Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: The Shadow – "The Stockings Were Hung"
Original Air Date: December 24, 1939
Podcast Release Date: December 14, 2025
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio

Overview

This special Christmas Eve episode of The Shadow, "The Stockings Were Hung," transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio, blending suspense, warmth, and themes of charity and justice. Set in a bustling city during Christmastime, the story follows Lamont Cranston (aka The Shadow) and Margot Lane as they bring hope to the beleaguered Grover family, embodying both the spirit of the holiday and the firm hand of justice when needed.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

Setting the Scene: Charitable Deeds on Christmas Eve

• Lamont and Margot’s Mission (02:33–04:51)
  • The episode begins with Lamont and Margot preparing to deliver a Christmas basket to a needy family, setting a tone of warmth and giving.
  • Margot expresses her affection for a newsboy named Spike Grover, foreshadowing the family at the center of the story.
  • The city is bustling, snowy, and full of Christmas spirit.

The Grover Family’s Plight

• Meet Gabby and Louie (03:25–05:32)

  • Gabby, a local character, tells Lamont and Margot about Spike: his family has been wronged by Simon Jordan, who usurped their family business.
  • Lamont enlists Louie, a cab driver, for the night and, with a secretive wink, buys a puppy as a surprise Christmas present.

• Visiting the Grover Home (06:46–08:24)

  • Inside, young Jeannie Grover tries to make Christmas cookies but laments their lack of butter and family togetherness.
  • “We’ll take care of that in a minute, Jamie. But I came here looking for your brother Kingsley.” – Lamont Cranston (07:27)

A Missing Father, a Villain’s Misdeeds

• Searching for Mr. Grover (10:27–13:11)

  • The Grover children reveal that their father is missing—wrongly accused of theft by the villainous Mr. Jordan.
  • The children are hesitant to involve the police, fearing further trouble. Lamont reassures them, vowing to help clear their father's name.

• Confrontation with Simon Jordan (15:37–16:15)

  • Spike, the eldest son, confronts Jordan and is struck by him—a chilling depiction of the story's antagonist.
  • “You stole my father’s business. He should be here, not you.” – Spike (15:49)

The Shadow Steps In

• A Supernatural Reckoning (17:36–20:34)
  • The Shadow confronts Simon Jordan, using his mystique and psychological prowess to frighten him into remorse.
  • "You want money. Nothing but money. I feel sorry for you, Simon. I'm going to go now, but I want to leave one thought with you..." – The Shadow (19:12)

Christmas Miracles and Family Reunion

• Finding Mr. Grover (21:19–22:56)

  • The children’s Christmas Eve walk culminates in the emotional reunion with their injured, but alive, father at the cathedral.
  • “Daddy, how is the lady of the house?” – Mr. Grover (22:56)

• Unexpected Charity from a Former Foe (23:16–24:04)

  • Simon Jordan, shaken by his encounter with The Shadow, arrives to announce restitution for Mr. Grover, granting him his rightful share of the business and partnership.
  • “In going over the books tonight, I found that a great and terrible mistake has been made… Over half is rightfully yours as partner…” – Simon Jordan (23:21)

A Joyful Finale

• Gifts, Laughter, and Lessons (24:08–25:21)
  • Presents are exchanged, merriment fills the Grover home, and the puppy is revealed to much delight.
  • The episode closes with a heartfelt message about goodwill, charity, and the true meaning of Christmas.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Margot poking fun at Lamont's sense of charity:
  “In spite of all you’ve said about organized charity, giving one isolated newsboy $5.” – Lamont (03:08)

• The Shadow’s chilling warning to Simon Jordan:
  “I'm in the shadows. The shadows of your mind… You want money. Nothing but money. I feel sorry for you, Simon… Your money doesn’t do anyone any good.” – The Shadow (18:54–19:20)

• Heartwarming family reunion:
  “Daddy, how is the lady of the house?” – Mr. Grover, upon returning home (22:56)

• Theme of the night:
  “There should never be a thing called charity… If each man would only realize that every other man has dreams and hopes… then peace on earth would be a fact, goodwill would be for every man.” – Lamont Cranston (25:23)

• Children’s innocent joy:
  “Gee, is that for us too? … A puppy!” – Spike (24:48)

• Margot’s closing words:
  “I’d like to say something… To say Merry Christmas to everybody.” – Margot Lane (26:22)

Timestamp Guide to Key Segments

• [02:25–05:14] – Lamont and Margot encounter Gabby, learn of the Grovers’ troubles, arrange a visit and a secret Christmas puppy.
• [06:46–08:24] – Jeannie struggles with Christmas cookies; Lamont gives her $5 for ingredients, promising to try to reunite the family.
• [10:43–13:11] – Lamont meets the Grover children, learns of Mr. Grover’s disappearance, involves the police.
• [15:37–16:15] – Spike’s confrontation with Simon Jordan; physical and emotional abuse revealed.
• [17:36–20:34] – The Shadow’s confrontation with Simon Jordan in his office.
• [21:19–22:56] – Grover children find their father at the cathedral; emotional family reunion.
• [23:16–24:04] – Simon Jordan returns, confesses, and restores the family’s rightful role in the company.
• [24:08–25:21] – The family celebrates, open gifts, and the puppy is revealed.
• [25:23–26:22] – Lamont delivers a message about charity and goodwill; Margot wishes everyone Merry Christmas.

Tone & Style

The episode blends suspense with tenderness and humor, staying true to the earnest, old-fashioned melodrama of 1930s radio while delivering messages of justice, compassion, and the importance of family and community. Lamont Cranston's calm authority, Margot Lane's warmth, and the children's innocence contrast with the chilling villainy of Simon Jordan, culminating in a heartfelt holiday message.

Useful Takeaways

• The Shadow uses its mystery superhero premise not just for suspense, but also to inspire acts of kindness and reflections on social justice.
• The episode reminds listeners that charity, goodwill, and justice can bring about real change, especially in challenging times.
• The story, set against Christmas Eve, frames family, redemption, and community as the true miracles of the season.