Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde 1943-xx-xx Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde ep05 of 52

Summary

Podcast Summary: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Episode 05 of 52)

Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Original Air Date: August 2, 2025

---

Introduction to the Characters and Setting

The episode opens with Henry Jekyll introducing George Edwards in the ongoing narrative of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." The host provides a brief recap, highlighting the dual nature of Henry Jekyll—his benevolent actions contrasted with his morally corrupt deeds. Notably, Jekyll's heroic rescue of fishermen off the coast of Scotland juxtaposes his darker act of moral destruction against his schoolmate, David Markham. This duality sets the stage for the unfolding drama centered around Jekyll's internal struggle.

---

A Day on the Scottish Moors

The scene transitions to a serene morning in a small shooting box on the Scottish moors where Henry Jekyll resides with his father.

• Henry Jekyll engages in a heartfelt conversation with his father, discussing his improved health and plans to take Margaret Utterson for a final walk along the cliffs.

  • Henry Jekyll: “I'm feeling so well I'm going to take Margaret out for a walk along the cliffs.” [00:17]

• Margaret Utterson expresses reluctance to leave the picturesque moors, showing her deep attachment to the tranquil environment.

  • Margaret: “Well, I'll be sorry to go back. London isn't half as nice as being up here.” [01:26]

Jekyll persuades Margaret to join him, emphasizing the beauty of their last day together and the potential for unexpected weather changes, indicating a brewing storm.

---

Expressions of Affection and Subtle Tensions

As they prepare for their walk, the interactions reveal underlying tensions and affections:

• Henry Jekyll praises his son, Edward Jekyll, highlighting his heroic actions that saved lives and earned him admiration in the village.

  • Henry Jekyll: “Anyone might be proud of what Henry did. Three men owe their lives to him.” [02:50]

• Margaret and Henry discuss their mutual pride, leading to a moment where Jekyll's demeanor shifts, hinting at his internal conflict.

  • Margaret: “He’s a lovely boy, isn't he, Edward? The kind of son that every mother dreams of having.” [02:29]
  • Henry Jekyll: “Shame on you, woman. You’re puffed up with maternal pride.” [02:36]

This exchange subtly introduces the theme of duality, as Jekyll counters Margaret's praise, hinting at a deeper complexity within his character.

---

The Walk and Emerging Storm

As the trio embarks on their walk, the impending storm becomes a central element:

• Henry Jekyll expresses his love for the wild weather and the invigorating experience, contrasting with Margaret's practical concerns about the weather worsening.
  • Henry Jekyll: “I love to feel the wind whipping through my hair.” [04:09]
  • Margaret: “I think your father's warning about the storm is going to come true.” [04:04]

Their dialogue captures the contrasting personalities—Jekyll's romanticism versus Margaret's practicality—while also setting up the atmospheric tension of the brewing storm.

---

Lost in the Storm

The journey takes a perilous turn as darkness falls and the storm intensifies:

• As night approaches, the realization that they are lost becomes apparent.

  • Henry Jekyll: “I think so. I came over by this path a few weeks ago.” [06:16]
  • Margaret: “That does mean we're lost, doesn't it?” [07:17]

• The storm's severity is highlighted by the increasing darkness and reduced visibility, heightening the suspense.

  • Margaret: “I wish we had a lantern. I can hardly see a thing.” [06:25]

Their struggle against the elements underscores the vulnerability of the characters and sets the stage for the unfolding drama within the confines of the storm.

---

Seeking Shelter and Rising Tensions

In their quest for shelter, the characters find refuge but face escalating personal tensions:

• They discover a seemingly abandoned barn with limited supplies, offering a temporary respite from the storm.

  • Margaret: “Oh, I say, there's a fireplace and some dry wood. That's marvelous.” [08:36]

• Inside the shelter, Margaret grows sleepy, leading Henry Jekyll to tend to her needs, which becomes a catalyst for Jekyll's internal monologue revealing his darker side.

  • Margaret: “Warm and sleepy.” [09:37]
  • Henry Jekyll: “She's in love with me. I know that.” [11:02]

Here, Jekyll's thoughts transition from concern to possessiveness, showcasing the thin line between his good and evil selves.

---

Climactic Revelation and Rescue

The tranquility inside the barn is abruptly interrupted by the arrival of a search party, bringing a resolution to their perilous situation:

• A voice calls out, signaling that help has arrived.

  • Henry Jekyll: “Hello there. Yes? Who is it? Hello?” [12:16]

• Sam, presumably a member of the search party, reassures them of their safety and hints at a resolution to the night's ordeals.

  • Margaret: “Where's Margaret? Here, Father. I'm safe. Thank God she's safe.” [12:41]

This intervention brings relief to the characters and listeners alike, concluding the episode on a note of safety after the night's fears.

---

Notable Quotes

• Henry Jekyll: “Anyone might be proud of what Henry did. Three men owe their lives to him.” [02:50]

• Margaret: “I think your father's warning about the storm is going to come true.” [04:04]

• Henry Jekyll: “I love to feel the wind whipping through my hair.” [04:09]

• Margaret: “That does mean we're lost, doesn't it?” [07:17]

• Henry Jekyll: “She's in love with me. I know that.” [11:02]

• Margaret: “Where's Margaret? Here, Father. I'm safe. Thank God she's safe.” [12:41]

---

Insights and Themes

This episode delves deep into the concept of duality, a central theme of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." Through Henry Jekyll's interactions and internal monologue, listeners gain insight into his battle between his noble intentions and his darker impulses. The setting of the Scottish moors and the ensuing storm serve as metaphors for Jekyll's turbulent emotions and the chaos within.

The dynamic between Jekyll and Margaret adds a layer of personal tension, highlighting how his internal struggles impact his relationships. The contrast between the serene morning and the raging storm mirrors the fluctuation between Jekyll's virtuous and malevolent sides.

---

Conclusion

Episode 05 of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" masterfully blends atmospheric storytelling with character development, showcasing the intricate balance between light and darkness within the protagonist. The episode's progression from calm to chaos effectively builds suspense, while the resolution offers a temporary respite, leaving listeners eager for the next installment in this classic tale.

---

Disclaimer: This summary is based on a dramatized transcript of the "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" episode from Harold's Old Time Radio. All characters and dialogues are part of the fictional adaptation.

Transcript

[Henry Jekyll]

Ladies and gentlemen, we now present George Edwards in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. We have now seen both sides of the strange character of Henry Jekyll. The streak of evil which induced him to bring about the moral and physical destruction of his schoolmate david Markham, and the sublime which impelled him to plunge into the boiling seas off the coast of Scotland and rescue some fishermen whose boat had been driven on the rocks. In doing this, he suffers some minor injuries, and his mother and Margaret utterson, the girl who is already playing a significant role in his life, come up to nurse him back to health. Our next scene opens in the little shooting box on the scottish moors in which Henry and his father were staying. Well, Henry, my boy. How's the leg this morning? Oh, as well as ever it was, father, thanks. My word has cleared up wonderfully in the last few days. No trace of that stiffness? Oh, none at all. In fact, I'm feeling so well I'm going to take Margaret out for a walk along the cliffs. I'd like to have one last look over that sea before we leave.

[Margaret]

Well, I'll be sorry to go back. London isn't half as nice as being up here. I wish we could stay another month.

[Henry Jekyll]

Then come out now and let's make the most of our last day. We'll take something to eat and stay out till dark. I'd love to watch out for storms. There were some rather ugly looking clouds over the horizon a while ago. Oh, we'll take raincoats. And there's generally a shepherd's cottage to shelter in. Sure you won't come, too? Oh, not me. I'm going to take a stroll down to the post office to see if there's any mail up from London. And then I'll sit by the fire and read the papers in comfort. And you, mother?

[Margaret]

I'm going along to katie mcbride's to get that shawl. She's weaving for me.

[Henry Jekyll]

Then come along, Margaret. We'll leave them to it and go out and get our lungs full of the atlantic gale. Does the wind ever stop blowing here, I wonder.

[Margaret]

Wrap yourself up well, dear, and don't be too late home. We'll be all right, dear. Don't worry over us. Call the dogs. Headache.

[Henry Jekyll]

I'll meet you down at the gate, Margaret. Don't forget to bring plenty to eat. This giant place will be as lively as a horse. Well, it's good to see the boy striding down the path like that again.

[Margaret]

He's a lovely boy, isn't he, Edward? The kind of son that every mother dreams of having.

[Henry Jekyll]

Shame on you, woman. You're puffed up with maternal pride.

[Margaret]

And you're none too modest about him yourself. Edward Jekyll. When you saw all those accounts of what he did in the papers, I saw your chest begin to expand by inches.

[Henry Jekyll]

Anyone might be proud of what Henry did. Three men owe their lives to him. And a lot of little children would be fatherless if he hadn't risked his life that day.

[Margaret]

They almost worship him down in the village. They're planning some sort of farewell for him tomorrow. Ah, there goes Margaret now. They look fine together, don't they? It makes me feel grateful to God for all his mercies to see them there. Might have been so different.

[Henry Jekyll]

Yes, Marion, my dear, so different.

[Margaret]

How strangely you say that.

[Henry Jekyll]

I had strange thoughts. Oh, well, that's the thing of the past now. Let's forget about it and be thankful for the present.

[Margaret]

What time is it, Henry?

[Henry Jekyll]

Getting on for 4 o'. Clock.

[Margaret]

Don't you think we'd better be turning home? It'll be dark in another hour.

[Henry Jekyll]

Oh, we haven't got so very far to go. If we cut across those moors by that tor over there, we'll strike the village in a few miles.

[Margaret]

Then come along. Let's go. I think your father's warning about the storm is going to come true.

[Henry Jekyll]

I love it. I love to feel the wind whipping through my hair. And your cheeks? Oh, they're crimson.

[Margaret]

Not my nose, I hope.

[Henry Jekyll]

It's a bit red, too.

[Margaret]

Oh, how hateful of you, Henry. Even if it's true, you shouldn't notice it.

[Henry Jekyll]

It looks adorable. I like you much better like this, with your hair tossed all over your head and old shoes and clothes on. I'd hardly know you for the elegant young lady of the London drawing rooms.

[Margaret]

Which do you prefer?

[Henry Jekyll]

Ah, now you're asking both sides of my nature to speak. The one that likes the sophistication of London, with its music and soft lights, silks and satins. And the other that walks over the moors and clifftops with you, swept clean by the wind, glorying in physical strength, happy in the comradeship we feel merely by being here together.

[Margaret]

Have you two sides to your nature, then?

[Henry Jekyll]

Well, who hasn't? Why, even you, my little Margaret, must feel the pull of conflicting desires now and again. I'd hate to think that there was nothing of the sinner under that sweet face of yours.

[Margaret]

Henry, sometimes you. You frighten me.

[Henry Jekyll]

Why?

[Margaret]

I don't know. You look at me sometimes and you make my heart beat. There's something Queer in your eyes.

[Henry Jekyll]

Don't say that. Don't ever say that, do you hear?

[Margaret]

Why, Henry, what's the matter? You're hurting me. You're digging your fingers into my arms.

[Henry Jekyll]

Oh, I'm sorry, Margaret. I'm sorry. Well, come on. Let's cut across the moors by this path. It'll take us home.

[Margaret]

I think it is getting stormy. We'll have rain soon, I think.

[Henry Jekyll]

Well, come on. Give me your hand and we'll hurry home. And don't be cross with me. Margaret, I'm awfully sorry I hurt you.

[Margaret]

I'm never cross with you, Henry. That is not for long. Come along, let's run. Henry, are you sure you know the way?

[Henry Jekyll]

I think so. I came over by this path a few weeks ago, though it shouldn't have taken us as long as this. It's after 5:00 o'clock now, isn't it dark?

[Margaret]

I wish we had a lantern. I can hardly see a thing.

[Henry Jekyll]

Well, hang on to my arm. I can still see the path. Oh, here's the rain again. Button up your coat and keep your head down. I'll guide you.

[Margaret]

I wish we hadn't thrown the last of those sandwiches to the dog.

[Henry Jekyll]

Hungry? Oh, never mind. Mother will have a fine hot meal waiting for us and we'll be home soon. Now.

[Margaret]

We'Re lost, aren't we?

[Henry Jekyll]

Well, I'm not sure. This path must lead to somewhere and we're still on it.

[Margaret]

We seem to have been pushing our way against this storm for hours. I wonder what the time is.

[Henry Jekyll]

Well, hold open the flap of my coat. I'll try and strike a match. You ready?

[Margaret]

Yes. Did you see?

[Henry Jekyll]

It's nearly 8 o'. Clock.

[Margaret]

That does mean we're lost, doesn't it?

[Henry Jekyll]

Yes, I'm afraid it does. I'm awfully sorry, Margaret. I've let you in for this.

[Margaret]

It doesn't matter. We'll wait till daylight and then see our way back.

[Henry Jekyll]

Oh, it won't be daylight for hours. If only we could find some sort of shelter.

[Margaret]

Look. Did you see that? In the lightning. Some sort of barn or cottage.

[Henry Jekyll]

No fair.

[Margaret]

Over to the left. Give me your hand. I think I can find it. See, There it is.

[Henry Jekyll]

Yes, I saw it. Well, that must be where this path leads to. Well, thank goodness we'll be able to get out of this rain.

[Margaret]

Even the dogs know we're lost. They're hanging right on our heels.

[Henry Jekyll]

Oh, well, with any luck we'll be under shelter in a few minutes. I hope that lightning comes again.

[Margaret]

There it is. Come along. Let's run.

[Henry Jekyll]

Oh, what luck. We might easily have passed it.

[Margaret]

What sort of a place is it? Can you strike a match and let's see.

[Henry Jekyll]

I'll try. I'm afraid they're very wet. Ah, some sort of barn. Why? There's a stack of hay over there.

[Margaret]

And there's a lantern. See if there's any oil in it.

[Henry Jekyll]

Yes, we're in luck. It's half full. At least we'll have some light. There we are. That's better.

[Margaret]

Oh, I say, there's a fireplace and some dry wood. That's marvelous. A fire to get warm by and dry our clothes. Oh, if only we had those sandwiches.

[Henry Jekyll]

We'll spend the night imagining what mother had for us to eat when we got home.

[Margaret]

They'll be terribly worried over us. I wonder where we are.

[Henry Jekyll]

Well, there's nothing we can do till morning, so let's light this fire and warm ourselves. And what way did they go? The last we saw them, they were going along the cliffs towards Loch Moidart. And when was that? About 11 o' clock this morning. They might be anywhere by now. But never fear Mr. Jekyll, sir. We'll find him sure enough. There's not a body in the whole village. You wouldn't spend the night searching for them. We're not forgetting what he did for us. We'll have him back for your safe and sound by morning. Tell his mother that. Feeling warmer now?

[Margaret]

Warm and sleepy.

[Henry Jekyll]

I'll bring across some more of that hay and we'll make a bed.

[Margaret]

What time is it?

[Henry Jekyll]

I don't know. My watch has stopped. Must be nearly midnight, though.

[Margaret]

No wonder I'm sleepy.

[Henry Jekyll]

Here you are. Lie down on this and be comfortable. I'll roll up my coat for a pillow.

[Margaret]

Oh, no, no, you will need it.

[Henry Jekyll]

Oh, I'll be warm enough without it. Is that better?

[Margaret]

Yes, it's fine. Listen. Even the storm has died down now. How quiet it is. I wonder where we are.

[Henry Jekyll]

High up on some isolated moor, I guess. This must be a feeding place for the cattle. That's why the track led down here.

[Margaret]

It's lonely and a little bit creepy, isn't it? I'm awfully glad I'm not alone.

[Henry Jekyll]

Scared?

[Margaret]

Not with you here. But don't go too far away from me.

[Henry Jekyll]

No, I'm here, right beside you. It's a pity that lamp burned out so soon. But the fire's still bright. I can see you quite plainly.

[Margaret]

You're in the shadows. I can only hear your voice.

[Henry Jekyll]

Shall I come closer?

[Margaret]

Yes, please. You could put your arm around me, if you like. And I could sleep on your shoulder.

[Henry Jekyll]

Isn't the coat comfortable?

[Margaret]

All right, if you'd rather not.

[Henry Jekyll]

Oh, don't be so silly. You know it isn't that.

[Margaret]

What is it, then?

[Henry Jekyll]

Never mind. There now. Is that right?

[Margaret]

Oh, perfect. You've got such broad shoulders, Henry. They were made for this. Good night.

[Henry Jekyll]

Good night. Looks pretty there. Lying in the firelight. She wanted to lie close to me. That's the sinner in her. It's there, just the same as in all of us. Can't you even look at the face of this sleeping girl without thinking things like that? We're so far away from everybody. Miles and miles away. Just the two of us in this hut. She's turning her face towards me. Those lips, they want my kisses. She's in love with me. I know that. She's Margaret, not Hetty. Is there any difference? Because Hetty's poor and this girl's rich. Does that mean they aren't the same? Inside, she's just the same. And she's prettier. Much prettier. Her throat, the soft curves. As she sleeps there beside me. She's putting her arms towards me. I'll kiss her and wake her up.

[Margaret]

Hello?

[Henry Jekyll]

Hello there. Yes? Who is it? Hello?

[Margaret]

What is it? What's the matter?

[Henry Jekyll]

Someone's found us. They must have sent out a search party. Hello there. This way. Hey. Is it you? Are you all right? Where's Margaret? Here, Father. Here. I'm safe. Thank God she's safe.

[Margaret]

Sam.