Podcast Summary: Twilight Zone ep014 – "A Short Drink From a Certain Fountain"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Date: September 8, 2025
Episode Overview:
This episode is a radio adaptation of the classic Twilight Zone tale "A Short Drink From a Certain Fountain." The story explores the desperate quest for youth, the complexities of relationships with significant age differences, and the perilous consequences of meddling with nature. With Adam West starring as Harmon Gordon and Stacy Keach narrating, the episode is delivered in the classic, evocative style of radio drama from the golden age.

Main Theme

The story centers on Harmon Gordon, an older man with a much younger wife, Flora. Desperate to bridge the growing chasm between his aging self and Flora’s vivacious spirit, Harmon seeks a literal “fountain of youth.” The drama unfolds around the unforeseen costs of seeking youth at any price, culminating in a classic Twilight Zone reversal.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

Introduction and Setup

• Opening Narration (00:09):
  Stacy Keach invites listeners into “a dimension of sound, a dimension of sight, a dimension of mind… The Twilight Zone.”
• Harmon’s Frustration (00:42–02:35):
  Harmon, already feeling the pressure of lateness to appease his demanding young wife, displays anxiety and insecurity about their age gap. He obsesses over Flora’s opinion and appears exhausted by trying to keep up.

Harmon & Flora’s Relationship

• Slice of their Marriage (04:45–11:11):
  Harmon’s late arrival fuels a cold, biting exchange with Flora. She mocks his age, mocks cherished possessions, and expresses her boredom and dissatisfaction:

  “Well, all in all, Harmon, it was one of those days that makes you want to jump off a bridge.” – Flora (05:24) “I knew you were old, Harmon, but I didn’t know how old.” – Flora (08:32)

• Emotional Distance: Harmon’s pleas for a quiet night are ridiculed, and Flora shows no empathy for his limitations. Their conversations are laced with sarcasm and resignation.

The Science of Youth

• Raymond’s Experiments (11:30–13:32):
  Harmon's brother, Dr. Raymond Gordon, is introduced as a scientist experimenting with a rejuvenation serum on animals.

  “The cause of this new hierarchy, Leonard, is the Gordon vaccine. He’s been injected for three weeks running… now his appearance has changed and the others can see it.” – Raymond (11:57)

• Harmon’s Desperation (13:43–14:44, 15:34–18:44):
  Harmon implores Raymond to administer the experimental serum on him, arguing he is at the end of his emotional rope and sees no value in life if he cannot be with Flora as an equal.

  “I want you to inject me.” – Harmon (17:43)
  “You must be out of your mind. We don’t have a remote idea of what’s involved here.” – Raymond (17:44)
  “I not only would take the risk, I’d welcome it.” – Harmon (19:02)

The Experiment

• Raymond’s Reluctance, Harmon's Ultimatum (20:00–22:00):
  Harmon’s vulnerability and implied threat of self-harm push Raymond into reluctantly agreeing.

  “If you’ve ever cared for me, your brother, give me this one last chance. Give me a chance to save myself.” – Harmon (21:40) “Oh, my dear God, you're serious.” – Raymond (22:09)

• The Injection (22:43–24:46):
  Raymond prepares the serum, noting the grave uncertainties, and injects Harmon:

  "You'll feel a slight sting." – Raymond (22:49)

The Results

• Morning After: Miraculous Change (26:20–29:18):
  The next day, Harmon wakes to find his appearance transformed—young, vibrant, and energetic.

  “You look so young. What have you done to yourself?” – Flora (28:27)
  “Like $10 million, tax free, that’s how I feel.” – Harmon (28:42)
  “This is fantastic. I’m getting younger…every 20 minutes.” – Harmon (30:28)

• Flora’s Sudden Interest (29:04–29:47):
  Flora, once disinterested, is instantly drawn to the “new” Harmon and begins fantasizing about a renewed, exciting life together.

The Twist: Regression Continues

• Rapid Youth (29:59–32:17):
  Harmon’s regression accelerates—he becomes even younger, distressingly so.

  “What’s going on? What is going on here?” – Flora (31:46)
  “It's starting again. I feel it. I feel it happening inside.” – Harmon (31:50)

• Climactic Transformation (32:17–35:09):
  Harmon continually regresses until he becomes a small child, completely helpless:

  “You’re going to take care of Harmon now. He’s going to need you rather desperately. Now look at what’s sleeping in your bed. There, there, little fellow. Go back to sleep.” – Raymond (35:11)

The Moral and Resolution

• Poetic Justice (35:52–37:52):
  Raymond confronts Flora, telling her she must now be by Harmon’s side not as a lover, but as a caretaker for the child he has become—and she must give up all wealth and comfort if she abandons him.

  “The ground rules have changed... Now it's something else. Something very different.” – Raymond (34:48)
  “You have a responsibility, and you’re going to honor it.” – Raymond (35:11)
  “Now you should finally have to drink from the same cup… youth always defeats age, and then despises it for losing.” – Raymond (37:45)

• Narrator’s Acknowledgement (38:12):
  The story concludes with the classic Twilight Zone moral—youth and age cannot be reconciled by force, and those who covet the impossible often pay an unexpected price.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Opening Narration (00:09):
  “You unlock this door with the key of imagination… You’ve just crossed over into the Twilight Zone.”
• On Desperation and Love:

  “He pines away for the lost morning of his life when he should be enjoying the evening.” – Narrator (03:26)

• Flora’s Cruel Mockery:

  “You better watch yourself, honey. If you ever take me to a swinging weekend in Egypt, I might just run away with a mummy.” – Flora (08:32)

• Raymond’s Brutal Honesty:

  “I could forgive her her appetites… But I cannot forgive her for what she’s done to you.” – Raymond (15:34)

• Harmon’s Desperation:

  “Do you know what it’s like to believe your life is over, and then suddenly one day… to walk into a room and feel it begin all over again?” – Harmon (20:32)

• Transformation:

  “You look wonderful. You look so—so young.” – Flora (28:27)

• Poetic Justice:

  “Now you should finally have to drink from the same cup… That you should have to watch his youth encroach on your age…” – Raymond (37:45)

• Final Narration:

  “The oppressed has become the persecutor, and youth has taken over. It’s simply the way the calendar crumbles in the Twilight Zone.” – Narrator (38:12)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:09: Iconic “You unlock this door…” Twilight Zone intro
• 03:26: Narrator’s overview of the marriage and theme
• 11:30: Raymond’s research on rejuvenation serum
• 17:43: Harmon pleads for the injection
• 22:43: Harmon is injected with the serum
• 28:07–31:50: Harmon’s transformation and Flora’s change in attitude
• 34:48: Raymond delivers poetic justice to Flora
• 38:12: Final narration: “The oppressed has become the persecutor...”

Tone & Style

True to the Twilight Zone radio tradition, the episode is delivered in a dramatic, suspenseful, and often biting tone, blending dry narration with character-driven dialogue. The drama underscores the folly of hubris and the eternal human wish to turn back time.

Conclusion

A Short Drink From a Certain Fountain dramatizes the destructive power of unchecked desire and the futility of chasing youth. The Twilight Zone delivers its signature twist: Harmon’s pursuit doesn’t elevate him to his wife’s level, but instead regresses him until she must become his unwilling caretaker. The episode is a rich portrait of human flaws, framed by sharp writing and vivid performances.