Jack Armstrong - Ship In Distress

Summary

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Podcast Summary

Harold's Old Time Radio – Jack Armstrong: Ship In Distress

Date: May 13, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Theme:
A classic radio adventure from the Golden Age, following Jack Armstrong and friends as they respond to a dramatic rescue call: a ship in distress amid Arctic ice. Listeners join in the tension and teamwork of the crew as they race to save another vessel, culminating with a fiery crisis and the promise of more excitement to come.

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Main Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. The Rescue Mission Begins

Timestamps: 00:44 – 02:48

• The episode jumps in straight after the usual Wheaties sponsor plug, launching into the shipboard crisis.
• Jack, Billy, and Betty notice a red rocket—an international distress signal—fired by another ship (03:00).
• Captain Campbell quickly sets the Penguin (their ship) toward the signaled vessel to render rescue.
• The group collaborates with Mr. McGregor to launch a white rocket in response, signaling help is on the way (04:21–05:40).

Notable Quote:
"That ship must be in a bad way. It sure is if it's one of the packed ice. And the poor fellows on board must be desperate."
—Billy (03:00)

2. Shipboard Strategy & Ice Hazards

Timestamps: 03:34 – 06:44

• Mr. McGregor raises concerns: "It's 10 to 1 we'll be in it ourselves before we're able to do any rescuing." (03:30)
• The kids and crew hurry to find and prepare white rockets (used as signal flares).
• Captain Campbell and McGregor caution about the dangers of shifting ice and the risk to their own ship.
• The group launches the white rocket; they're relieved when the distressed ship signals back, confirming they’ve seen each other (05:54).

Memorable Moment:
The urgency and hope as they try to figure out the rocket and later see the reciprocal red flare—bringing hope to both rescuer and rescued.

3. Navigating the Ice and the Growing Peril

Timestamps: 06:07 – 09:33

• The Penguin nears dense, treacherous ice fields: "Those ice blows are heaped up there in a million different shapes—a million is right. They stretch both ways, as far as you can see." —Billy (06:28)
• The team discusses strategies, including waiting for daylight to attempt a safe approach.
• The identity of the distressed ship is revealed: It's the Pelican, captained by the well-known, foolhardy Captain Hans—a twist that raises the stakes (08:35).

Notable Quote:
"The Pelican, Captain Harold."
—Captain Campbell (08:46)

4. The Rescue Attempt

Timestamps: 09:33 – 11:52

• Captain Campbell attempts to push through the outer edge of the ice, using the Penguin's engines at full power.
• The ship gets stuck; the ice is too solid to force apart, so Captain Campbell reassesses the plan. He chooses to wait for daylight for a better chance at success and to avoid risking both ships.

Memorable Exchange:
"You’ll be taking a mighty big risk, Captain. We may be ground to pieces ourselves."
—Billy (10:42)
"We've got to take that chance. It's my duty to do all in my power to rescue a ship that signals for help no matter what ship it is."
—Captain Campbell (10:07)

5. Sudden Crisis – Fire on the Pelican!

Timestamps: 11:52 – 12:14

• As they strategize, disaster strikes: a red glow is seen on the Pelican (11:55).
• An explosion; the Pelican’s boiler has burst, and the ship is now in flames, setting up a cliffhanger ending.

Notable Quotes:
"What was that? ... Something happened on the Pelican. An explosion."
—Billy & Betty (11:52–11:55)
"Great gun! She—where's the boiler? She's on fire! We've got to do something now, and do it quick, or she'll burn to the water's edge with every man trapped on board!"
—Captain Campbell (11:57)

6. Ending & Teasers

Timestamps: 12:14 – 13:25

• The episode ends with Jack Armstrong previewing the gravity of the crisis and urging listeners to “listen in at the same time tomorrow evening.”
• The cast wishes a Happy New Year to all listeners, thanking them for their loyal following (13:14).

Memorable Moment:
A charming closing exchange of New Year’s well-wishes and the upbeat Wheaties jingle, keeping the spirit of classic radio alive.

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Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• "That ship must be in a bad way." —Billy (03:00)
• "It's 10 to 1 we'll be in it ourselves before we're able to do any rescuing." —Mr. McGregor (03:30)
• "The Pelican, Captain Harold." —Captain Campbell (08:46)
• "We've got to take that chance. It's my duty to do all in my power to rescue a ship that signals for help." —Captain Campbell (10:07)
• "Great gun! She—where's the boiler? She's on fire!" —Captain Campbell (11:57)
• "Jack Armstrong wishing all you fellows and girls the world's best New Year." —Jack Armstrong (13:14)

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Key Takeaways

• The episode masterfully builds suspense and camaraderie through vivid dialogue, teamwork, and the high stakes of arctic rescue.
• Classic elements: adventure, loyalty, and good cheer are balanced alongside real peril.
• The cliffhanger ending (the Pelican on fire) ensures listeners are eager for the next installment.

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For New Listeners

• The tone is warm, wholesome, and adventurous, mixing everyday problems (finding the rockets, facing the cold) with dramatic, life-or-death action.
• A perfect example of the solidarity and excitement that made Golden Age radio a family event.

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Transcript

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[Jack Armstrong]

Jack Armstrong, the All American Boy, is on the air in person to get you to eat Wheaties. Now here's just a word to all you fellows and girls who don't like the kind of cereal you have for breakfast. Maybe you're sort of tired of eating the same old thing day after day. Maybe you'd like to try something different, something delicious, something with a marvelous flavor that just knocks the spots off any other cereal you've ever tried. Now if that's the case, why don't you ask your mother to let you have a big bowl of crackly, crunchy, golden brown Wheaties Flakes tomorrow morning? Ask your mother to let you have a cereal you'll really like the taste of. Ask her for the Big Husky cereal or Wide Awake fellows and girls who not only start things, but who see them through. Your mother will be mighty glad to let you have Wheaties too. For most, any fellows or girl's mother wants to see them eat a big bowl of a nourishing whole wheat cereal every morning. And your mother probably knows too, that authorities now recognize that Wheaties supply the very same amount of heat producing units you need to help keep your body warm these cold winter days as a cooked cereal does. So you can be sure she'll be glad to let you have all the Wheaties you want to eat this winter if you ask her for them. Remind your mother to always look for the famous seal of acceptance on the Committee on Foods of the American Medical Association. Whenever she buys Wheaties, that seal means much to her. It tells her that Wheaties are a pure product, honestly advertised. And another thing. Remind your mother that lots of grocers or are featuring Wheaties and bananas now. Ask her to get some of each next time she goes to the store. Try that delicious breakfast combination tomorrow morning. You'll say it swell. And now, Jack Armstrong, the All American Boy. Yesterday, when the penguin was steaming away from the region of packed ice, a red rocket flared in the sky, a ship in distress signaling for help. Captain Campbell headed back to the rescue at once now we're on deck with Jack, Billy and Betty. Listen,

[Billy]

Mr. McGregor, Mr. McGregor.

[Betty]

Hi, McGregor.

[Billy]

He must be at. That's where he went to fit the companionway door. Yeah, we'll dash back there.

[Betty]

Oh, there goes another red rocket.

[Billy]

Gosh, that ship must be in a bad way. It sure is if it's one of my packed ice. And the poor fellows on board must be desperate.

[Betty]

We've got to get that white rocket up in a hurry. That'll give them hope.

[Billy]

If we knew where the rockets were kept, we wouldn't need Mr. McGregor. We could send one up ourselves. He must be back here somewhere. Mr. McGregor.

[Betty]

Who?

[Billy]

See Mr. McGregor, a hoyer.

[Betty]

Oh, Mr. McGregor. The captain wants a white rocket set up.

[Billy]

He told us to tell you he's going to the rescue of that ship in his grass.

[Mr. McGregor]

So I see. L. We put about already. It's about business, too.

[Billy]

Gee, how do you mean?

[Mr. McGregor]

It's 10 to 1. We'll be in front of ourselves before we're able to do any rescuing.

[Betty]

But the storm's over.

[Mr. McGregor]

Hey, but we're headed straight for the packed ice. No ship can get through that. It's dangerous. Even the put in folks do it. It's shifting, spreading all the time.

[Billy]

The captain won't turn back anyhow.

[Mr. McGregor]

Of course he won't. Neither would I. In his place, we'll send that rocket up. I shouldn't take time for it now, though.

[Billy]

We'll do it if you've got to take care of something else. Sure, we can set off a rocket.

[Mr. McGregor]

Then you shall. I've got to get fenders over the side. We're liable to run a fall with some underwater ice before we get to the part that shows. I've got fenders over already, but I want them all around the ship.

[Billy]

Just tell us where the rockets are.

[Mr. McGregor]

You'll find them in the deck storeroom. That's the door straight ahead. They're in a chest against the bulkhead. Inside.

[Captain Campbell]

Here's the key.

[Billy]

Thanks. Just take care of it. Come on, Billy.

[Captain Campbell]

Wait.

[Mr. McGregor]

Take these matches. You won't find any of them with the rockets.

[Billy]

That's right, and we'll need them.

[Mr. McGregor]

Be careful and send it straight up.

[Billy]

Okay.

[Captain Campbell]

Second march. Report forward. I'm surprised.

[Billy]

Tomorrow?

[Captain Campbell]

Absolutely.

[Billy]

He didn't sound very hopeful. No. It's going to be tough, all right. But I'll bet captain Campbell will find some way to get the men off that ship.

[Betty]

Yes, I'm sure he will.

[Billy]

He can't do what's not possible if the ship's in among the Packed ice bowls. How will we ever get to it? It may not be in very far.

[Betty]

It may not be in at all. It may have run into some of that underwater ice that Mr. McGregor spoke out of.

[Billy]

Y hey, it's dark in here. I said it's back. I'm in. No, not where the lockers are. Wait. I'll feel around for the switch.

[Betty]

I think I found the test.

[Billy]

Just a second. There. Yep, that's it. Here, I'll get it open. Gee, there's a bunch of them. One wiper is all we need. Here's a framework. Just set it off in. Well, all right. Let's go.

[Betty]

I'll hold the door open.

[Billy]

Thanks, Betty. Where are we set it off? Anywhere on deck, just so we're well clear of everything.

[Betty]

Right here in the waste is a good place.

[Billy]

Yep, this is okay. I'll wait. Wait till I set it up. I'll give you the word.

[Betty]

Oh, there goes another red one.

[Billy]

Say, that's much closer. We must be getting there. The captain's probably driving the ship as fast as she'll go.

[Betty]

Poor men. I'll bet they don't worry there's another ship this close.

[Billy]

Yes, but we let them know. All right, Billy. Okay, step back, Betty. Watch it, Billy.

[Betty]

Yeah, sure. Be careful.

[Billy]

Here goes. You better flip. Jerk your hand away. Yay. A P. Yep, straight up. How about setting off another one? Oh, I don't see that. All right. There's no use wasting them.

[Betty]

They've seen us. They've seen us. They're sending up another red one right after us to let us know.

[Billy]

Golly, it can't be more than a quarter mile away now. I wonder what tip it could be. The captain may know by this time. He must be watching it through his sight glasses. Then let's hustle back up on the bridge and get the dope. I'll get it. Let's find out if Mr. McGregor needs more help with those tenders. Okay.

[Mr. McGregor]

Hi there, lads. Nice work. You set off a good one.

[Billy]

Team is just going to look for you. Mr. McGregor, we're ready to turn through on those tenders if you want us to.

[Mr. McGregor]

There's no need, lad. The men can handle them. The captain's cut our speed down again, so we'll have time.

[Billy]

Have you seen the ship in distress yet?

[Mr. McGregor]

No. When you can see the solid ice if you look dead ahead. Step over to the rail.

[Billy]

Come on, let's go.

[Betty]

Hey, five. What a sight.

[Billy]

It almost takes your breath away. Those ice blows are heaped up there in a million different Shapes a million is right. They stretch both ways as far as you can see.

[Betty]

Goodness. And they're only a few hundred yards away. We'll bump into them in another minute.

[Billy]

Or else we'll be caught between a couple that are floating loose.

[Betty]

Look. They're all around us.

[Billy]

Boy, this is a treacherous place.

[Betty]

It certainly is.

[Billy]

I think the captain's bringing the ship around. Yep, we're turning. He's not going any closer. He'll hit the go to us if

[Betty]

we get to that. I don't see it anywhere.

[Billy]

The captain must know where it is. He may be heading forward now for all we know. We'll join him on the bridge and see. Yeah, let's hurry. There's nothing we can do down here. Oh, Professor Northrop. Yeah. Professor, I'm s your table. I was a bit worried about you. I'm very with you, eh?

[Mr. McGregor]

This is Northrop.

[Billy]

Wondered where you've gone, young lady.

[Betty]

Oh, does she want me to come below?

[Billy]

No, not especially. She's coming up on deck herself now that the storm's past.

[Mr. McGregor]

Go.

[Billy]

Say, if you wish, I'd like to.

[Betty]

There's a ship at the front.

[Billy]

Yeah. The captain's heading to the rescue. I know. I just saw. Mr. McGregor. I hope we can do something. The prospect doesn't look favorable, though. The captain will know what the chances are. Back up on the bridge or I'll go too.

[Betty]

Oh, we've just got to do something. If a whole shell full of men are in danger.

[Billy]

Gee, what if we're too late? What if it's gone down already?

[Betty]

But they just sent up a red rocket.

[Billy]

Not in the past couple of minutes. And before that they sent up four in pretty quick succession. Possibly they're out of them. They may have sent up a lot before we came close enough to see them.

[Betty]

But they may have been in trouble for a long time.

[Billy]

Undoubtedly they have been in among those night clothes.

[Captain Campbell]

McGregor. McGregor. Harry McGregor.

[Billy]

Captain Campbell. We saw Mr. McGregor going ass. Yeah, he with the men and offenders.

[Captain Campbell]

Good. That's what I wanted to know. I could trust him to attend to it, but I wanted to make sure we'll be needed no offenders before many minutes.

[Billy]

Much hope is there, Captain. Can we make the rescue, Northrop?

[Captain Campbell]

How can I tell yet, man. We can only keep trying. There's hope yet if we don't get caught in the same fix ourselves.

[Betty]

Oh, then you're going to try to get through the packed ice?

[Captain Campbell]

Aye, we'll see if there's a way.

[Billy]

But you're going parallel to it now, Captain.

[Captain Campbell]

We're making scarcely any headway, as you'll notice. And we're drifting in broadside. The wind's blowing us closer little by little. When we're nearly there, we'll swing about and nose in easy. We'll come again against it at the right spot here.

[Billy]

I figure you know the position of the other ship. Then you've sighted it.

[Captain Campbell]

Ay, I made a route through the grasses five minutes ago.

[Billy]

What ship is a captain? Could you tell that?

[Captain Campbell]

I could, Jacques. It's a ship you know. Well, one we've all been hoping to see before this. But not in the deck. She's in Bakari.

[Billy]

What? Captain, you mean it?

[Captain Campbell]

The Pelican, Captain Harold.

[Billy]

Captain.

[Jack Armstrong]

Captain.

[Billy]

I thought the Pelican was miles ahead of us.

[Captain Campbell]

And so she was. But the stars brought us together again until she lies less than 200 yards in from the edge of the park ice. You can make her out clear now.

[Betty]

Yes, I see it, I see it.

[Billy]

So do I. Yes, sir. But I say, how did Captain Hans get himself into such a thing? I thought he knew how to handle a vessel.

[Captain Campbell]

He does. But he knows how to abuse one too. When he's sailing home with the bronnies. I can guess what happened.

[Billy]

He tried to drive his ship too fast, eh?

[Captain Campbell]

Aye. He must have had her under. Forced tough all the way even during the storm. Taking chances like the fool he is. Then she went back on him. He lifted up against the ice, the storm drove others blows against him and wedged him there.

[Billy]

It's a wonder his ship wasn't better to pizza before he ever got her where she is.

[Captain Campbell]

Aye, it is certain.

[Billy]

She suffered plenty of damage. If she stove in badly, she may go down any minute.

[Captain Campbell]

It's not likely. If the paws are packed around her tight, they'll hold her up even if she's sinking like a sieve.

[Billy]

But gosh, if they ever loosen up.

[Captain Campbell]

I aim to get you her before then.

[Betty]

Jock, how could you possibly do it when she's way back in?

[Captain Campbell]

We can only play the fee. As I told you before, we'll nose into that mast and then crowd on steam and see what happens.

[Billy]

Gee, you think you can push the foes apart, eh?

[Betty]

And break through?

[Captain Campbell]

Aye, but a short way anyhow. They're sometimes loose at the edge.

[Billy]

Those ought to be. They've just been driven in there by the storm. They haven't had time to freeze together.

[Captain Campbell]

We'll see, Lord, we'll see.

[Billy]

You'll be taking a mighty big risk, Captain. We may be ground to pieces ourselves.

[Captain Campbell]

We've Got to take that chance. It's my duty to do all in my power to rescue a ship that signals for help. No matter what ship it is.

[Billy]

I understand, man. I just wondered if there wasn't some other way.

[Captain Campbell]

If there was, I'd take it. But there's not.

[Betty]

We're drifting awfully close to the ice.

[Captain Campbell]

Aye. It's time to bring her about and head her straight in. Watch and you'll see what's happened.

[Billy]

Golly. I hope we can get through. It'll be a miracle if we do. The danger is that we may go 25 or 30 yards and then get stuck. We'll be in no position to help the Pelican them. And we may not be able to get back out again ourselves. Our only attempt is not in first rate order, you know. However, I don't mean to criticize Captain Campbell. He knows best.

[Jack Armstrong]

Look.

[Betty]

We're heading straight in now.

[Billy]

The captain sure knew what he was doing. We are right opposite the Pelican.

[Betty]

I'll bet Captain Hands can see us. I'll bet he knows who we are, too.

[Billy]

Watch out. We're going to bump.

[Captain Campbell]

Yes, we are.

[Billy]

Grab the rail. Boy, that was perfect. I hardly felt it that nice.

[Captain Campbell]

Look.

[Billy]

Pointy. Solid, though. Here's the real test. He's got the engines going full blast. Y. It's full speed ahead.

[Betty]

But we're not getting anywhere. The ice is not giving an inch.

[Billy]

You're right.

[Captain Campbell]

It's no toll.

[Billy]

Wait. Give us time.

[Betty]

Shots. We stopped them.

[Jack Armstrong]

He had to.

[Billy]

We're swinging broadside.

[Captain Campbell]

That's not with us.

[Billy]

No, you say?

[Captain Campbell]

I wouldn't say that. I'm not giving up.

[Billy]

You're going to bank away and try another spot.

[Captain Campbell]

Aylon. Our best chance is to strike a place where two blows have come together. Or there may be a place where they're still spread apart. We struck one in the middle here and she's too solid for us to split.

[Billy]

I think it gave a little. Then I'd absolutely solid. If you pick your spot, I'll bet we can get through.

[Captain Campbell]

We'll not try it yet. It's too dark to make the best choice now. And I don't want to charge the ship any more than I have to. We'll back away and stand by till daylight. Then I'm thinking we'll go able to save them.

[Billy]

Oh.

[Betty]

What was that?

[Billy]

Something happened on the Pelican. An explosion.

[Betty]

Look.

[Billy]

You can see a red glow.

[Captain Campbell]

Great gun she. Where's the boiler? Hey, she's on fire. We've got to do Something new. And do it quick or she'll burn to the water's edge with every man crops on board.

[Jack Armstrong]

So the pelican catches fire. What can our friends do now to save Captain Hands and his men? Listen in. At the same time tomorrow evening, something exciting is going to happen. Don't miss out. And by the way, all you fellows and girls, the makers of Preetis, Jack Armstrong, Billy and Betty and all our other friends on the Jack Armstrong program are wishing every one of you and your fathers and mothers the very happiest New Year you have ever had. And we hope you fellows and girls who are just starting to follow the keen adventures of Jack Armstrong are planning to be with us every day of this coming year. For Jack Armstrong has lots of adventures ahead of him that he wants you to share. And all you fellows and girls who have been following Jack's adventures every day this year, we want to thank you for being our friends. And we hope you'll continue to be with us for another full year of fun and adventure. And so today we're saying this is

[Billy]

Jack Armstrong wishing all you fellows and girls the world's best New Year.

[Betty]

Happy New Year everybody.

[Billy]

And that goes double for me. Come on now everybody.

[Betty]

Happy New Year.

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[Jack Armstrong]

This is David Owens saying goodbye and wishing you a happy New Year from Jack Armstrong and the makers of Wheaties.

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