Podcast Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Ripley's Believe It Or Not - 1 Minute Episodes xx-xx-xx (246) Expensive Cab Ride
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Ripley's Believe It Or Not - 1 Minute Episodes xx-xx-xx (246) Expensive Cab Ride," listeners are treated to intriguing and bizarre stories that push the boundaries of belief. Hosted by Harold's Old Time Radio, this episode delves into two extraordinary tales that epitomize the essence of Ripley's famous collection of oddities and unbelievable events.
Main Stories
1. The Curious Case of Paul Hubert
Timestamp: [00:30]
The episode opens with a captivating story that underscores the adage, "Truth is stranger than fiction." Speaker B narrates the astonishing tale of Paul Hubert of Bordeaux, France, who faced a life-altering predicament. Convicted of first-degree murder, Hubert had served 21 years in solitary confinement. However, in a twist worthy of Ripley's archives, Hubert was ultimately acquitted. The revelation? His supposed victim was, in fact, himself.
Notable Quote:
“Paul Hubert of Bordeaux, France was convicted of first degree murder after he had served 21 years in solitary confinement. He was acquitted. It was discovered that his supposed victim was none other than himself. Believe it or not.”
— Speaker B [00:30]
This story not only highlights the peculiarities of the legal system but also delves into the psychological and existential questions surrounding identity and self-perception.
2. The Tale of the Expensive Cab Ride
Timestamp: [01:00]
Continuing with the theme of unbelievable occurrences, Speaker B introduces listeners to the story of William Lord Drags and his extraordinarily expensive cab fare. In Brighton, England, Drags hailed a taxi and requested to be driven to West Pier. Upon reaching his destination, he instructed the cabbie, Martin Holloway, to wait while he embarked on a sail aboard his new yacht.
The plot thickens as Drags disappears for 599 days, only to reappear and find Holloway still waiting. Upon settling the bill, Drags was astonished to discover the fare had escalated to 989 pounds, 15 shillings, and 6 pence, translating to nearly $5,000 in today's currency.
Notable Quote:
“William Lord Drags hailed a cab in Brighton, England one day and asked to be driven to West Pier. Upon arriving, he asked Martin Holloway, the cabbie, to wait while he took a sail on his new yacht. 599 days later, Drags returned and found Holloway waiting. The Lord's bill came to 989 pounds, 15 shillings and 6 pence. He paid a cab fare of nearly 5,000 thousand dollars, believe it or not.”
— Speaker B [00:30]
This remarkable incident not only emphasizes the unpredictability of time and financial transactions but also serves as a testament to the extraordinary lengths to which Ripley's Believe It Or Not stories venture.
Conclusion
In this episode, Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully curates stories that oscillate between the surreal and the incredulous, embodying the spirit of Ripley's renowned series. From a man unknowingly convicted of his own murder to an exorbitant cab ride lasting nearly two years, the episode offers a compelling glimpse into the myriad of human experiences that defy conventional understanding.
Listeners unfamiliar with the episode will find it a fascinating exploration of bizarre truths, reaffirming that sometimes, reality truly is stranger than fiction.
Note: Advertisements and non-content segments present in the transcript have been intentionally excluded to focus solely on the enriching stories that define this episode.