Incident in Ceylon – A Detailed Summary

Relic Radio Thrillers presents a gripping Old Time Radio adventure titled "Incident in Ceylon," performed by Theater Five. Released on June 27, 2025, this episode masterfully intertwines elements of mystery, suspense, and espionage, set against the exotic backdrop of Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka). The narrative delves into themes of superstition, betrayal, and the clash between Western rationality and local beliefs.

Setting the Scene

The story unfolds in a grand tea plantation in Ceylon, owned by Mary and her husband, Peter, alongside their loyal servant, Fonseca. The serene environment belies the tension building within the household, as unexplained accidents suggest the presence of a curse.

Rising Tensions and Superstitions

The plot thickens when a heavy Buddha statue inexplicably falls, nearly causing harm to Carol, presumably Mary and Peter's daughter or a close family member. This incident ignites a heated debate between Carol and Mary:

• Carol: "That thing there on the floor. I could have been killed. I was meant to be killed. And you say it isn't true." ([02:03])
• Mary: "I'm saying a fallen statue does not prove black magic. Nothing that's happened proves it. And this doesn't either." ([02:10])

Carol firmly believes that the accidents are manifestations of a curse, while Mary, a long-time resident of Ceylon, attributes them to natural causes and human error. This ideological clash sets the stage for the unfolding drama.

Unveiling the Suspicion

As the incidents continue—such as slashed clothing and near-fatal accidents—Carol becomes increasingly paranoid, suspecting black magic and witchcraft. Mary remains skeptical, urging logical explanations and blaming recent tensions, such as Carol being sacked earlier, for the misfortunes.

Key exchanges highlight the growing mistrust:

• Carol: "There is [a curse], and it's happened to me." ([02:26])
• Mary: "Why did it break? When I was under it that very minute, something made it fall something evil." ([03:19])

Mary's attempts to rationalize the events are met with Carol's unwavering belief in a supernatural cause, further straining their relationship.

The Descent into Obsession

Peter, caught between his wife's fears and the challenges of living in Ceylon, expresses his desperation:

• Peter: "I hate Ceylon. I hate this plantation. Please, please sell it." ([03:36])

Mary, invested both emotionally and financially in the plantation, struggles to alleviate Peter's distress, which only deepens as accidents persist.

Fonseca's Role and Shifting Loyalties

Fonseca, the faithful servant, becomes a pivotal character as suspicions shift towards him. Carol accuses him of orchestrating the accidents:

• Carol: "He's paid a witch doctor or somebody. Out there in the garden there's an evil little capsule buried." ([04:07])
• Fonseca: "I speak, Master. Well, is best if lady go." ([05:48])

Mary assigns Fonseca the task of finding a witch woman to dispel the curse, highlighting her desperation:

• Mary: "I'll bring the police too. These brakes aren't holding right." ([05:48])

As the story progresses, Fonseca's loyalty is called into question, especially after Carol's maid, Nona, disappears, adding layers of mystery and betrayal.

Climactic Confrontation

The tension culminates during a fateful drive orchestrated by Mary, intended to fetch a fingerprint expert and involve the police. However, the brakes fail, leading to a tragic accident where Mary is killed:

• Fonseca: "Master. He's dead. Motor car kill." ([17:14])
• Carol: "Your dress is torn... You did this tonight." ([17:30])

The revelation exposes Carol's true intentions. She confesses to orchestrating the accidents and the accident itself to eliminate Mary and gain control over the plantation:

• Carol: "I gave master every chance he wouldn't sell the plantation. I had to kill him." ([18:23])
• Fonseca: "Fonseca will be master now. And lady be wife to Fonsece for you, man." ([19:07])

Resolution and Aftermath

In the aftermath, Carol negotiates with Fonseca for financial gain and complete control, manipulating him with promises of wealth:

• Carol: "20,000 rupees. You understand?" ([18:41])
• Fonseca: "Do not want rupees. Do not want dollars. Tea plantation, lady." ([19:05])

Carol's betrayal and the ensuing tragedy underscore the destructive power of greed and superstition, leaving listeners reflecting on the fine line between belief and manipulation.

Notable Quotes

• Carol's Determination: "I could have been killed. I was meant to be killed." ([02:03])
• Mary's Rationality: "A fallen statue does not prove black magic." ([02:10])
• Peter's Desperation: "I hate Ceylon. I hate this plantation. Please, please sell it." ([03:36])
• Carol's Confrontation: "You're afraid of everything these days. Death." ([09:07])
• Final Betrayal: "I had to kill him." ([18:23])

Conclusion

"Incident in Ceylon" is a compelling narrative that skillfully blends suspense with psychological drama. Through its well-developed characters and intricate plot, the episode explores themes of superstition versus rationality, loyalty versus betrayal, and the devastating consequences of obsession. Theater Five's adept storytelling ensures that listeners are thoroughly engaged, making this episode a standout in the Relic Radio Thrillers series.