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

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.

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.

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."

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."

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."

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."

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?"

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.

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."

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."

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.

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."

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.