Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde 1943-xx-xx Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde ep02 of 52

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Episode 02 of 52

Episode Title: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Release Date: July 30, 2025
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Original Air Date: 1943-xx-xx

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Introduction

In the second episode of the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde series, listeners are plunged deeper into the intricate dynamics of Henry Jekyll's character during his formative years. This episode builds upon the foundation laid in the previous installment, exploring the early signs of Jekyll's internal struggle between good and evil—a central theme in Robert Louis Stevenson's classic tale.

Setting the Scene

The episode opens with George Edwards (00:17) setting the stage for the narrative:

George Edwards: "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Robert Louis Stevenson startled the world when he gave it Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This masterly portrayal of the warring forces of good and evil forever struggling for ascendancy in every human breast."

This introduction emphasizes the timeless struggle within human nature, a theme that continues to resonate throughout the episode.

Henry Jekyll's Collegiate Life

We transition to Henry Jekyll as a 17-year-old senior nearing the end of his college days. The atmosphere is tense as discussions about Markham's expulsion unfold within the senior's room:

• Pilton (01:47) criticizes Markham's actions, saying:

  Pilton: "Well, serve him right. He's had chances enough. He knew what he was asking for, breaking bounds like that."

• George Edwards reflects on Pilton's strictness:

  George Edwards: "But even if he did, it seems."

• The conversation reveals that Markham was expelled for being found in Thorley Woods under questionable circumstances (02:05).

The Incident in Thorley Woods

George Edwards elaborates on the incident that led to Markham's expulsion (03:00):

George Edwards: "Markham was found in Thorley Wood last Saturday afternoon with one of the maids from the Horse of Arms and in a state of... well, one can only call it drunkenness."

This event is portrayed as a symptom of a broader decline in discipline and moral standards within the school, a concern that George Edwards seeks to address by involving Henry Jekyll.

Recruitment of Henry Jekyll

George Edwards, acting as the head prefect, approaches Henry Jekyll with a pressing request (03:35):

George Edwards: "As head prefect, I repose a confidence in you that isn't shared by the other boys. I want your complete free... about this affair of Markham's. Most unpleasant business."

Jekyll is entrusted with the responsibility to investigate the shady elements affecting the school, underpinning his role as the moral compass among his peers.

Confrontation with Markham

Later in the episode, Henry Jekyll meets with Markham in the tower room (07:38). The interaction reveals the depth of Markham's despair and hints at darker undertones:

• Markham expresses his anguish over his inability to enter the civil service due to a tainted record:

  Markham: "Give me a clean sheet and a chance to start again. I know not even all your money can do that... I've made an unholy mess of things now. I'll suffer for it for the rest of my life."

• The tension escalates when Markham accuses Jekyll of keeping secrets:

  Markham: "I hate you, Jacob. You're so devilishly clever. Not a single soul suspects you. I suppose the head sent you here tonight to find out who my accomplice was."

Climax: A Tragic Turn

The climax of the episode unfolds as Markham's agitation leads to a dramatic confrontation. Amidst heated exchanges, Markham behaves erratically:

Markham: "Don't bare your teeth like that. You're a kill. Don't keep away from that window. Keep away, you fool."

The situation deteriorates rapidly, culminating in Markham's tragic fall:

Markham: "He threw himself out of the window right before my very eyes. Oh, it was horrible. I'll never forget it as long as I lived."

The aftermath leaves Henry Jekyll and the others in shock, underscoring the volatility unleashed by the underlying tensions within the school.

Themes and Analysis

This episode delves deep into the exploration of duality within human nature—a cornerstone of Stevenson's original narrative. Henry Jekyll's interactions underscore his internal conflicts and foreshadow the emergence of Mr. Hyde. The deterioration of moral standards and the influence of negative forces are portrayed as catalysts for the tragedy that ensues.

Key themes include:

• Good vs. Evil: The constant struggle within individuals, as highlighted by George Edwards's opening monologue.
• Peer Pressure and Influence: The way external factors and peer behavior can lead to a moral decline, exemplified by Markham's actions.
• Tragedy of Aspirations: Markham's despair over his ruined chances reflects the personal cost of failed expectations.

Notable Quotes

• George Edwards (00:17):

  "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde... warring forces of good and evil forever struggling for ascendancy in every human breast."

• Markham (05:59):

  "I could prove you're wrong right now... by going downstairs and telling the head who was with me that day."

• Markham (08:20):

  "I've made an unholy mess of things now. I'll suffer for it for the rest of my life."

• Markham (10:17):

  "You can get away with it for a long time if you're clever enough. But eventually it'll all catch up with you."

Conclusion

Episode 02 of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde masterfully continues the exploration of Henry Jekyll's character, laying the groundwork for his eventual transformation. Through intense dialogues and tragic events, the episode underscores the central theme of internal duality and the impact of external influences on one's moral compass. As the series progresses, listeners can anticipate further unraveling of Jekyll's struggles and the impending emergence of Mr. Hyde.

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Tune in next time as Harold's Old Time Radio continues to bring the Golden Age of Radio to life with captivating dramatizations of classic tales.

Transcript

[George Edwards]

Ladies and gentlemen, we now present George Edwards in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyd. Robert Louis Stevenson startled the world when he gave it Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. This masterly portrayal of the warring forces of good and evil forever struggling for ascendancy in every human breast. But the child is ever father to the man. And for that reason we took you back, in our last episode to Henry Jekyll's early boyhood. To mark the traces of that strange duality of nature which in after years were to bear such bitter fruit. A simple childish quarrel with Margaret Utterson, daughter of his father's dearest friend, rouses the latent demon in Henry, and the result is an accident which may well have led to tragedy. But Margaret escapes with minor injuries, and that night his father, Edward Jekyll, reveals to Mr. Utterson the dark forebodings as to Henry's future. Some years elapsed, and we now see the young Jekyll as a tall stripling of 17 and nearing the end of his college days and to all outward appearances, as handsome and fine a young man as one would wish to see. The scene is the senior's room and the time. That brief hour between supper time and the evening prep. What do you think, fellas? Markham's been expelled.

[Pilton]

Well, serve him right. He's had chances enough. He knew what he was asking for, breaking bounds like that.

[George Edwards]

But even if he did, it seems.

[Pilton]

A bit hot sending him down for that. It wasn't merely breaking bounds, my little innocent. It was what he did with his illicit liberty. I warned him that the head wouldn't stand for any more little frolics in Thorley Woods. Thawley Woods.

[George Edwards]

What was he doing there?

[Pilton]

Picking blackberries, of course. But shut up, you lot. Well, well, what's the matter with our Mr. Jekyll tonight? Not looking his usual cheery self. Not upset by the sad fate of little Mark, the baby Romeo, are you?

[Henry Jekyll]

Well, what are you so smug about anyhow? Mark's been unlucky, that's all.

[Pilton]

True enough, my friend. Who am I to cast the stone?

[George Edwards]

Oh, I forgot. Rogers told me the head wanted to see you.

[Henry Jekyll]

Jekyll? Where is he?

[George Edwards]

In his study.

[Henry Jekyll]

All right. Now, don't any of you others pinch my chair while I'm away.

[Pilton]

You'll be gone for an hour, old chap. No doubt the head wants to get a little guidance from his head prefect on how to put down vice in the senior school.

[Henry Jekyll]

Oh, dry up, Pilton. You're a poisonous toad.

[Pilton]

Well, at least everybody knows it.

[George Edwards]

Why, what do you mean nothing? Nothing.

[Pilton]

Pray allow me to open the door for your holiness to pass through.

[George Edwards]

Don't be an ass. What are you always picking on Jekyll for?

[Henry Jekyll]

Pelton?

[Pilton]

Oh, he's so confoundedly irreproachable. He gets on my nerves. This fellow is hardly human. Always tops the list in exams. Never misses a class. Has all the blues for sport. And I don't doubt, kneels down by the side of his blameless bed every night and prays for mere sinners like you and me.

[George Edwards]

He's too good to be chill. Come in. Ah, Jekyll. Come in and sit down.

[Henry Jekyll]

Thank you, sir.

[George Edwards]

I. I want to have a talk to you about this affair of Markham's. Most unpleasant business.

[Henry Jekyll]

Yes, sir.

[George Edwards]

As head prefect, I repose a confidence in you that isn't shared by the other boys. I. I want your complete free.

[Henry Jekyll]

Thank you, sir. I appreciate what you've said.

[George Edwards]

Have you noticed a peculiar change that's come over some of the boys in the senior school during the last few months?

[Henry Jekyll]

In what way, sir?

[George Edwards]

In a loosening of discipline, a general decline of moral standard. This affair of Markham's is only a culmination of a series of things that have been taking place for some time. Markham was found in Thorley Wood last Saturday afternoon with. With one of the maids from the horse of Arms and in a state of. Well, one can only call it drunkenness.

[Henry Jekyll]

Markham was.

[George Edwards]

Oh, you find it hard to believe. So do I, Jekyll. But there can be no possible mistake. Mr. Finch, the classic master, was walking through the woods with his wife and, well, what they saw made it impossible for me to allow young Markham to remain at this college any longer.

[Henry Jekyll]

I see.

[George Edwards]

But Malcolm was not alone. There was another boy with him, but he was apparently sober and heard the sound of footsteps. He ran away through the undergrowth before either Mr. Or Mrs. Finch could see who it was.

[Henry Jekyll]

And Malcolm didn't say who he was.

[George Edwards]

And refused to say a word. Jekyll, have you any idea as to who this other boy could be?

[Henry Jekyll]

I, Sir? Why, no, I. No, I haven't the least idea.

[George Edwards]

I have a feeling that if we could find him, we. We may put our fingers on the cause of all this unpleasantness that's been happening during the past few months. A boy like Markham wouldn't have sunk to that sort of thing unless someone had influenced him. Mind you, I'm. I'm not asking you to spy out on your friends, but I do hope I can count on your help in clearing up this matter. Markham's life is ruined. I can't stand by and see other boys destroy themselves without doing everything in my power to stop it.

[Henry Jekyll]

You.

[George Edwards]

You understand, Jekyll?

[Henry Jekyll]

Yes, sir. I understand, sir.

[George Edwards]

We must stamp out this vicious thing that suddenly appeared in the school as one would put one's heel on the head of a reptile and with as little pity you would not be guilty of treachery. I want to point that out. If you told me anything you knew or suspected.

[Henry Jekyll]

No, sir. I understand that perfectly, sir.

[George Edwards]

Good. Well, I can rely on you. Come to me if you have any idea as to who is at the bottom of this and everything you tell me will be treated with the greatest confidence.

[Henry Jekyll]

You.

[George Edwards]

You haven't any suspicions offhand, have you?

[Henry Jekyll]

No, sir. Not the remotest idea. Why, I can't imagine anyone who could do such a thing, sir.

[George Edwards]

Well, keep your eyes and ears open and report to me immediately. Oh, there's the bell for evening prep. I won't keep you any longer. Oh, Jekyll, when do you sit for your exams?

[Henry Jekyll]

At the end of next month, sir.

[George Edwards]

I'd be sorry to lose you. Going to do medicine, aren't you?

[Henry Jekyll]

Medicine and science, sir.

[George Edwards]

I expect you to do well. You've always been a credit to us, Jekyll.

[Henry Jekyll]

Thank you, sir. I hope I always shall be, sir.

[George Edwards]

By the way, you might have a word with young Markham sometime this evening. He asked to see you. It mightn't do any harm to talk to him.

[Henry Jekyll]

Where is he, sir?

[George Edwards]

Up in the tower room. I thought it best to put him there away from all the other boys.

[Henry Jekyll]

I'll see him before I go to bed, sir.

[George Edwards]

And don't forget, report back to me anything of interest he might have to tell you. Good night, Jekyll. Just close the door, Will.

[Markham]

Who's there?

[Henry Jekyll]

It's me, Jekyll. Oh. The head said you wanted to see me.

[Malcolm]

Yes, sir, I did. I wouldn't tell you what a swine you are, Jekyll, but it doesn't seem to matter now.

[Henry Jekyll]

Oh, well, I just go ahead if it helps.

[Malcolm]

It'll take more than that to help me. You understand what this means, don't you?

[Henry Jekyll]

Yes, I think I do.

[Malcolm]

I wonder. Your people are rich. Mine, aunt. It's taken a lot of doing without to send me here. Can you guess what it's going to be like when I have to face the well?

[Henry Jekyll]

I'll make it up to you. I swear I will.

[Malcolm]

Give me a clean sheet and a chance to start again. I know not even all your money can do that. They don't take men into the civil service. With a kind of record I'm gonna have when I leave here. I've made an unholy mess of things now. I'll suffer for it for the rest of my life. The worst of it is that others have to suffer too. My people are old. I'm their only child. They've scrimped and saved to send me to this college. The things I've been going to do, the career I've been going to have has been the whole meaning of life to them. Tomorrow, when they come here to see the head, they've got to be told it's finished. I. I'd rather have died than do this to them.

[George Edwards]

Good Lord. Has the world come to an end.

[Henry Jekyll]

Because you can't go into the civil service?

[Malcolm]

Oh, I hate you, Jacob. You're so devilishly clever. Not a single soul suspects you. I suppose the head sent you here tonight to find out who my accomplice was. That's funny. That's one secret I can be sure of. You keeping to yourself. You're not likely to go down and.

[Markham]

Tell him it was you.

[Henry Jekyll]

Shut up, will you? Shut up. If you keep on shouting at the top of your lungs, there'll be no need to tell him.

[Malcolm]

So you're. You're no more anxious to be found out than I was.

[Henry Jekyll]

Of course I'm not. Who wants to pay the penalty for the sins he commits?

[Malcolm]

But you will, Jekyll. Someday you will. You can get away with it for a long time if you're clever enough. But eventually it'll all catch up with you.

[Henry Jekyll]

Not me. I'll get away with it always. I'll find a way somehow.

[Malcolm]

I could prove you're wrong right now.

[Henry Jekyll]

How?

[Malcolm]

By going downstairs and telling the head who was with me that day. And Thornley, Wood.

[George Edwards]

You.

[Henry Jekyll]

You wouldn't do that, Markham.

[Malcolm]

I'm not so sure that I wouldn't. Why should I take the whole of it?

[Markham]

If it hadn't been for you, I'd never have gone there, never have spoken to those girls, never drunk their peaky wine.

[Henry Jekyll]

But you wouldn't tell the head, Markham.

[Markham]

I would. I said.

[Malcolm]

Jekyll.

[Markham]

Good heavens, Jekyll. Why are you looking at me like that? What's come over you? Don't stare at me that way. Your eyes. What's the matter with your eyes? Keep away. What are you gonna do? Don't bare your teeth like that. You're a kill. Don't. Don't. Keep away from that window. Keep away, you fool. He's fallen down to the ground onto the stones. His body's lying there. I didn't do it. I didn't do it. He jumped of his own accord.

[Henry Jekyll]

I never touched him.

[Markham]

What's the matter? What's going on in there? Oh, it's Markham, sir. He threw himself out of the window right before my very eyes. Oh, it was horrible. I'll never forget it as long as I lived.

[Henry Jekyll]

And back.

[George Edwards]

Stand back, boys. My dear Jekyll, this is terrible. What a tragic finish.

[Pilton]

Sit down in this chair.

[George Edwards]

Oh, get him some brandy, someone. He's going to fain.