The Relic Radio Show – "Rocky Jordan: Paid In Full" and "Suspense: The Taming of the Beast"

Date: September 16, 2025
Host/Curator: RelicRadio.com

Overview

This episode of The Relic Radio Show resurrects two standout dramas from radio’s golden age:

• “Paid In Full,” a tense and twist-laden episode of Rocky Jordan (from February 19, 1950), and
• “The Taming of the Beast,” a psychological thriller from Suspense (March 29, 1945), starring Nancy Kelly and Helmut Dantine.

The hour delivers classic intrigue and crime, with atmospheric settings, sharp banter, and unforgettable characters.

Segment 1: Rocky Jordan – "Paid In Full"

(Begins at 00:39)

Main Theme

Rocky Jordan, the wry American cafe owner in Cairo, is reluctantly drawn into clearing the name of his nemesis Sergeant Greco, who stands accused of aiding a criminal escape. Set against a labyrinth of police intrigue, revenge, and betrayal, Rocky races to solve the case before it’s too late.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

• (00:39 – 05:40) Greco’s Confrontation

  • Cairo Police’s Sergeant Greco storms into Rocky’s busy Cafe Tambourine.
  • Greco accuses Rocky of aiding a criminal escape.
  • Quote:
    • Greco: "You will boast, of course, that it has taken me a long time to get you. But you find now that I was not one to give up so easily." (00:42)
    • Rocky (sarcastic): "Okay, so I double parked." (00:57)
  • Greco threatens arrest, but Rocky is confident in his innocence.

• (05:41 – 08:14) Enter Captain Sam Sabia

  • Sabia, a mentor-like police captain, confides in Rocky: Greco is missing and implicated in high crimes.
  • Sabia asks Rocky—off the record—to help find Greco so the truth can come out.
  • Quote:
    • Sam: "No matter how guilty a man might appear to be, he has a right to a fair hearing." (07:38)
    • Rocky refuses, believing Greco is beyond help.

• (08:15 – 09:41) Marita Greco’s Plea

  • Rocky visits Greco’s home; is met by Marita, Greco’s proud, defensive sister.
  • She reveals Greco’s recent ‘heroic’ arrest of a criminal named Barani and a mysterious package.
  • The police had confiscated the package and questioned her.
  • Quote:
    • Marita: "He is a good brother and a fine policeman." (08:45)
    • Rocky: "Doing what, Marie?" (08:58)

• (09:42 – 11:05) A Warning from Barani’s Men

  • Rocky is ambushed in an alley. A thug (likely Barani’s agent) tries to strangle Rocky, threatening him to stay away from the Grecos and Barani’s business.
  • Quote:
    • Thug: “Greco don’t like you either. He wants it kept that way. Don’t talk to his sister again.” (10:23)

• (12:25 – 17:43) The Tangled Plot

  • Rocky seeks answers from Barani’s lawyer (H.L. Markham) and learns of a possible inside job.
  • He brings info to Captain Sabia, who confirms Greco’s suspicious proximity to Barani’s escape and the package of money.
  • Greco seems to have taken the fall for Barani’s plot.

• (17:44 – 21:00) Searching Deeper – The Trail Grows Cold

  • Rocky returns to speak with Marita, who remains defensive but gives up little.
  • Rocky enlists rookie cop Ahmed, and the two follow leads through Cairo’s shadowy underbelly—informants, beggars, denizens of the Street of Thieves.
  • Hints emerge of a larger conspiracy, but Greco remains elusive.

• (21:01 – 26:00) Climax at the Mummy House

  • Rocky and Ahmed track Greco to a crumbling lodging—the “mummy house.”
  • As they move to arrest Greco, Ahmed’s true allegiance is revealed: he’s Barani’s inside man in the police.
  • In a tense struggle, Rocky thwarts Ahmed’s attempt to frame or kill Greco. Barani himself bursts in, and a final, violent confrontation unfolds.
  • Quote:
    • Rocky (to Ahmed): "Great setup, wasn't it? Greco killed in an attempted escape." (22:55)
    • Barani: "We have important matters. And Greco comes first." (24:25)

• (26:01 – 28:39) Resolution

  • Barani and Ahmed are taken into custody. Greco, shamed but innocent, is bitter toward Rocky.
  • Poignant exchange:
    • Greco: "You have a hand in my humiliation, Sam. Well, it seems that you have accomplished your purpose. And now you come to taunt me." (27:38)
    • Sam Sabia: "Greco is stubborn...and at times unbearable. But still, in your manner of speaking, he is a good cop." (28:26)

Notable Moments

• Quick, sharp banter between Rocky and Greco.
• Atmospheric Cairo locales: the cafe, alleyways, the “mummy house.”
• The twist of rookie Ahmed being the real traitor.
• A sense of honor and justice, even among adversaries.

Segment Timestamps

• 00:39: Rocky Jordan episode begins
• 08:15: Introduction of Marita Greco
• 21:16: Rocky and Ahmed find Greco
• 27:38: Rocky and Greco's final exchange

Segment 2: Suspense – "The Taming of the Beast"

(Begins at 31:27)

Main Theme

A cynical "doctor" preys on the insecurities of wealthy, neurotic Nora Van Nostrand, intending to seduce and ultimately murder her for her fortune. However, a darkly ironic fate awaits both as manipulation leads to psychological and mortal combat.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Highlights

• (31:27 – 32:19) Narrator’s Cold Open

  • Our anti-hero narrator lays bare his mercenary intentions:
    • Narrator: “She was the kind of a woman who wants everything, gives nothing... But that didn’t matter either. You see, she had $3 million. And I’d already made up my mind... that I was going to kill her.” (31:39)
  • After a party at the Van Nostrand home, tensions between Nora and her husband Mark reach a boiling point.

• (32:20 – 34:54) Marital Breakdown

  • The couple’s caustic exchange exposes a toxic, loveless marriage.
  • Quote:
    • Mark: “Can’t you see that? Because I love you.” (33:41)
    • Nora: “Who pays for the parties we give? Who bought and paid for this house...” (34:23)
  • The argument escalates to violence and recrimination.

• (35:21 – 38:01) The Doctor’s Office

  • Mark, desperate to help Nora (or himself), convinces her to visit Dr. Ferrari, a charismatic analyst.
  • The “therapy” soon turns personal; Nora is drawn to Ferrari, who reciprocates her attraction.
  • Quote:
    • Nora: “Well, then, I came here because I find you very attractive.” (38:42)
    • Dr. Ferrari: “In that case, I think you’re the most exciting woman I’ve ever met.” (38:55)

• (41:35 – 43:25) The Therapist’s Grand Scheme

  • The "doctor" reveals his fraudulent background, boasting about luring the wealthy into his orbit.
  • His sessions with Nora foster a deep, illicit connection. He manipulates her into considering life without Mark.

• (43:25 – 45:12) The Shocking News

  • Nora claims she feels "more alive" under Ferrari’s “care.”
  • Ferrari hints at divorce, and Nora shocks him with news: Mark has just committed suicide.
    • Nora: "Mark shot himself as I was leaving the house about 20 minutes ago." (44:54)
  • With Mark gone, Ferrari and Nora hastily marry.

• (46:08 – 50:07) The Fortune Hunter’s Next Move

  • Ferrari learns through a mistaken X-ray report that Nora has a brain tumor—she’ll die within 90 days.
  • He becomes cold and grows impatient for inheritance, taunting Nora and bickering over her suspicions of infidelity. Their relationship corrodes.
  • Quote:
    • Ferrari: "You never did want Mark...and you wanted me from the moment you found out that I wouldn’t [come running]." (49:27)

• (51:40 – 54:41) The Final Turnabout

  • As the deadline nears, Nora—ironically kinder in her last days—suddenly confronts Ferrari with Mark’s gun.
    • Nora: “Didn’t it ever occur to you that I wouldn’t go without taking you with me?” (53:44)
  • She shoots him: “Now, you see, Paul? I did find a way of taming the beast after all.” (54:21)

• (54:41 – 56:22) The Ultimate Ironic Twist

  • As Ferrari lies dying, a phone call reveals Nora’s X-rays were a mix-up; she is healthy and will "probably live to be a hundred."
    • Mills Laboratories (via phone): “You’re in perfect health and you’ll probably live to be a hundred.” (56:09)
  • Nora is left alive but alone, facing a future with the consequences of her vengeance.
  • Quote (Ferrari):
    • “She told me what torture would be for me. Only it won’t. It will be for her.” (54:41)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• The narrator’s blend of clinical detachment and venomous candor.
• Sensual tension between Nora and Ferrari.
• A stunning double-reversal of fate: both plot to kill, but neither suspects the final twist.
• The final, chilling phone call that undoes both their schemes.

Segment Timestamps

• 31:27: Suspense episode intro / narrator’s setup
• 38:01: Nora’s first therapy session
• 44:54: Nora reveals Mark's suicide
• 46:08: Ferrari learns of Nora’s “brain tumor”
• 53:44: Nora confronts Ferrari with the gun
• 56:09: The phone call reveals the fatal mistake

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• Rocky Jordan:
  • “You better have plenty on your side. There’s one more false arrest from you and I’ll never let up.” (01:37)
  • Greco (to Rocky): "You have a hand in my humiliation, Sam…but still…he is a good cop." (27:38)
• Suspense – The Taming of the Beast:
  • Narrator/“Doctor”: “She was the kind of woman who wants everything, gives nothing… But that didn’t matter either. You see, she had $3 million. And I’d already made up my mind…I was going to kill her.” (31:39)
  • Nora (final confrontation): “Now, you see, Paul? I did find a way of taming the beast after all.” (54:21)
  • Mills Laboratories: “You’re in perfect health…you’ll probably live to be a hundred.” (56:09)

Episode Flow & Tone

• Rocky Jordan is fast-paced, with an edge of sarcasm, hard-boiled humor, and an undercurrent of wearied honor.
• Suspense delivers psychological intensity, sardonic narration, and a seething battle of wills between its two leads, ultimately giving way to bitter poetic justice.

In Summary

Paid in Full spins an engaging tale of trust, betrayal, and vindication in exotic Cairo, with Rocky’s signature sardonic narration and a surprisingly nuanced portrayal of institutional loyalty.
The Taming of the Beast masterfully manipulates audience sympathies, culminating in a wicked reversal that leaves villain and victim forever changed.

Classic old-time radio drama at its most atmospheric and incisive.

For more golden-age audio drama, visit RelicRadio.com.