Day of The Triffids 68-06-27 02 A Light In The Night

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – Day of The Triffids Episode: "A Light In The Night"

Episode Information

• Title: Day of The Triffids 68-06-27 02 A Light In The Night
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Release Date: April 11, 2025
• Description: A dramatization of John Wyndham's seminal science fiction novel, The Day of the Triffids. This episode immerses listeners in a post-apocalyptic London where a comet shower has rendered the majority of the population blind, paving the way for the sinister triffid plants to dominate.

---

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Day of The Triffids, narrated by Giles Cooper, listeners are thrust into a world where a catastrophic comet shower has obliterated human sight, transforming London into a city of the blind. The story follows Bill Mason, a sighted survivor navigating the chaos, and his encounter with Gisela Playton, another sighted individual, as they strive to survive amidst emerging threats.

Plot Overview

Post-Comet London: The episode opens with Giles Cooper setting the scene of London plunged into darkness due to a comet-induced blinding event. The air is thick with debris from the comet, creating blinding flashes of light that have caused widespread blindness.

• Notable Quote:
  "It took me quite a time to realize that London was a city of the blind. The capital of a blind country in a blind world."
  – Bill Mason [01:49]

Bill's Journey Begins: Bill Mason, the protagonist, experiences the immediate aftermath of the comet strike. As he walks through familiar streets, he notices the eerie silence and the absence of life's usual hustle. His encounters with other blind individuals reveal the extent of the chaos and the challenges now faced by survivors.

• Key Interaction:
  Bill meets an Unknown Blind Man who expresses frustration over the sudden blindness:
  "I know everyone's damned clumsy this morning. And no hall porter on duty."
  – Unknown Blind Man [02:32]

Meeting Gisela Playton: Amidst the desolation, Bill encounters Gisela Playton in a pub. Their initial interaction reveals shared trauma and the beginning of a partnership essential for survival.

• Notable Exchange:
  "My name's Bill Mason."
  "I'm Gisela Playton."
  – Bill Mason & Gisela Playton [04:44-04:53]

Survival Strategy: Recognizing the need to escape the perilous city, Bill and Gisela discuss strategies to survive. They decide to head towards a factory in Clerkenwell to secure triffid guns, essential tools for their protection against the carnivorous plants.

• Notable Quote:
  "Wentworth. They make the best triffid guns in the world."
  – Bill Mason [10:05]

Securing Supplies: The duo meticulously plans their escape, listing the necessary supplies such as food, clothing, and tools. Their conversation highlights the dire need for preparation to face the uncertain future.

• Key Planning Discussion:
  "We'll make a list. We'll try to get a couple of 10 tires. Load half of each with food and the other half clothes."
  – Bill Mason [22:05]

Encounter with Triffids: As they move towards their destination, Bill and Gisela observe triffids within the zoo, emphasizing the constant threat these plants pose.

• Notable Observation:
  "They're blind, too."
  – Unknown Blind Man [02:26]

Human Connections and Fears: Throughout their journey, Bill and Gisela share personal histories and fears, fostering a deepening bond. Their conversations reveal the psychological toll of the catastrophe and the importance of human connection in survival.

• Intimate Conversation:
  "I must look an awful sight. Where's a mirror? Oh, good Lord."
  – Gisela Playton [04:32]
  "You look beautiful."
  – Bill Mason [16:19]

Discovery of Another Survivor: Towards the episode's climax, the couple detects a searchlight, indicating the presence of other sighted survivors. This discovery reignites hope but also brings new uncertainties about what others might mean for their survival.

• Climactic Interaction:
  "It must be a signal."
  – Bill Mason [26:36]
  "We never were, Bill. Were we?"
  – Gisela Playton [27:30]

Final Moments: As the episode concludes, the tension between hope and fear encapsulates the ongoing struggle of the protagonists to adapt and survive in a world dramatically altered by blindness and the rise of triffids.

Character Development

Bill Mason: A resilient and resourceful survivor, Bill embodies the struggle to maintain humanity amidst disaster. His leadership and practical mindset drive the survival plans that he and Gisela undertake.

• Notable Trait: His pragmatism is evident when he states, "More like a nightmare. Come on." regarding their situation [07:05].

Gisela Playton: Gisela brings emotional depth to the narrative, representing hope and the human need for companionship in dire times. Her background as a writer adds layers to her character, showcasing vulnerability and strength.

• Notable Moment: Sharing her past and her book reveals her resilience:
  "I wrote the book. Sex Is My Adventure. Of course."
  – Gisela Playton [18:22]

Themes and Insights

Survival and Adaptation: The episode delves deeply into the instinct to survive and the lengths individuals will go to secure safety. Bill and Gisela's meticulous planning underscores the necessity of preparation in the face of disaster.

Human Connection: Amidst the chaos, the budding relationship between Bill and Gisela highlights the importance of human bonds for psychological survival. Their interactions provide a glimmer of hope and normalcy amidst turmoil.

Isolation vs. Community: The discovery of potential other survivors brings forth the tension between isolation and the need for community. It raises questions about trust and collaboration in rebuilding amidst catastrophe.

Technology and Vulnerability: The speculation about satellites being weaponized introduces a critique of reliance on technology, suggesting that advancements can simultaneously be a boon and a threat.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Bill Mason on London’s Transformation:
   "It took me quite a time to realize that London was a city of the blind. The capital of a blind country in a blind world."
   – Bill Mason [01:49]

2. Gisela on Her Past:
   "I wrote the book. Sex Is My Adventure. Of course."
   – Gisela Playton [18:22]

3. Bill on Their Survival Plan:
   "Wentworth. They make the best triffid guns in the world."
   – Bill Mason [10:05]

4. Gisela Reflecting on Their Situation:
   "You know, if all this is true, we brought it on ourselves."
   – Gisela Playton [23:42]

5. Bill’s Determination:
   "I know where I'd be if I hadn't met you lying drunk in some bar."
   – Bill Mason [17:03]

6. Final Revelation of Others:
   "It must be a signal."
   – Bill Mason [26:36]

Conclusion

"A Light In The Night" masterfully captures the essence of The Day of the Triffids, blending tension, character development, and thematic depth. Through the harrowing experiences of Bill and Gisela, the episode explores the fragility of society, the resilience of the human spirit, and the complexities of survival in a transformed world. Listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next installment, where the implications of encountering other survivors will unfold.

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Note: This summary intentionally excludes sections related to advertisements and non-content segments to focus solely on the narrative and its components.

Transcript

[Nicole Byer]

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[Gisela Playton]

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[Giles Cooper]

From London, we present the Day of the Triffids, John Wyndham's famous science fiction story dramatized by Giles Cooper.

[Narrator]

And there's another tremendous flash. I expect you can hear the crowd. It's believed that the earth is passing through the debris of a comet. And there's another so brilliant it almost hurts. I do urge anyone who possibly can to go out and watch.

[Giles Cooper]

The Day of the triffids. Episode 2 A Light in the Night.

[Bill Mason]

It took me quite a time to realize that London was a city of the blind. The capital of a blind country in a blind world. But by the time I'd walked from the pub near the hospital to Piccadilly, I knew that it was so. In no direction was there any traffic, nor any sound of it. The only signs of life were a few people here and there cautiously groping their ways along the shop fronts.

[Unknown Blind Man]

Someone's there. I can hear you. All right, don't answer. Just stay where you are and don't bump into me. I've had enough of that this morning.

[Bill Mason]

I'm sorry. You're blind.

[Unknown Blind Man]

Of course I'm blind. You think I carry this white stick for fun?

[Bill Mason]

Then you don't know what's happened.

[Unknown Blind Man]

I know everyone's damned clumsy this morning. And no hall porter on duty.

[Bill Mason]

Yes, they're all blind, too.

[Unknown Blind Man]

They're blind?

[Bill Mason]

Yes, since they watched the comet last night. It was pure chance that I didn't.

[Unknown Blind Man]

Ho, ho, ho. Now they'll know what it's been like for me. Now they'll need that damn patronage for themselves. You might see me across the road.

[Bill Mason]

Yes, of course.

[Unknown Blind Man]

One gets lost away from the cab.

[Bill Mason]

Come on. That's it.

[Unknown Blind Man]

What's that?

[Bill Mason]

And it sounds as though some of them have broken into a pub around the corner. Here's the curve.

[Unknown Blind Man]

Thank you very much. Good luck to you. Good day.

[Bill Mason]

Don't you forget it. Where I go, you go. Stop it. Let her go.

[Gisela Playton]

Don't.

[Bill Mason]

Get away from me. All right, come on. Get up.

[Gisela Playton]

To him.

[Bill Mason]

Just a minute. Right, I've cut the cord up you get there.

[Gisela Playton]

That's better.

[Bill Mason]

Now let's get away from the crowd. There's an empty pub over there.

[Gisela Playton]

You can see.

[Bill Mason]

I certainly can.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, thank God. Oh, thank God. I thought I was the only one. Come on.

[Bill Mason]

Come on.

[Gisela Playton]

You can be.

[Bill Mason]

Feeling better.

[Gisela Playton]

Yes, yes, thank you. I must look an awful sight. Where's a mirror? Oh, good Lord.

[Bill Mason]

Yes, sir, I do have another drink.

[Gisela Playton]

I'm sorry I haven't told you anything about myself. Thanks. I'm Gisela Playton.

[Bill Mason]

My name's Bill Mason. Gisela Platon. Haven't I heard of you?

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, I shouldn't think so. How did you escape seeing the comet?

[Bill Mason]

I was in hospital with my eyes bandaged about you.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, well, I went to a party on. What's today? Wednesday.

[Bill Mason]

Right.

[Gisela Playton]

On Monday. Yes. I don't know what was in the drinks, but I felt like death yesterday. Well, about 4:00 I gave up. Took a couple of sleeping pills and went to bed. If the sky had fallen in, I wouldn't have noticed. But when I did wake up, my father was standing beside my bed. He'd gone blind.

[Bill Mason]

Where'd you live?

[Gisela Playton]

Dean Road, St. John's Wood. Well, the telephone wouldn't work, so I started to drive down this way to fetch our doctor. And I ran out of petrol. Right in the middle of Regent Street. Then that man found out I could see. He knocked me down and tied my hands. He made me lead him about from.

[Bill Mason]

Bar to bar, I imagine.

[Gisela Playton]

Yes. I should have been able to get away from him, but he was too clever. Desperate, I suppose. Well, I was sorry for him in a way.

[Bill Mason]

Oh, yes, One's sorry for them all. But they'll kill us if they can. We're rich and they're poor. Why did he start beating you?

[Gisela Playton]

Because I wouldn't go into his house with him. Well, thank heavens you came along.

[Bill Mason]

Well, what do we do now?

[Gisela Playton]

I must get back to my father. There's no point in trying to find the doctor, even if he's been one of the lucky ones.

[Bill Mason]

Do you mind if I come too?

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, I never asked you any. I. I thought perhaps you had someone you wanted to look for.

[Bill Mason]

No. No, there's no one.

[Gisela Playton]

Then I'd be very glad. It's so awful.

[Bill Mason]

I know, I know. I think it'd be safer if we stayed together anyhow. Drink up. Shall we go?

[Gisela Playton]

Yes. Oh, where can I get petrol?

[Bill Mason]

No need. There are plenty of other cars.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, it's strange being able to take anything we want. It's like a dream.

[Bill Mason]

More like A nightmare. Come on.

[Gisela Playton]

Turn left here. It'll lead us round into Dean Road.

[Bill Mason]

What on earth is that?

[Gisela Playton]

The zoo. We can hear the animals at night.

[Bill Mason]

They must be hungry. Fast feeding time.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, they'll starve. Poor things, being locked up like that.

[Bill Mason]

It's just as well for us. They are.

[Gisela Playton]

Are they blind, you think?

[Bill Mason]

I know some, perhaps. Not the cats, though. They'd have avoided the light.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, look over there in the park. Triffids.

[Bill Mason]

Yep. There's an enclosure of them by the zoo.

[Gisela Playton]

Well, should they be loose like that?

[Bill Mason]

No, but if you don't keep an eye on them, they tend to root themselves in a cluster against the fencing. Eventually it falls down.

[Gisela Playton]

Horrid things.

[Bill Mason]

Yes, but if it wasn't for a trifid sting, I wouldn't be here now.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, here we are. On the left. There.

[Bill Mason]

Good.

[Gisela Playton]

That's funny.

[Bill Mason]

What?

[Gisela Playton]

The door's open. Oh, it's in the hole. And he's there too.

[Bill Mason]

Your father?

[Gisela Playton]

Yes. Lying on the floor. Things standing over him. What can we do?

[Bill Mason]

Nothing.

[Gisela Playton]

He's dead.

[Bill Mason]

Wait. I, I, I love.

[Gisela Playton]

Careful.

[Bill Mason]

I saw the mark on his face.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, no.

[Bill Mason]

I'm sorry. Just so.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, no. No.

[Bill Mason]

It's a very quick death.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, no.

[Bill Mason]

Look out. Coming through the bushes. Run for the car. Wind up the window.

[Gisela Playton]

Drive on, drive on before it gets to us.

[Bill Mason]

No, wait. It can't hurt us now. I want to see what it does.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, it's going away.

[Bill Mason]

There's another one standing in the laurels.

[Gisela Playton]

Let's get away. Well, there's nothing we can do.

[Bill Mason]

Right.

[Gisela Playton]

Come on. Bill.

[Bill Mason]

Yeah?

[Gisela Playton]

Where can we go?

[Bill Mason]

For a start, we make for a factory in Clerkenwell. There. We're in.

[Gisela Playton]

What is this place?

[Bill Mason]

Wentworth. They make the best triffid guns in the world.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, I didn't know there were such things.

[Bill Mason]

Huh. Fine. Here's the export stock. All ready for packing now. One for you, one for me, one for spare.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, very heavy.

[Bill Mason]

I used to use them a good bit in the tropics. It'll cut the stem off a trivet at 25 yards. Now, we'll have two masks, those gauntlets and a couple of cases of ammunition.

[Gisela Playton]

Can we get it all in the car?

[Bill Mason]

Well, I saw a station wagon outside. We'll take that and go back up west. Clothes first, then somewhere to sleep before it hits stock. A flat, I should think. Or two flats, if you prefer. Oh, one.

[Gisela Playton]

I. I'd rather not be on my own.

[Bill Mason]

Good. I feel like company too. Let's try this block. It looks a bit grand and nothing to pay.

[Gisela Playton]

Can we really walk into someone's flat and take it over?

[Bill Mason]

Why not? People who won't do that sort of thing are going to have a pretty thin time. Come on.

[Gisela Playton]

Let'S try the top floor.

[Bill Mason]

It's a long way to carry those cases.

[Gisela Playton]

There's bound to be a lift.

[Bill Mason]

And no power.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh no. Well all the same, I prefer to be high up, away from the stairs. Street.

[Bill Mason]

All right, let's make for the penthouse.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, what about the trifid guns?

[Bill Mason]

Oh, they're okay. Nobody's going to steal them.

[Gisela Playton]

What's in here?

[Bill Mason]

A panin cooker. We're going to need it. Come on, up we go.

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[Chumba Casino]

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[Gisela Playton]

What a crime.

[Bill Mason]

Actually, this is the first time this floor's been reached on foot two flex. Which do you prefer, madam?

[Gisela Playton]

Well, the one facing south of co of course.

[Bill Mason]

That's the matter of wishes. That's the moment.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh. What's wrong?

[Bill Mason]

It's not well furnished. Let's try the other.

[Gisela Playton]

No.

[Bill Mason]

What was it? Here we are.

[Gisela Playton]

Was someone in there? Was someone in there?

[Bill Mason]

Two people dead. Suicide. There's a lot of it about. Come on.

[Gisela Playton]

No, no, we can't sleep here. Not with them across the passage and you making a joke. Come back. I can't.

[Bill Mason]

I'm not joking. Come here. Look, if we're gonna keep our sanity, we've gotta learn to be tough. There's nothing we can do about it. Nothing at all. You understand?

[Chumba Casino]

Yes.

[Gisela Playton]

Yes I do. I'm sorry.

[Bill Mason]

That's all right. Now come on. Let's see what this place has to offer. Good lord.

[Gisela Playton]

It's Got everything? Plus a cocktail bar. Oh, is this a bedroom? Look, it's got a round bed with.

[Bill Mason]

A mirror over it.

[Gisela Playton]

Well, I'm going to sleep here anyway.

[Bill Mason]

I'll see if I can find something a bit more sober.

[Gisela Playton]

There's a mirror over the bath as well.

[Bill Mason]

Is there? Anyway, we can't have baths. No hot water.

[Gisela Playton]

Don't sound so pleased. Are you going to change?

[Bill Mason]

Only my shirt.

[Gisela Playton]

Lucky it's summer.

[Bill Mason]

What?

[Gisela Playton]

Lucky it's summer. Well, cold weather wouldn't have helped.

[Bill Mason]

Some ways it would.

[Gisela Playton]

How?

[Bill Mason]

Most of the fresh food will be going bad tomorrow. This fridge is like an oven.

[Gisela Playton]

You in the kitchen?

[Bill Mason]

Yeah.

[Gisela Playton]

What's it like?

[Bill Mason]

Housewives dream. I'm setting up the oil cooker.

[Gisela Playton]

Well, you said it would be more like a nightmare.

[Bill Mason]

Can you cook?

[Gisela Playton]

Not very well. There are a lot of perfumes in here I've never even heard of. Bill. Bill?

[Bill Mason]

Yeah?

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, sorry. I thought perhaps you'd gone out. You. You didn't answer. What are you doing?

[Bill Mason]

Preparing a simple meal.

[Gisela Playton]

I ought to do that.

[Bill Mason]

I'm enjoying myself. Shall we sit at a table?

[Gisela Playton]

Yes. Let's do things properly.

[Bill Mason]

That's how I feel.

[Gisela Playton]

What are we having?

[Bill Mason]

Avocados, scampi, cold chicken and salad, asparagus tips, peaches and coffee.

[Gisela Playton]

What, no caviar?

[Bill Mason]

It's in a pot. It'll keep. Will a white burgundy suit your madam, or would you prefer champagne?

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, champagne.

[Bill Mason]

What are you doing, anyway?

[Gisela Playton]

You'll see.

[Bill Mason]

What?

[Gisela Playton]

Well, how do I look?

[Bill Mason]

You look beautiful.

[Gisela Playton]

Thank you.

[Bill Mason]

Where'd you get the dress?

[Gisela Playton]

I found it in there and I tried it and it fits.

[Bill Mason]

It certainly does. The emerald suit you?

[Gisela Playton]

Do they? I know it seems a funny time to dress up, but I feel that perhaps.

[Bill Mason]

My father told me that just before 1939, when everyone knew there was going to be a war, he used to go round London looking at everything as though it was for the last time. Now it really is.

[Gisela Playton]

Thank you for understanding. Thank you for everything. If you hadn't helped me, I don't know where I'd be now.

[Bill Mason]

I know where I'd be if I hadn't met you lying drunk in some bar. What about a drink? There's some sherry.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, I thought you said champagne.

[Bill Mason]

Of course. Of course.

[Gisela Playton]

Goodness, I'm hungry.

[Bill Mason]

So am I. Let's eat. You're there.

[Gisela Playton]

Thank you. Or it's getting dark. Oh. Candlelight as well. That's nice.

[Bill Mason]

Now, tell me about it.

[Gisela Playton]

Tell you about what?

[Bill Mason]

Everything. Childhood memories, love affairs. Why? You aren't married. Or are you?

[Gisela Playton]

No, I'm not. Are you? I nearly was when I was 19.

[Bill Mason]

Yeah?

[Gisela Playton]

There was an awful row.

[Bill Mason]

What with your family?

[Gisela Playton]

With my father. Mother was dead. I ran away from home and went to stay with a girlfriend. My father stopped my allowance, so I had to do something. And I wrote the book.

[Bill Mason]

You didn't want.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, that's what they all say. I must look very dumb. I wrote the book.

[Bill Mason]

What book?

[Gisela Playton]

Sex Is My Adventure. Of course.

[Bill Mason]

Josela Blayton. Did you really write that thing?

[Gisela Playton]

Yes, I really did. You read it?

[Bill Mason]

No.

[Gisela Playton]

It was very mild, a bit silly. Well, just the title was shocking. But it sold. And the film rights? I made a lot of money. Then I went home again.

[Bill Mason]

Having shown your independence?

[Gisela Playton]

Yes, but more to get away from the people who thought I meant the whole thing literally.

[Bill Mason]

Which you did not.

[Gisela Playton]

Which I did not.

[Bill Mason]

Still, you can hardly blame people.

[Gisela Playton]

No, that's why I was writing another book.

[Bill Mason]

To balance things up with an equally alarming title.

[Gisela Playton]

I was calling it here, the Forsaken Quotation. Don Grieve. Here the Forsaken Virgin Rests from Love.

[Bill Mason]

Oh, I see. More champagne? Brandy? Port or liqueur?

[Gisela Playton]

Brandy, please. Shall we wash up?

[Bill Mason]

Lord, not likely. We're not staying, you know.

[Gisela Playton]

Huh?

[Bill Mason]

Well, we'll have to leave tomorrow.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, yes, but don't let's think about it yet. I know. Let's have some music. Is that a record player?

[Bill Mason]

Yes, but there's no power.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, no. Pity.

[Bill Mason]

There's a transistor radio in the kitchen.

[Gisela Playton]

Well, let's try that.

[Bill Mason]

Right. I don't know what you expect to hear. It must be late night music, though.

[Gisela Playton]

Well, you never know.

[Bill Mason]

Here we are.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, careful. Don't knock my brandy over it. It's much too good to waste.

[Bill Mason]

There you are. Nothing. Nothing at all.

[Gisela Playton]

Bill.

[Bill Mason]

Hey, listen. Listen. Must be an sos.

[Gisela Playton]

Where do you think he is?

[Bill Mason]

I don't know. Some ship drifting off the coast with all the crew blind. My God, think what it must be like at sea and in prisons. What? Aircraft.

[Gisela Playton]

But, well, their troubles are over.

[Bill Mason]

Not like ours. Which brings us back to where we started.

[Gisela Playton]

Okay, I'm right down out of the clouds now. What are we going to do?

[Bill Mason]

Get out of London for a start. And keep away from towns as much as we can.

[Gisela Playton]

Supplies will be difficult in the country.

[Bill Mason]

Yes, but you see what's going to happen here, don't you? At present there's still water in the tank. Soon there won't be. The whole city will begin to stink like a great sewer. There are bodies lying about already every day. There'll Be more.

[Gisela Playton]

No, don't. Don't.

[Bill Mason]

Soon there'll be diseases beginning to spread. Cholera, typhus, Lord knows what. No, we've got to get away before that starts. Have you any ideas?

[Gisela Playton]

Well, somewhere out of the way with a good water supply and as high up as we can get, so there'll be a nice clean wind.

[Bill Mason]

Yeah, that's a thought. What about the Lake District?

[Gisela Playton]

Too far.

[Bill Mason]

Maybe. Same goes for Cornwall.

[Gisela Playton]

What about the South Downs? Some friends of mine have a house on the north side looking across to Pulbara. It's fairly high and there's a wind pump for water. Oh, and they make their own electricity.

[Bill Mason]

That sounds promising.

[Gisela Playton]

How long will it be before the towns are safe again?

[Bill Mason]

I don't know. Perhaps a year or so. And ought to be long enough.

[Gisela Playton]

Then we're going to need a lot of supplies.

[Bill Mason]

Yes, well, that's the first thing to do. Tomorrow we. We load up a lorry with stores. Two lorries, if you can manage one.

[Gisela Playton]

Me? Well, I could try. What do we put in them?

[Bill Mason]

We'll make a list. We'll try to get a couple of 10 tires. Load half of each with food and the other half clothes. First we've got to get some. We'll need winter things.

[Gisela Playton]

Blankets, a tent. A tent? We may need it. Frying pans, saucepans, kettles.

[Bill Mason]

About three of everything. Paraffin. Plenty in the garages. Matches. Thousands of them. We don't want to have to rub sticks together before we need.

[Gisela Playton]

Do you know, we're going to have to learn a lot.

[Bill Mason]

Yeah, we've learned a lot already. Such as how to accept the fact that sooner or later we may be the only survivors.

[Gisela Playton]

There must be others like us somewhere.

[Bill Mason]

Well, I met nobody in London except a child. He was too young to stay up and watch the. The comet, if that's what it was.

[Gisela Playton]

Well, what else could it have been?

[Bill Mason]

Well, all the great powers have had satellites orbiting for the last few years. They aren't all for research, you know. Some of them are weapons ready to be used when needed. Supposing one of them went wrong. Collided with a meteorite, perhaps. And instead of doing what it was supposed to do and bursting low down over just one country, it burst up in its orbit, affected the whole world.

[Gisela Playton]

A weapon that would make people blind. Yeah, but who would think of a.

[Bill Mason]

New nation on Earth that was rich enough and frightened enough? And that means all of us.

[Gisela Playton]

You know, if all this is true, we brought it on ourselves.

[Bill Mason]

Yep. And here we are. Let's get on with the list.

[Gisela Playton]

No, no, let's leave it till the morning. I'm very tired.

[Bill Mason]

All right. We. We have all the time in the world, in one sense.

[Gisela Playton]

Bill. It was a nice dinner. Thank you. Well, good night.

[Bill Mason]

Just a moment. I just want to look at you.

[Gisela Playton]

Good night, Bill.

[Bill Mason]

Good night.

[Giles Cooper]

Is anyone there?

[Bill Mason]

Is anyone there?

[Gisela Playton]

Is anyone there? Help me.

[Bill Mason]

Help me. Help me. No. No.

[Gisela Playton]

No. Bill. Bill.

[Bill Mason]

Oh, Bill. What is it? What is it?

[Gisela Playton]

Bill? Did you hear them? All those people. Those poor people.

[Bill Mason]

Oh, Giselle. Oh, don't.

[Gisela Playton]

Tried to go to sleep. I tried. I tried. I was so tired. Then I. I began to hear them. I'll be like.

[Bill Mason]

Calm down, darling. Listen. There's nothing we can do. Not yet.

[Gisela Playton]

You weren't here, I'd come back.

[Bill Mason]

As long as we're together, we'll survive.

[Gisela Playton]

There's so many of them, and there's only two of us.

[Unknown Blind Man]

I.

[Bill Mason]

Look.

[Gisela Playton]

No. No, I don't want to look out there.

[Bill Mason]

You must. Giselle. There's a light.

[Gisela Playton]

Houses on fire. I've seen them. Don't make me look again.

[Bill Mason]

No, this is different. It's a searchlight.

[Gisela Playton]

A what?

[Bill Mason]

Look over there to the north.

[Gisela Playton]

Where? Oh, yes. Yes, I see.

[Bill Mason]

It must be a signal.

[Gisela Playton]

What does it mean?

[Bill Mason]

Perhaps that someone's trying to get all the sighted people together.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh. Oh. Quickly.

[Bill Mason]

Let's go then. No, no, no. Not yet. Wait till morning.

[Gisela Playton]

But we won't be able to see it in daylight. Bill, we must go now.

[Bill Mason]

Look, do you really want to drive through those streets now?

[Gisela Playton]

No. But what if we miss them?

[Bill Mason]

They won't go away tonight. Look, look, look. We'll make a mark on the window ledge. Where's something? Yeah, a nail file. It'll do. Now, look, I'll scratch your point. So now we'll be able to pick out the building in the morning. You can see it's a tall one from the position of the light. Right.

[Gisela Playton]

Oh, yes. Sorry. I panicked again.

[Bill Mason]

Of course. You'd be inhuman not to. Well, now at least we know we're not alone.

[Gisela Playton]

We never were, Bill. Were we?

[Giles Cooper]

That was the second episode of Giles Cooper's dramatization of the Day of the Triffids by John Wyndham. Listen to the next episode of John Powell's production of the Day of the Triffids Conference and confusion.

[Gisela Playton]

Cha cha, cha cha.

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