Sci Fi Radio 89-09-10 (01) I'm Scared

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Harold's Old Time Radio" – Episode: Sci Fi Radio 89-09-10 (01) "I'm Scared"

Release Date: April 7, 2025
Host: James Edward Kerr
Guest Performers: David Kent, Dale Castle, Gloria Hawking, Rick Spiegel, Charlotte Taylor, Gary Moody, Ken Page
Music and Sound Effects: Ron Diulio
Producers: Kevin Singer and Ron Diulio

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1. Introduction to Sci Fi Radio

Timestamp: [03:03]

James Edward Kerr opens the episode by welcoming listeners to "Sci Fi Radio," his new dramatic series designed to explore imaginary and alien universes. The show sets the stage for a journey through bizarre and unsettling events that challenge the very fabric of time and reality.

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2. The Mysterious Tapes

Timestamp: [05:34]

Kerr introduces the central narrative—a collection of mysterious tapes sent by an unnamed, disturbed individual. This correspondent claims that these tapes record inexplicable events that suggest disturbances in the timeline, leading to chaotic and potentially catastrophic consequences.

Notable Quote:

“Mr. Kerr, your interest in science fiction and other wild tales of the imagination leads me to hope that you will listen to this tape and the others I will send you. Please listen and believe you must.”—Unnamed Disturbed Individual [05:34]

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3. Case 1: Lewis Trachner's Painting Anomalies

Timestamp: [07:31] - [09:55]

The first case involves Lewis Trachner, a coal and wood dealer from Danbury, Connecticut, who experiences inexplicable anomalies with his house paint. Initially finding mysterious gray streaks on his home, Lewis later discovers remnants of paint appearing out of sequence, suggesting a disturbance in the timeline.

Notable Quote:

“I can't figure it out... Somebody had done a nice careful job of cleaning off the new paint in a long stripe about 4 inches wide right across the front of the house.”—Lewis Trachner [08:44]

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4. Case 2: Julia Eisenberg's Dog Encounter

Timestamp: [12:29] - [16:06]

Julia Eisenberg recounts a haunting experience with a dog that appears in her neighborhood. After initially encountering a friendly but persistent dog, Julia later receives a puppy unexpectedly. Tragedy strikes when she loses the dog, only to realize years later that the dog she lost was the same one she had previously chased away—a clear indication of temporal anomalies.

Notable Quote:

“I chased my own dog away Two years before he was born.”—Julia Eisenberg [16:06]

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5. Case 3: Paul B. Kirch's Altered Photograph

Timestamp: [17:25] - [19:19]

Paul B. Kirch, an accountant from the Bronx, discovers unsettling changes in his family photographs. In the final image, his appearance and that of his family members have inexplicably altered, including the appearance of an unfamiliar woman who is suggested to become his future wife posthumously. This case further underscores the series' theme of time distortion.

Notable Quote:

“I think that woman is going to be your new wife after I'm gone. Either divorced or dead.”—Unnamed Disturbed Individual [18:57]

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6. Increasing Temporal Disturbances and Host's Reflections

Timestamp: [19:17] - [24:35]

The unnamed correspondent elaborates on the growing frequency and intensity of these temporal disturbances, attributing them to a collective human longing to escape the present. He posits that the mass desire to revisit past or future times is exerting pressure on the fabric of time itself, leading to these anomalies. The correspondent warns of impending chaos as these disturbances threaten to "tear human lives tragically apart."

Notable Quote:

“I'm completely convinced that this terrible mass pressure of millions of minds is already slightly but definitely affecting time itself.”—Unnamed Disturbed Individual [26:10]

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7. Case 4: Rudoph Fence's Apparent Time Slip

Timestamp: [20:06] - [23:01]

In an encounter at the New York Police Department, Captain Rem and his intern Charlie present the case of Rudolph Fence, a man dressed in outdated attire who was tragically killed in a traffic accident. The details of Fence's possessions and appearance suggest he originated from the late 19th century, raising questions about his sudden appearance in the modern era.

Notable Quote:

“He got himself killed is right... He was dead when he hit.”—Charlie [21:34]

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8. The Ominous Conclusion and Call to Action

Timestamp: [24:35] - [27:41]

The correspondent expresses deep concern over the escalating disturbances and their potential to disrupt the very flow of time, leading to a catastrophic breakdown of temporal order. He implores James Edward Kerr to broadcast these findings to the public, suggesting that widespread awareness might be humanity's only chance to prevent an irreversible temporal collapse.

Notable Quote:

“Perhaps if people only knew what was happening, if they would only come to appreciate what they have, it might not be too late.”—Unnamed Disturbed Individual [27:41]

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9. Production Notes and Credits

Timestamp: [27:41] - [29:19]

James Edward Kerr wraps up the episode by summarizing the dramatized stories and acknowledging the talented cast and crew involved in bringing "Sci Fi Radio" to life. He credits David Kent, Dale Castle, Gloria Hawking, Rick Spiegel, Charlotte Taylor, Gary Moody, Ken Page, and notes the musical contributions of Ron Diulio. The episode is supported by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

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10. Musical Interlude

Timestamp: [29:19] - End

The episode concludes with a musical performance by Benny Goodman and the orchestra, highlighting the timeless charm of classic radio-era music, seamlessly blending with the show's nostalgic theme.

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Key Takeaways:

• Temporal Disturbances: The episode explores the concept of time being disturbed by collective human desires, leading to anomalies where past and present collide.
• Interconnected Stories: Each case presented by the mysterious correspondent interweaves personal experiences with broader implications for the fabric of time.
• Urgent Warning: The unnamed individual serves as a harbinger, warning of impending chaos if these temporal issues are not addressed.
• Engaging Narration: Through dramatization and character performances, the podcast effectively immerses listeners in a suspenseful narrative that blends science fiction with psychological thriller elements.
• Classic Radio Feel: Maintaining the essence of the Golden Age of Radio, the episode leverages sound effects, period-appropriate music, and voice acting to create an authentic old-time radio experience.

Notable Quotes:

1. Unnamed Disturbed Individual [05:34]:

   “Mr. Kerr, your interest in science fiction and other wild tales of the imagination leads me to hope that you will listen to this tape and the others I will send you. Please listen and believe you must.”

2. Lewis Trachner [08:44]:

   “I can't figure it out... Somebody had done a nice careful job of cleaning off the new paint in a long stripe about 4 inches wide right across the front of the house.”

3. Julia Eisenberg [16:06]:

   “I chased my own dog away Two years before he was born.”

4. Unnamed Disturbed Individual [26:10]:

   “I'm completely convinced that this terrible mass pressure of millions of minds is already slightly but definitely affecting time itself.”

5. Unnamed Disturbed Individual [27:41]:

   “Perhaps if people only knew what was happening, if they would only come to appreciate what they have, it might not be too late.”

---

Conclusion

"Sci Fi Radio 89-09-10 (01) 'I'm Scared'" adeptly combines elements of mystery, suspense, and science fiction to craft a compelling narrative about the fragility of time and the unintended consequences of collective human emotion. Through engaging storytelling and rich production, the episode invites listeners to ponder profound questions about reality, perception, and the inexorable march of time.

Transcript

[Energy Trust of Oregon]

At Energy Trust of Oregon, we understand that energy isn't just what happens when you flip a switch. It's what happens afterwards. It's a home that can provide both shelter and peace of mind. It's a business that can run more efficiently and keep their dream alive. And it's communities that can thrive today and flourish tomorrow. That's energy. And that's why we partner with local utility companies to help you save energy and lower costs. For cash incentives and resources that can help power your life, visit energytrust.org.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Oh, I'm sorry, but I've got something I really want you to hear. It'll. It'll just take a moment. Not that you'll believe it, of course, but I've just got to tell somebody. Even if no one can do anything, people still ought to know. There. That ought to do it. Now.

[Kevin Singer]

That'S a song entitled Layers. Kevin Singer here, and glad that you could join us. You've been listening to the music of Ron Diulio. You might be a little more familiar with Ron's solo work in the field of computer and electronic music. Here, Ron was joined by guitarist Buddy Whittington for a rare duo performance. And with that performance, we'll conclude our program for this evening. Now we invite you to stay tuned for a new dramatic series, Sci Fi Radio.

[James Edward Kerr]

Good evening. I'm James Edward Kerr, and I'm your host for tonight's show, the first in a series of adventures through the imaginary worlds we call Sci Fi Radio. Picture a strange and alien universe.

[Kevin Singer]

Benny Goodman and the orchestra. Fascinating rhythm. That's the same Benny Goodman and the.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Orchestra that you had a chance to.

[Kevin Singer]

See out at the Avalon Ballroom last week in one of their all too infrequent appearances in our area.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Well, what do you think? What's the matter with me? You must think I'm out of my mind. It's just an old radio show you're thinking right, but what you don't understand is that I recorded this on my own radio just last night. There was this new radio show I wanted to hear, but I had to go out. I went to a school reunion. Wanted to see how many familiar faces were left, you understand? Anyway, I set my recorder up with a timer to tape the new show. And what I got is what I just played for you. Now, now, please be patient and hear me out, because I'm convinced that this is only one of a series of occurrences which must be recognized for what they are, or the world will soon be plunged into a nightmare.

[James Edward Kerr]

Hello. My name is James Edward Kerr. And I'm the host for the new radio drama series, Sci Fi Radio. The tape I just played for you was mailed to me by an obviously very disturbed gentleman who neglected to sign his name. He enclosed a letter with the tape that said. Oh, wait, I'll. I'll just read it. Mr. Kerr, your interest in science fiction and other wild tales of the imagination leads me to hope that you will listen to this tape and the others I will send you. Please listen and believe you must. And then you must play them for all your listeners to hear before it's too late. Well, I. I won't say that I believed all I heard on these tapes, but I do think you deserve to hear them. Then you can judge his story for yourself. I'll have the next tape queued up in just a moment. I'm John Williams, president of Astral Projections Records.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

I'd like you to hear the title.

[James Edward Kerr]

Cut from our latest cd.

[Kevin Singer]

It's called Space Time Peace.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Space Time Peace is the latest creation of the Sidemen who combine electronic wizardry and subtle acoustics into a unique musical.

[Kevin Singer]

Experience that we're sure you'll enjoy.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

That Space Time piece by the Sidemen.

[Kevin Singer]

On Astral Projections Records, now available at.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Finer record stores everywhere.

[James Edward Kerr]

It's ready now. Here's tape number two.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

What do you do when the apparently impossible occurs? Try telling your friends that you heard a radio show that hasn't aired for years and see what reaction you get. It doesn't do any good to say that you've got it on tape. Everybody knows that old shows exist somewhere on tape. They think you're trying to put one over on them. More than once I was asked if I'd listened to Jack Benny lately. There were joking references to my crystal set radio. But then at a lodge meeting the following Thursday, one man listened to my story with utter seriousness. When I finished, he told me that he had a strange little story of his own. As he related, I was puzzled by what seemed to be a connecting link, a common denominator between his story and the odd behavior of my radio. I took the trouble the following day to make a two hour drive out to his home in the country to verify that story firsthand. I took my tape recorder with me, of course, and here's what he told me. Lou, will you state your name, occupation and address just for the record? Sure.

[Lewis Trachner]

Lewis Trachner, coal and wood dealer, RFD1, Danbury, Connecticut.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Thanks, Lou. Oh, yes, your age too, please.

[Lewis Trachner]

54.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Yeah, yeah.

[Lewis Trachner]

Well, as I told you last night, it was. Well it was in July last year when the first thing happened. I don't recall the exact day that it was, but it was about 6:00 in the morning because I had walked out on the front porch to get the paper. You never know where the paper is going to be, you know. So I just turned around. I couldn't believe my eyes. I mean, running right across the front of the house, up near the eaves, there was. Oh, come over here, I'll show you. Right about there there was a streak of gray paint and it was still damp. Now it was about the width of a 4 inch brush. Looked like hell on this house. I mean, I figured some kids had done it at night for a joke or something, but you know, if they did, they had to get a ladder up there to those eaves and you wouldn't figure they'd go to that much trouble.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Wasn't smeared either.

[Lewis Trachner]

Real careful job. Nice even stripes straight across the front of the house. Anyway, I got a ladder and I got it cleaned off with Turpin time. But as I was telling you yesterday, that wasn't the end of it. I mean, the next thing that happened about three months later when I decided the whole house could use a new coat of paint. You know, that white hadn't held up so good this time. So I just decided to try to paint it gray. I got the front finished Last and about 5:00 one Saturday afternoon, and the next morning I come out and would you believe it, I saw a streak of white paint across the front of the house. Well, first thing I figured, it's dark. Damn kids again. Because it was in the same place as before. But when I looked close, I saw it wasn't new paint. It was the old white paint I'd painted over. Somebody had done a nice careful job of cleaning off the new paint in a long stripe about 4 inches wide right across the front of the house. Now who in the hell would go to that much trouble? I just can't figure it out.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Now, Mr. Kerr and whoever else may be listening to this recording, do you see the link between Mr. Trachner's story and mine? Suppose for a moment that something had happened on each occasion to briefly disturb the orderly progress of time that seemed to have happened in my case. I heard a radio broadcast that had actually been made years before. Now suppose then that no one had touched Mr. Trachner's house but himself, that he had painted his house in October, but that through some fantastic mix up in time, a portion of that paint appeared on his house the previous summer. Since he had cleaned the stripe off. At that time, a broad stripe of new gray paint was missing. After he painted his house in the fall. Absurd, you say? Well, I agree. In fact, I didn't really believe it myself. It was merely an intriguing speculation. And I told these little stories to friends simply as curious anecdotes. But then occasionally, I began to hear other odd stories to add to my collection. For example, there was a man on Long island. Who received a telephone call from his sister in New York one Friday evening. Later, she insisted that she didn't make that call until the following Monday. Once, at a 45th street branch of the Chase National Bank. I was shown a check deposited the day before it was written. A letter was delivered on East 68th street in New York City. Just 17 minutes after it was dropped into a mailbox. On the main street of Green River, Wyoming. And there are many more too. I was in a great demand to tell all these stories at parties. And I told myself that collecting and verifying these stories was just a hobby. But the day I heard Julia Eisenberg's story, well, I knew it. It wasn't any longer just that I first learned of her story. From a friend who lived in her Greenwich Village neighborhood. I arranged to meet with her right away for an interview. This is case 17. I'm speaking with Julia Eisenberg. Would you mind stating your occupation, Ms. Eisenberg?

[Julia Eisenberg]

I'm an office worker in Manhattan.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Thank you. Now, I believe you said something strange had happened concerning a dog.

[Julia Eisenberg]

Yes, it's true.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Would you mind giving me the details? I'd like to record them from a file.

[Julia Eisenberg]

All right. It was more than two years ago. October, I think. I went out one night to get some toothpaste from the drugstore. We have a quiet little neighborhood here, and it's just down at the corner. So I was walking, and on my way back. Not far from the apartment. A large black and white dog ran up. And it was very excited, but friendly. And I made the mistake of petting him. And from that moment, he simply wouldn't leave. And when I went into the lobby of my building. I actually had to push him away to get the door open. I felt sorry for him, poor hound. And a little guilty because he was still sitting at the door an hour later. When I looked out my front window. He hung around, around the neighborhood for three days. Greeting me with wild affection every time I went out. And when I get on the bus in the morning, go to work. He'd sit on the curb, looking after me in this most mournful way. Poor thing. I wanted to take him in, but I knew he'd never go home then. And I was afraid whoever owned him would be sorry to lose him.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Did you try to find his owner?

[Julia Eisenberg]

Yes, but I didn't have any luck. He had a caller, but his tags were missing. And I asked around the neighborhood, but nobody had seen him before. And finally he just disappeared.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Disappeared?

[Julia Eisenberg]

I figured he'd find his way home. At least I hope so. I always wanted a dog for myself, but my apartment's really too small for one. You understand?

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Of course.

[Julia Eisenberg]

Then you'll understand why I was surprised when a friend later gave me a three week old puppy.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

When was that much later?

[Julia Eisenberg]

About two years.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

What did you do with it?

[Julia Eisenberg]

Well, I knew I shouldn't try to keep it, but I was such a darling, I just couldn't resist. And then, of course, before I knew it, he'd grown so big he ate more than I did.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

I guess you couldn't keep him after that.

[Julia Eisenberg]

Oh, yes. He was wonderful company, you know, and. But one night when I. I took him for a walk and I.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Take. Take your time.

[Julia Eisenberg]

Well, I didn't use leash. He never. And I know he was just sniffing around in the dark a few doors down, but when I called him, he didn't come back.

[Energy Trust of Oregon]

At Energy Trust of Oregon, we understand that energy isn't just what happens when you flip a switch. It's what happens afterwards. It's a home that can provide both shelter and peace of mind. It's a business that can run more efficiently and keep their dream alive. And it's communities that can thrive today and flourish tomorrow. That's energy. And that's why we partner with local utility companies to help you save energy and lower costs. For cash incentives and resources that can help power your life, visit energytrust.org.

[Julia Eisenberg]

I never saw him again.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

I'm sorry.

[Julia Eisenberg]

Our street is a solid wall of brownstone buildings on both sides with locked doors and no alleys. He couldn't have disappeared like he just couldn't. But he did. I hunted for him for weeks afterwards, put ads in the paper and all. And there wasn't a single trace. And then one night I was getting ready for bed and I happened to glance out the front window down at the street. And suddenly I remembered something I'd forgotten all about. I remembered the dog I chased away over two years before. Now, you may think I'm crazy, but that was the same dog. I know it was. I chased my own dog away Two.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Years before he was born. I don't think you're crazy, Ms. Eisenberg. It was at that moment, Mr. Kerr, in Ms. Eisenberg's living room. That I realized fully that the consequences of these odd little incidents. Could be something more than merely intriguing. That they might quite possibly be tragic. It was in that moment that I began to be afraid. I've spent the last 11 months tracking down these strange occurrences. And I'm astonished and frightened at how many there are. I'm astonished and frightened at how much more frequently they're happening now. And, well, I hardly know how to express this. At the increasing power to tear human lives tragically apart. On my next tape here, I have an example of the increasing strength of whatever it is that's happening in the world. Tape three, case 34. I'm in the apartment of Mr. Paul B. Kirch in the Bronx. Mr. Kirch is an accountant. He and his wife are in their late twenties. And they have a boy about six. Mr. Kirch?

[Paul B. Kirch]

Yes?

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

You said your story has something to do with some pictures?

[Paul B. Kirch]

Yeah, that's right. I'll get them for you. Here they are. Now, I want you to know I'm a pretty good amateur photographer. I even got a darkroom set up in the kitchen.

[Julia Eisenberg]

Tell the man what happened, will you?

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

I am.

[Paul B. Kirch]

All right. I am. It was two weeks ago, and we were all down in Central Park. It was a nice day. So I took a whole roll of film. Pictures of all of us. The kids. Grandmothers have been pestering us for pictures, you know. Anyway, I set the timer on the camera to snap the pictures automatically. So I had time to get around into each picture myself. All right. These are the first ones I took. As you can see, I'm wearing a light business suit. Now, my boy there is wearing a dark suit with knee length pants. And my wife has on a dark dress with a cloth coat.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

I see.

[Paul B. Kirch]

Now I'm going to show you the last picture which I took exactly like the others. Just minutes later, we agreed on the pose. I set the camera, walked around in front and joined my family. Monday night I developed the whole roll. Look what came out on the last negative.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Hmm. Well, this is odd. You're wearing an entirely different suit. Your son has a different outfit on too. And he looks like he's taller.

[Paul B. Kirch]

And what else?

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Who is this woman? I don't know.

[Paul B. Kirch]

I've never seen her in my life.

[Julia Eisenberg]

So you, sir?

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

It's true.

[Paul B. Kirch]

I don't know who she is.

[Julia Eisenberg]

Well, I do. I think that photograph shows how Things will be a couple of years from now. I think that woman is going to be your new wife after I'm gone. Either divorced or dead.

[Paul B. Kirch]

Look, that's a crazy idea.

[Julia Eisenberg]

Then you tell me what that picture does mean.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Well, I. I think I better be going. Thank you for sharing your story. Yeah.

[Paul B. Kirch]

Get out of my house, will you? I didn't ask you here.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Anyway, I don't know what you and your listeners think about this story, Mr. Kerr, but I have no doubt that Mrs. Kircher was right about that photograph. Now if you'll indulge me just a few more moments, I've saved what I think is the most ominous episode for last. I was lucky, I guess you'd call it that in being in the right place at the right time. I was at a mid city precinct of the New York Police Department. I check in there regularly in hopes of picking up new cases for my collection. But on this particular night. Well, just listen to my final take. I'm talking to Captain Rem of the New York Police Department. Yeah, Captain Rem, if you just like to ask.

[Captain Rem]

Oh, wait just a minute, just a minute. Hello, Rem here. What's that you got?

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

What?

[Captain Rem]

I'll be right there. I gotta see this for myself.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

What is it, Captain?

[Captain Rem]

You're always looking for strange stories, Jack. Well, I got a good one for you. Come on.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Where are we going?

[Captain Rem]

To the moors. Going again?

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Yeah.

[Captain Rem]

Okay. Now, Charlie here is one of the interns in this place. Charlie, this is my friend Jack.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Hello, Charlie.

[James Edward Kerr]

Hi.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

How you doing?

[Captain Rem]

Jack collects stories about strange happenings. Now, Charlie, tell us what you got here.

[Charlie]

Yeah, right. Well, I'll just. I'll roll them out and show you. See, they brought this stiff in about an hour ago. California, huh? Report says a cab ran him down in Times Square.

[Captain Rem]

There's nothing strange about that, right?

[Charlie]

Take a look at this, huh?

[Captain Rem]

Young guy, maybe 30, beard, mutton chop, whiskers. What about him?

[Charlie]

Look at his clothes.

[Captain Rem]

Well, they ain't too fashionable, are they?

[Charlie]

Right. Cutaway coat, vest with lapels, oversized bow tie and a turned up stiff collar. Now, he also wore a ton tall silk hat and button shoes.

[Captain Rem]

Wow, that's a little weird all right. But hey, I seen all kinds out there on the streets, you know, with.

[Charlie]

This in their pockets.

[Captain Rem]

What's that?

[Charlie]

Some change he had on him. Now this nickel here, the shiny new one. Yeah, yeah, right. You ever seen a nickel like this before?

[Captain Rem]

Let's see, it's got a shield on the front, a big five on the back. Can't see As I have.

[Charlie]

Check the date, Captain.

[Captain Rem]

1876. Still must have been some kind of coin collector.

[Charlie]

Yeah, I'll say. And every other coin in his pocket is older than that. All his pennies were Indian heads. When did he ever see one of those? Even had a silver 3 cent piece on him.

[Captain Rem]

Well, how about paper money? Do you have any bills on it?

[Charlie]

Over 70 bucks. All old time bills. The big kind. Not a Federal Reserve note in the lot. That's not all.

[James Edward Kerr]

What else have you got?

[Charlie]

This piece of paper that looks like.

[Captain Rem]

A bill of something. Lexington Avenue livery stable. Feeding and stabling one horse and washing a carriage. Total due $3. No name on this bill. Do you have any ID on it?

[Charlie]

Yeah, right. He had some cards in his wallet. His name was Rudolph Fence. Some address on Fifth Avenue.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Here's the cards.

[Captain Rem]

Thanks, Charlie. It's a strange one, all right. What do you make of it, Jack?

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Well, there's nothing much you can make of it. Apparently someone, this Mr. Fence went to a lot of trouble to dress up in an antique style. The coins and bills, I assume he could buy them at a coin dealer. Yeah. Then he got himself killed in a traffic accident.

[Charlie]

He got himself killed is right. 11:15 at night in Times Square. The theaters of Let mount. Busiest time and place in the world. And this guy shows up in the middle of the street, gawking, looking around at cars and signs like he'd never seen him before. The cop on duty noticed he was acting strange. Report says that when the lights changed and the traffic started up, he was on the island in the morning. But instead of waiting, damn fool panicked. Tried to make it back to the sidewalk. Cab got him. He was dead when he hit.

[Captain Rem]

Okay, Charlie, you can put him back on ice now.

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Right.

[Captain Rem]

Thanks for the call, Jack. Let's go back to my office. Yeah. Yeah, thanks, Bill. That wraps it up. I'll be talking to you. Okay, Jack, here's the story. Missing Persons had a file under Spence Fella. It was an old one from 1876. Seems that a guy of his name and description went out for a little stroll one night to smoke a cigar. He didn't come back. He was never seen or heard from again. I hate this case. I hate it. I wish I'd never heard it. What do you think? You think this guy walked off into thin air in 1876 and showed up again more than a hundred years later?

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

I don't know what to think. But do you?

[Captain Rem]

Do you have some other explanation?

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

No. No, Captain, I don't.

[Captain Rem]

Well, sure as hell beats Me?

[Unnamed Disturbed Individual]

Well, that's it, Mr. Kerr. I could go on. I could give you and your listeners several hundred such cases, but some are just too horrible to be heard. All of these cases have happened in the New York City area alone, all within the last few years. I suspect that thousands more have occurred and are occurring all over the world. Yes, I could go on, but the point is this. What is happening and why? I believe I know. Haven't you noticed on the part of nearly everyone you know, a growing rebellion against the present and an increasing longing for the past? I have never before in my life have I heard so many people wish that they lived back when life was simpler or when life was worth living or just in the good old days. People didn't talk that way. Way when I was young. The present was a glorious time. But they talk that way now. I believe that this is the first time in history that people are desperate to escape the present. The newsstands are jammed with escape literature. Entire magazines, radio and TV shows, and many of the movies are devoted to fantastic stories of escape to other times past, to future, to other worlds and planets, Escape to anywhere but here and now. Yes, there's a craving in the world, like a thirst, a terrible mass pressure that you can almost feel, a pressure of millions of minds struggling against the barriers of time. I'm completely convinced that this terrible mass pressure of millions of minds is already slightly but definitely affecting time itself. In the moments when this happens, when the almost universal longing to escape is greatest, these incidents occur. Man is disturbing the clock of time, and I'm afraid it soon will break. And when it does, I'll leave it to your imagination. The last few hours of madness that'll be left to us with all the countless moments that now make up our lives suddenly ripped apart and chaotically tangled in time. Can anything be done to stop it? I don't know, but I doubt it. Perhaps if people only knew what was happening, if they would only come to appreciate what they have, it might not be too late. That's why I've sent these tapes to you, Mr. Kerr. You must believe me. You must put them on the air. Might be our only chance.

[James Edward Kerr]

That was the last of the tapes from my anonymous correspondent for myself. Well, I really don't know what to make of them. I have tried to verify some of those strange incidents, but so far I've had no success. I also have no personal knowledge of any incidents like that. Perhaps one of you listening is aware of. Our cast starred David Kent as the narrator and featured Dale Castle in the role of Lewis, Gloria Hawking as Julia, Rick Spiegel as Paul and Charlotte Taylor as the wife. Captain Rem was played by Gary Moody and Charlie was Ken Page. The disc jockey was Kevin Singer. The short story I'm Scared by Jack Fitty was adapted and directed for Sci Fi Radio by John O. Williams. All music and sound effects were created by Ron Diulio. The series producers are Kevin Singer and Ron Diulio. Support for this program has been provided by a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. And now this is James Edward Kerr inviting you to join me soon for another venture into the imaginary worlds of Sci Fi radio.

[Kevin Singer]

Benny Goodman and the orchestra had fascinating rhythm. That's the same Benny Goodman and the orchestra that you had a chance to see out at the Avalon Ballroom last week in one of their all to it frequent appearances in our area. Now continuing this evening's little get together with music from the unforgettable Glenn Miller.