Podcast Summary: Green Hornet 39-06-08 (0348) – "Trouble Hits The Trolleys"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: January 14, 2026
Original Air Date: June 8, 1939

Overview

This episode presents an original broadcast of "The Green Hornet," set in the golden age of radio drama. The featured episode, "Trouble Hits The Trolleys," follows publisher Britt Reid (a.k.a. The Green Hornet) investigating a series of suspicious trolley accidents amidst a citywide push to replace streetcars with buses. Suspicions fall on Fisher, a shrewd businessman angling for the lucrative bus franchise, as Reid and his team at the Daily Sentinel peel back layers of corruption, sabotage, and political intrigue. The story explores themes of sensational journalism, integrity, civic responsibility, and vigilante justice.

Key Discussion Points and Story Beats

Competition in News Reporting & Sensationalism (02:48–05:10)

• The episode opens with heated rivalry between newspapers—the Clarion and the Daily Sentinel—over coverage of a recent trolley accident.
• Ms. Case and Mr. Reed discuss journalistic standards, with Reed refusing to sensationalize for higher circulation:

  • Reid (04:03): "As long as I'm publisher of this paper, I'm not going to color any story to gain circulation. A lot of readers may want lurid yellow journalism, but they won't get it from the Sentinel."

• This sets up the ethical divide and foreshadows the stakes for how the news shapes public opinion and political decisions (e.g., the upcoming vote on the bus franchise).

The Streetcar Accident and Political Intrigue (05:12–06:07)

• Lowry (reporter) questions why the streetcar line suddenly experiences problems, linking the timing to Fisher’s campaign to replace streetcars with buses.
• Reed pushes his team to dig deeper on Fisher, suggesting sabotage is afoot:

  • Reid (05:29): "Doesn't it strike you as odd that the streetcar line should start running into trouble right when Fisher starts his campaign?"

• The Sentinel's staff begins investigating Fisher, the city inspector (Grady), and suspicious new hires at the car barns.

The Villains' Sabotage Plan (06:31–07:56)

• Fisher pressures Grady to file stronger reports for city council, pushing for more severe accidents without getting caught.
• Grady is reluctant but is bribed into stepping up the sabotage, even planning another, more dramatic crash to force action against the streetcar company.

Attempted Reporter Bribery & Streetcar Sabotage (07:56–09:38, 09:38–10:51)

• Lowry confronts Fisher for trying to bribe him into writing negative editorials:

  • Lowry (09:23): "Why, you chiseling line crook. You no good scheming grafter. ... The Sentinel is going after you with both barrels."

• Meanwhile, Fisher orders Moran and Atwell to sabotage the next streetcar, ensuring the crash looks like gross company negligence.

The Dramatic Trolley Crash (10:51–12:06)

• A streetcar, sabotaged and out of control, crashes, just as a nearby officer and bystanders witness the event. The aftermath escalates the push for a city council vote to replace trolleys with buses and sets the stage for legal action against the streetcar company.

Investigation Stalls—No Evidence (12:23–13:09)

• Reed and Lowry find the evidence against Fisher and Grady airtight—no direct links, and the bribed repairmen (Moran, Atwell) are spending freely but claim plausible deniability.
• Ms. Case questions whether vigilante action is the only way left:

  • Ms. Case (12:57): "Isn't that the only way to catch these crooks?"

• The dialogue slyly references the Green Hornet’s vigilante tactics.

The Green Hornet Takes Action (13:09–15:35)

• Reed, as the Green Hornet, decides to intervene, writing a secretive note in disappearing ink to Mr. Hanson (streetcar boss), coercing him to cooperate in a sting against Fisher and his henchmen.

The Final Confrontation & Sting Operation (16:21–25:56)

• The Green Hornet gathers the saboteurs and lures Fisher to the car barns for a showdown.

  • Fisher refuses at first but, under threat of exposure, offers a bribe and then tries to draw a gun on the Hornet.

  • Fisher (22:59): "What are you after, Hornet? Is it money?"

  • The Hornet insists on a written confession, but Fisher double-crosses him, leading to a brief fight.
  • Cato, the Hornet’s aide, steps in with Jiu Jitsu, subduing the criminals.

• Police arrive, finding evidence, the unconscious criminals, and a (disappearing ink) letter from the Hornet. Moran and Atwell confess, directly implicating Fisher:

  • Atwell (25:32): "We was working for Fisher, that's how. Fisher's the guy."

  • Officer (25:40): "Fisher will be convicted. ... He might have got away with it before, but now that we found him here...he's sunk."

Memorable Ending and the Green Hornet’s Signature Move (25:56–27:33)

• The confession written in disappearing ink leaves the police awed:

  • Doyle (26:12): "There ain't no writing on this page. It's blank."

  • Lowry (26:18): "The Green Hornet thinks of everything."

• As the Hornet makes his escape, the Daily Sentinel gets the scoop, besting the Clarion and thwarting the would-be bus monopoly.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Reid on Journalism (04:03):
  "As long as I'm publisher of this paper, I'm not going to color any story to gain circulation."

• Lowry on Bribery (09:23):
  "Why, you chiseling line crook. ... The Sentinel is going after you with both barrels."

• Ms. Case on Vigilantism (12:57):
  "Isn't that the only way to catch these crooks?"

• Police React to the Disappearing Ink (26:12):
  "There ain't no writing on this page. It's blank.... The Green Hornet thinks of everything."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:48 — Newspapers debate coverage of the trolley accident
• 05:10 — Suspicion rises about sabotage, Reed urges investigation
• 06:31 — Fisher and Grady conspire to intensify streetcar sabotage
• 09:23 — Lowry is offered (and rejects) a bribe from Fisher
• 10:58 — Sabotaged trolley crashes, intensifying crisis
• 12:23 — Investigators find evidence elusive
• 13:09 — Reed decides to act as Green Hornet
• 16:21 — Green Hornet’s plan in motion, prepares the sting
• 22:59–24:32 — Confrontation with Fisher and his men; Green Hornet and Cato triumph
• 25:05 — Police arrive, evidence and confessions obtained
• 26:12 — The disappearing ink reveal and the Hornet’s signature escape

Tone and Style

The episode thrives on clever banter, noir-style suspense, and a brisk pace. Typical of 1930s radio drama, it balances tense action sequences (the sabotage, the confrontation) with punchy, sometimes humorous newsroom repartee. The Green Hornet's persona is unwaveringly calm, clever, and just; his legend grows as much in myth as in deed.

Conclusion

"Trouble Hits The Trolleys" is a classic Green Hornet adventure, blending investigative journalism, political corruption, and vigilante heroics with vintage radio flair. It showcases how democracy, integrity, and a little masked intervention can turn the tide against systemic corruption—leaving listeners entertained and rooting for both the press and the Green Hornet's unique brand of justice.