The Relic Radio Show: Night Beat and The Columbia Workshop

Release Date: May 27, 2025
Host/Author: RelicRadio.com
Description: Unearthing audio artifacts from radio's golden age, featuring a variety of old-time radio genres including horror, science fiction, comedy, and adventure.

Introduction

In this episode of The Relic Radio Show, host RelicRadio.com takes listeners on a nostalgic journey through two classic radio segments: Night Beat and The Columbia Workshop. The episode delves into gripping crime dramas and thought-provoking narratives, showcasing the rich storytelling of radio's golden era.

Night Beat: "The Black Cat"

Broadcast Date: November 3, 1950
Cast Highlight: Frank Lovejoy as Randy Stone

Plot Overview

"The Black Cat" is a suspenseful crime drama set in the gritty streets of Chicago. The protagonist, Randy Stone, a dedicated reporter for the Chicago Star, is on the trail of a mysterious murder tied to a menacing black cat. As Stone navigates the rainy, dimly lit alleys of the Madison District, he encounters a web of deceit, madness, and supernatural elements that blur the lines between reality and the eerie folklore surrounding the black cat.

Key Characters and Developments

• Randy Stone (Frank Lovejoy): A tenacious reporter determined to uncover the truth behind the Halloween killing of Nick Corby.

• Mike: A disturbed individual with a gun, driven by a twisted sense of justice.

• Mrs. Corby: The grieving wife of the murdered Nick Corby, whose sanity is questioned as she blames the black cat for her husband's death.

• Mr. Bay Dell: An eccentric accordion player with a hidden agenda, adding another layer of mystery to the case.

Notable Scenes and Quotes

• Randy Stone's Determination:
  [01:17] Frank Lovejoy: "Night Beat, starring Frank Lovejoy as Randy Stone."

• Describing the Black Cat:
  [01:28] Randy Stone: "It was on the corner of Martin Street. Two or three shadowy figures stood staring at a big, ugly black cat on the street. They walked around in circles like some demented thing, its yellow eyes catching the light from the street lamp above."
  [02:35] Randy Stone: "Well, that cat's gone crazy. Old time. And I wouldn't go near it if I were you."

• Tension Between Characters:
  [05:38] Randy Stone: "I thought I'd better go up and have a talk with Mrs. Corby."
  [06:07] Mike: "Nick won't like Tilly standing out here in the rain."

• Climactic Confrontation:
  [25:08] Mrs. Corby: "She put it there."
  [26:05] Mrs. Corby: "She's going to spring at me. I can't stand it, Mike. Take her away."

• Randy Stone Reflects:
  [27:06] Randy Stone: "Mrs. Corby turned out to be the missing witch in my Halloween ball. She'd taken the shots at night and then planted the gun in Old Bay Dell's room."

Themes and Insights

"The Black Cat" intertwines themes of obsession, madness, and the supernatural. Randy Stone's pursuit of the truth leads him into the depths of human psychology and the shadows of urban legends. The black cat serves as a symbol of misfortune and the unknown, challenging Stone's perceptions and pushing him to confront the darkness within the city and himself.

The Columbia Workshop: "Double Ugly"

Broadcast Date: November 30, 1941
Cast Highlight: Isabel Jewell as Sally and Jim Backus as Matthew Eberman

Plot Overview

"Double Ugly" is a poignant narrative exploring themes of self-esteem, loneliness, and societal perceptions of beauty. The story follows Matthew Eberman, a man plagued by his own ugliness and the harsh judgments of those around him. His interaction with Sally, a woman who seemingly loves him despite his perceived flaws, challenges his understanding of acceptance and love. The tale delves into Matthew's inner turmoil and the destructive power of hatred and loneliness.

Key Characters and Developments

• Matthew Eberman (Jim Backus): A man whose self-worth is deeply affected by his appearance, leading him down a path of isolation and despair.

• Sally (Isabel Jewell): A woman who shows genuine affection towards Matthew, contrasting with others' superficial judgments.

• Hazel: A manipulative figure who tries to pair Matthew with others, exacerbating his feelings of inadequacy.

• Mrs. Corby: Serving as a narrative bridge between the two segments, adding depth to the interconnected stories.

Notable Scenes and Quotes

• Matthew's Struggle with Self-Worth:
  [31:15] Police Officer: "Have you in the past 15 minutes fired a revolver?"
  [31:41] Mrs. Corby: "I won't play if I have to be Matthew's partner. He's so awful looking."

• Sally's Compassion:
  [33:03] Police Officer: "I think I never been so happy. In all my life."
  [38:32] Police Officer: "I get lonesome too."

• Climactic Emotional Breakdown:
  [53:23] Police Officer: "Why did it have to turn out this way? Is that a man ought to be married no matter what?"
  [54:42] Police Officer: "Those carpenter boys sure know what to do with their hammers."

• Matthew's Final Realization:
  [55:16] Police Officer: "That's right, Mr. Stone... Matthew Everman was never a person I really wanted to be."
  [52:08] Mrs. Corby: "I think hatred's the greatest thing in the world."

Themes and Insights

"Double Ugly" poignantly examines the impact of societal standards on individual self-esteem. Matthew's journey highlights the destructive nature of self-hatred and external judgment. Sally's unconditional love offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that true acceptance transcends physical appearances. The narrative underscores the necessity of empathy and understanding in combating loneliness and fostering genuine connections.

Conclusion

This episode of The Relic Radio Show masterfully juxtaposes two distinct yet thematically linked narratives from the golden age of radio. Night Beat's "The Black Cat" offers a thrilling exploration of crime and the supernatural, while The Columbia Workshop's "Double Ugly" provides a deep dive into human emotions and societal issues. Together, these segments showcase the enduring power of radio storytelling to captivate and provoke thought.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• "[01:28] Randy Stone: ...its yellow eyes catching the light from the street lamp above."
• "[31:15] Mrs. Corby: ...You're the ugliest, crawliest, most horrible looking boy I've ever seen."
• "[33:03] Police Officer: I think I never been so happy. In all my life."
• "[52:08] Mrs. Corby: I think hatred's the greatest thing in the world."

Host's Closing Remarks:

Frank Lovejoy wraps up the Night Beat segment with production credits and transitions back to promotional content for future shows, maintaining the classic radio ambiance that defines The Relic Radio Show.

Additional Information

• Production Credits for "The Black Cat":
  Produced, edited, and directed by Warren Lewis.
  Scriptwriter: Lou Russof.
  Music by Frank Wirth.
  Cast includes Loreen Tuttle, Will Gear, June Foray, Tudor Owen, Ken Christie, Lamont Johnson, and Lou Krugman.

• Production Credits for "Double Ugly":
  Written by George Lloyd, directed by Perry Lapity.
  Starring Isabel Jewell as Sally and Jim Backus as Matthew Everman.
  Musical score composed and conducted by Van Cleave.
  Additional cast: Warner Paul, Eddie O'Shea, Betty Jane Tyler, Sammy Hill, Jeanette Chinley, Ed Mayhoff, and Brad Barker.
  Sound engineered by Al DiCaprio.

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