Dimension X - Childs Play - #38 - Harold's Old Time Radio

Dimension X – "Child's Play" (#38)

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: May 6, 2026
Original Air Date: July 1, 1950 (NBC, Dimension X)
Source Story: "Child's Play" by William Tenn (adapted by George Lefferts)

Episode Overview

This episode of Dimension X dives into a classic science fiction conceit: what if the tools of tomorrow fell into the hands of the present? "Child’s Play" explores how an ordinary, downtrodden man’s life changes after receiving a futuristic "Build-A-Man" kit intended for children from the year 2145 A.D. The kit doesn't just let him build simple creatures—it allows him to create human duplicates, raising questions of identity, self-worth, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Set-Up: Sam Weber’s Ordinary Life

Sam Weber introduces himself as a successful attorney, but recalls his previous state as a timid, “sickly, nearsighted” man (01:28).
The big change begins in 1945 with a mysterious package delivery—an odd box addressed “To Sam, from your classmates at the Interdimensional and Cosmic Institute. Merry Christmas. 2145 A.D.” (02:49).
Notable Quote:

“Holy jumping catfish!” – Mr. Ojack, reacting to the date on the card (02:49).

2. Discovery of the Build-A-Man Set

Sam opens the box to find a bizarre, futuristic science kit labeled for children aged 11-13, with instructions for building "complete adult humans" (03:34).
The set comes with detailed instructions—chapters include “Making Simple Living Things”, “Duplicating Babies”, etc.
Notable Quote:

“‘Build-A-Man set number three… enables the child to build and assemble complete adult humans in perfect working order.’” – Read aloud from the instruction book (03:53).

3. Sam’s Struggles: Love and Career

Sam's career stagnates and his romantic interest, Tina Velvet, is being courted by his rival, Lou White (06:23–06:35).
After another humiliating day, Sam goes home to experiment with the kit, eventually creating a small living creature—a “rubicular oyster hog, a cross between a field mouse and an oyster” (08:40).
Memorable Moment:

Sam’s creature escapes, foreshadowing the potential consequences of his careless experiments (09:04).

4. Duplicating Himself: The Birth of ‘Sad’

Lonely and desperate after Tina’s engagement to Lou, Sam considers using the kit to make a better version of himself—one with “zip” (13:23–14:30).
He creates an uninhibited, confident duplicate, who suggests the original be called “Webber” and himself “Sad” (14:53).
Notable Quote:

“Let’s get one thing straight—I live my life and you live yours. You got that?” – Sam’s duplicate asserting independence (15:07).

5. The Duplicate’s Rise (and Sam’s Fall)

‘Sad’ usurps Sam’s clothes and place, attending Lou and Tina’s engagement party (16:17).
At the party, he dazzles Tina and confronts Lou, resulting in a physical altercation and winning Tina’s affections (17:04–18:11).
Memorable Moment:

“You seem different somehow, even your voice." – Lou White noticing the change in Sam (17:08).

6. The Showdown: Identity and Consequences

The original Sam contemplates using the ‘disassemblator’ to eliminate his duplicate (18:32–19:13).
Before he can act, a mysterious, menacing Census Keeper arrives—explaining the kit was delivered 200 years too early due to a time warp (21:18).
The Census Keeper must decide which Sam should remain; he decides in favor of ‘Sad’, as the original is too unstable (22:21–22:53).
Notable Quote:

“Time, as with all things, is relative. We shall have to recover the set… Meanwhile, the problem is: which of you two gentlemen is the original Sam?” – Census Keeper (21:56).

7. Resolution: A New Beginning

The original Sam is "dismantled" and packed away (23:02).
‘Sad’ survives, marries Tina, and achieves career success—ending with a jokey reference to their three “conuplications” (children) (23:02).
Notable Quote:

“Within 10 seconds, the old Sam Weber had been completely dismantled and packed into the box. Tina and I were married… and we have 1, 2, 3 little conuplications.” – Sam (23:02).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Atomic Age Knowledge:

“In these times, even a child knows the meaning of atomic fission, jet propulsion… What will the child of the future know?” – Narrator (00:41)
On Transformation:

“Only with Build A Man can you Build A Man…” – Sam, obsessed with the manual (04:57).
On Self-Improvement:

“We oughta just tear you down and start all over again.” – Sam admonishing himself (13:23).

Important Timestamps

00:41: Narrator introduces the possibility of future children treating miracles of science as toys.
03:53: Sam reads the now-infamous "Build A Man" instructions.
08:40: Sam creates his first living creature (the oyster hog); it escapes.
14:30: Sam vitalizes his duplicate.
16:50–18:11: Party scene where the duplicate Sam outshines Lou and wins Tina.
21:18: Census Keeper arrives and explains the time travel mishap.
23:02: Final resolution; original Sam dismantled; ‘Sad’ tells his story.

Tone and Language

The episode is laced with dry irony, light self-deprecation, and satirical takes on ambition and the notion of self-improvement.
Characters use snappy, post-war American banter, especially during workplace and romantic rivalries.

Conclusion

"Dimension X – Child's Play" cleverly blends light humor, science fiction’s love for unintended consequences, and a reflection on how personal inadequacy can inspire both creation and destruction. The protagonist’s journey—from loser to improved duplicate—invites listeners to ponder the nature of identity, self-worth, and the perils of technological power in the hands of the unprepared.

For more golden age radio sci-fi, tune in weekly to Harold's Old Time Radio and explore these timeless tales.