The Tenth Man 47-12-12 08 Out Of The Shadows

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Tenth Man – "Out Of The Shadows" (Original Air Date: Dec 12, 1947)

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Release Date: December 29, 2025

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Overview

This episode features a classic radio drama titled Out of the Shadows from The Tenth Man series, originally produced by the National Mental Health Foundation. The play centers on Peter Barrows, a man recovering from mental illness, as he navigates stigma, honesty, and reintegration into society. Through Peter's struggles and eventual triumph, the episode highlights enduring misconceptions about mental health and advocates for acceptance and support for those recovering from psychiatric treatment.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Theme: Mental Illness Awareness

• The episode begins with a powerful statistic:

  "The 10th man is the 1 man in 10 in your community who will suffer from a nervous or mental illness. Yes, one out of ten of us will need psychiatric treatment at some time during our lifespan."
  (Narrator / Mental Health Advocate, 00:31)

• Sets the tone for a compassionate, fact-based discussion about mental health.

2. Peter Barrows’ Job Interview & Stigma

• Peter, recently discharged from a mental hospital, seeks a new start and proposes to his girlfriend, Emily—on the condition of finding a job.
• Emily, supportive yet anxious about Peter’s disclosure of his past, wishes him well at an interview she arranged.
• The job interview with Mr. Buckley quickly turns after Peter honestly reveals his recent history:

  "I was in a mental hospital."
  (Peter Barrows, 03:13)

• Buckley expresses hesitation, doubting Peter's reliability despite assurances:

  "I'm sorry, son, but I'm afraid I can't take the chance."
  (Mr. Buckley, 04:03)

3. Debate on Honesty vs. Concealment

• Dejected, Peter seeks advice from Dr. Curtis, his former psychiatrist:

  "Should I have bawled him out for being unenlightened?"
  (Peter Barrows, 04:59)

• Dr. Curtis offers to help Peter via social work contacts, but Peter refuses, wanting to win a job "on his own" and not out of pity.
• Dr. Curtis warns against hiding his medical past:

  "I'm afraid I can't endorse anything like that. It would all come out eventually and you'd be embarrassed at having tried to deceive your boss."
  (Dr. Curtis, 06:16)

• Peter, conflicted, decides to try both approaches: seeking a job independently while Dr. Curtis and Ms. Russell (a social worker) also reach out.

4. Experience in the Workforce & Moral Dilemma

• Peter secures a job as a traveling book salesman with Wentworth and Wrigley, but feels guilty about hiding his past.
• He confides in Emily:

  "I feel as if I'm letting down all the other ex mental patients… We've got to prove that we've recovered and can work again… But by hiding it, I put myself in a false position."
  (Peter Barrows, 07:53–08:35)

• Emily encourages him, reaffirming her love and support.

5. Opportunity and Disclosure

• Peter lands a major deal with Roger Steele, owner of a chain of stores.
• Steele offers Peter a promotion. Torn, Peter chooses honesty:

  "I'd like you to know that I was at one time a patient in a mental hospital. If it should make any difference."
  (Peter Barrows, 11:18)

• Steele responds without prejudice:

  "Well, that's too bad… you had to go through an ordeal like that. But you're all over it now, aren't you? … It needn't change anything."
  (Roger Steele, 11:23–11:34)

• Reveals he knows Dr. Curtis and often hires his recommended patients, finding them reliable.

6. Happy Ending & Message to the Audience

• Peter secures the new position and, heartened, calls Emily to propose marriage.
• The narrator closes on a note of hope and advocacy:

  "Nearly half of all patients admitted to mental hospitals are discharged as recovered and do not need to return. When they return to your community, do you help them toward that happy ending of their problems?"
  (Narrator / Ralph Bellamy, 12:30)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Honesty and Stigma:

  "I've concealed my illness as if it was something to be ashamed of. And it's not any more than an attack of pneumonia would have been."
  — Peter Barrows, 08:35

• On Support and Acceptance:

  "I was sure [I wasn't throwing myself away] a long time ago."
  — Emily, 09:39

• Employer's Enlightened View:

  "Well, I mean, too bad you had to go through an ordeal like that. But you're all over it now, aren't you?"
  — Roger Steele, 11:28

• Message to Listeners:

  "When they return to your community, do you help them toward that happy ending of their problems?"
  — Narrator, 12:30

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Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:31 – The central theme introduced: "Who is the tenth man?"
• 01:41–04:14 – Peter’s interview with Mr. Buckley, stigma and job rejection.
• 04:36–06:41 – Peter discusses emotional fallout and options with Dr. Curtis.
• 07:13–09:43 – Peter’s new job, feelings of guilt, and conversation with Emily.
• 10:02–12:15 – Peter’s meeting with Roger Steele, decision to be honest, acceptance.
• 12:30 – Narrator’s closing message to the audience.

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Tone and Language

The language of the episode is empathetic, earnest, and direct, reflecting both the personal struggle of living with mental illness and the social attitudes of the era. The exchanges are dramatic yet grounded, focusing on moral choices and human dignity.

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Conclusion

Out of the Shadows is a thought-provoking episode that addresses the reality of mental illness stigma and the emotional journey of reintegration. Through Peter Barrows’ story, the drama advocates for honesty, compassion, and the importance of accepting those who have struggled with mental health challenges back into the community. The message remains poignant and relevant, urging listeners to offer support and understanding—a timeless appeal from the golden age of radio.

Transcript

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[Narrator / Mental Health Advocate]

Who is the tenth man? The 10th man is the 1 man in 10 in your community who will suffer from a nervous or mental illness. Yes, one out of ten of us will need psychiatric treatment at some time during our lifespan.

[Ralph Bellamy (Narrator)]

Ladies and gentlemen, this is Ralph Bellamy inviting you to listen to out of the Shadow. Our story concerns Peter Barrows. He's a nice looking young fellow and at the moment he's making a last minute adjustment of his necktie. Before he enters an office suite, he's no sooner through the door than a lovely girl named Emily comes up to speak to him. To say that Emily knows Pete would be something of an understatement. But maybe it isn't very polite to watch them. However, we can't help a little eavesdropping.

[Peter Barrows]

Emily, if I get this job, will you marry me?

[Emily]

How many times does a girl have to say yes? Why else do you think I went to all this trouble to arrange an interview for you?

[Peter Barrows]

That is swell of you, dear. Gosh, I hope old Buckley thinks I'm the man for the job.

[Emily]

That's Mr. Buckley now. Okay, Pete, here we go.

[Peter Barrows]

I'm all set.

[Emily]

Well, Pete.

[Peter Barrows]

Yeah?

[Emily]

Are you going to tell him if he asks you where you've been during the past few years?

[Peter Barrows]

Why sure, I'll tell him. Why not?

[Emily]

Well, it's just that. Oh well, use your own judgment. But. Oh darling, I do want you to get this job.

[Peter Barrows]

Don't you worry, dear, I'll get it.

[Emily]

Here we are. See you later. Good luck.

[Peter Barrows]

Mr. Buckley. My name's Barrows.

[Narrator / Mental Health Advocate]

How do you do, Mr. Barrows? Won't you sit down?

[Peter Barrows]

Thank you.

[Narrator / Mental Health Advocate]

Well, I have your list of previous positions here and I must say I'm very much impressed with the way you've advanced yourself. Let's see, you started with the Crichton Company. They're publishers, aren't they?

[Peter Barrows]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator / Mental Health Advocate]

As a stock clerk, you advanced to production chief.

[Peter Barrows]

Well, they were rather a small outfit.

[Narrator / Mental Health Advocate]

Then you went to Dorking Brothers as a salesman and advanced to manager of their Western branch. Well, that's pretty good. Fine firm. Dorking Brothers.

[Peter Barrows]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator / Mental Health Advocate]

Then what, sir? Well, you left there four years ago. Where have you been working since?

[Peter Barrows]

Well, I. I haven't been working, Mr. Buckley.

[Dr. Curtis]

What?

[Peter Barrows]

Well, you see, I've been ill. Quite ill. Ill, eh? What was the trouble? Touch a tb? No, it was nothing physical.

[Dr. Curtis]

I.

[Peter Barrows]

Well, I was in a mental hospital.

[Narrator / Mental Health Advocate]

In a mental hospital?

[Peter Barrows]

Yes, I was there for almost three years. They discharged me a few months ago, and my doctor said it would do me a world of good to get into harness again.

[Narrator / Mental Health Advocate]

But I suppose you had a relapse or something.

[Peter Barrows]

Mr. Buckley, one of the reasons for my becoming mentally ill was a pretty involved family situation, which has since been cleared up. The doctors assured me that it would be very unlikely for me to have another attack if I follow his advice.

[Narrator / Mental Health Advocate]

I know, son, but put yourself in my place. This is a pretty big job you're applying for.

[Peter Barrows]

Well, I know it is, sir. That's why I'm applying for it.

[Narrator / Mental Health Advocate]

Well, I'd like to do you a favor.

[Peter Barrows]

I'm not asking for any favors, Mr. Buckley. Just the opportunity to prove my ability to make good at this job.

[Narrator / Mental Health Advocate]

I'm sorry, son, but I'm afraid I can't take the chance.

[Peter Barrows]

Well, you won't be taking a chance, Mr. Buckley.

[Narrator / Mental Health Advocate]

Well, I'll tell you what. I'll think it over and let you know. How's that?

[Peter Barrows]

Well, yeah, sure. Thanks anyway, Mr. Buckley.

[Narrator / Mental Health Advocate]

Goodbye, son, and good luck.

[Peter Barrows]

Yeah, thanks.

[Ralph Bellamy (Narrator)]

When Pete left the office, he didn't stop to tell Emily about his Disastrous interview with Mr. Buckley. He didn't want to face Emily then, so he went for a walk. He didn't really have anything definite in mind, but his walk took him to a train, and the train took him to the state hospital. There he went straight to see Dr. Curtis and told him the whole story.

[Peter Barrows]

So that's the way it was, Doctor. Should I have bawled him out for being unenlightened?

[Dr. Curtis]

I wish I could tell you how sorry I am that you were forced to go through an experience like that. When you left us some months ago, I recommended that you go back to work, but I'm afraid I neglected to follow through and help you find a job.

[Peter Barrows]

Oh, that's all right. I. I really wanted to look around anyway, you know, find something really top notch.

[Dr. Curtis]

Nevertheless, it was my responsibility. Oh, what with one thing and another, we get hamstrung every once in a while in these mental hospitals. But I can help you next time.

[Peter Barrows]

Well, how, Dr. Curtis?

[Dr. Curtis]

Well, we'll have a social Worker prepare the way for you?

[Peter Barrows]

No, thanks. No?

[Dr. Curtis]

No.

[Peter Barrows]

I don't want somebody to give me any little job just because he feels sorry for.

[Dr. Curtis]

Oh, it won't be like that at all. It's important for you to get work which is exactly suited to your personality. Now, Ms. Russell and I have a good contact. A chap in Dover City. Perhaps he has something you'd be interested in.

[Peter Barrows]

Dr. Curtis, don't think I'm ungrateful, but I'd rather find something on my own.

[Dr. Curtis]

You don't want another experience like this last one with Buckley, now, do you?

[Peter Barrows]

No, but. Well, I won't be so uncompromisingly honest next time.

[Dr. Curtis]

You mean you won't tell him?

[Peter Barrows]

I mean exactly that.

[Dr. Curtis]

I'm afraid I can't endorse anything like that. It would all come out eventually and you'd be embarrassed at having tried to deceive your boss.

[Peter Barrows]

But maybe by that time I'd have a chance to make good at the job.

[Dr. Curtis]

I still feel it would be a mistake. Well, will you give me permission to have Ms. Russell live around for you?

[Narrator / Mental Health Advocate]

Well.

[Peter Barrows]

All right. But just to be on the safe side, I think I'll try to find something, too.

[Dr. Curtis]

Very well. We'll see what turns out.

[Ralph Bellamy (Narrator)]

Pete did get a job for himself without help from the social worker as a traveling book salesman for Wentworth and Wrigley. They gave him a car to drive around in and didn't mind if he used it to take Emily to an occasional movie.

[Emily]

Pete, you know, you haven't talked shop in weeks. How are things at Wrigglesworth and Wentley?

[Peter Barrows]

Wentworth and Wrigley, darling.

[Emily]

Well, anyhow, how's business?

[Peter Barrows]

Oh, fine.

[Emily]

You don't sound very enthusiastic. But you were excited about this job when you first found it.

[Peter Barrows]

Well, I felt pretty good about it then because I thought I was putting something over on him because I'd gotten something on my own and beaten the social worker to it.

[Emily]

Has anything happened?

[Peter Barrows]

No, everything's going fine. Wentworth's even offered me a raise. But, well, I don't know. I feel guilty.

[Emily]

Guilty? But why? You're doing a good job for them.

[Peter Barrows]

Well, don't you see, Emily? I feel as if I'm letting down all the other ex mental patients who are out looking for jobs. We've got to prove that we've recovered and can work again. And we can only prove it by letting people know about us. Wentworth thinks I'm a good salesman now, but he doesn't know that I've been in a mental hospital. Would he have hired Me in the first place. If he'd known. I don't know. Who can tell?

[Emily]

He might have. Not everybody's like Mr. Buckley.

[Peter Barrows]

Yeah, but it's this not knowing whether you're going to be found out that's so awful. Don't you see how terribly destructive that uncertainty can be? It's like a shadow hanging over me all the time.

[Emily]

Yes, Pete, I think I understand how you feel about it.

[Peter Barrows]

I've concealed my illness as if it was something to be ashamed of. And it's not any more than an attack of pneumonia would have been. But by hiding it, I put myself in a false position.

[Emily]

It's so dreadfully unfair. Here's my house.

[Peter Barrows]

Oh, yeah.

[Emily]

Want to come in for a cup of coffee?

[Peter Barrows]

Don't tempt me. I think I'd better go on home. I've got to finish off a big deal with Roger Steele tomorrow.

[Emily]

Roger Steele of Steel's Stores in Dover City?

[Peter Barrows]

That's right. He's buying a phenomenal amount of books.

[Emily]

Oh, you silver tongued salesman. That reminds me.

[Peter Barrows]

What, dear?

[Emily]

You haven't asked me to marry you lately.

[Peter Barrows]

Oh, Emily, look, there's so much I want to do for you. But to make up for all the years that you've stuck by me. But I've got to sell myself. I mean, not only in the business world, but also as an ex patient before I'm really sure.

[Emily]

Sure of what, Pete?

[Peter Barrows]

Well, sure you're not throwing yourself away on me.

[Emily]

I was sure of that a long time ago.

[Peter Barrows]

Gee, Emily, I'm lucky to have you. And you can expect the first shipment early next week.

[Roger Steele]

That's fine time. Well, Mr. Barrows, I guess we've covered everything. Now let's see. Just let me have another look at that contract.

[Peter Barrows]

Yes, sir. Huh?

[Roger Steele]

Did I buy that many books?

[Peter Barrows]

Yes, you did, Mr. Seale.

[Roger Steele]

Well, I guess I'll get rid of them all right. You know I'm building up the book departments in my chain of stores.

[Peter Barrows]

Yes, I know.

[Roger Steele]

Well, I guess old Wentworth will give you a raise for swinging this deal.

[Peter Barrows]

He's promised me that already. But. Well, I'm looking for something else. Yes, yes, I'd like to settle down. The drummer's lot is not a happy one.

[Roger Steele]

This town's pretty nice, has lots of opportunities for you, young man. Fact is, you might be interested in heading up this new project of mine. Promoting book sales in my stores.

[Peter Barrows]

Why, yes, I might be interested at that.

[Roger Steele]

It pays 5,000 a year. Does that top Wentworth's raise?

[Peter Barrows]

Yes, it does.

[Roger Steele]

I guess so. Well, you Want to think it over, or can you make up your mind now?

[Peter Barrows]

My mind's made up, Mr. Steele. I'd like the job.

[Roger Steele]

Good. Good. Then it's all set. And don't expect me to have any qualms about taking you away from wentworth. He bagged two of my best men last year.

[Peter Barrows]

Mr. Steele, there's one thing I think you ought to know.

[Roger Steele]

What's that?

[Peter Barrows]

I'd like you to know that I was at one time a patient in a mental hospital. If it should make any difference.

[Roger Steele]

Well, that's too bad.

[Peter Barrows]

Oh, I see.

[Roger Steele]

Well, I mean, too bad you had to go through an ordeal like that. But you're all over it now, aren't you?

[Peter Barrows]

Oh, yes, sir.

[Roger Steele]

Well, then it needn't change anything. After all, Dr. Curtis recommended you very highly.

[Peter Barrows]

Dr. Curtis? What's he got to do with this?

[Roger Steele]

He's an old friend of mine. Oh. I've placed many a patient recommended by him in my stores and I haven't been disappointed yet. In fact, I find that after a talk with Ms. Russell, the social worker at the hospital, I get a much better understanding of the prospective employee than I can get through my own personnel department.

[Peter Barrows]

But what about me?

[Roger Steele]

Oh, I know all about you, Mr. Barrows. Why, you don't think I'm such a fool as to offer a job like that without checking up on my man, do you?

[Peter Barrows]

Well, I guess not. Well, gosh, this is great. Thanks a million, Mr. Steele.

[Roger Steele]

Not at all.

[Peter Barrows]

And may I use the telephone? I want to ask someone to marry me.

[Ralph Bellamy (Narrator)]

That's not all there is to the story of Pete. But it's all we have time for. And you can see for yourself that it has a happy ending. But it might have been very different if Roger Steele hadn't been quite so enlightened and humane. Remember, nearly half of all patients admitted to mental hospitals are discharged as recovered and do not need to return. When they return to your community, do you help them toward that happy ending of their problems?

[Narrator / Mental Health Advocate]

You have just heard Ralph Bellamy as narrator in out of the Shadow. Produced by the National Mental Health foundation and other organizations dedicated to the preservation of mental health.

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