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Narrator/Announcer
Support is available 247 with VRBoCare. We're here day or night, ready whenever you need help. Because a great trip starts with the right support.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
The Avenger the road to crime ends in a trap the justice sets. Crime does not pay.
Fern Collier
Sam. Ra.
Narrator/Storyteller
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 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. And now, The Avenger and the Tunnel of Disaster.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Fern, we'll finish this experiment later. It's time to listen to the broadcast now.
Fern Collier
Oh, yes, Jim, I'd forgotten about that.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Why, Fern, how could you? Inspector Weitz talked of nothing else for a week.
Fern Collier
You helped him write his dedication speech for the opening of the new tunnel, didn't you, Jim?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Yes, and he'll never forgive us if we don't listen to him. Deliver it.
Fern Collier
No, I'll tune it in.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
You know, they ran into so much trouble building that River Fort tunnel, I often thought they'd never finish it.
Reporter
Well, folks, several thousand people are gathered here for the dedication of the new Riverford tunnel that cuts through South Mountain. In another moment, the ceremonies will begin.
Fern Collier
Jim, in the meantime, does the final cost of the tunnel amount to more than twice the amount originally planned for?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
That's right, Fern. The engineers ran into all sorts of difficulties. In fact, they advised the city council more than once to abandon the whole idea. It's pretty well known that the engineers wanted to resign, but the city held them to their contract.
Fern Collier
Well, I suppose now that the tunnel is finished, it's worth all the money that was spent on it.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Yes, we'll relieve the traffic jams on the other tunnels and make it easier to get in and out of the city on the south side.
Fern Collier
Oh, listen, Jim. Ready to begin the ceremony and the
Reporter
work was carried forward. We are broadcasting to you from a helicopter from which we can see both ends of the tunnel. In just a moment, our tunnel commissioner, Jonas Anderson, will drive the first car through the tunnel. Right now, the tapes are being cut. The municipal band is striking up and the commissioner's car is entering the tunnel. As soon as the car emerges at the other end, the signal will be given for the first ticket to be sold. The Commissioner is making this trip to establish a time record.
Michael Evans
And now I'm going to lower the
Reporter
mic over the side and let you listen to the band for a moment. This record run seems to be taking a bit longer than expected. The Commissioner's car should have come through by now. Inspector White of the police department has just ordered the band to stop playing. Something has gone wrong, folks.
Michael Evans
Stand by, Jim.
Fern Collier
What could have happened?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Oh, a flat tire, most likely. It couldn't be anything else.
Reporter
Yes, something is wrong here, folks. We're going to land our helicopter on the roadway so that we can give you a firsthand report.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Same with the radio, Fern. I'm going to see if I can pick up anything on the telepathic indicator.
Fern Collier
Yes, Jim,
Reporter
Nobody can understand what's happened here. Inspector White is going through the tunnel in the police squad car now and we should know something in a minute.
Fern Collier
Jim, did you pick up anything on the indicator?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Not yet, Fern.
Reporter
Here comes the inspector squad car now. We'll have news for you in just a moment. Ladies and gentlemen, a very strange thing has happened here. Inspector White reports that there is absolutely no sign of either the Commissioner or his car in the tunnel.
Fern Collier
They.
Reporter
They have just disappear.
Fern Collier
Well, Jim, pick up anything?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Yes, Fern, I did.
Fern Collier
Watch him.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Amid impressions of great excitement, the indicator picked up a strong telepathic impression of violence and disaster.
Fern Collier
What shall we do, Jim?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
We'd better get out there to the tunnel right away, Fern. Inspector White will need us.
Inspector White
Okay, Joe. It's Jim Brandon. He's connected with my office. Let him throw the ropes.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Thanks, Inspector.
Fern Collier
Good grief, this is some mom.
Inspector White
Yes, friend? We tried to get them to go home, but they won't budge. Over this way, Jim. I want to talk to you.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Say, how many guards were stationed in the tunnel when this crazy thing happened, Inspector?
Inspector White
Four, Jim. One on each end and two in the center. The center ones were knocked out, but they're in the hospital under guard.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
There's not a chance that they know anything. If they did, they'd have been killed.
Inspector White
That's what I think. But here's something else, Jim. This note was found pinned to the coat of one of those guards.
Fern Collier
What does it say, Jim?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
It's a warning to the mayor. It says, River Fort Tunnel is a death trap. The public will never use it. Close it at once or disaster will strike again.
Fern Collier
Well, anyway, it's a relief to know we're dealing with a flesh and blood criminal. For a while it looked as though the Commissioner had just disappeared into thin air.
Inspector White
Well, he has, Fern. We know that he went into the tunnel and we know he didn't come out. He's not in there now. So where is he?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Inspector, I'd like to take a walk through the tunnel.
Inspector White
Oh, you fools. Find a thing, Jim, but come on.
Fern Collier
Do you think this will cause the tunnel to be closed for good, Inspector?
Inspector White
I don't know, Fern. That's up to the city council.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
This tunnel cost the city $15 million. I'm betting they won't close it.
Inspector White
Well, whether they do or not, I've still got to crack this case. And in short order, too.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Wait. Where's that hammering coming from, Inspector?
Inspector White
Well, that's my men testing every inch of these walls, Jim. If there's a hollow spot, they'll find it.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Good work, Inspector.
Inspector White
Jim, have you got any ideas at all on this thing?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Not yet, Inspector, but there's got to be a joker in this deal somewhere. We'll just play the handout and we'll find it.
Michael Evans
Yes? Yes? I'm Michael Evans. What's your business, Brandon?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Ms. Collier and I came to make a few inquiries, Mr. Evans.
Michael Evans
Now, get to the point, then, Brandon. What do you want?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
You were the construction engineer on the Riverford Tunnel, weren't you?
Inspector White
Yes.
Michael Evans
I wish I'd never heard of the blasted thing. I told them from the beginning that tunnel shouldn't be built, but they wouldn't listen to me.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Well, what were your objections to the tunnel?
Michael Evans
Objections, hell. It was a waste of the taxpayers money. For one thing, they could have built a road around both sides of that mountain for a fraction of what the tunnel cost. What if it does take a motorist a few minutes longer to reach the bridge? Safety's more important.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Inspector White says you received a number of threatening letters during the time the tunnel was under construction.
Michael Evans
Yes, I turned them all over to the city council, but they didn't pay any attention. Those politicians.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Mr. Evans. How sound are the walls of the tunnel?
Michael Evans
Young man, I'll put my work up against any construction job in the country.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Well, now, I'm not questioning your.
Michael Evans
Here are the plans. The mayor told me to hand them over to you. Now take them and get out. Your questions are an insult.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Right, Mr. Evans. You want to take that attitude, you're of no help to us. Come on, Fern.
Fern Collier
Well, I've met some grumpy old men before, but Mr. Evans takes the prize.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Sometimes grumpiness is employed to hide uneasiness, Fern.
Fern Collier
You mean you suspect him, Jim, I
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
haven't made up my mind about that yet. So far, I'm too busy wondering about something Else I saw in that office.
Fern Collier
What was that, Jim?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
There was a tiny model of a gold smelter on the work table in there.
Fern Collier
A gold smelter?
Theodore Ramsey
Yes.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
And I'm wondering what interest a construction engineer in this city could have in a gold smelter.
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Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
This is the Hartley Steel Mill, Fern. That must be the office over there.
Fern Collier
What do you expect to find out here, Jim?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Well, this visit is more or less of a shot in the dark, Fern. You'll notice that this land adjoins the city property on which the tunnel is located.
Fern Collier
Oh, yes.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
In going through the city records, I discovered that before the tunnel was built, the Hartley Steel Company tried to buy up all that adjoining city property. They didn't succeed, but I'd like to find out why they wanted that land.
Fern Collier
That sounds like an interesting angle, Jim.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Oh, here's the office building. Well, I guess we just walk right in.
Theodore Ramsey
That's you, John.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
I know. It's. It's Jim Brandon. I've got business with Mr. Hartley.
Theodore Ramsey
Well, there must be some mistake. Mr. Hartley's been dead for three years.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
I want to see the man in charge then.
Theodore Ramsey
Do you have an appointment?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
No, but I think he'll see me. I'm from the police.
Theodore Ramsey
Oh, well, come in. I'm Theodore Ramsey, the general manager here.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
This is my assistant, Ms. Collier.
Theodore Ramsey
Sit down, won't you?
Fern Collier
Thank you.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
I'm sorry to barge in on you this way, Mr. Ramsey, but there are a few questions I'd like to ask.
Theodore Ramsey
Oh, that's all right, Mr. Brandon. Only I'm a little curious as to why the guard didn't call Me from the gate to say you were coming?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
I don't think he saw us. We came in the side entrance just as some trucks were pulling out.
Fern Collier
I see.
Theodore Ramsey
Well, go ahead, Brandon.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Some years ago, the Hawkley Steel interest tried to buy the city land adjoining this property. Why?
Theodore Ramsey
Well, old Mr. Hartley was living then, and when he heard the city was thinking of building a tunnel under this mountain, he was afraid it might undermine part of our property and endanger our business.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Oh, I see. Any other reason?
Theodore Ramsey
Well, frankly, yes. We had always hoped that the city would build a road around this end of the mountain. A great deal of our material is delivered in trucks, and a good road would be to our advantage. Naturally, a tunnel through the mountain would cancel out the road.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
And you weren't willing to build the road yourself?
Theodore Ramsey
Well, not unless we owned all the land.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Mr. Ramsey, do you own the steel mill now?
Theodore Ramsey
Oh, no, no. I'm just the general manager. Old Hartley's grandson, Lee Burgess, owns it.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Does he take an active part in running the mill?
Theodore Ramsey
Well, yes and no. You know how these rich boys are. He has an office over there near the smelting plant, but I don't think he's in it very often.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Well, thank you very much, Mr. Ramsey. This was just a routine check.
Theodore Ramsey
Oh, that's all right. Even though we weren't very keen on the tunnel at first, we're just as much upset as you are as the way things have turned out. Call on me again if I can be of any help.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Well, Inspector, has the council decided whether they're going to open the tunnel or not?
Inspector White
Well, they reached a decision two hours ago, Jim. The tunnel is now open to traffic. I've just come from there.
Fern Collier
Inspector, I just can't understand. They're opening the tunnel until you've had a chance to solve this case.
Inspector White
Fern, the council is inclined to believe that the whole disappearing Aqua stage is some kind of a hoax or even a publicity stunt. Maybe they're right. I don't know.
Fern Collier
I'll get it, Jim. Hello? Yes, the inspector's here. Sure. Hold on a minute, please. Inspector, for you.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Thanks, Fern.
Inspector White
Hello? What? Holy smoke. Did you call the tunnel and tell them to stop all the traffic? Good. I'll get out there right away.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
What's the matter, Inspector?
Inspector White
They just received a telephone call at headquarters saying disaster would strike the tunnel again at midnight. Come on, Jim.
Fern Collier
It's sam.
Narrator/Storyteller
Now back to the Avenger and the Tunnel of Disaster.
Inspector White
What time is it, Jim?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
It's 11:58, Inspector.
Inspector White
Say, look at that car ahead.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Why, it broke Right through the gate and went into the tunnel. All the fools, Jim.
Inspector White
Fern, get out and stand guard here. See that no other cars get past the guard.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Okay. Come on, Fern.
Fern Collier
Right, Jim.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Where are you going, Inspector? Into the tunnel, Inspector. Inspector, you're crazy. You'll never come out of there alive.
Fern Collier
Come back, Jim. Why do you think it's important to go into the tunnel from the opposite side? We're losing time driving around this mountain, Fern.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Every car that has disappeared within that tunnel went in at the north entrance. There's some reason for that, and I've got to find out what it is.
Fern Collier
Oh, Jim, I'm afraid we're too late to save the inspector. We lost minutes getting to the place that guard had his car parked.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
There's the entrance, Fern. Hold tight. I'm going to crash right through the gate. Okay, Fern.
Fern Collier
Yes, sir. The guard is blowing for us to stop.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
I'll explain to him later. We haven't a second to lose. Now, keep your eyes peeled, Fern. If there's a clue in here, we've got to find it.
Fern Collier
Right, Jim. Gosh, this place is frightening.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
When we reach the center of the tunnel, we'll stop to see if we can pick up any sound.
Fern Collier
There's absolutely no sign of another car in here, Jim.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
No, this is the center here. I'll pull up here. Okay. Now, let's listen for a moment. No good. This place is as silent as a tomb.
Fern Collier
What now, Jim?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
I'll drive along slowly. Keep your eye on the road,
Fern Collier
Jim. Wait. I just caught sight of something on the side of the road.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
What was it, Fern?
Fern Collier
No, something small that seems to be shining. There it is, Jim.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Huh? It's a pencil. It's the inspector's gold pencil, Fern.
Fern Collier
Good heavens. That means he got as far as the spot, Jim.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Yes, and according to my mileage gauge, this is exactly 8/10 of a mile from the north entrance. Come on, Fern. We've got to get back to the laboratory. This is our first real clue.
Fern Collier
Here, Jim, I've made some sandwiches for you. You haven't eaten a thing all day.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Oh, thanks, Vernon.
Fern Collier
How are you making out, Jim?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Well, according to these maps, that spot where we found the inspector's pencil is directly parallel with the Hartley steel mill.
Fern Collier
But, Jim, if the tunnel walls are solid as everyone claims, what connection can the steel mill have with the tunnel?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
That's where my other discovery comes in.
Fern Collier
Your other discovery?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Yes. According to this early geological history of that tunnel land, small deposits of gold were once discovered there.
Fern Collier
Gold?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
That could be the motive, Fern.
Fern Collier
Jim, if old Mr. Hartley knew about the gold, that could have been his reason for wanting to buy the land.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Right? But old Hartley is dead. Somebody living must know about that gold fern. That's the reason they want the tunnel closed.
Fern Collier
But who? Jim?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
So far, we have three possible suspects.
Fern Collier
Three?
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Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Yes, Merkle Evans, the construction engineer, Hartley's grandson, Lee Burgess, and Ramsay, the manager of the Hartley mill.
Fern Collier
I know why you suspect Evans, Jim, but what reasons have you for thinking Burgess and Ramsay may be guilty?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Both of them have the facilities and are in a position to mine the gold.
Fern Collier
Jim, none of this is what you call solid evidence.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
No, it isn't, Fern, but we haven't time to get that. We've got to force the hand of the guilty party.
Fern Collier
How?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Jim, I want you to put in a telephone call to all three suspects. Tell each of them that Jim Brandon has discovered a hollow section in the tunnel wall and that a crew of men is going to start digging at once, then hang up.
Fern Collier
Yes. And what are you going to do, Jim?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
If there's any connection between the tunnel and the mill, the guilty party will show up at the Mill. I'll be waiting for him there as the avenger.
Michael Evans
Oh, so you finally got here, Burgess. I've been waiting here at the gate for 10 minutes.
Narrator/Storyteller
I came as soon as I could, Evans. I had to call my men here at the mill and tell them to get things set.
Michael Evans
All right, then. Come on. You haven't any time to lose. What? What was that noise?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
I don't know. There's no one in sight.
Narrator/Storyteller
Say, who do you suppose that girl was who called to warn us?
Michael Evans
How should I know? Can't bother about that now, Burgess. Have you got enough dynamite to fill in our mine that adjoins the tunnel plenty?
Narrator/Storyteller
Don't worry about that.
Michael Evans
The minute I set eyes on that Brandon, I knew he was trouble.
Narrator/Storyteller
Oh, stop griping, Evans. You knew this was a dangerous game when you came in on it. Anyway, we're not licked yet.
Michael Evans
Yes, yes, you can talk like that because you're young, Burgess.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
But what about me?
Michael Evans
I was a respectable engineer all my life, and until I let you talk me into this gold mining business.
Narrator/Storyteller
I talked you into it. You're ridiculous, Evans. And you're yellow to boot.
Michael Evans
Listen here, Burgess.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Shut up.
Narrator/Storyteller
Arguing isn't going to get us anywhere. We're both in this thing up to the eyes.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Yes.
Michael Evans
Yes, you're right, I guess. Have to keep our heads now. And we'll dynamite our mind for 20 yards right there where it connects with the tunnel. And when the cops break through the tunnel wall, they'll run into nothing but dirt.
Theodore Ramsey
Right.
Narrator/Storyteller
And then I'll sue Brandon for everything he owns.
Michael Evans
All right, here's the shank. Open the door, Burgess.
Narrator/Storyteller
All right, get inside.
Michael Evans
Lock that door after us, Burgess. How many men have you got down on the mine?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
8.
Michael Evans
Where are the prisoners?
Narrator/Storyteller
In a room near the smelter. Say, what are we going to do with those prisoners?
Michael Evans
Do with them? Eliminate them, what else?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
I don't think I'd be in such a hurry to do that, Evans.
Michael Evans
Who's that? Who's in here?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
It's the avenger. And this is the end of the line for both of you.
Michael Evans
Where is he? Get him, Burgess.
Narrator/Storyteller
How can I fight someone I can't even see?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
You might as well give up. The police will be here in a minute.
Michael Evans
All right, Burgess. Now, come on. Let's get out of here while there's still time.
Reporter
No.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
We've got to dynamite the mine first.
Narrator/Storyteller
If we don't, they've got the goods on us.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
It's too late, I tell you.
Narrator/Storyteller
It's our only chance.
Michael Evans
Unlock the trapdoor. Then quick.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Okay. Help me move these file cases away from it. No, you don't purchase. You're not going down in that mine.
Reporter
Oh,
Michael Evans
you knocked him out.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Stay where you are, Evans, or you'll get the same. The police are here now, Evans. And you'd better deliver those prisoners in good health or the charge will be murder as well as kidnapping.
Inspector White
Jim, Fern, over here. We're waiting for you.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
What are you planning to do down here, Inspector? Deliver your dedication speech for these reporters?
Inspector White
No, Jim. I brought Merkel Evans down here in the tunnel to demonstrate exactly how this swinging wall works.
Fern Collier
How do you feel, Inspector?
Inspector White
Fine, Fern, fine. Never better. Okay, Evans, stop talking.
Michael Evans
All right. You'll notice that there's a steel girder every 15ft here through the center of the tunnel. Well, this section of the wall right here between these two girders opens just like a door. The huge hinges are behind the steel girder there on the right.
Inspector White
But where does the door end? There's no trace of a break in the wall.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
It ends over there beneath that girder on the left. Doesn't it, Evans?
Michael Evans
Yes. Yes, that's right. Now, that girder is attached to this movable portion of the wall. When the wall swings back into place, that girder covers up the crack like a piece of weather stripping.
Inspector White
Open it up, Evans. We want to see for ourselves.
Michael Evans
Well, I'll have to signal the man on the other side of the wall. You see, this whole section is wired and controlled by a photoelectric eye. Back there in the mine, whenever we wanted to open the wall, all we had to do was break the beam and it swung out automatically.
Inspector White
Give the signal.
Fern Collier
Good heavens. It's like a revolving stage.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
When the wall is swung open like that, it looks like a curve in the tunnel.
Fern Collier
And people drove right into the mine before they realized.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
But not you, Inspector.
Inspector White
Well, I threw my pencil out in time to leave a clue for you, didn't I?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Right, Inspector.
Fern Collier
Jim, why didn't that section of wall sound hollow when they tested it?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
It's too well reinforced, Fern. Look at the thickness of it.
Fern Collier
Oh, yes.
Inspector White
Okay, Evans, that's all. Take him to headquarters and book em, boys.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Oh, Inspector.
Inspector White
What is it, Jim?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Smile. Those reporters are snapping your picture,
Fern Collier
Sam. Ram. Oh, Jim, it's thrilling to see all this traffic going through the tunnel.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Yes, Fern. It proves how much the city needed it.
Fern Collier
Is there really a rich gold vein under the tunnel, Jim?
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
No, Fern. As it turned out, Burgess and Evans had already mined most of the gold in this mountain. Not that it will ever do them any good.
Fern Collier
There's just one other thing I don't understand.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
What's that, Fern?
Fern Collier
What happened to the two men who were in that car the inspector followed into the tunnel that night? They weren't held prisoner with the inspector and Commissioner.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
No, because they were Burgess's own men. That spectacular dash of theirs was staged to keep the disaster stories going.
Fern Collier
Well, come on, Jim. We better get back to the laboratory. I have work to do.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
So have I. The inspector wants me to write his dedication speech for the new courthouse next week.
Narrator/Storyteller
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.
Narrator/Storyteller
A thought.
Inspector White
A thought.
Jim Brandon (The Avenger)
Remember? Listen for another adventure of
Narrator/Storyteller
the Avenger.
Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: The Avenger – Tunnel of Disaster
Date: March 16, 2026
In this classic episode of The Avenger, listeners are taken on a suspense-filled ride back to the golden age of radio drama. Jim Brandon, alias The Avenger, and his assistant Fern Collier investigate a baffling disappearance during the grand opening of the Riverford Tunnel. What begins as a city event soon unravels into a mystery of sabotage, gold, and murder, showcasing the era’s blend of scientific intrigue and classic detective storytelling.
On the Mystery:
“Crime does not pay.” – Jim Brandon, setting the moral tone ([00:24])
On Tunnel Disappearances:
“They have just disappeared.” – Reporter ([05:45])
On Greed’s Motive:
“That could be the motive, Fern.” – Jim Brandon (regarding the gold find) ([21:01])
On Scientific Detection:
“The indicator picked up a strong telepathic impression of violence and disaster.” – Jim Brandon ([06:07])
On The Avenger’s Arrival:
“It's the Avenger. And this is the end of the line for both of you.” – Jim Brandon ([25:30])
On Justice and The Classic Ending:
“Remember? Listen for another adventure of the Avenger.” – Narrator ([32:17])
This episode of The Avenger stands out for its tight plotting, clever use of science and deduction, and memorable noir-style exchanges. It’s a testament to the creative storytelling of golden era radio, brimming with suspense, a touch of science fiction, and a clear moral: greed and crime will always be exposed and defeated by justice.
Listeners are left satisfied as peace and safe passage are restored to the city, promising more adventures to come with The Avenger.