Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Mutual Radio Theater 1980-04-09 - The Last of Scrooge
Original Airdate: April 9, 1980
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Summary by: Podcast Summarizer

Overview

“The Last of Scrooge” is a dramatic, haunting continuation of Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol,” as imagined by Ken Gerard for the Mutual Radio Theater. Set in the aftermath of Scrooge’s conversion, the story explores the unintended consequences of his radical transformation — delving into themes of redemption, isolation, the limits of forgiveness, and society’s inability to let go of one’s past. This episode stands out for its somber tone and psychological insight, culminating in Scrooge’s tragic, lonely end.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Scrooge’s Death and Legacy (02:07–05:25)

• Vincent Price (host/narrator) opens with the bleak fate of Ebenezer Scrooge: he dies alone, freezing on a park bench, despite his efforts to atone for past cruelty.
  • “Scrooge was dead...he froze to death on a park bench in a deserted corner of Hyde Park as London's January wind swept over his tattered clothes and shoeless feet.” (02:25)
• The stage is set for questioning the efficacy of redemption and whether society can truly forgive.

2. Scrooge’s Post-Redemption Optimism (05:45–11:15)

• Post-Christmas, Scrooge is a man transformed, exuding joy and generosity, much to the suspicion of those around him.
  • “Had old Scrooge gone round the bend?...People could not accept this change.” (06:35)

3. The “Gift Everything” Plan (10:35–14:12)

• Scrooge summons his lawyer, Mr. Kempton, planning to give away all his wealth while alive — his house and possessions to the Cratchits, most of the business to his nephew Fred, the rest to Bob Cratchit.
  • Scrooge insists, “I want people to enjoy my wealth while I’m still alive.” (11:30)
  • Kempton is incredulous, worrying Scrooge is acting out of madness.
  • “It's love and kindness. I'm offering to repay those who endured my wrath and cruelty.” (12:05)

4. Family Gathering & The Reading of Gifts (15:52–24:00)

• Scrooge gathers the Cratchits and his nephew Fred’s family to read the deeds and announce their inheritances.
• Tensions bubble under the surface as gratitude mingles with envy and suspicion, especially between Mrs. Cratchit and Anne (Fred’s wife).
  • “She plays your uncle like a cello with her children’s prayers and adoring smile. She makes me ill.” — Anne (18:24)
• Scrooge details his bequests:
  • The house, all possessions, monetary legacies to the Cratchits (19:15–20:02)
  • 75% business interest to Fred, 25% to Bob Cratchit (20:23–20:40)

5. Private Conversations and Brewing Resentment (24:03–28:09)

• Despite outward pleasantness, Anne (Fred’s wife) and Mrs. Cratchit despise each other; Anne lobbies to have Scrooge stay with them instead.
• Scrooge is invited to move in with Fred and Anne. The Cratchits take possession of the house.

6. Scrooge’s Increasing Isolation; Doubt and Betrayal (28:10–31:30)

• Alone with Fred and Anne, Scrooge discusses his visions with Marley’s ghost, escalating Anne’s conviction that he is insane.
• After Scrooge goes to bed, Anne and Fred, in a tense, revealing exchange, consider having Scrooge declared incompetent to reclaim the business and house.
  • Anne: “I want him judged incompetent...Scrooge is mad. I want him locked in the darkest corner of the asylum.” (28:38)
• Scrooge, overhearing them, is shattered. “Yes, you’ll scheme and barber...I hate you...you’ll be remembered for your insanity, not your meanness.” (30:26)

7. Confrontation & Collapse (31:01–34:48)

• Scrooge flees into the storm, only to seek refuge at his own former home, now the Cratchits’. There, a bitter scene unfolds as Mrs. Cratchit asserts her ownership and hurls insults at Scrooge.
  • “You’re nothing but a raving lunatic. What’s signed and sealed will never be undone by the likes of you.” (33:47)
• Scrooge is thrown out into the cold once more.

8. Final Plea and Tragic End (34:49–39:18)

• Desperate, Scrooge seeks shelter with Mr. Kempton. He confesses his loneliness and lifelong rejection, yearning simply “to be loved.”
  • “How can anyone give love when they’ve never received it? I was always the outcast. My father detested the sight of me.” (36:12)
• Alone, Scrooge hallucinates a visit from his father and embraces death.
  • “Father, is that really you?...You want me to follow you?...I’ve waited such a long time for you, Father. It’s been so lonely.” (38:50)
• The narrator recounts: Scrooge dies, frozen and alone—a nameless pauper.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On society’s refusal to forgive:

  • “They still feared the old man because his reputation, carefully nurtured over the years, could not be altered in a single day, nor changed by his succeeding acts of concern, compassion.” (07:05)

• On the burden of a name:

  • “Each time a child points a finger in anger and utters ‘Scrooge’ at his victim, my soul shrivels. I detest my name.” — Scrooge (12:00)

• Anne’s cold ambition:

  • “I want her groveling in the streets and her children picking rags.” (28:54)

• Scrooge’s existential plea:

  • “My life was and still is a living hell...How can anyone give love when they’ve never received it?” (36:12)

• The bitter conclusion:

  • “He was just another faceless old man who was buried in a pauper’s grave on that bleak winter. Kempton never suspected he had died, and the others didn’t care.” (39:30)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Scrooge’s fate set up by Vincent Price (Host): 02:07–05:25
• Scrooge explains his vision to Kempton: 09:30–13:10
• Announcement of Scrooge’s gifts to family: 15:52–20:40
• Anne and Fred plot against Scrooge: 28:10–30:13
• Scrooge’s final breakdown and flight: 30:52–34:48
• Confession to Kempton and final hallucination: 35:37–39:18
• Narrative close and Scrooge’s death: 39:30–41:00

Tone & Style

The episode is somber, introspective, and at times chilling, playing with psychological horror and social tragedy—marked by moments of biting dialogue, naked yearning, and bitter irony. Hans Conried’s performance as Scrooge is deeply vulnerable, while Vincent Price brings a grave, poetic narration.

Final Thoughts

“The Last of Scrooge” offers a haunting coda to Dickens’ tale, questioning whether true redemption is ever accepted—or even possible—by others or oneself. Through its emotional performances and darkly philosophical script, the episode prompts listeners to reflect on forgiveness, reputation, and the human need for love.

Host credit, cast details, and production notes follow (41:00–end; see transcript for full information).

For fans of classic radio drama, this is a remarkable, unflinching follow-up to a beloved holiday redemption story—one you won’t soon forget.