Little Orphan Annie 36-xx-xx (1066) — The Bridge Is Destroyed

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: August 30, 2025
Episode Theme:
This episode of Little Orphan Annie plunges listeners into a tense night at Simmons Corners, as Annie, her friends, and law enforcement pursue the escaped criminal Flint and his henchmen through flood-soaked fields—culminating in a dramatic and catastrophic showdown at the river bridge. The story weaves suspense, inventive thinking, and a moral resolution together, all framed within the classic, energetic style of Golden Age radio drama.

Key Points & Discussion Breakdown

1. Setting the Scene (01:15–03:07)

• The episode kicks off after a brief Ovaltine ad and a recap: Flint, recently exposed for the payroll and bank robbery, has escaped with his accomplices. Annie, Joe, Marshal, Mr. Silo, and Mr. Caslin search for them amidst torrential rain and thunder.

"After Mr. Flint confessed to the payroll and bank robbery, he escaped with his cronies... The Marshal and Mr. Silo and Mr. Caslin and Annie and Joe are searching for them in the fields surrounding Simmons Corners."
— Narrator (02:55)

2. Tense Search in the Storm (03:07–07:02)

• The group debates their plan—or lack thereof. The characters, soaked by relentless rain, question their search strategy and reflect on Flint's knowledge of the area.
• Annie suggests they check the old Carson house—the previous hideout Flint used.

"What place around here does Mr. Flint know better than any other... That's the place where he kept Bill Corwin prisoner. The old Carson house."
— Annie (06:21-06:44)

3. The Chase to the Carson House (07:02–09:14)

• Guided by Annie and Joe's local knowledge, the group heads toward the Carson house near the river, struggling through rain and darkness.
• They reach the house quietly, fearing Flint may be hiding inside.

"Land sakes, I guess I'm not so young as I used to be when it comes to climbing."
— Mr. Caslin (07:33)

4. Confrontation and Escape (09:14–10:48)

• Entering the Carson house, they discover nothing at first.
• Annie suspects activity at the moving fireplace, which leads to a secret tunnel to the river. They realize Flint and his men escaped through it.

"It was the fireplace moving in there. The sliding fireplace that leads down to the tunnel under the house."
— Annie (10:11)

5. Final Pursuit and The Bridge Disaster (10:48–13:19)

• The group races to the riverbank, catching sight of Flint, Red, and Wright emerging and heading for the bridge.
• As the authorities give chase, Annie spots the bridge is unstable—its supports are failing due to the flood.
• Despite warnings, Flint and his men rush onto the bridge, which collapses under them, sweeping them away.

"Look at the bridge. Look at it there in the moonlight. Look at the center of it, just ahead of Flint... It's all falling apart!"
— Annie (12:13-12:25)

"There it goes. The whole bridge."
— Marshal (12:42)

"And with it its builders, Flint, Hogan and Wright. I guess you don't have to do any arresting now, Marshal."
— Mr. Caslin (13:05)

6. Resolution and Teaser for New Adventures (13:19–15:06)

• The narrator reflects on poetic justice having been served.
• Hints at a mysterious telegram heading Annie's way, promising new and greater adventures to come, and urges the audience to tune in next time.

"There is justice in the world. And as Mr. Flint sowed, so did he reap. And now there'll be no more robberies or cheating in Simmons Corners. But, say, don't think there isn't going to be plenty of fun and adventure for Annie."
— Narrator (13:19)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Auntie’s Ingenuity: "If they've gone down behind that fireplace, they're intending to get away through the tunnel to the riverbank. Maybe if we go straight down to the bank, we can head them off."
  — Annie (10:36)
• Rising Tension: “Say, these here fields are beginning to look like a sea with all this rain. What’s your plan?”
  —Marshal (05:27)
• Dramatic Climax: "Flint, come back. Come back. The bridge is crumbling... They think they're getting away.”
  —Marshal (12:32–12:37)

Episode Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-------------|---------------------------------------------| | 01:15–03:07 | Recap and setup; search party forms | | 03:07–06:44 | Plodding through rain, discuss strategies | | 06:44–07:59 | Annie suggests the Carson House | | 09:14–10:48 | Investigation at the Carson House | | 10:49–12:42 | The chase to the river, bridge collapse | | 13:19–13:59 | Reflection on justice, conclusion | | 14:00–15:06 | Teaser for next adventure |

Episode Takeaways

• Creative Youth: Annie’s sharp thinking guides the adults, showing the value of trusting children’s insights (especially about their own community’s geography).
• Classic Suspense: The story builds genuine tension through darkness, rain, and the threat of rising floodwaters.
• Poetic Justice: The destruction of the bridge, and the fate of the villains, is delivered as the natural outcome of their previous evil intentions.
• Episodic Continuity: A new mystery—an incoming telegram—ensures listeners are eager for Annie’s next adventure.

Little Orphan Annie continues to deliver wholesome suspense, community teamwork, and innovative plotting—just as it did for families gathered around their radios in the pre-TV era.