The Horror! (Old Time Radio)

Episode: "A Man’s Worth" by Beyond Midnight

Date: January 3, 2026
Podcast Host: RelicRadio.com

Episode Overview

This week's "The Horror!" explores the boundaries of fear, morality, and the supernatural through the chilling South African radio play "A Man’s Worth" from Beyond Midnight. The episode delves into the unsettling notion of a clandestine society that determines a person's value not by their deeds, but by wishing certain people dead—with frighteningly high success. Both a meditation on power and a psychological thriller, the story challenges the listener: How far would you go for what you think is justice? What if simply wishing could kill?

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Introduction to “A Man’s Worth”

• Host gives background on Beyond Midnight, a South African horror anthology series (01:02).
• Episode originally aired October 3, 1969, written and produced by Michael McCabe.

2. Burton Grumberg’s Reflection on Enemies

• Opens with the phrase: "A man's worth can be judged by the caliber of his enemies."
• Burton Grumberg, the central character, is a man who defines himself by his adversaries and success in ruthless business competition (02:02–03:50).
• He boasts: “I’m rich in enemies. Some of them are 24 carat.” (04:13)

3. Personal Dynamics at Home

• Burton’s wife, Jean, discusses the comparisons between Burton and his rival Whitman Hayes, a seasoned food executive and frequent adversary (05:43–06:39).
• Notably, Burton sees Hayes's age and reluctance to retire as both a challenge and an opportunity for his own advancement.

4. Invitation from the Society for United Action

• Burton receives a mysterious letter from Carl Tucker, secretary of the “Society for United Action," known to neither him nor public listings (08:23).
• The letter hints at an unusual mission and requests a private discussion.

5. The Society’s Ominous Philosophy

• In a confidential meeting, Carl Tucker reveals the society’s “first principle”:
  • "Some people are just not fit to live." (12:20)
• Tucker explains the group is not a charity, not criminal—simply a secretive service focused on identifying and wishing death upon those deemed unworthy.

6. Mechanics of the Death Wish

• Tucker recounts the society’s origin:
  • Began with two men angered by a gross miscarriage of justice.
  • Inspired by voodoo tradition and the power of belief, they would wish someone dead, informing the target and watching as superstition and suggestion took hold.
  • “This little band of pioneers was the nucleus of the society I represent today.” (18:51)
• To date, over 229 victims have been targeted, with 201 dying mysteriously; the rest are considered “pending.” (23:49)
  • Tucker claims: “In the end we shall get them all.” (23:59)

7. Burton’s Moral Quandary and Ultimate Turn

• Burton is offered membership by submitting a target and paying a modest fee. He’s fascinated, recognizing that the real “power” is psychological:
  • “Just knowing that a thousand people wish you dead is enough to... well, enough to…” (25:38)
• The sinister twist comes when Tucker informs Burton that his own “death wish” began at noon that day—he himself is the target.
  • “Your death wish began at noon today. The façade has begun to work. I’m very sorry.” (27:20)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Burton Grumberg:
  “How many enemies have I got? How many? I’ve got a lot of enemies. I’m rich in enemies.” (04:13)

• Carl Tucker:
  “Some people are just not fit to live. There. I said it.” (12:20)

• Jean (on Hayes):
  “I’m very proud that you’ve done far better than he has and will do far greater things. He is, after all, twice your age.” (05:51)

• Carl Tucker (explaining the voodoo logic):
  “It was the guilty person’s own convictions concerning the power of the death wish... This made the wish come true.” (17:51)

• Carl Tucker:
  “201 out of 229. ...In the end we shall get them all.” (23:59)

• Tucker’s twist reveal:
  “Your death wish began at noon today. The façade has begun to work. I’m very sorry.” (27:20)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction & Series Context: 01:02–02:02
• Burton’s Philosophy on Enemies: 02:02–04:13
• Burton & Jean on Rivalry: 05:43–06:39
• Letter from Society for United Action: 08:23–09:12
• First Meeting with Carl Tucker: 12:00–13:40
• Explanation of Society’s Origins: 15:55–19:50
• Death Wish Success Rate / Society Mechanics: 23:49–25:38
• Twist—Burton is the Target: 27:20

Tone & Style

The episode is steeped in suspense and moral ambiguity, with crisp, pointed dialogue and an undercurrent of dark satire, particularly in Burton’s ruthless self-regard and the society’s matter-of-fact approach to murder by suggestion.

Summary

“A Man’s Worth” is a taut, chilling meditation on power, paranoia, and the psychological levers of fear. Using the device of a secret society that weaponizes group malice through ritualized death wishes, the story leads the overconfident Burton to ultimately become the hunted rather than the hunter. With memorable performances and a masterful twist ending, the episode raises questions about accountability, the nature of evil, and the deadly consequences of collective belief.

Listeners who enjoy dramatized tales that blend the supernatural with the disturbingly plausible—and stories where the tables are fatefully turned—will find this episode a haunting, thought-provoking listen.