Summary of "The Old Die Rich" by HL Gold

Podcast: Relic Radio Sci-Fi
Episode: The Old Die Rich by Tales Of Tomorrow
Release Date: March 24, 2025

Introduction

"The Old Die Rich" is a gripping science fiction narrative presented in the classic old-time radio format by Relic Radio Sci-Fi. This episode delves into themes of time travel, deception, and the ethical implications of manipulating the past to influence the future. Through the protagonist Mark Weldon’s journey, listeners are taken on a suspense-filled adventure that questions the boundaries of human ingenuity and morality.

Plot Overview

1. The Mysterious Case of Starving Millionaires

The story begins with Mark Weldon, a persistent investigator intrigued by a baffling phenomenon: wealthy elderly individuals committing suicide through starvation despite having substantial financial resources.

• [02:08] Lou Pace: "Old man dead of malnutrition with thousands of dollars in the bank."

Mark is contacted by Lou Pace from Central Hospital about another case. Unlike previous victims, this elderly man is still alive but critically malnourished. Mark becomes obsessive with uncovering the truth behind these peculiar deaths, dismissing the official explanation of "senile psychosis" as too simplistic.

• [03:07] Lou Pace: "Why don't you give it up, Mark?"
• [03:08] Mark Weldon: "What?"
• [03:09] Lou Pace: "Why make a big mystery about something that's perfectly natural."

Dismatisfied with the mundane explanations, Mark discovers an anomaly with the victims' bank books—the ink on the records is chemically recent, suggesting tampering. This discovery propels him deeper into the mystery, leading him to investigate further.

• [03:36] Mark Weldon: "He started mumbling about Ms. Roberts like he was afraid of it."

2. The Encounter with May Roberts

Mark’s investigation leads him to a job advertisement by May Roberts, prompting him to disguise himself as an elderly man to infiltrate her residence. His suspicions are confirmed when he confronts May Roberts, who reveals herself as Mayor Carr and a brilliant physicist responsible for the time manipulation affecting the elderly.

• [07:09] Mark Weldon: "How did you know that?"
• [07:10] Mayor Carr: "I knew you seemed a bit too curious this morning, so I conducted an investigation of my own."

Mayor Carr explains that he uses a time machine to send individuals back to the past, exploiting their knowledge to amass wealth through strategically timed investments and bets. This revelation forces Mark to confront the moral implications of such manipulations.

• [08:14] Mark Weldon: "Ah, your laboratory, eh?"
• [08:16] Mayor Carr: "You might call it that."

3. The Mechanism of Time Manipulation

Mayor Carr introduces Mark to the time machine, coercing him to participate in the scheme. Mark is transported to the year 1931, where he uses envelopes provided by Carr to invest in stocks and place bets, thereby generating substantial wealth. This experience exposes Mark to the mechanics of time travel and its potential for both good and evil.

• [09:00] Mayor Carr: "And I suppose you'd like to be rich. Your."
• [09:03] Mark Weldon: "Is that an offer?"
• [09:04] Mayor Carr: "It's a command."

Mark successfully navigates the past, accumulating wealth and realizing that Carr's operations have broader, more sinister implications.

4. The Grand Deception and True Intentions

Upon returning, Mark learns of Mayor Carr’s true intentions: the Dynapack, a futuristic power source, is central to Carr’s plan to manipulate the 20th century, leading to technological unemployment and perpetual conflict. Carr reveals that May Roberts, his daughter, orchestrated the scheme to avenge her father's rejection and humiliation.

• [13:18] Mayor Carr: "Well, you've already seen how simple it is to make money by sending men back into the past."
• [14:38] Mark Weldon: "Atomic energy?"

Mayor Carr explains that the Dynapacks are essential for the future, but bringing them to the past would destabilize the timeline, leading to disastrous consequences.

• [22:09] May Roberts: "If you returned to the 20th century with a Dynapac, it would revert to a lump of nettles."

5. The Climactic Confrontation

Determined to thwart Carr’s malevolent plans, Mark returns to his present time without the Dynapack information, thereby preventing Carr's scheme from succeeding. In a final confrontation, Mark overcomes Mayor Carr, effectively dismantling the time machine and ensuring the safety of both timelines.

• [25:52] Mark Weldon: "I'd have you all right. Long enough to get my throat slick."
• [27:19] May Roberts: "You just."

Mark contacts his colleague Lou Pace to reveal the truth, but skepticism ensues until they discover the remnants of the time machine, solidifying Mark's account as reality.

Key Themes and Insights

1. Ethical Implications of Time Travel: The story explores the moral dilemmas associated with altering past events for personal gain, highlighting the potential for abuse of such powerful technology.

2. Deception and Manipulation: Mayor Carr’s facade as a benevolent scientist contrasts with his manipulative intentions, emphasizing the dangers of charismatic individuals exploiting technology for nefarious purposes.

3. Human Greed and Desperation: The willingness of individuals to distort or lie about their circumstances to access financial resources underscores the darker aspects of human nature.

4. Sacrifice for the Greater Good: Mark’s decision to forgo personal gain to prevent future chaos illustrates themes of selflessness and responsibility.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [03:24] Mark Weldon: "Nah, that's too pat."

• [04:09] Mark Weldon: "What sort of a container would that be?"

• [07:10] Mayor Carr: "You seem a bit too curious this morning, so I conducted an investigation of my own."

• [09:00] Mayor Carr: "And I suppose you'd like to be rich."

• [13:15] Mark Weldon: "You mean to say you're familiar with the future?"

• [22:30] May Roberts: "That exact nonsense."

• [23:06] May Roberts: "No, Mr. Weldon. She intends to use the Dynapac to enslave your century."

• [25:50] Lou Pace: "Hold it."

• [27:19] Mark Weldon: "I'll switch off the current. Are you all right, Lou? Did you get hurt?"

Conclusion

"The Old Die Rich" masterfully intertwines classic radio storytelling with timeless science fiction elements. Through Mark Weldon's harrowing experience, the episode invites listeners to ponder the profound consequences of time travel and the ethical boundaries of scientific advancement. The narrative not only provides suspense and intrigue but also serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unchecked ambition and the moral responsibilities that come with great power.

Production Credits

• Cast: John Raby, Raleigh Bester, Maurice Tarplin, Raymond Edward Johnson (Omentor)
• Special Effects: Ed Blaney, Bob Prescott
• Engineer: Joe Durante
• Music: Bobby Christian
• Script Adaptation: Michael Sklar

"The Old Die Rich" stands out as a compelling installment in the Relic Radio Sci-Fi series, seamlessly blending nostalgic radio elements with forward-thinking science fiction. It underscores the enduring fascination with time travel and its potential to reshape our understanding of history and morality.