewer wants you and Lieutenant Wilmer to return to Niagara immediately... at his laboratory."

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8. Final Thoughts and Tease for Next Episode

The episode concludes with Frank providing a bridge between the unfolding villainous plans and Buck Rogers' impending response. He speculates on Dr. Hewer's potential strategies and foreshadows the upcoming challenges Buck and his team will face in overcoming Killer Kane’s newfound advantage.

Notable Quote:

Frank [13:15]: "So Kane and Ardella have poor old Black Barney under the influence of the Psychic Restriction ray... But I wonder what Dr. Hewer has up his sleeve."

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Conclusion

This episode of Buck Rogers intricately weaves the villains' strategic establishment of a fortified headquarters with the deepening control over their prisoner, Black Barney. The tension between Killer Kane and Diana adds emotional depth, while the introduction of urgent communications for Buck Rogers sets the stage for the forthcoming clash. Listeners are left anticipating how Buck will navigate these new obstacles to thwart Kane’s plans.

Key Takeaways:

• Killer Kane and Ardella have successfully captured Black Barney and are leveraging advanced technology to ensure his compliance.
• The ruins of ancient Philadelphia, particularly the old subway station, provide the perfect clandestine location for their operations.
• Internal conflicts among the villains add layers to the antagonistic forces Buck Rogers must confront.
• Dr. Hewer's urgent message signifies a pivotal turn in Buck Rogers' mission, promising exciting developments in subsequent episodes.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Frank [01:51]: "Buck and Wilma finally got on the trail of Black Barney's rocket ship..."
• George [02:22]: "We make a little trip underground to establish a base of operations..."
• Diana [03:27]: "Captain Rogers didn't come to the 25th century on purpose..."
• Diana [05:19]: "One time me and Louie was down here..."
• George [07:22]: "The first thing we've got to do is to put Barney under the psychic restriction ray."
• George [10:28]: "If you try to get out of range of the psychic restriction ray..."
• Diana [11:16]: "I kind of think I. I like it."
• Isaac [12:09]: "We're still on Black Barney's rocket trail..."
• Frank [13:15]: "So Kane and Ardella have poor old Black Barney under the influence of the Psychic Restriction ray..."

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical plot developments, character dynamics, and thematic elements of the Buck Rogers episode, providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of the story's progression without needing to experience the original broadcast.

Transcript

[Alex]

Oh, what you eating?

[Bobby]

The new banana split cookie from AM PM all freshly baked with real butter with banana, chocolate and strawberry flavors.

[Alex]

Wow, that sounds amazing. Can I have a bite?

[Bobby]

I'm sorry, but no. But you can't split the banana split.

[Alex]

Not even a little.

[Bobby]

Not even a crumb.

[Charlie]

What if.

[Bobby]

No, please.

[Diana]

Mine.

[Evelyn]

When it's too legit to split. That's cravinience. Get a 3 pack for 99 cents with our app ampm. Too much good stuff plus tax where applicable. Prices and participation may vary in terms of conditions apply.

[Frank]

Buck rogers in the 25th century. Buck Rogers is on the air. Brought to you by the makers of Popsicle Fudgicle and Creamsicle. Those delicious frozen confections on a stick. And now a message from the famous winner of the Typical American Boy contest, Popsicle feet.

[Alex]

Hello, fellas and girls. You know what our gang did? We all saved bags from Popsicle Fudgicle and Creamsicle and got a whole baseball outfit for the team. Balls, gloves and everything. Boy, they're swell.

[Frank]

I get mom and dad and everybody to help you save bags from genuine Popsicle, Creamsicle and Fudgicle. And get your choice of hundreds of marvelous gifts. Get a wrist watch, a camera, table tennis, a wallet, lots of things. Bags are easy to save because they come on such swell tasting confections. Great big, pure Popsicle Fudgicle and Creamsicle. Each on a handy stick. What a value for a nickel. So big and so delicious.

[Alex]

I'll say.

[Frank]

And made by the finest ice cream makers from choice, healthful, strictly fresh ingredients.

[Alex]

Say, kids, get a gift list free from your ice cream store and save it. It's got a coupon on it worth 10 bags.

[Frank]

Now, do you remember our last episode? Well, Buck and Wilma finally got on the trail of Black Barney's rocket ship. And we learned that Killer Kane and Ardella, with Barney as their prisoner, have landed at the ruins of ancient Philadelphia, where they're going to set up a new headquarters. Let's join them there and see how things are working out. Okay then. Here we go. 500 years into the future.

[Charlie]

Well, Kane, what do we do now?

[George]

We make a little trip underground to establish a base of operations. Adela. In what was formerly the headquarters of Professor Smith the mad Scientist.

[Diana]

Gonna use Smithy's old place, huh?

[George]

That's what I said. Come on.

[Diana]

Okay.

[George]

And handle that psychic restriction ray with care.

[Charlie]

Okay, but where are we going? I don't see anything around here that looks like it might be Smith's old Headquarters?

[George]

Yeah, Right in front of you. You see that hole in the ground?

[Charlie]

Yeah.

[George]

With an old set of concrete stairs running down into it. Well away back in the 20th and 21st centuries, there was a network of subway lines running all along under the whole city. That was before the Mongol invasion destroyed most of the principal American cities.

[Charlie]

But what under the sauna subway line?

[George]

Ever see pictures of railroad trains in your history books?

[Charlie]

Sure.

[George]

Well, the subways were railroads that ran entirely underground. Diverted a lot of traffic from the already congested streets on the surface and all that sort of thing.

[Diana]

Yeah, all that sauna stuff.

[Charlie]

Maybe the people who lived in those times weren't so dumb after all.

[George]

No, but if our friend Rogers weren't so dumb, he'd have stayed in the 20th century where he belonged.

[Diana]

Kane, you know just as well as me that Captain Rogers didn't come to the 25th century on purpose. He got caught in a mine accident and a lot of gas come out of it, and he was held in suspender animation and all that sort of stuff.

[George]

Forget it, Bonnie. The point is that when Smith came here, he found an ancient subway station located down near the edge of the Delaware river here that was good enough to make into a headquarters. You ought to remember that, Barney. You worked with Smith at one time.

[Diana]

Yeah, that was before I knowed any better. Smithy had it all fixed up with lights and a power planet and all that sort of stuff and things.

[George]

And that's why we're lucky in having everything ready for us to settle down here.

[Charlie]

Yes, but I still think if Buck and Wilma get anywhere near here, they'll pick this as a logical place to look for.

[George]

But even if they do, they'll never find us. Come along now, down the stairway.

[Diana]

Listen, I don't want to go down there.

[George]

Bonnie, do I have to keep a rocket pistol trained on you to make you do as I say?

[Diana]

Well, you can't make me work for you anyhow.

[George]

Quiet. Now, pick up that psychic restriction ray and come along.

[Diana]

Okay, okay.

[Charlie]

Right down these steps.

[George]

Right. What used to be Smith's office is at the end of a corridor at the bottom.

[Charlie]

Here's that corridor, all right. Hey, how about some light down here? You can't see very well.

[George]

Wait a second, and I'll see if the lighting system's still in order. Ah, that's better.

[Charlie]

Much. Hey, there's quite an establishment down here, isn't there?

[George]

Everything you could want for comfort and convenience. Now, this on the right was his office. Quarters are down the corridor on the left.

[Charlie]

Wait a minute. Kane?

[George]

Why, yes. That little waterfall down at the end of this room. I wonder how that got there.

[Diana]

Well, I can tell you.

[George]

Well?

[Diana]

Well, back in the old days when I was sort of foolish and thought I was an air pirate.

[George]

You'd be better off if you were still an air pirate, Bonnie.

[Diana]

No, sir, King. And nothing you will ever say will ever make me believe. Right.

[George]

Go on with your story.

[Charlie]

Story?

[Diana]

Yeah. Well, one time me and Louie was down here giving Smitty a hand.

[George]

Who's Louie? O.

[Diana]

He was sort of my right hand man and all that sort of stuff.

[George]

Go on.

[Diana]

Well, Lloyd didn't like Smitty and Smitty knowed it. So he kept treating Louie worse and worser until one day Louie got mad and cut loose with a atomic bomb and blow the place up.

[George]

Blew the place up?

[Diana]

Well, didn't exactly do very much damage on account of it wasn't set very good. But it let through some of the water from the Delaware river and. And that's what makes a fall.

[George]

Then the door to Smith old laboratory ought to be right behind that waterfall.

[Diana]

Yeah. Yeah, I guess so. Unless somebody's changed it.

[George]

Somebody's changed it? Who's changed it?

[Diana]

Well, somebody. Or that is. I mean. Well, maybe somebody. Come along.

[George]

You don't know what you mean. Adela.

[Charlie]

Yes?

[George]

We've got to find out if the door to the laboratory is in back of that waterfall. Well, how'd you like to hop through it and see while I keep an eye on Black Barney here?

[Charlie]

Oh, and get soaking wet? Not much. Kane, if you want to find out what's on the other side of the waterfall, you can do it yourself. Or make Barney do it.

[Diana]

Hey, now listen.

[George]

Take a chance on there being some way for him to beat it on the other side.

[Charlie]

Okay. Then it's up to you. See why that laboratory should be of such importance to you.

[George]

Anyway, Adela, if the water hasn't flooded that laboratory, we'll find electrical and scientific instruments that'll mean everything to us.

[Charlie]

If it isn't flooded.

[George]

That's exactly what we're going to find out.

[Charlie]

Now what you're going to find out. Go ahead.

[George]

No, wait a minute. The force ray. Give me one of those non recoil energy projectors.

[Charlie]

Sure. Here. What are you gonna do with it?

[George]

Use it to push the water aside and keep from getting wet.

[Charlie]

Oh, sorry.

[George]

Sorry.

[Charlie]

Yeah. Thought we were going to have the pleasure of watching you take a scope.

[George]

Never mind that. Just be sure you keep Barney here covered with your rocket pistol. Now, here.

[Diana]

Hey, that's pretty good, Kane.

[George]

Even if it's he, it's the laboratory all right, Adela. And it's in perfect condition.

[Charlie]

Good. I'll move back to water with this horse race while you and Barney go in. And then you can do the same for me with yours.

[George]

Right. Come on, Bonnie.

[Diana]

Okay.

[George]

And be sure you don't let that ray machine get wet.

[Diana]

All right, all right.

[George]

That'S it. Now, put the psychic restriction ray down inside the door here.

[Diana]

Well, now, how about.

[George]

Set it down, I said.

[Diana]

But listen me.

[Charlie]

Hey, King.

[Diana]

Hey, she.

[George]

What's the hurry? Adela, take it easy, will you? All right, come ahead.

[Charlie]

Well, this is better.

[George]

Get all the way inside the laboratory so we can close this door. That's it. And this, my friends, is our new headquarters.

[Charlie]

Not bad, Kane. Not bad.

[George]

Not bad. It's perfect. I look at these scientific instruments. Smith may have been a bit balmy, but he certainly left us some priceless equipment here. And with that waterfall covering up the door, nobody in the whole wide world would ever discover us here.

[Charlie]

No. Why shouldn't somebody else look behind the falls for the door to this place?

[George]

Because nobody else knows this place is here.

[Charlie]

I hope you're right.

[George]

I know I am. Come on, let's get to work. Now, the first thing we've got to do is to put Barney under the psychic restriction raid.

[Charlie]

Huh?

[George]

Plug it into that power outlet, will you?

[Charlie]

Sure.

[Diana]

Listen, Kane, is all you think about the cycle of scripture, Ray. I'm not going under it, see?

[George]

You haven't any choice in the matter, Bonnie. Unless you decide to work along with us voluntarily. How about it?

[Diana]

No, sir. No, sir. I don't know what volunteerly means and. But I won't do it.

[George]

That's final.

[Diana]

Yes, sir. And nothing you can say will make any difference.

[George]

And the ray it is. Let me have that force. Rayya Dela.

[Diana]

Here you are, Kane.

[George]

Get down on the floor under the ray projector body. No, sir.

[Diana]

Kane, you can't make me down. Hey, take that force right off of me. What's the bigger decay?

[George]

Right on your back, Barney, and right onto the projector lens.

[Diana]

Take it off me, I tell you. You're pushing me right through the floor.

[George]

If you don't stop following, I will push you through the floor.

[Diana]

All right, all right, all right. I'll stay. I'll lay still. I'll stay with.

[George]

All right. Now, Bonnie, I warn you. If you try to get out of range of the psychic restriction ray, I'll drive so much energy at you that you'll never get up again. Adela.

[Charlie]

Yes?

[George]

Turn on the rain.

[Charlie]

Right. How's that?

[Diana]

Perfect. No, sir, Kane, it ain't perfect. And if you got any sense, you'll turn it off again. You hear me, Kane? Turn it off. This thing won't have no effect on me anyhow.

[George]

Quiet, Bunny. You'll find it much easier if you don't try to make so much noise.

[Diana]

But. But the light from hits my eyes.

[George]

You're crazy.

[Diana]

I don't like it anyhow. It should take it away. And anyhow, if you think this or anything else is going to make me work for you, well, you're. You're out of my mind. You understand? You're.

[Charlie]

You're.

[Diana]

This again. You know, it's funny. This thing ain't so bad after all, is it? Yeah, I kind of think I. I like it.

[George]

It's. It's working our daylight good. And from now on, Barney is ours.

[Diana]

It's so nice and pretty and beautiful and stuff. Yeah.

[George]

Let the brave Captain Rogers try to upset our plans now. Rogers.

[Henry]

Central Radio Bureau, Davidson speaking.

[Isaac]

Listen, Dave, this is Buck Rogers.

[Henry]

Oh, Hello, Captain.

[Isaac]

Contact Dr. Hewer again for me. Tell him we're still on Black Barney's rocket trail and following it with a gas analyzer.

[Henry]

Good. But there's.

[Isaac]

We found that it leads almost directly southeast of Niagara in a straight line.

[Henry]

I see. But now words.

[Isaac]

Toward the ruins of ancient Philadelphia, which would make an ideal headquarters for a person like Killer Kane.

[Henry]

But, Captain.

[Isaac]

As I told you before, Dave, the more I think of it, the more I feel he's somehow connected with the disappearance of Barney. Now, will you get all that to Dr. Hewer just as quickly as possible?

[Henry]

But, Captain.

[Isaac]

Yeah?

[Henry]

I've been trying to tell you. Dr. Hewer called here just a few minutes ago and he left a message for you.

[Isaac]

Oh, yeah? What'd he say?

[Henry]

He wants you and Lieutenant Wilmer to return to Niagara immediately.

[Charlie]

What?

[Henry]

And meet him at his lavatory.

[Isaac]

But we can't. We're hot on this trail for the first time. We can't leave it now.

[Henry]

Well, I'm sorry, Captain, but he made it plain that no matter where you were or what you might be doing, he wants you in his laboratory before you go any further.

[Isaac]

Well, if he wants us to leave a hot trail, it must be important.

[Henry]

Judging by the way he spoke, it's dog gone important.

[Isaac]

Okay, Dave, Tell him we're on our way back.

[Frank]

So Kane and Ardella have poor old Black Barney under the influence of the Psychic Restriction ray, the instrument that completely subjugates him to their wills. It'll make him not only willing, but glad to work with him. But I wonder what Dr. Hewer has up his sleeve.

[Alex]

Just imagine waking up in the morning and finding a package waiting for you. You open it up and, boy, there's a real wristwatch. Or a doll. Or fishing tackle. Or roller skates. Or maybe even a movie camera. Now all you have to do is save bags from Popsicle, Fudgicle or Creamsicle and you get all those presents free. Hundreds of them to choose from.

[Frank]

It's fun saving bags from Popsicle, Fudgicle or Creamsicle. They taste so good and they're so big. For a nickel.

[Alex]

I'm having a Fudgicle right now, kids.

[Frank]

A Fudgal real creamy chocolate fudge frozen on a stick. Is that delicious? Be sure the name Fudgicle is printed on the bag. It's the United States registered trademark.

[Alex]

And save those bags, kids. You get swell presents for them. Oh, what you eating?

[Bobby]

The new banana split cookie from AM PM all freshly baked with real butter with banana, chocolate and strawberry flavors.

[Alex]

Wow, that sounds amazing. Can I have a bite?

[Bobby]

I'm sorry, but no. But you can't split the banana split.

[Alex]

Not even a little.

[Bobby]

Not even a crumb.

[Charlie]

What if.

[George]

No, please.

[Diana]

Mine.

[Evelyn]

When it's too legit to split. That's craziness. Get a 3 pack for 99 cents with our app AM P M. Too much. Good stuff. Plus tax where applicable. Prices and participation may vary. Terms and conditions apply.