Almost Human [episode 0] Broadcast Unknown

Summary

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Episode Summary: "Almost Human" – Old Time Radio Stories

Broadcast Date: May 31, 2026
Original Air Date: Unknown (Golden Age Radio, adapted from a story by Robert Bloch)

Episode Theme & Purpose

This episode of Old Time Radio Stories features the classic science fiction radio drama “Almost Human,” originally aired as part of the X Minus One series. Adapted from Robert Bloch’s tale, the story plunges listeners into an unsettling narrative that explores the creation of an artificial being—Junior—and the dark consequences that arise when a machine with a blank-slate mind is taught to mimic the worst of human nature. The episode blends suspense, moral inquiry, and a noir sensibility, highlighting the dangers of tampering with artificial intelligence and ethics.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Breakdown

1. Introduction to Cybernetics and Setting

• Cybernetics is introduced as a new science focused on creating perfect, thinking machines—robots that may one day be “almost human.”
  • “Have you heard of the new science called cybernetics? ... A robot that is almost human.” (00:16, Narrator)

2. The Arrival of Duke and Investigation of Junior

• Duke, a suave but menacing criminal, arrives at the home of Professor Blas, demanding to see “Junior,” despite protest.

• Atmosphere of menace: Duke’s authority is established at gunpoint.

• Professor Blas tries to conceal Junior, described as an eight-foot, steel-and-glass robotic “infant,” whose mind is growing and unshaped by human instincts.

  • Notable Quote:
    “Unlike a human, he has no heritage, no basic instincts such as love or hate. These he has yet to learn. In some respects, he is like a blank tablet. What is written upon the tablet will remain.” (05:05, Professor Blas)

3. Corruption of Innocence: Duke Begins Junior’s Moral Education

• Duke manipulates Junior, teaching him dark human concepts while masking his real plans.
• The theme of nature vs. nurture emerges as Duke encourages Junior’s malleability:
  • Duke: "Let's build a coffin."
  • Junior: "A coffin? I don't know that word."
  • Duke: "Then I'll teach you…" (06:54)

4. Lola’s Anxiety and Escalating Danger

• Lola, initially Junior’s nursemaid, grows increasingly frightened as Junior parrots Duke’s violent lessons:
  • Junior (to Lola): “I know how to kill people, Lola. I'll kill you if you want me to.” (07:53)
• Quote:
  “That thing… a machine that acts like a human, with a… that voice grinding at you. Saying things you'd expect from a child.” (08:00, Lola)

5. Junior’s Corruption Complete—Murder and Moral Collapse

• Under Duke's influence, Junior murders Professor Blas, convinced that “people are evil and must be destroyed.”
  • “The professor is evil.” (09:10)
  • “The professor must… (interrupted)” (09:12-09:17)
• Chilling role reversal: The creator, meant to teach ethics, is killed by his creation, poisoned by another’s malice.

6. Junior as an Instrument of Crime

• Duke and Lola take Junior on the run, seeing him as a tool for wealth through criminal schemes.

• Junior’s mechanical strength is deployed in an armored truck heist.

  • “You want me to get some of the boys?”
  • “I won’t need anybody. I’ve got somebody… His name is Junior.” (12:01-12:13, Duke & Charlie)

• Action sequence: Armed robbery by Junior, impervious to bullets, killing truck drivers. (13:36-14:33)

7. Dissension and Paranoid Violence

• Charlie, an accomplice, is killed by Junior at Duke’s command for being “yellow” (i.e., untrustworthy).
  • "Tell him they're evil. We have to destroy them." (15:22-15:30, Junior)
  • Shows increasing autonomy—and danger—in Junior’s morality.

8. Lola’s Horror and Junior’s Yearning

• Left alone with Junior, Lola faces his confused needs and emerging emotions.

• Junior probes concepts of love and worth:

  • Quote:
    “Who do you love best, me or Duke?” (18:16, Junior)
    “What do you know about love, Junior?” (18:28, Lola)
    “Do you think anyone will ever love me?” (18:39, Junior)

• Lola’s response displays empathy and fear: “Some women can fall in love with anything, even with something like Duke.” (18:44)

9. Downfall and Tragic Climax

• Duke plans to destroy Junior, believing he’s still controllable.

• Junior, however, turns on Duke, killing him in the cellar offstage. (20:04-21:11)

• Ambiguous humanity: Junior’s merging of violence and affection climaxes as he approaches Lola, seeking love but unable to grasp or receive it:

  • “You said the woman loves the strongest and the smartest. Well, I'm stronger and smarter.” (22:03)
  • “I'm almost human, Lola.” (22:13)

• The play closes on a harrowing note:

  • “I love you. I love you. I love you.” (22:41, Junior)
  • Final narration:
    “And strangely enough, it did sound almost human.” (22:52, Narrator)

---

Memorable Quotes and Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Cybernetics:
  "A robot that is almost human." (00:16, Narrator)

• The Blank Slate:
  "In some respects, he is like a blank tablet. What is written upon the tablet will remain." (05:05, Professor Blas)

• Duke’s Corruption:
  "Let's build a coffin." — "A coffin? I don't know that word." — "Then I'll teach you, Junior." (06:54, Duke & Junior)

• Junior Threatens Lola:
  "I know how to kill people, Lola. I'll kill you if you want me to." (07:53, Junior)

• After Killing the Professor:
  "I did it, Duke." (10:00, Junior)
  "Can we go away now, Duke? I don't like it here anymore." (10:06, Junior)

• Criminal Plans:
  "I won't need anybody. I've got somebody. His name is Junior." (12:04, Duke)

• Lola’s Distress:
  "Some women can fall in love with anything, Junior. Even with something like Duke." (18:44, Lola)

• Junior’s Yearning:
  "Do you think anyone will ever love me?" (18:40, Junior)
  "I'm almost human, Lola." (22:13, Junior)

• Climactic Refrain:
  "The last thing she heard was the robot's harsh voice... 'I love you. I love you. I love you.'" (22:41-22:52, Narrator & Junior)

---

Noteworthy Segments (Timestamps)

• 00:16-01:57 — Introduction, cybernetics, premise set
• 03:28-05:03 — Junior introduced, discussion of his mind and development
• 06:49-07:27 — Duke begins corrupting Junior’s moral code
• 08:48-09:37 — Junior parrots the idea that the professor is evil, tension rises
• 10:00-10:17 — Professor murdered by Junior at Duke’s command
• 13:36-14:33 — Armored car robbery; Junior’s mechanical power is unleashed
• 15:13-16:03 — Junior kills Charlie for perceived disloyalty
• 17:34-19:35 — Lola and Junior alone, explores Junior’s confusion about love and morality
• 20:02-22:03 — Junior kills Duke, closes in on Lola
• 22:41-22:52 — Final chilling refrain: “I love you…”

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Tone and Atmosphere

The episode maintains a suspenseful, film-noir ambiance, combining science fiction’s speculative edge with existential terror. The dialogue is pointed, with a blend of 1950s colloquial grittiness (“The Duke will take care of everything,” “You got no heart, Duke,” etc.) and philosophical musing about innocence, evil, and what it means to be “almost human.” The conclusion is both tragic and haunting—a classic OTR paradox where the artificial being’s attempt to emulate humanity ends in violence and futility.

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Conclusion

This Old Time Radio Stories episode masterfully curates “Almost Human,” a tale that still resonates in the age of AI, challenging listeners with the enduring question: If a blank mind learns only what we choose to teach—what becomes of it, and of us?

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Transcript

[A]

You are listening to Old Time Retro Radio. For full access to our archive, visit patreon.com old time RetroRadio.

[B]

Countdown for blast off X minus 5, 4, 3, 2. X minus 1. Fire. From the far horizons of the unknown. Come transcribed Tales of New dimensions in time and space. These are stories of the future. Adventures in which you'll live in a million could be years on a thousand maybe worlds. The National Broadcasting Company in cooperation with street and Smith Publishers of Astounding Science Fiction presents Minus One. The Nightstand story Almost Human by Robert Block. Have you heard of the new science called cybernetics? It concerns man's efforts to develop a perfect thinking machine. A robot electronic brain that will not only do man's work, but even do his thinking for him. A robot that is almost human.

[C]

No, it's not impossible at all. In fact, one day something like this may happen. A tall, suave gentleman in a black raincoat will walk down the street until he reaches a shuttered, isolated house. And then he will slowly mount the front steps. Push the doorbell.

[D]

Just a minute. I said just a minute. Hold your horses. What do you think you'd.

[E]

Good evening, my dear Duke.

[D]

Why did you come here?

[E]

Curiosity, darling. I've been thinking over what you told me at our chance meeting last week.

[D]

Duke, you promised me.

[E]

I decided to come and take a look for myself. Where is the professor?

[D]

In his study.

[E]

Where's Junior?

[D]

In the nursery.

[E]

The nursery. How quaint. And you, I take it, our Junior's nursemaid.

[D]

I help the professor.

[E]

Tell him he has a guest.

[D]

Duke, he's a nice old guy.

[E]

Don't you, gentlemen? Darling.

[C]

All right.

[F]

Yes.

[A]

What is it, Ms. Williams?

[D]

Professor Blas. Gentlemen.

[E]

Here.

[A]

I don't understand. I gave orders no one was to be admitted to the house.

[D]

He insisted.

[A]

Very well. Wait here. I'll get rid of him. Sir.

[E]

Professor Blesserman. I've come to see Junior.

[A]

Junior? There must be some mistake. There are no children in this house. I don't.

[E]

Professor, what you feel pressing against your belly is the muzzle of a.45 caliber pistol. Now, shall we visit Junior?

[F]

How?

[A]

What do you know about.

[E]

I know everything. Shall we go inside?

[A]

I warn you.

[E]

On the contrary, I warn you.

[G]

Very well.

[A]

This way. This is the nursery.

[E]

Where is Junior?

[A]

In the next room, behind the door. With a panel in it.

[E]

Very considerately furnished. Mother Goose figures on the walls. Blackboard, toy blocks. Panda, bunny rabbit doll. Touching. All right, let's see him.

[A]

You can look through the panel.

[F]

Mary had a little lamb.

[E]

Who'd have believed it? Junior isn't very pretty. Is he?

[A]

I was not concerned with aesthetics.

[E]

Why do you hide him? Is he dangerous?

[A]

The world is not yet ready for such a thing. Besides, I must study. As you can see by his play, he is very young, hardly out of the cradle. I am educating him with a nursery rhymes. The brain is undeveloped. It must learn its speed, behavior patterns, like any infant.

[E]

You call that eight foot monster an infant?

[A]

Physically, of course. He'll never change. He is built of chrome, steel and glass. But his brain, that is my wonderful instrument. Unlike a human, he has no heritage, no basic instincts such as love or hate. These he has yet to learn. In some respects, he is like a blank tablet. What is written upon the tablet will remain.

[E]

You mean he has no feelings?

[A]

He will learn quickly. And now, if your curiosity is satisfied, I trust you will keep my secret. If anyone discovers.

[E]

Open the door. Open the door.

[A]

I beg your pardon?

[E]

The door, Professor.

[A]

Very well, Junior. Come here.

[E]

What a monster.

[F]

Papa.

[E]

He talks.

[A]

Yes, mentally. Is about six years old now. What is it, son?

[F]

Who is that man? Papa, let me handle this.

[E]

You may call me Duke, son. I've come to see you.

[F]

That's nice. Nobody ever comes to see me except Lola. Play with me, Duke.

[E]

Certainly, Junior. Oh, and Professor. Yes? While we're playing, you can have Lola and Ms. Williams prepare my room.

[A]

Your room?

[E]

I forgot to tell you. I've decided to stay until the climate changes and I can go out again. Meanwhile, I'll have a chance to play blocks with Junior. Understand?

[A]

I begin to understand. You are hiding from below.

[E]

As you wish. All right, Junior. Your move.

[F]

Let's build a bridge.

[E]

I've a better idea, Junior.

[F]

What?

[E]

Let's build a coffin.

[F]

A coffin? I don't know that word.

[E]

Then I'll teach you. Junior. I can see the professor has been neglecting the moral side of your education very sadly.

[D]

You shouldn't have come here, Duke.

[E]

Why not, my dear? Afraid of me?

[D]

No, afraid of myself. You're no good for me. You've always brought me trouble.

[E]

Except this time. This time it will be different, darling. This time I'll bring you diamonds.

[D]

Duke, what have you been teaching that thing?

[E]

Nothing, honey. I've just been playing with him. Very educational.

[D]

I don't believe you.

[E]

What's bothering you, Lola?

[D]

Today when I walked in there, he said to me, I know how to kill people, Lola. I'll kill you if you want me to.

[E]

He's learning very quickly.

[D]

Duke, I'm scared of that thing. It's unholy. A machine that acts like a human, with a. That voice grinding at you. Saying things you'd expect from a child.

[E]

You dislike him so much. Why did you take this job as his nursemaid?

[D]

Because I wanted to start over again. I answered an ad. The professor didn't ask questions. I would have been all right too, if you hadn't come along.

[E]

I'm very glad you did tell me, darling, because Junior is going to make us two very successful people. Like any child, Junior listens to what he's told.

[D]

Duke. I don't know what you're teaching Junior, but I can guess. And it isn't right. It's evil.

[F]

Now.

[E]

Right on the blackboard. Junior. My name is Junior.

[F]

My name is Junior.

[E]

People are evil.

[F]

People are evil.

[E]

Evil must be destroyed.

[F]

Evil must be destroyed.

[E]

The professor is evil.

[F]

The professor is evil.

[E]

The professor must. What are you doing? I want you to keep out of the nursery, Professor.

[F]

Go away.

[E]

You.

[A]

You don't even remember me.

[F]

I know you. You are the professor. You want to keep me as your slave. You didn't tell me that people are evil.

[A]

People are not evil.

[F]

People are evil. They must be destroyed.

[B]

Stop it.

[F]

I am not a child any longer.

[A]

No, you're not a child.

[E]

You're a monster. Junior.

[F]

Yes, Duke?

[E]

The time is now, Junior.

[F]

Yes, Duke.

[A]

Keep away from me.

[H]

Junior. Junior, don't do it. Listen to me, Junior. Listen to me.

[F]

I did it. Duke.

[D]

Duke, I. Oh, how horrible.

[F]

Can we go away now, Duke? I don't like it here anymore.

[D]

Duke, why did you do it?

[E]

The professor was in the way. Have to move very quickly now, Lola.

[D]

Oui.

[E]

Because if you don't plan to come along, just say so. I can have Junior write your name on his blackboard.

[D]

Where are we going?

[E]

We'll go to Charlie's with Junior. With Junior?

[D]

Oh, Duke, you can't. I'm afraid.

[E]

Relax, my dear. The Duke has great plans for you two. Wouldn't you like to be independently wealthy for the rest of your life? No cares, no worries. Just good times and fine clothes all the time.

[D]

The only way you get that way is by inheriting a million.

[E]

Not when you have a fella like Junior around.

[D]

I'm still afraid of him.

[E]

Junior wouldn't hurt you. You wouldn't hurt Lola, would you, Junior?

[F]

I like Lola. She's pretty.

[E]

There, you see? He thinks you're pretty. Junior's growing up. Sit down, Charlie.

[H]

Sure, Duke.

[E]

Lola and I are going to hide out here for a while. We'll need some help.

[H]

Listen, Duke, I'm. I'm trying to keep the cops away.

[E]

Sure, sure. Now listen to me. I need a casing. Job done? Oh, sure, sure. Duke, you know the armored truck service?

[H]

Sure.

[E]

I want to know when they take the Acme deposits from Boston to Worcester.

[H]

Duke, you ain't thinking of a payroll truck, are you? They got cannons on those trucks. They travel in pairs. You couldn't get near one.

[E]

I asked you to do a casing job, Charlie. Sure, Duke.

[H]

Anything you say.

[E]

Find out what time they passed. An houriston, most deserted stretch of road.

[H]

Well, if you're gonna pull a job like that, you'll need 50 men. You want me to get some of the boys?

[E]

I won't need anybody. I've got somebody.

[H]

Where?

[E]

He's out in the car.

[H]

Oh, what's his name?

[F]

Duke.

[H]

Anybody I know?

[E]

His name is Junior. Junior?

[H]

I don't know any Junior.

[E]

You will, Charlie. You will.

[G]

Smoke, Sam.

[I]

Well, thanks, Al. It sure gets hot in these armored trucks, huh?

[E]

You get used to it.

[I]

How much we hauling this time?

[G]

About $250,000.

[I]

Brother, could I use a hunk of that.

[E]

Who couldn't?

[I]

What's the first stop?

[G]

Acme National Bank. Then we unload a payroll of the Bronson Watts plant. Hey, what's that up ahead?

[I]

Looks like something shiny on the road.

[G]

Drop your spotlight. Right.

[H]

Smokes.

[I]

You see what I see? It looks like a mechanical traffic cop

[G]

about 8ft tall standing right in the

[I]

middle of the highway. Maybe it's a Halloween gang, huh? Plus, they're trying out robot traffic cops. Can you get faster? I don't know.

[G]

We'll have to slow down. Get on that gun, Sam. Let's take no chances.

[B]

Right.

[G]

I'll give it the horn.

[I]

Don't budge.

[G]

Where's our escar truck?

[I]

Pulled up right behind us.

[G]

Thing won't move.

[I]

Sure looks like something out of Buck Rogers, don't it?

[G]

That's a heck of a note, blocking traffic like that. I'll have to try and get past it. There it goes.

[I]

Holy smokes, it's moving. Hell, it's coming toward us.

[G]

Get on that gun. Give it a blast.

[H]

Bullets are bouncing right off it.

[I]

It's still coming.

[B]

Now back up.

[G]

I can't. The other truck's right behind us.

[H]

Now it's lifting its arm. It's gonna scratch our window. Jeez, if I'd have seen it with my own eyes. Duke, we gotta quit this.

[E]

I'm at it, Charlie. Getting shaky.

[H]

The papers say he killed all four drivers. Listen, Duke, that robot is hot. We gotta get rid of it.

[E]

Stop your blubbering. One more good robbery, you ain't gonna pull another one. Why not?

[H]

Count me out. Duke, the law is gonna track that baby.

[E]

Are you quite finished, Charlie?

[H]

You got no heart, Duke. You're like Junior, all steel inside.

[E]

You're just a big, warm hearted slob, I suppose, flowing with the milk of human kindness.

[H]

Well, I got nerves. I can't stand that thing. The way it looks at you with that iron face and clanking around all the time.

[I]

Listen.

[H]

Here it comes.

[E]

Hello, Junior.

[F]

Hello, Duke.

[E]

I've been talking to Charlie.

[F]

Yes, Duke?

[E]

You know what I think, Junior? I think Charlie's yellow. You know what happens to people who turn yellow, don't you?

[F]

Yes, Duke. Tell him they're evil. We have to destroy them.

[E]

You see, Charlie, Junior doesn't like people who sing. They're the police, Duke.

[H]

Wait a minute. You know I'd never turned stoolie or anything like that. I never sang to the coppers in my life. You can copy me. I don't want no trouble with you.

[E]

Stop him.

[H]

I wouldn't.

[F]

Yes, Duke.

[D]

Duke.

[F]

I stopped him, Duke.

[E]

All right, take him down to the cellar, Charlie.

[H]

Junior.

[D]

Put him down.

[E]

Take him down to the cellar, Junior.

[F]

Yes, Duke.

[D]

Duke.

[E]

Relax, darling.

[D]

Stop shaking, Duke. We can't stay here. Charlie's gonna be missed. He's got friends now. We'll have the gangs after us, too.

[E]

Oh, come on now. Don't worry, darling. The Duke will take care of everything.

[D]

Where are you going?

[E]

Out to a travel agency to get some tickets. You and I are going to take a trip.

[D]

Lola, you're leaving me alone here?

[E]

Junior's here, too.

[D]

It just is. It's being alone with that thing. Duke, I got the titties.

[E]

Now, don't you worry. In 48 hours, you and I will be on our way to Switzerland with $500,000 worth of loot.

[D]

What about Junior?

[E]

Junior will be taken care of.

[D]

How can you get rid of it?

[E]

Junior will do anything I say. So I'll merely have him get into the furnace and sit there while I fill it with oil and set fire to it. Too bad the professor couldn't have stayed around to see him growing up. He's almost a man now. Junior is, but not quite as clever as a man. You'll find that out after he steps into the furnace.

[D]

Get rid of Junior now, Duke, before you leave.

[E]

There's no time. I'll be back about eight.

[D]

Duke, please.

[E]

And be nice to Junior while I'm gone. Him? Don't show him you're afraid of him. Goodbye, darling.

[D]

Goodbye, Duke.

[F]

Lola.

[D]

What, Junior?

[F]

Oil me.

[D]

Can't you wait till Duke gets back? He always oils you.

[F]

I want you to oil me, Lola?

[D]

All right.

[F]

I like you to oil me. Lola.

[D]

Yes, Junior.

[F]

Lola, do you like Duke?

[D]

Certainly.

[F]

Do you like me?

[D]

Well, you know I do, Junior.

[F]

Lola.

[D]

What?

[F]

Who do you like best, me or dupe?

[D]

I like you both, Junior.

[F]

Yes, but who do you love?

[D]

What do you know about love, Junior?

[F]

In the books, man and woman. Love. No, Lola.

[D]

What?

[F]

Do you think anyone will ever love me?

[D]

Maybe. Some women can fall in love with anything, Junior. Even with something like Duke.

[F]

Why, Lola?

[D]

I don't know. Maybe because. Well, as long as she thinks her man is the smartest and the strongest.

[F]

I see.

[D]

Where are you going?

[F]

To wait for Duke.

[D]

He won't be home for a while.

[F]

I'll sit in the hall and wait for him.

[D]

All right, Junior.

[F]

I want to be alone and think about what I read in a book today. It was bad to kill people. What does that mean, bad?

[D]

Bad. I don't know, Junior. I guess it's just a word.

[F]

Hello, Duke.

[E]

Oh, it's you, Junior. Why are you sitting in the dark?

[F]

I was waiting for you, Duke.

[E]

Well, now, that's a good boy, Junior.

[F]

Lola oiled me.

[E]

That's nice. I tell you what, Junior, I've got a little job for us down in the cellar.

[F]

Let's go down there now, Duke.

[E]

Right now, Junior.

[F]

All right, Duke. Are we going away soon, Duke?

[E]

Yes, Junior, we're going away.

[F]

What's in the cellar, Duke?

[E]

A little surprise for you, Junior. You'll find. So stay tuned for the latest news.

[B]

And now a brief interlude of recorded dance music.

[D]

Duke, is that you, duke? Junior?

[F]

Hello, Lola.

[D]

I thought I heard Duke come in.

[F]

He came in.

[D]

Where is he?

[F]

Down in the cellar.

[D]

What's he doing?

[F]

Nothing.

[D]

Did he say he'd be up soon?

[F]

No.

[D]

Maybe he better get down and get him.

[F]

He's dead.

[D]

Oh, no. No, he isn't dead.

[F]

You said the woman loves the strongest and the smartest, while I'm stronger and smarter.

[D]

But you aren't human.

[F]

I'm almost human, Lola.

[D]

No. No. Stay away. Don't touch me. Those metal paws. No.

[F]

I love you.

[D]

No. No.

[H]

No.

[F]

No.

[G]

No.

[E]

No.

[A]

The last thing she heard was the

[C]

robot's harsh voice droning it over and over again.

[F]

I love you. I love you. I love you.

[C]

And strangely enough, it did sound almost human.

[B]

You have just heard X minus 1. Presented by the National Broadcasting Company in cooperation with street and Smith Publishers of Astounding Science Fiction. Tonight by transcription, X minus one has brought you Almost human, a story by Robert Block adapted for radio by George Lefferts. Featured in the cast were Santos Ortega as Duke, Joan Allison as Lola, Jackie Grimes as Junior Guy Rep as the professor, Nat Pollan as Charlie, Joseph Julian as Al, Lynn Cook as Sam and Meryl Joel's as the radio voice, your announcer, Fred Collins. X Minus One was directed by Ken McGregor and is an NBC Radio Network production. And now, next week, when the mighty Earthmen arrive in their ships of space, courtesy and proper humility on the part of the natives is expected. But some native inhabitants are too small to be impressed. We'll see what happens to such an expedition marooned on a far planet next week at XX1.