Strange Dr. Weird - 45-02-06 - The Dark Wings Of Death

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: "Strange Dr. Weird - 45-02-06 - The Dark Wings Of Death"
Release Date: January 22, 2025

Harold's Old Time Radio transports listeners back to the thrilling Golden Age of Radio with its captivating dramatizations of classic radio shows. In the episode titled "The Dark Wings Of Death," hosted under the persona of Doctor Weird, the narrative weaves a tale of greed, supernatural menace, and the consequences of sinister deeds.

---

Introduction to "The Dark Wings Of Death"

The episode opens with a vivid description of Arizona, setting a mystical tone that seamlessly transitions into the eerie atmosphere of the story. The narrator invites listeners into the suspenseful world of Ned and Helen Kennedy, setting the stage for a gripping narrative filled with tension and dark intrigue.

---

Plot Overview

Setting the Stage: Ned and Helen's Desperation

The story begins in the modest east side apartment of Ned and Helen Kennedy, who are embroiled in a heated discussion about financial desperation.

• Helen Kennedy (01:15):
  "Ned, I tell you, if your Uncle Simon won't lend you the money, you'll have to kill him and take it, you hear?"

Ned is apprehensive, not only about committing murder but also due to his unease with Uncle Simon's peculiar raven, Lucifer.

• Ned Kennedy (01:32):
  "No, no, it's not that. It's that pet raven of Uncle's. It makes me so uneasy."

Encounter with Uncle Simon and Lucifer

Ned's attempt to borrow money leads him to Uncle Simon's tenement, where the raven, Lucifer, exhibits unnerving behavior that hints at supernatural elements.

• Lucifer (03:05):
  "Not poisoned, are they, Ned? Not poisoned by that pretty little devil you married."
  Ned Kennedy (03:10):
  "Uncle, for heaven's sake, don't be absurd. Here, eat your supper before the soup gets cold."

The conversation escalates as Lucifer's demeanor becomes increasingly hostile, revealing the raven's true nature.

• Lucifer (04:19):
  "Lucifer isn't any ordinary bird. He's a winged demon straight from Inferno."

The Murky Plot Unfolds

After failing to secure the loan, Ned and Helen proceed with their plan to murder Uncle Simon by manipulating the gas heater to simulate an accidental death.

• Helen Kennedy (05:09):
  "I tell you, there's no other way. If your uncle won't lend you the money, you have to kill him and take it, you hear?"

Second Attempt and Supernatural Intervention

During their second attempt, the presence of Lucifer intensifies. As they execute their plan, supernatural occurrences suggest that Lucifer has malevolent intentions beyond mere observation.

• Ned Kennedy (09:00):
  "Where's the raper?"
• Lucifer (09:15):
  "Leah."

The culmination of their actions leads to a tragic end, with both Ned and Helen disappearing under mysterious circumstances, and Lucifer meeting his demise beside Uncle Simon.

---

Notable Quotes and Key Moments

1. Helen's Ultimatum (01:15):
   "Ned, I tell you, if your Uncle Simon won't lend you the money, you'll have to kill him and take it, you hear?"
   — Highlights the desperation driving the protagonists towards dark deeds.

2. Ned's Unease (01:32):
   "No, no, it's not that. It's that pet raven of Uncle's. It makes me so uneasy."
   — Introduces the supernatural element through Lucifer the raven.

3. Lucifer's Revelation (04:19):
   "Lucifer isn't any ordinary bird. He's a winged demon straight from Inferno."
   — Reveals the true sinister nature of the raven.

4. Final Confrontation (09:15):
   "Leah."
   — Marks the supernatural climax where Lucifer asserts his dark power.

---

Themes and Insights

Greed and Moral Corruption

At its core, the story explores how financial desperation can lead individuals down a path of moral corruption and irreversible actions. Ned and Helen's willingness to murder their own uncle underscores the destructive power of greed.

Supernatural Vigilance

Lucifer, the raven, serves as a symbol of the supernatural consequences that befall those who commit heinous acts. His transformation from a mere pet to a demonic avenger suggests that evil deeds attract malevolent forces.

Inevitability of Justice

The tragic ending, where both Ned and Helen vanish without a trace while Lucifer dies beside their uncle, implies that justice, whether supernatural or natural, ultimately prevails. Their disappearance into the river hints at eternal punishment for their immoral actions.

Psychological Horror

The narrative delves into psychological horror, highlighting Ned's internal struggle and paranoia induced by the raven's ominous presence. This adds depth to the horror, making it not just about external threats but also internal fears.

---

Conclusion

"The Dark Wings Of Death" masterfully blends elements of suspense, horror, and moral lessons, characteristic of the Golden Age of Radio. Through its compelling characters and supernatural motifs, the episode delivers a poignant message about the consequences of greed and the inescapable nature of justice. For listeners seeking a thrilling and thought-provoking experience, this episode stands as a testament to the enduring allure of classic radio storytelling.

---

Notable Timestamped Quotes:

• Helen Kennedy (01:15):
  "Ned, I tell you, if your Uncle Simon won't lend you the money, you'll have to kill him and take it, you hear?"

• Lucifer (04:19):
  "Lucifer isn't any ordinary bird. He's a winged demon straight from Inferno."

• Ned Kennedy (09:00):
  "Where's the raper?"

• Lucifer (09:15):
  "Leah."

These quotes encapsulate the pivotal moments that drive the narrative forward, highlighting the characters' motivations and the story's supernatural elements.

---

Harold's Old Time Radio continues to preserve and celebrate the rich legacy of vintage radio dramas, offering listeners an immersive journey into bygone eras filled with intrigue, mystery, and timeless storytelling.

Transcript

[Narrator]

When you visit Arizona, time is measured in moments, not minutes. Like the moment you see the Grand Canyon for the first time. Visit a new state of mind. Learn more at here you areaz.com.

[Lucifer]

The.

[Doctor Weird]

Strange Doctor Weird.

[Narrator]

Good evening. Come in, won't you? Why, what's the matter? You seem a bit nervous. Perhaps it would help calm you if I told you a story that I just heard. A strange story about a raven as black as sin that could talk like a man. I call my story the Dark Wings of Death. And now for my story, the Dark Wing of Death. It begins in the small east side apartment of Ned and Helen Kennedy, who are having a slight discussion.

[Helen Kennedy]

Ned, I tell you, if your Uncle Simon won't lend you the money, you'll have to kill him and take it, you hear?

[Ned Kennedy]

But look, Helen, if we just wait a little longer. He's so old and feeble he may die any day now.

[Helen Kennedy]

We can't wait. That shortage in your accounts will be discovered by next week. We've talked this all over before. Why are you hesitating now? You're afraid.

[Ned Kennedy]

No, no, it's not that. It's that pet raven of Uncle's. It makes me so uneasy.

[Helen Kennedy]

His raven? So that's it. You're afraid of a bird.

[Ned Kennedy]

Now wait a minute, Helen. That raven isn't an ordinary bird. The way it watches me with those red eyes and the way it screeches whenever I'm in the room. Well, it almost acts as if it knew I was thinking of killing Uncle Simon.

[Helen Kennedy]

All right, Ned. Go to prison then.

[Ned Kennedy]

No, I'll do it if I have to. I'm going to try to borrow the money from him first.

[Helen Kennedy]

You can try, but you won't get it. Now you'd better get over to that horrible old tenement he lives in with his supper. After he's eaten it, he's fallen asleep. Remember? Just how we planned everything. Turn on the gas heater, unlight it so it'll look as if it had been blown out and he died in his sleep.

[Narrator]

A few minutes later, Ned Kennedy was entering a small, bitterly cold room on the top floor of an ancient tenement building that stood on the very banks of the east river. Its windows looking directly down on the cold gray water. In a bed against the wall, a white haired old man lay, his face lighting up with malicious amusement as Ned entered. On the head of the bed perched a huge black raven and as it saw, Ned flapped its wings angrily.

[Lucifer]

Frag Lucifer. Am I nin, Ned? Can you, Nathan, be afraid of Lucifer?

[Ned Kennedy]

I brought you some soup and sandwiches for your supper, Uncle Simon. I'll put them on the table here.

[Lucifer]

Not poisoned, are they, Ned? Not poisoned by that pretty little devil you married.

[Ned Kennedy]

Uncle, for heaven's sake, don't be absurd. Here, eat your supper before the soup gets cold.

[Lucifer]

All right, Ned. All right. What's on your mind? You want something, I can tell. Out with it, Ned.

[Ned Kennedy]

All right, uncle Simon. I'm $4,000 short in my accounts at the gas company. I've got to replace the money this week or I'll be caught.

[Lucifer]

And you want me to lend it to you, is that it?

[Ned Kennedy]

Please, uncle, you got to. You wouldn't let your only living relative go to jail, would you?

[Lucifer]

I? Of course. Of course I would. If you've stolen, you should pay the.

[Ned Kennedy]

Penalty, you miserable old skinflit.

[Lucifer]

No. Go kick me. Lose him. Lose him. No. Get away from me. Get away from me.

[Ned Kennedy]

He's trying to get him alive.

[Lucifer]

That'll teach you to try tricks on me. Get him away from me.

[Ned Kennedy]

He's trying to pick my eyes out.

[Lucifer]

Where's him at? Where's your perch?

[Ned Kennedy]

Look at my hands. It's bleeding.

[Lucifer]

Serves you right. Next time I won't stop him. Lucifer will prick your eyes right out of your head. And your soul right out of your body. Ned. Yes, carry them away to Beelzebub, his master, too.

[Ned Kennedy]

For heaven's sake, stop that.

[Lucifer]

Lucifer isn't any ordinary bird. He's a winged demon straight from Inferno. Yes. And as sure as ever you harm me, Lucifer will snatch you up and fly off to the pit with you. I said stop it. Just Mrs. Elrock, the superintendent's wife, downstairs. Many's the night she's seen Lucifer flying away from the window in the darkness. His eyes gleaming with red fire and his claws glowing with prosperous. Off to pay a visit to the devil. His mask.

[Ned Kennedy]

Oh, that's just nonsense. Now, if you're finished, I'll take the dishes away. You sure you won't lend me the money then, Uncle Simon?

[Lucifer]

No, I won't. $10,000 hidden in the wall here beside my bed. As you know, you shan't have that till I die.

[Helen Kennedy]

I tell you, there's no other way. If your uncle won't lend you the money, you have to kill him and take it, you hear?

[Lucifer]

Good night, Ned. I'm going to sleep now. After they put you in jail, they should find. I'll come and visit you now and then.

[Ned Kennedy]

Old skinflint. He's asleep.

[Helen Kennedy]

Turn on the gas heater. Unlight it so it'll look as if it had been blown out. In an hour he'll be dead and it'll look like an accident.

[Ned Kennedy]

Yes, I have to do it. I have to do it.

[Doctor Weird]

Before you take a rest, Doctor. Weird. Would you tell me the time?

[Narrator]

You're not leaving already, are you?

[Doctor Weird]

Oh, not yet, Doctor. I just wanted to remind the man of our audience that whatever the hour, they're usually meeting people whose opinions they just naturally value. Calling on business associates, joining a friend at lunch, going to the theater. Those are the times you want to look your best. And nothing counts more in making a good impression than your personal appearance. Naturally, clothes are important, but what's equally important is that every article fit into the picture. That's where Adam hats come in, because the style of an Adam is just right. Made of fine quality, all fur, felt in the smartest shade. Adam hats are the last word in fashion, carefully designed down to the smallest detail, and long wearing as well. An Adam is a wise investment in your personal appearance, though. If you want to look your best, stop your cold picture with a new ADAM Hat now, Dr. Weir.

[Narrator]

And now, to continue my story. The Dark Wings of Death. After leaving the gas heater turned on full and unlighted in his uncle's tiny room, Ned had just reached home.

[Ned Kennedy]

Helen. Helen.

[Helen Kennedy]

Ned. You did it, didn't you? I can tell by your face.

[Ned Kennedy]

Yes, I had. He absolutely refused to lend me the money.

[Helen Kennedy]

I told you he would. You got it anyway, didn't you? Where is it? Let me see.

[Ned Kennedy]

Why, I haven't got it yet.

[Helen Kennedy]

You haven't? Why not?

[Ned Kennedy]

Well, I couldn't get it until he was dead. Of course. Till the room is filled with gas and he's breathed it for a while.

[Helen Kennedy]

Oh, yes, of course. But I said it'd be easy. And it was, wasn't it?

[Ned Kennedy]

Yes. Except for the raven. It attacked me. Look at my hand.

[Helen Kennedy]

Just a scratch. Don't tell me you're still worried about that bird.

[Ned Kennedy]

Suppose it attacks me again when I go back for the money?

[Helen Kennedy]

Forget it. The raven will be dead, too. The gas will kill it.

[Ned Kennedy]

Oh, yes, yes, of course.

[Helen Kennedy]

In any case, I'm going back with you. Wait until midnight. He's sure to be dead by then. Oh, and another thing. The room will be full of gas. We'll have to wear masks of some kind.

[Lucifer]

Masks?

[Ned Kennedy]

Why, I hadn't thought of that.

[Helen Kennedy]

Well, I did. As auditor, you have keys to the gas company office. So go down now and get two of the masks the workmen use when they're repairing leaks in the mains in the morning you can replace them and no one will ever know.

[Narrator]

It was just after midnight when Ned stood once more in the cold, dark hall outside his uncle's door, Helen at his side.

[Ned Kennedy]

I don't hear any sound inside.

[Helen Kennedy]

Of course not. They're both dead. Come on, put on your mask and let's get it over with.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Ned Kennedy]

Here. Now this strap goes over your head. Now breathe through your mouth. You can talk too. These masks are the latest type.

[Helen Kennedy]

Talk. Yes, I can, can't I?

[Lucifer]

There.

[Narrator]

Now we're all set.

[Ned Kennedy]

Have your flashlight on. We mustn't turn on any lights. The least spark would explode the gas and blow us sky high.

[Helen Kennedy]

I know. Come on.

[Narrator]

He's dead.

[Helen Kennedy]

Of course he is.

[Ned Kennedy]

Where's the raper?

[Helen Kennedy]

Oh, what does it matter? Come on, help me move the bit. You take that in.

[Ned Kennedy]

All right, take it easy now. It looks as if he were asleep.

[Helen Kennedy]

Oh, forget him. Where did he keep the money?

[Ned Kennedy]

There's a loose board.

[Helen Kennedy]

This one.

[Lucifer]

The raven.

[Ned Kennedy]

It's still alive.

[Helen Kennedy]

It can't be. I don't hear it.

[Lucifer]

Leah.

[Ned Kennedy]

It's first on that chair, flapping its wings. Get away from me. Get away.

[Helen Kennedy]

Ned, get hold of yourself. There's nothing there. Nothing I can.

[Ned Kennedy]

There is. It attacked me. Look out here. He can't get in. Trying to get with my eyes.

[Helen Kennedy]

Peel it away. Tense. Tense. Kill you back just right up against the window. I tell you, there's nothing there. It's just your imagination.

[Ned Kennedy]

Star in my eyes again. I'll stop it.

[Lucifer]

I'll stop it.

[Helen Kennedy]

Yeah. That gun. Where'd you get.

[Ned Kennedy]

I brought it with me in case of an emergency. I'll stop that raven.

[Helen Kennedy]

Don't use that gun, you fool. This room is full of gas. The shots of negative spoiled and killer's.

[Ned Kennedy]

Bolster down and scumming at me in there.

[Narrator]

A Short time later, Mrs. O'Rourke, wife of the superintendent, was telling the police a strange story.

[Helen Kennedy]

Just at midnight it was, officer, and I'm standing at the window when up above there's an explosion there to wake the dead. And outside me window I see a great flash of light. And what else do you suppose you've.

[Ned Kennedy]

Already told us, Mrs. O'Rourke? You saw a man and a woman blown clear out through the window and into the river down there.

[Helen Kennedy]

Thrown off nothing. They was flying through the air, holding on to each other. And that raven had his claws in the man's hair and was flying away with them, his eyes blazing fire as he took them off to the devil, his master.

[Ned Kennedy]

Now, Mrs. O'Rourke, you're letting your imagination run away with you.

[Helen Kennedy]

I know what I saw.

[Ned Kennedy]

But you can't have seen that, because we found the raven dead on the floor beside the old man's bed. The gas had killed the two of them both together.

[Narrator]

Strange about Ned and Helen, wasn't it? Their bodies were never recovered from the river. It was almost as if they really had been carried off to someplace not on this earth. But since Lucifer the raven was found dead beside his master's bed. What do you suppose it was that blue with Ned in the darkness? Birds never have ghosts. Or do they? Oh, you'll have to go. And perhaps you'll drop in again soon. Just look for the house on the other side of the cemetery. The house of Dr. Weir.