Podcast Summary: "Harold's Old Time Radio"
Episode: "Cases of Mr. Ace 47-06-25 The Lost Package"
Release Date: May 2, 2025

Introduction

In this thrilling episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in the noir-inspired detective saga of Edward Ace. Hosted by Harold's Old Time Radio, the episode titled "The Lost Package" unravels a complex web of deceit, betrayal, and ancient mysteries surrounding a priceless coin associated with Judas Iscariot.

The Assignment: A Mysterious Package

The episode kicks off with Edward Ace, a sharp-witted private detective, engaging in conversation with Dr. Gail, a criminal psychologist who relies on Ace's insights for her work.

• Dr. Gail (00:39): "Oh, Mr. Ace. Come in. I've given you up for the night."

• Edward Ace (00:44): "You're not alone, Dr. Gail. There were a couple of minutes back there when I'd given myself up for good."

Ace's typical day takes an unexpected turn when Richard Doran, a representative from Doran and Stanton—a firm dealing in art and curios—approaches him with a high-stakes proposition.

• Richard Doran (02:28): "I want you to deliver a package to a gentleman in Chicago."
• Edward Ace (03:10): "This is no ordinary package, Mr. Ace. I'm willing to pay a fee of, say, $1,500 for its safe delivery."

Doran hints at the package's explosive importance without revealing its contents, prompting Ace to accept the dangerous assignment.

The Train Encounter: A Deadly Confrontation

Ace boards the Commodore Vanderbilt destined for Chicago, package in hand. The tension escalates when a menacing figure, Leonidas, attempts to seize the package.

• Leonidas (06:05): "You will please clasp your hands together at the back of your neck."
• Edward Ace (07:10): "All right, get up. I won't shoot."

A battle of wits ensues, showcasing Ace's cleverness as he manages to outmaneuver Leonidas, leading to the assailant's retreat. However, the package mysteriously disappears, leaving Ace to grapple with unanswered questions.

Investigation in New York: Uncovering the Truth

Upon returning to New York, Ace finds Doran dead—victim of a seemingly straightforward burglary turned fatal.

• Detective Lieutenant Walsh (09:24): "Are we in for imported art now?"
• Edward Ace (09:27): "I want to talk to Doran."

Ace's suspicions deepen as he interacts with Mrs. Doran and uncovers the intricacies of the case, leading him to realize the package's significance is far more profound than initially perceived.

Confrontation and Revelation: The Coin of Judas

As the plot thickens, Colonel Gregory Amherst emerges as a pivotal antagonist, revealing his obsession with a legendary coin linked to Judas Iscariot's betrayal.

• Colonel Gregory Amherst (14:06): "Precisely... I have many of them."
• Edward Ace (17:16): "I say you're nuts."

The Colonel divulges the coin's historical value and its connection to the biblical betrayal, setting the stage for a high-stakes negotiation. Ace's relentless pursuit leads him back to Doran and Stanton's shop, where he encounters Elfie Duran, Doran's stepdaughter, unveiling family secrets and motives.

• Dr. Gail (22:43): "I was so frightened."
• Edward Ace (25:16): "Yeah, just like you and Stanton killed your husband."

The climax unfolds with dramatic confrontations, gunfire, and the ultimate revelation of who orchestrated the betrayal, tying back to the ancient coin's curse.

Conclusion: Resolving the Mystery

In the aftermath, Ace ensures that justice is served, resolving conflicts and securing the coin's fate. The episode wraps up with Ace reflecting on the case's complexities and hinting at future adventures.

• Edward Ace (26:41): "Good night, Dr. Gill."
• Detective Lieutenant Walsh (27:10): "We'll be listening."

Key Themes and Insights

• Betrayal and Trust: The narrative intricately weaves themes of betrayal, both ancient and modern, highlighting the fragile nature of trust in Ace's world.

• Historical Mysteries: The quest for the coin of Judas adds a layer of historical intrigue, blending religious lore with detective fiction.

• Moral Ambiguity: Characters like Leonidas and Colonel Amherst embody moral complexities, challenging Ace's notions of right and wrong.

Notable Quotes

• Edward Ace (03:32): "I see what you mean."
  Discussing the dangerous nature of his assignment with Richard Doran.

• Leonidas (07:10): "All right, get up. I won't shoot."
  During his tense interaction with Ace on the train.

• Colonel Gregory Amherst (17:05): "There are in the collections of numismatists certain coins of antiquity..."
  Revealing the significance of the coin.

• Dr. Gail (25:08): "You see, I killed him. I loved Stanton, so I killed his killers."
  Unveiling her role in the murder of Stanton.

Supporting Cast and Production

The episode features a stellar supporting cast, including Francis Heflin, Joseph Kearns, Ted Von Eltz, Charlie Lung, Elliot Reed, Mary Jane Croft, and Lorraine Beaumont. The atmospheric score, composed and conducted by Del Castillo, complements the narrative's suspenseful and dramatic turns.

Looking Ahead

Listeners are teased with the promise of future episodes, where Edward Ace will delve deeper into personal and perilous cases, maintaining the gripping allure of classic radio detective stories.

Tune in next week as George Raft returns to narrate another captivating case in the Cases of Mr. Ace series, continuing the legacy of intrigue and suspense that defines Harold's Old Time Radio.