Jack Armstrong 34-01-02 Pelican Catches Fire

Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio: "Jack Armstrong 34-01-02 Pelican Catches Fire" - Detailed Summary

Episode Information:

• Title: Jack Armstrong 34-01-02 Pelican Catches Fire
• Release Date: April 16, 2025
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Transport pilot Jack Armstrong faces perilous challenges as the ship Pelican catches fire amidst ice floes, testing his courage and resourcefulness.

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Introduction

In this riveting installment of Jack Armstrong, listeners are thrust into a high-stakes maritime disaster where heroism and quick thinking are the only hope for survival. The episode, titled "Pelican Catches Fire", masterfully blends suspense, character development, and intense dialogue to captivate its audience.

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Main Plot

The episode opens with Captain Hands valiantly attempting to navigate the ship Pelican through treacherous ice floes. Suddenly, disaster strikes as the vessel erupts in flames, trapping the crew and threatening their survival. As the situation deteriorates, Jack Armstrong, the all-American boy and protagonist, becomes the beacon of hope amidst chaos.

Pelican's Firestorm:

• [01:56] Captain Hands: "Hey."
• [02:00] Captain Hands: "God. We're not going to have much time to make the rescue."

Captain Hands and his men engage in a frantic battle to control the spreading fire. Despite their valiant efforts, the flames prove relentless, and the ship's structural integrity begins to falter.

Desperate Measures:

• [02:18] Professor Northrop: "Oh, it's dreadful. We're so close and we can't lift a hand to help."
• [02:37] Captain Hands: "A fire and bird ship is a terrible thing. If we could only get over there and fight with them."

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Captain Hands considers alternative rescue strategies. The tight ice floes complicate any attempts to reach the burning ship, leaving little time before dawn brings an uncertain outcome.

Strategizing the Rescue:

• [03:17] Professor Northrop: "Wouldn't it?"
• [03:25] Jack Armstrong: "Yes, Jack. The flows seem to be wedged in."

As hope dwindles, the team contemplates the possibility of the Pelican succumbing to the flames before they can intervene. The urgency intensifies as they weigh their options, understanding that time is of the essence.

Captain Hands' Leadership:

• [04:10] Captain Hands: "It's too late to try to do any harm. The Captain took care of that."
• [05:09] Captain Hands: "How much time will there be, Professor?"

Despite mounting challenges, Captain Hands remains resolute, embodying the true spirit of leadership under pressure.

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Key Scenes and Notable Quotes

The Fiery Predicament:

• [02:00] Captain Hands: "We're not going to have much time to make the rescue."

  Captain Hands realizes the severity of the fire and the limited window for rescue operations.

Evaluating the Situation:

• [03:08] Jack Armstrong: "Look there."

• [03:09] Professor Northrop: "Oh. See her feet on fire too. How awful."

  The crew observes the full extent of the fire engulfing the Pelican, deepening the crisis.

Hope Amidst Despair:

• [04:20] Jack Armstrong: "Wait."

• [04:21] Captain Hands: "I Believe we are moving a little and we are fast."

  A flicker of hope emerges as the ice begins to shift, potentially allowing access to the burning ship.

The Plan Takes Shape:

• [06:52] Jack Armstrong: "I wouldn't say that."

• [07:26] Captain Hands: "You don't need to, Captain. I'll do it."

  Captain Hands volunteers for a daring rescue mission, showcasing his bravery.

Final Preparations:

• [10:52] Jack Armstrong: "There's only one piece of advice I can give you. Don't feel you have to hurry. Take your time and keep cool. Make every move. Sure."

• [10:59] Captain Hands: "Don't worry, Captain. I'll get them. Let go now."

  Jack Armstrong imparts crucial last-minute advice to Captain Hands, emphasizing calmness and precision.

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Conclusion

As the episode draws to a close, Jack Armstrong embarks on a perilous journey across the ice, determined to reach the beleaguered ship Pelican and save Captain Hands and the crew. The narrative leaves listeners on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next installment to discover whether Armstrong's heroic efforts will culminate in a successful rescue.

Cliffhanger Moment:

• [11:03] Jack Armstrong: "Good luck. So Jack starts his perilous trip over the ice. Will he reach the Pelican safely? Will he reach the doomed ship in time to save Captain Hands and the crew? Listen tomorrow evening for more thrills, more action with Jack Armstrong, the All American Boy."

This tantalizing wrap-up ensures that audiences remain hooked, eager to hear the resolution of this intense maritime adventure.

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Note: Advertisements and non-content segments, such as the promotional messages for Wheaties, have been intentionally omitted to focus solely on the narrative elements of the episode.

Transcript

[Jack Armstrong]

Jack Armstrong, the all American boy, is on the air in person. Fellows, girls, hang on for thrills. Tweeties bring you a story of champion in action. Today we're calling the role of champions of the airwave of champion transport pilots who fly their great transport trains across America. First, Jack Knight, crack million mile pilot of United Airlines. And Jack Knight says, sweeties are my dish for the next million miles. Number two, David Harris, pilot of American Airlines. And David Harris house. Whenever I want a big breakfast that hits the right spot and tastes well, just lead me to Wheaties and I'll show you some real action. Number three, Jimmy Garrigan, top notch pilot of the transcontinental Western Airways Lindbergh Line. And Jimmy Garrigan says, buy that sky high million dollar Wheaties dish yourself. You'll agree that Wheaties taste great. Yes, and there are more, lots more. Some of America's greatest sky aces of today say freeties are the dish they like to eat. Try fre yourself. Eat them. That famous breakfast of champions way. With plenty of milk or cream, sugar and sliced banana. You'll say like champions of the afa. Freeties sure taste great. And now, Jack Armstrong, the all American boy. Yesterday, as Captain Campbell was attempting to force a ship through the packed ice floes to reach the Pelican, our friend saw her suddenly catch fire. Now we're on the bridge a few moments later. Listen. Oh.

[Captain Hands]

Hey.

[Professor Northrop]

The flames are rising higher.

[Captain Hands]

They're spreading too.

[Jack Armstrong]

The fire's creeping over the whole ship.

[Captain Hands]

God. We're not going to have much time to make the rescue. You can't tell yet. Captain Hands and his men are fighting it. They can get it under control. We may still have until daylight. It's only two hours to dawn, Captain. How does the fire look through the glasses?

[Jack Armstrong]

Very bad. Here, take the glasses yourself. I've got to try another way of getting through these ice flows. We'll have to make it somehow.

[Professor Northrop]

Oh, it's dreadful. We're so close and we can't lift a hand to help.

[Captain Hands]

We will before we're through. Yes. There's got to be a way. If the captain can't drive the ship through the flows, we'll have to try something else. What can we try? I don't know yet, but we'll think of something. How does the fire look now, Professor? It's getting worse. The men are working like mad on deck, though I believe they're starting to pump. They'll never get that fire out.

[Jack Armstrong]

It's got too much of a start.

[Captain Hands]

True, Billy. A fire and bird ship Is a terrible thing. If we could only get over there and fight with them.

[Professor Northrop]

Yeah.

[Captain Hands]

I'd rather be there than be here watching. They're doing their best. They'll check the fire if it's humanly possible. And you see Captain Hands? Yes. I can't keep track of him, though.

[Jack Armstrong]

He seems to be everywhere at once.

[Captain Hands]

He got those men organized amazingly fast.

[Jack Armstrong]

He'll never give up, no matter what the odds are.

[Professor Northrop]

No, you can certainly say that for him. Huffing. Huffin.

[Captain Hands]

See, Mrs. Northrop.

[Professor Northrop]

Oh, yes.

[Jack Armstrong]

There you all are.

[Professor Northrop]

Tell me quickly, but. Coughing first there was a terrible crash. Then I heard an explosion way off.

[Captain Hands]

It was a pelican. Margaret. She's caught him in the ice floes. We're trying to rescue her.

[Jack Armstrong]

Look there.

[Professor Northrop]

Oh. See her feet on fire too. How awful. Oh, I just happened to think what if the heat of the fire loosens the ice? Blows around her?

[Jack Armstrong]

She think?

[Professor Northrop]

Wouldn't it?

[Captain Hands]

I'll sing.

[Jack Armstrong]

Jesus.

[Captain Hands]

I don't believe it could happen for some time, Professor. What do you think? Can't you see it better now how she sticks with the flames, making it lighter?

[Jack Armstrong]

Yes, Jack. The flows seem to be wedged in.

[Captain Hands]

Tight all around her at the water line. They even seem to have lifted her a bit. She's resting high. I believe they'll hold it if she burned nearly down to them.

[Professor Northrop]

If they're that tight, I don't see.

[Captain Hands]

How he'll ever get through them till reacher.

[Professor Northrop]

Oh, how can we hope to anyway, with all that ice between us?

[Captain Hands]

The Captain's going to try to plow through it.

[Jack Armstrong]

Margaret.

[Professor Northrop]

Oh, gracious. I don't believe it's possible. Just look at it. And it's far more underwater than we can see.

[Captain Hands]

I know it's almost a hopeless effort and I believe the Captain knows it.

[Jack Armstrong]

But he won't give up.

[Captain Hands]

How's the fire now, sir? Pepper? Still getting worse. The men can't get the upper hand. But they're taking it all they can.

[Jack Armstrong]

Hey, we'll do for another buff.

[Professor Northrop]

Hang on. Not for another minute. We're moving so slow. It'll hurt.

[Captain Hands]

Boy, that was sooner than we expected. We struck a projecting shelf underwater. It's a worse spot than we hit the first time.

[Professor Northrop]

Yes, it is.

[Captain Hands]

We're not bringing it in.

[Professor Northrop]

Oh, goodness. I don't see that dang good for the ship.

[Captain Hands]

It's too late to try to do any harm. The Captain took care of that. He's built up our way through the ice anyhow. It simply can't be done here, though.

[Jack Armstrong]

Wait.

[Captain Hands]

I Believe we are moving a little and we are fast.

[Professor Northrop]

Oh Sandy. The ice bow in front of us is loose. We're breaking it aside.

[Captain Hands]

By Jove. Yes, the captain's goes better than we thought.

[Professor Northrop]

But look how far we have to go. And it seems to be 12 inch fires up there.

[Jack Armstrong]

Apparently quite a number of open gaps.

[Captain Hands]

Of water between here. Pelican. If we can just get the whole.

[Jack Armstrong]

Pack to shifting we may break through. Yeah, and every little bit we've gain is so much.

[Captain Hands]

Hey, what's he stopping for?

[Jack Armstrong]

We are still moving. The great wild question is behind us. Please be blessed if you don't lock out. I do it, it's all right. Until it's official to reverse. We're back in it again. I can feel this. Easy done.

[Captain Hands]

It's one thing after another.

[Professor Northrop]

Yes. Have to seize place and try all over again.

[Captain Hands]

I suppose there won't be time for a great many of them. How much time will there be Professor? I mean supposing the worst. How long before before the men? I'd say about a half hour, Jack. Possibly a little less.

[Professor Northrop]

Dear me. Then it's two hours till Jordan.

[Captain Hands]

I'm supposing the worst are number. The men might hold the fire inspect for an hour or even more.

[Jack Armstrong]

When it gets too much for them.

[Captain Hands]

They still have another move to make. How?

[Jack Armstrong]

What can they do?

[Captain Hands]

They can climb down over the side of the ship under the flows that surround us.

[Professor Northrop]

But what a lay down bed.

[Captain Hands]

Yeah. I don't know.

[Professor Northrop]

Couldn't they put your way across the ice somehow and reach us?

[Captain Hands]

No, they wouldn't have a chance in a hundred. There are undoubtedly open stretches of water between here and there. And the men might bright spots as they give way under them. There's an outside camp though. It might be done. I'd hate to see them try to force it.

[Jack Armstrong]

They need a skill of athletes and.

[Captain Hands]

So put it into mortal goats. A few might succeed. Certainly not all of them.

[Professor Northrop]

You look for your doctors at the fire again.

[Jack Armstrong]

They're still fighting it. There's not much seen down there. But there's no telling what's going on down inside the tip honey yard. Barbara. Yes, Dapples. How do they stand? The tip will never carry him till darn. I thought so. Then we'll have to think up another plan of getting to him. I can't get through these ice floes before dawn. I'll wreck the penguin if I keep training in the dark boy.

[Captain Hands]

Then that's out.

[Professor Northrop]

Hey captain. Yes, Mrs. R. I just happen to think. What about the training Rain.

[Jack Armstrong]

We have no train.

[Captain Hands]

Oh, not anymore.

[Professor Northrop]

But they have. The white have these signals in some way to get it out on the ice before it's too late. Then they can sit it together and fly over here.

[Jack Armstrong]

Couldn't work. They couldn't take off.

[Captain Hands]

Never in the world. There's not a level stretch of more than 10ft on those ice floes. They'd have no place to land over here anyhow. And I don't believe they could get out the train anymore.

[Jack Armstrong]

The hold of the ship must be.

[Captain Hands]

A furnace by now.

[Jack Armstrong]

Exactly. We've got to work out another scheme.

[Professor Northrop]

How about a decent boy?

[Captain Hands]

Did your men construct one, Captain?

[Jack Armstrong]

Aye, it could be done.

[Captain Hands]

That's the same man.

[Professor Northrop]

Oh, yes.

[Jack Armstrong]

But we've no cannon to shoot the line of crab.

[Captain Hands]

Isn't there some other way of getting it?

[Professor Northrop]

Dear?

[Jack Armstrong]

No.

[Captain Hands]

Bully. No line could be thrown that far.

[Professor Northrop]

Oh, dear. Then it seems that nothing can be done.

[Jack Armstrong]

I wouldn't say that.

[Captain Hands]

No. We don't need a cannon. There is a way of getting the line across. What do you mean, Jack? It can be carried. Carried? Over the ice?

[Jack Armstrong]

Aye. That's a thought they've had in the back of my mind.

[Captain Hands]

But have your man on board who can do it. You know what it means as well as I do.

[Jack Armstrong]

Aye, but my men have courage.

[Captain Hands]

I know, but they'll need more than that.

[Jack Armstrong]

It'll take skill.

[Captain Hands]

More skill than I believe any of them have. They're strong, but they're not right on their feet. Crossing that ice will take muscles that are trained for lightning action. A quick shorted leaf may mean all the difference between success and failure.

[Professor Northrop]

Oh, and the ice must be terribly slippery.

[Jack Armstrong]

A call for volunteers. There'll be plenty to step forward. I saw myself, but I'm too heavy for it. We'll have to pick the lightliest of the bunch.

[Captain Hands]

You don't need to, Captain. I'll do it. No, not.

[Jack Armstrong]

No, lad. No.

[Captain Hands]

I wouldn't think of letting you my Captain.

[Jack Armstrong]

No, I said we'll take a man from the crew. McGregor. Captain. Step up here on the bridge. Quick.

[Captain Hands]

Captain. I'd have a better chance, let me tell you why.

[Jack Armstrong]

Stop it, Judge. I have not listened to it, but.

[Captain Hands]

I'm lighter than any man in your crew. The Ike would support me better. Yeah, and me too. We can go together.

[Jack Armstrong]

Got to double our chances.

[Captain Hands]

No, Billy. It's a one man job.

[Jack Armstrong]

It'll not be either of you, I tell you.

[Captain Hands]

Wait, Captain. Brightness would be a strong advantage. There'll be spots where the ice is weak.

[Jack Armstrong]

Don't you sigh in with them, Northrop. I don't mean to.

[Captain Hands]

When I'm right, rather than see Jack or one of your men try it, I'll make the advantage.

[Jack Armstrong]

No, Northrop.

[Captain Hands]

But I'd know what to watch for. That wouldn't get you there.

[Jack Armstrong]

You're not dry enough, Northrop, any more than I am, and you know it. You'd only waste time as I would.

[Captain Hands]

I wouldn't waste time, Captain.

[Jack Armstrong]

What was this, Jack? Nothing. What is it? Well, I want you to call the troops together as fast as you can. Line them up on deck. I'll talk to him. We've got to have a man among them.

[Captain Hands]

Wait, please. I've got to tell you something. You're saying I can't go because you're thinking only of me. But I'm only one. Compared with two dozen men in things on a Pelican, they're the ones you have to think of. But I've got a better chance of getting to them than anyone on board. I know I have. And the best chance is the one we've got to take. I'm trained as an athlete. I'm light and I'm fast and I know how to jump. He's right, Captain.

[Jack Armstrong]

You throw him on the football field.

[Captain Hands]

And the athletic carnival, too. Please, Captain. Please let me go. One fly is all we may have, and it's wrong not to use your best bet.

[Jack Armstrong]

Let's go, Captain.

[Captain Hands]

That's a powerful argument.

[Jack Armstrong]

Hey, let him go, Captain. The way he's trained, you have better.

[Captain Hands]

Than an even chance of making it. If he doesn't, I'm the second best.

[Jack Armstrong]

Bet, and I'll follow him.

[Captain Hands]

Not a boy, Billy.

[Jack Armstrong]

Go then, lad. I can't refuse after what you've said.

[Captain Hands]

You're right.

[Jack Armstrong]

I've got the start quick your shall, McGregor. You've heard it all. Aye, Captain.

[Captain Hands]

The lad can do it if anyone can.

[Jack Armstrong]

He'll need a line that will stretch across. It'll need to be strong, but it's got to be light as well. We want to put as little drag on him as possible. I know just the one, sir. It's in the deck house store room. Get it in. Bring it to the salvage roll forward and start the crew working on the breaches. Buoy as fast as they can. Get the pulleys in line and rig our end well up on the forward mark. You've got all you need? We have, sir. And there will be no delay. The men will turn through with a wheel. We'll have her fast, ready by the time Jack Gets the line across quick. Then get started. Bring the lad a pair of spike shoes from my locker. He'll need them on the ice. Aye, aye, sir. All hands were flushed to the main. Dark soil. All right, Doc. Please go below to the deck. Untie your shoes. McGregor will be back with another sail.

[Professor Northrop]

Don't we have to bring the ship around?

[Captain Hands]

It's going around. By yourself? We're brought back to the ice. Defenders are touching its door. I can climb over the side and step right down on it.

[Jack Armstrong]

Aye, the window keepers as we are.

[Captain Hands]

Gee, I wish I could go along.

[Jack Armstrong]

One's enough, Billy.

[Captain Hands]

Your turn will come if Jack has trouble on the way. I won't. I'm going to get there.

[Jack Armstrong]

You've got me believing you will, Lord, or I still wouldn't let you make the attempt. I'll not tell you what to think of your truck or your spirit. But our prayers will go with you every step of the way.

[Professor Northrop]

Oh, I suppose.

[Captain Hands]

Right you are.

[Professor Northrop]

Indeed they will.

[Captain Hands]

If only I'm not too late. The fire seems to be brighter over on the Pelican's deck. Haven't grown much worse in the past five minutes. I believe we have a half hour yet.

[Jack Armstrong]

That's Uncle. Here's the line, sir, and a stout pair of sight cues to keep the lad from slipping on the ice. Good.

[Captain Hands]

Give me the end. I'll fasten it around my weight so my arms will be free.

[Jack Armstrong]

I'll fix it. Lad, take your shoes off and get into these brogans of mine. They'll fit well enough over your woolen foot. Billy, stand by the rails. You and I'll help him down there, Jock. Okay.

[Captain Hands]

I'm ready as soon as I get these shoes taken.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yes.

[Captain Hands]

I'll be back with you in a half hour, buddy.

[Jack Armstrong]

Hold his arm, Billy, till his feet are. Throw him on the ice.

[Captain Hands]

I will, Jack, my lad.

[Jack Armstrong]

There's only one piece of advice I can give you. Don't feel you have to hurry. Take your time and keep cool. Make every move. Sure.

[Captain Hands]

Don't worry, Captain. I'll get them. Let go now.

[Jack Armstrong]

Good luck. So Jack starts his perilous trip over the ice. Will he reach the Pelican safely? Will he reach the doomed ship in time to save Captain Hand and the crew? Listen tomorrow evening for more thrills, more action with Jack Armstrong, the All American Boy.

[David Owens]

As you thrive, Wheatie there Whole wheat with olive of brand what you cry Wheat eat for wheat is the best food of man There could be the crunchy the whole year through, Jack Hampton never tired of them and neither will you. For just five we eat the best break of food in the land.

[Jack Armstrong]

This is David Owens saying goodbye from Jack Armstrong and the makers of Wheatie.

[David Owens]

As you try Wheatie they're hoping won't you try for wheat is the best food of man Thirst could be the crunchy the whole year through Jack Anton never tired of them and neither will you for just buy wheat eat the best practice food in the land.