Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Freedom USA 52-04-20 (18) Citizen - Held!
Date: November 11, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Starring: Tyrone Power as Senator Dean Edwards, Edwin C. Hill as Narrator

Episode Overview

This episode of Freedom USA, set in the golden age of radio, takes listeners behind the scenes in political Washington, exploring the personal and international crises that affect both the government and its citizens. The story follows Senator Dean Edwards as he becomes entangled in the diplomatic and personal drama surrounding Professor Charles Joplin—a distinguished American citizen whose journey to an "Iron Curtain" country spirals into international tension when he appears to defect, igniting media frenzy and political maneuvering.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Catalyst: Passport Denied ([01:30] – [04:43])

• Senator Edwards’ Advocacy: Senator Edwards storms the State Department, angry about their refusal to issue a passport to Professor Charles Joplin, an esteemed academic from his state.
  • “The State Department has no right to deny him that privilege.” – Sen. Edwards ([02:50])
• State Department Concerns: Officials explain their worry that Joplin, who previously lived in the Iron Curtain country, could be "reclaimed" for propaganda or detained.
  • “Once he crosses that border, his return fare to America may get conveniently misplaced.” – State Department ([03:16])
• Senator Edwards insists on transparency and the right of citizens to travel for legitimate reasons.

2. Professor Joplin’s Controversial Departure ([05:01] – [07:33])

• Media Scrutiny: With pressure from Joplin’s publisher and local papers, the State Department reluctantly issues the passport.
  • “If anything happens to Joplin, you’ll be in this right up to your neck.” – Benson ([04:43])
• Press Conference: The press questions the Senator’s motivations, hinting at sinister or political motives for Joplin’s trip.
  • “If there’s a finer American... I don’t know his name.” – Sen. Edwards defends Joplin ([06:14])

3. A Disturbing Letter ([08:12] – [12:09])

• Letter from Abroad: Mrs. Joplin visits Senator Edwards, deeply upset by a letter apparently from her husband, denouncing America and extolling his new “freedom” in the Iron Curtain country.
  • “Now that I have escaped from the snake pit of reaction and decadence known as America, I cannot bring myself to return…” – Letter read by Mrs. Joplin ([10:16])
  • Mrs. Joplin doubts the sincerity and authorship of the letter.
• Senator Suspicion: Edwards suspects Joplin is being held against his will, and stresses the need for a careful, non-public approach to avoid an international crisis.

4. Media Firestorm and International Tensions ([13:24] – [15:13])

• Press Breaks the Story: The foreign legation releases the controversial letter to the press, intensifying scrutiny on the U.S. government and the Senator.
  • “The legation issued a copy of the letter to the press... Guess he carries mail for all American traitors.” – Reporter ([14:34])

5. State Department’s Dilemma ([15:40] – [18:02])

• Official U.S. communications indicate Joplin has voluntarily placed himself in custody in the foreign country, allegedly to “avoid persecution by the American government.”
  • “Our relations... are strained almost to the breaking point. We can’t call them liars unless we have good reason.” – Benson ([17:23])
• Edwards remains unconvinced, determined to find proof of coercion or falsehood.

6. A Diplomatic Trap ([18:21] – [22:28])

• Senator’s Plan: Edwards persuades Mrs. Joplin to apply for a passport, intending for her to visit her husband—a move designed to force the foreign government’s hand.
• The foreign legation refuses to grant her a visa, exposing their double standard.
  • “Why... should you fear that she, too, would take the course her husband took?” – Senator presses the foreign legation ([20:30])
• Diplomatic Leverage: U.S. officials push for Mrs. Joplin to be allowed to communicate with her husband via the American Embassy, to test his freedom.

7. Resolution and Repatriation ([23:00] – [24:15])

• Breakthrough: Under diplomatic pressure, the foreign country allows a message to be relayed through the American Embassy.
• Professor Joplin confirms, in his returned message, that he was isolated and his faith in his government has been restored.
  • “Tina, my love, I am well... My government has not forsaken me, nor have I forsaken my government. I am coming home. Quickly. Immediately. Directly home.” – Joplin's message ([23:35])

8. Closing Reflections ([24:15] – [25:24])

• Narrative Conclusion: The episode affirms the United States’ pledge to protect its citizens everywhere.
  • “No American is ever forsaken anywhere in the world... The borders of America extend as far as its citizens travel as far as freedom can reach.” – Narrator ([24:15])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Citizens’ Rights:
  “And as a citizen, Joplin has a right to visit any country he pleases, as long as he’s on legitimate business.” – Senator Edwards ([02:44])
• On Government Accountability:
  “If his passport isn’t approved, his hometown newspapers are all set to make a big issue of it.” – Senator Edwards ([04:29])
• On Propaganda and Defection:
  “They’d do anything to get him back again. Once he crosses that border, his return fare to America may get conveniently misplaced.” – Benson ([03:16])
• On Press Integrity:
  “If Professor Joplin has any private reasons for anything, they’re truly private. And no concern of yours or mine or any foreign government.” – Senator Edwards ([06:17])
• On State Responsibilities:
  “Our government is a government of individuals representing individuals. Its welfare depends upon the welfare of every American citizen in or out of the country.” – Narrator ([24:15])
• Closing Reflection:
  “Give me liberty... to know, to think, to believe, and to utter freely, according to conscience, about all other liberties.” – Senator Edwards quoting John Milton ([25:24])

Important Timestamps

• [01:30–04:43]: Senator Edwards argues with the State Department over Joplin’s passport.
• [08:12–10:16]: Mrs. Joplin delivers the troubling letter.
• [13:24–15:36]: Press confronts Senator; foreign legation publicizes the letter.
• [16:17–18:02]: State Department confirms Joplin’s “defection” via telegraph.
• [18:21–22:28]: The passport trap—Mrs. Joplin denied a visa.
• [23:20–24:15]: Joplin’s reassuring message and the story’s resolution.

Tone & Language

• Formal, urgent, and patriotic, with dialogue reflecting the seriousness of Cold War politics and the emotional stakes for individuals and families.
• The episode carries a pro-democracy, pro-government message, emphasizing the care with which America treats its citizens abroad.

This engaging vintage radio drama brings a pivotal moment in U.S. diplomatic history to life, blending personal conviction with complex international politics, and ultimately celebrates the resilience of American citizenship and the steadfastness of government support abroad.