Charlie Chan 45-07-19 The Man Who Moved Mountains

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Charlie Chan 45-07-19 The Man Who Moved Mountains"

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Charlie Chan 45-07-19 The Man Who Moved Mountains
Release Date: April 14, 2025

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Introduction

"The Man Who Moved Mountains" is a gripping episode from the classic radio series featuring the legendary detective, Charlie Chan. Set against the backdrop of San Francisco's bustling police headquarters, this episode delves into a peculiar case that blends mystery, wit, and philosophical musings. As listeners tune in, they are transported to the Golden Age of Radio, where families gathered around their radios to follow the thrilling adventures of Charlie Chan.

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Plot Overview

Inciting Incident

The episode opens with Inspector Charlie Chan managing an unofficial department within the San Francisco Police Headquarters. This clandestine unit handles unconventional calls and mysterious complaints that don't fit into standard police procedures. As Chan imparts wisdom to his son about deportment and guidance, their conversation is abruptly interrupted by a distress call from Professor Arthur Moore.

Notable Quote:

Charlie Chan [01:17]: "Man who wishes something for nothing invariably receives nothing. Yet today this person received free gift which was death."

The Complaint

Professor Arthur Moore, the proprietor of the "Hall of History" on Pacific Boulevard, reports a bizarre occurrence: one of his statues is coming to life. Frustrated by bureaucratic red tape, Moore seeks immediate assistance, fearing that the animated statues could tarnish his establishment's reputation.

Notable Quote:

Arthur Moore [03:03]: "I am Professor Arthur Moore."

Investigation Begins

Charlie Chan and his son set out to investigate the Hall of History. Upon arrival, they are greeted by a lively environment filled with meticulously crafted statues depicting historical figures and events. Despite initial skepticism from Chan's son, the inspector remains calm and methodical, emphasizing the importance of evidence over preconceived notions.

Notable Quote:

Charlie Chan [04:43]: "Shall Lieutenant Son arrive at your own request?"

Discovering the Anomaly

As Chan and his son tour the hall, they engage in a dialogue that highlights the son's doubts about Moore's sanity. However, their investigation takes a turn when they witness a statue's arm moving independently, confirming the legitimacy of Moore's complaint. This startling observation propels them deeper into the mystery, blending elements of the supernatural with a detective narrative.

Notable Quote:

Charlie Chan [10:19]: "Wait, wait. These demise. Imagine they perceive the statue moving."

Unraveling the Mystery

Through meticulous examination, Chan discerns that the phenomenon is not supernatural but rather a sophisticated practical joke orchestrated by Professor Moore. The moving statue was crafted from sand and glue, ensuring it couldn't move once set. Realizing the hoax, Chan confronts Moore, uncovering motives that intertwine entertainment with a subtle critique of historical narratives.

Notable Quote:

Son [08:44]: "What are those statues made of, Professor Moore? Sand and glue, son."

Climax and Resolution

The episode culminates in a tense yet humorous exchange between Chan, his son, and Moore. With evidence in hand, Chan exposes the ruse, reaffirming his belief in logic and empirical evidence over hearsay. The resolution not only restores order but also delivers a poignant message about the importance of verifying facts before jumping to conclusions.

Notable Quote:

Charlie Chan [13:11]: "This case has highly perplexing beginning. Why does Professor Moore deny telephoning this person?"

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Key Characters

• Inspector Charlie Chan: The astute and philosophical detective who balances Eastern wisdom with Western scientific principles. His calm demeanor and sharp intellect make him a formidable investigator.

• Lieutenant Son: Charlie Chan's son, who serves as both assistant and sounding board. His initial skepticism provides a relatable perspective for the audience, highlighting Chan's mentorship.

• Professor Arthur Moore: The eccentric proprietor of the Hall of History. His elaborate practical joke serves as the catalyst for the episode's central mystery.

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Themes and Insights

1. Rationality vs. Superstition: The episode underscores the conflict between logical reasoning and irrational beliefs. Chan's unwavering commitment to evidence-based investigation stands in stark contrast to the seemingly supernatural occurrences reported by Moore.

2. The Power of Perception: The moving statues symbolize how perceptions can be manipulated, emphasizing the importance of discerning truth from illusion.

3. Mentorship and Guidance: Chan's interactions with his son highlight the transmission of wisdom and the importance of critical thinking skills in navigating complex situations.

4. Historical Reflection: Through the Hall of History, the episode offers a commentary on how history is curated and presented, prompting listeners to question the authenticity and accuracy of historical narratives.

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Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Charlie Chan [01:17]: "Man who wishes something for nothing invariably receives nothing. Yet today this person received free gift which was death."

• Arthur Moore [03:03]: "I am Professor Arthur Moore."

• Charlie Chan [04:43]: "Shall Lieutenant Son arrive at your own request?"

• Charlie Chan [10:19]: "Wait, wait. These demise. Imagine they perceive the statue moving."

• Son [08:44]: "What are those statues made of, Professor Moore? Sand and glue, son."

• Charlie Chan [13:11]: "This case has highly perplexing beginning. Why does Professor Moore deny telephoning this person?"

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Conclusion

"The Man Who Moved Mountains" serves as a quintessential example of the Golden Age of Radio, blending mystery, humor, and philosophical inquiry. Through the masterful storytelling of Charlie Chan, listeners are invited to engage in a narrative that challenges perceptions and celebrates the triumph of logic over illusion. This episode not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons on critical thinking and the importance of evidence in uncovering the truth.

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Note: Advertisements and non-content sections present in the transcript have been intentionally excluded to maintain focus on the core narrative and thematic elements of the episode.

Transcript

[Styles MacKenzie]

We interrupt this program to bring you an important Wayfair message. Wayfair's got style tips for every home. This is Styles MacKenzie helping you make those rooms sing. Today's style tip. When it comes to making a statement, treat bold patterns like neutrals. Go wild like an untamed animal. Print area rug under a rustic farmhouse table. From wayfair.com this has been your Wayfair style tip to keep those interiors superior. Wayfair Every style, Every home.

[Charlie Chan]

The Incomparable Charlie Chan. The American Broadcasting Company presents the incomparable Charlie Chan. Detective, philosopher, modern Chinese sage in a new and exciting series. Join the famous detective every day at this time, Monday through Friday, as he combines the wisdom of the east and the science of the west in a thrilling and dramatic chapter from the Adventures of Charlie Chan.

Humbly gives you greetings and extends warm welcome. It is wisely written. Man who wishes something for nothing invariably receives nothing. Yet today this person received free gift which was death. What? First word from honorable announcer.

The plumber is a good fellow. His charges are fair. But to have to call him to clean out sink and other waste pipes doesn't make sense when you can do it yourself with the plumber's enemy. This week's adventure. The man who Moved My Mountain. There is an unofficial department in police headquarters in San Francisco. It has no name, it is unknown to the public. It is managed by Inspector Charlie Chan. And its business is to take care of the office calls and curious complaints. Which cannot be fitted into regular police routines. So it is this early morning that Charlie Chan's daily lecture to his number one son on deportment and the 15 rules of guidance for the young. Is interrupted by the shrill ring of a telephone.

Charlie Chen speaking.

[Arthur Moore]

Inspector Chen, will you please tell me if this is the end of the line?

[Charlie Chan]

Pardon, please. These dull ears do not comprehend.

[Son]

Who is this?

[Arthur Moore]

I'm trying to make a complain to the police. I've been switched to three different people already. I'm beginning to feel like a polygraph.

[Charlie Chan]

Ah, yes. Understand now. So sorry you have suffered at hands of official red tape. I assure you this is end of line. May make complaint now?

[Arthur Moore]

I am Professor Arthur Moore.

[Charlie Chan]

Address, please. Professor Moore.

[Arthur Moore]

Moore's hailing station and cabin on Pacific Boulevard is just this side of city limits.

[Charlie Chan]

From address, this person assumes scholastic title. Merely honorary.

[Arthur Moore]

Never mind about my time. I want to make a complaint.

[Charlie Chan]

These sympathetic ears await words. Professor Wu, I've got a kind of.

[Arthur Moore]

Historical show behind my station. Statues of famous people and famous events. It's a pretty show for the customers.

[Charlie Chan]

Continue, please.

[Arthur Moore]

One of my statues is coming to life.

[Charlie Chan]

Pardon, please, Professor Moore. These ancient ears thought they heard you Say you heard me all right.

[Arthur Moore]

That's what I said and that's my complaint. One of my statues is coming to life.

[Charlie Chan]

This mustard, can you account for peculiar conduct?

[Arthur Moore]

If I could, I wouldn't be calling the police. You better get out here, Inspector, and look things over. I don't want such things going on in my hall of History.

[Charlie Chan]

We'll proceed to address at once, Professor Moore. We'll also remark if statue is really coming to life, there will be no further need for you to reproduce history. We'll be making same.

[Son]

Statues coming to life. That guy must be crazy, huh? Well, he's got to be crazy. There couldn't be any other explanation now could there, Pop?

[Charlie Chan]

Is written man who jumps to conclusions lands in ignorance. Your father waits for evidence of I.

[Son]

All I got to say is we're wasting our time. We should have sent the straight jacket squad perhaps.

[Charlie Chan]

Garish station ahead. Appears to be a picture search.

[Son]

Huh?

[Charlie Chan]

Can they navigate car into S okay.

[Son]

Golly, what a joint. Looks like a small time Coney Island.

[Charlie Chan]

Professor Moore's hall of History visible behind. And for the perceived large mass of painted statues.

[Son]

I'm right, pop. I bet you it'll take a lunatic to run a place like this. Wide awake joint, isn't it? Hey, anybody here? Hey, wake up, Professor.

[Charlie Chan]

She's some wholesome shouting.

[Son]

Please.

[Charlie Chan]

The person within tavern approaches.

[Arthur Moore]

It's about time.

[Son]

Right with you, gentlemen. Sorry to wait for even a fraction of your time. Time and tide wait for no man, as the immortal Chaucer said.

[Charlie Chan]

Seeking gentleman named Professor Arthur Moore before.

[Son]

You in the 2:2 solid play. To quote the rare Ben Johnson, Professor Arthur Moore, writer, leisurer, astrologer, man of peace and soldier of fortune. Inventor and sole distributors of Moore's analgesic medicine for mumps, measles, malaria and all diseases beginning within. What did I tell you, Pop? Sole inspiration and executor of Moore's hall of History. A faithful graphic and three dimensional panorama of history comprising entertainment for the old and education for the young. It's free and for nothing, gentlemen. A solemn reminder of the grandeur of bygone days.

[Charlie Chan]

Forgive this person for interrupting. Highly enjoyable lecture, Professor Moore, but must get down to business.

[Son]

Business?

[Charlie Chan]

Business.

[Son]

The last refuge of cowards, as Tom Payne put it. At your service.

[Charlie Chan]

This person, Inspector Charlie Chen of police that scientists. Why does consternation cause features to collide? Professor Moore, you got me wrong.

[Son]

Like you don't want me. I swear. Everything's on a square. If it's a question of effects, I can't make.

[Charlie Chan]

You are laboring under peculiar misapprehension, Professor Moore. This person has no designs.

Oh, no?

Shall Lieutenant Son arrive at your own request?

[Son]

My request? Yes, yours.

[Charlie Chan]

You're crazy.

[Son]

I'm crazy?

[Charlie Chan]

Wait, please. Professor Moore, did you not telephone police headquarters half hour ago and request immediate assistance?

[Son]

Me? Certainly not.

[Charlie Chan]

You did not inform these ears that very odd events transpired in all of history?

[Son]

Are you kidding, Inspector? What events?

[Charlie Chan]

You did not complain that statue in hall of History was coming to life.

[Son]

Coming to life? Now look, Inspector Chan, I think somebody's been pulling your legs. How could a thing like that happen?

[Charlie Chan]

This person arrived to discover sim.

[Son]

Well, there's nothing the matter with my hall of History. Inspector Chan, come on out. See for yourself.

[Charlie Chan]

Will do. But very much afraid. Valuable time wasted by misguided jokers. Come, son.

[Son]

For Pete's sake. Who'd call a stupid trick like this a joke?

[Charlie Chan]

It's his written practical joke. It's anything that can make a fool laugh.

[Son]

Right this way, Inspector. What are those statues made of, Professor Moore? Sand and glue, son. You mix them up and wet them, then model them. I paint them. Michelle too used to have a pretty smart act in the two a day big time mansculpture. Professor Arthur Moore and his model.

[Charlie Chan]

Ah, yes. This inefficient brain perceived strong flavor of tension in words, Professor Moore.

[Son]

Our hair, Inspector, is where the hall of History begins. On your left, ladies and gentlemen, an accurate rendering of life in the glacial epochs of the caveman. These here savage figures were constructed under the supervision of university doctors of anthology anthropology. It's anthropology, the study of man. Yes. Well, as my young friend has said, this is the study of man. And what better study than this classical and beautiful picture of ancient Greece? Professor, they're wearing Roman helmets. And why not, my young friends? Was it not Julius Caesar who so aptly said the Greeks had a word for it? Caesar never said anything of the kind of inspired reproduction of the Crusaders. Those gallant knights of the Round Table whose invasion of the Holy Land in 1066 will ever be a lesson for young and old alike. These figures are accurate reproductions from drawings discovered in the famous Magna Chart and references. The gentleman asks a question.

[Charlie Chan]

Ask nothing but silence a moment.

[Son]

What's the matter, Pop?

[Charlie Chan]

Stop a moment, son.

[Son]

Is anything wrong, Inspector?

[Charlie Chan]

Wait, wait. These demise. Imagine they perceive the statue moving. A statue moving far in the back.

[Son]

Wait.

[Charlie Chan]

Yes. Motion again. The sun sees it.

[Son]

Where?

[Charlie Chan]

Alongside Reproduction of French guillotine.

[Son]

Oh, but in spite of it. I see it, Pop. An arm moving there.

[Charlie Chan]

Come quick.

[Son]

This is crazy. I tell you this. Statues are made from sand and blue. Once they set, they can't move.

[Charlie Chan]

Two eyes may be deceived, Professor Moore. Not for.

[Son]

I think I saw it again, Pop. Yeah, well, maybe it's somebody hanging around there inspecting. You know, sometimes kids sneak in.

[Charlie Chan]

Maybe. Many explanations. Let us wait until we arrive before adopting any.

[Son]

But you can't see Pop up there on the guillotine platform. The statue of the victim. His arm is moving like a chance.

[Charlie Chan]

This is.

Silence, please.

Is it.

[Son]

Is it really a statue, Pop?

[Charlie Chan]

No, you perceive body of men. Dead men. Apparently Professor Moore's entertainment of old and education of young includes murder.

We will return to Charlie Chan in just a moment. Right now your thoughts are centered on how to keep cool. But you'll thank your lucky stars if you're stocked up on fuel for heating your house. You see, the fuel shortage isn't going to be one whit improved this coming winter. Despite victory in Europe, we've got the.

[Son]

Deadly Japs to lift.

[Charlie Chan]

And our war industries will still be calling for staggering quantities of fuel. So coal, oil, gas, wood and coke for civilian use will continue short. That's why, for your own protection, prepare for winter. Now, stock up on whatever kind of amount of fuel your dealer can let you have. And here are a couple more tips. Check your heating equipment to ensure peak efficiency. Clean your furnace, install heat saving devices. Also ensure your home against loss of heat by installing insulation, storm doors and windows weather stripping. By doing these simple things, you'll conserve precious fuel next winter. Get your homes ready for cold weather now. And now, here is Charlie Chan.

This case has highly perplexing beginning. Why does Professor Moore deny telephoning this person? If gentleman speaks truth, this inferior detective required to discover connection of practical joke with murder. Hope to do so tomorrow. Hope you will join self until then. Goodbye. Thank you.

Be sure to join us again tomorrow at the same time for the case of the man who Moved Mountain. Transcription.

[Nicole Byer]

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[Arthur Moore]

Liar.

[Nicole Byer]

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[Styles MacKenzie]

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[Arthur Moore]

Come to papa.

[Son]

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[Nicole Byer]

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[Son]

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[Son]

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