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

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.

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)

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)

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.

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.

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