Superman 40-02-19 0004 Clark Kent-captured By The Wolf

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Superman 40-02-19 0004 Clark Kent - Captured By The Wolf

Date: November 1, 2025
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio

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Episode Overview

This episode revives a classic installment of the Golden Age Superman radio serial. The story centers on Clark Kent investigating a series of mysterious railroad disasters in the West, orchestrated by the shadowy criminal known as "The Wolf." As Kent collaborates with railroad officials to prevent the sabotage of the Silver Clipper train, he finds himself lured into a dangerous trap, testing both his wits as a reporter and his powers as Superman.

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Key Discussion Points and Plot Highlights

1. The Wolf and Kino's Sinister Scheming (01:38–04:32)

• The Wolf, a criminal mastermind, relishes the chaos caused by his previous attack on the railroads. He plans to sabotage the Silver Clipper and monitors Clark Kent, suspecting that Kent knows more than he reveals.
• Kino, the Wolf’s henchman, expresses disbelief over Superman’s intervention during the previous sabotage, even referencing the eyewitness account of a "tremendous figure in blue tights and a red cape."
• The Wolf instructs Kino to disguise himself as a messenger and deliver a fake telegram to further their plan and gather information on the railroad officials' efforts.

Notable Quote

• The Wolf (Villain): “You should join forces with the conductor of the train. He swears that a tremendous figure in blue tights and a red cape appeared from nowhere... made a safe passage for the train, all in a matter of minutes.” (02:08)

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2. Clark Kent Meets with the Superintendent (04:41–07:31)

• Kent and the Railroad Superintendent review the train sabotage and the missing engine, trying to deduce the motives and methods behind the attacks. Both find the situation mystifying—especially the inexplicable disappearance of an entire locomotive.
• The Superintendent theorizes that a "group of men is trying to paralyze the country with fear."

Notable Quote

• Superintendent: “I think that one man or a group of men is trying to paralyze the country with fear.” (06:04)

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3. The Wolf’s Threat: The Ominous Telegram (07:31–08:39)

• Kino (posing as a telegraph messenger) delivers a chilling message to the Superintendent and Clark Kent:

  “Where an engine is now, a train will be tomorrow. The Silver Clipper will vanish like smoke, never to be seen by the eyes of living men.” (08:01)

• The telegram is signed "The Wolf," further heightening the tension and urgency.

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4. Superman's Investigation: The Missing Engine Mystery (08:39–10:44)

• Kent and the Superintendent piece together the timeline of the missing locomotive, but are stumped when no trace is found between stations—it simply vanishes.
• Kent, suspecting foul play, takes Superman action: he changes from Clark Kent into Superman to covertly trail Kino and uncover the Wolf’s hideout.

Notable Moment

• Clark Kent / Superman transformation: “Now, quick, out of these clothes... Up, up over the yards...Watch him.” (09:42–10:19)

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5. The Confrontation and Trap (10:44–12:15)

• Superman (as Clark Kent) follows Kino into the Wolf's lair. The Wolf and Kino are surprised by Kent’s unexpected arrival and plot to capture him.
• Kent is ambushed, subdued, and taken to a soundproof, steel-lined vault beneath the hideout, where the Wolf ominously prepares to "question" him.

Notable Quotes

• The Wolf (Villain): “Now then, Mr. Clark Kent, the time has come for a little talk. Kino, my friend, you may prepare the aids to conversation.” (11:57)
• Narrator: “Clark Kent in the power of the Wolf. Or is the Wolf all unknowing in the power of Superman?” (12:15)

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Memorable Moments & Quotes with Timestamps

• Superman’s Legend Mocked:
  The Wolf: “A superman... appearing out of the nut. Where? Where?” (04:34)

• Railroad Official’s Realization:
  Superintendent: “Don’t worry. But why? What’s the idea? While they’re finding out how much I know, I may be finding out one or two little items about them.” (07:20)

• Build-up to the Next Episode:
  Narrator: “Excitement… Thrills… Suspense… Tune in and follow the story. And remember, be with us again for the next thrilling installment of Superman.” (12:25)

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Key Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | Description | |-----------|-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | 01:38 | The Wolf & Kino plan attack | Villains plot, discuss Superman rumors and Kent’s role | | 04:41 | Kent with Superintendent | Discuss sabotage, missing engine, and theories | | 07:31 | The Telegram Threat | Kino delivers Wolf’s chilling message | | 08:39 | The Engine Mystery | Kent and Supt compare notes, Kent decides to act | | 09:42 | Superman on the Move | Superman tracks Kino to hideout | | 10:44 | Wolf’s Hideout & Capture | Kent is ambushed and imprisoned in the Wolf’s vault | | 12:15 | Cliffhanger Ending | Narrator teases next episode |

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Tone & Style

The episode’s tone crackles with suspense and classic radio-drama flair: clever banter, sinister plotting, and heroic resolve. The Wolf is arch and mocking; Kent is earnest and concerned; Superman’s confidence shines through; and the entire script delights in pulpy, edge-of-seat excitement.

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Summary for New Listeners

This episode captures the essence of Golden Age radio adventure, with a tightly plotted blend of mystery, suspense, and action. The Wolf’s machinations against the railroad escalate, prompting Clark Kent to walk into a villainous snare. As the episode ends, listeners are breathlessly left with the question: can even the Wolf’s steel-lined vault hold Superman?

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For the next thrilling chapter, listeners are urged to tune in and hear how Superman escapes the Wolf’s trap and what becomes of the Silver Clipper and the missing locomotive!

Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

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[Narrator]

Presenting Superman.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Up in the sky. Look. It's a bird.

[Narrator]

It's a plane.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

It's Superman.

[Narrator]

And now Superman. When we last left Superman, he had arrived in Denver as Clark Kent, news reporter to investigate a strange and deadly plot against the railroads of the West. He had been able to prevent the Continental Limited from being swept into a canyon by a rock slide. But now the unknown force is directed against the Silver Clipper cracked train of the West Coast Railway. Mysterious messages have warned that the Clipper, due to leave Denver at sundown, will never arrive in Salt Lake City. Morning newspapers have carried Kent's story of the rock slide. And while railroad officials and government men search desperately for clues, Kent himself walks briskly toward the Great Central Station for a conference with the division superintendent. But meanwhile, the plot moves on. In a secret hiding place overlooking the railroad yard, the man called the wolf talks with his subordinate. Kino, listen.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

So very fine. At last the unbelieving fools begin to take me seriously. You have read the stories, Kino?

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

I read em.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

Well, why so sullenly?

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

Well, I don't understand it. I tell you, that track was blocked for 100ft. And yet five minutes later, the Continental went right on through.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

Next time, my friend, please to observe more accurately. Obviously, the track was not blocked for 100ft. It was not blocked at all.

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

But I tell you it was.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

You should join forces with a conductor of the train. He swears that a tremendous figure in blue tights and a red cape appeared from nowhere. Replace the missing rails, cleared away 20 tons of rock and made a safe passage for the train, all in a matter of minutes. Oh, yes, yes. And he is now confined to the city hospital, that conductor, for observation.

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

Yeah, well, I tell you, I seen the same thing myself.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

That will do, my friend. We have no time for pipe dreams. You were deceived by shadows. And now listen. There's work to do.

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

I'm listening.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

I note that this story is signed by that newspaper man, Clark Kent? The one who was on the train?

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

Well, I told you about him.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

I should like to be better informed. That fellow seems to know a great deal. How he knows, I have no idea. But he does also. I have checked up on him. He was assigned to cover the story back east and seems to have arrived out here incredibly soon.

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

Must have flown.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

Undoubtedly. But that's neither here nor there. Do you know where he is now?

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

I did what you told me. I trailed him. He left his hotel to go see the divisional superintendent of the railroad. Did he?

[The Wolf (Villain)]

How lucky. Lucky? We'll kill two birds with one stone. We've got them on the run. They're worried, Kino, and frightened.

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

I hope you're right.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

They don't know which way to turn or what to believe. They'd like to keep the silver Clipper in Denver tonight, but they don't dare. They don't dare, Kino. They can't admit they're terrified and wait till they get my telegram.

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

Telegram?

[The Wolf (Villain)]

Can you dress up like a messenger, Kino? Uniform and so on?

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

Oh, sure.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

Excellent, Excellent. You will put on your fake uniform and take this wire, also fake, to the superintendent.

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

Now.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

At once. If you have luck, you'll find him with Mr. Clark Kent. You will also find, I think that he is trying to locate a missing engine. Kino.

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

Missing engine?

[The Wolf (Villain)]

Just so. If he finds it, I'll eat it. Never mind. Get your uniform on, Kino. Deliver the telegram personally and bring back as much of the conversation as you can. You understand? Now, now, where's that conductor's story? Quite the funniest reading I've seen this week. A superman.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

Huh?

[The Wolf (Villain)]

Appearing out of the nut. Where? Where?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Hello? As there's the superintendent speaking. What? Well, trace it again. Trace it from both ends of the line. Ah, nuts. Don't tell me you can't find it. Do you think a locomotive intender could vanish into thin air? Check every station master and call me back. I'm sorry, Mr. Kemp.

[Narrator]

Oh, that's.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

That's quite all right.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Stupid idiots. Look here. We sent a spare engine and tender down the line last night, and now they can't tell me where it is.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

What, on the main line?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Certainly. Never mind. Let's get back to this business. The Continental.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

Any more news of that conductor?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

No, not so far. Poor fellow's out of his mind.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

What do you suppose he thought he saw? All that business about a superman.

[Narrator]

Yes.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I only wish to heaven they'd never printed it.

[Narrator]

I didn't report that.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Believe me, I know. Now, look here, Kent. I've checked with your paper back east, and they tell me that it's all right and that you're here to do what you can. Now, what do you want to know?

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

Well, first of all, have you any idea what's back of this trouble on the railroads?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Not the slightest. If you ask me, there's a lunatic at large.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

Don't you believe it?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

What else can I believe? It's too senseless. Utterly mad. You had warnings as which we ignored. We get them all the time from cranks and nuts.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

But these warnings came true.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

So what of it?

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

Do you still think they came from cranks and nuts?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

All right, Kent. What do you think?

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

I think that one man or a group of men is trying to paralyze the country with fear.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Yes, but why?

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

I'm afraid we'll find that out later. Unless we can stop them.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Good Lord, we've got to stop them. This can't go on, Kentucky.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

We'll do what we can.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

What do you suggest?

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

I suggest that you don't let the Silver Clipper leave Denver tonight.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Kent, she's got to leave. Can you imagine what the reaction would be if she didn't?

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

You're taking a chance.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I can't help that. She's got to go.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

Then we must work fast. We only have until this evening. I have one more idea.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Yes? What is it?

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

Well, if you read my story carefully, you'll see that I imply I know more than I printed.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Yes, I did notice that. Well, do you?

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

Not yet, but I expect to. How the people back of this, particularly the Man Called the Wolf, will want to know just what I do know and where I got it. Well, I propose to show myself around until he catches up with me.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Will he?

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

I think so. I was shadowed this morning on my way here.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Good Lord, you were.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

So I think he and his friends are just waiting their chance, and I'm going to give it to them.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Oh, Kemp, don't do it. Why, if they'd wreck a train where they wouldn't think twice about.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

About putting me out of the way.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Yes, don't worry. But why? What's the idea?

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

While they're finding out how much I know, I may be finding out one or two little items about them.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Well, I only hope. Here. How long have you been standing there? Messenger?

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

Oh, I just come, boss. You the divisional superintendent?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Telegram?

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

Yes, sir. For you personally. They told me to bring it right in. I seen the door was open, so.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I hope they found that engine. Well, that's all, messenger. You can get out.

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

Yes, sir.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

No, wait. Say, where'd you get this wire? Huh?

[The Wolf (Villain)]

Why, the.

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

The office give it to me. Said to bring it right over.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

All right, all right.

[Narrator]

Go on.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Close the door behind you. Hey, Kent, listen to this.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

Yes.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Where an engine is now, a train will be tomorrow. The Silver Clipper will vanish like smoke, never to be seen by the eyes of living men.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

Well, well. Sounds like black magic.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I don't believe it. Why, they'd never dare.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

Oh, they dare, all right. Is that telegram signed?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Yes, it's signed the Wolf.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

The wolf? Look here, Mr. Superintendent. That settles it. Have that wire checked. Find out who sent it and when and from where, if you can. My guess is you'll discover it's faked. I wish we'd held that messenger, Ken.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

What are you going to do?

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

Just what I said I'd do. Put myself in the hands of the Wolf and see who wins.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Superintendent speaking. What?

[Narrator]

What?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Why, look here. That's not possible. It can't be. Man alive, think what you're saying. Now, look here, you tell that true to report here in my office. That's right. At once. My God. Please. I bet I found out something.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

Anything new?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Why, it's the silliest thing I ever heard.

[Narrator]

Wait.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

That telegram. Where an engine is now. I don't believe it. I don't believe it for a minute.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

What is it, Kent?

[Clark Kent / Superman]

That locomotive intender, it passed through Kingston at 11:15. Yes, and it passed through Richville at 11:50. Well, it should have reached Lewisburg at 12:20, just 30 minutes later.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

And it didn't. It wasn't on time.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

On time? I had never got there at all.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

Oh, well, that's easy. It left the rail somewhere in between.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Yes, you'd think so, but. But listen to this. A crew left Richville and a crew left Lewisburg. They met somewhere in between just now in broad daylight. And neither crew had seen a sign of that engine anywhere.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

That's not possible.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

No. No, it isn't, is it? Black magic. Isn't that what you call it, Kent? I think I'm going mad like that conductor. Well, what are you going to do?

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

Do? I'm going out to hunt wolves. Anybody looking? Now, quick, out of these clothes. Now that window. Goodbye to Clark Kent temporarily. It's Superman's turn now to find out where those devils are hiding and to listen while they tell me what they know. Up, up over the yards. Circle around a bit. Ha. There goes that messenger. Watch him. Watch him.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

I land on that roof.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

Look down into the street. There he goes, the messenger. Into that house with a broken railing. Now then, I think I'll become Clark Kent again. Respectable representative of the Daily Planet. I'll just walk casually down that street and see what happens. Down we go.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

So he thinks he'll find out one or two little items about us aren't, you know.

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

Yeah, that's what he said before they saw me standing there.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

I think I should like to question that young man on various angles of the so interesting story he wrote for this morning's paper. What are you doing by the window?

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

Hey. Hey. Down there. Down there in the street. Look.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

What is it?

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

It's him walking right up to the house.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

What that? Is that Clark Kent? How did he know where to find me? Who told him?

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

I don't know. Hey, don't look at me like that.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

How did he know which way to take to get here?

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

He. Search me.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

Boss knows too much. How does he know? Quick. You know, downstairs.

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

Hey, boss, what are you gonna do with him?

[The Wolf (Villain)]

There's a vault below us, you know. Steel lined and soundproof with various devices to bring out information.

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

You gonna take him there for a.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

Time for a little conversation, my friend. Stop. Stop. Looks at the peephole. Is he coming?

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

Yeah, right this way. Hey, wait a minute.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

Is anyone else in the alley?

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

No, it's empty. Here he comes. We'll jump out and grab him.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

All right, be ready with your blackjack.

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

Now. Hey, where you going?

[The Wolf (Villain)]

Quick, Kino, Let him have it here.

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

What a big idea. Come on, jump.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Boss.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

Inside. Inside with him. Quick.

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

Come on, you. No hanging back.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

Good work, Kino. Good work. Down the iron stairway.

[Narrator]

Quick.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

Quick. Someone may have heard us.

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

He's trying to hang back.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

I'll fix him. There we are.

[The Wolf (Villain)]

Shove him inside. Now. Close the door. Now then, Mr. Clark Kent, the time has come for a little talk. Kino, my friend, you may prepare the aids to conversation.

[Narrator]

Clark Kent in the Power of the Wolf. Or is the wolf all unknowing in the power of Superman? And meanwhile, where is the missing engine? Excitement.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

Thrills.

[Narrator]

Suspense. Tune in and follow the story. And remember, be with us again for the next thrilling installment of Superman.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

Up in the sky.

[Clark Kent / Superman]

Look.

[Kino (Subordinate to The Wolf)]

It's a bird. It's a plane.

[Railroad Official / Superintendent]

It's Superman.

[Narrator]

Superman is a copyrighted feature appearing in Action Comics magazine.