Rip Lawson, Adventurer xx-xx-xx (01) The Black Shark

Summary

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Episode Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Rip Lawson, Adventurer (01) – The Black Shark
Date: January 3, 2026

Main Theme

This inaugural adventure of Rip Lawson plunges listeners into a classic Golden Age of Radio tale—part espionage, part pulp action. Rip Lawson, his partner Big Mike, and their capable crew set out for a restful retreat in the Fiji Islands aboard their state-of-the-art underwater craft, the Black Shark. Their rest is cut short by a secretive intelligence mission: locate a sunken Nazi submarine rumored to contain $100 million in stolen gold bullion, somewhere near the Solomon Islands. Their journey swiftly evolves from leisurely voyage to high-stakes mystery, with missing gold, treacherous locations, and unexpected dangers at the bottom of the sea.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: The Adventurers at Rest

• Introduction of Main Characters:
  • Rip Lawson, world-traveling adventurer and man of action.
  • Big Mike, his loyal and inventive partner.
  • The elite crew and their cutting-edge underwater vessel, The Black Shark.
• High Spirits and Banter:
  • Lawson and Mike savor the promise of rest in the South Pacific, showcasing camaraderie and wit.
    • Memorable Quote:

      “How can a man with overflowing muscles like yours be happy in a rocket?”
      – Rip to Mike (02:42)

  • Pride in their advanced technology—plane storage “sky street,” jet propulsion, and more.

Timestamp: 02:20 – 03:11

Segments: On the deck of the Black Shark, playful exchange about rest and the ship’s technological marvels.

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2. The Mission Arrives: Orders from Headquarters

• Urgent Radio Dispatch:
  • Rip is ordered back to active duty: locate a sunken Nazi sub holding $100 million in gold bullion (03:19).
  • Mission Coordinates: 6°40’ S, 150°45’ E—off the Solomon Islands.
  • Sense of Duty:
    • Mike bemoans lost rest, but they quickly shift gears into “commander mode.”
    • Mention of hidden identification cards and coded rings used by the International Intelligence Corps (IIC), adding a dash of spy intrigue.
• Memorable Quotes:

  • “There goes our rest.”
    – Big Mike, upon hearing their orders (03:35)

  • “After dipping it in water, your identification will appear in the form of a pair of eyes.”
    – Rip to Mike, regarding the secret agent card (05:21)

Timestamps: 03:04 – 06:10

Segments: Radio message, navigation planning, secret agent gadgets revealed.

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3. Approaching the Target: Navigational and Cultural Tension

• Course Correction:
  • The team charts a path to the coordinates, discussing the location’s proximity to Cape Alexander, Bougainville, and potential local dangers (“unfriendly natives,” and possible non-native outlaws).
• Underwater Prep:
  • Crew prepares for a deep dive to explore the submarine, donning specialized diving suits and readying communication lines and air supplies.

Timestamps: 06:10 – 08:40

Segments: Position check, submergence, final preparations for diving.

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4. The Submarine Dive: Search for Gold and Rising Danger

• Exploring the Sub:

  • Rip and Mike enter the sunken sub; initial search is fruitless—no gold found in obvious places (torpedo tubes, secret compartments).
  • Sudden technical issues—depletion of air, possible sabotage?
  • Discovery: The gold was positioned directly under an open hatch, likely for swift removal by the original thieves. The presence of hooks suggests an organized operation.

• Trouble Brews:

  • Communication fails with their crew (Roberts), increasing suspense.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • “That’s it. When they scuttled this submarine, they left the hatch open and the gold directly under it.”
    – Rip (10:53)

  • “You speak inspired words, Rip.”
    – Big Mike, on oxygen conservation urgency (11:07)

Timestamps: 08:40 – 11:09

Segments: Underwater exploration, discovery of the gold’s setup, air crisis.

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5. A New Mystery: Crew Disappeared, Stakes Raised

• Emerging Crisis:

  • Rip and Mike surface only to find the Black Shark eerily deserted.
  • The gold is theoretically theirs for the taking, but the fate of their crew takes precedence in their minds—a cliffhanger ending.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • “Looks like our crew has disappeared.”
    – Rip, realizing the gravity of the situation (12:00)

Timestamps: 11:47 – 12:42

Segments: Returning topside, realization of the missing crew, tension heightens.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• “I like to dream. Right now I’m a dreaming of the Fijis. Well, what a rest we’re gonna have.”
  – Big Mike (02:58)
• “Now that we are (resting), I can hardly believe it.”
  – Rip (02:20)
• “You see? The Solomons. And over here, coastal island, northeast coast.”
  – Mike (04:47)
• “You know, Rip, seems to me I’ve heard of other people than natives hiding out on Bougainville.”
  – Big Mike, foreshadowing danger (06:10)
• “If I pull any harder, I’ll break the rope. Try yours.”
  – Mike, struggling with the lines (11:11)
• “Where’s the crew?...Looks like our crew has disappeared.”
  – Rip, ending on a chilling note (12:00)

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Key Timestamps & Segment Guide

• [02:20] – Lawson and Mike discuss leisure and innovation on the Black Shark.
• [03:04] – Orders come through: mission to find sunken Nazi gold.
• [05:10] – Introduction of secret agent identification methods.
• [06:27] – Arrival at target area, submersion begins.
• [08:53] – Dive into the submarine, search for gold starts.
• [10:53] – Discovery of how the gold was to be retrieved.
• [11:47] – Rip and Mike surface; find the Black Shark crew gone.
• [12:20] – Episode cliffhanger, the ultimate question: Where is the crew?

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Tone & Style

• Language: Brisk, adventurous, full of period-appropriate banter and lingo.
• Atmosphere: Tense camaraderie, layered with mystery and Cold War-era spy motifs.
• Cliffhanger Structure: The episode wraps with a haunting disappearance, inviting listeners back for the next installment.

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Summary:
This first episode of "Rip Lawson, Adventurer" masterfully blends high-octane action, classic heroics, and mid-century spycraft, all underpinned by charismatic leads and a palpable sense of intrigue. Ideal for fans of vintage radio and escapist adventure, it sets the stage for a serial steeped in peril, camaraderie, and secret missions on the high seas.

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Transcript

[A]

Rip Lawson, adventurer. Rift Watson, Adventurer. Rip Watson, Adventurer on land the world over.

[B]

Europe, America, Africa, Asia at sea the world over Arctic, Antarctic, Atlantic, Pacific.

[A]

In the air lanes of the world, in the stratosphere, we find Rift London, Adventure.

[C]

Rip Lawson, man of action. And Big Mike, his partner in adventure and assistant in the International Intelligence Corps are on route to the Fiji Islands for a well earned rest aboard their high powered underwater craft, the Black Shark. The Shark is equipped with radar, sounding equipment, jet propelled plane and all the latest scientific inventions. We now find them on the deck of the underwater craft as it glides along the smooth surface of the South Pacific, a few miles from their destination.

[D]

You know Mike, during the war I used to imagine taking a rest like this. Now that we are, I can hardly believe it.

[E]

And aboard our own supercharged laboratory we call an underwater craft. With everything that's been invented and a lot that hasn't. I'll take the sky street, for instance. Whoever would think we could stow a plane inside this ship?

[D]

You did.

[E]

That's right, I did, didn't I?

[D]

I've known you for how many years? Oh, a lot of them. And I still can't figure you out. You get brilliant ideas like fitting jet planes and boats inside ships. And then you're not happy unless you're sitting in a rocking chair. How can a man with overflowing muscles like yours be happy in a rocket?

[E]

I like to dream. Right now I'm a dreaming of the Fijis. Well, what a rest we're gonna have.

[B]

Rip Martin Lawson.

[D]

Yes, Roberts.

[B]

Radio message coming in, sir, calling for you.

[D]

Transcribe it and give it to me on the speaker.

[B]

Aye aye, sir.

[D]

Take it down, Mike.

[B]

Okay, Commander.

[D]

Yes, here it comes.

[B]

Commander. RIP Lawson, IIC aboard Black Shock 747 RQ times 26 QM Pacific. Now switch the codes on.

[D]

Just a minute. Be sure you get this, Mike.

[B]

You are hereby honored to active duty.

[E]

Ah, there goes our rest.

[A]

Not now.

[D]

Quiet.

[B]

Proceed without delay. Vicinity 6 degrees 40 minutes south. 150 degrees 45 minutes east.

[E]

Near the Solomon Islands.

[B]

Locate former Nazi submarine. Sunken $100 million. Gold bullion looted from former Nazi occupied territories.

[A]

DangerExclamation point $100,000,000.

[B]

Return here with bullion. Also report persons involved. Reply sign IIC General Tucker, 100 million.

[D]

Mike, what's our position?

[E]

Well, let's see. It's 8:52 hours, 50 knots. Heading 2:10 6 degrees south. 179 degrees 16 minutes west.

[D]

Roberts.

[B]

Hi, sir.

[D]

Heading 315.

[B]

Heading 315.

[D]

Full speed.

[A]

Full Speed, several helicopters.

[E]

I'd better get this rocker below.

[D]

Roberts. Aye, the charts.

[B]

Aye, aye, sir.

[D]

Six degrees, 40 minutes south, 150 degrees, 45 minutes east.

[B]

There you are, sir.

[E]

And now, look. You see? The Solomons. And over here, coastal island, northeast coast.

[D]

Cape Alexander.

[E]

Well, for I know that place.

[D]

Right across the straits from Bougainville.

[E]

What's the Nazi sub doing there? These islands are swarming with Aussies.

[D]

No, there's nothing on that island now.

[E]

But I know unfriendly natives.

[D]

Yeah.

[E]

Yeah.

[D]

Well, maybe now's the time.

[A]

For what?

[D]

This.

[E]

A card. There's nothing on it. What does it mean?

[D]

Mike, this card is your new identification for the IIC The International Intelligence Corps.

[B]

But.

[E]

But there's nothing on it.

[D]

After dipping it in water, your identification will appear in the form of a pair of eyes.

[E]

In some water, huh? I get it.

[D]

But don't get it wet until you have real use for it. Anytime you see a pair of eyes or a ring like this, you'll know he's one of us.

[E]

Well, it looks like an ordinary enough ring.

[D]

Except for this.

[C]

Hi.

[D]

What's our speed?

[E]

We're making pretty good time. 43 knots.

[D]

I wish this thing could fly.

[E]

You want it to fly?

[D]

Okay.

[E]

Hey, you. Bunch of Turkish lagoons up there. What's holding us up?

[D]

Let's get more power, Roberts.

[B]

Hi. Sir.

[D]

Send this message to General tender iic. Roger, wilco. Signed, Lawson.

[E]

You know, Rip, seems to me I've heard of other people than natives hiding out on Bougainville.

[D]

So have I.

[E]

Wonder if they've got anything to do with this sunken submarine. Very.

[D]

So what's our position?

[E]

Well, we're almost there. 6 degrees, 41 minutes, 33 seconds south. 151 degrees, 32 minutes east.

[D]

That's close enough, Roberts. Take her down.

[B]

Aye, aye, sir. All engines stopped. All main ballast vents open. Noting tower hatch closed. All motors ahead. Standard bow and stern planes on hard drive. 10ft. 20ft. 30ft.

[E]

Flushing and bolt press.

[B]

55Ft.

[E]

Level her off at 60.

[B]

60Ft, aye. ISO 57, 58, 59.

[D]

How's the sounding equipment, Mike?

[E]

Working okay. Nothing but char line so far.

[D]

I switched to the metal. Detective.

[E]

Hi.

[D]

The way I figure it, it should be along here someplace.

[E]

That's it.

[D]

Stop engine.

[B]

Stop engine.

[D]

A periscope.

[B]

Up periscope.

[D]

Come on along, Mike. We'll take a look before we surface.

[E]

Smart boy.

[B]

If I was scoped, close off.

[C]

Yeah.

[D]

Take a look.

[E]

See anything?

[D]

Nothing but sea, sky and jungle. Down periscope.

[B]

Down periscope.

[D]

Hard ride.

[B]

Hard ride.

[D]

Surface.

[B]

Surface flow, main balance.

[E]

I always did like a bit of fresh air.

[D]

Nice looking island we have here. Yeah.

[E]

And look way over there. Bougainville. See the mountain?

[D]

How far is it?

[E]

51 and 2/3 miles. We're sons of the Cardiff Giant. Do I remember that? You know, it was before the war. You weren't with me, but once I was with you.

[D]

No, it might. We've got work to do.

[E]

Right you are, Commander. Bring up the pumps in the daven suits.

[B]

Aye, aye, sir.

[E]

All right, now, hang the suits up the hat.

[D]

Set the equipment up here. Roberts, Tony and Jacques, work the pumps. Fred, take the lines. Roberts, you handle communications.

[B]

Aye, aye, sir. Want a hand with the helmet, sir? Please, I help you too, sir, if you want.

[E]

Help me with this insignificant little tin helmet.

[D]

You know it better than that, Robert. That thing. Testing. Do you get me, Mike?

[A]

Give me time. Give me time. Okay. Yeah, I get you. All right, Roberts.

[B]

Hi, sir. You're okay here.

[D]

And let's go.

[A]

Many brave hearts are asleep in my deep slow Beware, beware.

[D]

All you need.

[A]

Is your rocking chair King Neptune, let's be so beware say, now that's what you call a neat landing. We're right on top of the sub. You see the hatch? I see it.

[E]

I'm in it.

[A]

Hey, flash your light over here and take a look.

[D]

Looks like the welcome man is on the door.

[A]

Well, I. I hope we're not expecting.

[D]

Well, let's go down in.

[A]

After you, Commander.

[D]

How long we been down, Mike?

[A]

It must be an hour now.

[D]

You still haven't found anything?

[A]

Nothing that changed.

[E]

Like gold.

[D]

Did you look in the torpedo tubes?

[A]

I'm looking them over now. Norep. They're as empty as a used cartridge.

[D]

No secret compartments?

[B]

Nope.

[D]

Well, nothing back here either. Something fishy about this.

[A]

You're telling me. I just broke into a school of fish and I'm getting too old for a school rip. Is your air supply off? Yeah.

[D]

Release your emergency supply of oxygen.

[A]

Did you say something was fishy?

[D]

I didn't expect to be so right. Roberts.

[A]

Roberts.

[D]

See if you can get him.

[C]

Mike.

[D]

Roberts.

[A]

Roberts. Speak up, Roberts.

[D]

Back to the hatch, Mike. Oxygen on.

[A]

Right. Mine too, Mike. Under your feet. Move over. Well, by the hardy breed of the caracals Banc de France. Right under the hatch. See if you can move it. No, but look at the hooks in the side of the case.

[E]

Of course.

[A]

That's it.

[D]

When they scuttled this submarine, they left the hatch open and the gold directly under it.

[A]

On purpose.

[D]

All they have to do is lower.

[A]

A few hooks and haul it up. We'll fight the great horned rhinoceros.

[D]

Well, they made it easier for us, but we better get out of here. This oxygen won't last all day.

[A]

You speak inspired words, Rip.

[D]

Give you a line at tug and have them haul you up.

[A]

If I pull any harder, I'll. I'll break the rope. Try yours. Yeah, it's no go, Mike.

[D]

Mike, pull hard on your line. Does it feel secure?

[A]

Yeah, so does mine. Well, maybe we can pull ourselves up. That's the idea. Okay, we'll give it up.

[D]

Here we go. All right.

[A]

Here.

[E]

Let me give you a hand, Rip. Yeah.

[D]

That was rough.

[E]

You said it.

[D]

Where. Where's the crew?

[E]

I wonder where everybody is.

[D]

Roberts, something's happened.

[E]

Roberts.

[D]

Mike.

[E]

Yeah.

[D]

Looks like our crew has disappeared.

[C]

Alone on the Black Shark, Rip Lawson and Big Mike wonder over the disappearance of their crew. The gold is theirs for the taking, but the fate of their friends and crew members is uppermost in their minds.

[A]

Rip Lawson, jet pilot, submarine commander, special agents, man of action.

[D]

Rick Lawson, adventurer.