The Relic Radio Show: Box 13 and The CBS Radio Workshop – Detailed Summary

Release Date: June 10, 2025

Introduction

The Relic Radio Show brings listeners back to the golden age of radio dramas, unearthing timeless audio artifacts that captivated audiences decades ago. This episode features two compelling segments: Box 13 starring Alan Ladd as Dan Holiday, and a unique presentation from The CBS Radio Workshop, titled The Seven Hills. This summary delves into both stories, highlighting key plot points, character dynamics, and memorable dialogues.

Box 13: "Speed to Burn"

Overview

"Speed to Burn" is a thrilling installment of the Box 13 series, where the protagonist, Dan Holiday, becomes entangled in a dangerous syndicate involving stolen cars. The episode masterfully blends suspense, action, and mystery, keeping listeners on the edge of their seats.

Key Characters

• Dan Holiday (Alan Ladd): The resourceful and determined protagonist.
• Nancy Peters (Sylvia Picker): A woman seeking Dan’s help to rescue her brother.
• Tom Peters: Nancy’s brother, caught in the syndicate’s web.
• Swanson: The menacing antagonist leading the syndicate.
• Mike: Swanson’s accomplice, involved in the syndicate’s operations.
• Susie: Nancy’s sister, adding depth to the Peters family dynamic.

Plot Summary

1. The Mysterious Letter ([00:49] - [02:30])

   • Dan Holiday receives an unsigned letter challenging him to a high-speed challenge on Route 36. Intrigued by the impossible feat of maintaining 72 mph alongside a 1938 car moving at 100 mph, Dan decides to take on the challenge.

2. The Encounter ([04:05] - [10:28])

   • Successfully completing the speed test, Dan meets Nancy Peters, who reveals that her brother, Tom, is entangled in a large-scale stolen car syndicate. Despite initial hesitations, Dan agrees to help without monetary incentive, setting the stage for his deeper involvement.

3. Infiltrating the Syndicate ([10:28] - [17:16])

   • Dan secures a job at the Acme Filling Station, the syndicate’s front, under the guise of a mechanic. He immerses himself in automotive repairs, gathering intelligence while maintaining his cover.

4. Deepening the Plot ([17:16] - [16:58])

   • As Dan becomes more integrated, Swanson begins to suspect his true intentions. A pivotal confrontation reveals Swanson’s awareness of Dan’s past, tightening the noose around him and escalating the tension.

5. The Syndicate’s Operations ([16:58] - [20:22])

   • Dan discovers the extent of the syndicate’s operations, including a hidden garage where stolen cars are dismantled and repurposed for criminal activities. His resolve strengthens as he plots to dismantle the operation from within.

6. Climax and Confrontation ([20:22] - [26:33])

   • During a critical bank heist operation, Dan sabotages the syndicate by introducing sugar into the gas tank, causing the getaway car to fail. A fierce confrontation ensues, resulting in Swanson’s downfall and the liberation of Tom Peters.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Holiday: "An unsigned letter. A 1938 car doing a hundred turn. An impossible situation that has to be solved." ([02:30])
• Nancy Peters: "I want you to help my brother." ([05:19])
• Swanson: "You're not a sucker, Holiday. Sit still, make a move, and I'll make a nice round hole in your head with this." ([22:45])
• Dan Holiday: "I grabbed his gun." ([25:55])
• Nancy Peters: "Now that was real smart. But how did you know you were going to be in the car?" ([26:08])

Production Highlights

• Directed by: Richard Sanville
• Story Written by: Albert Wagner (Original Story by Bernard Farrell)
• Music Composed and Conducted by: Rudy Schrager
• Production Manager: Vern Carstenson
• Additional Cast:
  • Susie: Sylvia Picker
  • Mike: [Actor Name]
  • Swanson: [Actor Name]

Box 13: Speed to Burn showcases Alan Ladd’s stellar performance, bringing authenticity and intensity to Dan Holiday’s character. The intricate plot and engaging dialogues capture the essence of classic radio dramas, making it a standout episode.

The CBS Radio Workshop: "The Seven Hills"

Overview

Following the gripping narrative of Box 13, the episode transitions to a creative and educational segment from The CBS Radio Workshop, titled The Seven Hills. This portion serves as a personality sketch of Rome, blending historical insights with fictional elements to explore the city's enduring legacy.

Key Characters

• Mike (Ernest Graves): Narrator attempting to adapt classical Roman literature.
• Susie (Sylvia Picker): Mike’s wife, offering support amid chaotic moments.
• Senor Tullio (Henry E. Fritsch): A mysterious Roman senator guiding the couple through Rome’s history.
• Rufus: An associate involved in black market dealings.

Plot Summary

1. Introduction to Rome’s Heritage ([28:06] - [34:28])

   • Mike indulges in a poetic yet flawed attempt to adapt Virgil’s verses, expressing his struggle with translating ancient texts into modern language. His wife, Susie, provides a grounding presence as they navigate the bustling cityscape.

2. Encounter with Senor Tullio ([34:28] - [48:39])

   • The couple meets Senor Tullio, who introduces himself as Magister Marco Tullio, a reverent figure from ancient Rome. He imparts wisdom about Rome’s Seven Hills and their significance in shaping laws and societal structures.

3. Mystical Interactions and Revelations ([48:39] - [49:15])

   • As Mike and Susie delve deeper into Rome’s historical sites, they experience surreal interactions hinting at the city’s mystical and enduring influence. Senor Tullio provides cryptic advice, urging them to appreciate Rome’s timeless essence.

4. Conclusion and Reflection ([49:15] - [51:03])

   • The segment culminates with reflections on Rome’s impact on modern civilization, intertwining historical facts with the characters’ personal experiences. The narrative underscores the city’s balance between change and tradition.

Notable Quotes

• Senor Tullio: "Nearly every basic concept of law by which the world now lives was formulated, debated, developed, or often bloodily contested in that small historic arena." ([40:08])
• Susie: "What was all that about, Peter?" ([30:31])
• Mike: "We shall see. Valete." ([48:39])
• Senor Tullio: "The soul of a people is an enduring thing, far more resistant to the ravages of time than marble buildings and monuments." ([33:10])

Production Highlights

• Written by: Henry E. Fritsch
• Music Composed and Conducted by: Alfredo Antonini
• Directed and Produced in New York by: Paul Roberts
• Additional Cast:
  • Pete: Ernest Graves
  • Ruth: Leslie Woods
  • Ruth: [Actor Name]
  • Others: Louis Van Rutten, Leon Janney, Danny Ako, Ralph Camargo, Dick Shepherd, Bob O’Connor, Guy Rept, Bill, Bob Dryden, Joe Helgeson

The Seven Hills blend historical education with dramatic storytelling, offering listeners a nuanced portrayal of Rome’s cultural and historical significance. The segment serves as both an entertaining and informative piece, embodying the creative spirit of The CBS Radio Workshop.

Conclusion

This episode of The Relic Radio Show masterfully juxtaposes the high-octane adventure of Box 13 with the intellectual and atmospheric exploration of The CBS Radio Workshop. Alan Ladd’s portrayal of Dan Holiday brings depth and heroism to the crime drama, while the subsequent sketch provides a reflective homage to Rome’s timeless influence. Together, these segments highlight the rich tapestry of old-time radio, preserving its legacy for new audiences to appreciate.

Additional Information

For more episodes and a vast collection of old-time radio shows, visit relicradio.com. Support the preservation of classic radio drama by donating through their website or tuning into their Shoutcast stream. Stay tuned for next week’s episode featuring another mystery on Case Closed.