Cape Cod Radio Mystery Theater xx-xx-xx (04) Mr Hugos Night to Remember

Summary

Cape Cod Radio Mystery Theater: "Mr. Hugo's Night to Remember" – A Detailed Summary

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Cape Cod Radio Mystery Theater xx-xx-xx (04) Mr. Hugo's Night to Remember
• Release Date: June 19, 2025

---

1. Setting the Scene

Timestamp: [00:33 - 02:45]

The episode opens on a foggy night off Cape Cod, setting a mysterious and foreboding atmosphere perfect for a Titanic-themed mystery thriller. The narrator describes the steamer Californian, anchored in the North Atlantic near Newfoundland on the night the Titanic famously sank.

Notable Quote:

"It’s a foggy night on old Cape Cod, a perfect night for our mystery." – Narrator ([00:33])

2. The Watchmen’s Observation

Timestamp: [02:45 - 06:30]

Two watchmen, Ted Bicknell and Smalley, observe a large passenger liner approaching. They debate whether it's the Titanic, noting the ship's celebratory lights, indicative of its maiden voyage. Their dialogue reveals underlying tensions and skepticism about the true intentions of the Titanic's crew.

Notable Quotes:

"Could be the Titanic. Evans says she's somewhere around." – Ted Bicknell ([03:15])

"They’re so drunk, they can’t even feel how cold it is." – Smalley ([05:13])

3. Introducing the Salvage Expedition

Timestamp: [06:30 - 14:20]

Transitioning from the historical scene, the narrative introduces the present-day salvage operation aimed at recovering artifacts from the sunken Titanic. The main figures are Dame Eva Hartley, a survivor of the Titanic tragedy, and Hugo Legrand, an ambitious and adventurous entrepreneur leading the expedition aboard the salvage ship Glommer 2.

Notable Quote:

"The salvage operation now underway to bring back artifacts from the sunken Titanic. An operation not without risk and certainly not without controversy." – Narrator ([06:30])

4. Ethical Debate: Preservation vs. Exploitation

Timestamp: [11:31 - 15:16]

Dame Eva Hartley expresses her strong opposition to the salvage expedition, advocating for the Titanic to remain undisturbed as an underwater memorial. In contrast, Hugo Legrand defends the mission, citing technological advancements and the human desire to explore and retrieve historical artifacts.

Notable Quotes:

"I think it's despicable. It would be far better left alone as an undersea memorial." – Eva Hartley ([11:39])

"The world belongs to the living, Ted, not to the dead." – Hugo Legrand ([12:23])

5. The Descent: Tensions and Technical Challenges

Timestamp: [15:16 - 37:25]

As the Glommer 2 prepares to dive, the crew faces technical issues. Ted Bicknell's arrogance and obsession with success create friction with Captain Smalley, the experienced pilot. The descent becomes a tense ordeal as mechanical failures and the harsh underwater environment test the crew's resolve and teamwork.

Notable Quotes:

"Danger is my forte. I thrive on it." – Ted Bicknell ([15:59])

"Condens that forms inside the hull during descent. When we landed, we jarred a lot of it loose. But we're not sinking." – Captain Smalley ([30:19])

6. Disaster Strikes: The Underwater Catastrophe

Timestamp: [37:25 - 49:56]

During the dive, the Glommer 2 encounters unexpected obstacles, including malfunctioning ballast systems and entanglement with debris from the Titanic. Tensions escalate as Ted and Captain Smalley clash over solutions, leading to critical system failures. The submarine becomes stranded, and oxygen levels drop, plunging the crew into panic and chaos.

Notable Quotes:

"I'm getting excited, aren't you? I mean, I've waited for this so long." – Ted Bicknell ([35:17])

"We’re not sinking. Titanium, remember? We’re much too strong for that." – Captain Smalley ([30:19])

"We’re going to drown." – Ted Bicknell ([30:14])

7. The Aftermath: The Titanic Exhibit of 2089

Timestamp: [51:27 - 54:55]

Decades later, in 2089, the recovered artifacts from the Glommer 2 expedition are showcased in a grand Titanic exhibit. The centerpiece is the preserved submarine containing the bodies of Hugo Legrand and his pilot, frozen in time. The exhibit attracts massive public interest, reigniting debates about the ethics of salvaging historical wrecks.

Notable Quote:

"Even the uneaten ham sandwich in the foreground remains as fresh today as it was almost a bow century ago." – Narrator ([51:27])

8. Conclusion and Credits

Timestamp: [54:55 - End]

The episode concludes with closing credits, acknowledging the cast and crew involved in bringing the story to life. It pays homage to real-life explorers like Robert Ballard, emphasizing the delicate balance between exploration and preservation.

---

Key Themes and Insights

• Human Ambition vs. Ethical Responsibility: The episode delves into the conflict between the desire to uncover and possess historical artifacts and the moral obligation to preserve them as solemn memorials.

• Technological Hubris: Ted Bicknell's overconfidence in technology mirrors real-world issues where advancements outpace ethical considerations.

• Consequences of Greed: The tragic outcome underscores the perils of prioritizing personal or commercial gain over safety and respect for the past.

• Memory and Legacy: Through Dame Eva Hartley's reflections, the narrative emphasizes the enduring impact of history on personal and collective memory.

Final Thoughts

"Mr. Hugo's Night to Remember" serves as a compelling blend of historical fiction and mystery, offering listeners a rich narrative that prompts reflection on our relationship with history, the limits of human endeavor, and the lasting legacies of our actions.

Notable Final Quote:

"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." – Narrator ([56:32])

Transcript

[Ted Bicknell]

With the Redfin app, you'll know the moment your next place hits the market. Whether you're looking to buy your dream home or rent a sweet apartment, give Redfin your Gotta have it wish list of property features and you'll receive real time notifications tailored just for you. Ready to see it up close and personal. Scheduling a tour is just a tap away. Don't wait to find your perfect match. Download the Redfin app and start searching. Today.

[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. A 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 escape, scheduled to make her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York.

[Smalley]

Well, take a look at who's up.

[Narrator]

The man on deck is joined by another.

[Ted Bicknell]

How do you stand it out here?

[Smalley]

I 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 so many stars.

[Ted Bicknell]

What's that ship out there?

[Smalley]

I don't know. I've been watching her coming up. She's a liner, judging by the way she's lit up.

[Ted Bicknell]

Could be the Titanic. Evans 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.

[Smalley]

She's moving right along. What's she making? 20 knots? 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?

[Ted Bicknell]

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.

[Smalley]

Look at that. She's putting on a fireworks display.

[Ted Bicknell]

Well, what do you know?

[Smalley]

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.

[Ted Bicknell]

He won't appreciate being wakened.

[Smalley]

Well, just the same, maybe you better go do it.

[Ted Bicknell]

Okay, but I'm saying it was your idea.

[Smalley]

When he gets through, tell him to have somebody row over and deliver us a couple of bottles of champagne.

[Captain]

A little fire row, don't you think?

[Smalley]

If they're drunk enough, they won't think so. Hey, hold it a minute.

[Captain]

What is it?

[Ted Bicknell]

Come on, back up. What is it?

[Smalley]

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 souse's 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.

[Ted Bicknell]

Yeah, well, I can. And I'm going in.

[Smalley]

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.

[Ted Bicknell]

Sound envious?

[Smalley]

Yeah, 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.

[Ted Bicknell]

Yeah, well, I'm going in. I hate watching the celebration. I can't be a part of it.

[Smalley]

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 dream.

[Ted Bicknell]

Sam.

[Smalley]

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 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. 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.

[Hugo Legrand]

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. The Great Hugo. 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 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 toot toot 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 good boy to the crowd. With streamers flying, it's bon voyage. They're off to the open ocean.

[Smalley]

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?

[Eva Hartley]

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.

[Smalley]

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?

[Ted Bicknell]

Why do it? Well, of course, because we can. 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.

[Smalley]

Go there?

[Captain]

Perhaps.

[Smalley]

But why bring anything back?

[Ted Bicknell]

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. Dame Hartley, it is precisely for the.

[Eva Hartley]

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 again. 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.

[Smalley]

Very moving, Dame Hartley. Mr. Hugo, how do you respond?

[Ted Bicknell]

Hmm?

[Smalley]

Mr. Hugo, how do you respond?

[Ted Bicknell]

Oh, sorry, Ted. I wasn't listening. We're awful busy here getting ready. Listen, would you tell Mrs. I've forgotten her name, that we. It would be my personal privilege to bestow upon her a souvenir artifact.

[Eva Hartley]

Don't. Anything. I wouldn't accept it.

[Ted Bicknell]

In fact, I'm going to make certain we bring back something extra special to send to her. Will you tell her that?

[Eva Hartley]

Tell him no. Tell him to go away. Brave robbers.

[Smalley]

Mr. Hugo. Many are calling for the Titanic to be recognized as an undersea memorial.

[Ted Bicknell]

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.

[Smalley]

That'S the only reason.

[Ted Bicknell]

What's that?

[Smalley]

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.

[Ted Bicknell]

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.

[Smalley]

Greatest greatest shipwreck and bringing back plunder and loot.

[Ted Bicknell]

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.

[Smalley]

You're not afraid, Mr. Hugo?

[Captain]

Afraid?

[Ted Bicknell]

What for?

[Smalley]

You're going down a great depth relying on your equipment. Some say a voyage to the bottom of the sea is like a voyage into outer space. What if something should go wrong, Mr. Bicknell?

[Ted Bicknell]

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.

[Smalley]

That sounds a lot like what they said about the Titanic.

[Ted Bicknell]

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. Pardon me. Why are you standing there?

[Captain]

Me, sir?

[Ted Bicknell]

Well, I'm not talking to the electric winch, you idiot. I asked you why you are standing there.

[Captain]

I. I'm attending this line, sir.

[Ted Bicknell]

Well, go and tend it somewhere else. And you see, you're standing in my way.

[Captain]

Sorry, sir. Sorry. Good evening, Mr. Hugo. Are we all ready?

[Ted Bicknell]

I am ready, Captain. Of that much I'm sure. Good.

[Captain]

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. Now, why don't I hold your cloak and if you just climb these stairs.

[Ted Bicknell]

And where is Mr. Smalley?

[Captain]

Oh, he's already inside waiting for you.

[Ted Bicknell]

Now, let me see. How do I go about this?

[Captain]

Well, sir, if you'll just try sitting down on the top step and then swinging your legs inside the hatch.

[Ted Bicknell]

Very well.

[Captain]

That's it. There we go. Now, if you want to try hopping across and sitting on the lip of the hatch.

[Ted Bicknell]

It won't tip, will it? Oh, no, no, sir.

[Captain]

Not while it's in the hoist.

[Ted Bicknell]

Ah, I see. Well, Mr. Smalley, are you in there?

[Captain]

Yes, sir, I'm here.

[Ted Bicknell]

Ready for me, are you?

[Captain]

Yes, sir. Ready.

[Ted Bicknell]

No, let me see. Just hop over, Pop.

[Captain]

That's okay. That's okay.

[Ted Bicknell]

You're. There we are.

[Captain]

Now you can just. Just slide in.

[Ted Bicknell]

Right. All right. Here I go. They don't make these hatch openings very large, do they? I seem to be having. I'm having.

[Captain]

If you try sucking your breath in, that may help.

[Ted Bicknell]

Yes.

[Captain]

Mr. Hugo. I'm going to try pushing on your shoulders.

[Ted Bicknell]

Yes, just ahead, if you don't mind. Not too hard. Not too hard. Not too.

[Captain]

Everybody all right in there?

[Ted Bicknell]

Stupid fool. I said not too hard.

[Captain]

Sorry, sir.

[Ted Bicknell]

I would have made it. It's practically inside already.

[Captain]

Mr. Smalley, how about you? Oh, yes, I think so.

[Ted Bicknell]

Sure, he's fine. He's Fine. Close the hatch lid and let's get on with this. All right, gentlemen, bon voyage.

[Hugo Legrand]

Good luck.

[Ted Bicknell]

Hoist away.

[Craig]

Take her up.

[Captain]

Craig, do you read me?

[Craig]

Right here.

[Captain]

Systems check.

[Ted Bicknell]

Swing out. Swing out.

[Captain]

Divers in the water.

[Ted Bicknell]

Watch that line. It's awfully warm in here. Switch on the air conditioning.

[Captain]

Sorry, sir. There's no climate control. No water, no air conditioning. No heat either.

[Ted Bicknell]

You're kidding.

[Captain]

Don't worry. We'll cool off as soon as we begin our descent. 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.

[Ted Bicknell]

Mower away. Mower away. Who is the idiot at the controls?

[Captain]

It's not his fault, sir. We're a lot of weight and it's difficult for the boys to.

[Ted Bicknell]

Excuses, Mr. Smalley. I do not wish to hear excuses. God, this is terrible. When are we gonna stop this rolling?

[Captain]

And it won't be long, sir. Camera's working. Batteries functional. Scrubber operational.

[Ted Bicknell]

I thought you said there was no air conditioning.

[Captain]

No, no, no, sir. That's just the air scrubber. All it does is remove excess CO2.

[Ted Bicknell]

Well, leave it on anyway, sir.

[Captain]

It won't do any good.

[Ted Bicknell]

I said, leave it on.

[Captain]

Yes, sir.

[Ted Bicknell]

It's rocking and heaving. What's that?

[Captain]

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?

[Ted Bicknell]

How much ballast are we carrying?

[Captain]

Twelve hundred pounds, sir. There are four lead planks. Each weigh about 300 pounds.

[Ted Bicknell]

Mr. Smalley, if you do not get us out of these waves and out of this heat.

[Captain]

Yes, sir.

[Ted Bicknell]

Right this minute.

[Captain]

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.

[Captain]

Clear to dive. Cast off.

[Craig]

You're on your own.

[Captain]

Releasing compressed air flooding tanks. Here we go.

[Ted Bicknell]

Beginning to sense of time.

[Captain]

See, it gets a lot calmer as soon as we leave the surface. Bloody awful. It's not like a liftoff, is it? It's more like going down in an elevator.

[Ted Bicknell]

Why are we leaning like this?

[Captain]

We're a little heavy up front. Don't worry, I can take care of it.

[Ted Bicknell]

What's that?

[Captain]

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 to reach horizontal trip. It'll take a few minutes.

[Ted Bicknell]

How long till we reach bottom?

[Captain]

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.

[Ted Bicknell]

That long?

[Captain]

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 following at.

[Narrator]

A pretty good clip.

[Ted Bicknell]

Well, how do we then?

[Captain]

What's that, sir?

[Hugo Legrand]

How do we slow down?

[Captain]

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. Fourth is for emergency.

[Ted Bicknell]

Light from above. 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.

[Captain]

Amazing, isn't it? We're only down 400ft. Most people don't realize it, but probably 95% of all the oceans exist in total darkness.

[Ted Bicknell]

What's that I'm seeing out there?

[Captain]

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 ghastly.

[Ted Bicknell]

There goes one.

[Captain]

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 tell you what, I'll switch to red cabin light so you can see out more easily.

[Craig]

How's it going?

[Captain]

We just passed 800. We're watching a light show at the moment.

[Craig]

You remember to pack your lunch.

[Captain]

Ham sandwiches and dill pickles.

[Ted Bicknell]

We got them.

[Craig]

Okay. Have a good rest. I'll just start with you just before you arrive. But how? Anytime you get lonely, you know I always enjoy long distance dogs.

[Captain]

Right over now.

[Ted Bicknell]

Amazing. Look at them all.

[Captain]

Quite a sight, isn't it.

[Ted Bicknell]

Mr. Smalley? Did I hear you mention ham sandwiches?

[Captain]

Yes, sir. They're right behind you there in that locker.

[Ted Bicknell]

Oh, yeah. Well, I believe I'll just help myself. Excuse me. Excuse me. Are they still out there?

[Captain]

Well, yes, sir. Plenty of them. Quite a sight watching them come slithering up from out of the darkness and 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.

[Ted Bicknell]

No, I couldn't.

[Captain]

I would.

[Ted Bicknell]

That's very good. I like that. I'll use that in my book. What's that?

[Captain]

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 bottoms. 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.

[Ted Bicknell]

Well, this sandwich is just right. I believe it's time for nap. I'm sure you'll wake me in time so I'm not missing anything.

[Captain]

Yes, sir.

[Ted Bicknell]

Good night, Smolly.

[Captain]

Good night, sir. Before you go to sleep, I wonder. Your foot is sort of digging into my ribs.

[Ted Bicknell]

Mr. Smalley, I don't like to remind you that your foot is also pressing against my outer arm. It's bound to be an uncomfortable trip, so let's make the most of it by not complaining.

[Captain]

Yes, sir.

[Ted Bicknell]

Good night, Smolly. What are we doing?

[Captain]

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.

[Captain]

Roger. Ready?

[Craig]

Three. Two, one. Let her go.

[Captain]

Ballast away. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Did you feel anything?

[Ted Bicknell]

Nothing but your foot. But you're still pressing against me.

[Captain]

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.

[Ted Bicknell]

I am still slowing.

[Craig]

1.5.

[Hugo Legrand]

What is it?

[Captain]

It's not releasing.

[Ted Bicknell]

Do something.

[Captain]

Nothing's responding.

[Ted Bicknell]

Do something, you fool.

[Captain]

Nothing's responding.

[Ted Bicknell]

Do something.

[Captain]

It's too late.

[Ted Bicknell]

Do something. It's too late.

[Captain]

Ow. Mr. Hugo.

[Ted Bicknell]

Get off me. Mr. Swollen Mr. Swally. Shh.

[Captain]

Listen.

[Ted Bicknell]

Taking on water. Water's coming in. No. We're sinking. We're going to drown.

[Captain]

Stop it. Stop it. We're not sinking.

[Ted Bicknell]

We're not?

[Captain]

No.

[Ted Bicknell]

If only.

[Captain]

Condens 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.

[Ted Bicknell]

That's right. That's right. We're titanium. What happened?

[Craig]

You all right down there?

[Captain]

We're in the mud.

[Craig]

How deep?

[Captain]

I can't tell for sure. The bottom and side ports are covered. I can see water above us through the overhead. No, no, that might damage the cable. I'm gonna try powering us out. We're not in too deep. Not too much Suction. Suction like when you step in the mud and lose your shoe. The question is, can we pull ourselves out by our own bootstraps? Okay, here goes. Engaging one. Engaging two. Engaging three.

[Ted Bicknell]

Damn.

[Captain]

That one's jammed. Engaging four.

[Ted Bicknell]

Mr. Smalley. Mr. Smalley. We're not moving.

[Captain]

Now we go. Pull up.

[Ted Bicknell]

It's not working. We're not moving. Wait. You burn up the engine. No, wait. Wait, wait, wait.

[Captain]

It's working.

[Ted Bicknell]

It is working. I feel it. It's working. It's working.

[Captain]

Oh, we're out. Oh, man, we're out.

[Ted Bicknell]

Very good, Mr. Smiley.

[Captain]

Well, we almost didn't make it.

[Ted Bicknell]

I still can't see out. Are you sure we're.

[Captain]

Look at the altimeter. I'm 10ft up. Just wait a second and the current will clean us off.

[Craig]

Damage report?

[Smalley]

Well.

[Captain]

Nothing so far. Even the jammed rotor looks like it's worked itself free. I don't know. Either the ballast 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?

[Captain]

Well, it's up to you, Mr. Hugo.

[Ted Bicknell]

We know all the way back up.

[Captain]

It might be a good idea to check things over from the outside.

[Ted Bicknell]

Oh, I see. And how far are we from the debris field?

[Captain]

Well, we should be pretty close, right where we are.

[Ted Bicknell]

And you say there's no damage?

[Captain]

Well, there's nothing we can tell from in here, but I really think it would be a good idea.

[Ted Bicknell]

Oh, yes, I'm sure you do, Mr. Smy. I'm sure you would love to check things over and thereby add another day's diving to the bill.

[Captain]

No, please.

[Ted Bicknell]

But since I am the one who's paying for this expedition, not you, I don't think we'll give up just yet.

[Captain]

I assure you, sir.

[Ted Bicknell]

And I assure you that we will stick around and select a few small items before we start up happy this day will not have been a total loss.

[Captain]

Yes, sir.

[Ted Bicknell]

I'll watch outside. You steer. Besides, I'm not about to have to come this far without getting at least one.

[Hugo Legrand]

Look.

[Ted Bicknell]

Titanic.

[Captain]

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 got you. I show a large target approximately 200 meters northwest of your present position. Most likely the bowel section. There is another target of Probable size approximately 700 meters southwest. Probably the third pivot right 45 degrees. Keep going. Keep going. Stop there. Okay, now you're pointing straight at it. Follow that head and you should run right into it.

[Ted Bicknell]

Where do we look for debris?

[Captain]

Practically anywhere, I guess. It's supposed to be scattered all around. 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. Not just it starts getting a little murky.

[Craig]

Okay. Good hunting. Call me if you need me.

[Hugo Legrand]

Exciting.

[Ted Bicknell]

I'm getting excited, aren't you? I mean, I've waited for this so long. I've waited for this.

[Hugo Legrand]

I don't see anything yet.

[Ted Bicknell]

Nothing but mud. Wait. Stones. Wait, no, wait, wait. There's something. There's something. Listen. 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. Wait, wait. There's something. What? What is it? It looks like. Stop. Get that. Get it. Pick it up. You want that for sure? Yes. Careful, careful. Don't scratch it. Look at it. Such perfect condition. As if it just slid off the settee instead of falling two miles on the water.

[Captain]

Stowed, sir.

[Ted Bicknell]

Very good, very good. Let's go on. Keep going. What's that? No, no, no. Keep going. There's more. There's more. More coming up. Look. Look. There's champagne. Hey, stop. Get it. You must have champagne for the exhibit. At least one bottle. Perfect. I feel so giddy, so giggly. I feel like I just drank it myself. Imagine a bottle of champagne from the Titanic.

[Captain]

Stowed, sir.

[Ted Bicknell]

Good boy. Good boy. Keep going. Keep going. I'll tell you when. What's that? There. There. There's a shoe. Get that shoe. Oh, that's good. Yes, yes, a shoe. That will look great in the exhibit.

[Captain]

Stowed, sir.

[Ted Bicknell]

Keep going. Keep going. Look at it all. There's so much sliding by beneath us. There's so much. Can you believe it? 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 shoes.

[Captain]

Yes, sir.

[Ted Bicknell]

So exciting. Now, something silver. Find me something silver. Silver platter, a silver base. A wine bucket. Something like that.

[Captain]

Wait, wait.

[Ted Bicknell]

What's that? What's that? Stop, stop, stop. Over there. Look. Look. What is that?

[Captain]

What is it, sir?

[Ted Bicknell]

Perfect centerpiece for the exhibit.

[Captain]

What is it, sir, it's Artemis. Goddess.

[Ted Bicknell]

Artemis, the goddess of the hunt. It was on the Titanic when she went down. Carefully, carefully.

[Captain]

Boy, it's a little hard to get hold of.

[Ted Bicknell]

Easy.

[Captain]

Oh, since. Sir, it keeps slipping. There. Okay, I think I've got it.

[Ted Bicknell]

Keep it up. Keep it up. Don't drop it. Look at it. It's in such perfect condition. Look at her reaching back to take an arrow from her quiver. Why, nothing's damaged. Nothing's broken. Not even a chip. The perfect centerpiece for the exhibit.

[Captain]

And toad, sir.

[Ted Bicknell]

Oh, very good. Very good, Mr. Smalley. Very nicely done. Now more. Let's keep going. This is proving more profitable than I. Wait, wait. Watch this. Slow. Slow up.

[Captain]

What is it?

[Ted Bicknell]

Do you know what I'm seeing?

[Captain]

No, sir.

[Ted Bicknell]

Do you know what those are?

[Captain]

No, sir.

[Ted Bicknell]

Teacups. It's a whole rack of teacups. Can you imagine how perfect. Teacups from the Titanic. Get them. Get them all.

[Captain]

Yes, sir.

[Ted Bicknell]

Don't you drop them.

[Captain]

Yes, sir. No, sir, I won't.

[Ted Bicknell]

My, my. You're doing an excellent job, Smolly.

[Captain]

Thank you, sir.

[Ted Bicknell]

When we get back to the surface, we'll have to think seriously about giving you one. I mean, why not? After all, you. You. You got us out of the boat. Yes.

[Captain]

Yes, sir. What's that? I don't know.

[Ted Bicknell]

Where's it coming from?

[Captain]

I don't know.

[Ted Bicknell]

What is that?

[Captain]

An underwater landslide, maybe. Craig. Craig, are you hearing what we're hearing? Craig. Craig, I'm not reading you.

[Ted Bicknell]

Why aren't they answering?

[Captain]

Plumber 2. Plumber 2.

[Ted Bicknell]

Why aren't they answering?

[Captain]

My God. My God. That's no landslide.

[Ted Bicknell]

What is it?

[Captain]

Well, there's only one thing it can be.

[Ted Bicknell]

What?

[Captain]

That explains why we're not getting through.

[Ted Bicknell]

What?

[Captain]

We can't go back to the ship because the ship is coming to us.

[Ted Bicknell]

Olly something. Get us out of here. If the ship is coming down, it can land on us. We'll be drowned. We'll be buried. Well, where do I go? Anywhere. Anywhere. Go somewhere. Run.

[Captain]

Run?

[Ted Bicknell]

Run. Where?

[Captain]

You don't understand. It's coming from two and a half miles above us. It won't fall straight down.

[Ted Bicknell]

It'll flutter.

[Captain]

I could just as easily steer under it as away.

[Ted Bicknell]

Mr. Smalley, it's over. It's over. We're safe. Pull yourself together now. Call the ship. Call them.

[Captain]

Craig. Craig, are you there?

[Ted Bicknell]

Polly, let's go out. Let's get out of here.

[Captain]

No, no, no. I want to try something first.

[Ted Bicknell]

What's that?

[Captain]

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 bearings. We've got to go see.

[Ted Bicknell]

No, no.

[Captain]

We gotta go look. It's not far. You keep watching, Mr. Smalley.

[Ted Bicknell]

I keep watching.

[Captain]

30 meters. 20. You should start seeing it. I don't see anything.

[Ted Bicknell]

There's something out there. Something's out there. Slow up. Slow up.

[Captain]

What is it? Look. The ship. Oh, it's the Titanic. Is it?

[Ted Bicknell]

Are you sure? Look.

[Captain]

Look at the rust. Look at the hull. Look at the anchor. It's covered with rusticles. You're right. Let's get up.

[Ted Bicknell]

Let's go up.

[Captain]

Let's get out of here. No, wait a minute, though.

[Ted Bicknell]

Wait for what? Let's get out.

[Captain]

Look out. Look out there. Wait. I'm gonna turn it so we can see.

[Ted Bicknell]

Come on.

[Captain]

No, look over there. Look at the way the sediment's flowing. It's snowing so much harder than before. Look at it. But the bottom current hasn't changed, so something must have disturbed the bottom.

[Ted Bicknell]

Where are you going? Where are you going?

[Captain]

We've got to go see.

[Ted Bicknell]

See what? Smally. Smally.

[Captain]

We're out of the lee now. Something's out there. Look at the magnanometer. No. Molly.

[Ted Bicknell]

What is it?

[Captain]

Keep watching.

[Ted Bicknell]

Molly. I don't want to look. I. I don't. I don't want to know. I. I can't. I can't see. I. I can't. No. I can't see. Watch out.

[Captain]

Oh, Mr. Hugo. Oh, Mr. Hugo. It's us. It's the glommer too. Let's get out of here. Let's get out of here.

[Ted Bicknell]

Get out of here. Let's get out of here. Get out of here.

[Captain]

Flowing main tank. Releasing ballast. Release one. Release two.

[Ted Bicknell]

We're going up. We're picking up speed.

[Captain]

Release three.

[Ted Bicknell]

Going up.

[Captain]

Good.

[Ted Bicknell]

That was really moving. I can't see the bottom. The ship. This is disappearing. It's going. It's gone.

[Captain]

Thank God.

[Ted Bicknell]

God. I don't know.

[Captain]

I don't know how this going to happen. I don't Want to think about it?

[Ted Bicknell]

How could it happen? You're right.

[Captain]

I don't know.

[Ted Bicknell]

But we're going up. We're going up.

[Captain]

Long?

[Ted Bicknell]

Until we reach.

[Captain]

Sir.

[Ted Bicknell]

Sir. Get off. Get off. I'm trying. Get off. I'm trying. It's not easy. We're up.

[Hugo Legrand]

Down.

[Ted Bicknell]

Sir.

[Captain]

Oh.

[Ted Bicknell]

Oh. Shut up. What happened? We're not going up.

[Captain]

There's the tether. I forgot. We're still connected. I forgot to release it.

[Ted Bicknell]

Well, do it. Release us.

[Captain]

You'll have to reach. I can't.

[Ted Bicknell]

Will you move your head? Move your head.

[Captain]

Okay.

[Ted Bicknell]

This one.

[Captain]

Remove that cover.

[Ted Bicknell]

This one?

[Captain]

Yeah. Throw that switch.

[Ted Bicknell]

Ah. Smalley. The lights. What's happened to the lights?

[Captain]

What did you do?

[Ted Bicknell]

I didn't do anything. Nothing. I didn't even touch the switch. Smolly, we need light.

[Captain]

Wait a minute.

[Ted Bicknell]

Wait.

[Captain]

There's a flashlight around here somewhere.

[Ted Bicknell]

Smolly, light.

[Captain]

Light. Oh. Oh, no. Our main batteries are dead. They're all drained.

[Ted Bicknell]

How could that happen?

[Captain]

I don't know. Salt water leaking in. I don't know.

[Ted Bicknell]

Oh, my God. We've lost our power. Now. That switch won't work.

[Captain]

That's all right. We can do it manually. Let me do it.

[Ted Bicknell]

Can you move? I'm trying. I'm trying. Wait a minute. Wait.

[Captain]

Here it is.

[Ted Bicknell]

Is it loose?

[Captain]

It's coming. It's nearly there.

[Ted Bicknell]

There.

[Captain]

There. Watch it.

[Ted Bicknell]

Watch it.

[Captain]

We're coming up right.

[Ted Bicknell]

Mr. Hugo, your knee. What happened? We stopped again.

[Captain]

Mr. Hugo, please get off.

[Ted Bicknell]

Hey, shut up. We're sideways. Why are we sideways? Ouch. Swee, we are not going up.

[Captain]

Why?

[Ted Bicknell]

On what?

[Captain]

The cable.

[Ted Bicknell]

Would you release that?

[Captain]

It must have caught on something because it was sliding over the hull.

[Ted Bicknell]

On what?

[Captain]

I don't know. I don't know. Come on. Let me look out with the flashlight. I can't see. It's just out of sight.

[Ted Bicknell]

Do something. Here. Jack, go the pilot. Do something.

[Captain]

Okay.

[Ted Bicknell]

Okay.

[Captain]

There's one chance. Actually two. But it depends.

[Ted Bicknell]

On what?

[Captain]

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, but two together means we can't try it twice. Okay. Okay. What should we do?

[Ted Bicknell]

I don't know. Blow them separately.

[Captain]

Okay, you ready?

[Ted Bicknell]

There goes the arm. It's falling off. It didn't work. It didn't work. Try again. Try it again. We're still gone, Smally. What are we going to do? Try rocking. Rock this thing. Rock it. No, don't stop it.

[Captain]

Let me think that we can. We could take some tension off the cable. But without the balance, they're gonna want to go up even if I flood the tanks. But without power, I can't.

[Ted Bicknell]

Molly.

[Captain]

Hey, there's one thing.

[Ted Bicknell]

What?

[Captain]

Okay, one last thing we can try.

[Ted Bicknell]

Try it. What is it?

[Captain]

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.

[Ted Bicknell]

Try it. Try it.

[Captain]

With that, we can. We can change our tram.

[Ted Bicknell]

Try it.

[Captain]

Which. That may be enough to unhook.

[Ted Bicknell]

Try it.

[Captain]

Okay, let's see. How do I do this? Feed numbers one through six. Number 12. Throw this. Okay, now we try the pump.

[Ted Bicknell]

It's working.

[Captain]

Barely, but it's working. Now we wait.

[Ted Bicknell]

Smiley, 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.

[Captain]

I'm looking out this side. Flashlight isn't doing much good. We're coming around. At least I'll be able to see.

[Eva Hartley]

What we're going to.

[Ted Bicknell]

Wait. Wait. Stop.

[Captain]

Stop.

[Ted Bicknell]

Wait. We're losing this job.

[Captain]

We're not stopping.

[Ted Bicknell]

My brunches. Cops. They're falling out. Oh, my God. Oh, my precious cops are gone.

[Captain]

Shut up.

[Ted Bicknell]

Shut up. Why are you laughing? You did this. Shut up.

[Captain]

Look out there.

[Ted Bicknell]

Look.

[Captain]

Look what we're caught on.

[Ted Bicknell]

Look. You see?

[Captain]

It was your doing, not mine. Your greed. That's what got us into this.

[Ted Bicknell]

Your greed and my stupidity.

[Captain]

Forever listening to you.

[Ted Bicknell]

No. You were the one. You should have released the cable. But before we started up, you.

[Captain]

You were the one who said try the charges separately.

[Ted Bicknell]

Well, why did you listen to me? You're the pilot. You're in charge here.

[Captain]

Oh, I'm in charge now, is that it?

[Ted Bicknell]

I'm in charge? Well, then get your foot off of me. Stop.

[Captain]

Smolly.

[Ted Bicknell]

Smiley, wake up. Smolly. Smolly.

[Captain]

Smolly. Where's your flashlight?

[Ted Bicknell]

I can't see.

[Captain]

Smolly. I leave you alone without you.

[Ted Bicknell]

Somebody help.

[Captain]

Smolly.

[Ted Bicknell]

Smolly, wake up. You can be in charge. Please wake up. Smiley smell.

[Hugo Legrand]

News on The March Dateline 2089 Titanic exhibit returns in Triumph and St. 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, 20 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? Threats. Go down and take a closer look. Entering at the front door, we pass the silver platters, the teacups 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 antique submarine named 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 lain suspended underwater in a permacyl time cap 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 bow 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 encased 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 Smally, the sailor and the anchorman, Michael Mellor was Robin Leach, and the newsroom real 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 Oni 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.

[Ted Bicknell]

LA.