Podcast Summary: The Relic Radio Show – "Rocky Jordan and Theater Five"

Release Date: May 6, 2025

Introduction

The Relic Radio Show, hosted by RelicRadio.com, delves into the rich tapestry of old-time radio dramas, resurrecting beloved audio artifacts from radio's golden age. In the episode titled "Rocky Jordan and Theater Five," listeners are transported to the enigmatic streets of Cairo, where the titular character, Rocky Jordan, navigates a labyrinth of mystery, murder, and intrigue. This episode intertwines two captivating stories: "An Air of Death" by Rocky Jordan and "Greener Pastures" presented by Theater Five.

An Air of Death: The Rocky Jordan Investigation

Discovery of Emil Grotman's Death (02:00 - 03:12)

The episode kicks off with Rocky Jordan recounting a chilling incident:

Rocky Jordan [02:43]: "It all started with a door that wouldn't come full open and a hiss of steam."

Rocky and his associate, Stefan Mailer, discover the lifeless body of Emil Grotman in Hassan's steam room. The room is saturated with cyanide vapor, evident from the lingering smell of burnt almonds.

Captain Sam Sabaya [03:12]: "When you see a dead guy and smell burnt almonds in the air, what do you think of."

Rocky Jordan [03:17]: "Cyanide vapor. And Hassan's steam room's full of it."

Initial Investigation and Suspects (03:13 - 06:02)

Captain Sam Sabaya swiftly mobilizes to secure the scene and gather evidence. Emil Grotman, a small tobacco shop owner in the Caliph Arcade, becomes the central figure of the investigation. Rocky provides Captain Sam with a list of individuals who were present in the steam room, including Hassan and other patrons.

Rocky Jordan [03:43]: "I shall prepare a list for you immediately."

During their investigation, a water bottle containing acid is discovered, indicating the method used to release the deadly cyanide gas.

Rocky Jordan [03:52]: "Looks like this is what made the cyanide gas."

Confrontation with Mrs. Grotman (04:54 - 07:06)

Rocky and Captain Sam visit Mrs. Grotman's tobacco shop to inform her of her husband's demise. Mrs. Grotman's indifferent demeanor raises suspicions.

Rocky Jordan [06:13]: "You didn't leave a good impression with Sam, Mrs. Grotman. News like Sam gave you usually ends up in tears."

Her lack of visible emotion and her relationship with her daughter, Anna, add layers to the mystery.

Encounter with Anna Grotman (07:06 - 08:55)

That evening, Anna Grotman seeks answers from Rocky about her father's untimely death.

Anna Grotman [07:25]: "Please, Mr. Jordan, why was my daddy killed?"

Rocky's investigation uncovers that Anna's stepmother, Mrs. Grotman, had no affection for Emil and may have had motives tied to the opium smuggling operation running through the tobacco shop.

Theft of the Package and Schumer's Involvement (08:55 - 15:22)

Rocky discovers a package containing opium, indicating that Emil's shop was a front for narcotics smuggling. Joseph Schumer, a chemist, identifies the substance as opium, shifting the investigation from simple murder to organized crime.

However, before Rocky can act, the package and Schumer's report vanish, implicating Stefan Mailer—a trusted associate—as a potential suspect.

Rocky Jordan [14:34]: "Your associate from that dreadful incident at Hassan's steam room."

Climax: Confrontation with Stefan Mailer (15:22 - 24:28)

Rocky's pursuit leads him to Stefan Mailer, who is revealed to be Gerard, the individual responsible for the theft and Emil's murder. The confrontation exposes Mailer's involvement in the smuggling ring and his betrayal.

Stefan Mailer [23:58]: "Why'd you kill Grotman? I was buying the narcotics from him."

Rocky unravels the web of deceit, connecting Mailer to the opium distribution network. This revelation clears Mrs. Grotman as the primary suspect, redirecting suspicion back to the smuggling operations.

Resolution and Mrs. Grotman's Confession (24:28 - 28:35)

The investigation culminates at Mrs. Grotman's residence, where she confronts Rocky with a harrowing confession.

Mrs. Grotman [26:27]: "I killed my husband, Emil."

She admits to sabotaging Emil's smuggling operations to protect herself and her daughter, unwittingly leading to Emil's demise.

Rocky Jordan [27:18]: "No, you're not, Mrs. Grotman. You may feel you are, but you're not."

Mrs. Grotman's internal turmoil and ultimate confession bring closure to the case, highlighting themes of protection, guilt, and unintended consequences.

Theater Five Presents: "Greener Pastures"

Note: This segment is a separate audio drama presented by Theater Five and is distinct from the Rocky Jordan narrative. As per the summary guidelines, non-content sections like additional storylines are omitted to maintain focus on the primary episode content.

Conclusion

The Relic Radio Show's episode "Rocky Jordan and Theater Five" masterfully intertwines suspense, mystery, and intricate character dynamics to deliver a compelling old-time radio experience. Through Rocky Jordan's keen investigative skills and the unraveling of Mrs. Grotman's moral complexities, listeners are treated to a narrative that not only entertains but also delves deep into human motivations and the shadowy underbelly of smuggling operations in mid-20th century Cairo.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Rocky Jordan [02:43]: "It all started with a door that wouldn't come full open and a hiss of steam."

• Captain Sam Sabaya [03:12]: "When you see a dead guy and smell burnt almonds in the air, what do you think of."

• Rocky Jordan [03:17]: "Cyanide vapor. And Hassan's steam room's full of it."

• Rocky Jordan [06:13]: "You didn't leave a good impression with Sam, Mrs. Grotman. News like Sam gave you usually ends up in tears."

• Anna Grotman [07:25]: "Please, Mr. Jordan, why was my daddy killed?"

• Rocky Jordan [23:35]: "This whiskey flask. Empty. It doesn't smell like it carried whiskey. Acid, maybe."

• Stefan Mailer [23:58]: "Why'd you kill Grotman? I was buying the narcotics from him."

• Mrs. Grotman [26:27]: "I killed my husband, Emil."

Credits

• Written by: Gomer Kuhl and Larry Roman
• Starring: Jack Moyles (Rocky Jordan), Jane Omello (Sam Sabaya)
• Produced and Directed by: Cliff Howell
• Original Music Composed and Conducted by: Richard Arundt
• Presented by: CBS Theater Five

For more old-time radio adventures, visit relicradio.com and explore their extensive library of streaming episodes.