Deadline For Danger 19xx.xx.xx Deadline For Danger

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Deadline For Danger"
Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: April 11, 2025

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Introduction

"Deadline For Danger" is a thrilling episode from Harold's Old Time Radio series, which nostalgically resurrects the essence of the Golden Age of Radio. Set against the backdrop of World War II, this episode delves into the high-stakes mission to neutralize a pivotal Japanese naval tactician, Admiral Hisaki. The narrative seamlessly blends suspense, camaraderie, and strategic warfare, capturing the listener's imagination from start to finish.

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Main Plot Overview

The episode revolves around an urgent mission assigned to a team of American pilots tasked with assassinating Admiral Hisaki, whose strategic brilliance has been instrumental in several Japanese naval victories. Recognizing that directly eliminating such a high-value target could significantly tilt the war in favor of the Allies, the team grapples with the logistics, risks, and emotional toll of the operation.

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Character Introductions

• Colonel John: The team leader, embodying determination and strategic acumen.

• John (Psychological Clerk): Initially presented as a routine decoder, he unveils a critical insight leading to the mission's inception.

• Felix: A skilled pilot eager to prove himself, striving to transition from being perceived as a "zero" to an ace.

• George: A dedicated fighter pilot, personally affected by the war's losses.

• Phil: A team member conflicted between duty and personal sentiments.

• Admiral Hisaki: The primary antagonist, a master tactician responsible for significant Japanese naval successes.

---

Mission Planning

The episode meticulously details the team's brainstorming sessions, underscored by debates over feasibility and ethical considerations. John uncovers a routine message that hints at Admiral Hisaki's impending visit to a specific airstrip, providing the perfect opportunity for the assassination.

Notable Quote:

John: "The war against the Jap is being fought on the other side of the world. I'm only a psycho clerk and most of the indecent stuff that comes to me for decoding is routine."
[02:15]

This revelation propels the team into action, weighing the potential impact against the slim chances of success.

---

Execution of the Mission

The team undergoes rigorous preparation, including special fuel tank installations to extend their aircraft range. Detailed instructions and contingency plans are laid out, emphasizing the mission's complexity and the necessity for flawless execution.

Notable Quote:

Colonel: "Admiral Hisaki was responsible. Without his brilliant planning, those sea battles would have gone always."
[03:45]

This underscores the critical nature of their objective.

---

Challenges Encountered

As the mission unfolds, the team faces unforeseen obstacles, including enemy fighter interceptions and the harsh realities of aerial combat. The narrative captures the tension and split-second decision-making pivotal to wartime aviation.

Notable Quote:

John: "They come at them, fail the seats. You're keeping your Alexis."
[20:10]

This line highlights the intense aerial dogfights and the thin margins between success and disaster.

---

Rescue Mission

Tragedy strikes when Colonel George is severely injured during the mission. The team's camaraderie shines as John takes immediate action to guide George back safely, demonstrating the bonds forged under fire.

Notable Quote:

Colonel George: "It's like looking at a red curtain."
[17:15]

This poignant moment emphasizes the personal sacrifices and the emotional weight carried by the team members.

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Mission Outcome

Despite the high risks, the mission culminates in the successful elimination of Admiral Hisaki. The team's efforts not only deliver a strategic victory but also pave the way for potentially shortening the war, saving countless lives.

Notable Quote:

John: "Felix, thanks. We'll open up that scotch later."
[20:35]

This reflects the relief and triumph following their harrowing endeavor.

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Key Insights and Themes

• Courage and Sacrifice: The episode poignantly portrays the bravery required to undertake perilous missions and the personal sacrifices made by those at the front lines.

• Strategic Warfare: It highlights the importance of targeting high-value enemies to disrupt larger military operations.

• Teamwork and Camaraderie: The narrative underscores the strength derived from unity and mutual support among team members facing dire circumstances.

• Moral Dilemmas: The characters grapple with the ethical implications of assassination and the broader impact on the war effort.

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Notable Quotes

1. John on Starting the Mission:

   "It's not almost like you're recommending Admiral Hisaki for a declaration. I'm recommending that Admiral Hisaki be killed."
   [05:30]

2. Colonel on the Mission's Importance:

   "His death would be as good a thing for us as a major naval victory added."
   [06:00]

3. Felix Expressing Determination:

   "Felix wants to be an ace, Colonel. He wants to send back a letter to that dame of his."
   [07:50]

4. John on Team Resilience:

   "I'm only a psycho clerk, and most of the indecent stuff that comes to me for decoding is routine."
   [02:15]

5. Colonel on the Final Assault:

   "We got both of them. That burnt out fighter service, George. Yeah, I'm the only one dying. I've always been lucky."
   [24:56]

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Conclusion

"Deadline For Danger" masterfully captures the essence of wartime radio dramas, blending suspense, emotional depth, and strategic intrigue. Through its well-developed characters and a gripping narrative, the episode pays homage to the valor and resilience of those who served, offering listeners both entertainment and a poignant reminder of the costs of war.

Transcript

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[John]

No purchase necessary VGW Group void where prohibited by law 21/ terms and conditions apply. Deadline for danger Cartwright speaking. Oh yes, Colonel. All stuff we've been recording is pure routine. There's nothing about Jap sub actions. All right, Colonel. Nanato. Bye now. Brass way Talk. She think he was winning World War II from behind that desk. Come in. Morning, sir. Morning, John. May I get down, sir? Surely. Thank you. You look like a man with an idea. I. Yes, sir, I do have an idea. Well, what is it? A way to say paperclips. The war departure. This is a rather serious idea. Don't ever tell the War Department economist that saving paperclips isn't serious. Well, come on. Get off the jet and you'll probably disaster. Probably. Call it fantastic. Maybe I will. But don't let that keep you from telling me, sir. The war against the Jap is being fought on the other side of the world. I'm only a psycho clerk and most of the indecent stuff that comes to me for decoding is routine. Jap weather reports, regulations, the brand of tin fish they'll be used to get his point on. I decoded a message this morning that was placed in the routine file. But I haven't been able to forget that message. On the surface it is just routine. But we can make it much more than that, sir. If you'd kindly tell me what you're driving at. Admiral Hispakis, the most important cog in the Jap war machine. The only really great naval tactician the Japs have. Remember those three crews that we lost in the Solomon Strait? The six destroyers and gunboats we lost in the invasion of that little island? Our supply convoy that didn't get through? Yes, yes, I remember all that well. Hisaki was responsible. Without his brilliant planning, those sea battles would have gone always. He never does the same thing twice and never does what you expect him to. It's not almost like you're recommending Admiral Hisaki for a declaration. I'm recommending that Admiral Hisaki be killed. Yeah, sure, that'd be fine. His Death would be as good a thing for us as a major naval victory added. But. Well, you don't just send out an assassin, you know. We could send some assassins with wings. Bombing regrets. No, no. A special mission. Here's the message I decoded. Have a look at it. Personal inspection of naval and Air Force installations by admiral 22 June my volcan airstrip 1700 hours. That's eight hours from now. Keep reading. Air cover ranged by fighter Command. Two Betty bombers carrying Admiral and staff. You see, not just the Admiral himself, but it's staff too. The brains of the jet navy. Okay, we have our nearest script at man. I checked on the map. Manang is just out of the fighter range. Unless belly tanks are installed, man, the range a bit far. Wouldn't be much margin for error. But it's worth the risk, sir. Why, it'll be like sinking one third of the Japanese at a single stroke. But how about fighter pilots that they sent out? Stand must cancel getting back, sir. My brother is a fighter pilot and the Europeans get him. Yes, I know that, John. How would you like it? As he was given this mission? If the decision were up to me, sir, I'd say send enough. Yeah, I believe you would. Yeah. Because Hisaki's death will shorten the war by months at least. Because thousands of American lives will be saved. Eight hours thing like this. It's not very much time, John. But we can try it. Yes, we can try. Manage. General's office, please. Urgent deadline for danger. A half hour study in suspense, John. Three pilot hours of talk. Why did they think that? Said the idea was fantastic. There isn't one chance in a hundred of us succeeding. But they'd like very much to get rid of the fact then. Well, a message has been sent in the norms, John. We're going to give it a try. I see. Have a drink with me. Yes, sir. I could use one. Water? No, sir. No. You want? Thank you. Here's to. Well, here's to the boys they'll send out. Yeah, okay. George is up here. Pass. Felix. I hear about you being that zero you cleaned the other day. Yeah, how about that. Why? The thing blew up 50 yards in front of me. Yeah, yeah, but your camera wasn't working. So what? Those intelligence guys believe anything. If your camera doesn't show it, boy, you gotta have somebody else to verify it. How do you like that? They send you out on a patrol all by yourself. You almost get yourself killed and then they hit you in the face with something like that. Yeah, let's not Talk shut and get a lie. So, anybody got a cigarette? Yeah, I got one. Ah, thanks. Where are we? Sure it's up to you, sir. Yeah. Ah, well, let's not be tus. I'll open 50,000. 450. Look at. I'll tell you what. Hang on, hang on, hang on. Okay, he's another 50,000. Fellas, if you want to get in, it's going to cost you a hundred thousand. A hundred thousand. That's only two. Yeah, sure, I'm in. Yeah, make sure. Well, I'll just see the raise for the time being. I might want to get rid of a fake girl, you know? How many? Three. One for me. Thanks. These are dreadful cigarettes. Yeah, I'll. I'll play with these. You know, it's about time we had a new deck of bicycles. Okay, dealer takes 1, 2, 3. Up to you, Philip. Oh, no, no. You raised my openers. Okay.

[Colonel]

Okay, man.

[John]

Remember? How about a hundred grand? 100 grand. No, no, no, not for me. I'm out. I will raise you 100 grand, see? Well, I'll make it an even half a million just to make the game interesting. Yeah, it's an interesting game. I'll see you, but that cleans me up. Yeah, yeah, I know. I was. I was counting your chips. I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll take aways. What do you got, sir? Aces and apes. 3. Little two. Oh, that's pretty good. This is pretty good. Almost 2 million on the pie. You know, I think I will open myself up a very big car factory. I get that. You and Mr. Spawn, huh? Look, what do you say we play for real money, huh, Rummy? A dollar A half. Dollar a half. Yeah, I just increased my allotment yesterday. Oh, boy. Hey, take it easy, fellas. Save that till you get back to the state. Yeah, well, we just figured we'd. We'd get a little practice, Colonel, you know. Hey, Colonel. Hey, what's this I hear about that zero being taken away from me the other day? No. Verification? Felicity. Oh, verification. Oh, is it my fault the camera didn't work? Look, that was number five. Felix wants to be an ace, colonel. He wants to send back a letter to that dame of his. And he wants to say, honey, today I am a ace. Shut up, will you? This would have to be the Hundred years War before you could get five. Oh, what a sign. Buzzword. That's what they used to call me. Yeah, yeah, well, tell you what, that ain't what they call you guys to knock them all down. I Just want to go home. If you fellas get through today's mission, you can all go home.

[Colonel]

Okay?

[John]

Okay. We just received a radio message, Gord, from Washington D.C. say we're. Were you kidding about going home? No. This one must be a lulu. It is now. What's it all about, Colonel? Get your things, come over to the briefing room ready to fly, and I'll fill you. Our target polls isn't a place, it's a man. A man. I get it. We're going to fly to Tokyo, shoot up Tojo land of Tokyo Boulevard, VC&A gas station pump and fly back home. That so? We're not very troubled on the mission you're going on. You know, I don't think it's fair that I like this. I don't like it either, but for once I agree with the high rise. This is just about the most important mission of the war. You know something? I don't like it either. Who's the target, Colonel? Admiral Hizaki, man. And just how do we get to him? According to an intercepted message, he's due to arrive at bucha's strip at 1700 hours. There'll be two Betties and an undisclosed amount of zeros as far to cover. Which of the Bettys will he be in? They have no way of knowing. That means you have to get both of them. See how. How many of us are going? About four of us. Wait, no. Guys from the other instrument. Oh, just before. Man, it's rough. If we get back, we. It's gonna be cozy though. Yeah. If we do get back, we get on with that. War bonds, huh? Listen, Colonel, Boca Strip's a long haul. There are mechanics putting special fuel tanks on your planes right now. Well, how do we work it, Colonel? Well, the thing has to be timed right down in a minute. You should arrive at Boca Strip at 1655 hours. You'll cruise around waiting for the air convoy to arrive. You'll fly right over the water all the way. Felix, you'll lead, of course. Well, of course. Listen, Colonel, physic account on the way. I'm coming to there. If you run into nips and you can't avoid them, we'll put what we call plan one into action. Plan one. Okay, now, I've got three matchsticks in my hand, all at different lengths. Take one, Pete. Okay, Judge. This one. Yeah, Phil. Thanks. Well, looks like mine's the midget. Okay, Judge. In the event of an attack by enemy fighters, you'll work town war. You peel off and act as decoy. The rest of you will fly straight on. You will not try to give George any help. You got that straight? Yes. How did George get all right? To me. Good. Listen, Carol, it's just a thought, but suppose. Suppose we get. We get jumped twice on the way. That'll be planned too. So your match sticker is the next chartist, isn't it? That's right. Okay, I'm through. Up yours. Oh, thank you. Listen. Hello, Codney. For once we'll be simple. We'll identify each other by Christian name. I'll be sitting in the car right next to the radio. All the while. Or how that radio silence. Use your own dispute. Okay, we'll observe radio silence. Unless I break anything else, Colonel. That's about all, I guess. Colonel, do we have any kinds of letters? Yeah, at the Point. I have to watch it, Sir. It sucks. 15 minutes. You'll find paper envelopes on the long table. Oh, good. I. I want to write a letter to my wife. Not again. Yeah, I just missed out for more than a week. Well, fellas, I think you know what I want to say, so I won't say it. All I will say is good luck. Yeah, man, we're gonna need it. We're gonna need a whole cargo of.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[John]

No purchase necessary VGW Group void Where prohibited by law 21 + terms and conditions apply. It's ordinary, you know, like a dream is okay, but you don't go walking through a blizzard. Just out handle it. Well, look, why don't you just tell her dame she's terrific and let it go, huh? Because this one happens to be special, that's why. I might even want to marry her. Oh, lucky girl. Smart. Okay, fellas, time's up. Colonel, look, what'll I dress to sound like? Just leave your letter from the stable. I'll see if they get sent out. The command car is ready. Did you fellas forget anything? Okay, okay, let's get on to the strike. Felix calling Zion. Come in. Yeah, Felix, just about seven. Okay, you got the green one. Hey, there's just One thing, Colonel.

[Colonel]

Phil here. What is it?

[John]

Well, it didn't write me letter. I. I just couldn't think of anything to say.

[Colonel]

But you remember that blind wakefish at the Randolph field? Maybe.

[John]

Yeah. Well, when we left Randolph, he gave me a sort of keepsake and a chain. It's in the locker. Would you. Would you say that a day to get back to her fight? Yeah, I know.

[Colonel]

So I'll send him it. Thanks.

[John]

Okay, guys, we're on the way.

[Colonel]

George. Calling Felix. Calling Felix.

[John]

Radio silence. Just ghost. Yeah, even with some Zekes above us. What? Where? 10 o'clock.

[Colonel]

Hi there. Three of them, Felix.

[John]

Stay in formation for a while. There are four of us and three of them. Maybe they'll decide they want to go home. Hey, Bill, you're going to have a crank at us bck. Okay, George, plan one.

[Colonel]

All right. Coping tank. See you guys back at length.

[John]

Good luck, fella. Dog calling Red Dog. Calling Red Dog.

[Colonel]

Come in.

[John]

How are you here? George, what happened?

[Colonel]

Ran what, three sick? I got two.

[John]

George, you've been hurt?

[Colonel]

Yeah, pretty bad.

[John]

Sergeant, get out and make sure the ambulance is ready. Greg. George, can you hear me?

[Colonel]

Yeah, can you see me?

[John]

See you?

[Colonel]

My eyes. My eyes gave out on me couple of minutes ago.

[John]

Corporal, have a crash truck ready on the fifth of. Yes, sir.

[Colonel]

Tower.

[John]

Red Dog. Tower, I'm here. George. Can you see me? Yeah, yeah, I can see you. Is your vision completely gone?

[Colonel]

It's like.

[John]

Like looking at a red curtain. Who owns a red curtain? Well, listen, listen. I'll guide you into the big strip, okay?

[Colonel]

Okay, Colonel.

[John]

All right, here we go. I'll turn you around. First left with her until I say stop.

[Colonel]

Stop.

[John]

Easy now. Take your right. Too much. George, he's looking to feel a couple of degrees to your left with a seat of your pants.

[Colonel]

Okay. There. How's that?

[John]

Okay, good. Look, you're up about 2,000, but you got plenty of room ahead. Take a down and a shallow dive.

[Colonel]

Okay, Take. Take that down easy.

[John]

Too steep, George. Pull it back a little bit. George. George, you're too steep. George, can't you hear me? George, pull it back.

[Colonel]

Back. Look. Jake, Kyle, Dog.

[John]

Come in. Phil.

[Colonel]

Yeah, what is it?

[John]

Have a look at 8:00 peak, four hours. Pete, come in.

[Colonel]

Right.

[John]

Vivic, follow my lead. Phil, plan two.

[Colonel]

Okay, I'm the money. Help me get number five before you finish.

[John]

Felix. Thanks. We'll open up that scotch later. Yeah. Here I go and here we go. Peep.

[Colonel]

I'm soon on your trail.

[John]

Hey, sir, can you see Phil?

[Colonel]

Yeah, he's in the middle of. There's one coming under him. Watch it, Phil, get out of it. There's no one diving on him. Got him. I got him.

[John]

That big cloud head for him.

[Colonel]

Right.

[John]

A jiggery thing. I'm dry looking over dropping tank.

[Colonel]

I might as well help myself.

[John]

No, no, hold on to that gas. Might come in handy for you, but.

[Colonel]

You'Re sticking ahead of me.

[John]

Sorry, I'll throttle down. Hey, Pete, last thought. You can trust us. Go head out.

[Colonel]

I mean, I can't think of much to say.

[John]

There's Boca island just ahead.

[Colonel]

Yeah, I know.

[John]

We're right on time.

[Colonel]

I hope they are. If they're not, the sky's going to be full of seats in about 10 minutes. You just see the Jap operations officer in Boker. But he's yelling for those big pilots in the script to scramble right now.

[John]

I don't think their radars pick us up. That's the way we're kissing those waves.

[Colonel]

Yeah, making an observation post on us for honest with classic.

[John]

Yeah, that's why I started talking.

[Colonel]

Wonder how George made out.

[John]

Well, he didn't have far to go. Look, he might have dirt so deep.

[Colonel]

Sure Homie did. Married four days before I left the state.

[John]

Yeah, I know, right? You tell me at least 100 times how beautiful she is. I even know about the mole on the left. Alpha. Yeah.

[Colonel]

Mark 12 o'clock.

[John]

Get ahead 2:30. That's them.

[Colonel]

Holy cow. What's another motor over the head? Sick. Wow.

[John]

Then he's ought about two and a half thousand. Zero is about five thousand. Now listen, we can come around without being spotted. We can take one of those 30 beats and run.

[Colonel]

Yeah, if we're not spotted. If we can get one by our eight monies are probably already picking up their radio station.

[John]

Well, here's hoping they don't understand English.

[Colonel]

Hey, that means he's coming down the other following. Looks like they go straight into the strip of that circuiting.

[John]

Okay, stay with me. I'll take the lead. Horn.

[Colonel]

Right.

[John]

They come at them, fail the seats. You're keeping your Alexis.

[Colonel]

Sorry, Dean, I haven't spotted it yet.

[John]

We'll climb and get right on the tails of those Betties. Now they've seen us be here.

[Colonel]

Fill me up. You now I go for him. Get him. Get him right now.

[John]

Head to heart after you finish with that one. Never mind. You.

[Colonel]

Hey, Felix, what's the matter?

[John]

I said strand, here come this thing. I don't say Noah, I'm still getting yours. Get back to Manor and get back there.

[Colonel]

Charlie, can you take care of that, Betty?

[John]

I'll take care of it my own way.

[Colonel]

Well, do it now. He's got his flat down.

[John]

Well off. Things are coming at you.

[Colonel]

To help you.

[John]

Keep going. It'll be too late till you get here. My guns are damned. I can't get them working.

[Colonel]

Why do you head back? I'm coming down.

[John]

No, you're not. I'll get them going straight on.

[Colonel]

Go away. Get the hedge back and PA to me.

[John]

Keep on flying, Pete. And don't forget, this is number five. Go on, Pete. Peter, you all right? Yeah, yeah, I'm okay. Cal, the others. Phil got it in plan two. Felix. Felix. Do what he could. He rammed the second Betty. We got both of them. That that burnt out fighter service, George. Yeah. I'm the only one dying. I've always been lucky. Good. A mission of information. I hope they're wrong. Yes. By the way, that was number five for Felix on the verification. Sure, Colonel. You got anything to drink? Couple of bottles on my foot locker. Good.

[Colonel]

That's awesome. Sa.

[Ryan Seacrest]

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