Captain Midnight 39-04-21 (0140) Establishing A Hidden Airfield

Summary

Podcast Summary: Captain Midnight 39-04-21 (0140) Establishing A Hidden Airfield

Podcast Information

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Description: Radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio, featuring beloved programs such as The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more.
• Episode: Captain Midnight 39-04-21 (0140) Establishing A Hidden Airfield
• Release Date: May 2, 2025

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Overview In this riveting episode of Captain Midnight, listeners are plunged into a high-stakes adventure involving mysterious airplanes, secret plans, and the establishment of a hidden airfield. The narrative continues to follow the heroic exploits of Captain Midnight, Chuck Ramsey, and their allies as they navigate threats from Ivan Shark’s gang. This summary delves into the key plot points, character interactions, and pivotal moments that drive the story forward.

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1. The Mysterious Planes Arrive (00:49 - 07:04)

The episode opens with the familiar introduction of Captain Midnight, emphasizing the partnership with the Skelly Oil Company. However, the true adventure begins when Chuck Ramsey and his team intercept two mysterious planes landing on the Black Belt's playing field.

• Red Roberts' Strategic Moves:

  • At [04:24], Red Roberts commands, “Hey, you, get off of me. I'm about smothered,” showcasing his assertiveness during the confrontation.
  • Using a flashlight as a signal, Red communicates with the incoming pilots at [04:46], signaling, “Yes, that's a signal. It's okay to land.”

• Unveiling the New Plane:

  • Upon landing, the pilots reveal themselves as government (G) men. Red explains at [07:07], “Both those pilots are G men. One of them flew the Falcon back here so I could have this other ship to fly around in.”

Notable Quote:

Red Roberts (07:07): “Both those pilots are G men. One of them flew the Falcon back here so I could have this other ship to fly around in.”

2. Revealing the Advanced Aircraft (07:04 - 09:19)

With the introduction of a state-of-the-art Tornado model aircraft, Red equips the team with powerful new tools to counteract the threats posed by Ivan Shark’s gang.

• Capabilities of the Tornado:

  • Red details the aircraft’s features at [07:23], “This is the latest model. 2 seated tornado, blaze and beacons.”
  • Emphasizing the plane's defensive armaments, he states at [07:49], “This ship's got twin machine guns for the pilot. They're synchronized with the engine and another gun on pivots for the observer.”

• Strategic Planning:

  • Red proposes establishing a hidden airfield to safeguard their new assets. At [08:21], he outlines the plan: “At daybreak, you and I'll take off in this ship and Steve will follow us in the Falcon.”

Notable Quote:

Red Roberts (07:49): “This ship's got twin machine guns for the pilot. They're synchronized with the engine and another gun on pivots for the observer.”

3. Forming the Vigilante Committee (09:19 - 10:38)

To bolster their efforts against the encroaching threats, Red decides to form a vigilante committee composed of honest townspeople.

• Mobilizing Allies:

  • Red instructs Chuck about involving locals: “We're going to round up every honest prospector and miner in this town. Our first job is to find Sheriff Ballard.” (09:07)

• Delegating Responsibilities:

  • The team divides tasks, with Fred and Mud taking charge of ground operations while Red and Chuck focus on aerial strategies.

Notable Quote:

Red Roberts (09:05): “We're going to round up every honest prospector and miner in this town. Our first job is to find Sheriff Ballard.”

4. Establishing the Hidden Airfield (10:38 - 12:04)

As dawn breaks, Red and Chuck prepare to fly the Tornado to a secret location, marking a significant step in their mission to thwart Ivan Shark’s plans.

• Takeoff Preparations:

  • At [10:03], Chuck confirms, “I sure have,” ensuring all safety measures are in place.

• Flight Dynamics and Scenery:

  • The narrative captures the beauty and challenges of flight: “Notice the long shadows in the valleys.” (11:03)

• Unforeseen Challenges:

  • As they navigate, Chuck notices another plane trailing behind, raising suspicions about potential threats: “Gosh, Red, I can see a plane, but I don't think it's Steve.” (11:52)

Notable Quote:

Red Roberts (11:33): “Flying's a wonderful thing, Chuck. As soon as you get up in the air, you lose all your worries. And you forget all your troubles.”

5. Cliffhanger and Teaser for Next Episode (12:04 - End)

The episode concludes on a suspenseful note as Captain Midnight questions the fate of Steve and hints at future confrontations with Ivan Shark’s men.

• Suspenseful Ending:

  • Red and Chuck are left contemplating the appearance of the mysterious plane, setting the stage for upcoming conflicts.

• Teasing Future Adventures:

  • The host invites listeners to tune in next week, maintaining engagement: “What has happened to Steve? Has one of Ivan Shark's men tampered with his plane? Will Chuck and Captain Midnight be able to help him? Be sure to listen Monday.”

Notable Quote:

Captain Midnight (12:04): “Has something happened to Steve? And who is flying this other plane which Chuck sees?”

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Conclusion

Captain Midnight 39-04-21 (0140) Establishing A Hidden Airfield masterfully combines action, strategy, and character development, propelling the ongoing battle against Ivan Shark’s gang to new heights—literally. With the introduction of advanced aircraft and the formation of a vigilante committee, Captain Midnight and his allies are better equipped than ever to defend their town. Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next installment, where the mysteries surrounding Steve and the ensuing confrontations will unfold.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Red Roberts:

  • “Both those pilots are G men. One of them flew the Falcon back here so I could have this other ship to fly around in.” (07:07)
  • “This ship's got twin machine guns for the pilot. They're synchronized with the engine and another gun on pivots for the observer.” (07:49)

• Captain Midnight:

  • “Has something happened to Steve? And who is flying this other plane which Chuck sees?” (12:04)

• Other Characters:

  • “We're going to round up every honest prospector and miner in this town. Our first job is to find Sheriff Ballard.” (09:07)
  • “Flying's a wonderful thing, Chuck. As soon as you get up in the air, you lose all your worries. And you forget all your troubles.” (11:33)

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Final Note

For fans new to the series, this episode offers a compelling blend of suspense and heroism, capturing the essence of the Golden Age of Radio. By immersing listeners in the thrilling world of Captain Midnight, Harold's Old Time Radio continues to preserve and celebrate classic radio storytelling.

Transcript

[TSA Announcer]

Plan on flying. It's time to upgrade to a real id. Because in order to board domestic flights. Your driver's license or state issued ID must be a real id or you'll need another acceptable form of identification. So don't wait. Find out how to get your Real [e-mail] RealID that's tsa.gov RealID or visit your local DMV and then you'll be cleared for takeoff.

[Captain Midnight]

The Skelly Oil Company presents Captain Midnight. Captain Midnight, brought to you every day, Monday through Friday. At this same time. By the Skelly Oil Company, Skelly jobbers and dealers. But first, you boys and girls. Have you got the grand free gift I told you about yesterday? Have you got the two big free pictures the Skelly man has for you? Well, now, if you haven't, you'd better go to the Skelly station. And get these marvelous pictures this very night. Remember, you can't get these pictures any other place in the world. For one is a picture of Chuck Ramsey autographed for you. It says Happy Landing and it's signed Chuck Ramsey right on it. And the other is a picture of Captain Midnight himself. It's also autographed to you. It says, sincerely, your friend, Captain Midnight. And they're big pictures, too. Now, of course, if you like Captain Midnight and Chuck Ramsay. You'll want to have these pictures. And there's a special reason for getting them at once. Because you remember there's a big adventure coming for every boy and girl who listens to this program. And Captain Midnight's picture is a very important clue. You'll need to take part in this adventure when it comes. You see, Captain Midnight's picture shows his ring. And on this ring there's a secret symbol, a secret design that will help you in this thrilling adventure ahead. Help you to help Chuck Ramsey and Patsy Donovan and Captain Midnight, too. Say, you don't want to be left out when this exciting adventure comes, do you? No, sir. You want to be all set to help Chuck and Patsy and Captain Midnight. And maybe win a marvelous prize, too. So if you don't have these pictures already. Be be sure to get them this very night. And here's the best part of it. These pictures are absolutely free. They don't cost you a cent. You don't need to buy a thing. You don't need box tops or seals or even a penny for a stamp to get these free pictures. Here's all you do. You just go any place where Skelly gasoline is sold. If you're already a member of Captain Midnight flight patrol. Show the Skelly man your card or your bat. And he'll give you the pictures right away. He has them for you at his station. And if you're not a member of Captain Midnight's flight patrol. Just tell the Skelly man you want to join. And he'll give you your membership card and both pictures at once. And he'll send in to Skelly headquarters For a big, flashing Mistomagic weather forecaster badge for you. It's the badge Captain Midnight's flight patrol members wear. And like the pictures, it doesn't cost you a cent. So. So go to any Skelly station tonight, won't you? Go alone. Or dad or Mother will be glad to drive you. If you tell them you can get Captain Midnight's picture and Chuck Ramsey's picture absolutely free. Go tonight or tomorrow or Sunday. The next time you're out in the family car. And then you'll have these marvelous pictures. And you'll be all set to help Chuck and Patsy in the thrilling adventure that's coming soon. And now for Captain Midnight. Last time, the second of the two mysterious planes. Which suddenly swooped down out of the night sky. Landed on the Black Belt's playing field. Steve, Fred, Chuck and the new mechanic, Mud, pounced on the pilot and overpowered him in the dark. Suddenly he spoke, and the voice was Captain McKnight. Our scene now is just after he is overpowered, Chuck is stealing Blinken Beacon.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Dred. We didn't know.

[Red Roberts]

Hey, you, get off of me. I'm about smothered.

[Fred]

Why, Georgia is Roberts.

[Mud]

Well, Flamin Fl. Where did you come from?

[Steve]

All right, Mud, put that monkey wrench away.

[Red Roberts]

Yeah. Don't crown me with that. We've got work to do.

[Chuck Ramsey]

What's it all mean, Red?

[Red Roberts]

I'll tell you in a minute, Chuck. Say, has anyone got a flashlight?

[Mud]

Yeah, I got a small one in my pocket.

[Red Roberts]

Fine, let's have it.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Watch them. Any crickets? Look, there are two planes up there.

[Steve]

Hey, what's coming off around here? Red?

[Red Roberts]

Wait. I've got to hold up this flashlight and blink it two times.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Gee, is that a signal?

[Red Roberts]

Yes, that's a signal. It's okay to land.

[Fred]

Evidently they don't see your signal.

[Red Roberts]

He will pretty soon.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Gosh, that second plane is real low.

[Red Roberts]

There. He sees it now.

[Steve]

Do you think he'll be able to land all right? This field's awfully small.

[Red Roberts]

He watched me come in first. He'll get down all right, Steve.

[Fred]

Who Are these pilots?

[Red Roberts]

Well, I can't tell you right now, Fred. Maybe a little later.

[Steve]

We've had a lot of trouble tonight, Fred. We've got to be careful.

[Red Roberts]

I expected that.

[Steve]

We were held up a little while ago. You know, I think we ought to have a guard at the entrance to the field.

[Mud]

Well, I'll go, Steve. I won't let no one get near here.

[Red Roberts]

That's fine, Mud.

[Fred]

Go ahead, take my gun. But don't use it unless you have to.

[Mud]

Thank you, Fred. You can bet your last cent no one's gonna get on this here field when Mud's around to stop him.

[Steve]

Half the stuff. Mud.

[Mud]

I'll be over at the field, Anthrax.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Here comes that second plane gliding.

[Red Roberts]

I'll keep blinking this flashlight so he'll know where to come.

[Steve]

He's sure doing a swell job. He's following you exactly.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Yeah, the third plane has got his engine, too.

[Red Roberts]

Yes, he's going to follow the second one in.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Gosh, Red, where did you get this plane?

[Steve]

That isn't the Falcon you took off in.

[Fred]

Well, here comes the second ship.

[Chuck Ramsey]

He sure made a swell landing, all right.

[Steve]

Hey, that's the Falcon you took off in, isn't it, Red?

[Red Roberts]

Yes, it is, Steve.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Gosh, Red, first we thought we were capturing one of Shark's men, and then it turns out to be you.

[Steve]

Now with all these mysterious planes in.

[Red Roberts]

The air, I wish I could figure it all out. Well, boys, excuse me. I'll have to go over and talk to that pilot. I'll have to go over and talk to that pilot. I'll be back in a minute.

[Fred]

All right.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Here comes that third plane.

[Fred]

Hey, he's almost on the ground.

[Steve]

There, there. He made it.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Ladies and beacons, what's going on?

[Steve]

Ah, you've got me, Chuck. But I'll bet you one thing Red knows what he's doing.

[Fred]

And I'm surely glad he's back.

[Captain Midnight]

Gosh, isn't this a swell plane, Steve?

[Steve]

Gee, it certainly is, Chuck. Looks to me like one of those late model two place pursuit jobs.

[Fred]

That third plane's right by the second one.

[Chuck Ramsey]

And the two pilots are out of their cockpit. And Red's to talking to them.

[Steve]

Look, Red, run over and cut the engine on the Falcon.

[Fred]

Evidently intend for the Falcon to stay here.

[Steve]

Yeah. Say, great guns, Fred. I begin to see the light now.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Gosh, look. The pilots who flew the Falcon in is getting into the other plane.

[Fred]

Red has said goodbye to them and is coming back here.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Yeah, the third plane's gonna take off, too.

[Steve]

Yeah, you're Right, Chuck. There she goes.

[Fred]

Say, what did you mean, Steve, by saying you see the light?

[Steve]

Well, here comes Red Fred. I think he'll explain it.

[Red Roberts]

Well, boys, I guess you're wondering what's going.

[Fred]

Well, we were a little bit curious.

[Red Roberts]

I'll bet you were. Well, here's the story. Both those pilots are G men. One of them flew the Falcon back here so I could have this other ship to fly around in. See, I didn't want to leave the Falcon behind.

[Steve]

And the ship that just took off is carrying the extra pilot back. Is that it, Red?

[Red Roberts]

That's the story, Steve.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Gosh, Red, what kind of ship is this?

[Red Roberts]

Well, this is the latest model. 2 seated tornado, blaze and beacons.

[Chuck Ramsey]

I've heard of them, but I never expected to see one.

[Steve]

If it's a tornado, she sure has plenty of speed to burn. Fast climb. Excellent stunting ability. My gosh, read everything.

[Red Roberts]

Everything is right. This ship's got twin machine guns for the pilot. They're synchronized with the engine and another gun on pivots for the observer. And I brought along plenty of extra ammunition.

[Captain Midnight]

Well, what do you know about that?

[Red Roberts]

Besides that it's got a late type aerial camera in the floor of the observer's cockpit.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Gosh, we sure got something now.

[Red Roberts]

Yes, I decided it's time we had something to defend ourselves with.

[Steve]

Something's right, old friend.

[Red Roberts]

You can start flying gold out of the mine anytime you want to now. Well, I'll convoy your ship with this bus. And I guarantee that no black ship's gonna shoot your pilot down.

[Fred]

Well, that certainly takes a load off my mind.

[Chuck Ramsey]

But, gee, Red, how can we keep this plane here on the field with Clark and the rest of Barlow's gang around?

[Red Roberts]

We're not going to keep it here, Chuck. I've had my eyes open in case this kind of a situation came up. And I know a place where we will keep it. Now, here's the plan. Just at daybreak, you and I'll take off in this ship and Steve will follow us in the Falcon. The place I have in mind isn't very far away. We'll leave this plane there and then come back with Steve and the Falcon.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Oh, that'll be swell.

[Fred]

A lot has happened since you left last evening, Red. We better tell you about it.

[Red Roberts]

All right, Fred, let's go over the office. Right. In the meantime, we'll have MUD service these ships and get them ready to fly.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Gee, there's another thing, Red.

[Red Roberts]

Why, what's that yet?

[Chuck Ramsey]

McHale and Slim and Pinky are waiting for you over at the jail?

[Red Roberts]

Oh, yes, I was for. I guess we better go over there right away. I have a job for them now.

[Chuck Ramsey]

What's that, Red?

[Red Roberts]

We're going to form a vigilante committee.

[Chuck Ramsey]

A vigilante committee?

[Red Roberts]

We're going to round up every honest prospector and miner in this town. Our first job is to find Sheriff Ballard. They'll work on the ground while we work in the air. And after we find him, our next job will be Ivan Sharp.

[Fred]

Well, say, things are surely going to happen now.

[Red Roberts]

All right, come on then. Let's get to the jail. Then we'll come back here to the pilot's bunk house. And if there's any time, we'll catch a couple of winks of sleep. It's been kind of rough on you, Chuck.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Gee, I feel fine, Red.

[Red Roberts]

Well, you could do with some sleep. I can see that. Come on, let's get going.

[Captain Midnight]

It is now several hours later. Dawn is just beginning to break. Two planes stand before the 7G hangar, engines idling. One is Captain Midnight's new Tornado, and the other is the 7G Falcon. With Steve at the controls. Red Roberts. Really? Captain Midnight is in the Tornado's front cockpit while Chuck is in the rear. Listen, as Chuck says, I guess we're all set.

[Red Roberts]

Red, have you got your chute buckled on?

[Chuck Ramsey]

I sure have.

[Red Roberts]

And your safety belt fastened?

[Chuck Ramsey]

I'm fastening that right now.

[Red Roberts]

Oh, Steve's waving to us that he's ready. So I guess we better get going before someone sees his ship.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Almost ready.

[Red Roberts]

Okay, the engine's warmed up. We'll take off first and Steve's going to follow.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Okay, here we go. Make shift wide. It seems like we're going straight up.

[Red Roberts]

Oh, this is a great. There is not anything planner in the world.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Is this one better than the one you washed out on Broken Reach?

[Red Roberts]

Much better, Chuck. This is right from the factory.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Gosh, I never believed I'd fly in such a wonderful plane as this.

[Red Roberts]

Well, you're in it. And you'll be flying it yourself pretty soon.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Do you think so?

[Red Roberts]

Sure. I'm gonna let you take the controls to the back seat in a minute.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Boy, oh, boy.

[Red Roberts]

Say, can you see Steve?

[Chuck Ramsey]

Wait, I take a look. Yeah, I see him, but he's falling pretty far behind.

[Red Roberts]

I've got this bus. Throttle down as much as I can.

[Chuck Ramsey]

What time are we going to start looking for Sheriff Ballyck?

[Red Roberts]

Later on today, Chuck. First, I want to hide this plane.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Well, do you think you can?

[Red Roberts]

I've got a place thick that I don't think anyone will ever find. It's going to be our secret landing field.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Gee, our secret landing field. Boy, that'll be swell.

[Red Roberts]

We'll keep the ship there and then we'll go back and forth to it in one of the 7G planes.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Well, supposing we're followed by one of sharks pilot sometime.

[Red Roberts]

We'll never land there if there's another plane in the air, Chuck.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Gee, Red, isn't this wonderful? Look, the rim of the sun is just showing over the mountains.

[Red Roberts]

Yep. There isn't a more beautiful sight in the world, Chuck. Then sunrise from a plane high in the air.

[Chuck Ramsey]

Yeah. Look at the light on the mountains. They stand out so clear.

[Red Roberts]

Notice the long shadows in the valleys.

[Chuck Ramsey]

I'll never forget this sight as long as I live.

[Red Roberts]

Flying's a wonderful thing, Chuck. As soon as you get up in the air, you lose all your worries. And you forget all your troubles.

[Chuck Ramsey]

I know you feel sort of separated from the world. And yet you're a part of it. It's sort of.

[Red Roberts]

Well, we got to tend to business, Chuck. What about Steve? Can you see him?

[Chuck Ramsey]

Gee, I can't see anything of him.

[Red Roberts]

By George, Chuck, we can't lose him.

[Captain Midnight]

Oh, wait.

[Chuck Ramsey]

I look again. Blink and beacons. Red, I can see a plane, but I don't think it's Steve.

[Captain Midnight]

Well, has something happened to Steve? And who is flying this other plane which Chuck sees? Things look a lot more cheerful now that Captain Midnight has returned. But what will be Ivan Sharp's next news? Thrilling moments are ahead. Don't miss them. Tune in next Monday, same time, same station, to Captain Midnight. Remember, get the free pictures of Captain Midnight and Chuck Ramsey today at any Skelly station. There's something every friend of Captain Midnight should have. Because they're autographed to you by Chuck Ramsey and by your friend Captain Midnight. And besides, Captain Midnight's picture has an important clue in it. A clue you'll need in the big adventure that's coming. For every fellow and girl who belongs to Captain Midnight's flight patrol. These marvelous pictures, you know, are absolutely free. You don't need to buy a thing. You don't need seals or box tops or even a penny for a stamp. You just go to any place where Skelly gasoline is sold. Go alone, or dad or Mother will be glad to drive you, I'm sure. And tell the Skelly man you want the big free pictures of Chuck Ramsey and Captain Midnight. If you're a member of Captain Midnight's flight patrol. Show the Skelly man your card or your badge. And he'll give you the pictures right away. If you're not already a member of Captain Midnight's flight patrol. Tell the Skelly man you want to join. And he'll give you these wonderful pictures. And your membership card in the flight patrol. And he'll send in to Skelly headquarters. For the big, brilliant Mistomagic Weather Forecaster badge. That Flight Patrol members wear. And it won't cost you a single penny, not one cent. It's free. So get these pictures from your Skelly man tonight, tomorrow or Sunday, the next time you're out in the family car. And listen. Monday, same time, same station. For further adventures of Captain McKnight. Brought to you by the Skelly Oil Company, Skelly jobbers and dealers. What has happened to Steve? Has one of Ivan Shark's men tampered with his plane? Will Chuck and Captain Midnight be able to help him? Be sure to listen Monday. Until then, this is your Skelly man saying goodbye and happy landing.

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