Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: The Avenger – Melody of Murder
Date: March 16, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode Overview
In this engaging installment of The Avenger, listeners are transported back to the shadowy world of Golden Age radio drama. The episode, “Melody of Murder,” centers on a web of murder, vengeance, and ingenious crime, classic for the series. Jim Brandon—aka The Avenger—and his loyal assistant Fern Collier, unravel a deadly scheme where music and murder intertwine, examining evidence, following leads, and exposing the darker motives behind a tragic series of deaths.
Key Discussion Points & Story Progression
1. The Carlton Family’s Trouble and First Murder
[03:30–07:06]
- The story opens in the Carlton household, rife with financial woes and tension.
- Mrs. Carlton and her husband George argue bitterly over lost investments and the prospect of selling Mrs. Carlton's jewels to cover losses.
- Their heated confrontation is interrupted by gunfire—George Carlton is shot dead.
- Hawkins, their butler, reports the event, suggesting either suicide or murder.
Notable Quote:
“There’s only one way...you’ll just have to sell your jewels.”
— George Carlton, [05:02]
2. Mrs. Carlton Accused and the Case for Her Innocence
[07:06–11:00]
- Mrs. Carlton is arrested and charged.
- Jim Brandon and Fern Collier visit Mrs. Carlton in jail, trying to piece together the truth.
- Evidence seemingly condemns her: fingerprints on the gun, witnessed argument, and lack of alibi.
- Mrs. Carlton insists her innocence but is unsure how the gun appeared.
Notable Quote:
"Tell me the truth. That is one weapon that is stronger than any kind of evidence."
— Jim Brandon, [07:54]
3. Investigating the Business Partners & Second Death
[11:40–14:33]
- The investigation shifts to Carlton’s business partners, Burlingame and Redford, both with apparent motives.
- Brandon and Fern question Burlingame, but learn little...
- A bomb explodes in Burlingame’s office, killing him; Brandon and Fern narrowly escape.
Notable Quote:
“Not so fast, Burlingame. The state still has to prove that.”
— Jim Brandon, [12:00]
4. The Connection of Music & Ingenious Crimes
[14:45–21:17]
- Redford disappears, becoming a person of interest.
- Clues mount: a workman seen in both crime scenes and a series of explosions triggered by musical vibrations.
- At the central bus terminal, the Avenger sets a trap, anticipating another attack linked to a record being played at a specific time.
- Explosive devices are set off via musical notes or vibrations, confirming the killer's method.
Notable Moments:
- [14:15] “There’s a bomb in there, Fern. Under the desk, quick.”
- [21:00] “The vibrations of that chord I struck upon the piano—they released the hair trigger of that gun.” — Jim Brandon
5. Forensic Breakthrough & Key Evidence
[22:24–25:38]
- Fern’s shoe, marked by the escaping criminal, provides a critical clue.
- Brandon’s lab analysis finds bauxite in the dirt, tracing back to a specific property once purchased by Carlton’s firm—formerly owned by Chester Moreland.
Notable Moment:
“That dirt mark is evidence. A laboratory test...may tell us exactly where to find the murderer.”
— Jim Brandon, [22:41]
6. The Showdown at Moreland’s Farm
[25:38–31:40]
- Brandon and Fern drive to the Moreland property, suspecting it as the site of the criminal’s lair.
- Curtis Moreland is revealed as the killer, seeking vengeance for his uncle—a previous owner wronged by the partners.
- Curtis confesses to using music-triggered devices for murder.
- He is unrepentant and tries to trigger another explosion, but Brandon intervenes.
- A dramatic confrontation saves Redford; Curtis dies when a section of the house collapses.
Notable Quotes:
“Your last enemy dies today, and we’ll have our farm back. Carlton, Burlingame and Redford...I’ve murdered two of them and Redford dies within the hour. All with my music, uncle. The music you taught me.”
— Curtis Moreland, [26:56]
“A simple rondelay can break the spell of your vibrations, Moreland.”
— Jim Brandon, [28:37]
7. Resolution & Motive
[31:40–32:46]
- Back in his lab, Brandon clarifies the motive: Curtis Moreland was driven to madness by losing the bauxite-rich farm and sought revenge against those he held responsible.
- Redford survives, promises to make amends to the Carltons, and justice is restored.
Notable Quote:
“Revenge, Fern. That farm had belonged to Curtis’s uncle...When the old man died, Curtis vowed to get even and reclaim his heritage.”
— Jim Brandon, [32:05]
Memorable Moments & Quotes
Important Timestamps
- [03:30] — Opening argument and murder in Carlton household
- [07:06] — Mrs. Carlton’s interrogation
- [11:40] — Interview with Burlingame
- [14:15] — Bomb in Burlingame’s office
- [18:17] — Avenger and Fern at the bus terminal
- [21:00] — Explanation of the murder method: musical vibrations
- [22:36] — Fern’s shoe as forensic clue
- [25:38] — Arrival at Moreland’s house
- [26:56] — Curtis Moreland’s confession
- [32:05] — Motive explained: revenge
Tone & Style
The episode blends suspense, deduction, and a touch of noir melancholy, consistent with pulp radio detective stories. Jim Brandon's calm analytical demeanor contrasts with Fern Collier's emotive, supportive presence, while the villain, Curtis Moreland, is both tragic and menacing, his madness colorfully revealed through dramatic soliloquies.
Concluding Thoughts
The Avenger – Melody of Murder delivers classic radio drama thrills, intertwining scientific sleuthing with gothic revenge. Featuring uniquely devised crimes, clever clues, and memorable character moments, this episode stands out for its inventive use of music as both a motif and a murder weapon. It’s perfect entertainment for both Golden Age radio aficionados and new listeners alike.
