The Avenger by Macabre

Summary

The Horror! (Old Time Radio)

Episode: The Avenger by Macabre
Airdate: May 30, 2026 (originally aired December 18, 1961)
Host: RelicRadio.com

---

Episode Overview

This special episode of The Horror! features the suspenseful radio drama "The Avenger" from the short-lived, but celebrated, Macabre series, produced by the Far East Network of the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. In tonight's chilling tale, a successful mystery writer comes to believe he is the target of a supernatural curse following an ill-advised intrusion into a sacred temple in Africa. As uncanny events unfold and paranoia deepens, the story ventures into the shadowy boundary between the rational and the supernatural—leaving listeners questioning: Can fate, vengeance, or fear itself be the most terrifying force of all?

---

Key Discussion Points and Events

1. The Setup: A Visit and Escalating Fear

[01:48-09:43]

• Dr. Burton Hale is reading at home when his old friend, Dan Forrest, bursts in, panicked that something is after him.
• Dan describes three highly suspicious attempts on his life: a cab tries to run him down, a near miss with a falling beam at a construction site, and a gunshot—each event becoming more unnerving.
• Dan confides his fear that these are not coincidences. He flashes back to a year prior on an African expedition where both he and a colleague, Jeff Clayton, explored a forbidden native temple despite warnings.

Dan Forrest ([05:55]): "I'm not superstitious. Don't believe in all that stuff anyway. Doc, I don't think it has any connection."

• Dan reveals the tribe either executes offenders on the spot or sends an avenger to exact mystical revenge, sometimes tracking victims across continents, believing he is now being hunted following the "curse of twelve moons."
• Dr. Hale initially dismisses Dan's belief as paranoia, but, after hearing the evidence, proposes to consult an expert on tribal lore.

2. Shadows and Pursuit

[10:12-11:57]

• At a dance with his girlfriend Joanne, Dan is haunted by the sense of being watched; a stranger briefly occupies their table.
• Dan abruptly sends Joanne home, warning her in veiled terms about danger. He later receives an ominous, silent phone call, intensifying his fear.

3. Seeking Answers: The Museum and the Test

[13:27-16:28]

• Dr. Hale and Dan visit Professor Marengo, an expert in African superstitions, who confirms the deadly seriousness with which these curses are held.
• Marengo introduces Princess Oolonga, a mute survivor of the same tribe, to test whether the death prayer is upon Dan. The results are inconclusive—but she implies it's not the prayer, but possibly an avenger sent after him.

Professor Marengo ([16:18]): "If the princess is right, it does not mean you are safe. It means they have used an alternate plan and dispatched an Avenger."

4. The Mentalist’s Warning

[18:59-21:31]

• The trio visits “Great Cardona”, a stage mentalist and Joanne’s former classmate, for insight. Cardona, using a trance, confirms glimpses of the “curse of twelve moons” and issues a chilling premonition:

Great Cardona ([21:31]): “I ask you a question, my friend. I am sorry for you. For both of you. … The angel of death. You will die tonight."

5. The Final Vigil

[21:32-25:58]

• Dan isolates himself in a locked, dark hotel room, speaking to Dr. Hale over the phone, gun at the ready, tormented by fears of what form the avenger will take.
• He receives repeated calls from Cardona, Professor Marengo, Princess Oolonga, and Joanne, all pleading with him but simultaneously deepening his paranoia as he considers whether the threat will come from an enemy or a friend.

6. The Climax: Confrontation With the Self

[25:17-27:22]

• Joanne calls up to his window from the street, insisting the killer is already in his room—intensifying the atmosphere with the sense the danger is internal.
• Dan’s phobia reaches its peak as he experiences auditory hallucinations: native chants, the smell of the jungle, and a struggle that seems to pit him against himself.

Dan Forrest ([26:44]): “This isn't real. I can't be struggling with myself. I'm not my own avenger. But my hand, the knife moving towards—”

• In the final moments, Dan seemingly succumbs, overtaken by the avenger—whether supernatural or the darkness within.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dr. Hale ([04:08]): "Dan, people need reasons to kill. You've never hurt anyone in your whole life. You're alarmed over a set of coincidences."
• Professor Marengo ([15:41]): "By these methods [spells and death prayers], they have been known to kill halfway around the world."
• Dan Forrest ([27:03]): "I've sealed myself in a tomb... What a fool I've been. Strap myself to the death chair..."
• Joanne ([25:46]): "Darling, can't you hear me? There isn't any time left. We're coming up. The killer is already in your room."

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:48] – Opening narration & Dan's story begins
• [05:25] – Flashback: The African temple incident
• [10:12] – The dance & feeling of being watched
• [13:27] – Meeting Professor Marengo & Princess Oolonga
• [18:59] – Consulting Great Cardona, the mentalist
• [21:32] – Dan’s final vigil in the hotel room
• [25:17] – Joanne's warning; the psychological climax
• [27:22] – Dan's ultimate confrontation and ambiguous fate

---

Tone and Style

The episode seamlessly blends a classic, suspenseful narrative voice ("Man lives in a world of time and space... When he ventures beyond this limit, he is in the unknown" [01:48]) with the natural, sometimes terse dialogue of the characters. The drama’s oppressive sense of fate and paranoia is accentuated by the interplay of skepticism and belief, realism and superstition—a hallmark of classic horror radio.

---

Summary

"The Avenger" expertly taps into ancient fears: the power of curses, guilt, and the uncanny. While the story’s close leaves as many questions as it answers, the brooding atmosphere and ambiguous climax (was Dan destroyed by a supernatural agent, a cunning assassin, or his own unraveling mind?) keeps the chills going long after the episode ends.

If you enjoy tales where the line between real and unreal is blurred, and where the fear is as much in the mind as in the dark, this one is not to be missed.

---

End of Summary

Transcript

[A]

Oh, stories. Real stories. And murders too. Turn out your legs. Turn them out. Good evening. Come in, won't you? What's the matter? Surely you're not nervous. But anyway, we are meant to call from out of the past. Stories, strange and weird tales of mystery and terror by radio's masters of the maa. Story of the supernatural, the supernormal dramatized night fantasy, the mystery of the unknown. We tell you this Frank, frankly. So if you wish to avoid the excitement of these magnetic play, we urge you our latest series to turn off your radio.

[B]

Welcome back to the horror 19 years of old fashioned fear every Saturday@ RelicRadio.com. if you'd like to help support this and all of the relic radio shows, visit donate. Relicradio.com or click on that support link in the show notes. Thanks to those who have thanks for joining me this week we'll hear from Macabre this time. A production of the Far East Network of the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. It produced nine episodes. It aired from November 13, 1961 to January 8 of 1962. We'll hear the December 18, 1961 episode titled The Avenger.

[A]

Man lives in a world of time and space. He lives in a spectrum of the universe. When he ventures beyond this limit, he is in the unknown. A realm where strange forcements are brought into play. When man attempts to misuse these horsements, he is sometimes destroyed. This is Macabre. The Far East Network presents in special performance Macabre Tonight's story the Avenger. The night is warm and dark, except for the moon vainly trying to pierce a thickening sky. There is a lonely light in the library window at Hale Manor. Outside in the vinespoon garden, a dark figure steals quietly to the flagstone terrace, pauses as if sniffing a scent and then moves in an animal crouch toward the light in the window. Dr. Burton Hale sits in the library reading, unaware that had he glanced at the window he might have seen something pass. Something with a frightful look. Something that now was trying the knob of the French doors leading from the terrace to the library. Who's there? Who's there? I say. Strange. It sounded like snowing on the terrace. Perhaps I'd better see. Is anyone out there? Who is on this terrace? Dan Forrest. Dan walked up. Quick. Let me in. What's wrong with you, Dan? Trying to talk. Lock the door. Turn out the light. Now just a minute. Do as I say, Doc. Good. It's better. You see anything out the window? What am I supposed to look for? I'm serious. Something tried to kill me. I barely made it over here. You're overwrought. Sit down then. I'll get you a sedative. I'm a friend in trouble, not a patient. Doc, have you been drinking? That's a great idea. Scotch. Make it big. All right. You could use one. Have a seat. I'll be with you in the middle. Yeah, thanks. I'm not trying to pry you, Dan, but I really think you owe me an explanation. Yeah, I do. I've known you 20 years. You're as sound as a dollar. What makes you think that someone is trying to kill you? Judge for yourself. Started yesterday morning. I was crossing 3rd Avenue. I just stepped off the curb and a parked cab tried to run me down. Oh, coincidence. Wait, there's more. Today had a construction project. A beam slipped from a crane, almost crushed me. Dan, accidents will happen. It doesn't stop there. Tonight I left my hotel room about 8. I walked past a dark alley. A shot rang out. Bullet missed by inches. I hopped into my car, made a bad dash for your place. But whatever is after me followed is out there in your garden. All this shot may have been a backfire with a ricochet. Have you any idea who it might be? No. Dan, people need reasons to kill. You've never hurt anyone in your whole life. You're alarmed over a set of coincidences. I tell you something. Followed me here. Could have been a policeman's. You know, you did look like a burglar. I was afraid I'd be a target in front, so I came through the garden. What's that? Came from the terrace. Where are you going? Stay back. I'll have a look. What do you see? Be quiet, Dan. Was it anything? Couldn't tell. Flower pot overturned. Probably just a dog. Sure. Dog's gonna climb that eight foot wall out there. You won't be satisfied until I call the police. No, we can't do that. Then there's something you haven't told me. That's right. Document. If attempts are being made in your life, they must be stopped. I didn't want to believe this myself. Now it's clear. You remember the trip I made to Africa last year? Yes. You were doing research for a book. We had stopped for the night at the edge of a village deep in the jungle. After supper, I decided to go for a walk. It was a hot, stifling night. Another member of our party, Jeff Clayton from London, joined me. For some reason, our conversation drifted. In this section, they don't seem unfriendly, but one never can tell. That's why I pack an automatic on field trips such as this. Just the case. We've walked far enough, Jeff. They want to get too far from camp. All right. Better start back. Mosquitoes starting in. You know, speaking of natives, we haven't seen a single one tonight. They don't see many white men in this area. They're very likely avoiding us. Wait a quarter. Trees. Flash a light over there. Right. Huh? Huh. Looks like a temple. Come on, let's see what it is. Take these, Dan. They are sometimes sticky about their temples. Just have a look. No harm in that. No, I guess not. Where do you suppose they got all the white stone? Stolen. White. Well, built for a primitive native tribe. You might say so. They can be deucedly clever in certain ways. Look here, I don't mean to cry wolf, but the. The missing natives are not. Not so missing now. Two are staring from those bushes. Tell them we're just admiring their craftsmanship. Let's go inside. Have a 10. One of the natives is motioning to us. Don't go in. Danny's waving you up. I told you they'd be sticky about this. Entertain him, Jeff. He's more your type. Take on him. I'll just glance inside. Don't, Dan, come back. There'll be trouble. You're violating their sacred temple. Well, now you've done it. I don't know what they're chanting, but it's no love of my. Quick. Come out of their den. Come on, get out of their temple. Death. Remarkable structure from the middle of the jungle. Let's make a break for him. Uh oh. They've stopped the chant. An old man in a robe is walking toward us. White man go in sacred temple. White man evil. He speaks good English. A strawberry. Taught by a missionary. Only spirits go in temple. White men die. Here comes that old hokum. Spirit's angry. Say a white man died 12 full moons. I say, old man, let's get back to the camp before they get past. Promised to return. Return to the camp? I didn't give it any further thought. I'm not superstitious. Believe in all that stuff anyway. Document? I don't think it has any connection. Is that all? Not quite. In researching the temple, I'll learn something else about this particular tribe that might have a bearing. When anyone harms them, they either kill him on the spot or send a sort of avenger to perform a ceremonial execution rite. They track one man to South America. I forgot the whole thing until yesterday. It looks as if they didn't though Tomorrow is the 12th full moon since I went into that temple. From all appearances, something is after me. Have you told anyone else about these attacks on your life? No. There were no witnesses. The police would say coincidence, and so would I. You're a fine mystery writer. Why don't you leave the plots on the bookshelves where they belong? I know. That's why I've kept it to myself. I don't want to be a laughingstock. Just think, mystery writer Daniel Forest Takes plot seriously, runs from the avenger instead of critics. Good boy, Dan. Say, where's Joanne? Waiting, I guess. I was on my way to see her when I panicked over the shot. Why don't you keep the date? Yeah, I think I will. And thanks for listening to my troubles. Forget the other. It's sheer nonsense. What if it happens again? Then we might assume, might, mind you, that your life is in danger.

[C]

You dance divinely, darling.

[A]

Yeah, I guess I do dance.

[C]

Are you all right?

[A]

Huh?

[C]

You seem a thousand miles away tonight.

[A]

Look, young lady, I'm relaxing. Close your eyes. Enjoy the music.

[C]

You never did say why you were so late.

[A]

Joanne, I have other things to do besides court you. I was busy, Sky.

[C]

Speaking of Corti, we've known each other four months. We had planned to set a date.

[A]

I hadn't forgotten. You'll have to wait a few days until I settle something.

[C]

My poor darling, you are worried. Tell me what it is.

[A]

No, it's nothing, really.

[C]

Then hold me close. You can't dance and worry too.

[A]

Joanne, I do love you.

[C]

I might allow you to kiss me if you've tried. Dan, was anyone supposed to meet you here tonight?

[A]

Of course not. What a ridiculous question.

[C]

I felt watched all evening.

[A]

I told you not to wear that dress.

[C]

I'm serious. Isn't that someone sitting in our table?

[A]

Yeah. Would be in the shadows. Can't tell whether it's a man or woman. Come on.

[C]

Such a crowd on the dance floor. Pardon us, please. May we get through?

[A]

Hang on. Haltwish. We're in a hurry. Let us buy, please.

[C]

There's our table. Dan. It's empty. They've gone.

[A]

That's strange. We both saw someone sitting there, didn't we?

[C]

I thought so.

[A]

I could just have seen who.

[C]

Look, a burning cigarette. There was someone here.

[A]

American brand. Doesn't tell us a thing.

[C]

Dan, please. Is there anything wrong?

[A]

I have to admit, Joanne, I'm afraid there is.

[C]

What is it, darling?

[A]

Take a cab and go straight home.

[C]

Without you?

[A]

Go ahead. I'll call in the morning and explain.

[C]

But, Dan, I don't understand.

[A]

You want to get home, don't you?

[C]

Yes, of course.

[A]

Go, Joanne, while you can. Before they decide to get you to. Never fails. DEAD OF NIGHT Hello? Hello? Phone did ringing. Hello? What? Hung up. It was someone. Hello? Who are you? Hello? May I help you? Who is this? The night clerk, sir. Have you finished a call? What call? What the devil are you talking about? Someone phoned you, sir. I rang your room and left the line when you answered. Who was it? I'm sorry, sir. They didn't say. Who didn't say? A man or woman? Really, sir. It was a horse vice. I couldn't say. Always get their names first. You understand? Yes, sir. Anything else, sir? Yeah, get me Plymouth 50067. Yes, sir. Call it imagination if you like. No mistake. Now they're after me. Who could it be? I haven't the slightest idea. Hello? Hi, Doc. Dan. Oh, are you all right? Yeah, but they're closing in. Any further developments? Watched us all evening. Someone just called me in my hotel room. Oh, who hung up without speaking? I have no idea. Still doesn't prove anything. Dan might be a prankster. No one else knows anything about the temple episode except you and Clayton. Hmm. That's true. Tell you what. There's a little museum on the east side. Specializes in African tribal relics. Run by Professor Maringo. We'll go there in the morning. This professor is an authority on native superstitions. He may be able to help. Thanks, Doc. And then, assuming what you said is true, we won't take any chances. Lock the windows and door. When I pick you up tomorrow, I want to find you alive. Yes? Professor Marengo. Oh, Dr. Hale and Mr. Forrest. Come in, come in. We'll try not to take too much of your time. No, Todd. Won't you sit down? Ah, thank you. I told you the basic problem on the phone. Mr. Forrest here can fill you in further. I've read your books, Mr. Forrest. Very good. Yes, indeed. What is happening to you is like a book come true. Improbable, but true. Are you familiar with the tribe I offended? Let me say I know something of them. The fact they are primitive in no way dulls the intensity for their way of life. They are quiet, unassuming people, fervent believers in their own etiology. Mr. Forest, do you know what spells and death prayers are? I have an idea. They are very real. Indulged in by these primitive people, by these methods. They have been known to kill halfway around the world. I'm not saying you are under attack. However, if you Violated the temple. You will not go free. A curse of 12 moons means you will die on the night of the twelfth full moon. Or, pardon the direct reference, tonight. I'm not telling you this will happen. I am. I'm only saying it is possible. You think they meant what they said? I'm afraid they do. I can tell you in a few moments if you are under a prayer of debt. Princess Oolonga lives with me. I rescued her from this same tribe. She became an outcast for some reason and was about to be killed. Princess, come here. My dear Princess, this is Daniel Forest. How do you do? Excuse me. Before I could rescue her, they had cut out her tongue. God, you, Lord. Mr. Forest violated your tribe's sacred temple. They have cursed him with death. Do you feel a spell on him?

[C]

Oh ye Lord.

[A]

She says she will test. Why is she stirring? Why doesn't she tell us? What are they doing to me? Princess, do you feel the death prayer? For God's sake, ask her to hurry. She says if they chant the prayer of death, she cannot feel it. That means I'm free. Doc, you hear that? Let's pick up Joanne. I promised I'd tell her as soon as we found out. Not to rejoice so hastily. Mr. Forest, this test is not conclusive. But if the princess is right, it does not mean you are safe. It means they have used an alternate plan and dispatched an Avenger. Well, right back where we started, eh? But there's still no evidence they plan to harm you. Maybe this is all wasted motion. We're taking it too seriously. What if they do? Then you're in a peculiar position, Dan. The Avenger may be a perfect stranger or anyone you've met in the past year. You'll have to be on guard against everyone. Even Joanne? Even Joanne. My God, it's frightening. Doc, where are you meeting Joanne? At the Low state. The theater? Yes. Great Cardona. A mentalist is playing there. An old classmate of Joanne's. I thought he might be able to help me. I asked her to arrange an interview. Uh oh. What's the matter? Count me in. What? I had to be sure, Dan. Now I am. You're not making sense. We're being followed. Where? Black sedan, sir. Second car back. Can't tell who's in it. Keep your appointment with Cardona, then go to your hotel and stay there. I'll check with you later. If they move in, it'll be tonight. I'm glad you're with me. I'm a doctor. I'm with anyone. Dan, who's fighting for his life. Ah, you must be Mr. Forrest. I am Richard Cardona. How do you do? Joanne mentioned your problem. Would you step into my dressing room, please? And how have you been, Joanne?

[C]

Fine, thank you.

[A]

Be seated. What can I do for you, Mr. Forrest?

[C]

Dan's in real trouble. He needs help.

[A]

Dick, I'll do what I can. Ask me a question. I am a mentalist. All right. I think I'm being followed. Yes, you are. Who is it? That is not clear. I can't tell. Go on. Are they connected with an African native tribe? I see. Natives? I would say yes. What are the natives doing? They are busy. Busy at what? Coming from a great distance. Hard to make it out.

[C]

Please try. Dick, we have to know.

[A]

What are they doing. Be perfectly still for a few moments. I'm quite tired, you know. Too tired really to perform feats of this kind. I'll concentrate once again. This time we may learn something. There is the village again. And a group of natives. They are chanting and dancing before a white temple. Yes, a white temple. The rite is called there. It fades again. What is it called? Do not interrupt. It is called. Hmm, strange name. The curse of the 12 moons. Oh, this couldn't possibly concern you, Mr. Forest. I shouldn't invade the privacy of the right. What else can you see? It's merely a death watch common to the natives of the jungle. They're avenging themselves against an evil doer. Just a moment. I may be able to see more. Let me slip into a deeper trance. You really went into it. Deep one. Look how pale he is.

[C]

That's dangerous. Dick. Please be careful.

[A]

What's he staring at?

[C]

Dick, stop it. Come out of it.

[A]

I. I'm all right. What did you see? Joanne, do you love this man?

[C]

Yes, I do.

[A]

I ask you a question, my friend. I am sorry for you. For both of you. What did you see? The angel of death. You will die tonight. Hello, Dan. Any sign yet? No, Doc. Very quiet here. Good. Now stay in that hotel room and don't let anyone in, understand? Your life may well depend on it, Doc. The windows and doors are locked. Parakeeted. I'm sitting in the dark by the phone. If someone should get in, this.45 automatic will end his troubles. I'm across the street from your hotel at an all night lunch counter. Your room is on the third floor. I can see the windows. I'll watch from here and call you back in case something does make a try for you. It's 11:30. Be careful and stay awake. I'm not likely to do anything else. Thanks, Doc. Don't let anyone in. That's very important. You've got to be realistic, Dan. We don't know who it is. I know. Good luck, my boy. Thanks. Goodbye, Doc. Doc's right. I'm in worse shape than a prisoner in the gas chamber. At least he knows who's going to kill him. How and when. All I can do is sit in the dark and wait. He may be my best friend. Anybody I've met since the trip last year. So Cinch will try to get me through someone. If it's someone I don't know, he'll come through the windows of door. If it's someone I do, he'll phone from the lobby, try to come up. I just have to wait to see which it is. Full moon shining through the window shade. Curse of the 12 moons. Damn those superstitions. I didn't mean to hurt them. Why can't they forgive and forget? It's primitive gangsterism. That's it. Someone wanted to come up. I'm almost afraid to find out. Hello? Hello, Mr. Forrest? This is Richard Cardona. I am in the lobby of your hotel. I must see you at once. I'll bet he'd like to. I'm sorry, I can't be disturbed tonight. You're going to be executed in a matter of moments. I may be able to help. Good night, Mr. Cardona. And don't try to come up first. Try. He may be the one. Can't be sure, but we'll know. If he knocks on that door, I'll blast him to kingdom come. I'm waiting, Mr. Cardona. We'll see who's to be executed tonight. Cardinal again? Now look, you have no time to talk. I'm Profess Mariko. Princess Oolonga and I are in the lobby. I warned you. I won't listen to a thing. We've got the curse. You are marked for death. We are coming up. If you do, I'll kill you. That doesn't make sense. The three of them couldn't be mixed up in this. Or could they? Lord, so quiet up here. I know it's my imagination. I can almost make out headgear. Natives. Witch doctors watching from across the room. Smells like leaves, flowers. Jungle. Oh God. It's not real. I could only turn on the light to be sure. Who? Who's that?

[C]

Dan. Dan, it's Joanne. You've got to talk to me, not Joanne too. Can't be, darling. Dr. Hale is with me in the lobby.

[A]

Oh, God. Both of them.

[C]

Dan. Dan. I Know you're there. Talk to me, please. We're all down here together. Dan. Don't be afraid. They're going to get you. But not through us.

[A]

Not through them. Of course not. What a fool I've been. I've sealed myself in a tomb.

[C]

Darling, can't you hear me? There isn't any time left. We're coming up. The killer is already in your room.

[A]

Already here? Of course. For God's sake.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

Hurry, Joanne. I see. Played right into their hands. Strap myself to the death chair. Quick. The light. What's that? Native chant of death in this room. No. Stop. I've got a gun. Go ahead. Dad. My voice. Where are you? Right here. It's. Who are you? Man is really in tr. I'm safe. I'm de. You are commissioned to kill you. I don't believe you that. You're right, man. It dropped the gun. Now it reaches for the butcher. Tonight you used to cut more. No, it won't. I'm stronger than you against the fair. You're a weak dad. You should have spent more times developing your. This isn't real. I can't be struggling with myself. I'm not my own avenger. But my hand, the knife moving towards.

[C]

No.

[A]

The prayer of death has ended. And so have. You have just heard Macabre, a special Far east network presentation. Tonight's story was the Avenger. In our cast were John Bui as Dr. Hale, June Elliott as Joanne, William Verdier as Dan and Walt Sheldon as Professor Marengo. The Great Cardona was Milton Radmilovich and Airman First Class James Connolly was the hotel clerk. Technical Supervision by Airman First Class Larry Dooley with sound patterns by Airman First Class James Conley. This is Air Force Sergeant Al LePage speaking. Macabre was written and directed by William Burdier. Macabre comes to you each week at this time through the worldwide facilities of the United States Armed Forces Radio and Television Service. Sa. Sam.

[B]

That's the Horror for this week, but there's a lot more Old time radio@ Relic Radio.com More from Macabre, more from the Horror and all of the other podcasts and our shoutcast stream with even more Old Time Radio, all made possible by your support. Give that donate button a click. Thanks again to those who have. Thanks for joining me this week. I'll be back tomorrow with Strange Tales and next Saturday with our next episode of the Horror.