Satellite Seven - 58-05-02 - 02 - Whispering Voices

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Satellite Seven - 58-05-02 - 02 - Whispering Voices"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Satellite Seven - 58-05-02 - 02 - Whispering Voices
• Release Date: May 25, 2025
• Description: Delving into radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio, this episode transports listeners to a bygone era where families gathered around the radio to enjoy thrilling narratives like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many others.

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Introduction to Satellite Seven

[00:56]
The episode opens with Professor Waters introducing the audience to "Satellite 7," an eight-part adventure serial penned by Angus McVicker. The narrator, fifteen-year-old Jake Thompson, sets the stage for an intriguing tale in Part 2, titled "Whispering Voices."

The Wreck and Arrival on Shuna

[01:19] - [03:07]
Jake recounts the evening following the wreck of their cabin cruiser near the Hebridean island of Shuna. Laying in bed at Fergusonills' cottage, Jake senses that something is amiss even before Tony acknowledges it. Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael and Billy Hackett arrive, bringing news and reassurance.

Notable Quote:
"I knew in my bones long before Tony said so that something darn queer was going on." — Jake Thompson [01:19]

Meeting the Locals

[02:34] - [05:28]
Flight Lieutenant Carmichael assures Jake of their intentions, introducing the team and emphasizing their commitment to repairing Jake's boat. They share a meal prepared by Granny Stewart, who provides crucial backstory about Shuna. She speaks of past harmony disrupted by the Great War and the arrival of enigmatic strangers whose presence brought fear and suspicion to the island.

Notable Quote:
"Evil days have come to Shuna." — Granny Stewart [03:43]

Unveiling the Mystery of Satellite 7

[05:41] - [08:14]
The next day, Jake and Bridie, along with their friends, investigate the local rocket station during dusk. They observe tall towers, sea-facing buildings within barbed wire fences, and a massive torpedo-like structure. The increased security and frequent rocket launches raise questions among the young protagonists.

Notable Quote:
"I hear their voices in the night. The evil men. I hear them whispering in the dark." — Granny Stewart [05:13]

Encounter with the Supernatural

[08:12] - [09:02]
As the group traverses a rocky cliffside, they begin to hear mysterious whispering voices, echoing cries in the darkness. This unnerving experience aligns with Granny Stewart's warnings about the island's malevolent forces. Flight Lieutenant Carmichael dismisses the phenomenon, attributing it to natural causes, but Jake remains unsettled.

Notable Quote:
"Whispering voices, like somebody crying. Where is it coming from?" — Bridie [08:26]

Suspicion and Confrontation at the Rocket Station

[09:23] - [13:28]
Billy Hackett delivers a letter from Professor Waters, requesting Jake and his brother's presence at the station. Upon arrival, they're met by Professor Waters, Flight Lieutenant Carmichael, and Chief Engineer Roderick McIntyre. The trio is subjected to a rigorous identity verification process, during which suspicions arise about their true intentions. Jake raises concerns about possible espionage, especially after recalling his head injury and the alleged sabotage of their boat. The tension escalates as authorities express skepticism about Jake and his brother's claims, insisting they remain on the island for further investigation.

Notable Quote:
"When we verify your story, we'll probably tell you." — Professor Waters [13:56]

Escalation and Cliffhanger

[13:28] - [14:44]
As the investigation deepens, Flight Lieutenant Carmichael grows frustrated with the situation, highlighting their personal commitments and dismissing the prolonged stay. Professor Waters maintains a firm stance, requiring the Thompsons to stay until the 21st of the month, heightening the sense of confinement and mystery. The episode concludes with unresolved tensions and unanswered questions, setting the stage for future developments in the serial.

Notable Quote:
"We must insist that you remain here until the 21st of the month." — Professor Waters [13:47]

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Key Themes and Insights

1. Mystery and Suspense: The narrative skillfully weaves elements of suspense through unexplained phenomena and the looming presence of the rocket station, keeping listeners on edge.

2. Isolation and Paranoia: Set on a remote island, the story explores themes of isolation, breeding distrust among the inhabitants, and the fear of the unknown.

3. Conflict Between Science and Supernatural: The tension between logical explanations offered by Flight Lieutenant Carmichael and the eerie warnings from Granny Stewart highlights the classic struggle between rationality and the supernatural.

4. Youth and Innocence vs. Authority: Jake and his brother represent youthful innocence and skepticism, challenging the authoritative figures who may have hidden agendas.

5. Hints of Espionage: Subtle clues suggest that the Thompsons might be entangled in espionage activities, adding layers to the central mystery.

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Conclusion

"Whispering Voices" is a compelling installment in the "Satellite 7" serial, effectively capturing the essence of Golden Age radio dramas with its rich storytelling, dynamic characters, and an engrossing mystery. Through Jake Thompson's journey, listeners are transported to the enigmatic island of Shuna, where every whisper and shadow conceals secrets waiting to be unveiled. This episode adeptly sets up anticipation for subsequent parts, promising more intrigue and revelation.

Notable Final Quote:
"And we were hoping you'd let us have a few gallons of petrol just to take us back to Tobermory." — Jake Thompson [13:21]

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Speaker Attribution for Quotes:

• Jake Thompson
• Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael
• Granny Stewart
• Professor Waters
• Bridie

Timestamps: All quotes are referenced with their corresponding timestamps to provide context and authenticity to the summary.

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For those who cherish the nostalgia of old-time radio or are new to the genre, "Whispering Voices" offers a masterful blend of mystery, character development, and atmospheric storytelling, making it a must-listen episode in the "Satellite Seven" series.

Transcript

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[Professor Waters]

The BBC presents Satellite 7, an adventure serial in eight parts by Angus McVicker. The storyteller is 15 year old Jake Thompson. Part 2 the Whispering Voices.

[Jake Thompson]

That evening after the wreck of our cabin cruiser as I lay in bed in Fergusonills cottage in the Hebridean island of Shuna, I knew in my bones long before Tony said so that something darn queer was going on. Then Bridie's father and Billy Hackett came into the room.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

I delighted to see you better, Jake. I was sure you'd come too pretty soon. Mr. Fergus O' Neill, Jake.

[Jake Thompson]

How do you do?

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

And Mr. Billy Hackett.

[Jake Thompson]

How'd you do?

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

How do you do, Tom. That was exciting. All right. Here I was settling down on a bit of overtime in the workshop when Miss Bridie comes running up to the fence shouting about a shipwreck. I stuck my finger on the alarm buzzer and 20 of the lads come belting it off to us to the shore. When they see they wasn't needed, back they go inside. You'll meet them all in time, kid. Nice bunch of fellas we call Billy our liaison officer. For some reason we see far more of him than of any of the others. The reason is sticking out a mile. Some of the blokes up there will drive you nuts. Talk about eyebrows. Thank goodness for Mr. O' Neill or Ms. Bridie. That's all I can say anyway. Don't you worry, Jake. As I told you, brother, we'll have that boat of yours all ship shape in a couple of days. You're all certainly very kind to us. We appreciate it very much. Don't let her give you a thought to. But look, perhaps Jake's had enough of us in the meantime with that head of his.

[Jake Thompson]

Please don't go because of me. I'm feeling fine.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

Sure, but it's time you had a little peace and time that we had something to eat. Come on, Billy. And you two, Tony. All right. I think Granny and Bridie should have our meal ready by now. See you later, Jake. Granny will bring in a tray for you, Jake, in a few minutes.

[Jake Thompson]

Come in.

[Granny Stewart]

Oh, there you are now, dear. Looking ever so much better. Ready for your supper, I hope.

[Jake Thompson]

Well, I do feel a bit hungry.

[Granny Stewart]

Well, here's a nice plate of eggs and a bacon and a cup of tea to freshen you up.

[Jake Thompson]

Thanks, you big Granny Stewart.

[Granny Stewart]

Ay, that's what they call me here in the island. All my life I've lived on Shuna. Yours is not the first boat I've seen. Made a prisoner by the rocks.

[Jake Thompson]

Bridie said this was your cottage before her father bought it.

[Granny Stewart]

Yes, it was. Here the two children were born. Mary and Donald and Fiona. Fiona, my youngest, is a maiden of the skies.

[Jake Thompson]

Maiden of the skies?

[Granny Stewart]

Ay, she's an air hostess. And she flies in a great aeroplane. A different machine from those up there at the station.

[Jake Thompson]

Granny, what happens up there at the station?

[Granny Stewart]

That I cannot tell you. But to you, a stranger, I will say this. Evil days have come to Shuna.

[Jake Thompson]

How do you mean?

[Granny Stewart]

Well, it's hard to explain. I remember the days when I was young, when Shuna was an island of many families, with no enmity or suspicion amongst us. But the Great War changed all that, and the people could no longer make anything. I was left alone, except for Fergus o' Neill and his darling girl. In the summertime. Then the strangers came.

[Jake Thompson]

What strangers, Gary?

[Granny Stewart]

Oh, strangers whose words were difficult to understand. With great roaring machines to build the towers. They spoke to me and were kind. But fear and suspicion dwelt in their eyes. Ay, my dear, there is evil in Shuna. A strange mystery I cannot understand.

[Jake Thompson]

Well, Johnny says it's a rocket station. Government research. There's nothing to be afraid of in that.

[Granny Stewart]

I'm not afraid. Not of the big machines that go flaming up into the sky. But I am afraid of something else. There is hatred and distrust in Shuna. And to you and your brother, so young and innocent, I would give a warning. Repair your boat and leave this island before it is too late.

[Jake Thompson]

I don't understand.

[Granny Stewart]

I also do not understand. But I hear their voices in the night. The evil men. I hear them whispering in the dark. And sometimes I hear others sobbing and crying like the souls of the lost.

[Jake Thompson]

You mean here in this cottage?

[Granny Stewart]

Not here. Down by the shore when the moon is full. And I walk alone with my thought.

[Jake Thompson]

Next day we worked on the boat, Bridie and Toonie and I. And for a while in the afternoon, Billy Hackett helped us. At sunset, Bridie suggested that we should have a closer look at the station in the gathering dusk. We lay on top of the ridge, looking down at the tall towers and the rows of sea small white buildings enclosed by a barbed wire fence.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

Does that engine keep running all the time, Brady?

[Bridie]

I think so, but we scarcely hear it. It's become part of our lives, like. Like the wind on the sound of the sea.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

I expect it's a dynamo. They must use a terrific amount of electricity for light and power. And all that radar equipment.

[Jake Thompson]

Have they launched any rocket ship, too.

[Bridie]

In the past six weeks out into the Atlantic, or so they said. Each time they gave us plenty of warning and asked us along to the station. Granny Stewart and Father and I, we took shelter with the workmen in a safety bunker. The eggheads, of course, were in the firing bay.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

Who are the eggheads?

[Bridie]

Well, amongst others, Professor Waters. Professor Max Waters, who's in charge, and Roderick McIntyre, his chief engineer, and Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael, who commands the guards.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

Oh, so there's an RAF guard, eh?

[Bridie]

About 30 men on duty all the time.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

You wouldn't think they'd be so strict about security in a lonely island like this.

[Bridie]

Recently they've been very strict indeed.

[Jake Thompson]

Well, they soon be launching another rocket, do you think?

[Bridie]

I don't know. But if you notice, there's something pretty big in that little gantry.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

I'll say there is. It looks like an enormous torpedo standing on its tail.

[Jake Thompson]

Something brewing, eh?

[Bridie]

Father thinks so. He tried to get in touch with the professor twice last week. Some technical details he wanted for his new play. But Harik or Michael stopped him at the gate. Father was quite hurt. Oh. Well, we better make tracks for the cottage before it gets too dark.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

Okay, Brady?

[Jake Thompson]

You bet. I'm hungry.

[Bridie]

We'll take the shortcut along the cliff top. It's a bit rocky and uneven, so mind you don't slip.

[Jake Thompson]

Right.

[Bridie]

Tell me, where do you two come from? I've been bursting with curiosity and all day I've been too polite to ask.

[Jake Thompson]

We live in Edinburgh, but Dad was Highland from a gaucher. Maybe you've heard Tooley on the radio.

[Granny Stewart]

Or on a record.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

Shut up now.

[Bridie]

Oh, no, not Tony Thompson, who sings those lovely Scots ballads.

[Jake Thompson]

That's it.

[Bridie]

But this is marvelous. I never even suspected. And me with stacks of your records.

[Jake Thompson]

Gosh, look out where you're going, Tony.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

I didn't notice that big crack in the rock.

[Bridie]

Oh, you're right.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

Yes, yes, I just slipped. No damage done.

[Bridie]

Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot to warn you. I was so excited. We've Got to keep away from the edge here. Some of the cracks go right down.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

Wait. What's that?

[Bridie]

What is it, Tom?

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

Listen.

[Jake Thompson]

I hear something.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

Quiet. There it is. Louder now.

[Bridie]

Voice. There's something else.

[Jake Thompson]

There's nobody here. Not anywhere near us. Nothing but rocks.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

Voice is all right.

[Bridie]

Whispering voices, like somebody crying. Where is it coming from?

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

It's in the air. There's nowhere else it can be coming from.

[Jake Thompson]

Brady, have you ever heard anything like this before?

[Bridie]

Never. Never.

[Jake Thompson]

Remember what Granny Stewart said. Evil men whispering in the darkness. And others sobbing and crying.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

Oh for goodness sake, Jake. There must be some natural explanation.

[Jake Thompson]

Listen.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

It's gone.

[Bridie]

What on earth could it have been?

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

I don't know, but take it from me, you two, it was nothing supernatural. Come on, let's get back to the cottage. We'll find out about this if it's the last thing we do.

[Jake Thompson]

We didn't say anything about the voices to Mr. O' Neill or Granny Stewart. And next day we had something else to think about. Billy Hackett brought us a letter from Professor Walters saying he'd like to see us at the station. The professor was sitting behind a desk with two other men beside him. A tall, thin, smiling chap with a fair moustache who was Flight Lieutenant Harry CARMICHAEL. And Roderick McIntyre, the chief engineer, a big dark man about 50 who looked surly and unfriendly.

[Professor Waters]

And now that we have introduced ourselves, Mr. Thompson, we should like to ask you and your brother a few questions with a view to establishing your identity and the purpose of your visit here.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

But I've already told you.

[Professor Waters]

Quite in the circumstances, however, verbal evidence is not enough.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

Our work here is of such a.

[Professor Waters]

Nature that security must be complete until the last possible moment. Well, I think, professor, we can take it that they are brothers or generate close relatives and resemblances. I agree. Harry McIntyre, have you anything to say on this?

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

Nothing, except that this one is only 21. As he says, he looks older and more experienced.

[Jake Thompson]

Tony's a famous singer. He's been working hard since he was 18.

[Professor Waters]

The point is, can your brother prove that he is Tony Thompson?

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

I don't know. Oh yes. Wait a minute. I've got a letter here for my agent there.

[Professor Waters]

Seems genuine.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

If they came here to spy on us, a letter like this would be an elementary precaution. Oh, what absolute rubbish. Jake and I are here on holiday.

[Jake Thompson]

I tell you what, Brady o' Neill has some records of Tonys. Why not compare the voices?

[Professor Waters]

That's an idea. It would certainly clinch the matter of identity.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

It could be Johnny Thompson and Still remain a spy. But this is fantastic. How on earth could we be spies when we don't even know what you're doing here? Besides, you think we have deliberately wrecked our boat and risked our lives to make a landing. It's the only way you could have made a landing. What do you mean?

[Professor Waters]

Well, you see, in the ordinary course of events, if you just come sailing into the bay for instance, we'd have sent you away at once on government authority. As it was, you had a perfect alibi for getting ashore.

[Jake Thompson]

An alibi?

[Professor Waters]

Hackett has made it quite clear that the anchor is missing and that the cable did snap. But then, you know similar accidents have been stage managed before.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

Now I. I'm flabbergasted. The whole thing's ridiculous. Do you mean Hackett's been. What do you call it? Screening? Of course. Don't pretend to be so naive.

[Jake Thompson]

But my goodness, what about this lump on my head? Can you imagine? Tony bonked me one just to make it look more realistic.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

You talk too much. The bonier. I beg your pardon, Mr. McIntyre, if it comes to the bit, none of you have any right at all to question private citizens in the way you're doing. You are perfectly right of course, up to a point.

[Professor Waters]

But we are under strict orders from the government. We appreciate your cooperation so far. And I want you to believe that the questions we put are for your own good as much as for ours. Exactly. Now as soon as we're convinced of your good faith, well then we can, we can become friends.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

Why pander to them? Like all youngsters of the present generation? They're far too big an opinion of themselves. Colonel Sta.

[Professor Waters]

I think we can proceed, Mr. Thompson. Now then, I believe you sailed your boat from Leith up round the pitfall fir and down the west coast.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

That's right.

[Professor Waters]

Did you call in anywhere?

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

Yes, at Aberdeen, Wick Ullapool and Tobermory. To buy food in petrol. We can use the radio telephone to check up, you know. Check if you like. We've nothing to hide.

[Professor Waters]

We? Where do you live? In Edinburgh.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

Castle Terrace.

[Professor Waters]

Both of you? Yes, and I have your agent's address here. What school does your brother, Harriet, if.

[Jake Thompson]

You ask old Beaky Brown, he'll not give me a very good character I'm afraid.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

Why not?

[Jake Thompson]

I blew off his moustache once. An accident in the lab.

[Professor Waters]

Such things happen even in the best regulated laboratories. It's happened here. Well, unless my colleagues have any further questions, I think that's all. No, no, no questions. I'm inclined to believe them. Macintyre.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

They're a confounded nuisance, in my opinion. I'll keep an open mind and we'll check the story.

[Professor Waters]

Right. By the way, Mr. Thompson, how are the repairs going?

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

Well, I reckon we can leave tomorrow. And we were hoping you'd let us have a few gallons of petrol just.

[Jake Thompson]

To take us back to Tobermory. I bet you'll be glad to see us gone.

[Professor Waters]

On the contrary. We've made arrangements with Mr. O' Neill that you should remain as his guests for another 10 days.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

Days? What? It's not because we're eager for your company, I can assure you that.

[Bridie]

But.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

But we can't. We just can't wait for another 10 days. Look, I've got a recording session a week tomorrow, and I'm not Sorry about that, Mr. Thompson.

[Professor Waters]

At the same time, we must insist that you remain here until the 21st of the month.

[Jake Thompson]

But why? What's going on here?

[Professor Waters]

When we verify your story, we'll probably tell you. But I must warn you. Meantime, my men will be watching every move you make. That was part two of Angus McVicker's adventure serial Satellite 7, produced in the Scottish studios of the BBC.

[Flight Lieutenant Harry Carmichael]

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[Professor Waters]

We were made to package flights, hotels.

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[Professor Waters]

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