Jack Armstrong - Easter Island Adventure

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Jack Armstrong – Easter Island Adventure

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Date: May 13, 2026
Featured Program: Jack Armstrong, the All American Boy – "Easter Island Adventure"

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Overview

This episode of Harold’s Old Time Radio showcases a classic radio adventure with Jack Armstrong and his friends. Set around the dramatic escape from Easter Island, the story revolves around Jack and the crew’s efforts to evade the nefarious Captain Badger and secure a mysterious treasure, involving daring maneuvers, clever tactics, and a heartfelt farewell.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

1. Setting the Scene: Training, Cheer, and Wheaties Promotion

• Opening Tone: Light and encouraging, focused on physical training and Wheaties as the "breakfast of champions."
  • Russ expresses disappointment about not making the football team.
  • A friend suggests Jack Armstrong’s three simple rules for keeping in shape: fresh air, exercise, cleanliness, and eating Wheaties.
    Notable quote:
    “Why, just take Jack Armstrong's training rules. You follow three simple rules, call of them easy as pie, and you're training the way lots of famous coaches recommend.” (01:48, Friend of Russ)

2. Easter Island Escape: Rejoining the Adventure

• Sinister Premise: Jack, Billy, Betty, Uncle Jim, and the East Indian Babu are fleeing Easter Island.
• Situation:
  • Betty and Babu are with Uncle Jim on the sky cruiser.
  • Jack and Billy are on the supply ship negotiating safe passage for Babu and trying to ensure Badger and his men are managed.

3. The Threat of Badger and Tension on Board

• Captain Norton’s Dilemma: He realizes he was tricked by Badger’s false signal and expresses reluctance to aid Badger and his gang.
  • Key exchange:
    “Captain Badger probably knew I couldn't see it. He signaled that the sky cruiser was in trouble…” (04:21, Captain Norton)
• Badger’s Plan Revealed: Jack outlines Badger’s plot to steal Uncle Jim’s plane and treasure.
  • Quote:
    “I'll bet Badger's not sorry. Badger had it all figured out, to steal the sky cruiser...and get clean away with Uncle Jim's plane and the treasure.” (04:45, Jack Armstrong)

4. Imminent Attack and Quick Thinking

• Action Builds: Badger and his men overtake the motor launch and threaten to overpower the crew.
• Decision: Jack and Billy choose to swim back to warn Uncle Jim instead of waiting for the boat, heightening the urgency.
  • “But, Captain Norton … Billy and I'll dive overboard and swim back to the sky cruiser. It'll save time.” (07:04, Jack Armstrong)

5. Showdown at the Sky Cruiser

• Rising Stakes:
  • Badger approaches, surrounded by his men and armed, attempting to force boarding.
  • The Babu intercedes, warning Badger not to board.
    • Heroic moment:
      “Captain Anthony Badger. You are not coming aboard the sky cruise?” (11:16, Babu)
• Climactic Twist:
  • The Babu springs into action, jumping and capsizing the launch, tossing Badger and his men into the water.
    • Excitement:
      “Did you see the Babu upset that launch? He had everybody in the water before they even guessed what he meant to do.” (11:36, Jack Armstrong)

6. The Aftermath: Rescue and Farewell

• Order is Restored:
  • Captain Fairfield and Murdoch coordinate to rescue everyone.
  • The Babu becomes a beloved hero but announces his departure.
    • Bittersweet Farewell:
      “Goodbye, Jack sahib. Forgive these importunities of this fat old Babu.” (13:00, Babu)
• Resolution:
  • The crew prepares for takeoff, leaving Easter Island behind and heading home.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On teamwork and discipline:
  “If an athlete's going to make the most of his natural ability, if he's going to practice hard for winning performance, he's got to keep in training.” (02:38, Narrator)

• Babu’s selfless heroism:
  “This babu has floated bonds 280 halfway around the world for just one purpose.” (11:18, Babu)

• Jack’s unshakable optimism:
  “Maybe I'm not ready for the team yet, but I'll bet you I'm gonna be. You just wait and see.” (02:24, Russ)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:06]: Russ discusses his failed attempt to join the team and learns Jack Armstrong’s rules.
• [03:16]: Adventure resumes with Jack, Billy, and Captain Norton on the supply ship.
• [04:21]: Captain Norton recounts being tricked by Badger.
• [06:02]: Badger and his men seize the launch and threaten the sky cruiser.
• [07:04]: Jack and Billy decide to swim back to the sky cruiser.
• [09:01]: Jack and Billy warn Uncle Jim about Badger’s approach.
• [11:16]: Dramatic confrontation—Babu faces down Badger.
• [11:34]: The Babu’s heroic leap, capsizing Badger’s launch.
• [13:00]: Emotional farewell between Jack, Babu, and the group.
• [13:34]: Takeoff and promise of new adventures.

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Tone & Style

The episode is marked by the fast-paced, earnest, and camaraderie-driven language characteristic of 1940s and 1950s radio adventures. Dialogue is brisk, with quick wit and moral clarity: good guys bravely persevere, and justice is ultimately served—tempered by sincere, sentimental goodbyes.

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Conclusion

In this action-packed installment, Jack Armstrong and friends outsmart the villainous Badger in a race against time, combining courage, quick thinking, and loyal friendship. The Babu’s sacrifice and the crew’s teamwork shine, leaving listeners with a sense of adventure, warmth, and anticipation for the next thrilling mystery.

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Transcript

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[Jack Armstrong]

Jack Armstrong.

[Babu]

Jack Armstrong.

[Narrator]

Jack Armstrong, Jack Armstrong, the all American Boy.

[Wheaties Announcer]

Wave the fight for us in high voice. Show them how we stand. Every shouting Be champion known throughout the land.

[Narrator]

Wheaties Breakfast of champions. Bring you the thrilling adventures of Jack Armstrong, the all American boy.

[Russ]

Okay, gang, now let's talk it up in there. Let's have the old cheer as loud as you can make it. Here we go. Rickety rackety sis. Boom bop Lincoln High School. Rah, rah, rah.

[Friend of Russ]

Hey, Russ, what do you think you're doing with the megaphone? What's all the cheering about?

[Russ]

Oh, I'm practicing up to be a cheerleader. I guess. That's the only way I can help the team this year. Coach Roberts told me I haven't got a chance in a million to make the squad.

[Friend of Russ]

What's wrong with you?

[Russ]

Well, for one thing, the coach says I'm not in good enough condition for hard practice. He says it'll take a good training program to help get me in shape. Well, you know how it is when a fellow on vacation all summer long, he doesn't think much about training for football.

[Friend of Russ]

Jeepers, are you ever a back number. Why, I can name a dozen guys who keep in training all year round. I do it myself and it's no trouble at all. Whoever told you it's hard to keep in training?

[Russ]

Well, isn't it?

[Friend of Russ]

Heck, no. Why, just take Jack Armstrong's training rules. You follow three simple rules, call of them easy as pie, and you're training the way lots of famous coaches recommend.

[Russ]

Three rules, huh? And easy to follow. What are they?

[Friend of Russ]

Well, you start by getting plenty of fresh air, sleep and exercise. And then you use lots of soap and water every day.

[Jack Armstrong]

You know how important it is for

[Friend of Russ]

an athlete to keep clean and well. And the third rule? Boy, are you ever gonna like that one. It's eating Wheaties for breakfast. You have a big bowl full of Wheaties with lots of milk and fruit. They call that dish a breakfast of champions because so many famous athletes eat it.

[Russ]

Say, I've heard about Wheaties. Jim Forrest eats them every morning and he says they're swell. You know, I'm gonna start that training program right away. Maybe I'm not ready for the team yet, but I'll bet you I'm gonna be. You just wait and see.

[Narrator]

That's the system, Russia. You know, if an athlete's going to make the most of his natural ability, if he's going to practice hard for winning performance, he's got to keep in training. And fellas and girls, I know you'll find Jack Armstrong's training rules are just the ticket. So you keep right on eating a breakfast of champions in the morning with an extra lot of those nourishing whole wheat flakes. Wheaties.

I'm telling you, those Wheaties are good. And now, Jack Armstrong, the All American boy.

Jack, Billy, Betty and Uncle Jim with the East Indian Babu have escaped from Easter Island. Do you hear those pumps? They're the pumps of the supply ship anchored three miles offshore, refueling Uncle Jim's Great Four motor Sky Cruiser. Betty and the Babu are with Uncle Jim aboard the plane. But Jack and Billy have been sent aboard the supply ship, which is between the sky Cruiser and the beach. They're making arrangements with the captain for the Babu's passage back to India. Jack is also trying to get Captain Norton to agree to take Badger and his men as far as the supply ship's first port of call. But Captain Norton doesn't like the idea. He's watching the supply ship's motor launch as they come speeding back from Easter island, loaded to the gunnels with Badger and his men. Listen.

[Jack Armstrong]

But Captain Norton, how did you happen to send that motor launch ashore in the first place?

[Captain Norton]

Jack, someone signaled to me from the beach. I thought it was Captain Fairfield, but it must have been Badger or one of his men.

[Jack Armstrong]

Did he signal about Badger's yacht? Did he signal about the shipwrecked conquistador?

[Captain Norton]

No, Billy, he didn't.

[Jack Armstrong]

You can't see the Conquistador from here, Billy. It's on the rocks around behind that promontory.

[Captain Norton]

Captain Badger probably knew I couldn't see it. He signaled that the sky cruiser was in trouble, that it would be alongside as soon as the trouble could be repaired.

[SpinQuest Disclaimer]

Trouble?

[Jack Armstrong]

Says he. He was looking for some treasure he couldn't find. That's all the trouble he was in.

Captain Norton, did Badger ask you to send a boat ashore?

[Captain Norton]

No, Jack. I sent the chief engineer ashore myself. He doesn't know much about airplane motors, but he was willing to help if he could. I'm sorry now I sent him.

[Jack Armstrong]

I'll bet Badger's not sorry Badger had it all figured out. To steal the sky cruiser, fly out here and refuel and get clean away with Uncle Jim's plane and the treasure.

[Captain Norton]

Say, Jack, what is this treasure you keep mentioning? Has Captain Fairfield dug up some pirate's treasure somewhere?

[Jack Armstrong]

No, sir. The treasure belongs to a friend of Uncle Jim's in Landor Lane. Uncle Jim's taking it to America for safekeeping.

[Narrator]

Hmm.

[Captain Norton]

Then Badger found out about it, did he?

[Jack Armstrong]

He sure did. But I guess we've stopped Badger this time.

Billy, we're not through with Badger yet. Watch that motor launch. Something's happening. I can't see what it is, but

Badger and his men, they're standing up and changing places. They'll upset that launch just as sure as.

Do you see that big man who's standing beside the tiller?

[Captain Norton]

Yes. He seems to be arguing with my man.

[Jack Armstrong]

That's Badger. You could spot him in any crowd.

[Captain Norton]

I've never seen Badger, but I know his reputation. Jack, I'm not at all anxious to take Badger and his gang of shipwrecked sailors along with me.

[Jack Armstrong]

But you will take them, Captain Norton?

[Captain Norton]

Yes, I suppose I've got to.

[Jack Armstrong]

Oh, swell. That's another load off Uncle Jim's mind.

Jack, I wish we could get away before Badger and his men get here.

[Captain Norton]

Billy, my crew will bring them aboard this ship. They won't cause Captain Fairfield any more trouble.

[Jack Armstrong]

I'm not so sure. Look, do you see what's happening in the motor launch?

Say, Jack, what's Badger doing?

Badger's trying to grab the tiller.

[Captain Norton]

I'll be blast him. My men will take no nonsense from rats like Badger.

[Jack Armstrong]

But Badger's got four men to one of yours. Your men haven't got a chance.

I see what's happening. Badger wants to circle the ship so he can reach the sky Cruiser. Captain Norton, how much longer will it take to refuel the sky Cruiser?

[Captain Norton]

I'll find out.

[Captain Fairfield]

Ahoy there. Murdoch, how much longer will it take to refuel the plane?

[Murdoch]

Just a minute, sir.

[Captain Fairfield]

I'll go see.

[Jack Armstrong]

Jack, let's get aboard the sky cruiser. Let's tell Uncle Jim to take off now without wasting a second. We've got enough gas. We don't have to wait for any more.

Oh, yes, we do. We need every drop of gas we can get.

But, Jack, look. Badger's men have taken command of the motor launch. They're circling so as to come alongside the sky Cruiser.

[Captain Fairfield]

Cap Norton. I kept nothing. Yes, Murdoch. What's the news?

[Murdoch]

It'll take another 10 minutes to ship this cargo.

[Captain Fairfield]

Gas all right, Murdoch. Then lower number five lifeboat, take a crew, intercept the motor launch. Bring that gang aboard here.

[Jack Armstrong]

Captain Norton, that's swell of you, thanks.

You bet it is. Uncle Jim needs every bit of help he can get.

Now, come on, Billy. We'd better get back to the Sky Cruiser. Okay, Jack, Murdoch and the others will

[Captain Norton]

take care of Badger and his gang.

[Jack Armstrong]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Norton]

But you boys had better wait until they bring Badger and his men aboard the supply ship. Then they can take you back to the plane.

[Jack Armstrong]

But, Captain Norton, Uncle Jim doesn't know yet that Badger's coming. He can't see the launch and he can't hear it over the noise of the pumps. So if it's okay with you, sir, Billy and I'll dive overboard and swim back to the sky cruiser. It'll save time.

Swell idea, Jack.

[Babu]

Let's do it.

[Captain Norton]

All right, boys, go ahead. Tell Captain Fairfield to send that East Indian baboo, or whatever you call him aboard. I'll take care of him. Okay, sir.

[Murdoch]

Thanks.

[Jack Armstrong]

Uncle Jim will sure appreciate it.

Come on, Jack.

Billy, wait a second. I'm going to shout to Uncle Jim.

But, Jack, Uncle Jim won't be able to hear you. Not with those pumps going, he won't.

Well, I'll try anyway.

Hi, Uncle Jim. Uncle Jim. There's Betty. She heard you.

[Russ]

I can't hear you.

[Jack Armstrong]

Tell Uncle Jim Badger's coming. Badger's coming. Tell Uncle Jim. Oh, it's no use, Jack. She can't hear you. She's going to get Uncle Jim.

Okay, then, let's go. So long, Captain Norton. Thanks a million for all you've done for us.

Yeah, you've been swell.

[Captain Norton]

Well, goodbye, boys. Tell Captain Fairfield he's been mighty generous with me. He paid me lots more than this trip was worth.

[Jack Armstrong]

Okay, sir, I'll tell him. But I know he won't agree with you. Come on, Billy. Up on the rail, then dive high, wide and handsome.

Gee, that water looks a long way off.

Yeah, but it'll be plenty close in about a second.

[Captain Fairfield]

So long, Captain Norton.

[Jack Armstrong]

There goes. So long, sir.

[Captain Fairfield]

Good luck, boys.

[Jack Armstrong]

Are you okay, Billy?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Jack Armstrong]

I slipped when I drove off the ship's rail and I hit the water like a ton of Fritz. You're okay now. Come on, swim. We've got to get to the Sky

Cruiser before Badger does.

Hey, do you hear that, Jack?

Yeah, it's the motor launch. It's coming fast.

Hi, Uncle Jim.

[Captain Fairfield]

Betty.

[Russ]

Jeff. Billy, what are you doing in the water? Why didn't you wait for.

[Jack Armstrong]

Never mind that. Tell Uncle Jim Badger's coming. Badger and all his men. They're in a motor launch. They're heading for the sky cruiser.

[Russ]

I can hear him.

[Murdoch]

Out of the way, Bubble. Make room for me.

[Babu]

I just.

[Jack Armstrong]

I just.

[Wheaties Announcer]

Jack.

[Murdoch]

Billy, are you all right?

[Jack Armstrong]

We're okay.

[Murdoch]

What's happened?

[Jack Armstrong]

Badger's coming to grab the sky cruiser.

[Murdoch]

Right. I see him. Look sharp. Jack. You and Billy come aboard quick.

[Captain Fairfield]

Go.

[Russ]

Jim. Jack and Billy. You'll be too late.

[Captain Norton]

Easy, Benny.

[Murdoch]

Out of the way. Babu, help me get Jack and Billy aboard.

[Jack Armstrong]

Archer Sahi acha.

[Babu]

Grab my hand, Jack. Sahib.

[Jack Armstrong]

Billy, you go first.

Don't act him. Okay. Wait a second, Babo.

[Wheaties Announcer]

Yeah.

[Murdoch]

Okay.

[Jack Armstrong]

Haul away now.

[Murdoch]

Hey, I hear Jack.

[Wheaties Announcer]

Give me a hand.

[Jack Armstrong]

Okay.

Uncle Jim.

[Babu]

Oh, my Aunt Bajan is coming.

[Jack Armstrong]

Hey, Babu, don't break my arm.

[Captain Fairfield]

Now.

[Murdoch]

Jack, up. Hiccup.

[Jack Armstrong]

Thanks, Uncle Jim. Sorry, Babu. Did I land on your foot?

I don't know.

[Babu]

It does not matter. Oh, my aunt.

[Jack Armstrong]

For Badger.

[Babu]

He may have a gun.

[Murdoch]

Take it easy, Babble. Badger has got a gun. He's not showing it yet. Imperfield, I've come to congratulate you. You're the first man who ever got the best of Anthony Badger. Keep your distance, Badger. Don't bring that launch any closer.

[Russ]

Jack, look. What's that on the floor of Badger's launch?

[Jack Armstrong]

Dog gone.

Those are the four men who took the launch ashore. Badger's got em bound with rope.

What can we do, Jack? Badger's sure to pull a fast one, Captain.

[Murdoch]

Jimmy, Quiet.

[Jack Armstrong]

Billy, listen to me.

[Murdoch]

I've heard you're a generous man. I've come to ask a favor of you. Badger, I said keep that launch away from the sky cruiser. Hey, Mason. Hoy there.

[Babu]

There's a lifeboat coming from the supply ship.

[Wheaties Announcer]

I see it.

[Murdoch]

You fool. It comes too close. Dump those four sailors overboard. Dennis, Tartan.

[Babu]

Aye aye, Captain. You better be quick.

[Murdoch]

Jim Fairfield, my uncle and Pistadore is a total loss. It lies broken on the rocks of Easter Island. I'm helpless. I have no means of getting away from here.

[Jack Armstrong]

Oh, yes you have, Captain Badger. Supply ship will take you away.

[Murdoch]

Yes, supply ship. You think I'd waste my time on the slope? Raider 5 men can go that way. All except Mason. Mason will come with me.

[Russ]

Jack, look. The light bolts are. The supply ship is creeping up on Badger. I have.

[Jack Armstrong]

Betty, don't give him away.

His lucky Badger's men are watching him

[Narrator]

and they're waiting for a signal.

[Murdoch]

Badger, tell me if you and the man you call Mason don't intend to leave Easter island aboard the supply ship. How do you propose to get away, Jim Fairfield? You're going to take me away from here. I'm coming aboard your sky cruiser, sahib.

[Babu]

I will answer for Captain Jim Fairfield.

[Murdoch]

I will get back.

[Babu]

One moment. There'll be a shine. Captain Anthony Badger. You are not coming aboard the sky cruise?

[Captain Fairfield]

Oh, no, no.

[Babu]

Badger sighed. This babu has floated bonds 280 halfway around the world for just one purpose.

[Murdoch]

Bubbushi duck bad.

[Babu]

Just pulling your gun, Jack Sahi Badger. He's too late.

[Jack Armstrong]

The Babu's gonna jump.

[Russ]

Babushi. Jump?

[Jack Armstrong]

He landed right on the gunnel and

[Murdoch]

took them all out.

[Jack Armstrong]

My joke.

[Murdoch]

Good for you, Babu.

[Jack Armstrong]

Did you see the Babu upset that launch? He had everybody in the water before they even guessed what he meant to do.

[Babu]

Quick, Uncle Jim.

[Jack Armstrong]

The Babu can't swim.

[Captain Fairfield]

I've got him, Jack. Grab hold.

[Murdoch]

I've got the sailors in the lifeboat.

[Captain Fairfield]

Ahoy, there. Can you pick up these men?

[Jack Armstrong]

Abu, don't struggle.

[Babu]

I've got to.

[Jack Armstrong]

Jack sahib.

[Russ]

You.

[Babu]

Did my plan work?

[Wheaties Announcer]

Did it work, boy?

[Jack Armstrong]

Babo.

[Russ]

Babuji. Badger had a gun. I thought he was going to Betty, sahiba.

[Babu]

Don't say it. I thought so, too.

[Jack Armstrong]

S better. Now his loss is gone. Gosh, they're hauling him into the light bulb. Here, Uncle Jim. The pumps have stopped.

[Narrator]

We're all fueled.

[Murdoch]

All right, Jack. I'll go and disconnect the hose and keep it oversized.

[Jack Armstrong]

Okay, Uncle Jim.

Wait a second, Jack. Captain Norton shouting from the supply ship.

[Captain Fairfield]

Hey, Murder. Don't forget that East Indian Babu. Bring him above.

[Murdoch]

Ay, ay, sir.

[Russ]

Babuji, the lifeboat's coming for you.

[Babu]

Jack sahib. Don't need to lift me into the plane. I will go in the lifeboat. You and your refugee must take off. Fly away, far away, where Bajil can never find you again.

[Russ]

Babuji, I wish you were coming with us.

[Babu]

Gaddy, Sahiba. I wish I were. But self and family man must return home. Must never again make trouble for you and your Uncle Jim and Jack and Billy. Goodbye, Jack sahib. Forgive these importunities of this fat old Babu.

[Russ]

He.

[Babu]

He meant well. Quick, you say take me out of this water. You think I am a porpoise? Tell me about that life force. This is no place to be sentimental, self unpractical person.

[Murdoch]

Okay, Jack, we're ready to take off.

[Captain Fairfield]

So long, Babu.

[Captain Norton]

Going to miss you.

[Jack Armstrong]

Goodbye, Jack sahib. Goodbye.

[Babu]

Ar.

[Murdoch]

My aunt.

[Babu]

I shall meet you.

[Jack Armstrong]

Goodbye, Arnold.

[Captain Fairfield]

Okay, Uncle Jim.

[Murdoch]

All set. Bounce, everybody. We're out.

[Captain Fairfield]

We're home.

[Murdoch]

Here goes.

[Narrator]

There they go. Off into the blue sky. High above the Pacific Ocean. Headed straight home to Hudson. Listen in, all of you, at the same time next Monday for the beginning of a thrilling new mystery adventure with Jack Armstrong, the All American Boy. Now, you're having Wheaties for breakfast every morning this weekend, aren't you? Enjoy a big bowl full of those crisp, golden brown Wheaties flakes with lots of milk and fruit and you're off to a champion start for the day with that famous breakfast of champions. Ask mother to get you two or three packages of Wheaties now.

[Wheaties Announcer]

Have you tried Wheaties? They're whole wheat with all of the brand.

[Narrator]

This is Franklin McCormick saying goodbye till Monday for General Mills, makers of Wheaties Breakfast of champions, who have just presented another episode of Jack Armstrong, the All American Boys.

[Wheaties Announcer]

The best breakfast food in the land. Wave the flanker, Hudson. High voice. Show them how we stand.

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