The Relic Radio Show: "Night Beat and Suspense" Episode Summary

Release Date: December 10, 2024
Host: Randy Stone (Voiced by Frank Lovejoy)
Produced by RelicRadio.com

1. Night Beat

Overview: "Night Beat" is a gripping radio drama that follows Randy Stone, a dedicated newspaper reporter, as he navigates the eerie and suspenseful events unfolding in the small town of Pierceville, near Duluth, Minnesota. The story delves into themes of family loyalty, crime, and the dark underbelly of seemingly peaceful communities.

Plot Summary: Randy Stone takes a vacation from his hectic journalism career to relax at a fishing lodge in Duluth. However, his respite is short-lived when he receives an urgent call from his city editor, Mr. Burton, informing him about Einar Pierce, a local man wanted for murder who has recently escaped from the hospital.

Determined to break the story, Randy drives to Pierceville, a town populated predominantly by the Pierce family, who are notoriously unfriendly to outsiders not bearing the Pierce name. Upon arrival, Randy encounters a suspicious atmosphere and limited hospitality, further heightening his sense of unease.

As Randy investigates, he is unexpectedly kidnapped and taken to the Pierce family home by Gus Pierce, the town's self-proclaimed sheriff and Einar's brother. Randy discovers the family's dark secret: they are complicit in protecting Einar from the law, demonstrating deep familial bonds that overshadow moral and legal boundaries.

Throughout his captivity, Randy observes the strained relationships within the Pierce family, particularly between Gus and Einar. The tension culminates during a somber wedding ceremony intended to solidify Einar's place within the family, symbolizing their desperation to keep him from facing justice.

Notable Quotes:

• Randy Stone (00:33):
  "Night Beat Starring Frank Lovejoy as Randy Stone."
  (00:33)

• Randy Stone (01:53):
  "I curse the tentacles of the telephone system that could smoke you out of paradise itself."
  (02:15)

• Mr. Burton (03:10):
  "How are the fish biting? Just fine. I'll tell him you call. Bye."
  (03:10)

• Randy Stone (16:07):
  "I thought you might be sleeping."
  (16:07)

• Randy Stone (26:50):
  "I love you, Nancy, more than you have reason to believe."
  (26:50)

Conclusion: After a tumultuous confrontation involving threats and physical altercations, Randy uncovers the profound loyalty and internal conflicts within the Pierce family. The narrative concludes with Randy reflecting on the complexities of greatness and familial duty, leaving listeners contemplating the moral ambiguities presented.

2. Goodbye, Miss Lizzie Borden

Overview: In the "Suspense" segment titled "Goodbye, Miss Lizzie Borden," listeners are transported to the infamous Lizzie Borden case, reimagined with a twist that keeps the audience on edge. This dramatization explores themes of identity, guilt, and the elusive nature of truth.

Plot Summary: The story centers around Miss Emma, who is embroiled in the haunting legacy of the Lizzie Borden murders. As a reporter from the Cripple Creek Record seeks an exclusive interview with Lizzie Borden to sensationalize the case, Emma becomes entangled in a web of deceit and hidden truths.

Throughout the narrative, Miss Emma grapples with her own concealed motives and past actions related to the murders. The tension escalates as Emma confronts Lizzie, leading to a climactic revelation where Emma admits her culpability in the crimes, challenging the audience's perception of the characters and their moral standings.

Notable Quotes:

• Miss Emma (31:35):
  "I was afraid to say anything. Thought I might get my trunk away with your things before she knew."
  (31:35)

• Miss Lizzie Borden (42:38):
  "I didn't do it."
  (42:38)

• Miss Emma (52:37):
  "You killed them both with the axe?"
  (52:37)

• Miss Lizzie Borden (57:32):
  "No, I didn't kill them."
  (57:32)

• Miss Emma (58:26):
  "All I needed. You ran to the street and I came in and found Father."
  (58:26)

Conclusion: "Goodbye, Miss Lizzie Borden" masterfully intertwines mystery with psychological drama, revealing the layered complexities of its characters. Emma's internal struggles and ultimate confession provide a haunting closure to a year marked by tragedy and unanswered questions, leaving listeners pondering the true nature of justice and redemption.

Production Notes

• Night Beat:

  • Producer/Director: Warren Lewis
  • Writer: Lou Rusoff
  • Music: Frank Worth
  • Cast Highlights: Bill Johnstone (Mr. Pierce), Bill Conrad (Gus Pierce), Lamont Johnson, Harley Bear, Vic Perrin, Helen Mar Van Tyle, Georgia Ellis, Terry Ali (folk singer)

• Goodbye, Miss Lizzie Borden:

  • Producer/Director: Anthony Ellis
  • Writer: Lillian de la Torre
  • Music: Rene Garrigan
  • Conductor: Wilbur Hatch
  • Cast Highlights: Virginia Gregg, Paula Winslow, Irene Tedrow, Helen Kleeb, Leonard Weinrib, Richard Beals

Final Thoughts: This episode of The Relic Radio Show offers a captivating blend of suspense and drama, showcasing timeless radio storytelling at its finest. "Night Beat" and "Goodbye, Miss Lizzie Borden" provide listeners with immersive narratives that explore the depths of human emotion and the complexities of moral dilemmas.

For enthusiasts of old-time radio dramas, this episode is a must-listen, transporting audiences back to the golden age of radio with rich performances and compelling storylines.

Listeners are encouraged to visit RelicRadio.com for more episodes, a Shoutcast stream featuring a vast library of old-time radio shows, and opportunities to support the preservation of these timeless audio treasures.