Podcast Summary: "The Avenger 45-09-28 (17) Death in Mid-Air"

Introduction

In the seventeenth installment of "The Avenger" series, titled "Death in Mid-Air," hosted by Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio. This episode combines mystery, suspense, and classic heroism as Jim Brandon, a renowned biochemist by day and the vigilante Avenger by night, delves into a series of suspicious accidents at the Eldorf Circus. Accompanied by his trusted assistant, Fern Collier, The Avenger employs his ingenious inventions to uncover the truth behind the circus's recent tragedies.

Plot Overview

Death in Mid-Air unfolds at the Menagerie, a small one-ring circus struggling to maintain its reputation amidst a spate of fatal accidents. The episode begins with the tragic incident of the aerialist Franciatti, whose seemingly accidental fall raises suspicions when coupled with two previous deaths. Inspector White collaborates with The Avenger to investigate these occurrences, suspecting foul play rather than mere coincidence.

As The Avenger and Fern navigate the bustling midway, they encounter various circus characters, including Baldwin, the manager and ringmaster, and Louis, the enigmatic balloon vendor. The investigation intensifies when Louis's suspicious behavior and the discovery of a rare liger in the menagerie come to light, revealing a motive rooted in greed and the desire to control the circus's assets.

Key Characters and Their Roles

• Jim Brandon/The Avenger: A dedicated biochemist who uses his scientific prowess to fight crime. His signature invention, the diffusion capsule, grants him invisibility, aiding his quest for justice.

• Fern Collier: The Avenger's loyal assistant and confidante, providing both support and critical insights throughout the investigation.

• Inspector White: A persistent law enforcement officer working alongside The Avenger to solve the mystery of the circus deaths.

• Baldwin: The manager and ringmaster of the Eldorf Circus, whose desperation to keep the circus afloat leads him into conflict with Inspector White.

• Louis the Balloon Vendor: A seemingly benign circus employee whose ulterior motives and actions are central to the unfolding mystery.

Investigation and Clues

The investigation becomes more intricate as The Avenger and Fern uncover inconsistencies surrounding the accidents. Inspector White's skepticism grows, especially after noting that "this is the third accident that's occurred in this circus so far this season. Two other aerialists met their deaths before Franciatti" ([08:41]). This pattern suggests a possible orchestrated attempt to sabotage the circus.

Key evidence emerges from the analysis of the acrobatic apparatus:

• The rope and trapeze used by Franciatti appear intact, but The Avenger questions the absence of safety nets and the waxing of ropes to reduce friction ([10:53], [11:06]).

• The presence of a rare liger in the menagerie, valued at over $50,000, provides a clear motive for financial gain ([16:37], [28:02]).

Louis's behavior further raises red flags. His reluctance to sell balloons during performances and his aggressive actions during the animal escape incident ([23:08], [25:18]) point towards a deeper conspiracy to eliminate competitors and acquire valuable assets.

Climax: Confrontation and Resolution

The tension culminates during the performance of "The Great Gilberto," where The Avenger reveals his dual identity to apprehend Louis. Utilizing his invisibility, The Avenger confronts Baldwin, exposing the use of a balloon-inflating tank as a murder weapon ([25:12]-[25:23]). Louis's attempt to escape is thwarted as Inspector White's police force closes in.

Further revelations surface when The Avenger connects the dots between the animal escape and Louis's greed-driven motives. Louis orchestrated the accidents to devalue the circus, forcing them to negotiate and sell the prized liger to the Jungle Circus, thereby eliminating competition and securing his financial interests ([27:37]-[28:38]).

Baldwin acknowledges the cunning plan, leading to the resolution where the circus is saved, albeit facing the loss of cherished animals and performers ([28:46]-[29:33]).

Notable Quotes

• Inspector White on Suspicion: "In this town we're inclined to believe that one death may be an accident. Two deaths may be coincidence, but three deaths just may be murdered." ([09:33])

• Baldwin on Circus Struggles: "If Carver won't grant us another loan, well, the Eldorf circus is washed up." ([09:16])

• The Avenger's Confidence: "Nothing will happen to him. Oh, I'm afraid to. Look, Franciatti knows his business, friend." ([05:58])

• Investigative Insight: "Because the gas rose to the top of the tent, displaced the oxygen and formed a pocket or stratum up there that caused the aerialist to grow dizzy and fall." ([27:36])

• The Avenger's Declaration: "The Avenger is here as an invisible witness against you, Louis the Avenger." ([25:13])

Conclusion

"Death in Mid-Air" masterfully intertwines suspense and detective work, hallmark traits of The Avenger series. Through meticulous investigation and the strategic use of his inventions, Jim Brandon uncovers a web of deceit aimed at usurping control of the Eldorf Circus. The episode not only entertains with thrilling performances and dramatic revelations but also underscores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of justice. For listeners new to the series, this episode exemplifies the enduring appeal of classic radio dramas, offering a captivating blend of mystery and heroism that stands the test of time.

Closing Thoughts

"The Avenger 45-09-28 (17) Death in Mid-Air" stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of radio dramas from the Golden Age. Its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and engaging narrative ensure that it remains a favorite among enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Dive into this episode to experience a quintessential adventure where science meets justice in the most unexpected of places.