Superman (PR) -- Alien Creatures

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Superman (PR) -- Alien Creatures"
Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: February 20, 2025

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Introduction

In this riveting episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Superman (PR) -- Alien Creatures," listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio, immersing themselves in a thrilling adventure featuring everyone's favorite Man of Steel. The narrative unfolds in Metropolis, where familiar faces like Clark Kent, Lois Lane, Jimmy Olsen, and Perry White navigate an unprecedented extraterrestrial crisis. This summary delves into the key events, character dynamics, and pivotal moments that make this episode a standout addition to the Superman radio saga.

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Setting the Stage

The episode opens on a hot midsummer day in Metropolis, capturing the bustling yet uneventful atmosphere of the city.

• Narrator [00:11]: Sets the scene at Galaxy Communications, where Clark Kent is monitoring the 12 o'clock news.

As the heat intensifies, Lois Lane steps into Clark's office, initiating the setting for the unfolding drama.

• Lois Lane [00:38]: Announces her departure for lunch.
• Superman [00:40]: Quips, "Enjoy it, Lois. I think I'm going to take a nap," revealing Clark Kent's brief respite before imminent chaos.

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The Inciting Incident

Ordinarily mundane activities take a sharp turn as Dr. Tripper from the Void Observatory contacts Clark, signaling an approaching electrical storm.

• Dr. Tripper [00:59]: "It seems, Mr. Kent, my telescope is picking up a strange sort of, well, what I can only describe as an electrical storm which is approaching the earth rapidly."

Immediately, Clark transitions from his mild-mannered persona to Superman, orchestrating the response to the crisis.

• Superman [01:18]: Delegates Jimmy Olsen to investigate the anomaly at the Void Observatory: "Listen, Jimmy, take a ride out to void observatory and check out what's happening and let me know immediately. I'll be here."

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Parallel Narratives

While Jimmy heads to the observatory, Perry White hosts a luncheon honoring Superman at the Majestic Hotel, highlighting the dual lives led by Clark/Superman.

• Narrator [01:26]: Describes the luncheon setup and Superman's delayed arrival as he chooses duty over honor.

Simultaneously, Jimmy's journey to the observatory introduces the looming threat, with the first signs of the alien storm visible in the sky.

• Jimmy Olsen [02:09]: Comments on the sweltering heat as he arrives: "Wouldn't you know I'd have to be the one to drive all the way out here in this heat. It must be 100 degrees in the shade. No rain in sight."

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Rising Action at the Observatory

Jimmy arrives at the Void Observatory, encountering Dr. Tripper and the foreboding presence of the gigantic telescope.

• Jimmy Olsen [03:06]: "Wow, doctor, that thing's a monster. You ought to be able to see a storm coming up a million miles away."

Dr. Tripper emphasizes the unprecedented nature of the storm, hinting at its formidable power.

• Dr. Tripper [03:22]: "Yes, we can. We can. And there is a storm coming up. But I've never sighted anything like this one before."

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The Luncheon Interrupted

Back at the Majestic Hotel, the luncheon takes an ominous turn as silver bullets begin to rain, causing panic among the guests.

• Lois Lane [03:56]: Notices the sudden hail: "Hey, what's that?"

The attack forces Superman to abandon the ceremony, underscoring the immediacy of the threat.

• Superman [04:14]: "Now. I'd better go pick up Lois at Galaxy and get out to Void Observatory fast."

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Chaos Unfolds in Metropolis

Simultaneously, Lois Lane experiences the chaos firsthand as silver bullets rain down, leading her to seek refuge in Clark's office.

• Lois Lane [04:31]: "Clark."

Inside, she discovers alarming news reports about alien creatures landing on Earth.

• Television Report [04:32]: "SOS SOS alien creatures are landing. Alien creatures are landing."

Superman arrives just in time, and the urgency of the situation becomes clear.

• Superman [04:55]: "Lois."
• Lois Lane [04:56]: "Superman, what is it? What's happening?"

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Confronting the Alien Threat

At the Void Observatory, Dr. Tripper and Jimmy Olsen grapple with the malfunctioning storm, now revealed to consist of alien creatures.

• Jimmy Olsen [05:29]: "Wait a minute. Dr. Tripper, look. It's raining silver bullets."

• Dr. Tripper [05:38]: Expresses concern over the creatures' destructive potential.

Superman and Lois join the fray, leading to a critical confrontation where communication becomes paramount.

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Superman's Heroic Efforts

Faced with the inability to communicate verbally, Superman employs his superhuman abilities to reach out to the alien creatures.

• Superman [06:11]: "If we can't talk to them, then we must communicate without words. Esp. Thought transference. It's the only way. Everyone, concentrate."

Through sheer mental strength, Superman sends a message addressing the creatures' desperation and the unintended destruction they cause.

• Superman [06:42]: "They say they've had to leave their planet Zoink. Because it has become uninhabitable. They say that the planet Earth is a good place for them."

He further stresses the need for harmony between Earthlings and the aliens.

• Superman [07:38]: "Alien creatures. You will destroy our life on the planet Earth if you land. Alien creatures, you are destroying us."

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Resolution and Departure of the Alien Creatures

Superman's intensive focus illuminates a distant planet, revealing the root cause of the alien's migration and guiding them back to their rightful path.

• Superman [08:33]: Identifies the aliens' original planet and rectifies their course: "A planet in the exact same orbital relationship to its sun as Zoink and the Earth are to their suns."

As the creatures ascend skyward, the immediate threat dissipates, restoring peace to Metropolis.

• Lois Lane [09:17]: "You did it, Superman. You saved us. And you saved them. Too."

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Conclusion: Reflecting on Heroism

The episode concludes with Superman reconciling his dual identities and reaffirming his commitment to protecting both Metropolis and the broader universe.

• Superman [09:32]: Plans to locate Clark Kent, emphasizing the ever-present need for vigilance: "I'll scout around and see if I can catch sight of him back at."

The seamless blend of personal and heroic responsibilities underscores the enduring legacy of Superman as a beacon of hope and resilience.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Lois Lane [00:38]: "Clark, I'm off for lunch."

• Superman [00:40]: "Enjoy it, Lois. I think I'm going to take a nap."

• Dr. Tripper [00:59]: "It seems, Mr. Kent, my telescope is picking up a strange sort of, well, what I can only describe as an electrical storm which is approaching the earth rapidly."

• Jimmy Olsen [03:06]: "Wow, doctor, that thing's a monster. You ought to be able to see a storm coming up a million miles away."

• Lois Lane [03:56]: "Hey, what's that?"

• Superman [06:11]: "If we can't talk to them, then we must communicate without words. Esp. Thought transference. It's the only way. Everyone, concentrate."

• Superman [06:42]: "They say they've had to leave their planet Zoink. Because it has become uninhabitable. They say that the planet Earth is a good place for them."

• Lois Lane [09:17]: "You did it, Superman. You saved us. And you saved them. Too."

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Final Thoughts

"Superman (PR) -- Alien Creatures" masterfully encapsulates the essence of classic radio drama, blending suspense, action, and emotional depth. Through skillful storytelling and dynamic character interactions, the episode not only entertains but also reinforces the timeless themes of courage, communication, and the pursuit of peace. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to Harold's Old Time Radio, this episode offers a compelling listen that honors Superman's enduring legacy.

Transcript

[Superman]

Buy five quarts of Castrol Edge full synthetic motor oil and get a $15 gift card after rebate plus two times points at O'Reilly Auto Parts.

[Lois Lane]

Oh, oh, oh.

[Narrator]

O'Reilly Auto Parts. It's a bright midsummer day in Metropolis and there's not much news fit to televise at Galaxy Communications, where in his office, Clark Kent is monitoring the 12 o'clock news there.

[Jimmy Olsen]

And sunny at 12 noon in downtown.

[Narrator]

Metropolis, it's 92 degrees and getting hotter. Lois Lane, ace reporter for Galaxy Communications, opens Clark's door and looks in.

[Lois Lane]

Clark, I'm off for lunch.

[Superman]

Enjoy it, Lois. I think I'm going to take a nap.

[Narrator]

Lois Lane leaves and Clark lies back in his chair only to be rudely awakened by.

[Superman]

Galaxy.

[Jimmy Olsen]

Clark Kent here, Dr. Tripper, speaking of the void observatory.

[Superman]

Yes, Dr. Tripper, what can I do for you?

[Dr. Tripper]

Well, it seems, Mr. Kent, my telescope is picking up a strange sort of, well, what I can only describe as an electrical storm which is. Which is approaching the earth rapidly. I thought the news media should be advised.

[Narrator]

Clark immediately sends for Jimmy Olsen, investigative reporter for the Daily Planet.

[Superman]

Listen, Jimmy, take a ride out to void observatory and check out what's happening and let me know immediately. I'll be here.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, Perry White, editor of the Daily Planet, is hosting a luncheon in honor of Superman which is being held on the 20th floor of the 50 floor Majestic Hotel. But Superman has not yet appeared to take his place of honor. As Jimmy disappears out the door, Clark Kent steps into the closet in his office.

[Superman]

I thought nothing would ever come up to get Lois and Jimmy out of here so I could get to that lunch on time.

[Narrator]

And as Clark Kent, now Superman, whizzes out his office window to attend the lunch in his honor, Jimmy Olsen drives rapidly along a winding mountain road on his way to Void Observatory, site of the most powerful telescope in the world.

[Jimmy Olsen]

Wouldn't you know I'd have to be the one to drive all the way out here in this heat. It must be 100 degrees in the shade. No rain in sight.

[Narrator]

Jimmy's car pulls up the void observatory. He walks up to the lab and as Jimmy waits for the door of the void observatory to open, he happens to glance up at the sky where he notices a small dark cloud way, way up, far above the highest mountaintop.

[Jimmy Olsen]

Looks like storm clouds are gathering.

[Narrator]

The immense door finally opens and Dr. Tripper beckons. Jimmy INS.

[Dr. Tripper]

You must be from. From. From the news media. Now, your credentials please.

[Jimmy Olsen]

Investigative reporter, Galaxy Communications.

[Dr. Tripper]

Well, come in then. Come in, come on.

[Narrator]

Jimmy steps inside the room and is immediately taken aback by the sight of the gigantic telescope which occupies the whole observatory.

[Jimmy Olsen]

Wow, doctor, that thing's a monster. You ought to be able to see a storm coming up a million miles away.

[Dr. Tripper]

Yes, we can. We can. And there is a storm coming up. But I've never sighted anything like this one before. Here, here, let me explain this.

[Narrator]

Meanwhile, back in Metropolis, Lois Lane sits at the counter of the Green all drugstore where she's finishing her lunch. A pineapple ice cream soda, and at the Majestic.

[Dr. Tripper]

And so, Superman, although absolutely nothing has happened to disturb the citizens of Metropolis for some time now and no one has needed your services, we want you to know we greatly appreciate all that you've done for us in the past.

[Narrator]

As Perry presents Superman with a plaque from the Daily Planet, one of the guests looks out the window.

[Lois Lane]

Hey, what's that?

[Narrator]

What's going on here? It's hailing. It's hailing.

[Superman]

Silver bullets.

[Narrator]

As the luncheon guests mill around the room, holes appear in the ceiling and silver bullets streak through the room to the floor below. Panic.

[Lois Lane]

Help Superman.

[Superman]

Now. I'd better go pick up Lois at Galaxy and get out to Void Observatory fast.

[Narrator]

At the same time, caught outside in the street on her way back to work, Lois Lane dodges silver bullets. She runs toward the empty Galaxy offices and rushes into Clark Kent's office.

[Lois Lane]

Clark.

[Narrator]

Where she finds only a television set going. Reports from Moscow indicate a catastrophe's occurred. Since 6:00 this morning, we haven't heard a word. SOS SOS alien creatures are landing. Alien creatures are landing. Lois stands paralyzed before the television set. Superman zooms through the window and comes to a screeching halt beside her.

[Superman]

Lois.

[Lois Lane]

Superman, what is it? What's happening?

[Superman]

I don't know, Lois. But I have a hunch that Void Observatory is the place to find out. Let's go.

[Lois Lane]

It's Superman. Where's Clark? I left him right here at his desk.

[Superman]

We'll have to look for Clark later. No time now.

[Narrator]

And Superman and Lois are on their way to the observatory where.

[Dr. Tripper]

So you see, Jimmy, we have been in constant radio communication with particles of what seemed to be an electrical storm. But we have had no way of interpreting the signals we've been receiving. Now, our next step.

[Jimmy Olsen]

Wait a minute. Dr. Tripper, look. It's raining silver bullets.

[Dr. Tripper]

What's going on?

[Jimmy Olsen]

They seem to be evaporating everything in their path. Oh, good grief.

[Dr. Tripper]

I'm sure that. Well, I, I mean, I, I, I, I, I hope they're friendly.

[Narrator]

Superman and Lois Lane appear through the open roof of the observatory and drop to the floor beside Jimmy and Dr. Tripper.

[Dr. Tripper]

Superman. Superman. Thank goodness you've come. But what are we going to do? I'm sure these alien creatures are friendly, but they're unwittingly. And we have no way of communicating with them.

[Lois Lane]

Superman, you've got to do something.

[Superman]

If we can't talk to them, then we must communicate without words. Esp. Thought transference. It's the only way. Everyone, concentrate.

[Narrator]

With all the superhuman power at his disposal, Superman sets his great mind in gear to send out a message to these alien creatures who, in landing on the planet Earth, can only, albeit unintentionally, destroy it. Haltingly, Superman speaks.

[Superman]

They say they've had to leave their planet Zoink. Because it has become uninhabitable. They say that the planet Earth is a good place for them.

[Narrator]

Once again, Superman focuses his mind power on the incredible problem of communicating with creatures who speak no language known to man.

[Superman]

Help me, everyone, help me to explain.

[Narrator]

And the birds, the trees, the Earth people, the fish, the flowers cry out.

[Jimmy Olsen]

To each its all, to all its space. Give the world back to the world. Please, friends, Give the world back to the world.

[Superman]

Alien creatures. You will destroy our life on the planet Earth if you land. Alien creatures, you are destroying us.

[Narrator]

Silence.

[Lois Lane]

Superman. They've stopped falling. Look, they're hovering just off the ground. They don't look like silver bullets. They're like beautiful silver hummingbirds. Oh, Superman, where will they go if they can't stay here?

[Superman]

Yes, Lois, that's what they're saying too.

[Narrator]

His incredible vision, already a trillion times sharper than that of any ordinary being, Superman steps up beside the giant void telescope. And with no need of the aid of the most powerful telescope known to man, Superman gazes farther out into the universe than any human has ever dared or even tried to see.

[Superman]

Yes. Aha. There it is. A planet in the exact same orbital relationship to its sun as Zoink and the Earth are to their suns. But in an entirely different solar system, of course, from ours and theirs. Our radio waves have confused these little creatures and thrown them off their course.

[Narrator]

Once again, Superman concentrates. Like a laser, his mind beams the exact course they must take to the silver creatures who wait shivering just a foot above the Earth's surface. Then, like a plague of locusts, the alien creatures rise up, up into the sky. Up until they become, once again a tiny, tiny dark cloud above the highest mountaintop. And then, finally, can be seen no more.

[Lois Lane]

You did it, Superman. You saved us. And you saved them. Too.

[Jimmy Olsen]

Once again, we have you to thank. Superman for saving the world from total destruction.

[Lois Lane]

Oh, my goodness. Clark, we've got to get back to Metropolis and find him.

[Superman]

All right, Lois, you drive back with Jimmy. I'll scout around and see if I can catch sight of him back at.

[Narrator]

Galaxy Communications a few hours later.

[Lois Lane]

Clark, thank goodness you're all right. I was so worried. Where have you been?

[Superman]

Well, actually, Lois, I was under the desk when you and Superman were here. But I was too terrified of getting hit by a silver bullet to come out and let you know I was here. What happened?

[Jimmy Olsen]

I sure wish it would rain.