Flash Gordon 35-05-04 (02) Befriends Lion Men and Stops a Wedding

Summary

Flash Gordon 35-05-04 (02) Befriends Lion Men and Stops a Wedding
Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: May 6, 2025

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I. Introduction and Recap

The episode picks up immediately following the thrilling events of the previous installment. Last week, Flash Gordon and Dale Arden heroically averted Earth's destruction by diverting a threatening planet with a rocket strike. However, their victory led to unforeseen consequences as they found themselves stranded on the planet Mongol. Emperor Ming the Merciless intensified his pursuit by ordering Flash’s death and demanding Dale’s marriage, only to be thwarted by the timely intervention of the royal princess and the Prince of the Lion Men.

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II. Main Plot

A. Capture by the Shark Men

As the episode unfolds, Flash and Dale are unexpectedly captured by the formidable Shark Men of Mongol. The tension escalates when Princess Aura makes a dramatic entrance, once again saving Flash from peril. In an attempt to free Dale, Flash's efforts inadvertently result in both him and Dale being ensnared by the menacing leaves of a constrictor plant.

• Dale Arden (00:12): "Honey, the leaves are crushing me."
• Flash Gordon (00:14): "I'll cut them with my swords."

Despite Flash’s valiant attempts to free them, both are trapped, leading to a palpable sense of urgency and danger.

B. Introduction of Prince Baron

Enter Prince Baron, the leader of the Lion Men, who captures Flash and Dale. In a surprising twist, he reveals a connection to Dr. Zharkov, Flash's trusted ally.

• Prince Baron (02:08): "Yes, I know your father."
• Flash Gordon (04:53): "We saved the earth, didn't we, lad?"

Prince Baron proposes an alliance to overthrow Ming the Merciless, leveraging an electric mole he has invented to infiltrate Ming’s palace.

C. Infiltrating Ming’s Palace

The trio—Prince Baron, Dr. Zharkov, and Flash—embark on their mission to dethrone Ming. Their journey is fraught with challenges, including a fierce encounter with a Graco, an armored dragon-like creature. Flash's bravery shines as he defeats the Graco, ensuring the group's safe passage.

• Prince Baron (06:16): "If we succeed, Flash, you'll be made a prince of Mongol."

Their electric mole successfully penetrates the central hall of Ming’s palace, marking a critical advancement in their plot to overthrow the tyrant.

D. Betrayal and the Torture Pit

Upon reaching Ming’s palace, betrayal strikes as they are ambushed by Ming’s inner guards. Flash and Prince Baron are forced into the Torture Pit, a deadly arena designed to break their spirits.

• Ming the Merciless (08:04): "Let them shoot."
• Prince Baron (09:14): "This is the test of the torture pit."

In a display of strategic prowess, Flash maneuvers Prince Baron into a vulnerable position, leading to a fierce battle between the two. The ensuing chaos allows them to momentarily escape the immediate threat.

E. Climactic Confrontation

Meanwhile, Ming proceeds with the forced marriage ceremony between himself and Dale. As the ceremony reaches its peak, Prince Baron and Flash disrupt the proceedings, revealing Ming’s deception and asserting their defiance.

• Prince Baron (12:00): "I thou forbid this marriage."
• Flash Gordon (13:04): "Never."

A pivotal showdown ensues, showcasing Flash's unwavering courage and Prince Baron's commitment to justice. The episode concludes with the protagonists narrowly escaping Ming's clutches, setting the stage for future confrontations.

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III. Notable Quotes

• Flash Gordon (00:14): "I'll cut them with my swords." (00:14)
• Prince Baron (04:53): "We saved the earth, didn't we, lad?" (04:53)
• Prince Baron (06:16): "If we succeed, Flash, you'll be made a prince of Mongol." (06:16)
• Ming the Merciless (08:04): "Let them shoot." (08:04)
• Prince Baron (09:14): "This is the test of the torture pit." (09:14)
• Prince Baron (12:00): "I thou forbid this marriage." (12:00)
• Flash Gordon (13:04): "Never." (13:04)

These quotes highlight the intense emotions and pivotal moments that drive the narrative forward, underscoring the characters' resolve and the stakes at play.

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IV. Conclusion

"Flash Gordon 35-05-04 (02) Befriends Lion Men and Stops a Wedding" delivers another action-packed chapter in the saga of Flash Gordon and Dale Arden. The episode masterfully combines elements of adventure, strategy, and heroism, deepening the characters' alliances and setting up significant conflicts for future episodes. As Flash and his allies continue their battle against Ming the Merciless, listeners are left eagerly anticipating the next installment of these interplanetary adventures.

Be sure to tune in next week to follow Flash Gordon and Dale Arden as they navigate their ongoing struggle against Ming and strive to protect Earth from impending doom.

Transcript

[Styles Mackenzie]

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[Narrator]

Presenting the amazing interplanetary adventures of Flash Gordon and Dale Arden. These thrilling adventures come to you as they are pictured each Sunday in the comic weekly, the world's greatest pictorial supplement of humor and adventure. The comic weekly, now printed in 32 tabloid sized pages. Each page in full four colors is distributed everywhere as an integral part of your hearst Sunday newspaper. Last week, you may remember, Flash Gordon and Dale Arden saved the earth from destruction by shooting a rocket at a planet which threatened to collide with it. They became marooned on the planet called Mongol. The emperor Ming the merciless ordered Flash killed and commanded Dale to marry him. The royal princess loving Flash, saved him. Soon, Prince of the lion men helped Flash prevent Ming from marrying Dale by breaking up the marriage ceremony and escaping underground. Now we continue the story. Flash and Dale are captured by the Shark men. Princess Aura appears and again saves Flash, who in turn tries to free Dale. But Thune's father, searching for his princely son, captures the princess and Flash. Rather than remain a captive, the proud Aura hurls herself over the cliff only to be caught by the terrible leaves of a constrictor plant. Hastens to our aid. Don't struggle, Princess Aura. I'll free you.

[Dale Arden]

Honey, the leaves are crushing me.

[Narrator]

I'll cut them with my swords.

[Dale Arden]

Careful, Flash. The plant may catch you.

[Narrator]

Carefully. Plant me.

[Dale Arden]

Oh, Flash, it's caught you too.

[Prince Baron]

Yes, yes.

[Narrator]

I didn't think it could.

[Ming the Merciless]

This is a tough break.

[Dale Arden]

What shall we do now?

[Narrator]

I don't know yet.

[Ming the Merciless]

Oh, Flash.

[Narrator]

What is it, Princess?

[Princess Aura]

Are you in pain?

[Narrator]

No.

[Dale Arden]

Look down there. A door in the kiss has opened.

[Prince Baron]

Yes.

[Narrator]

Okay. The stoat is coming up. Strange looking guns. Those your father's men?

[Dale Arden]

No, no, I never saw them before. They must have seen us coming to make us captive.

[Narrator]

Well, at least they'll get us out of the crutches of this terrible plant.

[Princess Aura]

Soldiers that plant and kill it. But don't injure its victims. I want them brought to me alive.

[Narrator]

Don't be afraid, Princess. Those men will catch you.

[Princess Aura]

You ready to catch her men? Now the other one.

[Narrator]

Here I come.

[Dale Arden]

We're safe on the ground. But what will happen now?

[Narrator]

John is the leader of those soldiers.

[Princess Aura]

Soldiers? You did that well. Ah, Princess Aura.

[Dale Arden]

Yes. How do you know me? I do not know you.

[Princess Aura]

I know your father.

[Dale Arden]

Oh.

[Princess Aura]

Oh, what's this? Another white stranger?

[Narrator]

Yes, Prince Baron.

[Princess Aura]

Blindfold him. And prepare our other white prisoner for the ordeal of the poisoned daggers.

[Narrator]

As you command, Prince Baron.

[Dale Arden]

What are you going to do with me?

[Princess Aura]

Guards, take the princess to my quarters.

[Narrator]

As you command, Prince Baron.

[Princess Aura]

Ah, here comes our other white prisoner. Perhaps you know him, youth.

[Narrator]

How can I tell? He's got a hood over his head.

[Princess Aura]

I can't see his face. He says he is from the earth. I suppose you are from there too. I am. I don't believe you. But no matter. Our hiding place must remain a secret. So both of you must die. Are the white prisoners prepared, guards?

[Narrator]

They are, Prince Baron. Their left forearms are tied together.

[Princess Aura]

And the poisoned daggers, are they ready? Yes, sir. Good. Now listen, prisoners. I am dipping these two daggers in dragon's blood. The slightest scratch from these blades means certain death. Guard, give these to the prisoners. On the count of three, you are commenced fighting. One. Two. Three.

[Narrator]

As Prince Baron utters the word, Flash steps back. Jerking his mysterious antagonist off balance, he flings aside his dagger. Then he causes his opponent to drop his poisoned weapon, picking up the dagger Flash, binding him to his opponent. And as the two whip off their blindfolds and reveal themselves to each other. Flash. Gods. And talk to Zako.

[Princess Aura]

So you do know each other.

[Narrator]

I should say we do. I'm mighty glad to see you, doctor. I thought you were dead. After our rocket crashed on this planet. I was badly hurt, Flash. These fellows, they picked me up and brought me here. They made me act as their servant. Well, we saved the earth, didn't we, lad? We certainly did, doctor. Now, Prince Baron, maybe you'll believe that we are from the earth. This man was the most brilliant scientist in the world. He was?

[Princess Aura]

My admiration for both of you is boundless. I would be honored to have you shake my hand and call me friend.

[Narrator]

Your friend?

[Princess Aura]

Yes. Why, of course.

[Narrator]

Here's my hand. And mine.

[Princess Aura]

Good. Now come to my quarters, my friend. I have invented an electric mold with which I intend to burrow underground into the palace of Ming the Merciless and overthrow his tyrannical government. Are you with me?

[Narrator]

Shut them. You bet we are. We've got to rescue Dale, and soon, from that pain.

[Princess Aura]

Princess Ora. You heard what I planned to do?

[Dale Arden]

Yes. Please take me back to my father's palace with you.

[Princess Aura]

You? Why? It's because of you that I am a hunted man with a price on my head. You will remain here as my prisoner. Come, my friends, come.

[Dale Arden]

Oh, I will, will I? God.

[Princess Aura]

What is it?

[Dale Arden]

What is your name?

[Prince Baron]

Rankle, my princess.

[Dale Arden]

Rankle. I thought I recognized your face. You fled into exile from my father's guard when you were caught stealing.

[Prince Baron]

Yes.

[Dale Arden]

Listen, Ranco Princess, if you will help me warn my father of what those men plan to do, I will make you not only wealthy, but also a duke for once.

[Prince Baron]

So lovely, my princess. How could I refuse? Come with me.

[Narrator]

Unaware of what has happened in the hiding place and racing underground toward the palace of Ming the Merciless in their Electric Mole, Prince Baron, Dr. Zharkov and Flash Gordon encounter a fierce graco, or armor plated dragon. Flash climbs out of the mole and gives battle, saving his companions. For this Prince Baron promises that if they succeed in overthrowing Ming, Flash will be made a prince of Mongol and anything he desires will be his. Finally, the electric Mole breaks through the floor of the central hall of Ming's palace. The door opens and the trio emerge from the metal burrowing machine.

[Princess Aura]

Come, my friends. We have arrived.

[Prince Baron]

Ah, so we have. What is our next move, Prince Baron?

[Princess Aura]

This is the central hall of Ming Palace. We'll go up those stairs, Dr. Zhartoff, and surprise the inner guards.

[Narrator]

Prince Baron, look.

[Princess Aura]

Mings armored men.

[Narrator]

We've been betrayed. But how could the news have reached here before?

[Prince Baron]

Let us get our raids off.

[Princess Aura]

It's no use, Doctor. The armor of those soldiers is rape proof.

[Narrator]

Here comes being the merciless with his high priest. Dale. Thank heaven she's all right.

[Prince Baron]

Welcome back to my palace, Flash Gordon. And welcome to your companions. So just lash them to that pillar over there and execute them.

[Dale Arden]

Oh, Flash, darling. I love you so much.

[Narrator]

Dale, my dear, we did our best to save you, but we've been betrayed. I guess they have us now.

[Ming the Merciless]

Let them shoot.

[Dale Arden]

They'll kill me too and we'll be together forever.

[Prince Baron]

Very well, Dale Arden. You can have him in death. Captain, Proceed with the execution.

[Narrator]

Shoot, you yellow dogs. We aren't afraid to die. Ready then.

[Prince Baron]

Hold your fire. Logie, what does this mean? If you are not the high priestess, I would have your t tongue torn out for your insolence.

[Ming the Merciless]

I ask you. Remember, sire, that calling to the sacred wit of how even a traitor has the right to choose between the fiery squad and the terrible test.

[Prince Baron]

True, Zhuge. And on second thought, the death would furnish us with greater amusement.

[Ming the Merciless]

Yes, sire. We must abide by this sacred risk. And then, too, I. I see no reason why the girl should be killed.

[Prince Baron]

Captain, release the prisoners. They shall undergo the terrible test first. Bring them over to the Sith. All right.

[Narrator]

Come on. Come along.

[Prince Baron]

This is the test of the torture pit. Flashgarden, you and Baron will stand on each end of the narrow platform and with long whips, try to topple each other into the pit where the supplies will be awaiting you. Take your places.

[Narrator]

The two mount the platform. Flash ducks as Prince Baron's whip winds over his head. Then Flash's whip hit Baron with such force as to knock him off balance and into the pit. Dropping his whip, Flash leaps after him. As he throws the unconscious form of Prince Baron over his shoulder and prepares to climb out, A transparent metal sheet silently slides over the top of the pit, trapping them. At the same time, Flash hears a growl, and looking around, he sees three snarling Tigrans placing Prince Baron on the floor. Flash turns on the fierce beast. The first one charges, leaping high in the air. Flash comes down on the Tigran's back with a powerful wrench. Breaks its neck instantly. The other two Tigrans leap at each other to fight for the possession of the body. Furiously, the battle rages. Finally, both animals are down, wounded unto death. Then Prince Baron regains consciousness.

[Princess Aura]

Where. Where are we for our rip, Baron?

[Narrator]

We're in the pit. But they trapped us with that transparent metal lid.

[Princess Aura]

And you. You saved us from these beasts. Oh, you are superb flies.

[Narrator]

That was easier than figuring how we're going to get out of here. Look up there. Soon. Yes, he's just in time. Soon, roll that metal lid back. Now that he understand.

[Princess Aura]

There, he's done it.

[Narrator]

We're free. Come along. Meanwhile, in the temple of Tao, Ming and Dale are about to be married by Zogi, the high priest.

[Prince Baron]

By now, Dale Ain. My saber tooth. Tigrans have torn your hero to pieces.

[Dale Arden]

He died trying to save me. Nothing matters now.

[Prince Baron]

Here comes Doy to perform the ceremony.

[Ming the Merciless]

Oh, mighty Ming, ruler of mango and universe, does your supreme intelligence take this earth woman to be your wife and empress of Mongol?

[Prince Baron]

I most certainly do.

[Ming the Merciless]

And you, dear Arden, do you take this just and brilliant man to be your lord and master?

[Dale Arden]

I. I don't care what happens now.

[Ming the Merciless]

As you have accepted each other in matrimony before the great God Tao, I pronounce.

[Prince Baron]

Wait.

[Narrator]

Stop the idol.

[Prince Baron]

Speak.

[Narrator]

I thou forbid this marriage.

[Prince Baron]

It is a trick.

[Narrator]

Fool.

[Prince Baron]

A stone idol cannot talk.

[Narrator]

Doggy.

[Prince Baron]

Bring back the statue.

[Ming the Merciless]

At once, sire.

[Prince Baron]

Black Gordon.

[Dale Arden]

Yes, darling? He told me you were dead.

[Ming the Merciless]

The earth man and two companions alive.

[Narrator]

Go. Gone.

[Prince Baron]

Shoot them down. The marriage must go on. Wait, sire. The sacred Ritzy.

[Ming the Merciless]

You cannot execute the man who has passed the test of the Tigrans.

[Narrator]

Guards.

[Ming the Merciless]

Drop your weapons or cow. We'll curse you all.

[Prince Baron]

What? You dare defy me?

[Ming the Merciless]

I only quote the sacred red science. As High priest, it is my duty to interpret and enforce its dictates.

[Prince Baron]

Gar. Give me your thoughts. R. I will stop your jabbering mouth forever.

[Dale Arden]

How awful. He killed the high priest.

[Prince Baron]

Carry the body away. Gar.

[Dale Arden]

Blasma. Darling, I thought I'd lost you.

[Princess Aura]

Never.

[Narrator]

As long as I have strength in these two arms and a breath of light in my body.

[Prince Baron]

Ta forbids me to slay you.

[Narrator]

Huh?

[Prince Baron]

Well, Tao and I will both laugh.

[Ming the Merciless]

My.

[Prince Baron]

While you rebel slave, in the prison city of the Hawkman, death would be more desirable. As for you, Dale Arden, you shall be taught to act like my empress.

[Narrator]

Doomed to a fate worse than death among the cruel Hawkmen. What terrifying adventures await our friends. Be sure to listen in again next week and hear the further amazing adventures of Flash Gordon and Dale Arden. Who appear in full color pictures next Sunday in the 32 page comic weekly supplement of your Hearst Sunday newspaper. The world's greatest all picture magazine of fun and adventure. Don't miss the Comic Weekly next Sunday. All your friends will be there. Besides Flash Gordon and Bill Arden, you will find King of the Royal Mountain waiting to thrill you with another chapter in his adventures of the great Northwest. Good old Jiggs and Maggie in bringing up Father, your old pal Skippy Tilly the toiler, Ace Drummond, Johnny Round the World, the Little King Radio patrol. They'll all be waiting to entertain you. Of course. Those irresponsible cats and Yammer kids are on deck with a new prank on their friends. How can they think of all those tricks? And as for Barney Google, well, I'm afraid I'll have to agree with Snuffy Smith that Google seems a bit touched in the haze. Remember, they're all in the Comic Weekly next Sunday. 32 pages of colored pictures. Be sure to get your copy of the Hearst Sunday newspaper next Sunday containing this big 32 page comic weekly. And remember, we have a date next week for another chapter in the amazing interplanetary adventures of Flash Gordon and Dale Arden. It.