Episode Overview

In this brief but fascinating episode of Ripley's Believe It Or Not from Harold’s Old Time Radio, listeners are treated to two remarkable stories from history that blur the line between legend and fact. The episode showcases how extraordinary truths can sometimes surpass the wildest fictions, focusing first on an unusual use of a biblical tomb and then telling the enigmatic tale of China’s “Golden Mummy.”

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Tomb of Ezra: A Hospital with Holy Origins

[00:05]

• The narrator opens with the idea that “truth is stranger than fiction,” setting the stage for unbelievable-but-true stories.
• The first story features the Tomb of Ezra, described as the resting place of one of the Old Testament’s most revered figures after Moses.
• Remarkable Fact: For 2,200 years, this tomb has been used as a maternity hospital.
  • Staffing: “A priest and 22 midwives are in constant attendance” (00:14).
  • This curious fact blurs the lines between religious reverence and everyday life, highlighting beliefs and practices around sacred spaces.
• Quote:
  • "The Tomb of Ezra... has been used as a maternity hospital for 2200 years. A priest and 22 midwives are in constant attendance. Believe it or not." (00:10 - 00:19)

2. The Golden Mummy of China

[00:20]

• The second story shifts focus to Shu Qi, a child emperor of China who ascended the throne at age 6 in 1644.
  • He ruled for 17 years and developed a forbidden love for a concubine named Tung Ke.
  • Denied the right to marry her, Shu Qi withdrew to a monastery—a move underscoring the constraints even emperors faced.
• After Death:
  • His embalmed body was sprinkled with gold dust and dressed in imperial robes of yellow silk (a symbol of Chinese royalty).
  • Seated on a canopied throne, his body remains “wonderfully lifelike after 300 years, believe it or not” (00:43).
• Quote:
  • “After his death, his body was embalmed and sprinkled with gold dust. He was arrayed in the imperial robes of yellow silk, seated in a canopied throne... and has remained in this position, wonderfully lifelike after 300 years. Believe it or not.” (00:37 - 00:48)

Memorable Moments & Tone

• The show’s classic sense of wonder shines through—delivered in the signature, drumroll style exclamation: “Believe it or not.”
• Each fact is presented with a sense of awe and an invitation to the listener to marvel at history’s stranger corners.
• The stories balance between historical trivia and legendary storytelling, characteristic of Ripley's Old Time Radio segments.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:05 – Introduction and proof that “truth is stranger than fiction”
• 00:10 – 00:19 – The Tomb of Ezra as a maternity hospital
• 00:20 – 00:48 – The Golden Mummy of Shu Qi and his love for Tung Ke

Notable Quotes

• Narrator:
  • "The Tomb of Ezra, most celebrated figure of the Old Testament, next to Moses, has been used as a maternity hospital for 2200 years. A priest and 22 midwives are in constant attendance. Believe it or not." (00:10 - 00:19)
  • "After his death, his body was embalmed and sprinkled with gold dust. He was arrayed in the imperial robes of yellow silk, seated in a canopied throne... and has remained in this position, wonderfully lifelike after 300 years. Believe it or not." (00:37 - 00:48)

Final Thoughts

This compact episode encapsulates the enduring appeal of Ripley’s: revealing surprising truths where myth and history entwine. It’s a testament to how, sometimes, the most astonishing tales are rooted in reality—encouraging listeners to look at the world with curiosity and just a touch of skepticism.