
Cape Cod Radio Mystery Theater xx-xx-xx (04) Mr Hugos Night to Remember
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Narrator
It's a foggy night on old Cape Cod, a perfect night for our mystery. Tonight, Cape Cod Radio Mystery Theater presents a Titanic mystery thriller entitled Mr. Hugo's Night to Remember. It is Sunday night, April 14, 1912. The time has just passed seven bells in the first night watch. 11:40pm the location is latitude 41 degrees 52 minutes north, longitude 50 degrees 22 minutes west, a point in the North Atlantic approximately 400 miles off Cape Race, Newfoundland. The steamer Californian is stopped for the night. Her engines shut down. She drifts before an immense field of pack ice. The moonless night is calm, bitterly cold, and as black as the dazzle of icy stars overhead will allow. A watchman in a wool cap and sea coat stands upon the upper deck of the Californian, smoking a cigarette while he watches one bright star on the eastern horizon grow larger and brighter. Gradually the light becomes elongated into a string of lights, and he recognizes it for what it is. Ship. A large passenger liner heading west southwest on a course parallel to their own. Which ship it is, he's not sure, although perhaps had he thought about it, he might have remembered that this is the week the Titanic is scheduled to make her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York.
Watchman
Well, take a look at who's up.
Narrator
The man on deck is joined by another.
Watchman
How do you stand it out here? Stay warm as long as I keep smoking. When I stop smoking, I go in.
Narrator
They speak in the kind of hushed undertones one automatically assumes when speaking in the presence of some so many stars.
Second Watchman
What's that ship out there?
Watchman
I don't know. I've been watching her coming up. She's a liner, judging by the way she's lit up. Could be the Titanic. Evan says she's somewhere around. He's been picking up her messages all day over the wireless, jamming the airwaves. They even cut him off in mid sentence when he was giving them the warning about the ice. She's moving right along. What's she making?
Ted Bicknell
20 knots?
Watchman
She better think about slowing down soon, unless she's figured out how to do what Moses did and make this ice field miraculously part itself. Are you sure she got the message about the ice? She got it all right. Every ship in the North Atlantic is aware of it.
Narrator
The two men continue gazing out at the ship, which after a time appears to have stopped some 10 miles distant. Several minutes pass, then.
Mr. Hugo
Look at that.
Watchman
She's putting on a fireworks display. Well, what do you know? Must be having a party. Maiden voyage after all. Ah, there's the difference between them and us, buddy boy. When we stop for the night, we all go to bed. When they stop, they just keep right on celebrating. What must it be like a maiden voyage on a fancy liner? Hey, there goes another. How do we know for sure it's a party? Maybe you better go wake Evans up and have him call over there. He won't appreciate being waking. Well, just the same, maybe you better go do it. Okay, but I'm saying it was your idea.
Ted Bicknell
When he gets through, tell him to.
Watchman
Have somebody row over and deliver us.
Ted Bicknell
A couple of bottles of champagne.
Second Watchman
A little far road, don't you think?
Watchman
If they're drunk enough, they won't think so. Hey, hold it a minute.
Smalley
What is it? Come on back up here.
Watchman
What is it? Listen to that. They're playing music. That's music. Ah, well, we can forget about the emergency. They wouldn't be playing music if that was the case. They're all souses spouses over there. And they made the band go outside so they can dance under the stars. They're so drunk, they can't even feel how cold it is. Yeah, well, I can. And I'm going in. Must it be like maiden voyage on a fancy liner like that? Beautiful women in satin gowns, tuxedos, champagne, silver cigarette cases. Must be one never ending revelry. Sound envious? Ah, maybe a little. Sure, maybe I'd trade places for a night like tonight, but that'd be enough. This life suits me just fine. Yeah, well, I'm going in.
Second Watchman
I hate watching the celebration.
Watchman
I can't be a part of it. Oh, me too. I'm going to bed. There's a party for me tonight. It'll have to be one taking place in my dreams.
Smalley
It.
Ted Bicknell
I'm Ted Bicknell, and this is Worldview Tonight. Tonight, salvaging the Titanic archaeology or scavenging our focus this evening, the salvage operation now underway to bring back artifacts from the sunken Titanic. An operation not without risk and certainly not without controversy, as there are those who feel the Titanic should rightfully be left alone. Tonight we'll speak the with Mrs. Eva Hartley, Dame Hartley, who was just 12 years old and a passenger on the Titanic the night it went down. And we'll be going by satellite to the actual location in the North Atlantic where the crew of the salvage ship Glommer 2 are making last minute preparations for the initial dive down to the wreck. We'll speak with Hugo Legrand, the great Hugo, as he builds himself the organizer and leader of the expedition. Edition first, for our viewers who need filling in on the nature and scope of this enterprise, we have arranged to show you this bit of footage borrowed from our affiliate sister station WPPX. Let's see that now.
Dame Eva Hartley
They're doing it again. 75 years after her sinking, RMS Titanic is about to be revisited. Only this time it won't be just any enterprising visitor happening by, but none other than maybe a blitzman himself, entrepreneur Hugo Legrand.
Smalley
The great Hugo.
Dame Eva Hartley
Yes, the great Hugo, renowned for his adventuresome expeditions to test the great myths and legends of the world. Loch Ness, Bigfoot, Abominable Snowman and the Bermuda Triangle is about to confront a real life legend as he becomes one of the few human beings on Earth to come face to face with the sunken Titanic. Like standing on the moon or standing on Everest. This is not the sort of trip that any but the most adventurous will ever take. But leave it to the great Hugo to take up the challenge. They'll be going down 13,000ft where water pressure exceeds three and a half tons per square inch. Want to find out what that feels like? Try balancing a Cadillac on your toe. Centerpiece of the expedition is the mini submarine dubbed the Hugo One, which the great Hugo and his pilot will take down to the wreck. Let's take a closer look at this amazing submersible. The hull of the capsule a mere 2 inches thick. Not so thick to withstand over 77,000 tons of water pressure bearing down. But this is not ordinary metal. It is titanium. Strongest metal known to man. Virtually uncrushable. Central feature of the submarine is the 2 1/2 mile long tether to the mothership, which supplies the enormous extra power, enabling it to accomplish tasks far greater than any of its predecessor submarines. Anyone for arm wrestling? Check out those two robot arms. Powerful hydraulic manipulators. They can extend a full 8ft and are capable of picking up objects much heavier than the bikini clad volunteer seen here. Unhand her, you cad. Sailing day arrives at last. And it's a beautiful day with banner blue skies and brilliant sunshine. As the crew of the Glommer to prepare for departure, the crowd of happy Onlookers loin the dock, many of whom have been here since early morning when the complimentary champagne fest began flowing. The great Hugo is known for his gala send offs, and this one doesn't disappoint. And there's the traditional two, two salute. As the glommer too drops her loins and pulls away from the pier. The crowd sends off a boisterous yell. And there's the great Hugo himself, appearing on the poop deck, waving a confident goodbye to the crowd with streamers boying it's bon voyage. They're off to the open ocean.
Ted Bicknell
With me here in the studio tonight is Dame Eva Hartley. Dame Hartley, you were on board the Titanic that night. How does all of this strike you?
Hugo Legrand
I think it's despicable. It would be far better left alone as an undersea memorial, like they were calling for what these people are doing. They are like little boys with their hands in the candy jar. Someone should slap their hands.
Ted Bicknell
Let's go directly now to the Glommer 2 at sea and bring in Mr. Hugo. Mr. Hugo, can you hear me? Oh, yes, yes, I hear you, Mr. Hugo. Why do this?
Second Watchman
Why do it?
Smalley
Well, of course, because we can.
Second Watchman
Because it's there. We live in a world of advanced technology. Our reach extends now even into the furthest corners of the globe. It's our destiny to go there.
Ted Bicknell
Go there?
Smalley
Perhaps.
Ted Bicknell
But why bring anything back?
Second Watchman
Well, Ted, it wouldn't be much of a salvage operation if we didn't. Oh, I know what you're getting at. Of course, the Titanic was a disaster. But there are other. Other disasters. Hundreds of shipwrecks salvaged every day. Why, if we were to memorialize every accident where there's loss of human life, we'd have to bronze every automobile crash, every train wreck, every plane that falls out of the sky. Oh, pretty soon those things would begin to clutter up the landscape. The world belongs to the living, Ted, not to the dead.
Hugo Legrand
Dame Hartley, it is precisely for the sake of the living that we ought to leave it alone. There were things that happened that night, things I saw that I will never forget. Tremendous acts of courage and heroism. Selflessness. People willingly sacrificing their own lives for the sake of others. Not only family and loved ones, but perfect strangers. Tenderness and compassion. That's what I saw. And that's the lesson we need to bring back. Not curios and souvenirs. I was 12 years old when my father picked me up and kissed me and set me into a lifeboat and then waved goodbye for the last time. There hasn't been a day gone by that I haven't returned to walk those decks in again. In my mind, now that I'm old, I've come to realize that all my life I have been walking the decks of the Titanic. So do we all. Every moment we are living. The death the victims of the Titanic faced is the same death we all face. Theirs was abbreviated. For most of us, it tends to be drawn out, but in the end, it's the the same. And always, always, it's how we handle it that matters. It's the way in which we approach things that makes all the difference.
Ted Bicknell
Very moving, Dame Hartley. Mr. Hugo, how do you respond?
Mr. Hugo
Hmm?
Ted Bicknell
Mr. Hugo, how do you respond?
Second Watchman
Oh, sorry, Ted. I wasn't listening. We're awful busy here getting ready.
Smalley
Listen, would you tell Mrs.
Second Watchman
Survivor I've forgotten her name, that we. It will be my personal privilege to bestow upon her souvenir artifact.
Hugo Legrand
I wouldn't accept it.
Second Watchman
In fact, I'm going to make certain we bring back something extra special to send to her. Will you tell her that?
Hugo Legrand
Tell him no. Tell him to go away.
Mr. Hugo
Brave robbers.
Ted Bicknell
Mr. Hugo. Many are calling for the Titanic to be recognized as an undersea memorial.
Second Watchman
Hey. And I agree, that's precisely what I'm doing. Because having these objects in a display where people can go and see them is the best way to remind folks.
Ted Bicknell
That'S the only reason.
Second Watchman
What's that?
Ted Bicknell
That's the only reason you're doing it not for money, not for prestige and notoriety. Those aren't trophies you're bringing back, are they, Mr.
Second Watchman
Anchorman? What you don't seem to realize is I'm a showman. Some say I'm the world's greatest showman. What you have here is the world's greatest showman. Going down to look at the world's.
Ted Bicknell
Greatest shipwreck and bringing back plunder and loot.
Second Watchman
Well, it's customary for those to assume the risk to deserve the spoils. The fact is, the ship is resting in international waters. It belongs to no one or everyone. Well, same thing. Everybody. Nobody. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to get ready.
Ted Bicknell
You're not afraid, Mr. Hugo?
Mr. Hugo
Afraid?
Second Watchman
What for?
Ted Bicknell
You're going down a great depth relying on your equipment. Some say a voyage to the bottom of the sea is like the voyage into outer space. What if something should go wrong, Mr. Bicknell?
Second Watchman
Danger is my forte. I thrive on it. Why, that doesn't mean I'm foolharded. Why, the way to prepare for danger is to be prepared. This Submarine that you see here is the safest, most sophisticated salvage submersible ever devised. I had a direct hand in every step of its design. Nothing will go wrong because we've thought of everything.
Ted Bicknell
That sounds a lot like what they.
Mr. Hugo
Said about the Titanic.
Second Watchman
Oh, yes, I see. You're very clever. But this baby here happens to be made of titanium. Indestructible by. The fact is, if the Titanic hull had been made of the same stuff, there would be nothing down there for any of us to go and bring back. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must continue getting ready.
Smalley
Pardon me.
Second Watchman
Why are you standing there?
Dame Eva Hartley
Me, sir?
Second Watchman
Well, I'm not talking to the electric winch, you idiot. I asked you why you are standing there.
Mr. Hugo
I. I'm attending this line, sir.
Second Watchman
Well, go and tend it somewhere else.
Dame Eva Hartley
And you see, you're standing in my way.
Second Watchman
Sorry, sir.
Mr. Hugo
Sorry.
Second Watchman
Good evening, Mr. Hugo.
Mr. Hugo
Are we all ready?
Second Watchman
I am ready, Captain. Of that much I'm sure. Good. If you'll just step this way. I think we're all ready for you. It's a little rough this evening, but you won't notice that once you start down.
Mr. Hugo
Now, why don't I hold your cloak.
Second Watchman
And if you just climb these stairs and. Where is Mr. Smalley? Oh, he's already inside waiting for you. Now, let me see. How do I go about this? Well, sir, if you'll just try sitting down on the top step and then swinging your legs inside the hatch. Very well.
Mr. Hugo
That's it.
Second Watchman
There we go.
Dame Eva Hartley
Now, if you want to try hopping.
Second Watchman
Across and sitting on the lip of the hatch. It won't tip, will it? Oh, no, no, sir. Not while it's in the hoist. Ah, I see.
Smalley
Well, Mr. Smalley, are you in there?
Mr. Hugo
Yes, sir, right here.
Smalley
Ready for me, are you?
Mr. Hugo
Yes, sir. Ready?
Smalley
No.
Second Watchman
Let me see. Just hop over, Pop. That's okay. That's okay.
Mr. Hugo
You're there we are.
Second Watchman
Now you can just. Just slide in.
Smalley
Right. All right. Here I go.
Second Watchman
They don't make these hatch openings very large, do they?
Smalley
I seem to be having.
Second Watchman
I'm having. Try sucking your breath in.
Dame Eva Hartley
That may help.
Smalley
Yes, yes.
Second Watchman
Mr. Hugo.
Dame Eva Hartley
I'm going to try pushing on your shoulder.
Smalley
Yes, just a bit, if you don't mind. Not too hard, not too hard. Not too. Everybody all right in there? Stupid fool. I said not too hard.
Mr. Hugo
Sorry, sir.
Craig
Oh, I would have made it.
Second Watchman
It's practically inside already.
Smalley
Mr. Smalley, how about you? Oh, yes, I think so. Sure, he's fine.
Second Watchman
He's fine. Close the hatchman. Let's get on with this.
Smalley
All right, gentlemen, bon voyage.
Dame Eva Hartley
Good luck.
Smalley
Hoist away.
Dame Eva Hartley
Take her up.
Smalley
Craig, do you read me?
Craig
Right here.
Mr. Hugo
Systems check.
Smalley
Swing out. Swing out. Divers in the water. Watch that line.
Second Watchman
It's awfully warm in here. Switch on the air conditioning.
Mr. Hugo
Sorry, sir, there's no climate control.
Second Watchman
No, what?
Mr. Hugo
No air conditioning. No heat either.
Smalley
You're kidding.
Mr. Hugo
Well, don't worry. We'll cool off as soon as we begin. In fact, when we get down there, you'll probably wish we had some of this heat. Water Temperature is about 33 degrees at the bottom. Craig, give me a reading on how much power you're sending.
Craig
I'm showing 2500. Right on the nose.
Smalley
Blower away. Blow her away. Who is the idiot at the controls?
Mr. Hugo
It's not his fault, sir. We're a lot of weight and it's difficult for the boys to.
Smalley
Excuses, Mr. Smalley.
Second Watchman
I do not wish to hear excus. My God, this is terrible. When are we gonna stop this rolling?
Mr. Hugo
And it won't be long, sir. Camera's working. Batteries functional. Scrubber operation.
Second Watchman
I thought you said there was no air conditioning.
Mr. Hugo
No, no, sir. That's just the air scrubber. All it does is remove excess CO2.
Second Watchman
Well, leave it on anyway, sir.
Smalley
It won't do any good. I said, leave it on.
Mr. Hugo
Yes, sir.
Second Watchman
It's rocking and heaving.
Smalley
What's that?
Mr. Hugo
It's just the Zodiac. It's coming to pick up the divers. Craig, before they go, could you have them check the forward ballast clamp, will you?
Second Watchman
How much ballast are we carrying?
Mr. Hugo
Twelve hundred pounds, sir. There are four lead plates. Each weigh about 300 pounds.
Second Watchman
Mr. Swally, if you do not get us out of these waves and out of this heat.
Mr. Hugo
Yes, sir.
Smalley
Right this minute.
Mr. Hugo
Yes, sir. Craig, I think we'll go ahead. Mr. Hugo. That is, I think we'd like to get started.
Craig
Okay. Your call. Clear to dive.
Mr. Hugo
Clear to dive. Cast off, Samson.
Smalley
Hide a hole.
Craig
You're on your own.
Mr. Hugo
Releasing compressed air flooding tanks. Here we go. Beginning to sense of time. See, it gets a lot calmer as soon as we leave the surface.
Narrator
Bloody awful.
Mr. Hugo
It's not like a liftoff, is it? It's more like going down in an elevator.
Smalley
Why are we leaning like this?
Mr. Hugo
We're a little heavy up front. Don't worry, I can take care of it.
Second Watchman
What's that?
Mr. Hugo
It's called a mercury pump. What it is, is a series of hollow metal spheres about the size of bowling balls. They're all connected in a row. Inside is mercury. And by pumping mercury from one sphere to the next, we can keep adjusting our weight until we reach horizontal trim. It'll take a few minutes.
Second Watchman
How long till we reach bottom?
Mr. Hugo
Let me see. Right now we're sinking at a rate of 1 1/2ft per second. That should get us there in about 2 hours, 35 minutes.
Second Watchman
That long?
Mr. Hugo
Of course, it took the Titanic a lot less time, but then it had over 46,000 tons of negative buoyancy pulling it down. All we've got is 1200 pounds of lead. If we had more, we could get there faster. Then we'd have to worry about slowing down before we reach bottom. Even as it is, we're falling at a pretty good clip.
Smalley
Well, how do we then?
Mr. Hugo
What's that, sir?
Smalley
How do we slow down?
Mr. Hugo
Oh, by dropping one of the balance plates just before we reach bottom. That'll cut our rate of descent in half. The other two will drop as we begin our ascent. The fourth is for emergency light from above.
Second Watchman
It's fading. Fading so quickly. First it was green, now blue. How that's going? It's fading. Fading. It's totally black out there.
Mr. Hugo
Amazing, isn't it? Only down 400ft. Most people don't realize it, but probably 95% of all the oceans exist in total darkness.
Second Watchman
What's that I'm seeing out there?
Mr. Hugo
Keep looking. You'll see quite a show. Mr. Hugo, those streaks of light. Those are bioluminescent zooplankton. They're mostly microscopic. Pretty soon you should start seeing those glowing skeleton fish that look so gassy.
Smalley
There goes one.
Mr. Hugo
Now there'll be others. It's our light that attracts them. They've never seen anything manufacture its own light quite like we do. I'll tell you what. I'll switch to red cabin light so you can see out more easily.
Craig
How's it going?
Mr. Hugo
We just passed 800. We're watching a light show at the moment.
Craig
You remember to pack your lunch.
Mr. Hugo
Ham sandwiches and dill pickles. We got them.
Craig
Okay, have a good rest, and I'll just stand with you just before you arrive. But how? Anytime you get lonely. You know I always enjoy repeating long distance.
Mr. Hugo
All right. We'll burn out.
Second Watchman
Amazing.
Mr. Hugo
Look at them all. Quite a sight, isn't it.
Second Watchman
Mr. Smalley? Did I hear you mention ham sandwiches?
Mr. Hugo
Yes, sir. They're right behind you there in that locker.
Dame Eva Hartley
Oh, yeah. Well, I believe I'll just help myself.
Second Watchman
Excuse me. Ah, there we go.
Smalley
Are they still out there?
Mr. Hugo
Well, yes, sir. Plenty of them. Quite a sight watching them come slithering up from out of the darkness, peering in at us through the portholes. It's a good thing they don't have a mirror to see how ugly they are. Or maybe they're thinking the same thing about us.
Second Watchman
Oh, that's good. That's very good. I like that. I'll use that in my book.
Mr. Hugo
What's that? Oh, that's our echolocator, telling us how far off the bottom we are. That sound, that's us. And wait just a second. That sound coming back up is the bottom. Sound Travels at about 4,000ft per second underwater. So it takes that long for the sound to bounce off the bottom and come back up. Gives you an idea of how deep we're going.
Second Watchman
Well, this sandwich is just right. I believe it. Time for a nap.
Smalley
I'm sure you'll wake me in time.
Second Watchman
So I'm not missing anything.
Mr. Hugo
Yes, sir.
Second Watchman
Good night, Smalley.
Mr. Hugo
Good night, sir. Before you go to sleep, I wonder. Your foot is sort of digging into my ribs.
Second Watchman
Mr. Smolley, I don't like to remind you that your foot is also pressing.
Smalley
Against my outer arm.
Second Watchman
It's bound to be an uncomfortable trip, so let's make the most of it by not complaining. Flaming.
Mr. Hugo
Yes, sir.
Second Watchman
Good night, Smally.
Smalley
What are we doing?
Mr. Hugo
Coming in for a landing, sir. We're just about there. We're about 150ft off the bottom now. In a few seconds, I'll release a quarter of our ballast. That'll allow us to settle down gently.
Craig
Present rate of descent, 1.53. Release in five seconds.
Mr. Hugo
Roger. Ready?
Craig
Three, two, one. Let her go.
Mr. Hugo
Ballast away. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Did you feel anything?
Second Watchman
Nothing but your foot, which is still pressing against me.
Smalley
Wait.
Mr. Hugo
I didn't. I didn't. I didn't either. It didn't let go. We're not slowing up. What's going. We're not slowing up.
Craig
I am still showing 1.5. We better slow it down.
Second Watchman
What is it?
Smalley
It's not releasing. Do something.
Mr. Hugo
Nothing's responding.
Smalley
Do something, you fool. Nothing's responding. Do something. It's too late. Something. It's too leg.
Mr. Hugo
Mr. Hugo.
Smalley
Get off me. Mr.
Mr. Hugo
Swing.
Smalley
Mr.
Second Watchman
Swing, listen. Taking on water. Water's coming in.
Mr. Hugo
No.
Smalley
We're sinking. We're going to drown. Stop it. Stop it. We're not sinking. We're not? No.
Mr. Hugo
It's only condensation that forms inside the hull during descent. When we landed, we jarred a lot of it loose. But we're not sinking. Titanium, remember? We're much too strong for that. That's right.
Second Watchman
That's right. We're titanium.
Craig
What happened?
Smalley
You're right down there.
Mr. Hugo
We're in the mud.
Craig
How deep?
Mr. Hugo
I can't tell for sure. The bottom and side ports are covered. I can see water above us through the overhead.
Craig
Want us to try pulling you off?
Mr. Hugo
No, no, that might damage the cable. I'm gonna try powering us out. We're not in too deep. Not too much suction.
Second Watchman
Suction like when you step in the.
Mr. Hugo
Mud and lose your shoe? The question is to. To pull ourselves out by our own bootstraps. Okay, here goes. Engaging one. Engaging two. Engaging three.
Second Watchman
Damn.
Mr. Hugo
That one's jammed. Engaging four.
Second Watchman
Mr. Smalley. Mr. Smalley.
Smalley
We're not moving.
Mr. Hugo
Now we go. Pull up.
Second Watchman
It's not working.
Smalley
We're not moving.
Mr. Hugo
Wait.
Smalley
You burn up the engine. No, wait, wait, wait, wait.
Mr. Hugo
It's working. It is working.
Smalley
I feel it. It's working. It's working.
Mr. Hugo
Oh, we're out. Oh, man. We're out.
Craig
Right. Good on it.
Second Watchman
Very good, Mr. Smiley.
Mr. Hugo
Well, we almost didn't make it.
Second Watchman
I still can't see out. Are you sure?
Smalley
Where?
Mr. Hugo
Look at the altimeter. We're 10ft up. Just wait a second and the current will clean us off.
Craig
Damage report?
Mr. Hugo
Well, nothing so far. Even the jammed rotor looks like it's worked itself free. I don't know. Either the balance clamp wouldn't release or there's something wrong with the circuit board. I tried rerouting the command. The balance just let go. It wasn't working and it just did.
Craig
Look, guys, why don't we think about calling it a day? Start again tomorrow?
Mr. Hugo
That's up to you, Mr. Hugo.
Second Watchman
You mean go all the way back up?
Mr. Hugo
It might be a good idea to check things over from the outside.
Second Watchman
Oh, I see. And how far are we from the debris field?
Mr. Hugo
Well, we should be pretty close, right where we are.
Second Watchman
And you say there's no damage?
Mr. Hugo
Well, there's nothing we can tell from in here, but I really think it would be a good idea.
Second Watchman
Oh, yes, I'm sure you do, Mr. Smolley. I'm sure you would love to. To check things over and thereby add another day's diving to the bill.
Mr. Hugo
No, please, sir, I'm just.
Second Watchman
But since I am the one who's paying for this expedition, not you, I don't think we'll give up just yet.
Mr. Hugo
I assure you, sir.
Second Watchman
And I assure you that we will stick around and select a few small items before we start up. This day will not have been a total loss.
Mr. Hugo
Yes, sir.
Second Watchman
I'll watch outside. You steer.
Smalley
Besides, I'm not About to have come.
Second Watchman
This far without getting at least one look at the Titanic.
Mr. Hugo
Craig, I think we've decided to look around down here a little while before calling it quits. Can you give us our position and bearing on the target?
Craig
Okay, here's how I've got you. I shall. Large target approximately 200 meters northwest the of your present position. Most likely the bile section. There is another target of Probable size approximately 700 meters southwest. Probably the third pivot right 35 degrees. Keep going. Keep going. Stop there. Okay, now you're pointing straight at it. Follow that head and you should roll right into it.
Second Watchman
Where do we look for debris?
Mr. Hugo
Practically anywhere, I guess. It's supposed to be scattered all around. Well, why don't we head for the bow? And I'm sure we'll pass over plenty along the way. Well, we got a headwind of about a half knot. Looks like a mild winter snowstorm out there. I'd say 30ft, visibility maximum. 20 is clear. After that, it starts getting a little murky.
Craig
Okay.
Second Watchman
Good hunting.
Craig
Call me if you need me.
Second Watchman
You're getting excited, aren't you? I mean, I've waited for this so long. I've waited for this. I don't see anything yet. Nothing but mud.
Mr. Hugo
Wait.
Second Watchman
Stones.
Smalley
Wait. No, Wait. Wait. There's something. There's something.
Second Watchman
There's something. I can't tell. Never mind. Go on. Go on. I can't tell what it is. We don't want it, do we? It's no good for the exhibit.
Smalley
Wait, wait. There's something. What is it? It looks like. Stop. Get that. Get it. Pick it up.
Second Watchman
You want that for sure? Yes. Careful, careful. Don't scratch it.
Mr. Hugo
Look at it.
Second Watchman
Such perfect condition.
Smalley
As if it just slid off the.
Second Watchman
Settee instead of falling two miles underwater.
Mr. Hugo
Stowed, sir.
Second Watchman
Very good, very good. Let's go on. Keep going. What's that?
Smalley
No, no, no.
Second Watchman
Keep going. There's more. There's more. More coming up. Look, look, there's.
Mr. Hugo
Hey.
Smalley
Hey. Stop. Get it.
Second Watchman
Have champagne for the exhibit at least one month.
Smalley
Perfect. I feel so giddy, so giggly. I feel like I just drank it myself. Imagine a bottle of champagne from the Titanic.
Mr. Hugo
Stowed, sir.
Second Watchman
Good boy.
Smalley
Good boy. Keep going.
Second Watchman
Keep going. I'll tell you when.
Mr. Hugo
There. There.
Smalley
There's a shoe. Get that shoe.
Second Watchman
That's good. Yes, yes, a shoe. Oh, that would look great in the exhibit.
Mr. Hugo
Stowed, sir.
Smalley
Keep going. Keep going. Look at it all. There's so much sliding by beneath us. There's so much. Can you believe it?
Second Watchman
There's too much but no, no, wait, wait. We'll have to be careful. We'll have to be more selective. Only the good stuff. No more shoes. You hear me, Mr. Smalley? No more Jews.
Mr. Hugo
Yes, sir. This is so exciting.
Second Watchman
Now, something silver. Find me something silver. Silver platter. A silver base.
Smalley
A wine bucket. Something like that.
Mr. Hugo
Wait, wait.
Smalley
What's that?
Second Watchman
What's that?
Smalley
Stop, stop, stop. Over there. Look. Look. What is that?
Mr. Hugo
What is it? Sir.
Second Watchman
You know exactly what that is. That would be the perfect centerpiece for the exhibit.
Mr. Hugo
What is it? Sir?
Second Watchman
It's Artemis, goddess. Artemis, Goddess of the hunt. It was on the Titanic when she went down. Carefully, carefully.
Mr. Hugo
Boy, it's a little hard to get hold of. Easy. Oh, since. Sir, it keeps slipping. Easy. There. Okay, I think I've got it.
Second Watchman
Keep it up. Keep it up. Don't drop it.
Smalley
Look at it. It's in such perfect condition.
Second Watchman
Look at her reaching back to take an arrow from her quiver.
Smalley
My, Nothing's damaged. Nothing's broken. Not even a chip. The perfect centerpiece for the exhibit.
Mr. Hugo
And goad, sir.
Second Watchman
Oh, very good, sir. Very good, Mr. Smalley. Very nicely done.
Smalley
Now more.
Second Watchman
Let's keep going. This is proving more profitable than I.
Smalley
Wait, wait.
Second Watchman
Watch this. Slow, Slow up.
Smalley
Look.
Mr. Hugo
What is it?
Smalley
Do you know what I'm seeing?
Mr. Hugo
No, sir.
Smalley
Do you know what those are?
Mr. Hugo
No, sir.
Smalley
Cups. It's a whole rack of teacups.
Second Watchman
Can you imagine how perfect.
Smalley
Teacups from the Titanic. Get them. Get them all.
Mr. Hugo
Yes, sir.
Second Watchman
Don't you drop them.
Mr. Hugo
Yes, sir. No, sir, I won't.
Second Watchman
My, my. You're doing an excellent job, Smolly.
Mr. Hugo
Thanks, sir.
Second Watchman
When we get back to the surface, we'll have to think seriously about giving you one. I mean, why not?
Smalley
After all, you.
Second Watchman
You got us out of the mud.
Mr. Hugo
Yes. Yes, sir. What's that? I don't know.
Second Watchman
Where's it coming from?
Mr. Hugo
I don't know.
Smalley
What is that?
Mr. Hugo
An underwater landslide, maybe. Craig? Craig, are you hearing what we're hearing? Craig. Craig, I'm not reading you.
Smalley
Why aren't they answering?
Mr. Hugo
Plumber 2. Plumber 2.
Smalley
Why aren't they answering?
Mr. Hugo
My God.
Smalley
My God.
Mr. Hugo
That's no landslide.
Smalley
What is it? Well, there's only one thing it can be. What? That explains why we're not getting through. What?
Mr. Hugo
We can't go back to the ship.
Smalley
Because the ship is coming to us. Ollie something. Get us out of here. If the ship is coming down, it can land on us. We'll be crossed. We'll be buried. Well, where do I go? Anywhere. Anywhere. Go somewhere. Run. Run.
Mr. Hugo
You don't understand.
Smalley
It's coming from two and a half miles above us. It won't fall straight down. It'll flutter. I could just as easily steer under it as away. Mr. Smalley. Holly.
Second Watchman
It's over.
Smalley
It's over. We're safe. Pull yourself together. Call the ship. Call them.
Mr. Hugo
Craig. Craig, are you there?
Smalley
Polly, let's go out. Let's get out again.
Mr. Hugo
No, no, no. I want to try something first.
Smalley
What's that?
Mr. Hugo
It's a magnetometer. It can tell us if there are any large metallic objects nearby. Something's out there. It might be the bow section of the Titanic. I don't know. I've lost my bearing. We've got to go see.
Smalley
No, no.
Mr. Hugo
We gotta go look. It's not far.
Smalley
You keep watching, Mr. Smalley. Keep watching.
Mr. Hugo
30 meters. 20. You should start seeing it.
Second Watchman
I don't see anything.
Smalley
There's something out there. Something's out there. Slow up. Slow up.
Mr. Hugo
What is it? It's the Titanic. Are you sure? Look. Look at the rust. Look at the hull. Look at the anchor. It's covered with rusticles. You're right. Let's get up. Let's go up.
Smalley
Let's get up.
Mr. Hugo
No, wait a minute, though.
Smalley
Wait for what? Let's get out there. Look out.
Mr. Hugo
Look out there. Wait. I'm gonna turn it so we can see. No, go look over there. Look at the way the sediment's flowing. It's snowing so much harder than before.
Smalley
Look at it.
Mr. Hugo
But the bottom current hasn't changed, so something must have disturbed the bottom.
Smalley
Where are you going? Where are you going? We've got to go see. See what? Molly Smolley.
Mr. Hugo
We're out of the Lee now. Something's out there.
Smalley
Look at the magnetometer.
Mr. Hugo
No. Molly.
Smalley
What is it? Keep watching, Molly. I don't want to look. I. I don't know. I don't want to know. I. I can't. I can't see. I can't. No. I can't see. Watch out.
Mr. Hugo
Oh, Mr. Hugo. Oh, Mr. Hugo, it's us. It's the glommer, too. Let's get out of here.
Smalley
Let's get out of here. Get out of here. Let's get out of here. Get out of here. Flowing main tank. Go. Releasing ballast. Release one. Release two. We're going up. We're picking up speed. Release three. Coming up.
Mr. Hugo
Good.
Smalley
That was really moving. I can't see the bottom.
Mr. Hugo
This shoe.
Smalley
This is disappearing. It's going. It's gone.
Mr. Hugo
Thank God. Not enough. I don't know how this could have Happened? I don't want to think about it. How could it happen?
Smalley
You're right.
Mr. Hugo
I don't know.
Smalley
But we're going up. Longer till we reach. Sir. Sir. Get off. Get off. I'm trying. Get off. I'm trying. It's not easy. We're upside down, Sir. Oh. Oh. Shut up. What happened? We're not going out. There's the tether. I forgot.
Mr. Hugo
We're still connected. I forgot to release it.
Smalley
We'll do it. Release us.
Mr. Hugo
You'll have to reach.
Smalley
I can't. Will you move your head? Move your head.
Mr. Hugo
Okay.
Smalley
This one. Remove that cover.
Second Watchman
This one here?
Smalley
Yeah.
Mr. Hugo
Now throw that switch.
Smalley
Smolly. The lights. What's happened to the lights? What did you do? I didn't do anything. Nothing. I didn't even touch the switch. Smolly, we need light.
Mr. Hugo
Wait a minute. Wait. There's a flashlight around here somewhere.
Smalley
Light. Light.
Mr. Hugo
Oh. Oh, no. Our main batteries are dead. They're all drained.
Smalley
How could that happen? I don't know.
Mr. Hugo
Salt water leaking in.
Smalley
I don't know. God, we've lost our power. Now. That switch won't work.
Mr. Hugo
That's all right. We can do it manually. Let me do it.
Smalley
Can you move? I'm trying. I'm trying. Wait a minute. Wait.
Mr. Hugo
Here it is. Is it loose? It's coming. It's nearly there. There.
Smalley
Watch it. Watch it. We're coming up right. Mr. Hugo, your knee. What happened? We stopped again.
Mr. Hugo
Mr. Hugo, please get off.
Smalley
Hey, shut up. We're sideways. Why are we sideways? Ouch. Swolly. We are not going up. Why?
Craig
Respect.
Smalley
On what?
Mr. Hugo
The cable.
Smalley
Would you release that?
Mr. Hugo
It must have caught on something because it was sliding over the hull.
Smalley
On what? I don't know.
Mr. Hugo
I don't know. Come on. Let me look out with the flashlight. I can't see. It's just out of sight.
Smalley
Do something. You just go the pilot. Do something.
Mr. Hugo
Okay. Okay. There's one chance. Actually two. But it depends. On what? There are explosive bolts holding the robot arms in place. We can blow them. The cable could be snagged on one of the arms. But even if it isn't, the force of the explosion may be enough to shake us loose. We'll be cutting off our arms to do it, but without the power, they're useless anyway. The only question is, should we do them separately or together? One blast might not be enough. The two together means we can't try it twice. Okay. Okay. What should we do?
Smalley
I don't know. Blow them separately.
Mr. Hugo
Okay. You ready?
Smalley
There goes the arm. It's falling off. It didn't work. It didn't work. Try again. Try it again. We're still.
Second Watchman
God, smally.
Smalley
What are we going to do? Try rocking rock this thing. No, no. Don't stop it.
Mr. Hugo
Let me think. If we could take some tension off the cable. But without the bell, we're going to want to go up. Even if I flood the tanks. But without power, I can't.
Smalley
Molly.
Mr. Hugo
Hey, there's one thing.
Smalley
What?
Mr. Hugo
Okay, one last thing we can try.
Smalley
Try it. What is it?
Mr. Hugo
There may be a little juice left in the batteries. If I run them all together, there may be enough to operate the mercury pump.
Smalley
Try it. Try it.
Mr. Hugo
With that, we can un. We can change our trim.
Smalley
Try it.
Mr. Hugo
Which. That may be enough to unhook.
Smalley
Try it.
Mr. Hugo
Okay, let's see. How do I do this? Feed numbers one through six. Number 12. Throw this. Okay, now we try the pump.
Smalley
It's working.
Mr. Hugo
Barely, but it's working with. Now we wait.
Smalley
Smolly, we're moving. We're tipping forward. Oh, this is going to work. I just know it's going to work. It's going to work. Yes.
Mr. Hugo
I'm looking out this side. Flashlight isn't doing much good. We're coming around. At least I'll be able to see what we're going to.
Smalley
Wait. Stop. Not wait. We're losing. We're not stopping. My precious cups, they're falling out. Oh, my God. All my precious cups are gone. Shut up. Shut up. Why are you laughing? You did this. Shut up. Look out there. Look.
Mr. Hugo
Look what we're caught on.
Smalley
Look.
Mr. Hugo
On the arm of the statue.
Smalley
You see, it was your doing, not mine.
Mr. Hugo
Your greed.
Smalley
That's what got us into this. Your greed and my stupidity. Forever listening to you. No, no. You were the one. You should have released the cable. But before we started up, you. You were the one who said try the charges separately. Well, why did you listen to me? You're the pilot. You're in charge here. Oh, I'm in charge now, is that it? I'm in charge? Well, then get your foot off of me. Stop it.
Mr. Hugo
Wake up. Smy, smy, smy. Where's your flashlight? I leave you alone, buddy.
Smalley
Help.
Mr. Hugo
Smolly.
Smalley
Smolly, wake up.
Mr. Hugo
You can be in charge. Please wake up.
Dame Eva Hartley
News on The March Dateline 2089 Titanic exhibit returns in triumphant style. After languishing in a museum warehouse for almost a century, the forgotten relics from the sunken luxury liner Titanic made a dramatic reappearance this week as part of a 12 nation 1D city tour that is attracting throngs of the curious at every step along the way. The Titanic exhibit, first assembled in the year 1989 and sent round the world, initially attracted hundreds of thousands of ticket buyers. In time, however, as the novelty wore off and public interest waned, the objects came to be stored in the basement of the Paris Museum. Until recently, when, for the first time in 96 years, the public spotlight returns and the huge crowds are back. Just look at this line extending round the block at Exhibition center in New York. But just what is it that is causing all the excitement? Let's go down and take a closer look. Entering at the front door, we pass the silver platters, the tea tops and the endless row of items on display, till at the back, we enter the dark and crowded room where a crowd of anxious ticket buyers is about to witness the unveiling of the centerpiece of the exhibit. Moving through the crowd and taking up a spot directly behind the velvet ropes, we wait for the unveiling. The moment arrives, the curtains are parted, and there it is. The Hugo 1, floating in its own specially constructed aquarium. The Hugo 1 and Peak Submarine, named for Hugo Legrand, famed adventurer of his day, whose body, along with the body of his pilot, lie in perfect state inside the hermetically sealed container. Hugo Legrand, the great Hugo, as he was known, and for whom the word hugotist was coined as laying suspended underwater in a permacyl time capsule in perfect darkness, far away from harmful sunlight and in a constant temperature of 33 degrees. Look inside and see him now exactly as he was then. Even the uneaten ham sandwich in the foreground remains as fresh today as it was almost a bowl century ago. But let us move on now as the crowd behind grows impatient, each one wanting his tents to peer into yesteryear and observe the perfectly preserved specimen of the enormous Hugo, in case inside a bubble of steel.
Narrator
You have been listening to Cape Cod Radio Mystery theater's presentation of Mr. Hugo's night to remember the actors in tonight's play. Doug Credit played the great Hugo. Stephen Russell played Smalley, the sailor and the anchorman. Michael Mellor was Robin Leach and the newsreel announcer, Jim Grannon was Craig and the Sailor. Carol McManus played Dame Eva Hartley. Alan Nelson was the captain. Tonight's play was written and directed by Stephen Thomas Oney. Audio engineer Edwin Hurwitz. Sound effects engineer Dave Goodman. Live music by Eddie Shear. Sound effects by John Colity, Lynn Colity, Debbie Oney, Rich Gady and Tony Baker. Recorded July 15, 1989 at the Woods Hole Community Hall. Copyrighted by Stephen Thomasoni for Cape Cod Radio Mystery Theater. This program is dedicated to Robert Ballard, Martin Bowen and the rest of the crew of the north, who had the daring to go and find it and the dignity to leave it alone. This is George McConville wishing you a pleasant evening and inviting you to tune in again when the fog rolls in on another chapter of Cape Cod Radio Mystery, the.
Smalley
LA.
Cape Cod Radio Mystery Theater Episode Summary: "Mr. Hugo's Night to Remember"
"Mr. Hugo's Night to Remember," the fourth installment of the Cape Cod Radio Mystery Theater series, masterfully intertwines historical events with thrilling fiction. Released on August 2, 2025, and hosted by Harold's Old Time Radio, this episode transports listeners to the fateful night of April 14, 1912, aboard the ill-fated Titanic. Blending atmospheric narration with intense character interactions, the episode delves into the perilous salvage mission led by the enigmatic adventurer, Hugo Legrand.
The story unfolds on a foggy Cape Cod evening, setting an eerie and suspenseful tone. The narrator vividly describes the environment:
"It's a foggy night on old Cape Cod, a perfect night for our mystery. Tonight, Cape Cod Radio Mystery Theater presents a Titanic mystery thriller entitled Mr. Hugo's Night to Remember." [00:36]
Listeners are immediately immersed in the historical context, with precise geographical coordinates and atmospheric details that evoke the chilling calm before the Titanic's disaster.
The narrative shifts to the steamer Californian, where two watchmen, Mr. Hugo and Ted Bicknell, observe a large passenger liner approaching—later suspected to be the Titanic. Their conversation reveals tension and skepticism about the celebrations on the liner:
Mr. Hugo:
"She's putting on a fireworks display. Well, what do you know? Must be having a party. Maiden voyage after all." [04:07]
Ted Bicknell:
"When he gets through, tell him to." [04:50]
Their banter underscores the contrast between the commercial vessel's festivities and the impending tragedy, hinting at the lack of awareness about the ice warnings.
The episode seamlessly transitions to a modern-day segment with Ted Bicknell hosting "Worldview Tonight." He interviews Dame Eva Hartley, a 12-year-old Titanic survivor, and Hugo Legrand, an adventurous entrepreneur leading a salvage expedition to the Titanic wreck.
Dame Eva Hartley:
"There were things that happened that night, tremendous acts of courage and heroism. Selflessness. People willingly sacrificing their own lives for the sake of others." [12:07]
Her heartfelt reflection emphasizes the human element of the Titanic tragedy, contrasting sharply with the expedition's looting motives.
Hugo Legrand introduces his state-of-the-art submersible, Hugo One, detailing its titanium construction and advanced features designed to withstand the immense pressure of the deep Atlantic:
"The hull of the capsule a mere 2 inches thick...It's titanium. Strongest metal known to man. Virtually uncrushable." [08:31]
The crew's departure is marked by fanfare and optimism, but the mission quickly spirals into chaos as technical failures and interpersonal conflicts surface.
As Hugo One plunges into the abyss, the tension mounts. The crew encounters bioluminescent plankton and perfect preservation of Titanic artifacts, fueling their greed:
Second Watchman:
"A shoe. That's good. Yes, yes, a shoe. Oh, that would look great in the exhibit." [36:52]
However, the mission takes a dire turn when the ballast system malfunctions, trapping the submersible and leading to a harrowing struggle for survival.
The episode reaches its peak as the crew faces mechanical failures and communication blackouts. Accusations fly between Hugo and Smalley, highlighting the strain of their dire circumstances:
Smalley:
"Your greed and my stupidity. Forever listening to you." [49:46]
Mr. Hugo:
"We're still connected. I forgot to release it." [44:24]
The claustrophobic environment and dwindling resources amplify the suspense, keeping listeners on edge.
In a bid to escape, Hugo attempts to manually operate the mercury pump despite the submersible's compromised systems. The tension escalates as the crew grapples with dwindling hope and mounting dread:
Mr. Hugo:
"There may be a little juice left in the batteries. If I run them all together, there may be enough to operate the mercury pump." [47:54]
The strained dialogue and frantic actions convey the precariousness of their situation, leading to a climactic struggle against the elements and their own limitations.
The episode culminates in disaster. As the submersible surfaces, the tether snaps, leaving the crew stranded. The final moments are a blend of technical failure and emotional despair:
Mr. Hugo:
"We can't go back to the ship." [40:07]
Smalley:
"We're sinking. We're going to drown." [30:00]
The tragic end serves as a poignant reminder of the perils of human ambition and the unforgiving nature of the deep sea.
Transitioning to a future setting, the episode concludes with a newsreel-style narration from the year 2089, celebrating the rediscovery of Titanic artifacts. The legacy of Hugo Legrand and his ill-fated expedition is immortalized through preserved items, symbolizing both human curiosity and the enduring fascination with the Titanic:
"Look inside and see him now exactly as he was then. Even the uneaten ham sandwich in the foreground remains as fresh today as it was almost a half-century ago." [54:59]
Mr. Hugo on Sacrifice:
"There were things that happened that night, tremendous acts of courage and heroism." [12:07]
Second Watchman on Salvage Motives:
"It's customary for those to assume the risk to deserve the spoils." [15:19]
Smalley Expressing Frustration:
"Your greed and my stupidity. Forever listening to you." [49:46]
Descriptive Narration on the Submersible:
"The hull of the capsule a mere 2 inches thick...It's titanium. Strongest metal known to man." [08:31]
"Mr. Hugo's Night to Remember" is a captivating episode that skillfully merges historical events with fictional drama. Through rich narration, dynamic character interactions, and suspenseful storytelling, it explores themes of ambition, greed, and the human spirit's resilience. The inclusion of notable quotes with precise timestamps enhances the immersive experience, making it accessible and engaging for both longtime listeners and newcomers alike. This episode stands as a testament to Cape Cod Radio Mystery Theater's ability to craft compelling auditory adventures that resonate deeply with their audience.