Episode Title: Battle for Inspector West - Honeymoon Spells Nightmare
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
Release Date: March 26, 2025

Episode Overview

In this riveting episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Battle for Inspector West - Honeymoon Spells Nightmare," listeners are drawn into a suspense-filled narrative that intertwines the professional duties of Chief Inspector Roger West of Scotland Yard with the personal tribulations of his family life. Based on John Crease's novel and dramatized by Morris Travers, the story unfolds with intense drama, mystery, and unexpected twists that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Main Characters

• Chief Inspector Roger West (Patrick Allen): A seasoned detective at Scotland Yard, known for his dedication and sharp investigative skills.
• Janet West (Sarah Lawson): Roger's supportive and insightful wife, providing a grounding influence amidst the chaos of her husband's career.
• Michael Grant: A charismatic and ambitious businessman engaged to Christine Morley, with hidden depths and connections.
• Christine Morley Grant: Michael's fiancée, whose past holds secrets that resurface during the events of the episode.
• Arthur Morley: Christine’s father, a recently released convict with a criminal history.
• Prendergast Hayden: An enigmatic artist whose presence adds layers to the unfolding mystery.

Detailed Summary

1. Morning Tensions and Hidden Agendas (00:03 - 04:13)

The episode opens with a tense phone exchange involving Michael Grant, indicating underlying tensions and conflicts. Notably, Michael's disdain is palpable when he reprimands Hayden for anonymity:
“Is that for me, Hayden? … I have a constitutional aversion to people who play funny beggars on the telephone, sir. Good grief, Hayden.” [01:04]

Meanwhile, at the West household, Janet West prepares breakfast for Chief Inspector Roger West and their sons. Their interaction reveals the strains of Roger's demanding job:
“It's no worse for me Than any other copper. The motto of the force these days. Overworked and understaffed. But we go marching on.” [03:16]

Janet expresses concern over Roger's relentless work ethic, suggesting he take a break:
“It wouldn't hurt you to take an hour off once in a while.” [03:40]
Roger, dismissive yet endearing, agrees to a lunch date, signaling a rare moment of personal connection:
“That's a date.” [04:10]

2. The Wedding and Shadows of the Past (04:12 - 08:28)

Chief Inspector West attends the wedding of Michael Grant and Christine Morley. The atmosphere is thick with undercurrents as Roger observes subtle tensions:
“The chap in the shabby gray suit … I wondered if he'd show.” [06:35]

Roger recounts the troubled history of Christine’s father, Arthur Morley, who was convicted of murdering his wife out of jealousy and recently released from prison:
“For murder. Murder? He was sentenced to death for strangling his wife.” [07:32]

Janet muses on the potential scars left by Arthur’s past:
“The girl must have been just a child, about 10. Same age as Scoopy. What became of her?” [08:16]

3. Honeymoon Begins with Unease (08:28 - 15:17)

Michael and Christine arrive at Uplands, a secluded country hotel meant to be the backdrop for their honeymoon. The serenity is deceptive, as subtle hints of impending danger emerge. Christine notices Michael's evasiveness and the ominous presence of a man with an Alsatian dog:
“It was the biggest Alsatian I've ever laid eyes on. What are you doing?” [09:55]

The discovery of a mysterious mask identical to the man's face deepens the mystery:
“Look in there. The face. Don’t you see? That man in the car with the dog. Even the smile.” [12:06]

Michael casually reveals the man's name, Corrosian, hinting at deeper connections:
“His name is Corrosian.” [12:54]

4. The Unfolding Nightmare (15:17 - 22:16)

As the couple settles in, the idyllic setting of Uplands becomes the hunting ground for Corrosian. An attempted assault occurs when Christine is shot while swimming, sparking immediate suspicion:
“Someone took a shot at you. A shot just as you dived.” [25:28]

Chief Inspector West arrives, intertwining his investigation with Michael and Christine's ordeal:
“I doubt that theory, or am I mistaken?” [22:05]

Grant confronts West about inadequate protection:
“I want a damn sight more from you than admiration, West. I want Chris protected every minute of the day. Understand that?” [24:31]

West proposes a daring plan to trap Corrosian at the isolated hotel, leveraging the setting's isolation:
“We couldn't find a more perfect place to lay a trap than this hotel.” [23:29]

5. Rising Tensions and Clifhanger (22:16 - 27:05)

As the tension escalates, Michael becomes increasingly distrustful of West's methods, fearing for Christine's safety:
“When it comes to Chris, nothing doing. The deal's off. West. Chris. Come on out, darling.” [25:53]

An intense argument ensues when Michael accuses West of failure:
“By the time they went racing off over to the shrubbery, Chris could have been shot 10 times over.” [25:38]

Despite mounting pressure, West maintains his composure, urging the couple to cooperate:
“Every single minute, you'll both be protected, Mr. Grant. Leave that to me.” [24:31]

The episode culminates in a precarious situation where Roger must balance his duty with the personal turmoil of the West family, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Key Themes and Insights

• Balancing Duty and Personal Life: Chief Inspector West's struggle to maintain his professional responsibilities while nurturing his family relationships.

• Secrets and Deception: The layers of hidden truths in Michael and Christine's past, particularly concerning Corrosian and Arthur Morley, add depth to the narrative.

• Isolation as a Double-Edged Sword: Uplands serves both as a sanctuary and a potential trap, highlighting the vulnerability that comes with isolation.

• Trust and Betrayal: The evolving trust between Michael, Christine, and Inspector West underpins the tension and drives the plot forward.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Michael Grant expressing frustration:

  “I have a constitutional aversion to people who play funny beggars on the telephone, sir. Good grief, Hayden.” [01:07]

• Janet West on Roger's work ethic:

  “It wouldn't hurt you to take an hour off once in a while.” [03:40]

• Chief Inspector West reflecting on his role:

  “It's no worse for me Than any other copper... But we go marching on.” [03:19]

• Michael confronting West:

  “I want a damn sight more from you than admiration, West. I want Chris protected every minute of the day. Understand that?” [24:31]

• West assuring protection:

  “Every single minute, you'll both be protected, Mr. Grant. Leave that to me.” [24:31]

• Climactic accusation from Michael to West:

  “By the time they went racing off over to the shrubbery, Chris could have been shot 10 times over.” [25:38]

Conclusion

"Battle for Inspector West - Honeymoon Spells Nightmare" masterfully blends elements of mystery, drama, and personal conflict, painting a vivid picture of the challenges faced by those who serve and protect. As Chief Inspector Roger West grapples with external threats and internal family dynamics, listeners are treated to a compelling story that promises further intrigue and resolution in subsequent episodes. The seamless integration of suspenseful dialogue, character development, and plot twists ensures that this episode stands out as a testament to the enduring allure of Golden Age radio dramas.