Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Light Up The Tree Mr President
Date: December 19, 2025
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

Overview

This holiday-themed episode presents a dramatic Golden Age radio play featuring Superman, Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and a Christmas Eve plot threatening the world. Set against the backdrop of the White House Christmas tree lighting, the episode blends nostalgia and suspense, whisking listeners back to a time when families huddled by the radio for thrilling stories. With themes of peace, hope, and the ever-present threat of nuclear war, this tale delivers a classic blend of superhero heroics and holiday spirit.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene: Christmas in Washington D.C.

• The story opens with bustling pre-Christmas excitement as Jimmy Olsen interviews attendees at the White House lawn for the renowned tree lighting ceremony.
  • Lois Lane reminisces about the beauty of Christmas, referencing her home in Alabama. (01:22)
• Key moment: a little girl’s innocent wish for the tree lights to “light up the whole world” (02:08), which unsettles Clark Kent.

2. Peace on Earth: Historic U.N. News

• The U.N. Security Council votes to ban the use of all nuclear weapons, a symbolic leap for "peace on Earth, goodwill to all mankind." (03:17-03:46)
• The action shifts from the crowd's warmth to deeper concerns about world safety as Clark Kent recalls controversial physicist Thurston Kilgore.

3. The Villain’s Plan: Thurston Kilgore Returns

• Thurston Kilgore, disgraced physicist from a prior Senate hearing, resurfaces. A flashback captures his chilling advocacy for nuclear annihilation:

  • “We have the capacity to destroy our enemies at one stroke. Right now, today.” — Thurston Kilgore (04:11)
  • “You would destroy over 600 million human beings… just like that?” — Senator (04:31)

• Kilgore, once institutionalized, escapes and concocts a new plot centered on the Christmas festivities.

4. Kidnapping and the Deadly Scheme

• Jimmy Olsen is abducted by Kilgore, who outlines his sinister plan in a chilling exchange:
  • Kilgore links the White House Christmas tree lighting button to a nuclear launch system. (06:59-07:30)
  • “When the President pushes the button that lights the tree... five beautiful rockets will soar like avenging angels through the night sky. And when they reach their targets, they will light up the whole world.” — Thurston Kilgore (07:54-08:09)

5. Superman vs. Evil

• Superman receives a ransom note and races to the scene, determined to save Jimmy and the President.
• Superman is ambushed by Kilgore, weakened by a machine emitting kryptonite rays.
  • “This machine duplicates the deadly rays of green kryptonite… In a few minutes you, Superman, will be dead.” — Thurston Kilgore (10:14)
• Jimmy, showing resourcefulness, knocks over the device, weakening its effect and freeing Superman.

6. The Christmas Miracle: Heroics at the Tree

• As the President is about to push the button, Superman swoops in, removes the explosive ornament, and hurls it safely skyward. (11:27-11:39)
• Superman then intercepts and redirects all five nuclear-tipped rockets into the sun in a stunning display of superhuman speed.
• Memorable narrative:
  • “A man of steel flies to each of the five rockets in rapid succession, changes their course in mid flight and heads them on a collision course with the sun…” (11:39-12:19)

7. Resolution & Reflection

• In the aftermath, Jimmy Olsen recounts his escape and Superman’s heroics.
• Kilgore is apprehended, his mind irrevocably broken by his failed scheme.
• Lois Lane wraps up with the message of the season:
  • “Merry Christmas, everyone. This is Lois Lane with the latest WGBS inside story of how Superman saved the life of the president and prevented World War three. In what will probably go down as one of the greatest Christmas events.” — Lois Lane (13:07)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Light up the whole world, Daddy?” — Amy (the little girl), raising the stakes with innocent curiosity. (02:08)
• “We have the capacity to destroy our enemies at one stroke. Right now, today.” — Thurston Kilgore, foreshadowing his plan. (04:11)
• “When the President pushes the button that lights the tree… they will light up the whole world.” — Thurston Kilgore, revealing his apocalyptic intent. (07:54-08:09)
• “This machine duplicates the deadly rays of green kryptonite… In a few minutes, you, Superman, will be dead.” — Thurston Kilgore, moments before his defeat. (10:14)
• “A man of steel flies to each of the five rockets in rapid succession… heads them on a collision course with the sun.” — Narrator, describing Superman’s breathtaking heroics. (11:39-12:19)
• “Merry Christmas everyone. This is Lois Lane… Superman saved the life of the president and prevented World War three.” — Lois Lane, delivering the closing blessing. (13:07)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• [00:37] Start of the story: Jimmy Olsen in the crowd
• [01:22] Lois Lane’s Alabama reminiscence and “light up the world” line
• [03:13–03:46] U.N. nuclear ban announcement
• [04:11] Kilgore’s Senate hearing flashback
• [05:38–07:30] Jimmy’s kidnapping and Kilgore’s plan
• [10:00] Superman’s capture and kryptonite trap
• [11:27–11:39] Superman saves the President and defuses the tree bomb
• [11:39–12:19] Superman redirects the nuclear rockets
• [13:07] Lois Lane’s broadcast wrap-up

Tone and Language

The episode captures the earnest, melodramatic style of mid-century radio adventure—hopeful, suspenseful, and brimming with holiday optimism. Conversation is direct, full of exclamatory remarks, and classic hero/villain banter. Lois, Jimmy, and Clark’s exchanges are both warm and urgent, underlining the high stakes with a strong sense of family and community.

Conclusion

"Light Up The Tree Mr President" is a thrilling, heartwarming radio play that combines superhero heroics with a message of peace and goodwill. Through suspenseful plotting and classic character dynamics, the story celebrates both the danger and hope that can surround the holidays. The world is saved in time for Christmas, and listeners are left with a sense of true seasonal wonder.