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

Summary

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

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Reliving the Golden Age of Radio with classic shows that captivated families before the advent of television. Featuring beloved programs like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more.
• Episode: Rip Lawson, Adventurer xx-xx-xx (01) The Black Shark
• Release Date: March 12, 2025

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Introduction

In the inaugural episode of the Rip Lawson Adventure series, The Black Shark, listeners are transported back to the thrilling era of underwater espionage and high-stakes treasure hunting. Hosted by Harold's Old Time Radio, this episode masterfully blends suspense, camaraderie, and intrigue, capturing the essence of classic radio storytelling.

Setting the Stage

The episode opens with the dynamic introduction of Rip Lawson, an intrepid adventurer, and his steadfast partner, Big Mike. Their vessel, the Black Shark, is no ordinary underwater craft; it’s a state-of-the-art laboratory equipped with the latest scientific innovations, including radar, sounding equipment, and a jet-propelled plane.

• Rip Lawson: “[Rip Lawson, adventurer. Rift Watson, Adventurer. Rip Watson, adventurer on land the world.]” (00:05)

Commander Roberts sets the scene, highlighting the expansive capabilities of the Black Shark as it navigates the vast South Pacific en route to the Fiji Islands for a much-needed respite.

Unexpected Orders

Just as Rip and Big Mike anticipate a period of relaxation, Commander Roberts announces their imminent deployment:

• Commander Roberts: “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...” (01:45)

The tranquility is short-lived as a critical radio message interrupts their journey, summoning them back into duty to locate a sunken Nazi submarine rumored to contain $100 million in gold bullion.

• Commander Roberts: “Aye, there goes our rest. Not now. Quiet.” (03:35)

The Mission Commences

Rip Lawson and Big Mike receive coordinates near the Solomon Islands, prompting them to alter course at full speed. The tension mounts as they prepare to confront potential dangers lurking beneath the ocean's surface.

• Rip Lawson: “Near the Solomon Islands.” (03:47)
• Big Mike: “Locate former Nazi submarine. Sunken $100 million. Gold bullion looted from former Nazi occupied territories.” (03:48)

Navigating to the Submarine

As the Black Shark approaches the designated location, Rip contemplates the eerie silence surrounding the sunken vessel. The crew's expertise is showcased as they meticulously adjust their equipment and maintain communication protocols.

• Commander Roberts: “Six degrees, 40 minutes south, 150 degrees, 45 minutes east.” (04:41)
• Rip Lawson: “Well, let's see. It's 8:52 hours, 50 knots. Heading 2:10 6 degrees south. 179 degrees 16 minutes west.” (04:13)

Discovery and Infiltration

Upon reaching the submarine, Rip and Big Mike embark on a perilous exploration. Their initial search yields no signs of the coveted gold, intensifying the mystery surrounding the vessel.

• Rip Lawson: “We find them on the deck of the underwater craft as it glides along the smooth surface of the South Pacific...” (01:45)

As they delve deeper, Rip uncovers a significant clue: the gold is deliberately placed beneath the hatch, hinting at a possible trap or hidden scheme.

• Commander Roberts: “When they scuttled this submarine, they left the hatch open and the gold directly under it.” (10:52)

Climax: Crew's Disappearance

Just as Rip and Big Mike attempt to retrieve the gold, an unforeseen calamity strikes—their crew mysteriously disappears, leaving the duo stranded with the fortune and the unresolved fate of their comrades.

• Narration: “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.” (12:00)

Key Moments and Notable Quotes

1. Rip's Dream of Adventure:

   • Rip Lawson: “I like to dream. Right now I'm a dreaming of the Fijis. Well, what a rest we're gonna have.” (02:58)

2. Commander Roberts on Rip's Ingenuity:

   • Commander Roberts: “You get brilliant ideas like fitting jet planes and boats inside ships.” (02:42)

3. Emergency Orders and Urgency:

   • Big Mike: “You are hereby honored to active duty.” (03:35)

4. Discovery of the Hatch Mechanism:

   • Commander Roberts: “That's it. When they scuttled this submarine, they left the hatch open and the gold directly under it.” (10:52)

5. Climactic Crew Disappearance:

   • Narration: “Alone on the Black Shark, Rip Lawson and Big Mike wonder over the disappearance of their crew...” (12:00)

Themes and Insights

• Trust and Partnership: The bond between Rip Lawson and Big Mike is evident throughout their mission, highlighting themes of loyalty and mutual reliance in the face of adversity.

• Ingenuity and Innovation: Rip's creative solutions, such as stowing a jet plane within the Black Shark, emphasize the importance of innovation in overcoming challenges.

• Mystery and Suspense: The unresolved fate of the crew and the elusive gold add layers of suspense, keeping listeners engaged and eager for the next episode.

• Heroism and Sacrifice: The narrative underscores the heroic endeavors of Rip and Big Mike, as well as the potential sacrifices they may face in their quest.

Conclusion

The Black Shark sets a compelling foundation for the Rip Lawson Adventure series, blending classic radio drama elements with a gripping storyline. As Rip and Big Mike navigate the treacherous waters of espionage and treasure hunting, listeners are left on the edge of their seats, anticipating the resolution of their perilous journey. This episode not only pays homage to the Golden Age of Radio but also reinvigorates its timeless appeal through adventurous storytelling and memorable characters.

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Listener Takeaway: For enthusiasts of classic radio dramas and adventure tales, The Black Shark offers a rich, immersive experience. The episode skillfully combines action, suspense, and character development, making it a must-listen for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Transcript

[Rip Lawson]

Rip Lawson, adventurer. Rift Watson, Adventurer. Rip Watson, adventurer On land the world.

[Big Mike]

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

[Rip Lawson]

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

[Commander Roberts]

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

[Rip Lawson]

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?

[Commander Roberts]

You did.

[Rip Lawson]

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

[Commander Roberts]

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?

[Rip Lawson]

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

[Commander Roberts]

Rip Martin Lawson. Yes, Roberts.

[Big Mike]

Radio message coming in, sir, calling for you.

[Commander Roberts]

Transcribe it and give it to me on the speaker.

[Big Mike]

Aye aye, sir.

[Commander Roberts]

Take it down, Mike.

[Rip Lawson]

Okay, Commander.

[Commander Roberts]

Yes, here it comes.

[Big Mike]

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

[Rip Lawson]

Just a minute.

[Commander Roberts]

Be sure you get this, Mike.

[Big Mike]

You are hereby honored to active duty.

[Rip Lawson]

Ah, there goes our rest. Not now. Quiet.

[Big Mike]

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

[Rip Lawson]

Near the Solomon Islands.

[Big Mike]

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

[Rip Lawson]

DangerExclamation point $100,000,000.

[Big Mike]

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

[Rip Lawson]

100 million.

[Commander Roberts]

Mike, what's our position?

[Rip Lawson]

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

[Commander Roberts]

Roberts.

[Big Mike]

Hi, sir.

[Commander Roberts]

Heading 315.

[Big Mike]

Heading 315.

[Commander Roberts]

Full speed.

[Big Mike]

Full speed.

[Rip Lawson]

Several helicopters. I'd better get this rocker below.

[Commander Roberts]

Roberts. Aye, the charts.

[Big Mike]

Aye, aye, sir.

[Commander Roberts]

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

[Big Mike]

There you are, sir.

[Rip Lawson]

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

[Commander Roberts]

Cape Alexander.

[Rip Lawson]

Well, for I know that place.

[Commander Roberts]

Right across the straits from Bougainville.

[Rip Lawson]

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

[Commander Roberts]

No, there's nothing on that island now.

[Rip Lawson]

But I know unfriendly natives.

[Commander Roberts]

Yeah. Yeah. Well, maybe now's the time.

[Rip Lawson]

For what?

[Commander Roberts]

This.

[Rip Lawson]

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

[Commander Roberts]

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

[Rip Lawson]

But. But there's nothing on it.

[Commander Roberts]

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

[Rip Lawson]

In some water, huh? I get it.

[Commander Roberts]

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.

[Rip Lawson]

Well, it looks like an ordinary enough ring.

[Commander Roberts]

Except for this. Hi. What's our speed?

[Rip Lawson]

We're making pretty good time. 43 knots.

[Commander Roberts]

I wish this thing could fly.

[Rip Lawson]

You want it to fly? Okay. Hey, you. Bunch of Turkish lagoons up there. What's holding us up?

[Commander Roberts]

Let's get more power, Roberts.

[Big Mike]

Hi. Sir.

[Commander Roberts]

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

[Rip Lawson]

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

[Commander Roberts]

So have I.

[Rip Lawson]

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

[Commander Roberts]

So what's our position?

[Rip Lawson]

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

[Commander Roberts]

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

[Big Mike]

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.

[Rip Lawson]

Flushing and bolt press.

[Big Mike]

55Ft.

[Rip Lawson]

Level her off at 60.

[Big Mike]

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

[Commander Roberts]

How's the sounding equipment, Mike?

[Rip Lawson]

Working okay. Nothing but char line so far.

[Commander Roberts]

I switched to the metal. Detective.

[Rip Lawson]

Hi.

[Commander Roberts]

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

[Rip Lawson]

That's it.

[Commander Roberts]

Stop engine.

[Big Mike]

Stop engine.

[Commander Roberts]

A periscope.

[Big Mike]

Up periscope.

[Commander Roberts]

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

[Big Mike]

Smart boy, if I was scoped close off.

[Commander Roberts]

Yeah. Take a look.

[Rip Lawson]

See anything?

[Commander Roberts]

Nothing but sea, sky and jungle. Down periscope.

[Big Mike]

Down periscope.

[Commander Roberts]

Hard ride.

[Big Mike]

Hard ride. Surface Surface flow, main balance.

[Rip Lawson]

I always did like a bit of fresh air.

[Commander Roberts]

Nice looking island we have here.

[Rip Lawson]

Yeah, and look way over there. Bougainville. See the mountain?

[Commander Roberts]

How far is it?

[Rip Lawson]

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.

[Commander Roberts]

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

[Rip Lawson]

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

[Big Mike]

Aye, aye, sir.

[Rip Lawson]

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

[Commander Roberts]

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

[Big Mike]

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

[Rip Lawson]

Help me with this insignificant little tin helmet.

[Commander Roberts]

You know it better than that, Robert. That thing.

[Rip Lawson]

Testing.

[Commander Roberts]

Do you get me, Mike?

[Rip Lawson]

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

[Big Mike]

Hi, sir. You're okay here and let's go.

[Rip Lawson]

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

[Commander Roberts]

All you need is your rocking chair King Neptune, let's.

[Rip Lawson]

Be so beware say, now that's what you call a neat landing. We're right on top of the sub.

[Commander Roberts]

You see the hatch?

[Rip Lawson]

I see it. I'm in it. Hey, flash your light over here and take a look.

[Commander Roberts]

Looks like the welcome man is on the door.

[Rip Lawson]

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

[Commander Roberts]

Well, let's go down in.

[Rip Lawson]

After you, Commander.

[Commander Roberts]

How long we been down, Mike?

[Rip Lawson]

It must be an hour now.

[Commander Roberts]

You still haven't found anything?

[Rip Lawson]

Nothing that changed. Like gold.

[Commander Roberts]

Did you look in the torpedo tubes?

[Rip Lawson]

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

[Commander Roberts]

No secret compartments?

[Rip Lawson]

Nope.

[Commander Roberts]

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

[Rip Lawson]

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?

[Commander Roberts]

Yeah. Release your emergency supply of oxygen.

[Rip Lawson]

Did you say something was fishy?

[Commander Roberts]

I didn't expect to be so right.

[Rip Lawson]

Roberts.

[Commander Roberts]

Roberts, see if you can get him. Mike.

[Rip Lawson]

Roberts. Roberts. Speak up. Roberts.

[Commander Roberts]

Back to the hatch, Mike, oxygen on.

[Rip Lawson]

Right.

[Commander Roberts]

Mine too. Mike. Under your feet.

[Big Mike]

Move over.

[Rip Lawson]

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.

[Commander Roberts]

Of course. That's it. When they scuttled this submarine, they left the hatch open and the gold directly under it.

[Rip Lawson]

On purpose.

[Commander Roberts]

All they have to do is lower a few hooks and haul it up.

[Rip Lawson]

We'll fight the great horned rhinoceros.

[Commander Roberts]

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

[Rip Lawson]

You speak inspired words, Rip.

[Commander Roberts]

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

[Rip Lawson]

If I pull any harder, I'll. I'll break the rope. Try yours.

[Commander Roberts]

Yeah, it's no go, Mike. Mike, pull hard on your line. Does it feel secure? Yeah, so does mine.

[Rip Lawson]

Well, maybe we can pull ourselves up.

[Commander Roberts]

That's the idea.

[Rip Lawson]

Okay, we'll give it up.

[Commander Roberts]

Here we go.

[Rip Lawson]

All right. Here, let me give you a hand, Rip. Yeah.

[Commander Roberts]

That was rough.

[Rip Lawson]

You said it.

[Commander Roberts]

Where. Where's the crew?

[Rip Lawson]

I wonder where everybody is.

[Commander Roberts]

Roberts, something's happened.

[Big Mike]

Roberts.

[Commander Roberts]

Mike.

[Rip Lawson]

Yeah.

[Commander Roberts]

Looks like our crew has disappeared. 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. Rip Lawson, jet pilot, submarine commander, special.

[Rip Lawson]

Agents, man of action. Rick Lawson, adventurer.