Summary of "Paul Harvey - Orient Express" Episode on Harold's Old Time Radio
Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Title: Paul Harvey - Orient Express
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: January 11, 2025
Introduction
In the episode titled "Paul Harvey - Orient Express," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, where captivating storytelling and rich narratives dominated the airwaves. Hosted by Harold's Old Time Radio, this episode features a riveting tale narrated by Paul Harvey, renowned for his distinctive voice and engaging storytelling style.
The Tale of Old Jess
Setting the Scene
The story opens with the introduction of Old Jess, a seasoned locomotive engineer whose real name remains a mystery. The vivid description paints a picture of a powerful black locomotive steaming through the rugged badlands, with passenger coaches trailing behind.
“The puffs of smoke billowing from the old black locomotive stack. Twin ribbons of steel stretched far ahead into the badlands. Coaches full of passengers trailing behind.”
— Narrator [00:31]
The Threat of the Train Robber
Old Jess is entrusted with a critical responsibility: protecting the train from a notorious train robber known for hijacking entire trains. The company has warned Jess about the dangers, emphasizing that failure to stop the robber would result in losing his job.
“Other engineers who'd made it recently had encountered a determined train robber, a lone train robber and a dangerous hombre.”
— Narrator [00:31]
The Encounter
At high noon, a dark-haired man boards the locomotive cab, revealing himself as the infamous train robber. The tension escalates as the robber brandishes a gun, demanding control of the train. Despite the threat, Old Jess faces the robber with a mix of fear and determination.
“And the man had a gun. The engineer said, you can't take her over. I'll lose my job if you do.”
— Narrator [02:15]
The Standoff
A precarious standoff ensues between Old Jess and the train robber. Jess pleads for the robber to ease up on the throttle to prevent overloading the engine and damaging the rails.
“Old Jess is pleading with the hijacker. Too much steam, he is saying. The furnace can't take it, the rails won't take it.”
— Narrator [05:45]
Resolution
Moved by Old Jess's pleas and recognizing the engineer's passion and dedication, the robber reluctantly reduces the throttle, restoring calm to the journey. This act of humanity underscores the complex relationship between the determined robber and the steadfast engineer.
“He gave a little sigh and he pulled back a little bit on the throttle, you could feel a wave of relief sweep back through the train.”
— Narrator [07:30]
The Legend of Zarboris III
Introduction to Zarboris III
The narrative shifts to introduce Zarboris III of Bulgaria, a fervent railway enthusiast whose obsession with trains led him to commandeer the legendary Orient Express. Zarboris III's antics were a source of frustration for the railroad company, as his passion often disrupted operations.
“He would board that world famous train, would wait for it to cross the border into Bulgaria, and then he would change into finely tailored engineer's overalls and either by diplomacy or by force, he would take charge of the controls.”
— Narrator [12:20]
Rivalry with Crown Prince Cyril
Zarboris III's brother, Crown Prince Cyril, shares his passion for trains, leading to a sibling rivalry over who would control the Orient Express. Their disagreements extended beyond personal pride, impacting the administration of Bulgaria as their shared interests clashed.
“The only two things in all of their lives together in administering the country of Bulgaria, the only two things on which they could never agree was which one was going to get to drive the train.”
— Narrator [16:50]
The Climax
The brothers' relentless pursuit of controlling the Orient Express culminates in a dramatic finale, intertwining personal ambition with national implications. The story highlights themes of passion, rivalry, and the enduring allure of the golden age of rail travel.
“And now you know the rest of the story.”
— Narrator [20:00]
Conclusion
"Paul Harvey - Orient Express" masterfully blends adventure, drama, and historical intrigue, capturing the essence of the Golden Age of Radio. Through the tales of Old Jess and Zarboris III, listeners experience a vivid journey filled with tension, emotion, and timeless storytelling. This episode not only entertains but also pays homage to a bygone era when radio was the centerpiece of family entertainment.
Notable Quotes
-
Narrator [00:31]:
“The puffs of smoke billowing from the old black locomotive stack. Twin ribbons of steel stretched far ahead into the badlands. Coaches full of passengers trailing behind.” -
Narrator [02:15]:
“And the man had a gun. The engineer said, you can't take her over. I'll lose my job if you do.” -
Narrator [05:45]:
“Old Jess is pleading with the hijacker. Too much steam, he is saying. The furnace can't take it, the rails won't take it.” -
Narrator [07:30]:
“He gave a little sigh and he pulled back a little bit on the throttle, you could feel a wave of relief sweep back through the train.” -
Narrator [12:20]:
“He would board that world famous train, would wait for it to cross the border into Bulgaria, and then he would change into finely tailored engineer's overalls and either by diplomacy or by force, he would take charge of the controls.” -
Narrator [16:50]:
“The only two things in all of their lives together in administering the country of Bulgaria, the only two things on which they could never agree was which one was going to get to drive the train.” -
Narrator [20:00]:
“And now you know the rest of the story.”
Final Thoughts
This episode exemplifies the enduring charm of radio storytelling, combining suspense, character development, and historical context. For enthusiasts of classic radio dramas or those new to the medium, "Paul Harvey - Orient Express" offers a compelling listen that captures the spirit and excitement of an era when stories came alive through sound.