Podcast Summary: Harold’s Old Time Radio

Episode: Dimension X - “Courtesy” (#41)
Date: May 6, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Source Show: NBC’s Dimension X (“Courtesy” by Clifford Simak, adapted by George Lefferts)

Episode Overview

This episode features a classic science fiction radio play from the renowned anthology series Dimension X, originally aired during the Golden Age of Radio. “Courtesy” tells the gripping tale of an Earth expedition stranded on the alien planet Landro, where the crew faces a deadly plague and must seek help from reclusive native inhabitants. The story is both a survival thriller and a meditation on the nature of arrogance, cultural disrespect, and the idea that "courtesy" might hold the answer to humanity’s deepest problems.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Dire Situation on Landro (01:12–03:04)

Captain Warren sets the scene through a journal entry: Out of 180 crew, only two are left alive. He expects to die within 27 minutes, leaving just one survivor.
- Notable moment: “As I write, there are two of us left. Two out of an original complement of 180 men. One of us, myself, will be dead in less than 27 minutes…” (01:19)
The planet is described as a cemetery of dead, advanced cities, abandoned by the native Landrians after a mysterious plague.

2. Realization of their Predicament & Failed Supplies (03:04–06:20)

Dr. Morgan reveals the serum intended to protect against the plague is 10 years too old — a misread label means it’s useless.
- Notable moment: “Dr. Morgan, would you mind telling me how it feels to murder 180 men? 181, including yourself.” — Captain Warren (05:20)
The last supply ship has just left; no help will come for two years.
The only hope: seek out the Landro natives, who seem immune.

3. Planning an Expedition to the Natives (06:20–08:55)

Warren picks a small group for a covert mission:
- Himself, Bat Ears Brady, Dr. Morgan, and Benny Faulkner (an anthropologist with native language knowledge)
Their goal: find the natives and learn their secret to surviving the plague.

4. Contact and Communication with the Natives (09:08–15:07)

The group is tailed by Landrian natives as they approach the caves.
Faulkner establishes communication with a captured Landrian via a makeshift drum (to mimic the Landrian’s vibration-based language).
- Notable moment: “We find they communicate... through a very primitive kind of vibration of the tongue... closest I can come is a series of drum beats.” — Faulkner (11:25)
The interaction is both awkward and tense; Warren is adamant: “Don’t treat this fellow like an equal. Don’t give him the idea that we’re desperate…” (12:03)
A philosophical exchange unfolds:
- Faulkner: “We want to help you rebuild your cities and make your machines work again.”
- Landrian: “Why?” (13:36)
- Faulkner: “So you can enjoy the benefits of our culture.”
- Landrian: “If we ask you not to help us, will you go away?” (13:51)
- Faulkner: “We stay for your own good.”
The native tells them, cryptically, “Go among my people. My people have the answer.” (14:47)

5. The Climax: The Death Word and Its Meaning (17:19–21:11)

Dr. Morgan ascends to the caves but later runs in panic, falls to his death, leaving a single word in his notebook: “Courtesy.” (17:58–18:00)
Warren and Brady are left desperate; Brady attempts to force the answer out of a native. The plague takes hold among the crew, killing most, while Benny Faulkner unexpectedly recovers.

6. The Revelation (23:49–28:16)

Warren questions Faulkner about why he survived; Faulkner remembers he had stepped aside for the native earlier — a gesture of courtesy.
- Notable moment:
  - Warren: “Take it from where the native started to walk away. You stepped out of his path and Brady grabbed him.”
  - Faulkner: “Okay, so I stepped out of his path. Why?... Courtesy, that’s why.”
  - Warren: “Courtesy. Funny, that’s the word that Dr. Morgan had written in his notebook.” (24:59–25:20)
Warren muses that the plague might not be biological but a kind of spiritual or societal disease—arrogance, greed, lack of basic respect.
- Quote: “Maybe the plague was nothing more than what we know as greed and arrogance.”
- “Are you talking about dignity, or arrogance?” (25:29)
By the end, only Faulkner is unaffected; Warren succumbs, leaving a warning in his diary for future expeditions.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Philosophy of “Courtesy” as Survival

“Why should you want to be courteous to a native?” — Captain Warren (25:21)
“What about maintaining your own dignity?” — Warren
“Are you talking about dignity or arrogance?” — Faulkner (25:29)

Cultural Relativism & Colonialism Critique

“Why are we trying to take these primitive, happy people and make them like ourselves? ... Why, Benny, if that isn’t sheer stupid, crazy arrogance, my name isn’t Ira Warren.” — Captain Warren (26:32–26:50)

Final Journal Entry

“I am turning it over to Benny Faulkner in the hopes that he will be able to transmit it to any other expedition commander who contemplates exploring the planet of Landro. The fever is beginning to mount now. My hands tremble as I write. The end should not be far off. You see, I didn’t have a chance. I stepped out of no path.” — Captain Warren (28:37–29:26)

Timestamps of Important Segments

01:12 — Captain Warren’s opening summary and the hopeless situation
05:20 — Warren confronts Dr. Morgan about the serum error
11:25 — Faulkner explains the drum-based Landrian communication
13:36–13:51 — Key dialogue on cultural “help” and native resistance
17:58 — Dr. Morgan’s death and the word “Courtesy”
24:59–25:20 — The pivotal “courtesy” realization
26:32–26:50 — Warren’s epiphany about arrogance and imposing civilization
28:37–29:26 — Captain Warren’s final report and fate

Conclusion and Themes

Dimension X’s “Courtesy” is a haunting story of hubris and humility, using the lens of speculative fiction to critique colonial attitudes and the dangers of cultural arrogance. The solution to the crew’s survival was not a technological one, but a moral and social gesture: a simple act of courtesy. The episode’s bleak ending and powerful philosophical dialogue offer a timeless warning about respect for others and the perils of assuming superiority.

For listeners and old-time radio fans, this broadcast stands out as a prime example of how 1950s science fiction bravely tackled weighty social themes—wrapped in gripping stories that hold up to scrutiny decades later.

Podcast Summary: Harold’s Old Time Radio

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Dire Situation on Landro (01:12–03:04)

Captain Warren sets the scene through a journal entry: Out of 180 crew, only two are left alive. He expects to die within 27 minutes, leaving just one survivor.
- Notable moment: “As I write, there are two of us left. Two out of an original complement of 180 men. One of us, myself, will be dead in less than 27 minutes…” (01:19)
The planet is described as a cemetery of dead, advanced cities, abandoned by the native Landrians after a mysterious plague.

2. Realization of their Predicament & Failed Supplies (03:04–06:20)

Dr. Morgan reveals the serum intended to protect against the plague is 10 years too old — a misread label means it’s useless.
- Notable moment: “Dr. Morgan, would you mind telling me how it feels to murder 180 men? 181, including yourself.” — Captain Warren (05:20)
The last supply ship has just left; no help will come for two years.
The only hope: seek out the Landro natives, who seem immune.

3. Planning an Expedition to the Natives (06:20–08:55)

Warren picks a small group for a covert mission:
- Himself, Bat Ears Brady, Dr. Morgan, and Benny Faulkner (an anthropologist with native language knowledge)
Their goal: find the natives and learn their secret to surviving the plague.

4. Contact and Communication with the Natives (09:08–15:07)

The group is tailed by Landrian natives as they approach the caves.
Faulkner establishes communication with a captured Landrian via a makeshift drum (to mimic the Landrian’s vibration-based language).
- Notable moment: “We find they communicate... through a very primitive kind of vibration of the tongue... closest I can come is a series of drum beats.” — Faulkner (11:25)
The interaction is both awkward and tense; Warren is adamant: “Don’t treat this fellow like an equal. Don’t give him the idea that we’re desperate…” (12:03)
A philosophical exchange unfolds:
- Faulkner: “We want to help you rebuild your cities and make your machines work again.”
- Landrian: “Why?” (13:36)
- Faulkner: “So you can enjoy the benefits of our culture.”
- Landrian: “If we ask you not to help us, will you go away?” (13:51)
- Faulkner: “We stay for your own good.”
The native tells them, cryptically, “Go among my people. My people have the answer.” (14:47)

5. The Climax: The Death Word and Its Meaning (17:19–21:11)

Dr. Morgan ascends to the caves but later runs in panic, falls to his death, leaving a single word in his notebook: “Courtesy.” (17:58–18:00)
Warren and Brady are left desperate; Brady attempts to force the answer out of a native. The plague takes hold among the crew, killing most, while Benny Faulkner unexpectedly recovers.

6. The Revelation (23:49–28:16)

Warren questions Faulkner about why he survived; Faulkner remembers he had stepped aside for the native earlier — a gesture of courtesy.
- Notable moment:
  - Warren: “Take it from where the native started to walk away. You stepped out of his path and Brady grabbed him.”
  - Faulkner: “Okay, so I stepped out of his path. Why?... Courtesy, that’s why.”
  - Warren: “Courtesy. Funny, that’s the word that Dr. Morgan had written in his notebook.” (24:59–25:20)
Warren muses that the plague might not be biological but a kind of spiritual or societal disease—arrogance, greed, lack of basic respect.
- Quote: “Maybe the plague was nothing more than what we know as greed and arrogance.”
- “Are you talking about dignity, or arrogance?” (25:29)
By the end, only Faulkner is unaffected; Warren succumbs, leaving a warning in his diary for future expeditions.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Philosophy of “Courtesy” as Survival

“Why should you want to be courteous to a native?” — Captain Warren (25:21)
“What about maintaining your own dignity?” — Warren
“Are you talking about dignity or arrogance?” — Faulkner (25:29)

Cultural Relativism & Colonialism Critique

“Why are we trying to take these primitive, happy people and make them like ourselves? ... Why, Benny, if that isn’t sheer stupid, crazy arrogance, my name isn’t Ira Warren.” — Captain Warren (26:32–26:50)

Final Journal Entry

“I am turning it over to Benny Faulkner in the hopes that he will be able to transmit it to any other expedition commander who contemplates exploring the planet of Landro. The fever is beginning to mount now. My hands tremble as I write. The end should not be far off. You see, I didn’t have a chance. I stepped out of no path.” — Captain Warren (28:37–29:26)

Timestamps of Important Segments

01:12 — Captain Warren’s opening summary and the hopeless situation
05:20 — Warren confronts Dr. Morgan about the serum error
11:25 — Faulkner explains the drum-based Landrian communication
13:36–13:51 — Key dialogue on cultural “help” and native resistance
17:58 — Dr. Morgan’s death and the word “Courtesy”
24:59–25:20 — The pivotal “courtesy” realization
26:32–26:50 — Warren’s epiphany about arrogance and imposing civilization
28:37–29:26 — Captain Warren’s final report and fate

wavePod

Dimension X - Courtesy - #41

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold’s Old Time Radio

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Dire Situation on Landro (01:12–03:04)

2. Realization of their Predicament & Failed Supplies (03:04–06:20)

3. Planning an Expedition to the Natives (06:20–08:55)

4. Contact and Communication with the Natives (09:08–15:07)

5. The Climax: The Death Word and Its Meaning (17:19–21:11)

6. The Revelation (23:49–28:16)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Philosophy of “Courtesy” as Survival

Cultural Relativism & Colonialism Critique

Final Journal Entry

Timestamps of Important Segments

Conclusion and Themes

Transcript

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold’s Old Time Radio

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Dire Situation on Landro (01:12–03:04)

2. Realization of their Predicament & Failed Supplies (03:04–06:20)

3. Planning an Expedition to the Natives (06:20–08:55)

4. Contact and Communication with the Natives (09:08–15:07)

5. The Climax: The Death Word and Its Meaning (17:19–21:11)

6. The Revelation (23:49–28:16)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Philosophy of “Courtesy” as Survival

Cultural Relativism & Colonialism Critique

Final Journal Entry

Timestamps of Important Segments

Conclusion and Themes