Sky King xx-xx-xx (x) The Black Circle

Summary

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Podcast Summary: "Sky King – The Black Circle"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Air Date: October 2, 2025

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Overview

This episode revives the classic "Sky King," transporting listeners to the golden age of radio adventure. In "The Black Circle," Sky King and his companions travel across the Mediterranean to Marseille, France, to battle a notorious gang known as the Brotherhood of Fear—locally dubbed the "Black Circle." The plot unfolds with intrigue, undercover dealings, narrow escapes, and classic peril as Sky King races against time to stop a terrorist attack and rescue innocent lives.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Progression

1. Arrival in Marseille & Introduction of the Threat

• Sky King, Clipper, and Penny arrive in Marseille, depicted as a city of romance, danger, and international crime.
• The group observes an explosion from the air—signaling the reach and violence of the Black Circle gang.

  "That's an explosion. It looks like it ripped up a whole big corner." — Clifford (02:07)

2. Turning Witness and Police Investigation

• Bob Conway, an American businessman, identifies one of the bombers and insists on informing the police despite personal risk.
• The Marseille police (led by an Inspector) confirm the gang's presence and dangerous influence through murder and blackmail.

  “From the members we arrested in Buenos Aires, we found out that the gang's trademark here in Marseille is a Black circle.” — Inspector (03:17)

• Bob's wife, Mary, expresses concern for his safety, fearing retaliation.

3. Sting at the Café Napolitan

• The team, with French police, tracks suspect Pierre Bocage to his favorite haunt.
• Police prepare a careful raid, with American witnesses waiting outside for safety.
• The gang quickly realizes they've been betrayed by an American informant and begin plotting revenge targeting Bob Conway and his wife.

4. Kidnapping and Blackmail

• Bob Conway receives terrifying news—his wife's passport and a ransom note warning him not to testify or risk her life.
• Sky King devises a plan to pose as Bob Conway using similar looks, glasses, and a fake mustache in hopes of drawing out the gang.

5. Undercover Exchange and Betrayal (09:27)

• Sky King, disguised, is lured by the Black Circle and picked up by a car.
• The gang uncovers his identity due to a police helicopter in the area, capturing Sky King and attempting to kill him in a fire.

  "I'm going to splash it around on these curtains and drapes. Then we'll set a match to it and clear out before the police get here." — Gang Leader (12:19)

• Sky King is narrowly rescued by his team and the police before being burned alive.

6. Race Against Time—Terrorist Threat (14:14)

• The Black Circle’s leader, identified as American Jeff Colby, threatens to bomb Marseille unless their member is released.
• Police lockdown the city; Sky King deduces the bombing may come from the air, not by land.
• King's plan: intercept the bomb-laden jet before it reaches the city.

7. Aerial Duel and Daring Maneuver (16:10)

• In dramatic fashion, Sky King flies wing-to-wing with Colby’s plane to force it away from Marseille.
• He uses his aircraft’s airflow to drag the bomber off course, averting disaster.

  "I'm controlling it with the force of our plane's airflow. Now, if our luck holds, we'll ease this crate right out to sea and we'll crash it out beyond the harbor where it can't harm anyone." — Sky King (17:35)

8. Rescue and Resolution

• Meanwhile, Mary Conway is rescued as police capture Colby, thanks to confessions extracted from captured gang members and informants.
• The threat is neutralized, and the Black Circle’s Marseille operations are shut down.
• Sky King delivers a signature brand of justice in true radio drama style.

  “From now on, you’re it. For at least the next 20 years in a French prison.” — Sky King to Colby (18:29)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the city’s danger:

  “They call it the toughest city west of Suez.” – Sky King (01:17)

• On confronting evil:

  “The men who threw that bomb are coldblooded killers. They deserve to be punished.” – Bob Conway (02:33)

• Sky King's bravery in disguise:

  “Well, you and I are the same height, and we have the same color hair. If I wore your glasses and a fake mustache, they probably couldn't tell us apart.” – Sky King (09:09)

• Gang leader’s chilling threat:

  “Unless you release Pierre Bocage, Marseille will be bombed again at 9 o'clock tonight. And this time I mean really bombed. Compliments to the Black Circle.” – Colby (13:11)

• Heroic finale in the air:

  “I'm controlling it with the force of our plane's airflow.” – Sky King (17:35)
  “From now on, you're it. For at least the next 20 years in a French prison.” – Sky King to Colby (18:29)

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Important Timestamps

• 00:07: Opening, Sky King’s team approaches Marseille.
• 02:07: Explosion witnessed from plane.
• 03:17: Police Inspector discusses the Black Circle.
• 04:39: Bob Conway identifies the bomber’s photo.
• 06:07: Gang realizes they’ve been outed.
• 08:09: Bob Conway receives kidnap threat for his wife.
• 09:09: Sky King devises the undercover switch.
• 12:19: Sky King is trapped in a burning building.
• 14:14: The final countdown to the threatened bombing.
• 16:10: Sky King’s interception of Colby’s jet.
• 17:35: Daring maneuver neutralizes the flying bomb.
• 18:29: Justice delivered, case closed.

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Tone & Style

Classic, suspenseful, and action-driven in the style of 1940s radio drama. Dialogue is brisk, with tension, brushes with danger, and flashes of lightheartedness—especially from sidekick Clipper and the ever-grounded Sky King. The episode champions courage, teamwork, and moral fortitude, with Sky King as the archetypal American hero—resourceful, selfless, and quick on his feet.

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Summary prepared by Harold’s Old Time Radio Listener’s Companion
For more Golden Age adventures, tune in next week!

Transcript

[A]

That. Caroline, what are you doing? What does that look like? I'm going to splash it around on these curtains and drapes. Then we'll set a match to it and clear out before the police get here. You are listening to another throw pack Adventures of Guy King, America's favorite flying cowboy. Brought to you by America's favorite peanut butter Derby's golden roasted Peter Pan peanut butter. Today, Sky King and the Black Circle. Sky King and his friends have undertaken to track down a secret but powerful gang known as the Brotherhood of Fear. Well, today the trail has brought the song bird winking across the sun warm Mediterranean Sea toward the great French city of Marseille, port of romance and danger.

[B]

Sorry, guys. You suppose Marseille is the headquarters of the Brotherhood?

[A]

Could be, Benny. Ships come here from every corner of the world. Lot of criminals here too, aren't there, Sky? Well, Marseille does have a bad reputation all right, Clifford. They call it the toughest city west of Suez. Then why in tarnation didn't we stay back home in Arizona? Think of all the fun he did, that kid. Oh, for goodness.

[B]

Hey, Clifford, you see that little rocky island down there just outside the harbor? It has sort of a castle or a fortress.

[A]

Yeah, what about it?

[B]

Well, that's the chateau jeep. It's the prison the Count of Monte Cristo escaped from. Yeah, sure.

[A]

If there's one thing I hate worse than going up in the air, it's coming down too shut. Now we're over the old fort. Now, the Germans blew up this part of Marseille during the war, but that.

[B]

Big avenue through the center of town. According to this map in the guidebook, that must be La Canada.

[A]

That's one of the most famous streets in the world.

[B]

Hey, sky, get a lot of that smoke down there?

[A]

Yeah, it just blossomed up all of a sudden.

[B]

That's an explosion. It looks like it ripped up a whole dick corner. What do you suppose happens, Guy?

[A]

I don't know, Clifford, but we'll find out after we land.

[B]

Bob, you can't go to the police.

[A]

But I've got to, Mary. I tell you, I recognize the driver of that car.

[B]

You can't be sure.

[A]

I am sure. I've seen him twice in the lobby at our hotel.

[B]

Even if you're right, it's no business of ours.

[A]

No business of our. The men who threw that bomb are coldblooded killers. They deserve to be punished.

[B]

And suppose they belong to the Black Circle? The gang has been terrorizing this whole city.

[A]

Then all the more, Reese. The sooner that gang winds up behind bars, the better off this town Will be.

[B]

But it's not our town, Bob. We're just a couple of troops.

[A]

There's nothing to be scared of.

[B]

You said yourself those men are killers. Now suppose the gang finds out you were the one who turned them in.

[A]

Don't worry. The police won't give out my name. Now, come on, let's go talk to their gen. But there was no need to bring this letter of introduction. We or the police judiciary have already heard much of your exploits, both in America and in other countries. Thanks, Inspector. Then we can count on your help. But of course. Now, about this criminal syndicate. They call it the Brotherhood of Fear. From the members we arrested in Buenos Aires, we found out that the gang's trademark here in Marseille is a Black circle. You suck them up. I beg your pardon? The Black Circle. That is the name of a gang which has been holding Marseille in a grip of terror for the last two months. A grip of terror? We. They are mixed up in every form of crime, from blackmail to murder. Yeah, that sounds like the outfit we're after all right. Today comes the worst of all. As a threat of defiance to the police, they commit a bomb outrage in broad daylight.

[B]

A bomb? A sky.

[A]

Must have been the explosion we saw. It happened on La Canviere, near the old port. Yes, we saw it from the air just before we landed. Luckily, no one was killed.

[B]

You have any kind of a lead?

[A]

May we? A young American businessman was able to recognize one of the men who threw the bomb. Does he know the man by name? No, only by sight. But I am hoping he will be able to pick out the man's picture from our police tiles. If you will come with me to the next room, we shall see how he progress. Yes, of course. After you, Inspector. Monsieur Conway, may I present a countryman of yours, Monsieur Sky King. Sky King. Say, I've heard of you. Glad to know you, Mr. Conway. The name's Bob, all right. This is my niece and nephew, Penny and Clipper.

[B]

Hi, Bob.

[A]

And my ranch foreman, Jim Bell. Nice to know you, sir. Well, Mr. Conway, have you found the man yet to throw the bump? Yes. This picture right here. I'm quite sure that's the man. Pierre Bocage. His favorite hangout is the Cafe Napolitan and the Rue des Chapeliers. Tell me, Monsieur King, have you ever seen how the police of Marseilles bring a trap? No, but I have heard about your methods. Then perhaps you would like to come along when we pay a call on the Cafe Napolitan. Me? You have the area closed off. Which I mount on the map. Reinsect sir. There is a police car working the entrance to every street. Len, unleash the dog.

[B]

Oh, my gosh. Who wouldn't want one of those dogs to get mad at me?

[A]

Mary said, when we tell a man to make no sudden move and he gets one look at those dogs, I promise you he stands very soon. Why?

[B]

Oh, can we go in the cafe with you?

[A]

No, sir. You two had better wait here with Jim. That is the best idea in case of trouble. M. Let us go now and see if we find our friend Pierre Botan. Well, what is it?

[B]

The police, they are downstairs in the Cape.

[A]

What?

[B]

There's no arrest. Pier Pocash.

[A]

And he was right. That guy Conway did spy.

[B]

I do not know what you mean.

[A]

Monsieur, but you tell me, was that an American with the police?

[B]

Marie, there were two Americans. Both were tall. But the one who identified the air, he had mustache and wears, how you say, Spectacle.

[A]

That's Conway, all right.

[B]

Don't it make any difference? You?

[A]

I think a difference. You see, Conway has a wife and I don't think he'd like to see.

[B]

Anything happen to him. That is fine, monsieur, but right now the police are tracking everyone in the cafe. And soon they may search the upper floor.

[A]

Can I make it out the back way?

[B]

Oh, my, no. There's around the place both front and back. He will have to live by the roof.

[A]

All right, but do me one favor.

[B]

As you wish, monsieur. But please let the chap who, when.

[A]

The police are gone, call Mrs. Robert Conway at the Hotel Liverpool.

[B]

Oui.

[A]

Tell her that her husband was wounded here at the cafe and the police car will come to pick her up in a few minutes. Now back to Sky King and the Black Circle. Several hours have passed since the raid on the cafe in Atolla. 10 now at the headquarters of the police judiciary. If you ask me, that Jasper Bogoji ain't going to talk. He is a hard type. Set one. Still, we must not despair. With the testimony of Bob Conway, you can at least send him to prison. And if one of the bomb victims should die, he may also find himself facing the guillotine. Boy, if it was my neck, I'd talk and talk.

[B]

Did you find out anything about the gang?

[A]

Not so far. Clipper.

[B]

Golly, Mr. Conley is awfully worried.

[A]

Something wrong, monsieur? That's my wife. I've been trying to phone her at the hotel, but our room doesn't answer. Oh, well, now, maybe she's gone out for a bite each. I've been trying for the last hour, Andrew. It was sent over from his hotel. You read the ass, Doctor. That's marked urgent. Now let's see what's ins.

[B]

Oh. What's wrong? What is it?

[A]

My. My wife's passport. And a written message. What does it say? Mitch, if you ever hope to see your wife again, alive and unharmed, then you'd better not testify against Pierre Bocage. Why? You must testify. Without your help, we cannot hope to convict My wife. They've taken her prisoner. Then all the more reason, monsieur, if you will testify, perhaps we can make more conspiracy. No. No, I won't do it. I know how you must feel, Bob, but you can't trust a gang like that. No matter what they say. I've got to trust them. It's my only hope of saving Mary. If you try bargaining with them to save her, you'll just be risking your own life. What do you mean? Figure it out. She's no danger to them, but you are. But if I promise not to testify, they'll take your word for that. As long as you're alive, they can never feel safe. Oh, what a fool I've been. Mary was afraid. She warned me not to get mixed up in this thing. Wait a minute. Maybe there is another way. You got some kind of an idea, Sky? Bob. Is this man Bocage the only member of the gang who might know you by sight? I. I guess so. Why? Well, you and I are the same height, and we have the same color hair. If I wore your glasses and a fake mustache, they probably couldn't tell us apart. You mean. I mean I'm going to the Hotel Metropole and pose as Bob Conley. Inspector released the news that Bob will not testify. I have a hunch that sooner or later the gang will try to contact me.

[B]

Oh, maybe that's sky now.

[A]

Hello? This is Sky King. Inspector. Ah, maybe. Have you heard yet from the gang? I've just had a phone call. They've taken the bait. You mean they believe you are Monsieur Conway? Right. They told me if I want to get my white mag to start walking down La Carbiere in half an hour. Do they tell you what will happen? I'll be picked up by a black limousine, providing the police aren't following me. Sacre bleu. That may be dangerous. It could be a lot more dangerous if they think I'm leading them into a trap. But how can we train you and save Madame Conway? Here's what I have in mind. When we landed here at Marseilles, I noticed a French army helicopter standing on the airfield. Now, if we could borrow that Helicopter. We could.

[B]

Helicopter calling in sickness. Hey. Come. They can't be seen. Sky King was just picked up by a black car. Where did the Pickup take place?

[A]

4 blocks out of the Boulevard de la Liberation. Car is now proceeding toward the Old Port.

[B]

The radio car will stand by. Report again as soon as you know the exact destination.

[A]

Is this the place? Oui, monsieur. And if you are wise, you will try. No false moves. Hello. Voila, Monsieur. Incite, please. Well, well, we have a visitor. I see you're an American. Does that surprise you? Not especially. Where's my wife? Mrs. Conway isn't here, if that's who you mean. And you're not going to find her. So you may as well drop the axe, Mr. Sky King. Sky King? But I thought this was Monsieur Conway. Sure, that's what we were expected to think. That's why he wore those spectacles. And this false mustache. Never been done, Donald King. Just get your hands up high. All right. Looks like you're holding the trump card. You mind telling me how you found out? Very simple, really. I looked out the window and noticed a helicopter hovering low over the city. Seemed like quite a coincidence, so I tuned in the police broadcast and there it was. I take it you are the local head of the Brotherhood Affair In Marseille. We call it the Black Circle. From the looks of your headquarters here, your operations must not be very profitable. Sorry, King, but this is just one of several hideouts we maintain around the city. Very wise precaution. But what happens now? This does that. Could take care of him for the time being. The kerosene. What are you doing? What does it look like? I'm going to splash it around in these curtains and drapes. Then we'll set a match to it and clear out before the police get here.

[B]

The place is on fire. If Sky's in there, he'll be burned to death.

[A]

Now don't worry, honey. We'll get him out. Sunbuck, please. That's it. Now let's go there and find a head. Swallow it, Warlocks. The smoker. Better hold the handkerchief over your face, monsieur. Yeah, a good idea. Voila. There he is on the flower hollow. Hatos he identity? No, I'll just knock him out. Hey, sir, are you all right? He is coming soon.

[B]

Off. It's out there. Opening. Come on, give me a hand.

[A]

Let's haul about a hill. May we? No, no need for that. But thanks. Thanks for getting here in time. We hit the clear yet, son? Come on, get moving. Hello, Inspector Fay Camp. Fay camp. You see, it's the Leader of the gang. The man who knocked me out tried to burn me alive. Listen to me, monsieur, I warn you. You had better give yourself up. Don't make me laugh, Inspector. You see, I called to give you a warning. And what does that mean? Unless you release Pierre Bocage, Marseille will be bombed again at 9 o' clock tonight. And this time I mean Rayleigh. Bombed. Compliments to the Black Circ. Back to Sky King and the Black Circle. It's 8:35pm, less than half an hour from the time when the leader of the Black Circle has threatened to bomb Marseille. At the headquarters of the Police Judiciary, Sky King and his friends wait tensely for the deadline to arrive.

[B]

Oh, golly, sky. The clock is getting awfully close.

[A]

Them French law dogs don't find that Jasper mighty quick, this whole town might go sky high. Including this building we're in right now. Jim, did you ever find that man's picture in the Rogues galleries? Guy, I mean, the one who calls himself the leader of the Black Circle? Yes. He's an American named Jeff Colby. Police record both here and back in the States.

[B]

Why don't we go out in the.

[A]

Streets and walk around, huh? Anything is better than just sitting here.

[B]

We can. All the streets have been cleared.

[A]

The police have stopped all traffic. They're checking everyone they see. Yeah, the inspector told me they even stopped the trees runners.

[B]

Gee, must be just like it was during the war when they had an air raid.

[A]

That's about right, Penny. It's a. Wait a second. What's the matter, Sky? An air raid? That may be it. The police have been assuming all along this would be a case of someone planting a bomb or maybe throwing it from a speeding car. The way it was done last time. I mean, this time it may be dropped from an airplane. Come on, we better find the inspector and get out to the airfield fast. Them fresh speed cops sure didn't lose any time getting us out here at the airfield. That's a good thing. They borrowed this jet plane for him, too.

[B]

Yeah, we get ready to get around a lot faster. His job. Oh, golly. Turn shots out, no move.

[A]

You may have counted on that.

[B]

Right good. Got him playing all over the city.

[A]

We'll stay out here beyond the edge of the city. If he comes at all.

[B]

15 seconds.

[A]

Take the bacon. Come in, please.

[B]

We have just received a call from the Air Ministry. They told the men like J took up on an airfield near Ravin Papanella. Yeah, you were right.

[A]

King to B. Where's AB?

[B]

Above 60 miles, by hell, northwest of my state. Hey, this is Miles. He ought to be here by now.

[A]

Apple and buzzards.

[B]

He is.

[A]

Here.

[B]

Take a look. A plane caught in a searchlight. And it's coming from the northwest. It's an old blaster. Meteor.

[A]

Sky King calling Meteor. Is that you, Colby? Too. Glad you didn't fry in that, Friar, King. Maybe we can remedy that later on. I'm warning you, Colby. You better turn back.

[B]

Oh, what happened?

[A]

Or you've had it like this. That's just a warning, Colby. Go ahead, King. This ship is loaded with cnc. You shoot me down over the city.

[B]

It'Ll be just like dropping a Blockbuster. Guy, he's right. If that plane crashed and blew up, it might kill hundreds of people.

[A]

Look.

[B]

Putting the ship in a dime.

[A]

Heading right for the heart of Marseille.

[B]

No, he's fading out.

[A]

Hey, you can clobber that polkat mouse guy. Not while he's hanging in the field gym.

[B]

He knew you wouldn't shoot him in cold blood, that Wayne. Sky, what are you gonna do? He'll crash for sure. Right in the city.

[A]

We don't dare shoot her down. Which means we'll have to try another way.

[B]

What are you guys doing?

[A]

The same thing a Navy pilot did just a couple of weeks ago.

[B]

What's that?

[A]

A pilot bailed out, left his jet heading for a short crash over San Diego.

[B]

What happened?

[A]

Another pilot flew wing to wing with it. Just like I'm doing with this meteor.

[B]

Hey, hey, hey, Sky.

[A]

Oh, look out. Your dog on wingtips are touching. That's right, Jim. Now, if we can ease over to the other side, then shuttle back across his nose.

[B]

Guys, the plane's cut it off course. You're dragging it by the one weapon.

[A]

I'm controlling it with the force of our plane's airflow. Now, if our luck holds, we'll ease this crate right out to sea and we'll crash it out beyond the harbor where it can't harm anyone. Sorry to keep you tied up like this, Mrs. Conway. That husband of yours had just minded his own business.

[B]

I'm glad he went to the police.

[A]

You may have cause to change your mind about that. If Bocage is convicted.

[B]

Bob was right. Men like you should be punished.

[A]

I'm afraid they'll have to catch me first.

[B]

You can't escape the law forever.

[A]

I did tonight. I timed my jump so as to land right in the freight yards.

[B]

Too bad a freight train wasn't coming.

[A]

You should have seen those poor dumb gendarmes. They had to search every car. By the time they wound up. They were playing tag with each other. Game's over, Colton. You should be gone. Right out of his hand. Well, son, set you free. Mary. Here, I got a knife. I'll cut them ropes.

[B]

I'm so glad to see you.

[A]

Oh, easy now, honey. It's all over.

[B]

But how did you ever find this place?

[A]

Well, guys finally realized the jig was up and decided to talk. So did the old woman at the Cafe Napolitan. With what we learned tonight, we put the black circle up. The business for kids. But you won't get away, King. The Brotherhood will see to that. I'll take my chances. Colby, a moment ago, you spoke about the gendarmes playing tag with each other. Well, from now on, on, you're it. For at least the next 20 years in a French prison. So once again, Sky King wins out in his constant fight for justice at the temple of dreams. The preceding transcribed this is the Mutual Broadcasting System.