Dick Tracy 38-02-08 (0027) Black Pearl of Osiris

Summary

Summary of "Black Pearl of Osiris" - Dick Tracy 38-02-08 (0027)

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Dick Tracy 38-02-08 (0027) - Black Pearl of Osiris
• Release Date: March 19, 2025

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Overview

"Black Pearl of Osiris" is a captivating episode from the Dick Tracy series, a staple of Harold's Old Time Radio collection. This installment immerses listeners in a classic detective narrative set against the backdrop of an ancient Egyptian mystery. Detective Dick Tracy is tasked with uncovering the truth behind threatening forces targeting renowned Egyptologist Dryden Small, intertwining elements of dark magic and ancient curses with Tracy's relentless pursuit of justice.

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Plot Summary

Introduction of the Mystery

The episode begins with Dick Tracy and his associate Pat assigned to protect Dryden Small, a respected Egyptologist returning to America with treasures from the tomb of Tutankhamun. As they settle into their voyage, Small becomes increasingly uneasy.

Dryden Small [02:52]: "Look. There. The window. The man with the yellow face."

First Encounter with the Threat

Dryden spots a mysterious figure with a yellow face peering into his cabin window. Despite Dick and Pat's attempts to locate the intruder, no one is found, heightening the tension and Small's fear.

Dick Tracy [05:15]: "When you go to a detective and ask his protection, you've got to tell that detective just what you're afraid of and what he's got to protect you against."

Revelations of Dark Forces

As the voyage progresses, Dryden reveals he is transporting several ancient artifacts, including a fragment of the Great Seal and the mummy of Tutankhamun's second son. He confides in Dick about his belief that a curse and dark magic are targeting him.

Dryden Small [04:12]: "I tell you, the people who are after me are very clever. Not only that, but they have at their command all the forces of evil and black magic."

Suspicion and Confrontation

Dick grows suspicious of Small's incomplete disclosures and pushes for more information about the mysterious man. This leads to growing tension between them, especially as Small becomes more agitated and fearful.

Dick Tracy [05:33]: "Who is the man in the yellow, yellow face?"

Attempted Attack

During a sudden power outage, an attempt is made on Dryden's life. In the ensuing chaos, someone tries to choke Dryden, but Dick manages to intervene, though the assailant remains unseen.

Mr. Small [07:18]: "Tracy. Tracy. In the name of heaven."

Dick Tracy [07:44]: "Yes, yes, Small. This time he was scared off."

Mystical Messages

Later, Dryden shows Dick and Pat an eerie message appearing on his bedroom wall, written by an "invisible hand". The message ominously states:

Message [11:39]: "Your hour is at hand. Your end is near. The Black Pearl of Osiris must shine again."

Dryden Small [11:39]: "Your hour is at hand. Your end is near. The Black Pearl of Osiris must shine again."

This cryptic message deepens the mystery, suggesting a supernatural element tied to the ancient artifacts.

Secret Service Patrol Meeting

The narrative transitions to a Secret Service Patrol meeting, where members decode a secret message. This segment engages listeners, encouraging them to participate in the unfolding mystery.

Secret Service Patrol Leader [12:49]: "Prisoner 259 3, 20. 11, 26, 21 8, 17 16. 28, 16, 3 8, 18, 15 4."

Climactic Tensions

As the voyage nears its end, Dick remains resolute in his pursuit to protect Dryden, despite the latter's reluctance to divulge all necessary information. The unresolved threat looms, leaving listeners anticipating the next chapter.

Dick Tracy [09:44]: "I've been telling Dryden Small that unless he tells me everything, I'm going to give up all responsibility for his safety."

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Notable Quotes

• Dryden Small [04:12]: "I tell you, the people who are after me are very clever. Not only that, but they have at their command all the forces of evil and black magic."
  [04:12]

• Dick Tracy [05:15]: "When you go to a detective and ask his protection, you've got to tell that detective just what you're afraid of and what he's got to protect you against."
  [05:15]

• Message [11:39]: "Your hour is at hand. Your end is near. The Black Pearl of Osiris must shine again."
  [11:39]

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Character Dynamics

• Dick Tracy: Embodies the quintessential detective—resolute, intelligent, and unyielding in the face of danger. His interactions with Dryden Small showcase his dedication to uncovering the truth and ensuring safety, even when met with resistance.

• Dryden Small: Represents the archetypal scholar caught between knowledge and fear. His possession of ancient artifacts and belief in curses add depth to the narrative, highlighting the clash between modernity and ancient mysticism.

• Pat: Acts as Dick's loyal sidekick, providing support and sometimes offering a skeptical perspective on the unfolding events.

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Themes and Insights

"Black Pearl of Osiris" interweaves themes of ancient mysteries, the supernatural, and the relentless pursuit of truth. The narrative explores the idea that some secrets are best left buried, while also highlighting the courage required to confront hidden dangers. The inclusion of mystical elements like curses and dark magic adds a layer of suspense and intrigue, contrasting with the methodical nature of detective work.

The episode also emphasizes the importance of communication and transparency in protective roles. Dick Tracy's insistence on Dryden Small sharing all pertinent information underscores the necessity of trust and openness in resolving conflicts and ensuring safety.

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Conclusion

"Black Pearl of Osiris" stands out as a compelling episode that masterfully blends detective fiction with supernatural elements. Through engaging dialogue, suspenseful plot developments, and rich character interactions, the episode captivates listeners, maintaining the nostalgic charm of the Golden Age of Radio. Fans of Dick Tracy and classic radio dramas will find this installment both entertaining and thought-provoking, eagerly anticipating the resolution of the mysteries introduced.

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Transcript

[Styles Mackenzie]

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[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

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[Dick Tracy Narrator]

Calling all adventure fans, calling all Dick Tracy fans, stand by. Dick Tracy is on the air. The makers of Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice, those two delicious nourishing cereals that are shot from guns, now bring you another thrilling Dick Tracy detective adventure. And there go the big guns reminding us all that puffed wheat and puffed rice actually are shot from guns right in the Quaker plant. Nourishing grains of sun ripened wheat and rice are loaded into the guns and then they're exploded to eight times their normal size. That's what makes puffed wheat and puffed rice so specially easy to digest. So that you get their trigger fast food energy much more quickly and easily. And that's important if you want to think fast and act fast like Dick Tracy does. And if you're a loyal Dick Tracy fan and friend. Check up on the pantry at least twice a week to make sure there's always some puffed wheat or puffed rice there. Look to see at the end of today's program and if there isn't one of those famous red and blue packages in the pantry now, ask Mother to order some from the grocers. She's sure to be glad when you remind her of something so specially good for breakfast. And then you and mother and dad can join the thousands of happy families who enjoy Quaker Puffed Wheat or Quaker Puffed Rice every day. And be sure you have your pencil and paper ready for today's secret messages. Get them now. When Dick Tracy closed the case involving the Baron and the Substratosphere airplane plans, he paid a visit to Scotland Yard. And here the great detective found a new mystery. Dryden Small, the well known Egyptologist was returning to America with certain treasures which he had discovered in the ancient tomb of Tuktamino. Small had reason to believe that someone was trying to kill him. And Tracy was asked to protect him on the voyage to America. Sitting in Small's cabin the first night out, Dick and Pat were startled to see a strange face peering in at their window.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

Mr. Tracy, what's the matter? Small, what's wrong?

[Dryden Small]

Look. There. The window. The man with the yellow face.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

The what?

[Pat]

Dick.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

Great Scott.

[Pat]

Look.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

That awful face at the window, it's gone now. Come on, Pat. We've got to find out who it is.

[Pat]

Yes, and why are we staring through that window?

[Dryden Small]

Don't leave me alone. Don't leave me alone.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

I'll be back in a moment. Here, through this door, Pat. That'll bring us out on deck.

[Pat]

I don't see anyone.

[Dick Tracy]

No, neither do I.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

We'd probably waste our time if we tried to find out who it was now. It's got too much of a head start, and it's too dark to recognize anyone. Come on. We might as well get back to the cabin. There are a few questions I want to ask Dryden. Small, you know.

[Dryden Small]

Dick. There's something about that tomb, Dicker, Robert.

[Pat]

That I don't like.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

We're here to protect him, not to make a friend of him. Pat, what I want to know is why he was so secretive. He hasn't told us the whole story by any means, Pat. What's your theory?

[Pat]

Dick? What do you think he's trying to conceal?

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

Well, I'm. I'm not sure. But I think perhaps he stole something from Tutankhamo's tomb. Something which might be considered very sacred. Those who consider it so are trying to get it back. That's only a wild guess.

[Pat]

Well, it doesn't sound so wild to me.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

Well, Mr. Small, we couldn't find a trace of your friend with the yellow face.

[Dryden Small]

Mr. Tracy, I must say I'm surprised. You promised me protection. And then you'll run off and leave me alone. Why, I might have been murdered.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

Oh, nonsense. We were nearby. Nothing could have happened to you.

[Dryden Small]

I wish you wouldn't treat this so lightly. You may not realize it, Mr. Tracy, but I'm in very serious danger.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

I don't treat any of my obligations lightly, Mr. Small.

[Dryden Small]

I tell you, the people who are after me are very clever. Not only that, but they have at their command all the forces of evil and black magic.

[Pat]

Oh, so it's black magic now, is it?

[Mr. Small]

Yes, black magic and worse.

[Dryden Small]

Perhaps a curse has been set on me. I know it. I feel it. I'll never escape from it. Never.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

Small, precisely what are you taking back to the States with you?

[Dryden Small]

Not a great deal. Some ancient pots and utensils used by the pharaohs, a fragment of the Great Seal, and also the mummy of Tutankhamun's second son.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

The mummy is stored in the hull of the ship, isn't It.

[Dryden Small]

Yes, yes.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

And what else are you bringing back with you?

[Dryden Small]

Nothing. Nothing. But those things I told you about.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

Are you sure of that?

[Dryden Small]

You don't believe me, do you?

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

To let it bluntly and briefly, no.

[Dryden Small]

You think I'm holding back something from you, eh? Well, I'm not. I'm not. You're here. I told you everything.

[Mr. Small]

Everything.

[Dryden Small]

I don't know why they want to get me any more than you do.

[Mr. Small]

But I know they're after me. And you've got to help me.

[Dick Tracy]

I'm not so sure of that. I'm not so sure that I'm not going to rid myself completely of all responsibility in this case.

[Mr. Small]

What? What do you mean?

[Dick Tracy]

I'll take the trouble to explain for the last time. When you go to a detective and ask his protection, you've got to tell that detective just what you're afraid of and what he's got to protect you against. Now, Mr. Small, don't withhold any information from me. Because in this case, too, it may mean the difference between life and death.

[Mr. Small]

I. I've told you everything. I. I swear it.

[Dick Tracy]

Who is the man in the yellow, yellow face?

[Mr. Small]

I don't know. I don't know any more about him than you do.

[Dick Tracy]

From the way you spoke of him, you've seen him before. The man with the yellow face, you said. Do you know him, Small? Have you seen him before?

[Mr. Small]

Yes. Yes, I have.

[Pat]

You were right all the time, Dick. He was holding something back.

[Dick Tracy]

Where did you see him before?

[Mr. Small]

Several times. In Cairo, once in London. I don't understand it. I'm not sure I know how to explain it. But it seems I saw him every time I received one of those scarabs. Those scarabs which mean death and destruction for those who receive them. The only time I saw him in London was at the theatre. The usher handed me a program as I came in. When I opened it, there, folded in between its leaves, was one of the scarabs. At that very moment, I happened to look up at the boxes and looking down at me, was the man with the yellow face.

[Dick Tracy]

What else do you know of the man with the yellow face?

[Mr. Small]

That's all.

[Dick Tracy]

I don't believe you, Mr. Small. You know who he is and you know what he wants.

[Mr. Small]

I tell you.

[Dick Tracy]

Now, let me warn you once again. If anything happens to you, you'll have only yourself to blame. Because when you had the chance, you wouldn't tell us everything you know. And now, shall we go down to dinner? Coffee, sir? Oh, yes, please. By the way, Small, do you still carry that pearl handled pistol?

[Mr. Small]

Yes, and I shall never part with it.

[Pat]

If you ask me, it's much too dainty to be any good.

[Dick Tracy]

I'm afraid it isn't very much to depend on.

[Mr. Small]

This pearl handed revolver has been with me a long time, Mr. Tracy. I intend to hold onto it.

[Dick Tracy]

Hello. The lights have gone out.

[Pat]

Dynamo must have failed or something.

[Dick Tracy]

Certainly pitch black in here.

[Mr. Small]

Tracy. Tracy. In the name of heaven.

[Pat]

Small. Small, where are you?

[Dick Tracy]

He's struggling with someone.

[Mr. Small]

Help. Tracy, help.

[Dick Tracy]

I can get my hands on whoever it is that. Ow.

[Secret Service Patrol Leader]

Got him.

[Dick Tracy]

Give me a hand in your paddle.

[Pat]

It's so dark.

[Secret Service Patrol Leader]

Can't see a thing.

[Dick Tracy]

I've got a hold of someone. Can't see who it is.

[Secret Service Patrol Leader]

There go the lights.

[Pat]

They're on again.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

Small. Why?

[Secret Service Patrol Leader]

Why?

[Dick Tracy]

I was holding you all the time.

[Mr. Small]

Who do you think you were holding?

[Dick Tracy]

Well, all I could do in the dark was to reach out and grab my throat.

[Mr. Small]

It hurts. Someone tried to choke me.

[Dick Tracy]

Yes, yes, there are marks in your throat, all right.

[Mr. Small]

Grabbing hold of me did one thing anyway. It scared him off.

[Dick Tracy]

Yes, yes, Small. This time he was scared off. I wonder if I'll always get to you in time. I can't protect you from something that's nameless. You know something you won't tell us about.

[Mr. Small]

I've told you everything.

[Dick Tracy]

Now look here, Small. Tonight you had an example of what might happen. And apparently you're still unconvinced that telling me everything you know is the only sensible thing to do. For the last time, will you talk up? Well, how about us?

[Mr. Small]

I. I've told you the whole truth.

[Dick Tracy]

Very well. I've done my duty. I've warned you.

[Pat]

Hiya, Dick.

[Dick Tracy]

Oh, hello, Pat. Where you been? Walking by on deck.

[Pat]

Yeah, Isn't it a beautiful night?

[Dick Tracy]

Yes, I suppose it is.

[Pat]

Hey, met a girl strolling about on deck. Ms. Foster, her name is. Oh, boy, what a girl. She has swell platinum hair and. Shay, what's the matter with you? Huh?

[Dick Tracy]

Oh, nothing, nothing.

[Pat]

You got something on your mind?

[Dick Tracy]

Yes. Yes, Pat. His name is Dryden. Small.

[Pat]

Where is our friend Small? Or should I say our Small friend?

[Dick Tracy]

In there asleep, reading in bed, I think. Pat, I'm more than ever convinced that he's keeping something from us.

[Pat]

Hey, Dick, maybe the guy's on the level. Maybe we're just imagining things. Maybe someone is trying to get hold of some of the things he took from Tarancum of Tomb. Small says they're very valuable.

[Dick Tracy]

They're valuable, all right. That's one part of his story I believe. But whatever the man with the yellow face is after, there's more than just a few trinkets taken from Takumo's tomb.

[Pat]

Well, I wouldn't spend too much time worrying about it. Our job is to see that Dryden Small reaches America safely. Once he puts foot on American soil, our job is done.

[Dick Tracy]

No, Pat. I'm afraid it isn't as simple as all that.

[Pat]

Why do you say that, Dick?

[Dick Tracy]

I've been telling Dryden Small that unless he tells me everything, I'm going to give up all responsibility for his safety.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

Of course, I'm not going to do that either while he's on this boat.

[Dick Tracy]

Or after he lands.

[Pat]

But if he doesn't cooperate, why should you bother with him?

[Dick Tracy]

I've got to stay with Dryden Small.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

Until I'm sure that he's out of harm's way. We've had to protect uncooperative people before.

[Pat]

You know, Dick, there's something about this whole business that gives me the creeps.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

Oh, it's not as bad as all that, Pat.

[Pat]

When we were chasing Max Goal or the Baron, we had something we could get our hands on. But what have we got here? Nothing but a face seen at the window. A figure that strikes in the dark. Dick, I don't like it.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

Well, I'm not exactly delighted myself, Pat. We policemen have to learn one thing. Not to turn away when there's an unpleasant job to do. Doing the things we like to do is simple. Doing the things we don't like to do, that proves whether or not we're men capable of holding down a man sized job.

[Pat]

Yes, you're right, as usual. And I'm glad you jacked me up. Oh, look, Dick, it's my turn to sit up with smaller knight. But I was thinking that maybe.

[Dick Tracy]

Yes, Pat?

[Pat]

Well, you know the girl I met on deck, Ms. Foster? I said I'd meet her in the ballroom for a few dances at 10:30. And, well, I sort of wondered if.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

All right.

[Dick Tracy]

Patience. Go ahead. How will you get back?

[Pat]

Thanks, Dick. I won't be very late.

[Mr. Small]

That's Tracy.

[Dick Tracy]

What is it, Small?

[Mr. Small]

Come into my bedroom. One moment. There's something I want to show you.

[Dick Tracy]

What's the matter with you, man?

[Mr. Small]

Come, come.

[Pat]

He sure looks funny to me, Dick.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

All right, come along, Pat.

[Mr. Small]

In here.

[Dick Tracy]

Look.

[Mr. Small]

The wall above my bed.

[Pat]

Holy mackerel. Dick, look. Someone's writing a message on the wall.

[Dryden Small]

Look.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

It's being written right before our eyes.

[Mr. Small]

Do you see it, too? I thought I was going crazy. It's an invisible hand. Writing something on the wall. I can't escape it, and you can't help me. This thing is too big for us. It's too powerful.

[Pat]

Over the. Saints preserve it.

[Dick Tracy]

Take it easy, you two.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

Let's see what the invisible hand is writing. There.

[Pat]

There.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

It's evidently finished.

[Mr. Small]

And look what it has written.

[Quaker Puffed Wheat/Rice Announcer]

Your hour is at hand. Your end is near. The Black Pearl of Osiris must shine again.

[Mr. Small]

Yes, yes.

[Dryden Small]

And look there on the floor.

[Mr. Small]

It's another scarab, Tracy. Another scarab.

[Dick Tracy Narrator]

What is the meaning of the strange message on the wall? And how is it written? It's a puzzler, all right. But now it's time for the Dick Tracy Secret Service Patrol meeting. The makers of Quaker Puffed Wheat and Quaker Puffed Rice. The specially delicious nourishing cereals that are shot from guns, invite you to attend.

[Secret Service Patrol Leader]

The 19th meeting will now come to order. And today the members of the Dick Tracy Secret Service Patrol. Congratulate the Boy Scouts of America on their 28th anniversary.

[Dick Tracy Narrator]

Let's all stand at attention, patrol members, As a tribute to that great boy's organization.

[Secret Service Patrol Leader]

Boy Scouts of America, we salute you.

[Dick Tracy Narrator]

Fine, Junior. And now, patrol members, have you got a pencil and paper ready for the special secret code message? All right, Junior, let's have the message.

[Secret Service Patrol Leader]

Here it is. Prisoner 259 3, 20. 11, 26, 21 8, 17 16. 28, 16, 3 8, 18, 15 4. Did you get it? I'll repeat it again just to make sure. Ready. Its prisoner 259 3, 20. 11, 26, 21, 18, 17, 16, 28, 16, 3 8, 18, 15 4.

[Dick Tracy Narrator]

Now you can decode that secret message with your Dick Tracy secret code book. And remember what it says. Patrol members, it's important you know Dick.

[Secret Service Patrol Leader]

Tracy wants you to be as good as he is at decoding messages. So we're sending you a secret message every day this week.

[Dick Tracy Narrator]

Be sure you have your code book, a pencil and some paper handy every day when you tune in on Dick Tracy. And listen, if you don't have a code book. Join the Dick Tracy Secret Service Patrol now. So you won't miss all the swell secret detective activities and good times. Now here's all you do to get your secret code book, your patrol pledge and special badge. Just tear the tops off two packages of Quaker Puffed Wheat. Or Quaker Puffed Rice. Or one of each. Be sure it's the top panel that says three wrappings. Guard its crispness. Then mail the two box tops with your name and address to Dick Tracy Box L, Chicago.

[Secret Service Patrol Leader]

And you have the time of your life in the Dick Tracy Secret Service Patrol.

[Dick Tracy Narrator]

So ask Mother to get you some Quaker puffed wheat or Quaker puffed rice at the grocer's. Remember, they're the two delicious, nourishing cereals that are shot from guns to give you trigger fast food energy. Calling all adventure fans, calling all Dick Tracy fans, stand by for another exciting Dick Trip Tracy adventure tomorrow at this same time. That is all.