Ma Perkins 38-05-30 (xxxx) Sonia Is Shot

Summary

Podcast Summary: Ma Perkins 38-05-30 (xxxx) Sonia Is Shot

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Ma Perkins 38-05-30 (xxxx) Sonia Is Shot
• Release Date: June 4, 2025

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Overview

In this gripping episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with the classic drama from the Ma Perkins series. Titled "Sonia Is Shot," this episode delves into themes of betrayal, redemption, and the enduring bonds of family. Set against a backdrop of suspense and emotional turmoil, the story centers around Gregor, his estranged wife Sonia, and the ever-watchful Ma Perkins, who acts as the moral compass in this tense confrontation.

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Key Characters

• Gregor: A man haunted by past betrayals and the weight of his actions.
• Sonia: Gregor's wife, seeking forgiveness and striving to rebuild their strained relationship.
• Ma Perkins: The matriarchal figure who mediates the conflict between Gregor and Sonia.
• Vladimir and Nikolai: Men from Gregor's past, representing threats that loom over the protagonists.

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Plot Summary

The episode opens with the familiar soundscape of 1930s radio, complete with advertisers pitching products like Oxidol laundry soap, setting the era's ambiance. The main narrative begins as Gregor confronts Sonia at Ma Perkins' home, a place imbued with family memories and longstanding relationships.

Gregor, still bitter from Sonia's perceived betrayal over eleven years ago, finds himself face-to-face with her once more. Sonia arrives with Nadia, her maid, revealing that Vladimir and Nikolai, men from Gregor's past, have been tracking her movements to Rushfield Center. This revelation triggers a heated exchange where old wounds are reopened, and the truth about their missing son becomes a pivotal point of contention.

As tensions escalate, Sonia tries desperately to convince Gregor of her sincerity, appealing to his love for their child. Ma Perkins intervenes, urging Gregor to listen and reconsider his hardened stance. Just as the conversation seems to reach a turning point, a sudden threat emerges—Vladimir and Nikolai confront Gregor, leading to a dramatic climax where Sonia is unexpectedly shot through the window.

The episode concludes on a cliffhanger, leaving listeners anxious to discover whether Gregor survived the shooting and what the future holds for the fractured family.

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Detailed Scene Breakdown with Notable Quotes

Confrontation and Revelation (03:14 - 05:52)

Gregor and Sonia engage in a heated discussion about past betrayals. Sonia reveals that Vladimir and Nikolai have followed her to Rushfield Center, aiming to use Gregor as leverage.

• Sonia (03:20): "Yes. They haunted you everywhere, and they are here."
• Gregor (05:03): "Oh, Madame Perkins, what can I do with him now?"

Sonia implores Gregor to believe in her intentions, emphasizing their shared responsibility towards their son.

• Sonia (05:59): "Oh, please, Gregor, do not wonder. On my knees, I will plead with you to forgive me, if not for my sake, then for the sake of my baby, our boy."

Demand for Proof and Rising Suspense (08:02 - 11:23)

Gregor agrees to listen, but only if Sonia can provide proof of their son's existence. Sonia struggles to offer tangible evidence, heightening Gregor's skepticism.

• Gregor (08:20): "Very well, I. I will listen. But only on condition that you give me proof that we have a son."
• Sonia (08:25): "Oh, in heaven's name, Gregor, what proof can I give you?"

Their conversation becomes increasingly intense as Gregor's distrust surfaces, and Sonia's emotional state unravels.

Climactic Confrontation and Shooting (13:00 - 14:04)

The tension reaches its peak when Gregor perceives a threat outside, likely from Vladimir and Nikolai. As they argue, Sonia is unexpectedly shot through the window, leaving Gregor's fate uncertain.

• Sonia (13:28): "Never will you be away from me again."
• Radio Announcer (14:04): "A shot fired through the windows. Did Vladimir and Nikolai catch Gregor at last? And what was in Sonia's heart as she held her husband there? Who was hit by this sudden bullet from the dark? Was it Gregor or...?"

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Themes and Insights

Redemption and Forgiveness: The central theme revolves around Gregor's journey toward forgiveness. His initial bitterness represents the struggle to overcome past hurts and the fear of vulnerability.

Family Bonds: The episode underscores the importance of family ties, especially the bond between parents and their children. Sonia's plea revolves around saving their son, highlighting parental instincts overriding personal grievances.

Betrayal and Trust: Past betrayals have left deep scars, making trust a scarce commodity. Sonia's efforts to rebuild trust with Gregor are met with resistance, reflecting the complexities of mending broken relationships.

Suspense and Uncertainty: The introduction of Vladimir and Nikolai adds an element of danger and suspense, keeping listeners on edge about the characters' safety and the episode's resolution.

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Conclusion and Cliffhanger

The episode masterfully weaves emotional drama with suspenseful elements, culminating in a cliffhanger that leaves listeners anxious for the next installment. The sudden shooting not only serves as a pivotal plot twist but also symbolizes the unpredictability of life and the fragile nature of reconciliation.

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Producer's Notes

Harold's Old Time Radio continues to revive the charm of classic radio dramas, offering rich storytelling complemented by authentic sound effects and character-driven narratives. "Sonia Is Shot" exemplifies the era's knack for blending everyday domestic issues with overarching dramatic tensions, keeping audiences engaged through every twist and turn.

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Notable Quotes:

• Sonia (05:59): "Oh, please, Gregor, do not wonder. On my knees, I will plead with you to forgive me, if not for my sake, then for the sake of my baby, our boy."
• Gregor (08:20): "Very well, I. I will listen. But only on condition that you give me proof that we have a son."
• Radio Announcer (14:04): "A shot fired through the windows. Did Vladimir and Nikolai catch Gregor at last? And what was in Sonia's heart as she held her husband there? Who was hit by this sudden bullet from the dark? Was it Gregor or...?"

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Tune in to Harold's Old Time Radio tomorrow for the thrilling continuation of "Ma Perkins" and uncover the fate of Gregor and Sonia amidst the shadows of their past.

Transcript

[Expedia Advertiser]

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[Radio Announcer]

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[Expedia Advertiser]

Perkins.

[Radio Announcer]

Oxidal's own Ma Perkins, America's Mother of the Air. Brought to you by Procter and Gamble, makers of Oxidol. Oxidol laundry soap that's so important for summertime washing. Because of things like sheer cotton prints, white shirts and children's playsuits, they just won't stand up under scrubbing and boiling. If they're to last the summer out, you must get them clean without any harsh washing methods. As you know well, thousands of women have found oxidol the perfect answer to all summertime washing problems. Because oxidol is so easy on clothes. No scrubbing, no boiling needed. Simply 15 minutes soaking and your white clothes come so white, you'll be amazed. Now, for instance, there's Mrs. S.C. wilmore of Des Moines, Iowa. Des Moines, you know, gets pretty hot during the summer months. And Mrs. Wilmore has had to learn how to take the drudgery out of washing on a hot day. And here's what she writes. I used to almost wreck myself scrubbing and boiling clothes in hot weather. But now with oxidol, I just let clothes soak 15 minutes. Touch up a spot or two with a quick rub, and they wash snowy white. And my hands stay so soft and smooth, too. So why not make a fair trial of Oxford all yourself? After all, a single trial will show you how to end scrubbing and slaving over a steaming washboard all summer long and have whiter cleaner washes, too. Oxidol has been especially created to combine speed, safety and whiter washing in a way no other single soap has ever done before. Your dealer, of course, has Oxidol, America's fastest growing laundry soap. Right. Now, Oxidol spelled O X Y D O L in the famous orange and blue bullseye package. A single trial is all we ask. You yourself be the judge. And now for Ma Perkins. Well, Friday, you remember Gregor met his wife Sonia at Ma's house, still believing that 11 years ago she betrayed him, marked him for certain deaths as a traitor to his country. And when he suddenly came face to face with her in Ma's home, it took all Ma's ingenuity to save the situation. To convince Gregor that Sonya had come because she loved him, because of their child. And that he must listen to her because. But listen.

[Expedia Advertiser]

You mean to say to my old friends Vladimir and Nikolai? They've trailed me here to Rushfield Center, Sonia.

[Ma Perkins]

Is that a fact?

[Sonia]

Yes. They haunted you everywhere, and they are here.

[Ma Perkins]

But for the land's sake. You didn't tell me that, Sonia.

[Sonia]

Oh, I know, madame.

[Expedia Advertiser]

For you see, Mrs. Perkins, I was right. She talks of loving, of suffering, of our son. Only another one of her tricks, Tony.

[Ma Perkins]

Is that true? No.

[Sonia]

No, I am not tricking, Gregor. Oh, I beg of you to believe me, Gregor. I would not hurt you again for all the world.

[Expedia Advertiser]

And why have you said nothing about them being here? Why explain it. Have you tried to explain that you loved me even when you betrayed me?

[Ma Perkins]

What was your reason, Sonia? Why have you kept quiet about Vladimir and Nikolai?

[Sonia]

Because I. I knew that Ms. Gregor found out.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Yes.

[Sonia]

That I was afraid that you might flee and that any chance of trying to save our boy would be gone.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Oh.

[Ma Perkins]

Oh, I see. Because of the boy.

[Sonia]

Yes.

[Expedia Advertiser]

No, you lie, Sonia. You lie about that as you lied about everything. I don't even believe that we have a son.

[Sonia]

Oh, but, Gregor, in the name of everything that is holy, I could not send him and tell you such a thing if it was not true.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Then why do you say you do not know where he is? Why do you keep on insisting that.

[Sonia]

Because I do not know.

[Ma Perkins]

Oh, Gregor, that part must be true. Sonia's explained that.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Don't you say she told you, Mrs. Perkins?

[Sonia]

Yes.

[Ma Perkins]

Let me talk things over before I agreed to have you meet her.

[Sonia]

Gregor. Tommy, you knew. You knew that it was too happy. You knew that it was only two months away when I left you.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Yes. Yes, that is so.

[Sonia]

But you will understand it all if you will only open your mind to reason, to just a little love, and forget your bitterness.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Forget? I can never forget what you have done to me.

[Sonia]

Oh, Madame Perkins, what can I do with him now?

[Ma Perkins]

Gregor, I think you have to listen to what she's got to say.

[Sonia]

You just have to.

[Expedia Advertiser]

No, it's not so easy. Lies. That's all I had up to the day she left Mrs. Perkins. Lies. Lies. When she told me of her love as we planned for the future, all the time she was leading me to betrayal. How can I listen to her believe anything she says?

[Ma Perkins]

Oh, Gregor, time has a way of changing things. People that you think are one way are apt to change life like that.

[Sonia]

Oh, she is right, Gregor. I told you I loved you, and I meant it. I told you I have suffered for what I did to you, and I meant that I told you of our son, that only by planning together could we save him from Vladimir and Nikolai.

[Expedia Advertiser]

And you meant that, huh?

[Sonia]

Oh, yes, I meant it, Gregor. It hurt my heart, every word of it, Gregor.

[Ma Perkins]

Marlene, can't you see that she's being honest and sincere with you? No matter what happened in the past?

[Expedia Advertiser]

I wonder.

[Sonia]

Oh, please, Gregor, do not wonder. On my knees, I will plead with you to forgive me, if not for my sake, then for the sake of my baby, our boy.

[Ma Perkins]

Won't you please, please listen to it?

[Expedia Advertiser]

I listened once before, but now, Gregor.

[Sonia]

If you will only listen and believe in me when I say believe you.

[Expedia Advertiser]

But I think of the men you betrayed, the men you sent to death before a firing squad without a chance.

[Sonia]

Gregor, stop.

[Expedia Advertiser]

You don't like it, do you? Think of them. Troyanov, Petrovich, Vakilenevsky, Buckharin. Those names. You don't like to hear them, do you?

[Sonia]

Oh, please, Gregor, in heaven's name, stop it. Oh, you'll drive me out of my mind.

[Ma Perkins]

Gregor, you're not being fair. You're not at all fair.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Was she fair with me, Mrs. Perkins?

[Ma Perkins]

That ain't the question now.

[Expedia Advertiser]

No, but it's like a burning fire inside of me.

[Ma Perkins]

I don't care if it is or not anyone on this earth who's done wrong and then go so far as to try and right that wrong. I can tell you they're well on their way to erasing the harm they did in the eyes of anyone decent directing me wrong.

[Expedia Advertiser]

What is done is done.

[Ma Perkins]

No, it ain't done at all, and you know it.

[Expedia Advertiser]

With me, it is done forever.

[Ma Perkins]

All right with you it is. But are you done with your son, Gregor?

[Expedia Advertiser]

My son?

[Sonia]

Yes.

[Ma Perkins]

You're a boy. You're a baby who don't know a blessed thing about all of this. Are you going to go on? On making that child suffer? Maybe worse than suffering by standing here and letting this bitterness eat your heart out. So you won't listen to reason. Now you answer me. Are you going to do that? Are you going to let bitterness be responsible for the end of your own flesh and blood?

[Sonia]

Oh, Gregor, don't. To death, don't. I plead with you.

[Ma Perkins]

What's your answer to that, Gregor, my son?

[Expedia Advertiser]

No, of course I don't want to endanger the life of my son.

[Sonia]

Oh, then. Then you will listen? You will.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Believe me, Craig, I have not yet said that I would not listen.

[Ma Perkins]

For mercy's sakes, what are you trying to say, anyhow?

[Expedia Advertiser]

How can I believe her? Tell me, dad.

[Ma Perkins]

My land, Gregor. Can't you tell when somebody's eating their heart out? Doing, Saying everything a body could do to make you a believer.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Very well, I. I will listen. But only on condition that you give me proof that we have a son.

[Sonia]

Oh, in heaven's name, Gregor, what proof can I give you? And this.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Any proof at all to show that you're telling the truth.

[Sonia]

Oh, what more proof can I give you? It is not enough that I am here humiliating myself, hating myself, taking whatever you call me just for our baby.

[Ma Perkins]

I think that's plenty of proof, Gregor. And you're not the man I think you are. If you don't accept it.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Very well. But I want to ask some questions, Sonia.

[Sonia]

Go on, ask me anything.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Now, when did you get here?

[Sonia]

I came last week.

[Expedia Advertiser]

How did you find out that I was here?

[Sonia]

By a newspaper article. That trial you were in.

[Expedia Advertiser]

And you came alone?

[Sonia]

No, I am not alone.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Who came with you? Who is with you now?

[Sonia]

Only Nadia, my maid.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Nadia, your maid?

[Sonia]

Yes.

[Expedia Advertiser]

She's still with you?

[Sonia]

Yes, I located her after. After you escaped. She has been with me ever since. Just before the baby first gone.

[Expedia Advertiser]

But then, Nadia. Nadia knows the babies of our son.

[Sonia]

Yes, yes, he can tell you.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Why didn't you say that before?

[Sonia]

Why? Oh, I don't know. I've been so upset here. I suppose it did not cross my mind.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Tanya, why do you keep looking at the clock? At the windows?

[Sonia]

The windows? Oh. Oh, that is nothing, nothing at all. I. I am just unstrung by all this.

[Ma Perkins]

Oh, you're trembling all over, Sonia.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Sure you are trembling. You're pale as a ghost.

[Sonia]

Too pale.

[Ma Perkins]

Oh, my dear, why don't you sit down and try to be quiet?

[Sonia]

No, no, no, Madame, I don't want to sit down.

[Ma Perkins]

Oh, but I think.

[Sonia]

No, don't urge me, please.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Why are you so terribly upset?

[Sonia]

Oh, what difference does it make?

[Expedia Advertiser]

Sonia, what is it?

[Sonia]

I will be all right now. Don't worry about it. You look great.

[Ma Perkins]

Glad. My lens.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Be reasonable, Sonia. Tell me.

[Sonia]

Andre, please, hold me in your arms.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Calm yourself, Sonia, please.

[Sonia]

It will enable me to. To talk more calmly to. And you. You must know the tyrant.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Please, I beg of you, don't.

[Sonia]

Oh, all right.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Now, you came here, but not here.

[Sonia]

Yes, only with Nadia.

[Expedia Advertiser]

You say you found out I was here by that newspaper article of the trial.

[Sonia]

Yes, that is true.

[Expedia Advertiser]

And through Vladimir and Nikolai. No, through them.

[Sonia]

You may as well know.

[Expedia Advertiser]

You said they were here in Rushville Center.

[Sonia]

They are.

[Expedia Advertiser]

And you didn't come here with them?

[Sonia]

No, I did Not. But they knew of it.

[Expedia Advertiser]

I see. Did they send you here to meet me? To lure me into a trap, is that it?

[Sonia]

Oh, Gregor, such that you ask. And at such a time.

[Expedia Advertiser]

How question do you expect me to ask for my life at stake and.

[Sonia]

There'S not the life of our boy at stake also? Have I not told you that?

[Ma Perkins]

My goodness, Gregor, why don't you stop? You'd ought to be asking questions about your boy, not yourself.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Yes, yes, you're right. I should be asking questions about our son.

[Sonia]

Our son? Okay, Dora, I have seen him. A little curly headed boy. He used to come to me with arms outstretched.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Sonia. Sonia, what is it? Why are you moving me around this room?

[Sonia]

So there is no reason. Ask me your questions. I will.

[Ma Perkins]

My dear Sonia, I do wish you'd sit down and calm yourself.

[Sonia]

No, no, I am perfectly all right. I am. I must be.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Sonia, why do you speak like that?

[Sonia]

Oh, Gregor, you are the same. So much like a little boy.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Stop it. I want to know this instant. Why are you acting so? Why do you look at those windows every minute?

[Ma Perkins]

Did you see something out there, Sonia?

[Sonia]

Did I see something? Oh, no, of course not. I tell you, I am only upset.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Wait, wait. I thought I heard a noise.

[Sonia]

You thought you heard a noise, Gregor, Outside that window.

[Expedia Advertiser]

I was almost certain I saw something bright reflect the light from the room here. Maybe I should.

[Ma Perkins]

Let me go, Sonia.

[Sonia]

No. Where are you going?

[Expedia Advertiser]

I'm going outside to see what that was my landscape.

[Ma Perkins]

Are you sure you saw something?

[Expedia Advertiser]

I'm almost positive.

[Sonia]

No, Vigor, you cannot go out there.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Sonia, you mad? Let go of you.

[Sonia]

No, I will not let you go. Oh, you are imagining things.

[Expedia Advertiser]

I was not imagining anything.

[Sonia]

You were, you were. I tell you, only 10. And hold me in your arms. Gregor, now, please.

[Expedia Advertiser]

I see it now, sonny. You said Vladimir and Nicolai are here.

[Sonia]

Yes, yes, they are here, Gregor. But don't move. Just hold me in your arm.

[Expedia Advertiser]

You want me to hold you again? Do they know this meeting with me? Sonia, Answer me.

[Ma Perkins]

Plain devotion, Sonia, do they?

[Sonia]

And if they do, does it matter?

[Expedia Advertiser]

Now answer, Sonia. Do they know?

[Sonia]

I am not sure, but I think they have followed me here.

[Expedia Advertiser]

I see the new betrayal.

[Sonia]

No, no, Gregor, do not say such a thing. Oh, I plead this.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Let me go. Let me go.

[Sonia]

I can.

[Ma Perkins]

Oh, my goodness, Gregor, don't hurt it like this.

[Sonia]

No, I'll never let you go. I will hold you here, so close to my heart.

[Radio Announcer]

Always I feel.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Tania.

[Radio Announcer]

Let me go.

[Sonia]

No, my Gregor. Never will you be away from me again.

[Expedia Advertiser]

Gregor, she's hurt Sonia.

[Sonia]

Oh. And now perhaps you will believe me just a little.

[Radio Announcer]

A shot fired through the windows. Did Vladimir and Nikolai catch Gregor at last? And what was in Sonia's heart as she held her husband there? Who was hit by this sudden bullet from the dark? Was it Gregor or. Be sure to listen tomorrow. And now back to your problems and mine. Summer wash days, for instance. Did you know sheer cotton prints have been washed 100 consecutive times in sparkling oxidol suds without perceptible sign of fading. Oxidol is easy on your hands. Your skin stays as smooth and lovely as before. In fairness yourself, give Oxidol a trial. Judge it against any soap you've ever used. Prove its claims for yourself. Prove it for safer washes, faster washes and whiter clothes. After just one trial, you'll never go back to open older, harsher, less efficient soaps again. Oxidol spelled O X Y D O L in the famous orange and blue bullseye package. And listen tomorrow. The shot fired through Ma's window today lifts the curtain on a new scene in the tragedy of Gregor's life. Turns the page to a startling chapter in our story. Did that shot hit Gregor, Sonia? And what happens next? Be sure to listen. Until tomorrow, then. This is Dick Wells saying goodbye.

[Expedia Advertiser]

This program is presented from our Chicago studios. And this is the International Broadcasting Company.