Captain Midnight 39-03-29 (0123) Photographic Mission

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio - Episode Summary: Captain Midnight 39-03-29 (0123) "Photographic Mission"

Release Date: February 26, 2025
Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Description: Reliving the Golden Age of Radio with classic shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and more.

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Introduction

In the episode titled "Photographic Mission", listeners are transported into the adventurous world of Captain Midnight, a beloved radio hero renowned for his daring exploits and unwavering commitment to justice. This installment delves into a high-stakes mission aimed at uncovering the elusive hideout of the nefarious Ivan Shark.

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Plot Summary

[04:02] The episode kicks off at 7G Headquarters on Black Gulf Field, where Captain Midnight, along with his allies Chuck, Steve Donovan, and Fred Boyd, convene to discuss a recent botched robbery targeting Red Roberts. The stolen item of interest is Red's watch, revealing a deeper conspiracy behind the seemingly random theft.

[04:56] The team devises a strategic plan to employ aerial photography as a means to locate Shark's hideout. Steve announces the successful retrieval of an aerial camera, assuring that ample film is available to map the entire Rocky Mountains region. The mission outlines include:

• Fred remaining at Black Gulf Field.
• Steve and Captain Midnight piloting a rented Bonanza plane equipped with the aerial camera.
• Chuck joining Captain Midnight in the flight to photograph the suspected hideout.

[05:34] As preparations conclude, the team anticipates developing the film swiftly with the local photographic studio to create a detailed aerial map, which is expected to reveal critical details about Shark's operations.

[07:02] A pivotal moment occurs when Chuck expresses concerns about recognizing the voice of the robber, hinting at recurring encounters that suggest Shark’s heightened awareness of Captain Midnight's activities.

[07:25] Enter Mark "Mud" Ranch, an old friend with aviation expertise. Mud's arrival introduces a twist, as he offers his piloting skills to assist with the mission. Despite initial reservations, Mud's confidence piques the team's interest, and he joins the flight crew.

[08:00] The team boards the Bonanza plane, with Mud taking the pilot's seat. Tensions rise as they approach their target area, leading to a challenging landing maneuver orchestrated by Chuck under Mud's guidance.

[10:12] Successfully landing in the mining camp area, the team prepares to embark on the photographic mission. However, their triumph is short-lived when they detect a black-winged plane trailing them, revealing that Shark is one step ahead and monitoring their every move.

[12:42] The episode concludes on a cliffhanger, heightening anticipation for the next installment. Captain Midnight reflects on the implications of Shark's surveillance, setting the stage for an intensified confrontation.

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Key Characters and Developments

• Captain Midnight (Red Roberts): The heroic leader orchestrating the mission to expose Shark's hideout.

• Chuck Ranch (Ichabod): Loyal ally grappling with recollections that suggest Shark's continued interference.

• Steve Donovan: The resourceful member responsible for acquiring the aerial camera and coordinating the mission logistics.

• Fred Boyd: Provides support from headquarters, ensuring seamless communication during the mission.

• Mark "Mud" Ranch: A seasoned mechanic and pilot whose expertise becomes crucial during the flight and landing phases.

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Notable Quotes

• Steve Donovan:
  "[04:02] 'Great guns, Red. So you and Chuck were held up within 400 yards of the house?'"

• Captain Midnight:
  "[06:07] 'Well, Mud, I'm all set ready.'
  "[10:55] 'Good work, Chuck. You know more about flying than I thought.'"

• Chuck Ranch:
  "[07:04] 'You know, I thought maybe I did too. Now I know I'm on the right track.'"
  "[10:12] 'Well, I'm marvel.'"

• Mud Ranch:
  "[08:19] 'I installed the cameras and loaded and unloaded them. Well, that's old stuff to me.'"
  "[10:01] 'I see the mining camp. And I see a stretch of ground about as big as the counter in Mark Donovan's restaurant.'"

• Captain Midnight (Cliffhanger):
  "[12:42] 'A black-winged plane. That can mean only one thing.'"

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Themes and Insights

• Stealth and Surveillance: The detection of Shark's plane underscores the constant battle of wits between Captain Midnight and his adversaries.

• Teamwork and Trust: The collaboration between diverse characters like Chuck and Mud highlights the importance of trust and expertise in overcoming challenges.

• Innovation in Espionage: Utilizing aerial photography showcases the innovative tactics employed by Captain Midnight to outmaneuver his enemies.

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Conclusion

"Photographic Mission" serves as a thrilling chapter in the Captain Midnight saga, blending suspense, strategic planning, and character dynamics to engage listeners. The episode masterfully builds anticipation through the introduction of new allies and the looming threat of Shark's interference, setting the stage for future adventures filled with intrigue and heroism.

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Note: This summary focuses solely on the content-rich segments of the episode, excluding advertisements, intros, outros, and non-narrative sections to provide a coherent and engaging overview for both longtime fans and new listeners.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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[C]

Well, they took all of Red's money, even wanted his watch. She mighty put out when they couldn't find it. Didn't they, Red?

[B]

Yes, mighty put out. That's just the point. Well, it's your lucky break. You found out that your watch had gone haywire and that you'd given it to me to take down to the jeweler. Extremely lucky friend. You mean the robbery was just a blind for something else, Red? That's exactly what I mean. Then the whole purpose of the holdup was to get your watch. And all the time I had it, you'll have it for that matter. Which is a lucky break for all of us. A very lucky break. Well, I'll take it down to the jewelers. It'll be safe there. Good. Steve, did you locate that aerial camera? Oh, yes I did, Red. I put it in the baggage compartment in the plane. How about film? There's enough film to make a map of the whole Rocky Mountains. Well, now then, let's go over our plans before we take off. Fred, you'll be here at Black Goats Field. Steve, Chuck and I will fly straight to the mine. The moment we get there, we'll install the camera in the Bonanza plane we rented. Then Chuck and I'll take off on our trip to try to photograph Shark's hideout.

[C]

Gee, I hope everything works out okay.

[B]

Steve here will stay at the mine. If you want to communicate with me by radio, Fred, you'll be able to while we're flying our own plane and while we're at the mine. But not after we take off in the rented plane. Okay, I understand. How long do you think it'll take for you and Chuck to get those pictures? Little over an hour if nothing goes wrong. Well, it's only 8:00 now. If you don't have any trouble, you should be back here about noon. That's what I'm hoping. Now then, one thing more. Is there a photographic studio in town? Yeah, but you can call it a studio. Yeah, queer old duck runs it. He does his own developing, doesn't he? Yeah. Fine. I want you to make arrangements with him to develop this film for us. I will. If we get back at noon and take the film to him right away, he can have prints ready for us by the season.

[C]

Well, then we'll have our aerial map. Gee, won't that be swell.

[B]

I don't see how a map's going to show where Shark's hideout is. Well, wait until you see the map, Fred. Then you'll get a better idea. Have you ever looked at a detailed aerial map, Fred? Well, no, I guess I haven't. Well, you'll be amazed to see the detail that's shown in a good aerial picture. For example, you can see a telephone line, by George. Do you mean to say you can see the wires? Well, no, that's going a bit too strong. But you can tell it by the shadows of the poles and the pile of dirt near the base of each pole.

[C]

Gosh, I never thought of that.

[B]

Why, sure. During the war they got to the place where they could discover lots of things like that. During the trench fighting, they often buried cables leading back from listening posts. You could even tell where these cables were by the line of disturbed earth over them.

[C]

Hey, they're running up the engine.

[B]

That's right. We might get started. Well, we can talk about pictures when we get back, Steve. Chuck, I guess we better be on our way. I'm all sent ready.

[C]

So am I. Boy, have I got my fingers caught.

[B]

Well, good luck, boys, and I'll see you about noon. Come along. Go on, Fred.

[C]

Go on, Fred.

[B]

Red, I'm going into the hangar a minute. I'll meet you at the ship. Right to our Steve.

[C]

Hey, Red, I've been thinking.

[B]

Quiet again, Chuck. Oh, no kidding, Red.

[C]

This is serious. You remember that fellow who held us up last night?

[B]

Yes, Chuck, I remember him. Only Too well.

[C]

Well, do you remember his voice?

[B]

I certainly do.

[C]

Well, would you know it if you ever heard it again?

[B]

Absolute. Why, what are you getting at?

[C]

Well, Red, I think I heard that fellow's voice before.

[B]

You have?

[C]

Yes, I'm almost positive I have.

[B]

You know, I thought maybe I did too. Now I know I'm on the right track. Tell me, do you know who it was? Josh?

[C]

Red, I've been trying to figure it out. I know I've heard that voice before, but I just can't place it. But if I ever hear that voice again, I'll know it right away.

[B]

I think we both will. I'm sure of it. Chuck. Well, look who's here.

[C]

Well, hammer me down. If it isn't my old pal Chuck Ranch. Oh, hiya there, Ichabod. You know Red Roberts, don't you? Well, grime my veils, of course I do. How are you this morning, Robert?

[B]

Good morning, Mud. How do you like your job by this time?

[C]

Just fine, just fine. I like my job swell. Which reminds me, I ain't thank young Ramsay here for putting me wine short. Gosh, I was tickle a dick to tell you about it.

[B]

Hey, by the way, Mud, do you know how to fly?

[C]

Do I know how to fly? Why, just put me at the controls once and see. Why, I can handle this ship better than any autopilot she ever saw.

[B]

We'll have to try you out sometime.

[C]

Now you talking. Just give me a chance once and you'll see. Flying what's never been seen before thing I see. Steve Donovan putting a camera into the plane. Now, I worked on an aerial map a job once. And if you want any help along that line, why, you just call on Ichabod.

[B]

Mark, what kind of work did you do?

[C]

Oh, I installed the cameras and loaded and unloaded them. Well, that's old stuff to me.

[B]

Or would you like to help on an installation job this morning?

[C]

Well, loop, Daloo, feed me to it.

[B]

If you get into that Falcon, we'll be with you in a second.

[C]

Would I like to handle a camera here? What a guy.

[B]

Yes, and if he can do half what he says he can, he'll be a lot of help.

[C]

Oh, here comes Steve again.

[B]

Well, we're all ready. Okay, boys, we're all set. Steve, we're taking this new mechanic, Mud along. He says he knows all about an aerial camera. Well, that's fine. Where is he?

[C]

Well, he's in a ship, Steve.

[B]

12. Come on then, let's pile in. All right, jump in, Chuck. Okay. After you, Red. Right. I'll close that door.

[C]

Hey, look Much in the pilot seat. Well, hammer me down. Don't you want an A number one pilot to do the flying?

[B]

Did you test this motor?

[C]

Mud George is burned like a sewing machine.

[B]

Well, I'll rev it up once more for safety's sake.

[C]

Here. Didn't I tell you?

[B]

She's running fine. All right, Judge, ready to take her off?

[C]

All set, babe.

[B]

Give me the gun. After a short flight, Captain Midnight and his friends are near their destination. Well, boys, we're almost there.

[C]

I remember. See? Just over that bit.

[B]

What about it, Chuck? You think you can land the ship all right?

[C]

Sure, I think so, Rick. Can I try it? Well, hammer me down. I don't see no place to land.

[B]

There it is. Mud. Right down there. Don't you see it? Sure.

[C]

I see the mining camp. And I see a stretch of ground about as big as the counter in Mark Donovan's restaurant. Hey, you're not going to try to take this plane down there, are you?

[B]

Of course we are, Ichabod. What did you think we came up here for?

[C]

Well, I'm marvell.

[B]

I thought you said you were a pilot, Marv. So you shouldn't be scared.

[C]

Well, sure, I'm a pilot. But I didn't calculate on anybody landing a ship in somebody's masthall.

[B]

Watch it now, Chuck. Better start your glide.

[C]

Getting ready to. Now, Red.

[B]

This is a ticklish place to get into, Chuck, so watch your step.

[C]

I will. Any guy that can get in and out of here, okay. Can land in the cellar and then fly out again.

[B]

This will be a good test of your ability, Chuck. Which way you going to land, Chuck?

[C]

I figured I'd land on the Runway from north to south.

[B]

That's right. But you're headed west right now.

[C]

Yeah. Here's how I thought I'd do it. I'll keep in my glide straight ahead until I'm about 50ft off the ground. Then I'll turn to the left side, flipping as I turn. Then I'll set her down.

[B]

Good work, Chuck. You know more about flying than I thought.

[C]

Steve taught me all I know. He says that the only way to get into a small field is by side flipping. Jumping. She has to put. Chuck, I don't think you're gonna make it. Yes, I am. Watch this side slip, huh?

[B]

Start getting your tail down, Chuck. If your wheels don't tuck at the edge of the Runway, Chuck, you're going to.

[C]

I'll make it. I'll make it. Here go the flaps down there.

[B]

Steady.

[C]

Hey, we'll Overshoot. Fall down that mountainside.

[B]

Keep your shirt on, mud, and shut up. Hold it now, Chuck. Steady there. There. That's it.

[C]

Here we are.

[B]

Great guns, Chuck. That was a nice job. Just as good as I could have done.

[C]

I guess I'm improving, huh?

[B]

I'll tell you why, Chuck. You're going to earn your wings pretty soon. Watch it, Chuck. We're getting near the end of this Runway. You'll have to use your brakes.

[C]

Yeah, jump the chimney. Use those brakes, Chuck. Look at that. Levine ahead right at 500ft. Seat. Hold tight. Now kick on the brakes.

[B]

Oh, say, fine work. Now turn around and taxi over. Around in front of the office.

[C]

Thanks a. Well, hammer me down if old Ichabod ain't back in the ground again. Boy, am I glad.

[B]

Why, I thought you liked to fly, Ichabod. Yeah, I do, but.

[C]

But I'm sure glad to be back in the ground again. There comes someone out of the office to meet us. It looks like Mr. Carson, the mine manager.

[B]

Ah, that's who it is, all right. Well, here we are, fellows.

[C]

Can I cut the motor?

[B]

No, Chuck. Shut the gas off and let it die gradually. That's always easier on the end.

[C]

Okay, Red gas is off. He. Hey, what's the matter with that guy Carson?

[B]

Something's wrong with him at that. Look, he's pointing up at the sky.

[C]

Well, clean my carbon. Look up there, feller.

[B]

Great guns.

[C]

I see it. Look.

[B]

Red.

[C]

A black winged plane.

[B]

A black winged plane. That can mean only one thing. One of Shark's planes has been following us. Well, what do you think of that? One of Ivan Shark's planes shadowing Captain Midnight and Chuck. What does that mean? Does Shark suspect the purpose of their flight? Will Captain Midnight dare take off on his photographing trip? We'll find out more tomorrow. And now remember, your car will start faster if you change to Weber oil at once. Even more important, your motor will be safer when its propeller will be safer when it's protected by a real wetter oil. An oil specially made to flow freely at low temperatures and stand up when subjected to high driving heat. Remember this too. Jelly Tagolene winter oil is the oil to change to. It's amazingly fast flowing. Rushes to every part of your motor the minute you step on the starter. Skelly Tagolene keeps your motor safe. And besides, it stands up mile after mile. Saves extra quarts and extra quarters. And you boys and girls, tell dad this. Tell him he ought to try Skelly Tagolene oil for winter right now. And when he goes to the Skelly Station. You go along and join Captain McKnight Flight Patrol. It doesn't cost you a penny to join and the Skelly man will send him to headquarters for a free Mistromagic Weather Forecaster badge for you. And listen. Tomorrow, same time, same station for further adventures of Captain Midnight. Brought to you by the Skelly Oil Company, Skelly jobbers and dealers. Will Captain Midnight and Chuck dare to take off on the photographing flight? Be sure to listen. Until tomorrow. This is your Skelly man saying goodbye and happy landing.

[A]

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[C]

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[B]

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