The Relic Radio Show – November 18, 2025

Episodes Featured:

• Rocky Jordan: "The Return of Dr. Pirou" (original air date: Feb. 26, 1950)
• Hallmark Playhouse: "Trenton 76" (original air date: Feb. 1, 1953)
  Host: RelicRadio.com

Episode Overview

This week’s Relic Radio Show unearths two classic broadcasts from radio’s golden age: a suspenseful adventure with Rocky Jordan in Cairo, followed by a historical Hallmark Playhouse dramatization set during the Revolutionary War. The host highlights the enduring appeal of old time radio and introduces two contrasting tales—one of noir intrigue, one of patriotic transformation—showcasing the breadth of vintage audio drama.

PART 1: Rocky Jordan – “The Return of Dr. Pirou”

Adventure/Detective | Airdate: Feb. 26, 1950
Approximate Runtime: 00:11–28:25

Main Theme

A mystery unfolds in Cairo when Rocky Jordan becomes the target of a deadly plot, entangled with a vengeful figure from his past who’s supposed to be dead: Dr. Pirou. The story blends suspense, noir intrigue, and sharp dialogue, as Rocky seeks the truth behind murder attempts and an apparent resurrection.

Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

1. Attempted Murder by Taxi (00:12–02:52)

• Rocky Jordan hails a cab—only for the driver, Joseph Salim, to attempt a murder-suicide by crashing the car.
• Both are injured; Salim dies, Rocky survives.
• Memorable moment: Jordan realizes the double-cross just as the cab speeds toward a wall.

2. Police Involvement & Doubt (03:31–04:31)

• Captain Sam Sabaya investigates; he is skeptical about Rocky's story.
• “Why should Joseph Salim, the cab driver, wish to kill you?” – Sam Sabaya (03:31)
• Rocky insists someone must have hired Salim, hinting at past enemies.

3. Ghosts from the Past: Dr. Pirou Resurfaces (05:13–09:44)

• Rocky receives a cryptic card with the name "Dr. Pirou"—a man he once testified against for murder in Istanbul.
• Dr. Pirou was pronounced executed years earlier—his return sparks paranoia and confusion.
• “Dr. Pirou was up for murder, and I was a witness against him. The only witness. So he screamed revenge, huh? That’s right. And now he’s back.” – Rocky Jordan (05:38)

4. Investigating the Truth (09:44–11:42)

• Rocky questions Salim’s “sister,” Anna, who describes Pirou: small, round face, hearing aid, unsettling smile—matching Dr. Pirou’s appearance.
• A visit to the library confirms Pirou was executed, deepening the mystery.

5. Home Invasion & Near-Death (10:13–13:19)

• Rocky is attacked at home: a figure resembling Pirou injects him with a syringe before fleeing.
• Rocky collapses, confirming the threat is real—and possibly supernatural.

6. Conspiracy Unravels: Blackmail, Impersonation, and a Dead Man’s Daughter (13:54–28:25)

• Jordan teams up (uneasily) with Captain Sabaya, learning others (like Mr. Londigan) are also being blackmailed by someone claiming to be Pirou.
• “How can a dead man blackmail you?” – Rocky Jordan (18:32)
• Rocky walks into a near-fatal trap, discovering the "return" of Dr. Pirou is a ruse—a lifelike mask, scheme orchestrated by Anna (Salim’s “sister” and real daughter of Dr. Pirou), leveraging her father's blackmail material.
• Final confrontation in a cellar: Anna and her accomplice nearly kill Rocky, but Sabaya and police arrive in time.
• Notable quote:
  • “You hired Joseph Saleem to kill me and that backfired. You stuck around play acting as his sister from Alexandria.” – Rocky (25:36)
  • “Papa had a lot of dirt on a lot of important people, Londigan included. On microfilm that became your legacy… How does it feel to fall heir to a lot of blackmail material?” – Rocky (26:17)
• Resolution: The microfilm evidence will be destroyed by police.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Rocky’s skepticism and humor:
  • “For a dead guy, he sure gets around.” (14:10)
• Sabaya’s wisdom:
  • “Anger comes to our voices when consternation is in our hearts.” (20:44)

Important Timestamps

• 00:11 – Introduction by RelicRadio.com host
• 02:52 – Rocky hospitalized, adds context
• 09:44 – Anna's detailed description of Pirou
• 13:19 – Rocky is attacked with syringe
• 18:32 – Discussion with Mr. Londigan about blackmail
• 22:44 – Discovery of the fake Pirou mask, final trap
• 27:27 – Police rescue and conclusion

PART 2: Hallmark Playhouse – “Trenton 76”

Historical Drama | Airdate: Feb. 1, 1953
Approximate Runtime: 31:26–54:10

Main Theme

A dramatization of Revolutionary War-era Trenton, New Jersey, “Trenton 76” follows the personal transformation of Piety Pettigrew, a British loyalist and widow, as she navigates shifting allegiances, hardship, and romance during the events surrounding George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware.

Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

1. Setting the Stage: A Time of Crisis (31:26–33:40)

• Lionel Barrymore introduces the program and its historical context: “It was a year of crisis, a year of war, a year of evaluation and reckoning.” (31:26)

2. Piety Pettigrew’s Dilemma (33:12–36:33)

• Piety, a young widow, faces the loss of her farm due to taxes and a lack of help; refuses marriage for security.
• Purchases a bondservant, Jotham Vale, at auction—he hints at a rebellious past.
• Touching moment:
  • “You need hardly fear any infractions on my part, mistress. I have read the law in regard to my position.” – Jotham (35:49)
  • “On the other hand, consider what we are: slaps and dregs from English prisons. Vagrants, thieves, rebels against the king.” – Jotham (36:11)

3. The Farm, War, and Changing Perspectives (36:33–39:34)

• Together, Piety and Jotham work to save the farm—she toils alongside him, learning to value liberty over loyalty.
• “There’s a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment that comes with the harvest of a good crop. It’s like no other feeling in the world.” – Piety (37:40)

4. Torn Loyalties and Political Awakening (39:24–42:15)

• War encroaches; Jotham’s patriotism and Piety’s loyalist convictions clash.
• Memorable exchange:
  • “What good is peace without freedom, Mistress?” – Jotham (39:41)
  • “These are the king’s colonies, Jotham. You’re talking treason.” – Piety (39:44)

5. Test of Character and Courage (42:43–46:24)

• Jotham aids a starving soldier, defying Piety’s order to turn him in, and reveals his own conviction:
  • "You purchased a traitor on the auction block. Mistress, I will not run away. Do with me what you will." – Jotham (41:59)
• News arrives: Washington’s troops approach, chaos looms.

6. Washington’s March and Piety’s Transformation (46:24–49:00)

• Witnessing the ragged, determined patriot army changes Piety’s heart.
• The city is occupied by Hessian soldiers; Piety’s home is requisitioned.

7. The Turning of the Tide (49:00–54:10)

• As Hessians feast and grow drunk, Jotham risks his life to warn Washington of the vulnerability.
• After the battle, Piety acknowledges the value of freedom and affirms her love for Jotham, now a free man.
• Uplifting final moments:
  • “Today you have given me my freedom.” – Jotham (53:14)
  • “Since it is my most priceless possession, I offer it to you. Will you have me as your husband?” – Jotham (53:31)
  • “With all my heart, Jotham.” – Piety (53:42)

Notable Quotes

• “Had I given up liberty? Had I forgotten what liberty was? Oh, yes, I... I was beginning to wonder.” – Piety (46:44)
• “If I were free, what I would say to you this moment... You are free. Whatever freedom is mine, I give to you, my dear.” – Piety & Jotham (49:21)

Important Timestamps

• 31:26 – Introduction from Lionel Barrymore
• 33:40 – Piety seeks to maintain her farm
• 37:33 – Growing partnership with Jotham
• 39:41 – Debate over loyalty and treason
• 46:24 – Arrival of Washington’s army
• 49:00 – Plan to alert Washington
• 53:14 – Victory and declaration of love

Closing & Reflections

The episode closes with praise for the performers (Jane Wyman as Piety, Lionel Barrymore as host), a preview for next week’s Hallmark Playhouse, and a reflection on the value of old radio drama’s enduring themes: suspense, patriotism, moral complexity, and hope. The host and actors sign off with warmth and optimism for families and future listeners.

In Summary

This episode of The Relic Radio Show traverses intrigue-filled alleys of Cairo and war-torn fields of New Jersey, reminding us of the enduring drama and humanity of old time radio. The interplay of suspense and historical inspiration offers a rich listening—or reading—experience for all lovers of great storytelling.