Podcast Summary

Harold’s Old Time Radio

Episode: Ripley’s Believe It Or Not – 1 Minute Episodes: "King Died a Beggar"

Date: November 30, 2025

Episode Overview

This brief episode features a classic “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” segment from Golden Age radio, delivered in signature dramatic style. The main story focuses on the tragic fate of Abdullah S. Zagal, the last Moorish king of Granada, who sold his kingdom for a fortune but met an ironic and devastating end. The segment is a quintessential example of the series’ fascination with strange and ironic twists of history.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

• Opening Curiosity:

  • The host opens with a classic Ripley preamble that teases the bizarre unpredictability of real life.
    • Quote [00:28]:
      "Truth is stranger than fict. This is the truth. This is Ripley. Believe it or not."

• Curious Fact:

  • A quirky, offbeat fact delivers Ripley’s signature blend of wonder and intrigue:
    • Quote [00:36]:
      "The doodle tree, Eucalyptus hemostoma of Australia, has insects burrowing beneath the bark which always gives the tree the appearance of a well scribbled scratch pad. Believe it or not."
    • Insight:
      This tactile image sets the tone for the episode’s fascination with nature’s oddities.

• Main Story – “King Died a Beggar”

  • Story Recap:
    • Abdullah S. Zagal, the last Moorish king of Granada, sold his kingdom for the equivalent of $17 million, expecting a life of wealth in Africa.
    • Instead, once in Africa, he was deceived and captured by Benimaran, King of Fez.
    • Zagal was robbed of his fortune and his eyesight, and ultimately reduced to begging on the streets.
    • He carried a parchment that declared his lost status: “This is the unfortunate King of Andalusia.”
  • Notable Quote [00:48]:
    • "Abdullah S. Zagal, Moorish king of Granada, sold his kingdom for the equivalent of $17 million. He then crossed over to Africa where he looked forward to a life of luxury and ease. Instead, he was arrested by Benimaran, King of Fez, who deprived the former king of both his wealth and his eyesight."
  • Notable Quote [01:18]:
    • "He was thrust out blind and destitute, reduced to begging for a living, carrying on his ragged back a parchment reading: 'This is the unfortunate King of Andalusia.' Believe it or not."
  • Insight:
    • This segment delivers a powerful message about the unpredictability of fate and the abrupt reversals of fortune that populate Ripley’s stories.
    • The tale remains relevant and cautionary—no matter one’s status, fortune can change unexpectedly.

Memorable Moments

• Classic Ripley Delivery:
  • The signature closing invitation to “Believe it or not” offers both skepticism and awe, inviting listeners to ponder the story’s truth themselves.
• Atmosphere:
  • The concise narrative and vivid imagery are characteristic of the Golden Age of radio, using just a minute to deliver an unforgettable historical twist.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• [00:28] Host: “Truth is stranger than fict. This is the truth. This is Ripley. Believe it or not.”
• [00:36] Host: “The doodle tree, Eucalyptus hemostoma of Australia, has insects burrowing beneath the bark which always gives the tree the appearance of a well scribbled scratch pad. Believe it or not.”
• [00:48] Host: “Abdullah S. Zagal, Moorish king of Granada, sold his kingdom for the equivalent of $17 million. He then crossed over to Africa where he looked forward to a life of luxury and ease.”
• [01:10] Host: “Instead, he was arrested by Benimaran, King of Fez, who deprived the former king of both his wealth and his eyesight.”
• [01:18] Host: “He was thrust out blind and destitute, reduced to begging for a living, carrying on his ragged back a parchment reading: ‘This is the unfortunate King of Andalusia.’ Believe it or not.”

Conclusion

This short episode immerses the listener in classic Golden Age radio storytelling, weaving a tale of reversed fate and historical irony. It exemplifies the enduring appeal of “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not” with its blend of odd facts, dramatic delivery, and poignant lessons—all in under a minute.