The Avenger - Mystery of the Giant Brain

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Avenger - "Mystery of the Giant Brain"

Harold's Old Time Radio – March 16, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Series: The Avenger
Episode: Mystery of the Giant Brain

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Avenger, titled "Mystery of the Giant Brain," takes listeners on a thrilling journey filled with mad science, stolen animals, murder, and daring rescues. Set in the golden era of radio drama, the story revolves around Jim Brandon (the Avenger) and his assistant Fern Collier as they investigate a series of bizarre incidents linked to Professor Rodano, a once-respected scientist who has descended into madness. The episode explores themes of scientific hubris, ethical boundaries, and the dangers of unchecked ambition through classic pulp storytelling.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Introduction to the Avenger’s World (02:17–02:53)

• The audience is introduced to Jim Brandon, the Avenger—a biochemist armed with a telepathic indicator (for picking up thought flashes) and a diffusion capsule (to become invisible).
• Fern Collier is established as his confidante and assistant.

Notable quote:
"The road to crime ends in a trap that justice sets. Crime does not pay."
— Jim Brandon (00:43)

2. Professor Rodano’s Descent into Mad Science (03:06–07:06)

• Ms. St. Clair, Rodano’s assistant, confronts the professor about his unethical animal experiments and the creation of mechanical men (robots).
• Rodano reveals plans to further his experiments by giving his robots independent intelligence, crossing the line into dangerous territory.
• Tensions escalate as Ms. St. Clair tries to escape, but is stopped by one of Rodano's robots.

Notable quotes:
"You helped perfect them." — Professor Rodano (05:00)
"You're playing with madness and death, Professor." — Ms. St. Clair (05:38)
"I need your brain for my great experiment. You arrive just in time."
— Professor Rodano to Fern Collier (18:00)

3. Jim and Fern Investigate – The Thought Indicator and Clues (07:06–11:00)

• Jim Brandon conducts experiments with the telepathic indicator, receiving troubling impressions of violence, electricity, and suffering associated with animals and a mysterious location.
• Newspaper clippings about stolen zoo animals and a fox farm incident provide crucial links.

Notable exchange:
"Sounded as though we picked up the latent thought waves of a medieval maiden in distress."
— Fern Collier (08:30)
"Your medieval maiden could scarcely have been surrounded by electrical instruments of extremely high voltage."
— Jim Brandon (08:41)

4. Murder at the Fox Farm (11:16–15:16)

• Jim and Fern go to question Joe Iser, the farmer whose foxes were stolen, and arrive as a murder unfolds.
• Harry Sampler, a simple farmhand, claims he witnessed a giant "iron man" (robot) kill Iser, describing how bullets had no effect.
• Fern goes to summon help at Gray Towers, the nearby mansion, setting up her capture.

Memorable moment:
"The bullets can't hurt the big man." — Harry Sampler (12:37)
"There are at least 5ft between the strides!" — Fern Collier, on the giant tracks (14:33)

5. Fern’s Capture and Rodano’s Horrific Plans (17:12–21:07)

• At Gray Towers, Fern is seized by a robot and brought to Rodano’s secret laboratory.
• Rodano reveals his creation: a living composite "giant brain" made from animal brains, which he plans to enhance using three human brains (Fern, Ms. St. Clair, and Dr. Giles).
• Dr. Giles and Ms. St. Clair plead for Fern’s life but Rodano is resolute in his madness.

Notable dialogue:
"It’s the composite living brain of 14 animals."
— Professor Rodano (19:50)
"You will sacrifice your living brain to the great God science. A mere mortal could ask no greater privilege."
— Professor Rodano (18:21)

6. The Avenger’s Infiltration and the Robot Uprising (22:54–27:15)

• Jim Brandon uses his diffusion capsule to enter Gray Towers invisibly.
• As Rodano prepares to harvest Dr. Giles’s brain, the Avenger intervenes.
• In the chaos, the robots break the glass case containing the composite brain, which then threatens Rodano.
• The robots are neutralized when their control batteries are destroyed, and the captives are freed—but Rodano is killed by his own creation.

Dramatic exchange:
"You can't see me, but I'm here, Professor. Here to see that you're brought to justice."
— The Avenger (25:34)
"The professor’s giant brain was just a boomerang."
— The Avenger (27:05)

7. Aftermath and Reflection (28:52–30:42)

• Fern expresses relief at leaving Midvale and reflects on the horror of the events.
• Discussion about the fate of the robots (now inert) and the giant brain (dead and removed for research).
• Jim and Fern share a lighthearted moment about missing out on a last meal.
• The story ends with a promise of another Avenger adventure.

Humorous close:
"If I’d known how things were going to turn out, I could have done justice to that duck."
— Fern Collier (30:17)

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Memorable Quotes & Moments by Timestamp

• Crime Message:
  "The road to crime ends in a trap that justice sets. Crime does not pay."
  – Jim Brandon (00:43)

• Ethical Confrontation:
  "You helped perfect them."
  – Professor Rodano to Ms. St. Clair (05:00)

• Robot Revelation:
  "These three mechanical men, these robots I have created, they're only in their infancy."
  – Professor Rodano (04:33)

• Foreshadowing and Irony:
  "He was mad all right. Jim, did you know that he sent us a delicious dinner of roast duckling last night just before he came down to kill us?"
  – Fern Collier (30:03)

• Final Reflection:
  "For once the police and everyone else in Midvale will have to admit that the truth in this case was more fantastic than any story poor Harry ever dreamed of."
  – Jim Brandon (29:15)

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Important Timestamps

• Introduction of The Avenger and background: 02:17–02:53
• Ms. St. Clair Confronts Rodano: 03:06–07:06
• Experiment and Investigation: 07:06–11:00
• Murder at Iser’s farm: 11:16–15:16
• Fern’s capture at Gray Towers: 17:12–21:07
• Showdown in the Laboratory: 22:54–27:15
• Aftermath and closure: 28:52–30:42

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Episode Tone & Style

The episode is a classic melodramatic suspense thriller, combining science fiction, detective work, and horror. The language is direct, heightened, and expressive, typical of 1940s radio drama. The cast delivers lines with urgency and conviction, maintaining an atmosphere of imminent peril while occasionally lightening the mood with clever banter between key characters.

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Summary

"Mystery of the Giant Brain" masterfully blends old-school science fiction horror and detective drama, with The Avenger pitted against a mad scientist whose quest to create super-intelligent robots ends in poetic justice. The story serves as a timeless warning against unchecked evil and scientific arrogance—delivered with all the flair, suspense, and camp of classic radio adventure.

Transcript

[Fern Collier]

Access to affordable credit helps me pay my employees, but I don't really need it.

[Professor Rodano]

Inflation is killing me. But who cares? Big retailers are making record profits. That's why we support the Durbin Marshall credit card bill.

[Fern Collier]

See, Banks and credit unions help small businesses make payroll. This bill would cut the vital resources

[Professor Rodano]

they need while increasing megastore profits. They deserve it, don't they? Tell Congress, stop the Durbin Marshall money

[Fern Collier]

grab for corporate megastores paid for by the Electronic Payments Coalition.

[Narrator]

The Avenger.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

The road to crime ends in a trap that justice sets. Crime does not pay.

[Fern Collier]

It's sam.

[Narrator]

The Avenger. Sworn enemy of evil is actually Jim Brandon, a famous biochemist. Through his numerous scientific experiments, Brandon has perfected two inventions to aid him in his crusade against crime as the Avenger. The telepathic indicator by which he is able to pick up thought flashes and the secret diffusion capsule which cloaks him in the black light of invisibility. Brandon's assistant, the beautiful Fern Collier, is the only one who shares his secrets and knows that he is the man the underworld fears as the Avenger.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

And now.

[Narrator]

The Avenger and the mystery of the giant brain.

[Professor Rodano]

Who is it? Who's there?

[Ms. St. Clair]

It's Ms. St. Clair. I want to speak to you, Professor Rudano.

[Professor Rodano]

Oh, all right, all right. Come in. Why, Ms. St. Clair, where are you going with all that luggage?

[Ms. St. Clair]

I'm leaving, Professor.

[Professor Rodano]

Leaving?

[Ms. St. Clair]

Yes, and you needn't pretend to be surprised. You know why I'm going.

[Professor Rodano]

Oh, yes. You were upset about those animals from the zoo, I believe.

[Ms. St. Clair]

Yes, that among other things, Ms. St.

[Professor Rodano]

Clair, it was absolutely necessary for me to have those animals. Our experiments have gone far beyond the stage of rabbits and mice. I must have animals of a little more cunning. Of course. I'm. I'm sorry to have to steal them from the zoo and neighboring farms, but that's the only way.

[Ms. St. Clair]

Well, I want no part of it. When I came here a year ago as your assistant, I thought you were a reputable scientist.

[Professor Rodano]

I am a great scientist, Ms. St. Clair. Too great to allow the petty ethics.

[Ms. St. Clair]

Perhaps. You are a great professor, but you've become cruel and inhuman and the kind of man has no place in the laboratory. These experiments and brain surgery you're making now are horrible.

[Professor Rodano]

You think so? Then perhaps you have decided to report me to the police.

[Ms. St. Clair]

No, I just want to get out of here and have nothing further to do with you.

[Professor Rodano]

You're a coward, Ms. St. Clair. You're afraid of what the Great Rodano can accomplish. Why, Rodano's work is Just beginning.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Look.

[Professor Rodano]

These three mechanical men, these robots I have created, they're only in their infancy.

[Ms. St. Clair]

Yes, I know they are. Look at them lined up there. Three iron monsters, that's what they are.

[Professor Rodano]

You hate them because you fear them. In time, my robots will accomplish all that man is too cowardly to attempt.

[Ms. St. Clair]

Professor, please don't go on with this. Destroy them now, before it's too late.

[Professor Rodano]

Why, Ms. St. Clair, how can you talk like that? You helped perfect them.

[Ms. St. Clair]

I didn't understand what you were doing.

[Professor Rodano]

You will excuse me if I find that hard to believe.

[Ms. St. Clair]

It's true. Until a few weeks ago, these robots were merely harmless, servants of your will. Created, you assured me, merely to fetch and carry for you. Now you send them out to capture animals for you in the hope that in time you'll be able to create for them a brain.

[Professor Rodano]

Exactly. And that time is almost at hand. Just think, Ms. Sinclair, very soon I will no longer have to control those robots as I do now by the magneto electric batteries I have installed about the house.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Ah.

[Professor Rodano]

They will have a mind and intelligence all their own.

[Ms. St. Clair]

You're playing with madness and death, Professor.

[Professor Rodano]

Two marvelous experiments. Madness and death.

[Ms. St. Clair]

I see that there's no point in trying to reason with you. But there is one other thing I'd like to do before I go.

[Professor Rodano]

Yes?

[Ms. St. Clair]

I'd like to know what has happened to Dr. Giles.

[Professor Rodano]

I told you two weeks ago. I sent him away on business.

[Ms. St. Clair]

I don't believe you. I think he left you just as I'm doing, because he wanted nothing further to do with you and your robots.

[Professor Rodano]

Would you really like to know where Dr. Giles is now? Would you like to see him, Ms. St. Clair?

[Ms. St. Clair]

What do you mean?

[Professor Rodano]

Dr. Giles is in my secret basement laboratory. I had to lock him up in a little iron cage down there. Come, I'll show you.

[Ms. St. Clair]

No, no. You are mad.

[Fern Collier]

I'm going to the police.

[Professor Rodano]

Robot 1. Robot 1, stop. Ms. St. Clair.

[Fern Collier]

No, no.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Let me go

[Professor Rodano]

carry her to the basement laboratory. Robot one.

[Ms. St. Clair]

No.

[Professor Rodano]

You've always been curious about that secret laboratory in a St. Clair. Now I let you see it.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

All right, Fern, I'm ready to dictate.

[Fern Collier]

Now, let me see. This is experiment 2274, isn't it?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's right. Go ahead, Subject. A power increase on the telepathic indicator data. Increase of 2amperes on direct current caused the headgear to blow. However, when current was changed to alternating, reception was not only maintained, but increased.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, Jim, you increased it. How wonderful.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I don't know exactly how much yet. But I think it's a matter of a few miles. Fern. We'll send out a crew tomorrow, station them a quarter of a mile apart and experiment with their thought transmissions.

[Ms. St. Clair]

Good.

[Fern Collier]

I'll make all the arrangements.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Now for the data on the strongest thought impressions I picked up on the indicator today. Take this down, Fern. Thought waves receive from a greater distance than before, seem to have their origin in violence, but not death. Constant static interference might indicate that the thoughts were surrounded by electricity at their origin.

[Fern Collier]

That's something new, isn't it, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Completely new. Vern, add these facts, will you? The color impression was gray. Gray with a background of blue. Perhaps something gray in color, high enough to be seen against the background of the sky. Either a tower or a plain. But since there was no indication of movement, I'm inclined to favor the tower.

[Fern Collier]

Sounds as though we picked up the latent thought waves of a medieval maiden in distress.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

There you go, letting your romantic notions run away with you again.

[Fern Collier]

Well, nothing seems to be impossible with that indicator.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

But if you'll review the facts, young lady, you'll realize that your medieval maiden could scarcely have been surrounded by electrical instruments of extremely high voltage.

[Fern Collier]

No, I suppose not. Unless the tower was struck by lightning.

[Harry Sampler]

Give up, you win.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

But to get back to the facts, I'll make a note of this, please. I also picked up an impression on the same thought wavelength of inarticulate suffering. Something that could have emanated from small children or animals. This impression was not as clear as the others.

[Fern Collier]

That's a strange kind of impression.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, and all the more interesting in view of a story that appeared in this morning's paper. Here, paste this clipping in beside those notes.

[Fern Collier]

What is it, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's a story about some animals that were stolen recently from a zoo at Midvale. Also a raid on a fox farm near there.

[Fern Collier]

What do you make of it, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Nothing yet. Fern, do we have a legend map that includes Midvale?

[Fern Collier]

Well, we have one for this entire county. Will that do?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Fine. Yeah. Where is it?

[Fern Collier]

On the bottom shelf behind you. Right.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Now, let me see. Midwest crop list. Oh, Midland county map. Yeah, this is it. Midvale's exactly 16 miles due east from here. Yes, that's within the radius of the indicator.

[Fern Collier]

Look, Jim, this footnote says that Midvale boasts of several mansions of great architectural beauty that date back to the early 1800s.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It also boasts of several well known silver fox farms. All of which ties in pretty well with the things we already know.

[Sponsor/Announcer]

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[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

How long will it take you to pack?

[Fern Collier]

15 minutes.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

All right, let's get moving. You and I are going on a little trip to Midvale.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, how much farther do you think it is to Mr. Isa's farm?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, he should be coming to it soon. Fern, aren't you enjoying the walk?

[Fern Collier]

Yes, only it's farther than I expected. He must have walked at least two miles since we left Midvale.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, it can't be far now.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, why are you so anxious to talk with Mr. Isa?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Because Joe Iser has reported four foxes stolen from his farm within two weeks, and I think he may be able to give us a few leads. Off the record, of course. Ah. That must be Iser's barn just ahead there.

[Fern Collier]

Somebody shooting us. Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Run, Fern. Wait, wait.

[Professor Rodano]

Nobody's shooting at us.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Those shots came from behind that barn.

[Ms. St. Clair]

Come on.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, go ahead, Jim. I can't keep up. Look, there's a man running across the field.

[Professor Rodano]

I'll stop him.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Hey. Hey, you.

[Professor Rodano]

Wait a minute.

[Fern Collier]

Stop.

[Professor Rodano]

Stop, I say. Oh, no.

[Harry Sampler]

I didn't do it. I didn't do it.

[Professor Rodano]

Stop running or I'll bring you down.

[Fern Collier]

No.

[Harry Sampler]

They say I killed him, but I didn't. I didn't.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, stop, I say it.

[Fern Collier]

I didn'.

[Harry Sampler]

Kill my. Let me go. I didn't do it, I tell you.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Now, take it easy. I didn't say you killed anybody, but I couldn't let you run away. Sorry I had to knock you down.

[Harry Sampler]

I. I was in the barn. I saw it all. But I didn't kill him.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Kill who?

[Harry Sampler]

Joe Isaac.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, you've got him, Jim. Thank heaven.

[Harry Sampler]

The big man did it. The big man.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Come on, show us where Isa is.

[Harry Sampler]

Come this way. Here. Back at the bomb.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Now, suppose you tell me exactly what you saw.

[Harry Sampler]

Well, Joe caught the big man stealing two foxes. Joe shot him at him four times. But the bullets can't hurt the big man.

[Fern Collier]

What in the world is he talking about, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Hanged, if I know.

[Harry Sampler]

Fern, there he is. There's Joe, Isa. See? He's dead.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'll have a look. Well, Jim, he's dead, all right. And four bullets have been fired from this gun he's holding. We've got to call the police.

[Harry Sampler]

No, no, don't call the police. They'll say I did it. I'm going home.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, no, you're not. You've got a lot of questions answered. What's your name?

[Harry Sampler]

Harry Sampler.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Just what were you doing here anyway? And who's this big man you're talking about?

[Harry Sampler]

Well, I live around the hill there in the shack. I come over here every day to help Joe with the chores, and he gives me food. Joe is good to me. I wouldn't kill him.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

So today, while you were helping eyes, this big man appeared and stole two foxes.

[Harry Sampler]

Yeah, that's right. Joe started to shoot at him, but the big man walked right through the bullets and hit Joe over the head with his big iron hand. He killed Joe? The big man did.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, this is getting us nowhere fast, Fern. I'm going to call her.

[Fern Collier]

Please, I think we'd better.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Come on and show me where Isa's telephone is, Harry.

[Harry Sampler]

Well, Joe ain't got no phone.

[Fern Collier]

What are we going to do, Jim?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, I've got to stay here and guard the place until the police get here.

[Fern Collier]

But how can we get word to them?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yeah, that's the question. I can't trust Harry to go. And it's getting too late for you to go alone.

[Fern Collier]

Well, if I hurry, Jim, maybe I can make it into town before dark.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, no, Fern. There's a killer loose around here somewhere.

[Harry Sampler]

I think there's a phone over to the great towers. But I wouldn't go in there. Huh?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Where's Gray Towers?

[Harry Sampler]

Right around the bend and up the road a piece.

[Fern Collier]

I'll go, Jim. I'm not afraid to go that far.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

All right, but before you go, take a look at these footprints, Fern.

[Fern Collier]

Heavens, they're monstrous.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yeah, and there are at least 5ft between the strides.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, do you think there could possibly be anything to this poor fellow's story?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, it's fantastic, of course, but Isa was killed by a blow on the head, all right. He was struck by some kind of blunt instrument.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, I don't think we should trust this fellow. Harry, maybe he's not as harmless as he seems. After all, he could have.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Don't worry, Fern, I'm not trusting him. I'll keep Harry right here with me until you get back. Now, you run along, but don't lose any time. I'll expect you back here in less than half an hour.

[Fern Collier]

Okay, Jim. So long.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

So long, Fern.

[Harry Sampler]

Yeah, I'm sure they got a phone up to Great Towers. But I wouldn't go in there. I'd be afraid.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Seems to me you're afraid of just about everything, Harry.

[Harry Sampler]

You'd be afraid of the big iron men too, if you saw them.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, all I've got to say is that somebody had better see them, Harry, or your goose is cooked. Even so, I'd prefer to have a better alibi for murder than an iron monster.

[Fern Collier]

It's sam.

[Narrator]

And now back to the Avenger and the mystery of the giant brain.

[Professor Rodano]

Robot 2, open the door.

[Fern Collier]

Excuse me, may I?

[Professor Rodano]

Oh, don't be frightened, my dear. This is just a mechanical man who acts as my servant. He's perfectly under control.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Come in.

[Ms. St. Clair]

Oh, no.

[Fern Collier]

No, thank you. Never mind.

[Professor Rodano]

Seize her. Robotu.

[Fern Collier]

No. Let me go.

[Professor Rodano]

Well done, Robot 2. Now close the door.

[Fern Collier]

Tell this monster to put me down, please. I just came to use the phone.

[Professor Rodano]

You were sent to call the police, were you not?

[Fern Collier]

Oh, you don't understand. A man's been murdered. Well, perhaps you already knew that.

[Professor Rodano]

A very unfortunate incident that that sort of thing is inevitable. Sometimes people are stupid. They don't understand the needs of science.

[Fern Collier]

Please let me go. I'm expected back in town.

[Professor Rodano]

No, you are needed here.

[Fern Collier]

I'm needed here? What for?

[Professor Rodano]

I need your brain for my great experiment. You arrive just in time.

[Fern Collier]

My brain?

[Professor Rodano]

Yes. Now I'll have three. Three human brains. Bring her to the secret laboratory. Robot too.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, no. Put me down. Let me go.

[Professor Rodano]

No use to struggle. The robot has his orders and he will obey them.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, you are a murderer. You killed either.

[Professor Rodano]

He was just a little man who got in my robot's way. But yours is to be a greater honor than mere death. You will sacrifice your living brain to the great God science. A mere mortal could ask no greater privilege.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, let me go.

[Professor Rodano]

Let me go. Let me go. Stand guard, robot three. I'll open the cage. Robot two, you put the beautiful lady inside. Ms. St. Clair. Dr. Giles. I've brought you company.

[Narrator]

Why have you brought this strange girl here, Rodano?

[Professor Rodano]

To share the fate I have in store for you and Ms. St. Clair, my worthy doctor.

[Ms. St. Clair]

What are you talking about, Professor? Just what do you intend to do with us.

[Professor Rodano]

Be patient a little longer, Ms. St. Clair. Come out and close the door. Robot 2. Now listen, all of you. Tonight, the mighty Rodano will perform the greatest operation in the history of surgery. I will add three human brains to the living animal brains I already have preserved. Wait, I'll show you. Remove the heavy cover from that table. Robot 2 Be careful not to break the glass case. Well, what do you think of it?

[Fern Collier]

What is that horrible thing? It's moving.

[Professor Rodano]

Of course it's moving. It's alive. It's the composite living brain of 14 animals.

[Ms. St. Clair]

It's the most horrible thing I've ever seen. Even my worst suspicions didn't prepare me for anything like.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Like this.

[Narrator]

Hold on. The St. Clair.

[Professor Rodano]

We mustn't give up yet. Be silent and listen to me. Tonight I add three human brains to this. And then I'll place them all within a special robot I've constructed. Then the world will see a real man of iron. A man of unlimited power and superlative wisdom. The great Rodano will be worshipped as the creator of a new race.

[Ms. St. Clair]

Stop him.

[Fern Collier]

Stop him. I can't stand anymore.

[Narrator]

Professor.

[Professor Rodano]

Yes, what is it, Dr. Giles?

[Narrator]

Perhaps we, Ms. St. Clair and I deserve whatever fate you have in store for us. Whether we meant to or not, we did help you create the robots. But this strange girl you brought here, she had nothing to do with it. Let her go free.

[Ms. St. Clair]

Yes, Professor. There's no need to make the innocent suffer too.

[Professor Rodano]

Ah, you two are coming.

[Fern Collier]

Yes.

[Professor Rodano]

You know that if I set you free, the police will be here in five minutes. No. I tell you, I need you. All science needs you.

[Narrator]

How much longer have we then?

[Professor Rodano]

One hour. One hour yet to live. Robot 1 will bring you a fine dinner of roast duckling. We must observe the rules of death. The condemned should eat both well and heartily.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well. Harry, it was a lucky thing for us that truck happened by so we could get word to the police.

[Harry Sampler]

The police come mighty fast, didn't they?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, and they want to question both of us later. Harry. I promised them we'd both come to police headquarters as soon as I find out what's happened to Fern.

[Harry Sampler]

They don't think I did it, do they?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No. And if you promise me you will tell them exactly what you saw, I'll give you a reward of $10.

[Harry Sampler]

$10? Gee, I never saw that much money.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Oh, say, Harry, is that Gray Towers?

[Harry Sampler]

Yeah. Yeah, that's the. That's where the professor and the big men live.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Have you ever been inside the house, Harry?

[Sponsor/Announcer]

No.

[Harry Sampler]

Nobody's allowed Inside all the doors and windows has big boats.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

How do you know if you were never inside?

[Harry Sampler]

Well, sometimes I climb up in that tree over there by the garden and look in the window.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

What did you see from there, Harry?

[Harry Sampler]

Oh, that's how I first saw the big men, but nobody believed me. They said I made it up.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, I guess there's nothing for it then, but to try to get in by the front door. Come on, Harry.

[Harry Sampler]

Oh, no, sir, not. Not me. I wouldn't go in there. The big men kill people.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

All right, you climb up in the tree then, and wait for me.

[Harry Sampler]

Sure, I'll wait. You said I'm gonna get $10.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's right. I'll see you later.

[Harry Sampler]

Yes, sir. Nobody will see me up in that tree. It's too dark up there.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

That's. Well, professor, you're going to have a visitor. When that door opens, the Avenger will step inside and you'll be none the wiser because my diffusion capsule will render me invisible. The moment the door is opened, I'll break the capsule and enter.

[Professor Rodano]

What's that noise? Who's out there? Who's out there?

[Harry Sampler]

I said

[Professor Rodano]

I'm sure I heard a peculiar noise just as the door opened. Who's there? Well, it must have gone away, whoever it was. Robot 1. Close the door and bolt it. Now, follow me, Robot 1. Follow me closely, for in just a few minutes, we begin our great experiment.

[Ms. St. Clair]

Doctor Giles, the hour is almost up.

[Narrator]

Yes, just a few minutes more.

[Ms. St. Clair]

Think of that. That maniac sending down all this food as though any of us could touch it.

[Fern Collier]

Do you suppose that if we make all the noise we can, somebody might hear us?

[Narrator]

There's not a chance of that, Ms. Collier. This basement is soundproof.

[Ms. St. Clair]

Well, we certainly haven't anything to lose. We might as well try it.

[Fern Collier]

Here.

[Ms. St. Clair]

Each one take a tin cup. Hit them against the bars as hard

[Narrator]

as you can, and everybody shout at the same time. We'll say, help, we're in the basement.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Ready?

[Professor Rodano]

Go. Help. We're in the basement.

[Harry Sampler]

Help.

[Professor Rodano]

We're in the basement.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Listen.

[Ms. St. Clair]

It's the robots. It's too late for any help now.

[Professor Rodano]

Go ahead, scream your heads off. No one can hear you. I'm going to bring Dr. Giles out of the cage. Now, you kill him if he tries to get away. Come, Dr. Giles. Place him on the steel table, Robot 2. I'll fasten his hands and feet.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, I can't. Look.

[Ms. St. Clair]

He won't feel anything. None of us will. The electricity will stun him instantly. That's the only way the brain can be removed and still remain alive.

[Professor Rodano]

Oh, don't stand aside. Robots. They're in the line. That's right. Now you won't be in my way. Every split second counts in this operation. Now we're ready. I'll pull the switch and.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No, you don't. Professor.

[Professor Rodano]

Who spoke? Who's there?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's the Avenger, Professor.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, the avenger on the St. Clair. We're saint. Why?

[Ms. St. Clair]

I don't understand.

[Fern Collier]

Where is he?

[Professor Rodano]

Where are you, Avenger? How did you get in here?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You can't see me, but I'm here, Professor. Here to see that you're brought to justice.

[Professor Rodano]

Find him, robots. Find the Avenger and kill him. Kill the Avenger. Find him, robots.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Professor.

[Professor Rodano]

Giles. Giles. The Avenger is here to ruin my experiment. Professor, set me free. I'll help you. Yes, Giles, you must help me. I'll set you free. There, there. Help me, Giles. Help me find the Avenger. We must kill him. He mustn't ruin my experiment.

[Ms. St. Clair]

Dr. Giles, be careful.

[Fern Collier]

The robots have broken the glass case.

[Professor Rodano]

The giant brain is free.

[Fern Collier]

No.

[Professor Rodano]

No. You robot fools. Look what you've done.

[Fern Collier]

The brain is moving toward the Professor.

[Professor Rodano]

No. Robot. Help me.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Dr. Giles.

[Professor Rodano]

Dr. Giles, there's a robot behind you.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Move to the corner. Where's the battery that controls these robots?

[Professor Rodano]

It's over here. I think I can reach it.

[Harry Sampler]

Giles.

[Professor Rodano]

Giles, help me. Pull this monstrous brain away from me.

[Ms. St. Clair]

Struggling me out.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Can you reach the battery? Giles, quick, quick. Are these robots will stand?

[Professor Rodano]

Yes, yes, I've got it now. There.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Are you all right, Giles? Yes. Then unlock that cage and get those

[Professor Rodano]

women out of there.

[Narrator]

The professor put the keys on the desk here somewhere. Here they are.

[Ms. St. Clair]

Well, I never thought I'd get out of here alive.

[Fern Collier]

Neither did I.

[Ms. St. Clair]

Is. Is the professor dead?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, the professor is dead. No one could save him from his own creation. The Professor's giant brain was just a boomerang. Giles.

[Narrator]

Yes, Avenger?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Call the police at once. And when they get here, demonstrate how these robots work. Otherwise they'll never believe your story.

[Fern Collier]

Well, Midvale is one town I'm glad to leave behind me, Jim.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I don't blame you, Fern. You had a pretty narrow escape last night.

[Fern Collier]

The Avengers saved Dr. Jar's life by a mere second.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I got there the first moment I could. Fern. When you didn't return to Iser's place, I naturally became worried. But frankly, I never expected to find anything as fantastic as the professor and his giant brain.

[Fern Collier]

Well, we can't say Harry didn't try to warn us.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Yes, he certainly did. And for once the police and everyone else in Midvale will have to admit that the truth in this case was more fantastic than any story poor Harry ever dreamed of.

[Fern Collier]

Jim, what will happen to those robots now?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, they're just so much scrap iron without those control batteries, and the police have confiscated those.

[Fern Collier]

What about the giant brain? What will happen to that?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

It's being removed to the state research laboratory. Naturally, the brain is dead now. Within five minutes of being exposed to the air, it lost all its living properties. That would have been a great disappointment to the professor.

[Fern Collier]

I'm glad. Was the most horrible thing I ever saw.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

You know, Fern, at one time Professor Rodano was a well respected scientist. It's a shame that he went mad and used his genius in the wrong direction.

[Fern Collier]

He was mad all right. Jim, did you know that he sent us a delicious dinner of roast duckling last night just before he came down to kill us?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

No. And I suppose the thing that's worrying you now is that you didn't eat it.

[Fern Collier]

Well, if I'd known how things were going to turn out, I could have done justice to that duck.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Well, don't you worry your pretty head about it, Fern. I'll take you to Carlo's for dinner tonight.

[Fern Collier]

Oh, wonderful.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

I'm sure Carlo's roast duckling is just as good as Redonna's. And he doesn't reserve it for such special occasions.

[Narrator]

All characters, names, places and plots used in the Avenger program are fictitious. Any similarity to persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

This is a thought. A thought. A thought.

[Ms. St. Clair]

Remember?

[Jim Brandon (The Avenger)]

Listen for another adventure of

[Narrator]

the Avenger.