Episode Overview

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Fu Manchu 39-06-05 (013) The Deadly Bargain
Air Date: September 13, 2025

This episode brings listeners into the action-packed, suspenseful world of The Shadow of Fu Manchu, one of Golden Age radio’s legendary crime thrillers. As Nayland Smith and Dr. Petrie close in on the elusive criminal mastermind Dr. Fu Manchu, tension escalates into a deadly confrontation on a moonlit Thames houseboat. Themes of loyalty, deception, and the eternal struggle between predator and pursuer drive the story, punctuated by betrayals, narrow escapes, and a perilous bargain.

Key Discussion Points & Story Progression

Recap and Setting the Stakes ([02:26])

• The episode begins with a summary of previous events: Smith and Petrie, with Karame’s aid, save Sir Graham Guthrie from Fu Manchu’s agents.
• Scotland Yard tries to corner Fu Manchu at the Thames but fails; Fu Manchu escapes yet again.
• Karame, under suspicion and duress, seems poised to reveal Fu's hideout, motivated by her brother’s captivity.

The Interrogation and Sudden Disappearance ([03:08])

• Smith and Petrie question Karame at Baker Street, promising her brother’s rescue.
• Just as Karame is about to divulge Fu Manchu's hideout, the warning “cry of the dacoits” interrupts them.
• Instantly, Karame disappears. Smith reflects:
  • Nayland Smith (to Petrie): “She’s as elusive as one of Fu’s dacoits. But she hadn’t finished. She hadn’t told us where to find him.” ([03:45])
• They discover a mysterious note, “The houseboat on the Thames,” scrawled by Karame in haste—a vital clue left in the dark.

The Houseboat on the Thames ([04:40])

• Following the clue, Smith and Petrie set out toward the indicated houseboat.
• Discussion of Fu Manchu’s affinity for the Thames as his “highway of communication” and as a recurring base of operations.
  • Smith: “The fact that he invariably makes his headquarters somewhere on the river will be a clue to guide us in the future.” ([05:48])
• They approach the boat, anxious and watchful:
  • Petrie: “Dismal spot, Nayland. If it weren’t for the moonlight, I’d be tempted to go back.” ([05:29])

The Confrontation with Fu Manchu ([07:41])

• They board the houseboat, ready for a fight.
  • Smith, revolver drawn: “Sit still, Dr. Fu. I have you covered. Put up your hands and don’t try any tricks this time. The game’s up.” ([07:36])
• Suddenly, Fu Manchu’s loyal servant Lal gains the upper hand on Petrie, knife at his throat—a standoff ensues:
  • Fu Manchu: “An impasse, Nayland Smith. … The honors are even, Mr. Smith. Or are they mine?” ([07:53])
  • Smith threatens to shoot but Fu counters: “And should you fire that gun, our estimable Dr. Petrie also dies. Again, I say, an impasse. Stalemate.” ([08:08])

The Deadly Bargain ([08:51])

• Fu Manchu proposes a temporary truce:
  • They will all withdraw from the houseboat together, weaponless, parting ways safely after 300 yards across the marsh.
  • Each man must lay down their arms; trust is dangerously brokered.
  • Fu Manchu: "You will further agree to make no attempt on me until I have retraced my steps." ([09:02])
  • Smith: “I curse myself for a fool, Fu Manchu. No one on earth would dispute my right to shoot you where you stand.” ([10:20])
• Smith ultimately keeps his word, leaving the gun and allowing Fu Manchu to escape.

Flight and Pursuit ([10:38])

• Realizing the trap, Smith and Petrie must flee, as dacoits pursue them across the marsh toward a deserted cottage.
• Smith reveals the desperate odds:
  • "Tonight, old chap, we literally have to run for our lives. … Our chance of meeting a living soul besides Dr. Fu’s killers is practically nil.” ([10:54])
• They run as armed assailants close in:
  • “Hear that? Three. At least three armed dacoits. ... As hard as you can go now, Petrie, run. That cottage [is] our only chance. They’re right behind us.” ([11:30–12:30])
• Smith and Petrie barely make it to the deserted structure, barricading themselves as another threat appears inside.
  • “Sorry, Petrie. We’re in for it now. Down on the floor.” ([13:39])

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Nayland Smith (On Karame’s loyalty):
  • “Then you believe that the tale about her brother is rubbish, a red herring.” ([03:33])
  • “She’s an Oriental, Petrie. When you know them as well as I…” ([03:41])
• On the Thames Strategy:
  • “His highway, his line of communication, where he moves his mysterious forces.” ([05:42])
• Fu Manchu’s Diplomacy:
  • “An impasse, Nayland Smith. ... And should you fire that gun, our estimable Dr. Petrie also dies. Again, I say, an impasse. Stalemate." ([08:08])
  • “You will further agree to make no attempt on me until I have retraced my steps. ... I and my servant will leave you...” ([09:02])
  • "Good night, Nayland Smith. Dr. Petrie, may you reach London safely." ([10:31])
• Smith on Honor and Duty:
  • "A servant of the Crown in the east makes this motto. Keep to your word, though it break your neck." ([10:49])
• Racing Against Death:
  • "Run for your life. ... It's only a step. Now, the cottage. Someone just made in. The Goddess. Come on. Only one? Come in, quick. Down. Petrie, behind the door. They can't get in. Scott, over there. In the corner. Someone." ([12:45–13:40])

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | Summary | |-----------|--------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------| | 02:26 | Recap of previous episode | Smith, Petrie, Karame's involvement | | 03:08 | Interrogation and clue discovery | Karame vanishes, houseboat clue found | | 04:40 | Making plans & approaching the boat | Strategic discussion of Thames as Fu's highway | | 07:41 | Boarding the houseboat | Armed confrontation with Fu Manchu | | 08:51 | Fu Manchu’s Bargain | Terms of truce and weapon exchange | | 10:38 | Aftermath & Escape attempt | Smith & Petrie run for their lives, pursued | | 13:39 | Cliffhanger in the cottage | Final stand; new danger inside |

Episode Tone & Style

The episode vibrates with suspense, wit, and the clipped, formal dialogue characteristic of classic detective radio dramas. Tension is sustained through rapid reversals of fortune and the constant threat posed by Fu Manchu’s unseen forces. The interplay between British pragmatism (Smith and Petrie) and Fu Manchu’s cold logic anchors the story, alongside moments of dry humor and unyielding honor.

This episode is a prime example of the taut, atmospheric storytelling that defined radio's golden age—full of danger, intrigue, and a closing cliffhanger that leaves listeners yearning for the next installment.