George Bruce's Air Stories of the World War 32-07-26 Deacon from Hell

Summary

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Podcast Summary:

Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: George Bruce’s Air Stories of the World War – “Deacon from Hell” (1932-07-26)
Date Released: January 27, 2026
Host/Curator: Harold’s Old Time Radio

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Main Theme & Purpose

This episode revives a classic radio drama, “Deacon from Hell” by George Bruce, originally broadcast in 1932. Set in World War I, the story explores themes of pacifism, courage, reputation, and the personal strains of war through the eyes of Archwald Hall—a small-town minister, his family, and his brother-in-law, Dick Landis. The drama raises questions about morality, duty, and inner conflict in a time of national crisis.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Conflict Between Pacifism and Patriotic Duty

• Setting: Empire, USA, 1917.
• Rev. Dr. Hall preaches strict adherence to “Thou shalt not kill” and disdains war, seeking his son’s promise never to fight.
  • Notable Quote (Rev. Dr. Hall, 00:55):
    “Thou shalt not kill. Not even for soldiers who fight for their country.”
• The town gossips that his son-in-law, Archwald (“Art”), has dodged service and brings shame upon the family (02:19).
• Both Art and Shirley feel the weight of public scorn; Shirley is torn between love and societal pressure (03:00).

2. Pressure to Serve and Familial Tension

• Dick Landis returns as a newly minted pilot, proud to serve, and openly scorns Art for his perceived cowardice (03:18).
  • Notable Quote (Dick, 03:43):
    “You're drunk, young man. Drunk with liquor and the lust to kill.”
  • Dick’s scathing farewell:
    “Goodbye, slacker.” (04:09)
• The revelation: Art did not volunteer but was drafted and chooses to serve as a pilot, not as an infantryman, thus not breaking his promise (04:48).
  • Art (04:51):
    “I promised you I wouldn't enlist. Well, I didn't. I was drafted. I promised you I wouldn't touch a rifle. And I'm not going to. I'm going into the air service.”

3. Arc of Transformation at the Front

• Art's First Combat: Art excels in aerial combat, unexpectedly downing four enemy planes on his first mission (05:39).
  • Cassidy, squadron pilot (06:00):
    “Man, how you handled that Spad! ... Four Germans, first crack out of the box. Say, you're the best man in the outfit, hands down.”
• His squad mates are shocked to learn he was once a minister—nicknamed “The Deacon” (06:47).

4. Reputation, Leadership, and Sabotage

• Art is named flight leader for an upcoming critical dawn mission against the notorious German pilot Von Gunther (07:32).
• A new replacement, who knows Art from home, dredges up his past, calling him a coward and slacker (09:35).
  • Replacement (09:38):
    “Why that bird is in my hometown. His old man's a pacifist preacher. He didn't even enlist... got drafted... he married my own sister so he wouldn't have to go to war.”
• Under this barrage, Art crumbles and refuses to fly, prompting outrage (10:22).

5. Crisis and Redemption

• As the enemy attacks, Dick and others take to the air—and amid chaos, Art is spurred to action at the last minute, leaping into a plane to save the day (11:45).
  • Crowd (11:56):
    “Go on, Deacon, go on. Oh, what a road jump on Gunther's head. He's back in the middle of six cherries against him. Go on, Deacon, you got the swim. Get the Baron.”
• Art bravely downs Von Gunther and others, rescuing Dick, and is himself wounded in a crash (13:03).

6. Aftermath: Forgiveness and Family

• Dick, saved by Art’s heroism, apologizes for his previous scorn and reveals the emotional weight they both bear (13:35).
  • Dick (13:37):
    “You sure saved my life for me... I'm sorry about everything I said. Thank God. You know, if one of us died, it would have killed her.”
• The families back home are updated: Shirley has given birth to a healthy boy (14:03).
  • Dick (14:03):
    “Shelly's all right, Deacon. She's doing fine. It's a boy.”

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Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• 00:55 – Rev. Dr. Hall: “Thou shalt not kill. Not even for soldiers who fight for their country.”
• 03:43 – Dick Landis: “You're drunk, young man. Drunk with liquor and the lust to kill.”
• 04:51 – Art (to Rev. Hall): “I promised you I wouldn't enlist. Well, I didn't. I was drafted... I'm not going to [touch a rifle]. I'm going into the air service.”
• 06:00 – Cassidy: “Four Germans, first crack out of the box. Say, you're the best man in the outfit, hands down.”
• 09:38 – Replacement: “Do I know him? Say, he married my own sister... so he wouldn't have to go to war.”
• 11:56 – Squadron: “Go on, Deacon, go on. ... He's back in the middle of six cherries against him. Go on, Deacon, you got the swim. Get the Baron.”
• 13:37 – Dick: “You sure saved my life for me... I'm sorry about everything I said.”
• 14:03 – Dick: “Shelly's all right, Deacon. She's doing fine. It's a boy.”

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Key Segment Timestamps

• 00:11–02:00: Rev. Hall’s anti-war sermon and family discussion
• 03:18–04:09: Dick returns, confronts Art and family
• 04:48–05:39: Art’s resolution and departure for war
• 05:39–07:04: First air combat experiences, Art earns the nickname "Deacon"
• 07:32–09:09: Assigned as flight leader; old accusations revived
• 09:35–10:23: Coward accusations climax; Art refuses the assignment
• 11:45–13:03: Combat, redemption, Art saves Dick and downs the enemy ace
• 13:11–14:12: Aftermath, forgiveness, and good news from home

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Overall Tone & Style

The episode features classic radio drama hallmarks: earnest delivery, melodrama, and stirring speeches. The characters express strong convictions—ranging from religious pacifism and patriotic zeal to doubt, shame, and ultimate heroism. The pacing moves quickly from town drama to aerial suspense, ending in reconciliation and hope.

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For listeners:
“Deacon from Hell” is a suspenseful, morally charged World War I story that examines faith, duty, and personal growth under pressure—delivered with all the drama and flair of golden-age radio storytelling.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, we present another in the series of war air stories by that ace of all air story writers, George Bruce. George Bruce was a pioneer in flying. His stories are reflections of his own crowded life and of the lives of other American war pilots. They are published exclusively in Aces magazine, which, incidentally, has the largest newsstand sale of any magazine devoted to flying stories. It is a late summer morning of the year 1917. The Midwestern town of Empire. In the austere pulpit of the first disciple church, the Reverend Dr. Hall is concluding the morning service.

[Archwald Hall]

Thus, there is no dispensation made in the commandments.

[Dick Landis]

Thou shalt not kill.

[Archwald Hall]

Not even for soldiers who fight for their country.

[Dick Landis]

All war is murder.

[Archwald Hall]

The day America declared war, I said to my son, promise me you will not be stampeded by this ghastly hysteria which plunges our nation into murder. Promise me you will never touch a rifle. He gave me that promise, and so.

[Dick Landis]

I am proud of my son. Rather would I see him lifeless at.

[Archwald Hall]

My feet than to have him mock the Christian ideals with which he has been reared. And now, let us join in song. Ah, dear daughter Shirley.

[Shirley Hall]

Good morning, Father.

[Archwald Hall]

Well, Art, do you think my sermon today a strong one? Well, Father, I've got something to say to you. I think I better tell you right away. Of course, of course. I. I don't quite know how to tell you. You see, I've always tried to do the right thing, Father. Tried to obey your wishes. And when I gave you my word, I wouldn't.

[Dick Landis]

Don't.

[Archwald Hall]

Don't say anymore. I know what you're going to tell me. The town's been talking again. Well, they called you slacker and yellow and all the rest of it. And so the sinners have always plagued the righteous. But you've made your promise, and I know you'll hold to it. Listen, Father, the town has been talking. Now, I don't care for myself, but I can't forget Shirley. You know what her brother Dick called me when he. He enlisted that morning and I didn't. Oh, well, the town's taken it up. They say that I married Shirley three days before the war was declared to escape enlistment. They say I'm hiding behind Shirley's skirts and my minister's coat. They say Shirley and I. Shirley, you can't care what this sinful, blood mad town is saying.

[Shirley Hall]

Yes, Father, I do care. Oh, can't you see what it means to him? His friends are gone. The people in the parish is nearing. No, no, please don't be angry, Father. I'm Ox's wife. I love him more than I can say. And my heart will break if he has to go to war and leave me. But even so.

[Archwald Hall]

Hello, sis.

[Dick Landis]

Where. Dick, you're walking. You're here.

[Archwald Hall]

Just dropped enough chain on Texas flanks from Cali Field Show. I'm a lieutenant, you get it? Lieutenant Dick Landis. Got my pilot's license and on my way to France.

[Dick Landis]

Oh, Dick. Off of France.

[Archwald Hall]

Great, isn't it? They sure give you the worst in the Air Force. We'll wallop hell out of the Germans now. Well, Dock Hall, I suppose you're still preaching those milk stop sermons of yours. The deacon don't seem to be wearing a uniform yet, either. What's the matter, Deacon?

[Dick Landis]

Scared?

[Archwald Hall]

You're drunk, young man. Drunk with liquor and the lust to kill. No, no.

[Dick Landis]

Wait a minute, Father.

[Archwald Hall]

Dick, this isn't a very pleasant way to say goodbye, but I do want.

[Dick Landis]

To wish you luck.

[Archwald Hall]

And no, I won't shake hands. Not with no traitor and slacker, I won't. You think I'm going to grab the pound of a guy who insults my own sister by hiding behind his skirts, Marrying her so he won't get.

[Dick Landis]

What do you mean, you dog. You can't talk to me like a friend, even if you are my brother. Look, take it up. Hit me. Will you hold that?

[Archwald Hall]

Fighting immediately.

[Dick Landis]

What?

[Archwald Hall]

What luck for me. Fighting in the church. Why, Arch, I'm ashamed of you. Dick Landis, leave at once. Yeah, I'm glad to go. Girl, I told you never to marry this minister. Punk. Goodbye, slacker.

[Dick Landis]

Well, they won't be able to say those cruel things about you now that you're a soldier.

[Archwald Hall]

Now that he's a soldier. What does this mean? I want to tell you before, Father.

[Dick Landis]

I'm going.

[Archwald Hall]

Shirley, this is your work. You got him to do this. You wanted him to go.

[Shirley Hall]

No, no, I love art. I can't bear to have him go, but I can't have him called a coward. And I won't stand in his way. Why, he could have gained exemption because of me. But I told him to go make.

[Archwald Hall]

A murderer of my son. No, he won't go. He will not. He dare not break his promise to his father. I haven't broken any promises to you, sir. I promised you I wouldn't enlist. Well, I didn't. I was drafted. I promised you I wouldn't touch a rifle. And I'm not going to. I'm going into the air service.

[Dick Landis]

Great stuff, boy. Great stuff. Thank you. Your first hop with the squadron. And, man, how you handled that Spad? Wow. Say, you brought down them four fuckers like you've been an ace all your days. We've needed you in this outfit for months, boy. Hun Gunther's been driving us haywire. You go up there scouting like a veteran and chase the Dutchman all to the devil. Where'd you learn to fly?

[Archwald Hall]

Oh, don't ask me. I was scared stiff, Cassidy. I didn't see those fuckers till they were right on top of me.

[Dick Landis]

Go on, you got eyes in the.

[Archwald Hall]

Back of your scalp.

[Dick Landis]

Listen, man, I've been out here since the show began and you're the greatest natural airmen I ever seen. Four Germans, first crack out of the box. Say, you're the best man in the outfit, hands down.

[Archwald Hall]

Oh, thanks, Cassidy, but it was just luck. Just plain luck.

[Dick Landis]

You can tell that to a grease ball. Well, you're a queer ticket at that. You don't drink or go out with the boys or anything, but you sure can fly.

[Archwald Hall]

Well, if I can, it's just luck. I guess I was scared stiff, honest.

[Dick Landis]

I bet one got this fit to me tied. Say, listen, man, what was you before you joined this outfit?

[Archwald Hall]

What did you do?

[Dick Landis]

What's your job?

[Archwald Hall]

Well, you're going to be surprised, Cassidy. I'm a minister. The boys in my town used to call me Deacon.

[Dick Landis]

Well, lay me out in lavender. A sky pilot, huh? I guess so. Well, wait till the gang hears of this. Say, I got your name, buddy boy.

[Archwald Hall]

Put her there and shake her.

[Dick Landis]

Oh, sure. So you're the Deacon. Well, can you tie that? The lad's a deacon. Hey. Hey, Jack. Hey, come over here and meet this here ace of ours. Come on over and meet the Deacon. The Deacon from hell. All right, boys, meeting comes order. Back down, you groundhogs. Now listen, boys. Intelligence orders have come through that Von Gunther is going to raid our railway base at Washparoon at dawn tomorrow. And the first crack out of the box. Our new outfit proves the assignment. To stop that raid and get Von Gunther at dawn. Well, it's a devil of a job. There are some new replacements coming in tonight, but we'll be up against big odds. It'll take a good man to lead a flight against Von Gunther. It'll take the best man we've got, a man with guts and a guy who knows how to fight. And I'm going to hand the honor to the boy who deserves every inch of it. He's only been with us two days. But what he's done in those two days is plenty. And I'm Going to pick this boy the Legion. Gentlemen, the honor goes to the Deacon from Harold. Stand up, Deacon.

[Archwald Hall]

Thanks, fellas. Thanks, Captain Cassidy. All right.

[Dick Landis]

But I.

[Archwald Hall]

Well I. I don't know what to say.

[Dick Landis]

Quite. I.

[Archwald Hall]

Believe me, I'd like nothing better than.

[Dick Landis]

To go up there and get this German ape man. You're going to get him. You're going to lead these boys like a whirlwind and stop that raid.

[Archwald Hall]

The letter for Lieutenant Archwald.

[Dick Landis]

Oh, that's fine, thanks. Excuse me a minute, will you boys?

[Archwald Hall]

Yeah, Soft. Assistant replacement, sir.

[Dick Landis]

Well, come on in boys, join the gang. And you're just in time to get in on the big Strat. They're going up and stop on Gunther at dawn tomorrow. Just lining up the flight. That guy over there with his nose in that letter will be your leader. That guy over there.

[Archwald Hall]

You made him flight leader?

[Dick Landis]

Say, you seem to know him.

[Archwald Hall]

Do I know him? Why that bird is in my hometown. This old man's a fascist preacher. He didn't even enlist. Got drafted. See do I know him? Say, he married my own sister so.

[Dick Landis]

He wouldn't have to go to war. Hey, Deacon, you hear what this replacement's telling us about you?

[Archwald Hall]

Yeah, Deacon, I'm telling your outfit how yellow you are.

[Dick Landis]

By God, Deacon, take your face out of that letter and punch this grease ball a crack in the nose. Well, I must throw down that letter, Deacon. Show this boy what you can do. Hey, hey.

[Archwald Hall]

I'm sorry fellas.

[Dick Landis]

This man's my brother alone.

[Archwald Hall]

Tell him how yer you are, Deacon.

[Dick Landis]

Hey, are you gonna take this guff from this Kiwi, Deacon? Knock him for a loop. You're a slight leader. I'm sorry, Captain Cassidy. Sorry? What the devil do you mean sorry?

[Archwald Hall]

I'm not gonna leave the flight tomorrow.

[Dick Landis]

What? I'm not gonna fly tomorrow. I can't. Ah, he's the matter with us Grave. Look, raise for. Look at that searchlight. It's my. Get out of that field, you big folks. Get up there and bring down that Baron. Got a crate for me, Skipper?

[Archwald Hall]

I'll show you a bunch of real war. I'll get this German hoodo of yours.

[Dick Landis]

Where's it go? I've got put one over on us areas up there. Deacon, I want to surprise you. Fooled on me. Stand there and let the boys know you're a coward. Get the hell out there into your crate. You rock the pipe. Get out there and fight. Oh God. I can't. I can't fly. Not now. Well, I've seen some lousy with no stain in My face. There's never one like you. Look at that flame up and down. Where's your cut, your punch? Stop shivering out there. Oh, God, please. Take your hands off me. I can't fly, I tell you. I won't fly. God, if I was killed now, I can't die, I tell you. I mustn't. Not now. Oh, God. God, there's another one down in front of you. Yeah, your lone gang dying and you stand there blubbering like a foot baby. Look at me or something. And then your own brother in law. I know, I know. Look at this brother in law. They're going to get him. What? Look, please, Harry, frighten his hair. Boy, don't ever get to life. Hey, get the resident. There's no pouring for this ship. Get out of the way, Cassidy. Give me that helmet. By heaven, they can't bring that in. Stop them. I'll kill them all for me. I'll kill them right. Look at him too. Go to. Oh, what a climb. There he goes. He'll save that word yet. Go as he can. Get him. Hit that guy with a lion on his face. Attaboy. There. He's against him now. He got one of you. Go on, Deacon, go on. Oh, what a road jump on Gunn's head. He's back in the middle of six cherries against him. Go on, Deacon, you got the swim. Get the Baron. They must be tearing a ship apart with lead. He's got him. He's just got jump back. Hang on, p.

[Archwald Hall]

You'll be all right, Deacon. Easy now.

[Dick Landis]

Easy.

[Archwald Hall]

Take another sweet kid. That's the boy to come out of that crash fine.

[Dick Landis]

They couldn't kill the deacon from hell.

[Archwald Hall]

Tell me. Von Gunther. He was killing Dick. Killing my wife's brother.

[Dick Landis]

You got him, old man. You got Von Gunther and three of his men. Knock that surprise right into a cup hat.

[Archwald Hall]

Well, Dick. How about Dick? I'm okay, Deacon. Plane came out of a spin just as I thought. I was done. And I checked her to the tree before she took fire.

[Dick Landis]

You.

[Archwald Hall]

You sure saved my life for me.

[Dick Landis]

Deacon.

[Archwald Hall]

I'm sorry about everything I said. Oh, thank God. You know. You know, if one of us died, it would have killed her. Her? Who do you mean? My wife, Kathy. You see that letter I got tonight? She never told me when I went away. She's in the hospital and she must have known it all the time. Don't you see? If I died, it would have killed her. Listen, Deacon. Listen, I got word from home yesterday.

[Dick Landis]

Shelly's all right, Deacon. She's doing fine. It's a boy.

[Narrator]

The dramatized story by George Bruce you have just heard was taken from Aces, the Pioneer Air Story magazine. Your news dealer has George Bruce's latest story featured in the current issue of Aces.