Dreams - Exploring Tomorrow

Summary

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Episode Summary: "Dreams - Exploring Tomorrow"

Podcast: Old Time Radio Stories | Old Time Radio
Host/Narrator: Old Time Retro Radio, with dramatic cast
Air Date: August 6, 2026

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Overview

This episode of Old Time Radio Stories presents the vintage sci-fi drama "Dreams" from the classic radio series Exploring Tomorrow. The story, curated and introduced by editor John W. Campbell Jr., delves into the psychological and metaphysical power of dreams, exploring their role in trauma, guilt, and even glimpses into the future. Set in a post-apocalyptic America rebuilding after a catastrophic war, the episode follows Jim Bedford, a regional director deeply troubled by hallucinations and a haunting sense of doom, as he seeks help from psychiatrist Dr. Sharp. Through analysis and recollection, the story examines whether dreams are mere memory and fantasy—or prophetic warnings about the futures we might shape or prevent.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Introduction & Theme Setting ([00:34]–[01:00])

• John W. Campbell Jr. introduces the concept, challenging Freud's interpretation of dreams:

  "Dreams are a remarkable thing. A remarkable power of the human mind... There's one aspect of dreaming that they deny—they overlook. Perhaps that's tonight's story." ([00:39])

• Raises the question: Can we recognize a future not yet seen? Sets up the central motif that dreams might be a glimpse forward, not just back.

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2. Jim Bedford’s Plight: The Setup ([02:08]–[04:15])

• Jim Bedford, Regional Director, War Reclaim Bureau, is introduced as a man overwhelmed by his responsibilities post-war. He seeks help from Dr. Sharp due to distressing hallucinations and an inability to work.

• Excerpts reveal his skepticism and exhaustion:

  "I feel so darn silly running to a psychiatrist. That's for old ladies." (Jim Bedford, [02:17])

• Dr. Sharp offers empathy, referencing the ongoing societal effort to rebuild:

  "It must be rewarding work. Watching the radioactive ash cleared away. Houses and stores springing up again after so many decades." (Dr. Sharp, [02:41])

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3. The Hallucinations & Flashbacks ([04:15]–[08:35])

• Bedford’s trauma surfaces in his overwork and encounters with Giller, an old friend turned desperate black marketeer. Giller’s request for aid, and Bedford’s official denial, create tension and guilt.

• Bedford describes plague, poverty, and the daily rampant hunger—revealing the ethical complexity of post-war recovery.

• The motif of falling surfaces as a recurring terror:

  "I was falling. I started to go out of my apartment. I opened the door to the hall, and there wasn't any floor under my feet... just darkness." (Jim Bedford, [07:48])

• Dr. Sharp interprets classic dream symbols but suspects something deeper is at work.

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4. Uncovering Repressed Trauma ([08:30]–[13:23])

• Through semi-hypnotic recall sessions, Bedford relives violent interactions with Giller and his men, who accuse him of betrayal and threaten (and possibly enact) his murder.

• Key Quote as dreams and trauma blur:

  "You say you okayed the building of mass public baths. And you actually stood and watched the people bathing?" (Dr. Sharp, [12:18])

  • But Dr. Sharp reveals this hasn’t happened yet—the baths are a future project. The implication: Bedford is "remembering" the future.

• Discussion regarding radiation exposure as a factor in altered memory or psychic foresight:

  "Do you remember any unusual exposure, either to you or your parents? Radiation approaching a dangerous maximum?" (Dr. Sharp, [13:23])

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5. The Origin of Bedford’s Condition ([15:17]–[16:34])

• A flashback to childhood during the war: young Bedford, exposed to a near-lethal dose of radiation during a missile attack.
• Clarification that, though appearing physically unharmed, Bedford was affected in unforeseen ways.

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6. Moral Dilemma & Resolution ([16:34]–[17:59])

• Dr. Sharp urges Bedford to reconsider granting funds to corrupt applicants. Bedford refuses to compromise his duty:

  "Even if it means your life?"
  "Yes, even if it means my life. I'm still not going to give Giller the funds." (Jim Bedford, [16:57])

• Dr. Sharp expresses deep respect for Bedford’s integrity.

• Therapeutic breakthrough: After confronting his trauma, Bedford finds he can stand up—symbolizing psychological release.

  "I can stand up now. I'm on my feet. Bringing up that material about the radiation exposure must have done it." (Jim Bedford, [17:35])

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7. Echoes and Implications: Futurity and Responsibility ([18:17]–[19:17])

• The cycle of trauma and potential violence continues.

• Giller (now Ms. Tony Giller) arrives as a new patient, confessing a compulsive urge to push people—implying that cycles of violence and trauma may be self-perpetuating.

• Dr. Sharp closes with a philosophical reflection:

  "A stone is never afraid of anything... If you can feel fear, it means that you can sense the future. ...If you take the trouble to dream about the future, then you have a chance to do something about the future... If you don't like atomic wars, you have a chance to do something about it. Provided you dream that it's there. Nightmare or not, you have a chance to do something." (Dr. Sharp, [19:20])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the nature of dreams:
  "If someone handed you a photograph of a man’s face... Suppose that was a photograph of yourself 20 years from now. You'd have an awful hard time recognizing that." (John W. Campbell Jr., [00:51])

• On moral responsibility:
  "Those funds have to be given to the proper applicants. Even if it means your life? Yes, even if it means my life." (Jim Bedford, [16:55])

• On the possibility of changing the future:
  "If you take the trouble to dream about the future, then you have a chance to do something about the future." (Dr. Sharp, [19:26])

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction and Theme: [00:34]–[01:00]
• Bedford’s Consultation Begins: [02:08]–[03:08]
• Falling Dream & Fear: [07:34]–[08:07]
• Repressed Trauma Emerges: [08:30]–[10:39]
• Clue to Future Dreams: [12:10]–[12:27]
• Radiation Exposure: [15:17]–[16:09]
• Bedford’s Resolution: [16:34]–[17:35]
• Giller’s Admission: [18:17]–[19:17]
• Closing Reflection: [19:17]–[20:25]

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Tone and Style

• The episode maintains the scientific optimism and existential seriousness typical of golden-age sci-fi radio.
• Characters speak with urgency, idealism, and moral gravity. The tone is somber but ultimately hopeful in the power of conscience, responsibility, and the human imagination to influence not only personal fates but the broader future.

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Conclusion

"Dreams" uses the tropes of psychoanalysis and postwar science fiction to interrogate how unresolved trauma and forebodings of disaster might impel individuals (and societies) to act or change course. The story suggests that by daring to look ahead—even to "dream" dreadful futures—we claim the power, and bear the duty, to prevent them. Through its period atmosphere and weighty dialogue, the episode stands as both a thrilling drama and a meditation on memory, guilt, and the ethics of rebuilding a world.

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Transcript

[Grainger Announcer]

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[Dr. Sharp]

The program you are about to hear is fiction science fiction. We make no guarantees, however, how long it will remain fiction Exploring tomorrow. And now here is your guide to these adventures of the mind. The editor of Astounding Science Fiction magazine, John Campbell Jr. Dreams are a remarkable thing. A remarkable power of the human mind. Freud, the psychoanalytical school has held very important. But there's one aspect of dreaming that they deny they overlook. Perhaps that's tonight's story. If someone handed you a photograph of a man's face, said do you know who this is? Suppose that was a photograph of yourself 20 years from now. You'd have an awful hard time recognizing that. We can recognize a picture of something that we have seen. It's impossible to recognize something that we haven't yet seen. Let's say we have a patient who comes into a analyst office. A badly frightened man.

[Jim Bedford]

Dr. Sharp, my name is Jim Bedford. I got your name from the National Health Trust. They say you're the quick shock analyst they'd recommend in this area.

[Dr. Sharp]

It's nice of the health trust to say that.

[Jim Bedford]

Builds up my morale in these troubled post war territories. I speak very highly of you. I feel so darn silly running to a psychiatrist. That's for old ladies. Maybe we better forget it. I've got a lot of pressing work that I really should be taking.

[Dr. Sharp]

Let's see, Mr. Bedford.

[Giller]

Now.

[Dr. Sharp]

According to the data you gave my secretary. You're with the State War Reclaimed Bureau.

[Jim Bedford]

Yes, that's right. Regional Director. I've been with the Bureau all my adult life. Since 1971. Since the doom war.

[Dr. Sharp]

It must be rewarding work. Watching the radioactive ash cleared away. Houses and stores springing up again after so many decades. Seeing the city itself come back from the rubble. Knowing you could take a good share of the credit.

[Jim Bedford]

That's going to be a long task. Another generation sit down and you tell me about it. No couch? I thought all you psychoanalysts had couches. This office building was lucky to escape being hit.

[Dr. Sharp]

Yes, it's one of the few pre war buildings Left in this part of Sacramento.

[Jim Bedford]

Matter of fact, it was your War

[Dr. Sharp]

Reclaim Bureau that loaned my family the money to rebuild.

[Jim Bedford]

Doctor, why is this happening to me? What am I going to do? I have to stay at my job. Nobody else can do it. Nobody else knows this area the way I do. Nobody knows the people here the way I do.

[Dr. Sharp]

You were born here, William. Yes.

[Jim Bedford]

I've lived in Sacramento all my life. What is it that's bothering? I. I have some kind of hallucination. And it keeps getting worse. I tried to shake it, but it comes back bigger and stronger. Now it's getting so that I can't work. I can't do my job.

[Dr. Sharp]

I'm starting up recall inducing equipment, Mr. Bedford. It'll put you in a state of semi sleep for a few moments. I'd like you to tell me what this hallucination is.

[Jim Bedford]

Then maybe I can tell you why you have it.

[Dr. Sharp]

And maybe help you do.

[Jim Bedford]

Get through all these damage inventories. There must be a million of them stuck in the basket today alone. Oh, I ought to quit and go to bed. Get some sleep. Where's the report on that mutant rat they've been killing? One that spins webs

[Dr. Sharp]

better.

[Jim Bedford]

Okay. The extermination program. Poisoned grain. Probably be best if it eats grain. Probably have to ask for federal aid. Not enough funds to do the job right. So I locate the extermination and hope they can raise the funds. Bad enough to have ordinary rodent infestation. Plague carriers. The worst possible sanitation menace. Menace, huh? Oh, it's you, Giller. How did you get into my apartment?

[Giller]

Front door was unlocked. I'm sorry to interrupt your work.

[Jim Bedford]

Well, I was about to stop. What time is it? Midnight. You want a beer?

[Giller]

I'm gonna have one. Besides an invaluable grain. Off to make beer in these times of need. Must be nice to be a big wheel and have luxuries. Your own stove, refrigerator. You know, I haven't had beer since last May.

[Jim Bedford]

You'll survive. You've always managed to trade some of that black market coffee of yours. Or some of those eggs from your chickens.

[Giller]

You know, we lost all our chickens. That blood disease from the old H bomb blast. Take a look at this.

[Jim Bedford]

Your application for aid?

[Giller]

Turned down.

[Jim Bedford]

I know.

[Dr. Sharp]

Why?

[Jim Bedford]

Don't ask me why. I. Oh, okay, okay. I'm the responsible person. I turned it down.

[Giller]

You and I have been friends since we were kids.

[Jim Bedford]

Oh, what, you get a kick out of it?

[Giller]

Lord, you know, with the people you've known. People who were something in the community before the Doom. War. People you had to look up to and say sir to.

[Jim Bedford]

I'm sorry about your poultry farm. I'm sorry for all the poultry raisers, you included. And the beef raisers and the walnut growers. But certain things have to be rebuilt before others. Heavy industry comes first. Factories. Steel and cement and fuel producers. Synthetic fabric.

[Giller]

Where are your people?

[Jim Bedford]

Good night, Giller. Write me a letter on the proper form.

[Giller]

I'll talk to you in a few days about my application for aid. Maybe you'll change your mind. Come around.

[Jim Bedford]

If Giller ever got that farm going, he'd be the biggest black market operator in California. Five bucks a piece for grade A eggs, and he knows where to get it. Everybody trying to swing a deal, make

[Dr. Sharp]

money, cash in on people's hunger.

[Jim Bedford]

I wonder if he's really gone or if he's hanging around outside. People like him get on my nerves.

[Dr. Sharp]

I better go see picture.

[Jim Bedford]

Explore ordinary psychoanalytic practice.

[Dr. Sharp]

A dream of falling tends to indicate that the patient has some kind of fear of a basic insecurity. A feeling that he's faced with a problem that he must solve and can't solve.

[Jim Bedford]

But he's got to solve it.

[Dr. Sharp]

But he can't solve it. But it must be solved.

[Giller]

Mr. Bedford, I'm falling. Help me.

[Jim Bedford]

I'm falling.

[Giller]

No.

[Jim Bedford]

No, you're not. You're here in my office.

[Dr. Sharp]

Sitting in a chair, huh?

[Jim Bedford]

Yes, but I was falling. I started to go out of my apartment. I opened the door to the hall, and there wasn't any floor under my feet.

[Dr. Sharp]

Just emptiness.

[Jim Bedford]

And I tried to grab hold of something, and there wasn't anything. Nothing at all.

[Dr. Sharp]

Anywhere.

[Jim Bedford]

Just darkness.

[Dr. Sharp]

What happened next?

[Jim Bedford]

Were you hurt, Doctor? How could I have been hurt? It was just in my mind. Maybe I stumbled or something. But I didn't fall because there was no place to fall.

[Dr. Sharp]

Momentary dizziness from overwork fatigue? Yes.

[Jim Bedford]

Yes, maybe.

[Dr. Sharp]

And since then, you've had a fear of falling?

[Jim Bedford]

A phobia. Phobia about high places. Okay, Mr. Bedford, let's try another recall.

[Dr. Sharp]

Now, this time I want you to remember more about the falling and your friend Gillen.

[Giller]

Stop it. Don't kill me. Don't throw me over the rail. Please. Shut up. Well, you probably think I'm going to give you one last chance before we toss you off this ramp.

[Dr. Sharp]

It's not my fault.

[Jim Bedford]

I tried to get funds. Bureaus short on fund's terrible task ahead. He can't hear you, Bedford.

[Giller]

I came to you and begged you to okay our application, but you turned us down. You did all you could to block it.

[Jim Bedford]

Black market. Rebel police never seemed to get you

[Dr. Sharp]

all probably bought off.

[Giller]

That's right. Bought off. Now look, Bedford, for old times sake. You want to get in on this along with us?

[Dr. Sharp]

I'll let you in. I have a sentimental feeling towards you. I think you sincerely felt you shouldn't okay our application.

[Jim Bedford]

I never will, even if you kill me.

[Giller]

Oh, you mean that I got my job?

[Dr. Sharp]

Responsibility.

[Giller]

Heavy industry comes first. Remember when there were eggs, how the shells looked when they were dropped? Remember how it felt to crush the eggshell underfoot? How did that old nursery rhyme go about putting the pieces of the shell back together?

[Dr. Sharp]

By the way, Bedford, we're making sure

[Giller]

the next regional director isn't so devoted to heavy industry. We're getting in somebody with

[Dr. Sharp]

an agricultural frame of mind.

[Jim Bedford]

Okay, let's finish this up and get going. Get him over the rails. It's almost a mile to the ground. How could a thing like this happen

[Dr. Sharp]

to me and be forgotten? Can a person forget being knocked down, kicked and threatened with death?

[Jim Bedford]

It wasn't forgotten.

[Dr. Sharp]

It remained buried beneath, repressed. We'll have to try some more recall, Mr. Bedford. So far I don't have enough to go on. Now this, the presence of Giller and his men beating and terrorizing you. Provides what's called the traumatic incident. The moment of fear that starts the chain reaction of repression going. But are you willing to try another recall?

[Jim Bedford]

Not now, Doctor.

[Dr. Sharp]

He shouldn't stop at this point.

[Jim Bedford]

I couldn't stand anymore.

[Dr. Sharp]

Tomorrow. Maybe we'd better go on now, Mr. Bedford.

[Jim Bedford]

Now, from what you recall, I got

[Dr. Sharp]

an impression that there's no time to waste. I don't think they just beat you up and threatened you. I think they did throw you over the rail to your death. I think they killed you.

[Jim Bedford]

All right, Doctor. I'll let you start your recall inducing gadget again. But don't. Don't make me go back to that moment.

[Dr. Sharp]

Something else.

[Jim Bedford]

I couldn't stand to see them standing there above me. Higher and higher. And then the ramp and the railing disappearing.

[Dr. Sharp]

At this time, I'd like you to think of something pleasant, satisfying. Perhaps a day in your work when you were particularly pleased with what you accomplished.

[Jim Bedford]

The public baths, kids splashing around, lots of hotels, water. Wonder how many of us would be dead by now. Dead from contamination from the perpetual fallout. If we hadn't built those huge pools and fountains over there. It's the hardest decision I ever made. I felt like a lunatic giving them the go ahead. A lot of people were angry about that. But after I saw the figures from the anti radiation committee. It had to be done, no matter how many people got angry. I know my duty. It's to the whole people, not a few special groups here and there.

[Dr. Sharp]

You say you okayed the building of mass public baths. And you actually stood and watched the people bathing?

[Jim Bedford]

That's right. Togas.

[Dr. Sharp]

Like ancient times. Mr. Bedford, I want you to listen to me carefully. I have something important to say to you.

[Jim Bedford]

What's. What's wrong, Doctor?

[Dr. Sharp]

Well, as a licensed general practitioner, I've been interested in the idea of public baths. As an anti radiation major, in my opinion, it's a sound idea. But the proposal hasn't yet been put through. No baths have been built. It'll be at least five years before the baths can be put into operation. The usual interpretation doesn't quite check. Sometimes the dream isn't quite usual. If a man has a dream of the future, it's awfully hard to identify its source. Because the source hasn't happened yet. Tell me, Bedford, you were exposed to a great deal of radiation in the

[Jim Bedford]

early part of your life.

[Dr. Sharp]

And so were your parents. That's right. We all were. We all went through the blasts and the heavy fallout of the war. The contamination of our food, water, homes, clothing. Do you remember any unusual exposure, either to you or to your parents? Radiation approaching a dangerous maximum?

[Jim Bedford]

I. Let me try to remember. I'm confused.

[Dr. Sharp]

You think I'm some sort of a freak? Stop sitting there in the chair, insulting yourself. You have to make plans. Plans?

[Jim Bedford]

There's nothing I can do. There's no way I can stop him.

[Dr. Sharp]

Try to remember any toxic dose of radiation. Especially in the earliest part of your life. Go back to the enemy. Missile attack. Sirens. Can you hear sirens? You're possibly running toward a shelter. Your family running too. Across a field, maybe.

[Jim Bedford]

I'm sorry, Doctor. I've had all I can take. I'll see you again some other time.

[Dr. Sharp]

You're leaving? Thanks for the help.

[Jim Bedford]

I've got to consider all this. Maybe I'm not remembering the future. Maybe it's just a false memory, A neurotic fantasy. How could we check if it's really in the future?

[Dr. Sharp]

What's the matter?

[Jim Bedford]

I. I can't get up.

[Dr. Sharp]

What?

[Jim Bedford]

I can't stand up. I'm afraid I'll fall, Doctor. Now I can't even get to my feet.

[Dr. Sharp]

Well, make yourself comfortable in your chair and we'll go on with the therapy as I said we should.

[Jim Bedford]

I guess I have no choice.

[Dr. Sharp]

You know what we're after this Time at some point in your life, you apparently were exposed to a near toxic tone dose of radiation.

[Giller]

Wait for me. Hey, don't leave me behind. Come on back. Hey, Tony. Wait for me. I am.

[Jim Bedford]

Okay, let's get down.

[Giller]

Get the metal lid open and rest it.

[Jim Bedford]

They're almost here.

[Giller]

Get the lid of the shelter up

[Jim Bedford]

so we can get down there and be safe.

[Giller]

You scared, Jimmy? Yes.

[Jim Bedford]

Yes.

[Giller]

Open that. L. Not until you apologize for what you said in class the other day. You said my family moved here because they thought nobody would bomb this sector. They said my family was scared of being bombed. Okay, let's see.

[Jim Bedford]

Yes, I remember when Tony and I were kids during the war. We got the scuffling seeing who was braver. And while we were scuffling, the first. First warhead exploded a couple of miles up the coast.

[Dr. Sharp]

So that's where you got the near toxic dose. Yes.

[Jim Bedford]

Whole place was saturated hot. They had to rope off the rubble, close the roads. I was in the hospital for a month. Down in the underground medical wards. Along with the real casualties.

[Dr. Sharp]

Weren't you a real casualty?

[Jim Bedford]

No, I wasn't hurt. They made all the tests. They found no sign of tissue damage. Blood count okay. Bone marrow unaffected. No cancerous formations.

[Dr. Sharp]

But now you know. You were affected.

[Jim Bedford]

Yes, I was affected.

[Dr. Sharp]

Now Listen to me, Mr. Bedford. You still have time to re examine your dealings with Gillen.

[Jim Bedford]

You mean give him the bureau funds he wants so he can set up his black market operations? No, Dr. Sharp. I have my responsibility to the people of this area. Those funds have to be given to. To the proper applicants.

[Dr. Sharp]

Even if it means your life?

[Jim Bedford]

Yes, even if it means my life. I'm still not going to give Diller the funds.

[Dr. Sharp]

I respect you, Mr. Bedford. I can see why the government gave you the job.

[Jim Bedford]

I've tried to do it right. I feel proud of what I've done. The hygienic baths. Evidently I'll be successful there. That alone makes it worthwhile. I don't feel too depressed. All in all, it was worth it. A lot of people died in the war. My death comes a number of years later, but. Well, I can possibly consider it as a bonafide war. Death with armor.

[Dr. Sharp]

Hey, look.

[Jim Bedford]

I can stand up now. I'm on my feet. Bringing up that material about the radiation exposure must have done it.

[Dr. Sharp]

Do you intend to come back again and see me?

[Jim Bedford]

No. There doesn't seem to be much of a reason.

[Dr. Sharp]

I'd like to keep on trying. Maybe there's a junction of possible futures some point in time. At which we can deflect the future that's waiting for you.

[Jim Bedford]

I'll think about it. All right, doctor.

[Dr. Sharp]

And thanks a lot for trying. To. Did you wish to see me?

[Giller]

My name is Ms. Tony Giller.

[Dr. Sharp]

I'm sorry to bother you, but this constitutes an emergency. I, I got, well, compulsion and it's

[Giller]

followed up my life.

[Dr. Sharp]

Sit down. Tell me about it.

[Giller]

I, I, I have an irresistible urge to push people.

[Dr. Sharp]

Push people towards windows out.

[Giller]

What am I gonna do, doc? There was a little shrimp of a guy I pushed once. And one day a girl was standing ahead of me on an escalator and I shoved her. She was injured. I'm afraid I'll eventually kill somebody someday. Some perfectly harmless person who never did anything wrong in his life.

[Jim Bedford]

A stone is never afraid of anything.

[Dr. Sharp]

A stone has no sense of futurity, no sense of a future to control. Wherefore it has no fear. If you can feel fear, it means that you can sense the future. To the extent that you can sense the future, you can control it. You don't have to be stuck with any particular future. If you take the trouble to dream about the future, then you have a chance to do something about the future. If you don't like atomic wars, you have a chance to do something about it. Provided you dream that it's there. Nightmare or not, you have a chance to do something.

[Grainger Announcer]

When you're a maintenance engineer in a beverage manufacturing plant, you keep production lines moving and quality on track because there is no room for slowdowns. With Grainger's vast selection of high quality motors, sensors, belts and hard to find parts, you can get what you need fast and all in one place so nothing gets in the way of getting the job done. Call 1-800-GRAINGER clickranger.com or just stop by Grainger for the ones who get it done.