Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – Favorite Story 46-10-29 Ep020 Phantom Rickshaw
Title: Phantom Rickshaw
Host/Producer: Jesse L. Lasky
Featured Actor: William Conrad as Panse
Release Date: May 23, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported to the Golden Age of Radio with a captivating dramatization of Rudyard Kipling's enigmatic tale, Phantom Rickshaw. Produced by the esteemed Hollywood motion picture producer Jesse L. Lasky, this episode promises a spine-tingling narrative that intertwines love, loss, and supernatural elements.
Jesse L. Lasky introduces the story:
"We asked this maker of hits to tell us his favorite story so that we could dramatize it on this series. Well, he told us one yarn which had always fascinated him was Rudyard Kipling's weird and imaginative tale called the Phantom Rickshaw."
[00:32]
Act One: The Haunting Begins
The story centers around Panse (William Conrad), a man tormented by the ghostly presence of his deceased wife, Agnes, and the elusive phantom rickshaw that seems to follow him relentlessly.
Agnes's Return:
"I'll stay with you all the rest of your life."
[02:36]
Panse struggles to come to terms with Agnes's death, which occurred a month prior. His attempts to dismiss her haunting presence are met with increasing desperation.
Panse's Plea:
"You're dead, Agnes. Dead for a month. Now let me rest. Leave me alone."
[02:55]
The Doctor intervenes, attempting to rationalize the supernatural occurrences as figments of Panse's fevered imagination:
"There's no one calling you. You've got a fever and you're imagining things."
[04:24]
Despite the Doctor's reassurances, Panse remains haunted by Agnes and the mysterious black rickshaw with yellow panels.
Act Two: The Descent into Madness
Panse's mental state deteriorates as he becomes increasingly obsessed with Agnes's apparition and the phantom rickshaw.
Memories of Love:
"I had just left the jewelers. Hamilton's just outside the Baz."
[13:12]
Panse reflects on his past relationship with Agnes and his current engagement to another woman, Kitty, highlighting his internal conflict:
"We've been too much to each other, haven't we?"
[06:38]
The tension culminates when Panse confronts the phantom rickshaw, leading to a dramatic and supernatural encounter:
Final Confrontation:
"Kitty, stop the rickshaw. He's trying to run us down."
[14:33]
This moment blurs the lines between reality and the spectral, pushing Panse to the brink of madness.
Climax and Revelation
As Panse grapples with his haunted visions, the narrative reveals a tragic connection between his dismissive behavior towards Agnes and her untimely death.
Panse's Realization:
"I wish you were dead. Dead. That's what I said to her. And a week later, she was dead."
[11:50]
The Doctor's skepticism contrasts sharply with Panse's belief in the supernatural elements, leading to a tense investigation into Panse's state of mind and the true nature of the phantom rickshaw.
Doctor's Doubt:
"Pansy, listen to me. In medicine we have something we call a shock treatment."
[18:15]
Resolution and Aftermath
The story reaches its zenith as Panse confronts the phantom rickshaw one last time, resulting in his tragic demise.
Panse's Final Struggle:
"Never. You know, I debated with myself. Shall I die in my decency and as an English gentleman should die? Or in one last walk on the mall, will my soul be wrenched from me to take its place by the side of that ghost of a woman?"
[25:05]
The Doctor and the Commissioner investigate Panse's unexplained death, uncovering the chilling truth behind the phantom rickshaw's existence and its link to Panse's tormented soul.
Characters and Performances
-
William Conrad as Panse: Delivers a masterful portrayal of a man torn between love, guilt, and madness. His nuanced performance captures Panse's gradual descent into obsession and despair.
"I'm sick of you. Agnes."
[03:54] -
The Doctor: Represents rationality and attempts to anchor Panse back to reality, highlighting the conflict between science and the supernatural.
"There's no one here. You're imagining things."
[04:24] -
Agnes (Ghost): Although a spectral character, Agnes's presence is felt profoundly through her haunting dialogue and emotional pleas.
Themes and Insights
Phantom Rickshaw delves into themes of guilt, obsession, and the interplay between reality and the supernatural. It explores how unresolved emotions and remorse can manifest into haunting visions, blurring the lines between the living and the dead.
The narrative also touches upon cultural intersections, set against the backdrop of India, where East meets West, and traditional beliefs clash with modern rationality.
Conclusion
This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully brings Rudyard Kipling's Phantom Rickshaw to life, blending dramatic storytelling with atmospheric sound design. Through compelling performances and a gripping plot, it offers listeners a memorable journey into the haunted psyche of Panse, leaving them pondering the thin veil between the living and the spectral.
Notable Production Credits:
- Director: True Boardman
- Sound Designs: Jack Hayes
- Music: Bob Mitchell, conducting Claude Sweeten's orchestra
- Production: Lawrence and Lee Production for Bullock's Downtown
Looking Ahead
In the next episode, Jesse L. Lasky presents the adventures of renowned traveler Carveth Wells as Jules Verne takes listeners on an extraordinary journey "From the Earth to the Moon", promising an exhilarating exploration of the crater of Copernicus. Tune in next Tuesday at 9 for another enthralling story.
This summary encapsulates the key elements, discussions, and dramatic arcs of the Phantom Rickshaw episode, providing a comprehensive overview for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.