Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: The Avenger – The Blue Pearls
Date: March 16, 2026
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Original Broadcast: Classic Golden Age Radio Drama
Overview
This episode of The Avenger titled "The Blue Pearls," reintroduces listeners to crime-fighting hero Jim Brandon (The Avenger) and his resourceful assistant Fern Collier. Together, they uncover and dismantle a sophisticated narcotics ring operating in the city, where drugs are ingeniously smuggled inside blue-tinted “pearls.” The story moves from a suspicious car crash to undercover work in a nightclub, all culminating in a high-stakes confrontation on the water.
The episode blends suspense, detective work, and classic 1940s radio drama charm, featuring signature Avenger technology—namely, invisibility and telepathy—alongside clever sleuthing.
Key Discussion Points and Story Progression
1. The Menace of Reckless Driving & The Mysterious Accident
[03:02 - 05:10]
- Inspector White launches a crackdown on reckless driving after a string of deadly hit-and-run accidents.
- Jim Brandon and Fern Collier witness a woman driving erratically and ultimately crashing.
- Fern radios for help; the unconscious woman mutters, “My pearls. My pearls,” before dying.
- “Never mind your pearls, young lady. We've got to worry about getting you to a hospital.” – Jim Brandon [05:00]
2. Discovery of the Dope Ring
[05:26 - 06:44]
- The absence of pearls at the crash and the woman’s fixation on them raise suspicion; Brandon suspects she was drugged.
- “Technically it was an accident, Inspector, but it wasn't caused by carelessness. That woman was doped.” – Jim Brandon [05:57]
- At the Club Rendezvous, Brandon and Collier search for clues and note that several crash victims frequented the club.
3. The Pearl Smuggling Scheme Revealed
[07:34 - 09:09]
- A club patron, Brenda Clegg, “accidentally” breaks her pearl necklace, prompting a search for loose pearls.
- Brandon quietly pockets several pearls, suspecting foul play.
- “Those pearls are absolutely worthless. The whole string could be bought for 10 cents… she broke the pearls on purpose and expected some of them to be missing.” – Jim Brandon [08:25]
- Brandon deduces that pearls are used to smuggle drugs and are passed discreetly to customers.
4. Undercover Work and Escalation
[10:13 - 12:19]
- Jim Brandon questions Frederico the waiter, learning Brenda Clegg often breaks her pearls as a ruse.
- “How do you explain these five pearls I have here in my hand? She didn't get these back.” – Jim Brandon [11:25]
- Brandon instructs Fern to coordinate with Inspector White for further investigation; they prepare to tail Brenda that night.
5. Gang Infighting and Murder
[12:33 - 14:49]
- Brenda Clegg, unhappy with her cut, argues with her partner Smokey and threatens to turn state’s evidence.
- “You've hit me for the last time, Smokey. I'm gonna see that you get the book. I don't care what they do to me.” – Brenda Clegg [13:11]
- Smokey shoots Brenda as she attempts to call the police.
- Brandon and White arrive too late but hatch a plan to keep Brenda’s murder a secret for 24 hours to bait the rest of the narcotics ring.
- “Inspector, we've got to give this dope ring the chance to keep operating if we want to pull in the whole mob.” – Jim Brandon [14:29]
6. Fern’s Daring Undercover Mission
[15:10 - 21:19]
- Fern goes undercover, posing as Brenda’s friend, and meets Countess Calstrell, another member of the ring.
- They plan a deal for the blue pearls and take evasive maneuvers when they suspect being followed, slipping through a safehouse and escaping out the back.
- Fern is soon captured, tied, and gagged, as Smokey and the Countess plot a boat escape.
7. The Final Showdown on the Water
[26:00 - 28:13]
- Smokey and the Countess prepare to dispose of Fern at the pier.
- The Avenger, using his invisibility, confronts them on their motorboat.
- “I'm the Avenger, Countess. The Avenger.” – Jim Brandon [27:41]
- He swiftly subdues Smokey and compels the Countess to surrender.
8. Conclusion, Resolution, and a Touch of Humor
[30:03 - 31:46]
- Fern and Jim discuss the case’s resolution: the entire narcotics ring is apprehended, including the murderer Smokey.
- Jim demonstrates how the blue pearls were wax beads tinted blue, used specifically to smuggle dope.
- Fern’s resourcefulness is credited for sending a vital message, and the episode closes with banter between the Avenger and Fern.
- “Maybe if I stick around long enough, you'll make a real detective out of me.” – Fern Collier [31:35]
- “I don't know whether I'd like that or not, Vern. Real detectives are supposed to have long noses and big ears.” – Jim Brandon [31:40]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On the narcotics operation:
“Well, it would be an extremely clever way to deliver a pearl or two that contained dope, wouldn't it? All the customer has to do is pick up the right pearl and put it in his pocket.” – Jim Brandon [08:41] - On Fern’s resourcefulness:
“I want to congratulate you on the way you got that message to me, Vern. Signing Lark island instead of your name on that check in the club was quick thinking.” – Jim Brandon [31:34] - On The Avenger’s invisible intervention:
“I'm going to stop you, Smoky. Like this.” – Jim Brandon [27:55] - Banter to close the case:
“They are? Then you're an imposter, Mr. Brandon. Your ears may be a little big, but you've got an awful pretty nose.” – Fern Collier [31:46]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 03:02 – Inspector White launches crackdown on reckless driving
- 04:01 – The suspicious car crash
- 05:57 – Suspicion of drugging emerges
- 07:34 – The broken pearls at the club
- 08:25 – Revelation of the dope delivery method
- 12:33 – Brenda Clegg’s strained partnership and subsequent murder
- 15:10 – Fern’s undercover mission is initiated
- 21:00 – Fern and Countess evade pursuers
- 26:00 – The pier and final confrontation on the boat
- 27:41 – The Avenger reveals himself
- 31:34 – Jim congratulates Fern for her clever signal
- 32:00+ – Lighthearted epilogue banter
Episode Tone and Style
This episode maintains the crisp, urgent tone of a classic radio detective thriller. The rapport between Jim and Fern is sharp, friendly, and occasionally flirtatious. The dialogue is brisk and colorful, dotted with 1940s slang and detective genre tropes, while the Avenger’s signature gadgets add a fun sci-fi flavor. The villainous duo—Smokey and the Countess—lend grit and intrigue, with a memorably dramatic showdown.
Conclusion
"The Blue Pearls" is a classic Avenger tale of crime, cunning, and heroic teamwork. Jim Brandon and Fern Collier’s partnership demonstrates wit, courage, and clever deduction, all delivered in the nostalgic style of the Golden Age of radio. The narrative deftly unfolds a complex drug smuggling plot tied to tragic “accidents,” wrapping up with justice served on the water and one last wink between partners.